------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 1,
November 10,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus
Strict Abstinence

Verse of the day: "For we preached not ourselves but Christ Jesus the
                   Lord"
                   (II Corinthians 4:5) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 4:5-5:11
"Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;"

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:18-3:7
"For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the
 shepherd and bishop of your souls."

Praxis: Acts 20:17-38
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
 myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry,
 which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the
 grace of God."

Synexarion:
+ The commemoration of Saint Cleopas the apostle and his companion that
  saw Jesus after His resurrection on their way to Amous.
+ Martyrdom of Saints Maximus, Numitius, Victor, and Philip.

Psalm: 106:32,41,42
"Let them exalt Him in the congregation of the people and praise Him
 in the seat of the elders. He maketh His kindred like a flock. The
 upright shall see and rejoice."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10:1-16
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
 go in and out, and find pasture."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 2,
November 11,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus

Verse of the day: "Seeing then that we have a great priest, that is
                   passed into the heavens Jesus the Son of God"
                   (Hebrews 4:14) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:14
"And no man taketh this honor unto himself but he that is called of
 God as was Aaron"

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:1-9
"To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
 away, reserved in heaven for you."


Praxis: Acts 12:1-24
"Peter therefore was kept in prison but prayer was made without
 ceasing of the church unto God for him."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Peter III, the 27th Patriarch of Alexandria. He accepted Saint
  Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople, when the latter confessed the
  one nature of Christ. He endured a great deal of violence from his
  opponents.

Psalm: 109:4,5,7
"The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent; Thou art a Priest forever
 after the order of Melchisedec. The Lord is at Thy right hand;
 therefore shall He lift up the head."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
"And Simon Peter answered and said Thou art the Christ, the son of the
 living God."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 3,
November 12,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus
Strict Abstinence

Theme of the day: Faith


Pauline Epistle: Romans 4:13-5:5
"And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able
 also to perform."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:3:12
"Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."

Praxis: Acts 11:15-24
"And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed
 and turned unto the Lord"

Synexarion:
+ Saint Cyriacus. He was the disciple of Saint Euthymius, the father of
  the monks in Palestine. He accompanied Abba Cyril, bishop of
  Jerusalem, to the Council of Constantinople.
+ Saint Athanasius and his sister, Irene.

Psalm: 18:4;131:9,10
"Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto
 the end of the world. Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness
 and Thy righteous shall rejoice for the sake of David Thy servant."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou, Simon
 Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my
 Father which is in Heaven."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 4,
November 13,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus

Verse of the day: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will
                   make a new covenant with the house of Israel and
                   with the house of Judah."
                   (Hebrews 8:8) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrew 7:18-8:13
"..saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them
 in their heart; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a
 people."

Catholic Epistle: III John 1-15
"Behold, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He
 that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5
"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
 number daily."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saints John and James, bishops of Persia. They were both
  arrested and martyred by the king of Persia for refusing to worship
  the sun and fire. They were cast into fire, thus receiving the crowns
  of Martyrdom.
+ Martyrdom of Saints Epimachus and Adrianus.

Psalm: 98:6,7
"Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call
 upon His Name. They called upon the Lord and He hearkened unto them;
 in a pillar of cloud He spoke unto them."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 16:20-33
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father
 in my name, he will give it you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 5,
November 14,

Season : Annual
Tune : Adam

Theme of the day: Ordination of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III
                  the 117th Patriarch of Alexandria.


Pauline Epistle: Galatians 1:1-19
"Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ,
 and God the Father, who raised him from the dead."

Catholic Epistle: James 1:1-12
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he
 shall receive the crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them
 that love Him."

Praxis: Acts 15:13-21
"That the residue if men might seek after the Lord, and all the
 gentiles, upon whom My name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all
 these things."

Synexarion:
+ Ordination of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, 117th Patriarch of
  Alexandria.
+ Apparition of the head of Saint Longinus. He was the soldier who
  pierced the side of the Crucified Christ.

Psalm: 77:5;134:5
"And He raised up a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel;
 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all
 gods."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 6,
November 15,

Season : Annual
Tune : Adam

Verse of the Day : "For the time will come when they will not endure
                    sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall
                    they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
                    ears."
                    (II Timothy 4:3) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Timothy 3:10-4:22
"And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be
 turned unto fables."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 5:1-14
"And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of
 glory that fadeth not away."

Praxis: Acts 20:7-38
"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto
 myself, so that I might finish my course with joy."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Felix, Patriarch of Rome.
+ Consecration of the Church of the Holy virgin in the Meharraque
  monastery.

Psalm: 72:22,26
"Thou hast held me by my right hand and by Thy counsel Thou hast guided
 me, and with glory hast Thou taken me to Thyself. But it is good for
 me to cleave unto God, to put my hope in the Lord; that I may declare
 all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10:1-16
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the
 sheep."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 7,
November 16,

Season : Annual
Tune : Adam

Verse of the Day: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
                   tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
                   or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
                   (Romans 8:35) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:28-39
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who
 loved us."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:1-11
"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves
 also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has
 ceased from sin ..."

Praxis: Acts 16:16-34
"But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,
 and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great
 earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken ..."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint George of Alexandria.
+ Martyrdom of Saint Nehroua of Fayoum.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint George of Cappadocia.
+ Repose of Saint Meena, bishop of Tamee.

Psalm: 96:11,12
"Light is sprung up for the righteous and gladness for the upright in
 heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous and give thanks for a
 remembrance of His Holiness."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 21:12-19
"... they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you
 up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings
 and rulers for My name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an
 occasion for testimony."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 8,
November 17,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if
                   they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on
                   earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away
                   from Him who speaks from heaven..."
                   (Hebrews 12:25) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 12:21-13:2
"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the
 heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels"

Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 3:15-22
"...through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven
 and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers
 having been made subject to Him."

Praxis: Acts 11:2-14
"And he told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house..."

Synexarion:
+ Commemoration of the Four Bodiless Beasts, carrying the chariot of
  God. "And round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes
  before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the
  second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man,
  and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle" (Revelation 4:6-7).

Psalm: 79:1,2
"Thou who sittest on the Cherubim, manifest Thyself before Ephraim and
 Benjamin and Manasses. Stir up Thy might; come to save us."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 1:43-51
"Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and
 the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 9,
November 18,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus

Verse of the Day: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have
                   peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ..."
                   (Romans 5:1) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 4:13-5:5
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that
 tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and
 character, hope."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:3-12
"...that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than
 gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to
 praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."

Praxis: Acts 11:15-24
"For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a
 great many people were added to the Lord."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Isaac, 41st Patriarch of Alexandria.
+ Assembly of the Holy Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) to investigate and
  excommunicate Arius.

Psalm: 18:4;131:9,10
"Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth and their words unto
 the ends of the world. Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness
 and Thy righteous shall rejoice for the sake of David Thy servant."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever
 you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on
 earth will be loosed in heaven."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 10,
November 19,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "...not returning evil for evil or reviling for
                   reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that
                   you were called to this, that you may inherit a
                   blessing."
                   (I Peter 3:9) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-21
"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
 rather expose them."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 3:5-14
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are
 blessed."

Praxis: Acts 21:5-14
"Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saints Sofia and the fifty virgins with her. She was an
  abbess of a convent in Edessa during the reign of Julian, who after
  knowing that they were Christian, sent soldiers to destroy it; they
  were all martyred.
+ Assembly of a Holy Council in Rome, discussing Theophany and Lent;
  Abba Demetrius laid its canons.

Psalm: 44:14,15
"The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King;
 those near her shall be brought unto Thee. They shall be brought with
 gladness and rejoicing; they shall be brought into the temple of the
 King."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
"Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took
 their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 11,
November 20,

Season : Annual
Tune : Watus

Verse of the Day: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he
                   who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and
                   tossed by the wind."
                   (James 1:6) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 1:1-17
"...concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed
 of David according to the flesh..."

Catholic Epistle: James 1:1-18
"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and
 complete, lacking nothing."

Praxis: Acts 7:2-7
"But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for
 a possession, and to his descendants after him."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Anna, the mother of the Theotokos. The saint had two sisters,
  Mary, mother of Salome, and Sophia, the mother of Elizabeth (mother
  of Saint John the Baptist).
+ Martyrdom of Saint Archilaus.

Psalm: 101:13,16,17
"Thou shalt rise up and have pity upon Sion; for it is time to have
 compassion on her; yea, the time is come. For the Lord shall build
 up Sion and He shall be seen in His Glory. He hath regarded the
 prayer of the humble."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 1:1-25
"But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were
 both well advanced in years."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 12,
November 21,

Season : Commemoration of Archangel Michael
Tune : Adam

Verse of the Day: "God, who at various times and in different ways
                   spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets."
                   (Hebrews 1:1) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-2:4
"For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every
 transgression and disobedience received a just reward..."

Catholic Epistle: Jude 1:1-13
"Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he
 disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a
 reviling accusation, but said, 'The Lord rebuke you!'"

Praxis: Acts 10:1-20
"About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of
 God coming in and saying to him, 'Cornelius!'"

Synexarion:
+ Commemoration of Archangel Michael. He is standing at all times
  before the Throne interceding for us. He appeared to Joshua, son of
  Nun, and said, "I have given unto thine hand Jericho and the king
  thereof." The Archangel strengthens and comforts the saints until
  they complete their labors."

Psalm: 102:20,21
"Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform
 His word. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts; His ministers that do His
 will."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43
"The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of
 His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice
 lawlessness..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 13,
November 22,

Season : Annual
Tune : Adam

Verse of the Day: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed;
                   we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted,
                   but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed."
                   (II Corinthians 4:8,9) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 4:5-5:11
"Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the
 life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:18-3:7
"For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure
 grief, suffering wrongfully."

Praxis: Acts 20:17-38
"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Timothy, bishop of Ansana.
+ Saint Abba Zacharias, 64th Patriarch of Alexandria.

Psalm: 106:32,41,42
"Let them exalt Him in the congregations of the people and praise Him
 in the seat of the elders. He maketh His kindred like a flock. The
 upright shall see and rejoice."
Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:1-16
"I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 14,
November 23,

Season : Annual
Tune : Adam

Verse of the Day: "I have raised up one chosen out of my people. I have
                   found David my servant ..."
                   (Psalm 88:19,20) From the Vespers' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 7:18-8:13
"The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a priest forever
 according to the order of Melchizedek'."

Catholic Epistle: III John 1-15
"Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself.
 And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true."

Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5
"And behold a certain disciple was there, named Timothy ... He was well
 spoken of by the brethren ..."

Synexarion:
+ Repose of Saint Martin, bishop of Tours. Once, a man accused a
  deceased person of owing debts - preventing his family from burying
  him until all debts were paid. Saint Martin pleaded, with no avail,
  with the accuser to forgive him. After many prayers, the saint asked
  the Lord to reveal the truth. Instantly, the deceased came back to
  life and scolded the accuser for his false accusations; the latter
  died on the spot.

Psalm: 98:6,7
"Moses and Aaron among His priests and Samuel among them that call upon
 His Name. They called upon the Lord and He hearkened unto them; in a
 pillar of cloud He spoke unto them."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 16:20-33
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my
 name, he will give it you."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 15,
November 24,

Season : Pre-Advent Leave-taking
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "Be glad in the Lord, O ye righteous and give thanks
                   for the remembrance of His Holiness."
                   (Psalm 96:12) From the Vespers' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 12:3-14
"Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:12-19
"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the
 spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you."

Praxis: Acts 7:44-8:1
"And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this
 sin to their charge."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint Meena, the wonder-worker. After his father's
  death, Saint Meena was made military governor. Carrying out
  Diocletian's persecution caused him much grief, so he sought guidance
  in prayer. He presented himself to the governor professing the Faith;
  thus he was severely tortured and executed.

Psalm: 33:19,20
"Many are the tribulations of the righteous and the Lord shall deliver
 them out of them all. The Lord keepeth all their bones; not one of
 them shall be broken."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 11:53-12:12
"Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more
 that they can do."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 16,
November 25,

Season : Beginning of Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart
                   also be"
                   (Luke 12:34) From the Liturgy's Gospel.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 11:32-12:2
"They wandered about in sheepskin and goatskin, destitute, afflicted
 and tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy."

Catholic Epistle: James 5:9-20
"Elijah was a man under the same passion as we are, and he prayed
 earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth for
 three years and six months, and he prayed again, and the heaven gave
 rain..."

Praxis: Acts 18:24-19:6
"...and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the
 things of the Lord."

Synexarion:
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint Onuphrius, the pilgrim.
+ Martyrdom of Saint Bostos, the Bishop executed by Maximus.

Psalm: 91:12,13
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a
 cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall
 flourish in the courts of our God."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 12:32-44
"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he comes, finds
 worthy; truly I say unto you, that he will gird himself, make them sit
 down to meal, and will come forth and serve them."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 17,
November 26,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "And that from a child thou hast known the holy
                   scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto
                   salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
                   (II Timothy 3:15) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Timothy 3:10-4:22
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
 doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
 righteousness."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 5:1-14
"Yea, all of you be subject to one another, and be clothed with
 humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the
 humble."

Praxis: Acts 20:17-38
"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and
 temptations."

Synexarion:
+ Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople. He was a pulpit
  orator who adopted monastic life. He was banished three times and
  reposed in exile.

Psalm: 72:23,24,28
"Thou hast held me by Thy right hand and by Thy counsel Thou hast
 guided me; and with glory hast Thou taken me to Thyself. But it is
 good for me to cleave unto God; to put my hope in the Lord, that I may
 declare all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10:1-16
"Verily, verily, I say unto you I am the door of the sheep."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 18,
November 27,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Abstinence

Verse of the Day: "Wondrous is God in his saints; the God of Israel, He
             will give power and strength unto His people."
             (Psalm 67:35) From the Vespers' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 10:4-18
"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be
 ashamed."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:12-21
"Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

Praxis: Acts 3:1-16
"Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give
 I thee; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saints Arases and Junia.
+ Martyrdom of Saint Philip, the apostle. He preached in Africa and
  Herapolis. He was tortured and crucified with his head down.

Psalm: 18:1,4
"The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament proclaimeth the
 work of His hands. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth and
 their words unto the ends of the world."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 10:1-15
"And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 19,
November 28,

Season : Advent
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence
Verse of the Day: "But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord
                   and He is their defender in a time of affliction."
             (Psalm 36:39) From the Matins' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 10:1-18
"And bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:1-11
"But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch
 unto prayer."

Praxis: Acts 12:25-13:12
"And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them,
 they sent them away."

Synexarion:
+ Consecration of the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
+ Commemoration of Saint Bartholomew's preaching in the oasis.

Psalm: 96:11,12
"A light hath dawned forth for the righteous man and gladness for the
 upright of heart. Be glad in the Lord, O ye righteous and give thanks
 for the remembrance of His Holiness.
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 11:53-12:12
"But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not
 therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 20,
November 29,

Season : Advent
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand
                   of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
                   (I Peter 5:6) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Timothy 3:10-4:18
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
 the faith."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 5:1-14
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5
"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
 number daily."

Synexarion:
+ Saint Ananus, 2nd Patriarch of Alexandria. He was a pagan who
  believed; Saint Mark, the Evangelist accepted him into the Faith.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint Theodoros of Shatb.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint Theodoros of Meshreky.

Psalm: 95:1,2
"O sing unto the Lord a new song; sing unto the Lord, all earth; sing
 unto the Lord; bless His Name; proclaim from day to day the good
 tidings."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 1:1-11
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
 Lord, make his paths straight."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hathor 21,
November 30,

Season : Advent (Commemoration of the Theotokos the Virgin Saint Mary)
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "The Lord hath sworn and will not repent; Thou art a
                   Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec ..."
                   (Psalm 109:4) From the Matins' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: II Timothy 3:10-4:22
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept
 the faith."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 5:1-14
"... being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears,
 you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away."

Praxis: Acts 20:17-38
"... and how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to
 you, and taught you publicly and from house to house ..."

Synexarion:
+ Commemoration of the Theotokos the Virgin Saint Mary.
+ Repose of Saint Cosmas, 54th Patriarch of Alexandria.
+ Repose of Saint Gregory, the wonder-worker.
+ Martyrdom of Saints Alphaeius, Zacchaeus, Romanius, John, Thomas,
  Victor, and Isaac from Ashmoneen.

Psalm: 72:23,24,28
"Thou hast held me by my right hand and by Thy counsel Thou hast guided
 me; and with glory hast Thou taken me to Thyself. But it is good for
 me to cleave unto God; that I may declare all Thy praises in the gates
 of the daughter of Sion."
Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:1-16
"I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by my own."
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Hathor 22,
December 1,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor
                   the king."
                   (I Peter 2:17) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:14-27
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
 to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:11-17
"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
 the ignorance of foolish men."

Praxis: Acts 19:11-20
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saints Kosman, Damian, Leotius, Anthimus, Eprepius, and
  their mother Theodota. They were tortured by Diocletian. For three
  days they were burned in a furnace, but were miraculously preserved.
  Their tortures went on until the soldiers were fatigued from
  tormenting them. They reviled the Emperor's idols as their mother was
  leading and encouraging them. They were finally beheaded.

Psalm: 65:12,13,14
"We went through fire and water and Thou didst bring us out into
 refreshment. I will go into Thy house with a whole-burnt offering; to
 Thee will I pay my vows which my lips pronounced."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 21:12-19
"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall
 not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your
 souls."
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Hathor 23,
December 2,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will
                   make a new covenant withe the house of Israel and
                   with the house of Judah"
                   (Hebrews 8:8) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 7:18-8:13
"..saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them
 in their heart; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a
 people."

Catholic Epistle: III John 1-15
"Behold, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He
 that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God."

Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5
"And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in
 number daily."

Synexarion:
+ Commemoration of Saint Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian band
  (Acts 10). The angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him to call
  Peter from Joppa to teach and minister unto him. Cornelius believed
  and was baptized with all his household.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint Marina in Antioch.

Psalm: 98:6,7
"Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call
 upon His Name. They called upon the Lord and He hearkened unto them,
 in a pillar of cloud He spoke unto them: they kept His testimonies,
 and the ordinance that He gave them."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 16:20-33
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father
 in my name, He will give it you."
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Hathor 24,
December 3,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
                   devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
                   whom he may devour."
                   (I Peter 5:8) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: I Timothy 5:17-6:2
"For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth
 out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."
Catholic Epistle: I Peter 5:1-14
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of
 you be subject to one another, and be clothed with humility."

Praxis: Acts 15:6-12
"And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this
 matter."

Synexarion:
+ Commemoration of the twenty-four presbyters. They are the ones who
  sit around the throne; who are more honorable than the saints;
  interceding for us, raising our prayers and alms to God. They are
  clothed in white raiment and wearing golden crowns on their heads.

Psalm: 131:9,10,17,18
"Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness and Thy righteous
 shall rejoice; for the sake of David, Thy servant. I have prepared a
 lamp for my Christ; but upon him shall my sanctification flourish."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 1:1-17
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
 was God."
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Hathor 25,
December 4,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Abstinence

Verse of the day: "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
                   (II Corinthians 10:17) From the Pauline Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 10:1-18
"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:1-11
"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for
 charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

Praxis: Acts 12:25-13:12
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
 separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called
 them."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint Philopater Mercurius. He was a Roman who served in
  a regiment under the command of Decius, the pagan, who beheaded him.
  An angel gave him a sword which Saint Basil noticed missing in the
  Church while he was praying; a little later, it was back in its place
  again; then came the news that Julian was slain with the saint's
  sword.

Psalm: 44:3
"Gird Thy sword upon Thy thigh, O Mighty One, in Thy comeliness and Thy
 beauty; and bend Thy bow and proceed prosperously and be King."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 12:9-23
"He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in
 the streets."
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Hathor 26,
December 5,

Season : Advent
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor
                   the king."
                   (I Peter 2:17) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:14-27
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
 to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:11-17
"For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence
 the ignorance of foolish men."

Praxis: Acts 19:11-20
"And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saints Valerian and Tiburcius, his brother. They were
  both pagans. Saint Valerian married Cylicia, the Christian daughter
  of a high ranking Roman official, and because of her they both
  believed.
+ Commemoration of Saint Gregory the Bishop of Nyssa.

Psalm: 65:12,13,14
"We went through fire and water and Thou didst bring us out into
 refreshment. I will go into Thy house with a whole-burnt offering; to
 Thee will I pay my vows which my lips pronounced."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 21:12-19
"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall
 not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your
 souls."

Note: Readings are the same as Hathor 22, December 1.
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Hathor 27,
December 6,

Season : Advent
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh
                   patience."
                   (James 1:3) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Galatians 1:1-19
"Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus
 Christ."

Catholic Epistle: James 1:1-12
"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he
 shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them
 that love him."

Praxis: Acts 15:13-21
"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint James, the sawn-asunder. He was a Christian
  officer who had once renounced Christianity to please his master, but
  was reproached by his wife, and other members of the family. As a
  result, the saint returned to the king and professed his Christian
  Faith. He was then handed over to the executioner, who cut off his
  four limbs.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saint Victor, the martyr.

Psalm: 77:6;134:5
"And He raised up a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel.
 For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all
 gods."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
"For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
 minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
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Hathor 28,
December 7,

Season : Advent
Tune : Adam
Strict abstinence

Verse of the Day: "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you
                   again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no
                   one will take from you."
                   (John 16:22) From the Liturgy's Gospel.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 7:18-8:13
"...who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was
 divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle."

Catholic Epistle: III John 1-15
"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth."

Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5
"And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint Sarapamon, Bishop of Niku. He was of Jewish
  descent. After the death of his parents, he desired to become a
  Christian. He was instructed by bishop John of Jerusalem and was
  baptized by bishop Theonas of Alexandria. He uprooted the Sabellian
  heresy and idolatry and was beheaded by Diocletian.

Psalm: 98:6,7
"Moses and Aaron among His priests and Samuel among them that call upon
 His Name. They called upon the Lord and He hearkened unto them."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 16:20-33
"Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the
 world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be
 turned into joy."
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Hathor 29,
December 8,

Season : Commemoration of the Annunciation, Nativity, and Resurrection
Tune : Festal
Abstinence

Verse of the Day: "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
                   while, if need be, you have been grieved by various
                   trials..."
                   (I Peter 1:6) From the Catholic Epistle.


Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-5:14
"For every priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things
 pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for
 sins."

Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:1-9
"...that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than
 gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to
 praise, honor, and glory  at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

Praxis: Acts 12:1-24
"Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass
 some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with
 the sword."

Synexarion:
+ Martyrdom of Saint Peter "The Hieromartyr", 17th Patriarch of
  Alexandria. He was beheaded by Diocletian. A fugitive wife from
  Antioch had baptized her two children at sea during a storm. A
  miracle showed the saint that this baptism was valid after the
  baptismal water congealed several times.
+ Saint Clement, Patriarch of Rome.
+ Commemoration of the Annunciation, Nativity, and Resurrection.

Psalm: 109:4,5,7
"The Lord hath sworn and will not repent; Thou art a Priest forever
 after the order of Melchisedec. The Lord is at Thy right hand;
 therefore shall He lift up the head."
Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
"And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever
 you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on
 earth will be loosed in heaven."
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Hathor 30,
December 9,

Season : Advent
Tune : Watus
Strict abstinence

Verse of the day: "but it is good for me to cleave unto God; to put my
                   hope in the Lord."
                   (Psalm 72:28) From the Matins' Psalm.


Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 4:5-5:11
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were
 dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands,
 eternal in the heavens."


Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:18-3:7
"Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving
 honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs
 together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

Praxis: Acts 20:17-38
"Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and
 temptations."
Synexarion:
+ Saint Acacius, Patriarch of Constantinople.
+ Consecration of the Church of Saints Kosman, Damian, their brothers,
  and their mother.
+ Martyrdom of Saint Macarius.

Psalm: 106:32,41,42
"Let them exalt Him in the congregations of the people and praise Him
 in the seat of the elders. He maketh His kindred like a flock. The
 upright shall see and rejoice."
Alleluia!

Gospel: John 10:1-16
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
 go in and out, and find pasture."
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