Monday, 27 January 2025

Transl. Relics of St John Chrysostom

Monday of the 32nd week after Pentecost

267 days after Pascha · Tone 6 · Red cross (polyeleos typikon symbol) · No Fast

Saints commemorated

★ Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom

In the year after the Saint’s repose both the Emperor Arcadius and his wife Eudoxia, who had been most responsible for St John’s exile, died. Their son Theodosius II succeeded to the throne. Soon most of the exiled supporters of St John were restored to their sees. In 434 St Proclus, a disciple of St John Chrysostom, was made Archbishop of Constantinople, and persuaded the Emperor to have St John’s relics solemnly translated from Comana to Constantinople. But all efforts to disinter his remains failed, as if his coffin were sealed in the earth. Learning of this, the Emperor wrote a letter to St John asking forgiveness for his father’s persecution, and pleading with him to agree to return to the Imperial City for the benefit of the faithful. As soon as this letter was placed over the Saint’s tomb, his coffin was removed with no difficulty and conveyed solemnly to Constantinople.

When the cortege reached Constantinople, the Emperor met it and prostrated himself before it, once again begging the Saint’s forgiveness for the sins of the State against him. At last, the relics were deposited beneath the altar of the Church of the Holy Apostles, where they worked many miracles during the celebration of the Liturgy. Since then, the relics have been scattered throughout the world, where they never fail to reveal the Saint’s loving presence.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov

1709

Demetrius of Rostov (1651-1709) was a Ukrainian Orthodox bishop, theologian, and hagiographer of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Born into the Tuptalo family, he received an excellent classical and theological education and soon came to be regarded as one of the most learned and capable bishops in the Orthodox Church. Demetrius was ordained to the priesthood and eventually elevated to the episcopate as Metropolitan of Rostov in Russia, where he oversaw the spiritual life of the diocese with pastoral care and theological acuity. He was celebrated for his homiletical gifts, producing numerous spiritual discourses that were published and widely read throughout the Orthodox world. Demetrius also composed a monumental work on the lives of the saints, the Mystical Florarium, which compiled hagiographical accounts from tradition and patristic sources. His writings on Orthodox theology, spirituality, and liturgy earned him recognition as one of the most significant theologians of his era. Beyond his literary accomplishments, Demetrius served his flock as a faithful shepherd, maintaining strict Orthodox tradition and discipline within his diocese. He reposed in 1709 and was canonised by the Russian Orthodox Church. Saint Demetrius is commemorated on 27 January as a holy bishop, theologian, and teacher.

Saint John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople

John Chrysostom was born in 347 in Antioch the Great to devout parents named Secundus and Anthusa. His father was a senior official of the imperial administration. John's mother was widowed shortly after his birth and dedicated herself entirely to her son's upbringing and education. She ensured that he received the finest education available, training him in both pagan classical rhetoric and Christian theology. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Under this training, John developed extraordinary skills in oratory and rhetoric. In 386 he was ordained as a presbyter by Bishop Flavian of Antioch. Whilst serving as a priest, John became renowned as a splendid preacher of such eloquence and inspiring power that his audiences were moved to tears. His inspired words and honey-like tongue earned him the name "Chrysostom," meaning "Golden-Mouthed," a title by which he has been known throughout Church history. In 398, John was ordained Archbishop of Constantinople and served in that position with great pastoral care and zeal, though his life was marked by controversy and suffering. He is famous for his eloquence in public speaking, his passionate philanthropy, his courageous denunciation of abuse of authority in both the Church and the Roman Empire, and for the Divine Liturgy attributed to him which remains the primary liturgical service in Orthodox churches. John was an extraordinarily prolific author and theological writer, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works comprise 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. John died in exile in 407. On 27 January 437, thirty years after his repose, his holy relics were brought back to Constantinople from Comana by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria, his sister. This translation of his relics is commemorated on 27 January each year. John Chrysostom is honoured as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs and remains one of the most influential and beloved Church Fathers.

Saint Marciana the Empress

Marciana was a woman of imperial status in the early Byzantine period who used her position and influence to serve God and His Church with devotion and charity. As an empress, she had access to considerable wealth and resources, which she employed generously in the support of churches, monasteries, and the poor. She exemplified the Orthodox ideal of Christian virtue in the imperial palace, demonstrating that genuine sanctity and spiritual transformation are possible for those in positions of power and privilege. Marciana devoted herself to prayer, fasting, and the study of Scripture, seeking to grow in her knowledge and love of God despite the distractions and temptations of court life. She is remembered as a woman who subordinated the pretensions of imperial rank to the demands of the Gospel and the call to holiness. Through her generosity, her pastoral concern for her subjects, and her unwavering faith, Marciana became a model of Christian virtue for those in elevated stations. She is commemorated on 27 January as a holy empress and intercessor.

Venerable Peter of Egypt, disciple of Abba Lot

Peter lived in Egypt during the fifth century as a disciple of the great desert father Abba Lot. He devoted his life to the ascetical struggles of monasticism, seeking union with God through prayer, fasting, and obedience to the traditions of the Desert Fathers. The Egyptian desert monastics were renowned for their profound spiritual wisdom and their dedication to the contemplative life. Peter's path of asceticism was shaped by the teachings and example of his elder, Abba Lot, who was himself celebrated for his spiritual gifts and his care for the monks. Through his discipleship, Peter learned the secrets of the spiritual life and the way of hesychasm, the practice of inner stillness and the constant invocation of the name of Jesus. He strove to attain the highest degrees of prayer and union with God. Though details of his individual life are few, Peter is remembered in the Eastern Orthodox tradition as one of the great ascetics of Egypt, representing the lineage of desert monasticism that flourished in Egypt from the fourth century onward. His commemoration on 27 January testifies to the Church's recognition of his holiness and his contribution to the spiritual tradition of monasticism. He is venerated as a model of the dedicated ascetical life and of faithfulness to the spiritual teachings of the ancient desert Fathers.

Daily readings

Vespers

OT — Composite 2 - Proverbs 10, 3, 8

The memory of a just man is praised, and the Lord’s blessing is upon his head. Blessed is one who has found wisdom; a mortal who knows understanding. To import her is better than treasures of gold and silver. She is more valuable than precious stones; nothing of value equals her worth. Justice proceeds from her mouth; she bears law and mercy on her tongue. Therefore, my children, listen to me, for I speak weighty things. And blessed is the one who keeps my ways. For my goings out are the goings out of life, and favour is prepared from the Lord. Therefore I exhort you, and utter my voice to the children of humankind. Because I, Wisdom, have prepared counsel, knowledge and understanding. I have called on them. Counsel and sureness are mine; prudence is mine, strength is mine. I love those who are my friends, while those who seek me will find grace. You innocent, then, understand cunning; you untaught, take it to heart. Listen to me, for I will speak weighty things, and I will open right things from my lips. Because my throat will meditate truth; lying lips are abominable before me. All the words of my mouth are with justice, there is nothing crooked in them nor twisted. They are all straight for those who understand, and right for those who find knowledge. For I teach you what is true, that your hope may be in the Lord and that you may be filled with spirit.

Vespers

OT — Composite 4 - Proverbs 10; Wisdom of Solomon 6, 7, 8, 9

The mouth of a just man distils wisdom; the lips of men know graces. The mouth of the wise meditates wisdom; justice delivers them from death. When a just man dies hope is not lost; for a just son is born for life, and among his good things he will pluck the fruit of justice. There is light at all times for the just, and they will find grace and glory from the Lord. The tongue of the wise knows what is good, and wisdom will take its rest in their hearts. The Lord loves holy hearts; while all who are blameless in the way are acceptable to him. The wisdom of the Lord will enlighten the face of the understanding; for she anticipates those who desire her before they know it, and is easily contemplated by those who love her. One who rises for her at dawn will not toil, and one who keeps vigil because of her will be without care. For she goes about seeking those who are worthy of her, and shows herself favourably to those on her paths. Wickedness will never prevail against wisdom. Because of this I too became a lover of her beauty and became her friend, and I sought her out from my youth, and I sought to take her as my bride, because the Master of all things loved her, for she is an initiate of the knowledge of God and one who chooses his works. Her toils are virtues; she herself teaches sobriety and prudence; justice and courage, than which things nothing is more useful in human life. If anyone longs for much experience, she knows how to compare things of old and those that are to come. She knows the twists of words and the explanations of riddles. She foresees signs and wonders and the outcomes of seasons and times. And to all she is a good counsellor. Because immortality is in her, and fame in the fellowship of her words. Therefore I appealed to the Lord and besought him and said from my whole heart, ‘God of my Fathers and Lord of mercy, who made all things by your Word, and established humanity by your Wisdom to be sovereign over the creatures that had come into being by you, and to order the world in holiness and justice, give me Wisdom who sits by your throne, and do not reject me from among your children, for I am your servant and the son of your maid servant. Send her out from your holy dwelling and from the throne of your glory, that she may be present with me and teach me what is well pleasing before you. And she will guide me with knowledge and guard me with her glory. For all the thoughts of mortals are wretched and their ideas are unstable.’

Vespers

OT — Composite 5 - Wisdom of Solomon 4, 6, 7, 2

When a just man is praised, peoples will be glad; for immortality is his memory, because it is known both to God and humankind, and his soul is pleasing to the Lord. Therefore, O men, desire wisdom, and long for it and be instructed. For her beginning is love and keeping of laws. Honour Wisdom, that you may reign for ever. I will declare the mysteries of God to you and not hide them from you. Because he is both the guide of Wisdom and the One who sets right the wise. In his hand are all prudence, and knowledge of works. Wisdom, the artificer of all things, taught me, for in her is an understanding spirit, holy, brightness of the eternal light and image of the goodness of God. She makes friends of God and prophets. She is more lovely than the sun, and beyond every order of the stars. If compared to light, she is found before it. She delivered her devotees from toils, and guided them in straight paths. She gave them holy knowledge and protected them from those who lay in ambush for them. She awarded them a mighty contest, that all might know that true religion is more powerful than all, and that wickedness can never prevail against Wisdom, nor will justice in passing sentence overlook evil people. For they said in themselves, not reasoning correctly, ‘Let us overpower the just one, let us not spare his saintliness, nor feel reverence for the aged grey hairs of an elder. Let our strength be law. Let us lie in ambush for the just, for he is a hindrance to us and he is opposed to our works and alleges the sins of our upbringing. He claims to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a child of the Lord. He has become a reproof to our thoughts. He is grievous for us even to look at, for his life is not like others and his paths are quite different. We are reckoned by him to be counterfeit, and he keeps away from our ways as from filth. He calls the end of just people blessed. Let us see if his words are true, and let us test what will happen to him at the end. Let us examine him by insult and torture, that we may know his forbearance and make trial of his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for he will have protection from his own words.’ This was how they argued, and they were deceived, for their wickedness had blinded them. And they did not know the mysteries of God, nor did they judge that you alone are God, who have authority over life and death, who save in time of tribulation and deliver from every ill; pitying and merciful, giving grace to your holy ones, and by your right arm resisting the proud.

Matins Gospel

John — John 10.1-9

¹Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

¹Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. ²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ²But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ³To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. ⁴And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. ⁴When he hath put forth all his own, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. ⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. ⁵And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. ⁶This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. ⁶This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

⁷Jesus therefore said unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁷Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. ⁸All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. ⁹I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.

Epistle

weekly cycle

James — James 2.14-26

¹⁴What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him? ¹⁴What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ¹⁵If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food, ¹⁵If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶and one of you say unto them, Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; and yet ye give them not the things needful to the body; what doth it profit? ¹⁶And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ¹⁷Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. ¹⁷Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁸Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith. ¹⁹Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ¹⁹Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder. ²⁰But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? ²⁰But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? ²¹Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²²Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect; ²²Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²³and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God. ²⁴Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ²⁴Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith. ²⁵And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way? ²⁵Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. ²⁶For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Epistle

— St John

Hebrews — Hebrews 7.26-8.2

²⁶For such a high priest became us, holy, guileless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; ²⁶For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; ²⁷who needeth not daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people: for this he did once for all, when he offered up himself. ²⁷Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. ²⁸For the law appointeth men high priests, having infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was after the law, appointeth a Son, perfected for evermore. ²⁸For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

¹Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

¹Now in the things which we are saying the chief point is this: We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ²a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ²A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Gospel

weekly cycle

Mark — Mark 10.46-52

⁴⁶And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimæus, the son of Timæus, sat by the highway side begging.

⁴⁶And they come to Jericho: and as he went out from Jericho, with his disciples and a great multitude, the son of Timæus, Bartimæus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the way side. ⁴⁷And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁷And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁸And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁸And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried out the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. ⁴⁹And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. ⁴⁹And Jesus stood still, and said, Call ye him. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good cheer: rise, he calleth thee. ⁵⁰And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. ⁵⁰And he, casting away his garment, sprang up, and came to Jesus. ⁵¹And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. ⁵¹And Jesus answered him, and said, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And the blind man said unto him, Rabboni, that I may receive my sight. ⁵²And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. ⁵²And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And straightway he received his sight, and followed him in the way.

Gospel

— St John

John — John 10.9-16

⁹I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. ⁹I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture. ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. ¹⁰The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. ¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. ¹¹I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd layeth down his life for the sheep. ¹²But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. ¹²He that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, beholdeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf snatcheth them, and scattereth them: ¹³The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. ¹³he fleeth because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me, ¹⁵even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁵As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. ¹⁶And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd.