------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 1 January 9 Season : Nativity Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." (Luke 10:16) Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 11:16-12:12 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 1:25-2:10 "Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious..." Praxis: Acts 6:1-7:2 "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people." Synexarion: + St. Stephen, the archdeacon and protomartyr. The Jews were envious of his works and brought false witnesses against him. During his trial, filled with the Holy Spirit, he witnessed the opening of the heavens and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of His Father. + Martyr St. Leontius. Psalm: 20:3,5 "Thou wentest before him with the blessings of goodness. Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stone. Great is his glory in Thy salvation; glory and majesty shalt Thou lay upon him." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 10:1-20 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 2 January 10 Season : Nativity Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God." (II Corinthians 4:15) Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 4:5-5:11 "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:18-3:7 "...who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously..." Praxis: Acts 20:17-38 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Synexarion: + St. Theonas, 16th Patriarch of Alexandria. He excommunicated the heretic, Sabellius, who taught that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit are One Person. + St. Callinicus, martyr and bishop. 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. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 3 January 11 Season : Nativity Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they were no more." (Matthew 2:18) Pauline Epistle: 1 Corinthians 13:11-14:4 "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child..." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 1:25-2:10 "...as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby..." Praxis: Acts 9:22-30 "And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him." Synexarion: + Martyrdom of the one hundred and forty-four thousand holy infants by King Herod. He thought that the child Jesus was among them. St. John saw their souls under the altar in Rev. 6:9. Psalm: 112:1,2 "Praise the Lord, ye servants of His; praise the Name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be blessed from this present time and forever." Alleluia! Gospel: Matthew 2:13-23 "Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 4 January 12 Season : Nativity Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." (Romans 10:18) Pauline Epistle: Romans 10:4-18 "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!" Catholic Epistle: 1 John 1:1-2:6 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life..." Praxis: Acts 3:1-16 "Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour." Synexarion: + St. John, the Evangelist. He was the beloved of Christ who followed the Lord to the Cross and was asked to take St. Mary to his home. He preached in Asia. Psalm: 138:17,18 "But to me, exceedingly honorable are Thy friends, O Lord; their principalities are made exceeding strong. I will count them and they shall be multiplied more than the sand." Alleluia! Gospel: John 21:15-25 "Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 5 January 13 Season : Nativity Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "Fear not therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7) From the Vespers' Gospel. Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 10:1-18 "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:1-11 "... for he that suffered in the flesh has ceased form sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." Praxis: Acts 12:25-13:12 "The governor, when he saw what was done, believed in amazement at the teaching about the Lord." Synexarion: + Martyrdom of St. Eusignius the soldier. He was the one who explained to Emperor Constantine the meaning of the Cross which he saw in the sky; and told him that it was the sign of Christ. He was later beheaded. Psalm: 44:3,4 "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things." Alleluia! Gospel: Matthew 12:9-23 "He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 6 January 14 Season : Circumcision Feast Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "I will go into thy house with burnt offering: I will pay thee my vows." (Psalms 65:13) From the Matins' Psalm. Pauline Epistle: Philippians 3:1-12 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ." Catholic Epistle: II Peter 1:12-21 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." Praxis: Acts 15:13-21 "But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood." Synexarion: + Celebration of the circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ. + The ascension of the prophet Elijah into heaven. + St. Basil the Great, bishop of Caesarea. + St. Marcianus, 8th Patriarch of Alexandria. Psalm: 49:14,23 "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most high: Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will shew the salvation of God." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 2:21-39 "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named by the angel before he was conceived of in the womb." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 7 January 15 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Pauline Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-4:22 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution". Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 5:1-14 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." Praxis: Acts 20:17-38 "Serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears; and temptations , which befell me by the lying in wait of the jews." Synexarion: + The commemoration of St Sylvester of Rome. He baptized King Constantine the Great of Constantinople. Psalm: 73: 23, 24, 28 "Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou has holden me by my right hand" 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." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 8 January 16 Season : Annual Tune : Adam Pauline Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:5-5:11 "Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 "For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully." Praxis: Acts 20:17-38 "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Synexarion: + The consecration of St. Marcarius' church during the time of Abba Benjamin. + St. Andrewnicos, the 37th Patriarch of Alexandria. + The commemoration of St. Benjamin the 38th Patriarch of Alexandria. He was the Patriarch during the Islamic conquest of Egypt. He spent 13 years in hidding from the Romans. Psalm: 107: 32, 41, 42 "Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders." Alleluia! Gospel: John 10:1-16 "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 9 January 17 Season : Annual Tune : Adam Verse of the Day: "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21) Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 11:17-31 "...choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin..." Catholic Epistle: James 1:12-21 "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." Praxis: Acts 19:11-20 "Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul..." Synexarion: + St. Abraham. He was a close friend of Abba George. He was a disciple of St. John Hegumen. He was an ascetic, who mortified his body with severe fasting and worship. One day, the roof of his cell cracked and the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him on a Cherubic chariot. Psalm: 1:1 "Blessed is the man who has not walked in the counsel of the ungodly and has not stood in the way of sinners; and has not sat in the seat of evil men." Alleluia! Gospel: Matthew 4:23-5:16 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 10 January 18 Season : Paramouni of Theophany (Epiphany) Strict Abstinence Tune : Annual Verse of the Day: "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Luke 3:16) Pauline Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 "...lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name." Catholic Epistle: 2 Peter 1:12-19 "For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" Praxis: Acts 16:25-34 "And immediately he and all his family were baptized." Synexarion: + Paramouni of Holy Theophany. This fast is to be observed until the evening. The apostles established the day of Paramouni to preceed the feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany; because if either of the feasts fall on a Wednesday or Friday, fasting is not to be observed since they are feasts of the Lord. Psalm: 44:2 "Comely art Thou in beauty more than the sons of men; grace hath been poured forth on Thy lips; wherefore God hath blessed Thee forever." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 3:1-18 "And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins..." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 11 January 19 Season : Feast of the Theophany (Epiphany) Tune : Jubilant (Festal) Verse of the Day: "And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one." (1 John 5:8) Pauline Epistle: Titus 2:11-3:7 "...but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit..." Catholic Epistle: 1 John 5:5-21 "This is He who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth." Praxis: Acts 18:24-19:6 "Then Paul said, 'John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.' When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." Synexarion: + The Holy Theophany of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Psalm: 117:26,28 "We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord. Thou art my God and I will confess Thee; Thou art my God and I will exalt Thee." Alleluia! Gospel: John 1:18-34 "I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 12 January 20 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "And lo a voice from heaven, saying 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'" (Matthew 3:17) From the Matins' Gospel. Pauline Epistle: Ephesians 1:1-14 "Blesses be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 3:15-22 "The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Praxis: Acts 8:26-39 "'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'...and he baptized him." Synexarion: + 2nd day in the Feast of the Holy Theophany. + Commemoration of Michael the Archangel. + Martyr, St. Theodore, the Oriental + Martyr, St. Anatole Psalm: 103:1,2 "Bless the Lord O my soul! O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain." Alleluia! Gospel: John 1:35-51 "'Truly, truly, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.'" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 13 January 21 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he had made the water into wine." (John 4:46) From the Matins' Gospel. Pauline Epistle: Romans 6:3-16 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Catholic Epistle: I John 2:20-25 "And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life." Praxis: Acts 8:3-13 "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." Synexarion: + Feast of the Miracle of Cana in Galilee. This was the first miracle performed by our Lord Jesus Christ. + St. Theophilus, the monk. + Martyr, St. Demiana. Psalm: 76:14-16 "Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled." Alleluia! Gospel: John 2:1-11 "This beginning of miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed in him." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 14 January 22 Theme of the day: WISDOM LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:4-23 "Let no man decive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool that he may be wise." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 5:5-14 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whome he may devour." Praxis: Acts 18:24-19:6 "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." Synexarion: + St. Archellides He became a monk in the monasery of St. Romanus. He lived an austere life which made him refuse to meet with any woman (including his mother) all his earthly life. + St. Maximos, brother of St. Domatius. Psalm: 37: 30, 31 "The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. The law of his God is in his heart; non of his steps shall slide." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 16:1-12 "And the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 15 January 23 LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: Hebrew 11:17-27 "By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Issac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son." Catholic Epistle: 2 Peter 1:19-2:8 "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." Praxis: Acts 15: 21-29 "For as much as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls. Synexarion: + St. Obediah the prophet Psalm: 99: 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: Mathew 23:13-36 "But Woe unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 16 January 24 Season: Annual Tune: Adam 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) Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:18-30 "For I consider 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 3:8-15 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Praxis: Acts 19:23-41 "Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands." Synexarion: + Martyr, St. Philotheus. One year, his parents gave a feast and ordered Philotheus to offer incense to the calf. He then asked the calf, "Art thou God Who is adored?" A voice from the calf replied: "I am not God but Satan," and it fell upon his parents and slew them; but by prayers, he restored his parents to life. Philotheus was then executed by Diocletian. + St. John, 48th Patriarch of Alexandria. Psalm: 67:35,4 "Wondrous is God in His saints; the God of Israel, He will give power and strength unto His people. Let the nations be glad and rejoice." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 12:4-12 "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." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 17 January 25 Season: Annual Tune: Annual Adam Verse of the Day: "They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented-- of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth." (Hebrews 11:37-38) Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 11:32-12:2 "...who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions..." Catholic Epistle: James 5:9-20 "And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." Praxis: Acts 18:24-19:6 "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord..." Synexarion: + St. Domatius He was the brother of St. Maximus. They were greatly desirous of embracing the ascetic life. They went to Scetis where they found St. Macarius the Great who tried to dissuade them, but they persisted. They died after three years in Scetis. + St. Yousab, bishop of Garga. Psalm: 91:12,13 "The righteous shall flourish as a palm tree; he shall be increased as the cedar in Libanus; planted in the house of the Lord and shall flourish in the courts of our God." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 12:32-44 "Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 18 January 26 Season: Annual Tune: Annual Adam Verse of the Day: "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23) 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: 3 John 1:1-15 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5 "And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem." Synexarion: + St. James of Nisibism, the Syrian He was an ascetic who attended the Council of Nicea and participated in the Creed adopted by the Council. His prayers brought swarms of flies and mosquitos which maddened the horses and elephants of the Persian army and caused their flight, so that King Shapur had to lift the siege. 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 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 19, January 27, Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "Praise ye the Lord...Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore." (Psalms 112:1,2) From the Matins' Psalm. Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:14-27 "The Spirit himself bears witness with out spirits, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 2:11-17 "For so is the will of God, that through well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men." Praxis: Acts 19:11-20 "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." Synexarion: + The finding of the relics of Sts. Apahor, Pisoura, and their mother Asra. They were martyrs at Esna (Latopolis). Their bones were thrown away in a hole under the church wall. This was revealed by a certain woman who informed the bishop. He therefore, place the remains in a shrine whith much reverence and ceremony. Psalm: 65:12-14 "We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 21:12-19 "In your patience possess your souls." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 20 January 28 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:3) Pauline Epistle: II Corinthians 11:16-12:12 "...in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren..." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 1:25-2:10 "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..." Praxis: Acts 6:1-7:2 "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business..." Synexarion: + St. Prochorus, the apostle. He was one of the seventy-two disciples. He was chosen from among the seven deacons. + Consecration of the Church of St. John of the Golden Gospel. + Martyrs, Sts. Bahna and Eklog, the priest. Psalm: 20:3,5 "For Thou hast prevented him with blessings of goodness. Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stone. His glory is great in Thy Salvation; Thou wilt crown him with glory and majesty." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 10:1-20 "After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 21 January 29 Theme of the day: The commemoration of the Virgin St. Mary LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: Hebrew 9:1-12 "Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, where in was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant." Catholic Epistle: 2 John 1:1-13 "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." Praxis: Acts 1:1-14 "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with her brethren." Synexarion: + The falling asleep of our Lady, the Theotokos, St. Mary. She was 60 years of age. St. Thomas, the apostle, witnessed her body ascending into heaven. + St. Helaria, the daughter of King Zeno. + St. Gregory of Nyssa Psalm: 45:12-13 "And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among people shall intreat thy favour. The King's daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is of wrought gold." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 22 January 30 LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: Philippians 3:20-4:9 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Catholic Epistle: James 5:9-20 "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience." Praxis: Acts 11:19-26 "For he was a good man, and full of Holy Ghost and faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." Synexarion: + St. Anthony the Great. At the age of 20, he lost his parents, sold all his possessions, and gave the money to the poor. He entrusted his young sister to a convent for women. He was constantly battling with demons, but they could not overpowere him. Psalm: 34:19, 68:3 "Many are the afflictions of the rightous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 12:32-44 "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where not thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth". ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 23 January 31 Season: Annual Tune: Adam annual Verse of the Day: "And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you." (John 16:23) Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 7:18-8:13 "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Catholic Epistle: III John 1:1-15 "We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth." Praxis: Acts 15:36-16:5 "Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek." Synexarion: + St. Timothy, the apostle. He was St. Paul's disciple. He was selected for the bishopric office at Ephesus. He was beaten to death by the Jews and Greeks. + St. Cyril IV, 110th Patriarch of Alexandria. 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 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 24 February 1 Season: Annual Tune: Adam annual Verse of the Day: "But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.'" Pauline Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-21 "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light..." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 3:5-14 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Praxis: Acts 21:5-14 "Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied." Synexarion: + St. Mary the ascetic. She was the daughter of noble parents in Alexandria. When her parents reposed, she sold her property and distributed the proceeds among the poor. Se joined a convent in Alexandria and was isolated in her cell for 22 years. + St. Psati, the presbyter. 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." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 25 February 2 Season: Annual Tune: Adam annual Verse of the Day: "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." (Luke 16:9) Pauline Epistle: 1 Corinthians 3:4-23 "Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise." Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 5:5-14 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time..." Praxis: Acts 18:24-19:6 "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord..." Synexarion: + St. Peter of Scetis. He was at first a tax collector and distinguished himself by his extreme severity. His manner of life changed after seeing a vision. He became a follower of St. Macarius; and was noted for his piety. + St. Askala (Asela) the ascetic. Psalm: 36:30,31 "The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak of judgement. The law of God is in his heart and his steps shall not be tripped." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 16:1-12 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 26 February 3 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance." (Psalm 32:12) From the Matins' Psalm. Pauline Epistle: Hebrews 12:3-14 "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 4:12-19 "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." Praxis: Acts 8:3-13 "As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committing them to prison." Synexarion: + They were martyred by the Barbarians, together with the king's messenger (St. Martin) and son. + St. Anastasia, ascetic of Scetis. Psalm: 33:19,20 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." Alleluia! Gospel: Matthew 4:23-5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 27 February 4 Season : Annual Tune : Watos Verse of the Day: "But let these that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee." (Psalm 5:11) From the Matins' Psalm. Pauline Epistle: Romans 8:18-30 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 3:8-15 "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile." Praxis: Acts 19:23-41 "And the same time there arose no small stir about the way." Synexarion: + Martyr, St. Serapion. + Archangel Sourial. Psalm: 33:19,20 "O God thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea let them exceedingly rejoice." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 12:4-12 "And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 28 February 5 Verse of the day: "For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Heb. 12:6 LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: Hebrew 12: 3-14 "If ye endure chastening; God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Catholic Epistle: 1 Peter 4:12-19 "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing as unto a faithful Creator." Praxis: Acts 7:44-8:1 "Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers." Synexarion: + Martyr, St. Clement of Rome. + Martyr, St. Kaou. He was a native of Bimay in Fayum. The angel appeared to Kaou and asked him to profess the Faith to Diocletian, whiche he did and was beheaded. Psalm: 34:19, 20 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous : but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 11:53-12:12 "And I say unto you my friends, be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 29 February 6 LITURGY: ________ Pauline Epistle: Philippians 3:20-4:9 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Catholic Epistle: James 5:9-20 "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience." Praxis: Acts 11:19-26 "For he was a good man, and full of Holy Ghost and faith: and much people was added unto the Lord." Synexarion: + St. Eksanie, the ascetic. She was a Roman virgin who desired to adopt the escetic life. She was engaged to a Roman noble but escaped to one of the covenants in Alexandria and remained there for 20 years until her repose. Psalm: 34:19, 68:3 "Many are the afflictions of the rightous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." Alleluia! Gospel: Luke 12:32-44 "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where not thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth". Note: same readings as Bashance 1, Tobi 29. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tobi 30 February 7 Season : Annual Tune : Watos 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) Pauline Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-21 "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Catholic Epistle: I Peter 3:5-14 "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?" Praxis: Acts 21:5-14 "When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed." Synexarion: + Martyrs, Stst. Pistis, Helpis, Agape and their mother, Sophia. The meaning of their names are: Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love). Then were tortured in the days of Adrian, but their mother encouraged them until they were all beheaded. Psalm: 44:13,14 "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 all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------