Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-5:5
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial
which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's
sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with
exceeding joy.
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are
you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is
blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an
evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed,
but let him glorify God in this matter.
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of
God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do
not obey the gospel of God?
Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the
ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God
commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow
elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the
glory that will be revealed:
Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as
overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but
eagerly;
nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being
examples to the flock;
and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the
crown of glory that does not fade away.
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility,
for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:38-44
Then He said to them in His teaching, "Beware of the scribes,
who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces,
"the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at
feasts,
"who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long
prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put
money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.
Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a
quadrans.
So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, "Assuredly,
I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have
given to the treasury;
"for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of
her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
Saints and Feasts
Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles; Our Righteous Father Theoctistus, Abbot of Cucomo in Sicily; Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; Zosimos the Monk and Athanasios the Notary; Righteous Apollinaria the Senator; Martyrs Chrysanthos and Euphemia; Righteous Euthymios the Younger; New Martyr Onuphrios; Righteous Euthymios of Vatopedi; Righteous John Scholarios
