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: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-13,24-28
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain
salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we
should live together with Him.
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another,
just as you also are doing.
And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who
labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
and to esteem them very highly in love for their
work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
Brethren, pray for us.
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read
to all the holy brethren.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:2-12
"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor
hidden that will not be known.
"Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard
in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be
proclaimed on the housetops.
"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who
kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after
He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one
of them is forgotten before God.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear
therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the
Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
"But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the
angels of God.
"And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will
be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will
not be forgiven.
"Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates
and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what
you should say.
"For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what
you ought to say."
Saints and Feasts
Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn; Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia; Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda; Holy Father and New Hieromartyr Gregory of Neapolis; Theodore the Confessor, Bishop of Ancyra; George of Neapolis the New Martyr
