Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture
O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we may overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Epistle Reading: Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all
men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every
lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for
good works.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be
baptized by him.
And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be
baptized by You, and are You coming to me?"
But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now,
for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he
allowed Him.
Then Jesus, when He had been baptized, came up immediately
from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Saints and Feasts
Theophany; The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; Theophan the Recluse
