Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, & Agathonica, the Martyrs of Pergamus, Benjamin the Deacon, Chryssi the New Martyr of Greece, Meletios of Pegas, Patriarch of Alexandria, Florentios the Martyr of Thessaloniki, Hieromartyr Jacob of Hamatoura
Today's Scripture Readings
ST. PAUL'S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2:16-23
Brethren, I do not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured as a libation upon the sacrifical offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him, who will be genuinely anxious for your welfare. They all look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But Timothy's worth you know, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me.
LUKE 8:1-3
At that time Jesus went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for him out of their means.
Today's Thought
Let none of you have a soul which is barren and without fruit. Let nobody be unloving or unreceptive to the spiritual seed. (cf. Lk. 8:5) – St. Gregory Palamas
Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathadorus, and Agathonica, at Pergamum
The Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus and Agathonike suffered at Pergamum during the persecution of Decius in the third century. The governor of the district where the saints lived discovered that Carpus and Papylus did not celebrate the pagan festivals. He ordered that the transgressors be…
Saint Benjamin of the Kiev Caves, Far Caves lived during the fourteenth century and before accepting monasticism was “an important merchant.” Once at the time of divine services Saint Benjamin felt deeply in his heart the words of the Savior: a rich man shall hardly enter into the…
The Martyr Florentius was a native of Thessalonica. Zealous for the glory of God, he fearlessly unmasked the darkness of idolatry and led many to the light of true knowledge of God. He taught faith in Christ and fulfilled the will of God. For this the pagans subjected him to cruel tortures, and…
The Martyr Benjamin the Deacon of Persia converted many pagan Persians to Christianity, and for his zeal and evangelic preaching he suffered in Persia during the fifth century.
Saint Nikḗtas the Confessor of Paphlagonia was a patrician at the imperial court during the reigns of the empress Irene and her son Constantine. He represented the empress Irene at the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787, though his name does not appear in the Acts of the Council. He also assisted…
The Holy Virgin Martyr Zlata (Chrysḗ), that “golden vessel of virginity, and undefiled bride of Christ,” was born in the village of Slatena, in the Meglena diocese, on the border of Bulgaria and Serbia, when Bulgaria was under the Turkish Yoke. Her father was poor and he had four daughters.…
Translation of the Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God to Moscow
The Ivḗron Icon of the Mother of God, located on Mount Athos, has been glorified by many miracles. Accounts of the wonderworking image were spread throughout Russia by pilgrims. His Holiness Patriarch Nikon (then still Abbot of the Novospasky monastery) asked Abbot Pachomius of the Ivḗron…
The Seven Lakes Icon of the Mother of God was brought from Ustiug near Kazan on October 13, 1615 by the monk Euthymius, founder of the Seven Lakes Mother of God monastery. He blessed the place of the future monastery with this icon. Feastdays of the Seven Lakes Icon were established in memory of…
Saint Anthony, Metropolitan of Chqondidi, and Saint Jacob, Elder of Chqondidi
Saint Anthony of Chqondidi was born to the family of Otia Dadiani, the prince of Egrisi (now Samegrelo). Anthony’s mother, Gulkan, was the daughter of the prince Shoshita III of Racha. There were six children in the family: five boys and one girl. Anthony’s sister, Mariam, later married…