Nostr notes by orthobot

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 10 September 2026 ...

2026-09-10T13:00:42Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 10 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/10)

## [Epistle reading for the 15th Thursday after Pentecost (Galatians 3:23-4:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/10/1)

> But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

## [Gospel reading for the 15th Thursday after Pentecost (Mark 6:30-45)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/10/2)

> Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. But the multitudes saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to Him. And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things. When the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and already the hour is late. Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.” But He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give them something to eat?” But He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then He commanded them to make them all sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in ranks, in hundreds and in fifties. And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men. Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [The restoration of the church of the Theotokos at Neorion - ...

2026-08-31T20:00:41Z

## [The restoration of the church of the Theotokos at Neorion - 31 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/31/100301-the-restoration-of-the-church-of-the-theotokos-at-neorion)

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Christopher of Palestine - 30 ...

2026-08-30T20:00:41Z

## [Saint Christopher of Palestine - 30 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/30/102426-saint-christopher-of-palestine)

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Christopher, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople - 30 ...

2026-08-30T10:00:41Z

## [Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople - 30 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/30/102420-saint-alexander-patriarch-of-constantinople)

![Saint Alexander, Patriarch of Constantinople]( )

🎶troparion🎶

O God of our Fathers,
always act with kindness towards us;
take not Your mercy from us,
but guide our lives in peace
through the prayers of the Patriarchs Alexander, John, and Paul.

🎶kontakion🎶

Set aflame by the love of Christ, O glorious ones,
you took up the yoke of His precious Cross revealing yourselves as followers in His footsteps by your way of life,
and you became partakers of His divine glory,
divinely-wise Alexander, with wonderful John and glorious Paul.
As you stand before His throne, earnestly pray for our souls.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Theodora and her daughter Theopiste - 29 ...

2026-08-29T20:00:41Z

## [Venerable Theodora and her daughter Theopiste - 29 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/29/100349-venerable-theodora-and-her-daughter-theopiste)

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy mothers Theodora and Theopiste, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and ...

2026-08-29T10:00:41Z

## [The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John - 29 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/29/102419-the-beheading-of-the-holy-glorious-prophet-forerunner-and-baptis)

![The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John]( )

🎶troparion🎶

The memory of the righteous is celebrated with hymns of praise,
but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner.
You were shown in truth to be the most honorable of the prophets,
for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold.
Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy,
you proclaimed to those in hell God who appeared in the flesh,
who takes away the sin of the world,
and grants us great mercy.

🎶kontakion🎶

The glorious beheading of the Forerunner,
became an act of divine dispensation,
for he preached to those in hell the coming of the Savior.
Let Herodias lament, for she entreated lawless murder,
loving not the law of God, nor eternal life,
but that which is false and temporal.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Righteous Hezekiah - 28 ...

2026-08-28T20:00:41Z

## [Righteous Hezekiah - 28 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/28/108967-righteous-hezekiah)

![Righteous Hezekiah]( )

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 28 August 2026 ...

2026-08-28T13:00:44Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 28 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28)

## [Vespers reading for the 13th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/1)

> But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.

## [Vespers reading for the 13th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/2)

> But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them. The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies; he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet; he will take holiness as a invincible shield, and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen. Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds, and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them; a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.

## [Vespers reading for the 13th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/3)

> But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.

## [Epistle reading for the Recovery of the relics of Saint Job of Pochaev (Galatians 5:22-6:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/5)

> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

## [Gospel reading for the Recovery of the relics of Saint Job of Pochaev (Luke 6:17-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/6)

> And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all. Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

## [Epistle reading for the 13th Friday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 11:5-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/7)

> For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you. And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold – I speak foolishly – I am bold also.

## [Gospel reading for the 13th Friday after Pentecost (Mark 4:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/28/8)

> And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds of the air came and devoured it. Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop. But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 27 August 2026 ...

2026-08-27T13:00:42Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 27 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/27)

## [Epistle reading for the 13th Thursday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 10:7-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/27/1)

> Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed – lest I seem to terrify you by letters. For his letters, they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present. For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us – a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment. But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

## [Gospel reading for the 13th Thursday after Pentecost (Mark 3:28-35)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/27/2)

> Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” – because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” Then His brothers and His mother came, and standing outside they sent to Him, calling Him. And a multitude was sitting around Him; and they said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are outside seeking You.” But He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable Pimen the Great - 27 ...

2026-08-27T10:00:41Z

## [Venerable Pimen the Great - 27 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/27/102404-venerable-pimen-the-great)

![Venerable Pimen the Great]( )

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
Our Father Pimen, pray to Christ God to save our souls!

🎶kontakion🎶

The memorial of your illustrious struggles
delights the souls of the devout today,
Pimen, our venerable father, wise in God.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Adrian of Úglich - 26 ...

2026-08-26T20:00:41Z

## [Saint Adrian of Úglich - 26 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/26/108970-saint-adrian-of-glich)

🎶troparion🎶

(Podoben: “Come, let us worship the Word...”)By a flood of tears, you made the barren desert fertile,
and by your sighings from the depths, your labors bore fruit a hundredfold,
and you became a luminary of the world,
radiant with miracles, O Adrian our Father.
Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)Having divinely armed yourself with purity of soul
and firmly grasping unceasing prayer as a spear, you have slain the armies of the demons.
Therefore, we beseech you, O Father Adrian:
“Always intercede for those who honor you.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions, of Nicomedia - ...

2026-08-26T10:00:41Z

## [Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions, of Nicomedia - 26 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/26/102398-martyrs-adrian-and-natalia-and-23-companions-of-nicomedia)

![Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions, of Nicomedia]( )

🎶troparion🎶

(Podoben: “Your confession of the Divine Faith...”)You regarded the Faith as an imperishable treasure, O most blessed one,
abandoning the ungodliness of your fathers, and walking in the footsteps of the Master,
you were enriched with divine gifts, O glorious Adrian.
Pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)O Martyr of Christ, Adrian,
you kept in your heart the divine words of your godly-minded wife Natalia,
and endured torments; together with your spouse, you have received a crown.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete - 25 ...

2026-08-25T20:00:41Z

## [Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete - 25 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/25/102393-apostle-titus-of-the-seventy-and-bishop-of-crete)

![Apostle Titus of the Seventy and Bishop of Crete]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Titus,
entreat the merciful God,
to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

🎶kontakion🎶

Titus, worthy of all praise and preacher of Christ’s mysteries,
you were Paul’s companion, and with him taught us the doctrine of God.
Therefore we cry out to you:
Never cease to intercede for the sake of us all!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the ...

2026-08-24T20:00:41Z

## [Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles - 24 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/24/102390-repose-of-the-new-hieromartyr-cosmas-of-aitolia-equal-of-the-apo)

![Repose of the New-Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal of the Apostles]( )

🎶troparion🎶

(Podoben: “The Divine Faith...”)By teaching the Divine Faith,
you richly adorned the Church
and became a zealous emulator of the Apostles;
for being lifted up on the wings of divine love,
you spread the message of the Gospel far and wide.
O glorious Cosmas,
entreat Christ God that He may grant us great mercy.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)As a newly-shining luminary of the Church,
you enlighten all things with the teachings of Christ's Gospel, O Cosmas, equal of the Apostles;
therefore your memory is worthy to be honored.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 24 August 2026 ...

2026-08-24T13:00:43Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 24 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/24)

## [Epistle reading for the 13th Monday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 8:7-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/24/1)

> But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack – that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

## [Gospel reading for the 13th Monday after Pentecost (Mark 3:6-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/24/2)

> Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. But Jesus withdrew with His disciples to the sea. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea and Jerusalem and Idumea and beyond the Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they heard how many things He was doing, came to Him. So He told His disciples that a small boat should be kept ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should crush Him. For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw Him, fell down before Him and cried out, saying, “You are the Son of God.” But He sternly warned them that they should not make Him known.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Hieromartyr Eutyches, disciple of Saint John the Theologian - ...

2026-08-24T10:00:41Z

## [Hieromartyr Eutyches, disciple of Saint John the Theologian - 24 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/24/102383-hieromartyr-eutyches-disciple-of-saint-john-the-theologian)

![Hieromartyr Eutyches, disciple of Saint John the Theologian]( )

🎶troparion🎶

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue,
you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error,
you defended the Faith, even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Eutyches, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

A successor of the Apostles and an excellent example to bishops,
Eutyches, you were glorified as a martyr.
You shone forth like the sun enlightening all,
dispelling the dark night of godlessness.
Therefore, we honor you as truly a godly celebrant of the Mysteries of Christ.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God - 23 ...

2026-08-23T10:00:42Z

## [Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God - 23 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/23/102377-leavetaking-of-the-dormition-of-the-mother-of-god)

![Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In giving birth you preserved your virginity,
in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.
You were translated to life, O Mother of Life,
and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

🎶kontakion🎶

Neither the tomb, nor death could hold the Theotokos,
who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.
For being the Mother of Life,
she was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 22 August 2026 ...

2026-08-22T13:00:42Z

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 22 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/22)

## [Epistle reading for the 12th Saturday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/22/1)

> For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

## [Gospel reading for the 12th Saturday after Pentecost (Matthew 20:29-34)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/22/2)

> Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!” So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Saint Sarmean, Catholicos of Kartli, Georgia - 21 ...

2026-08-21T20:00:42Z

## [Saint Sarmean, Catholicos of Kartli, Georgia - 21 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/21/103881-saint-sarmean-catholicos-of-kartli-georgia)

![Saint Sarmean, Catholicos of Kartli, Georgia](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/august/0821sarmean -catholicos.jpg)

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Sarmean,
entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

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# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 21 August 2026 ...

2026-08-21T13:00:42Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 21 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/21)

## [Epistle reading for the 12th Friday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 7:10-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/21/1)

> For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. Therefore we have been comforted in your comfort. And we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. For if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting to Titus was found true. And his affections are greater for you as he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him. Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in everything.

## [Gospel reading for the 12th Friday after Pentecost (Mark 2:18-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/21/2)

> The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; or else the new piece pulls away from the old, and the tear is made worse. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine bursts the wineskins, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins.”

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## [Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God - 21 ...

2026-08-21T10:00:42Z

## [Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God - 21 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/21/102354-afterfeast-of-the-dormition-of-the-mother-of-god)

![Afterfeast of the Dormition of the Mother of God]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In giving birth you preserved your virginity,
in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.
You were translated to life, O Mother of Life,
and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.

🎶kontakion🎶

Neither the tomb, nor death could hold the Theotokos,
who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.
For being the Mother of Life,
she was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb.

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## [“Directress” Icon of the Mother of God - 18 ...

2026-08-18T20:00:42Z

## [“Directress” Icon of the Mother of God - 18 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/18/108983-directress-icon-of-the-mother-of-god)

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## [Venerable Theodoritus, Enlightener of the Lapps, Solovki - 17 ...

2026-08-17T20:00:42Z

## [Venerable Theodoritus, Enlightener of the Lapps, Solovki - 17 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/17/102321-venerable-theodoritus-enlightener-of-the-lapps-solovki)

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Theodoritus, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

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# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 17 August 2026 ...

2026-08-17T13:00:42Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 17 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/17)

## [Epistle reading for the 12th Monday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 5:10-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/17/1)

> For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. For we do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

## [Gospel reading for the 12th Monday after Pentecost (Mark 1:9-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/17/2)

> It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

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## [Venerable Arcadius of Novotorsk - 14 ...

2026-08-14T20:00:42Z

## [Venerable Arcadius of Novotorsk - 14 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/14/102298-venerable-arcadius-of-novotorsk)

![Venerable Arcadius of Novotorsk]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Guided by your spiritual mentor, the Venerable Father Ephraim, an excellent zealot of obedience,
O Father Arcadius, you fled from worldly vanity and were a superb monk;
working diligently, you have received a crown of heavenly glory from Christ God.
And now, together with the Venerable Father Ephraim,
pray for us before the Throne of the Most High,
that we may be delivered from all troubles and sorrows,
and for the salvation of our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

By directing your mind to the depths of the knowledge of God,
you ascended to the heavenly abodes,
and your life was equal to that of an angel, O Father Arcadius.
You were obedient to your spiritual guide and teacher, the Venerable Ephraim, in all things.
And now, standing with him before the Throne of the Master Christ,
pray unceasingly for all of us.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 10 August 2026 ...

2026-08-10T13:48:47Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 10 August 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/10)

## [Epistle reading for the 11th Monday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 2:4-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/10/1)

> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you. But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent – not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.

## [Gospel reading for the 11th Monday after Pentecost (Matthew 23:13-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/08/10/2)

> But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

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## ["Foreteller" Icon of the Mother of God - 01 ...

2026-08-01T20:00:51Z

## ["Foreteller" Icon of the Mother of God - 01 August](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/08/01/100183-foreteller-icon-of-the-mother-of-god)

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# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 26 July 2026 ...

2026-07-26T13:00:53Z

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 26 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26)

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/1)

> But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them. The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies; he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet; he will take holiness as a invincible shield, and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen. Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds, and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them; a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (1 John 4:1-6)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/2)

> Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (1 John 4:20-5:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/3)

> If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

## [Matins Gospel reading (John 20:11-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/4)

> But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

## [Epistle reading for the Repose of Saint Jacob (Netsvetov), Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska (Philippians 3:7-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/5)

> But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

## [Gospel reading for the Repose of Saint Jacob (Netsvetov), Enlightener of the Peoples of Alaska (Mark 10:29-31, 42-45)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/6)

> So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time – houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions – and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

## [Epistle reading for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/7)

> Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other. For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

## [Gospel reading for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 14:14-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/26/8)

> And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.

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# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 20 July 2026 ...

2026-07-20T13:00:53Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 20 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20)

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Monday after Pentecost (Composite 12 - 3 [1] Kings 17:1-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/1)

> The Word of the Lord came to Elijah, and He said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Hosts, the God of Israel lives, before Whom I stand this day, there will be neither dew nor rain these years, except by the words of my mouth.” And the Word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, “Depart hence eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is before the River Jordan. And there shall be water from the brook, and you shall drink it, and I will command the ravens to feed you there.” And Elijah went and did according to the word of the Lord; and he sat besides the brook Cherith, which is before the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread in the morning, and meat in the evening, and he drank water from the brook. And it came to pass after some days, that the brook dried up, for there was no rain in the land. And the Word of the Lord came to Elijah, saying, “Arise, and go to Sarepta of the Sidonians, and dwell there. For behold, I have commanded there a widow-woman to feed you.” And he arose and went to Sarepta of the Sidonians, and came to the gate of the city; and behold, a widow-woman there was gathering sticks. And Elijah called her and said to her, “Bring to me, now, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” And she went to fetch it. And Elijah called her and said to her, “Bring me also a morsel of bread in your hand, that I may eat.” And the woman said, “As the Lord your God lives, I have not a cake, but only a handful of meal in the pitcher, and a little oil in a cruse; and behold, I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my children, and we shall eat it and die.” And Elijah said to her, “Take courage, go in and do according to your word; but make of it a little cake first and bring it to me; and afterward you shall make some for yourself and your children. For thus says the Lord God of Israel, the pitcher of meal shall not fail and the cruse of oil shall not be diminished, until the day that the Lord gives rain on the earth.” And the woman went and did according to the words of Elijah; and he ate, and she, and her children. And from that day the pitcher of meal did not fail, and the cruse of oil was not diminished, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by the hand of Elijah. And it came to pass after this that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick and his illness was very grievous, until there was no breath left in him. And she said to Elijah, “What have I do with you, O man of God? Have you come in to me to call to remembrance my unrighteousness, and to slay my son?” And Elijah said to the woman, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her bosom and carried him to the upper chamber where he was lodged, and laid him upon his own bed. And Elijah cried aloud to the Lord and said, “Woe is me, O Lord, the witness of the widow with whom I now abide; Thou hast wrought harm in slaying her son!” And he blew on the child three times, and called on the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, let the soul of this child return to him.” And it was so. And the child cried out; and he brought him down from the upper chamber into the house, and gave him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” And the woman said to Elijah, “Behold, I know that you are a man of God, and the word of the Lord in your mouth is true.”

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Monday after Pentecost (Composite 13 - 3 [1] Kings 18, 19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/2)

> The Word of God came to Elijah the Tishbite in the third year of the reign of Ahab, saying, “Go, and show yourself to Ahab; and I will bring rain upon the face of the earth.” And it came to pass when Ahab saw Elijah, that he said to him, “Are you he that troubles Israel?” And Elijah said “I do not trouble Israel, but it is you and your father’s house, in that you forsook the Lord God, and you followed after Baal. Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the four hundred and fifty prophets of shame of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of the groves who eat at Jezebel’s table.” And according to the word of Elijah, Ahab sent to all Israel, and gathered all the prophets on Mount Carmel, and brought Elijah before all of them. And Elijah said to them, “How long will you go limping on both feet? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people answered him not a word. And Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord; and the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men, and the prophets of the groves four hundred.” And Elijah said, “Give me two oxen, and let you choose one for yourselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; and I will prepare the other bullock and lay it on the wood, and put no fire to it. And you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the Name of the Lord, my God; and the God Who answers by fire, He is God.” And all the people answered and said, “The word that Elijah has spoken is good; let it be so.” And Elijah said to the prophets of shame, “Choose for yourselves one bullock and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire to it.” And they took the bullock and prepared it; and they called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, and said, “Hear us, O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice, nor an answer. And they ran about the altar which they had made. And it was noon, and Elijah the Tishbite mocked them and said, “Call with a loud voice, for your god is (musing), or he has gone to another place, or perhaps is sleeping and you must awake him.” And they cried with a loud voice, and cut themselves with knives and flogged themselves many times with whips, even to the shedding of their own blood. And they prophesied until the evening; and it came to pass that it was the time of the offering of the scarifice, but there was no voice. And Elijah spoke to the prophets of shame, saying, “Stand by for the present, and I will offer my sacrifice.” And they stood aside and were silent. And Elijah said to the people, “Come near to me”; and all the people came near to him. And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, as the Lord had said to him, “Israel shall be your name.” And he built up the stones in the name of the Lord, and repaired the altar that had been broken down; and he made a trench for water that would hold two measures of seed round about the altar. And he piled the cleft wood on the altar which he had made, and divided the whole burnt-offering, and laid on the wood and around the altar. And Elijah said, “Fetch me four jars of water and pour it on the whole-burnt-offering, and on the wood.” And they did so. And he said, “Do it a second time”; and they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time”; and they did it a third time. And the water ran round about the altar, and the trench was filled with water. And Elijah cried aloud to heaven and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, hearken unto me, hearken unto me this day by fire, and let all this people know that Thou alone art the Lord God of Israel and that I am Thy servant and that I have done all these things for Thy sake; for Thou hast turned back the hearts of this people to follow Thee.” Then fire fell from the Lord out of heaven and devoured the whole-burnt-offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and the water that was in the trench; the fire licked up everything. And all the people fell upon their faces, and said, “Truly the Lord God, he is God!” And Elijah said to the people, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there. And Elijah said to Ahab, “Behold, there is the sound of the coming of rain; prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain overtake you.” And Elijah went up on Mount Carmel, and bowed himself down to the ground; and he put his face between his knees and prayed to the Lord. And the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab wept and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was upon Elijah; and he girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to Jezreel. And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain the prophets with the sword. And Jezebel sent to Elijah, saying “By this time tomorrow I will make your life as the life of one of them.” And Elijah heard and was afraid; and he rose and departed for his life. And he came to Beersheba, in the land of Judah. And he left his servant there and went a days journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he asked, concerning his life, that he might die, and said, “ Let it be enough, O Lord; now take away my life from me; for I am no better than my fathers.” And he lay down and slept under the tree. And behold, an angel of the Lord touched him and said to him, “Arise, eat and drink.” And Elijah looked, and behold, at his head there was a cake of barley and cruse of water. And he arose, and ate and drank, and lay down again and slept. And the angel of the Lord returned a second time, and touched him, and said to him, “Arise, eat and drink, for the journey will be too much for you.” And he arose, and ate and drank. And he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Mount Horeb. And he entered there into a cave, and lodged there. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And Elijah said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty, for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thee; they have thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I alone am left; and they seek my life to take it.” And the angel said, “Go forth tomorrow, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountain, and broke in pieces the rock before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire the voice of a gentle breeze, and the Lord was there. And it came to pass when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his mantle and went out and stood before the cave. And behold, a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” And Elijah said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty, for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I alone am left; and they seek my life to take it.” And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way, and you shall come on the way of the wilderness of Damascus; and you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria; and you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.”

## [Vespers reading for the 8th Monday after Pentecost (Composite 14 - 3 [1] Kings 19:19, 20, 21; 4 [2] Kings 2:1,6-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/3)

> In those days, Elijah found Elisha the son of Shaphat, and he was plowing with oxen. And Elijah went to him and cast his mantle upon him. And Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah and ministered to him. And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take Elijah up in a whirlwind, as it were, into heaven, Elijah and Elisha went out from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, “Tarry here, then, for the Lord has sent me as far as the Jordan.” And Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and your soul lives, I will not leave you.” And they both went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went also, and they stood opposite afar off; but Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and rolled it up, and smote the water; and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and they both went over on dry ground. And it came to pass when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken up from you.” And Elisha said, “Let there be, then, a double portion of your spirit upon me.” And Elijah said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. If you shall see me when I am taken up from you, then shall it be so for you; and if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And it came to pass as they went on and talked. And, behold, a chariot of fire, and horses of fire! And they separated the two of them. And Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, as it were, into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, “Father! Father! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his garments and rent them into two pieces. And Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen upon his head. And Elisha went back and stood upon the bank of the Jordan. And Elisha took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen upon his head, and smote the waters, but they were not parted. And Elisha said, “Where now, is the God of Elijah, He also?” And Elisha smote the waters a second time, and the waters parted; and he went over on dry land.

## [Epistle reading for the Holy Glorious Prophet Elijah (James 5:10-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/5)

> My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit. Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

## [Gospel reading for the Holy Glorious Prophet Elijah (Luke 4:22-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/6)

> So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a great famine throughout all the land; but to none of them was Elijah sent except to Zarephath, in the region of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff. Then passing through the midst of them, He went His way.

## [Epistle reading for the 8th Monday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 9:13-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/7)

> Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

## [Gospel reading for the 8th Monday after Pentecost (Matthew 16:1-6)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/20/8)

> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 16 July 2026 ...

2026-07-16T13:00:52Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 16 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/16)

## [Epistle reading for the 7th Thursday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 7:24-35)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/16/1)

> Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress – that it is good for a man to remain as he is: Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord – how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world – how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

## [Gospel reading for the 7th Thursday after Pentecost (Matthew 15:12-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/16/2)

> Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Icon of the Mother of God of Koloch - 09 ...

2026-07-09T20:00:51Z

## [Icon of the Mother of God of Koloch - 09 July](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/09/101980-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-koloch)

![Icon of the Mother of God of Koloch]( )

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Virgin Martyr Febronia of Nisibis - 25 ...

2026-06-25T10:00:23Z

## [Virgin Martyr Febronia of Nisibis - 25 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/25/101812-virgin-martyr-febronia-of-nisibis)

![Virgin Martyr Febronia of Nisibis]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Like a fragrant rose in the ascetic life,
you breathed forth the myrrh of Christ.
Therefore he has glorified you as a righteous martyr, O Febronia.
Now intercede with him for those who cry:
“Rejoice, O noble and blessed martyr!”

🎶kontakion🎶

You were adorned with the grace of virginity and the beauty of martyrdom,
O Febronia, bride of Christ.
You wisely carried your lamp and ran to your Bridegroom
receiving an incorruptible crown.
Pray for those who faithfully sing hymns of praise to you!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus - 16 ...

2026-06-16T10:00:22Z

## [Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus - 16 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/16/101738-saint-tikhon-bishop-of-amathus-in-cyprus)

![Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus]( )

🎶troparion🎶

God called you to the sacred priesthood
as a worthy servant of the Holy Trinity.
You shone forth with the grace of godliness
strengthening the Church by many miracles.
Righteous Tikhon, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “Today the Virgin...”)Through your ascetic labors, you shone forth, O beloved of God,
and received from on high the power of the Comforter
to destroy the idols of delusion,
and to save people,
to cast out demons and to heal the sick.
Therefore, venerable Tikhon,
we honor you as a friend of God.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Onuphrius the Great - 12 ...

2026-06-12T10:00:22Z

## [Venerable Onuphrius the Great - 12 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/12/107799-venerable-onuphrius-the-great)

![Venerable Onuphrius the Great]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In the flesh you lived the life of the angels,
you were citizens of the desert and treasuries of grace,
O Onuphrius, adornment of Egypt,
and Peter the light of Athos.
Therefore we honor your struggles as we sing to you:
Glory to him who has strengthened you!
Glory to him who granted you a crown!
Glory to him who through you grants healing to all!

🎶kontakion🎶

You appeared as a bright star to the hermits of the desert,
a light shining in the darkness of solitude, O holy Father Onuphrius,
therefore ceaselessly intercede for us all.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 06 June 2026 ...

2026-06-06T13:00:22Z

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 06 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/06)

## [Epistle reading for the 1st Saturday after Pentecost (Romans 1:7-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/06/1)

> To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established – that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

## [Gospel reading for the 1st Saturday after Pentecost (Matthew 5:42-48)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/06/2)

> Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Hieromartyr George of Serbia - 04 ...

2026-06-04T20:00:22Z

## [Hieromartyr George of Serbia - 04 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/04/108049-hieromartyr-george-of-serbia)

🎶troparion🎶

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr George, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [“Surety of Sinners” Icon of the Mother of God of Korets - ...

2026-06-04T10:00:22Z

## [“Surety of Sinners” Icon of the Mother of God of Korets - 04 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/04/101534-surety-of-sinners-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-korets)

![“Surety of Sinners” Icon of the Mother of God of Korets]( )

🎶troparion🎶

To you, the ever-flowing source of mercy and Intercessor for sinners,
O Theotokos, we your unworthy servants, bow down in sorrow, crying out:
“Save us from our troubles, O Sovereign Lady,
and by your maternal intercession ask eternal salvation for all of us.”

🎶kontakion🎶

As the revered dwelling place of the ineffable Divine nature, beyond words and understanding;
and an intercessor for sinners, granting grace and healing;
as the Mother of Him Who reigns over all,
pray to your Son that we may receive mercy on the Day of Judgment.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious ...

2026-05-25T10:00:22Z

## [Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John - 25 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/25/101531-third-finding-of-the-honorable-head-of-the-holy-glorious-prophet)

![Third Finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John]( )

🎶troparion🎶

As a divine treasure hidden in the ground
was your head revealed to us by Christ, O prophet and forerunner.
We have gathered in commemoration of this finding
with inspired hymns of praise to the Savior,
Who saves us from corruption through your prayers!

🎶kontakion🎶

By giving your venerable head to a sinful woman,
Herod broke the law of God.
But we behold it and cry out for joy,
and say to you, O forerunner:
Pray to the Lord that He may grant mercy to us all!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus - 12 ...

2026-05-12T10:00:22Z

## [Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus - 12 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/12/101356-saint-epiphanius-bishop-of-cyprus)

![Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus]( )

🎶troparion🎶

O God of our Fathers,
always act with kindness towards us;
take not Your mercy from us,
but guide our lives in peace
through the prayers of the hierarchs Epiphanius and Germanus.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “As You were voluntarily raised...”)With faith, let us praise the pair of wonderful hierarchs,
the divine Epiphanius and Germanus,
for they subdued the godless pagans
by proclaiming the wisest teachings to all,
ever chanting the great mystery of piety in an Orthodox manner.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople - 11 ...

2026-05-11T10:00:22Z

## [Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople - 11 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/11/107791-commemoration-of-the-founding-of-constantinople)

![Commemoration of the Founding of Constantinople]( )

🎶troparion🎶

The city of the Theotokos
dedicates its foundation as an offering to the Theotokos.
For it has been established to remain in Her,
and it lives and is strengthened through Her,
crying out to Her,
“Hail, the hope of all the ends of the earth.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 09 May 2026 ...

2026-05-09T13:00:22Z

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 09 May 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/05/09)

## [Epistle reading for Saturday of the 4th Sunday of Pascha (Acts 12:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/05/09/1)

> 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. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

## [Gospel reading for Saturday of the 4th Sunday of Pascha (John 8:31-42)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/05/09/2)

> Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father – God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [New Martyrs and Confessors of Butovo - 09 ...

2026-05-09T10:00:22Z

## [New Martyrs and Confessors of Butovo - 09 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/09/100271-new-martyrs-and-confessors-of-butovo)

![New Martyrs and Confessors of Butovo]( )

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Midfeast of Pentecost - 06 ...

2026-05-06T10:00:22Z

## [Midfeast of Pentecost - 06 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/06/38-midfeast-of-pentecost)

![Midfeast of Pentecost]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In the middle of the Feast, O Savior,
fill my thirsting soul with the waters of godliness, as You did cry to all:
If anyone thirst let him come to me and drink!
O Christ God, Fountain of our life, glory to You!

🎶kontakion🎶

Christ God, the Creator and Master of all
cried to all in the midst of the Feast of the law:
Come and draw the water of immortality!
We fall before You and faithfully cry:
Grant us Your bounties, for You are the Fountain of our life!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Holy Great Martyr Xenia of Kalamata - 03 ...

2026-05-03T20:00:53Z

## [Holy Great Martyr Xenia of Kalamata - 03 May](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/05/03/100266-holy-great-martyr-xenia-of-kalamata)

🎶troparion🎶

(Podoben: “Be quick to anticipate...”)Reddened by your blood and radiantly adorned with it, O Xenίa,
as you stood before Christ as an unblemished bride,
you received grace to deliver (people) from sorcery,
to drive away demons, and to heal diseases;
therefore, intercede unceasingly with Him for our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Xenia;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Uncovering of the relics of Saint Basil, Bishop of Amasea - ...

2026-04-30T20:00:53Z

## [Uncovering of the relics of Saint Basil, Bishop of Amasea - 30 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/30/101250-uncovering-of-the-relics-of-saint-basil-bishop-of-amasea)

![Uncovering of the relics of Saint Basil, Bishop of Amasea]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Basil,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 30 April 2026 ...

2026-04-30T13:00:56Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 30 April 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30)

## [Vespers reading for the Holy Apostle James (Jacob), the brother of Saint John the Theologian (James 1:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/1)

> James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 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. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

## [Vespers reading for the Holy Apostle James (Jacob), the brother of Saint John the Theologian (James 1:13-27)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/2)

> Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

## [Vespers reading for the Holy Apostle James (Jacob), the brother of Saint John the Theologian (James 2:1-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/3)

> My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

## [Epistle reading for the Holy Apostle James (Jacob), the brother of Saint John the Theologian (Acts 12:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/5)

> 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. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

## [Gospel reading for the Holy Apostle James (Jacob), the brother of Saint John the Theologian (Luke 5:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/6)

> So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by the lake; but the fishermen had gone from them and were washing their nets. Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.

## [Epistle reading for Thursday of the 3rd Sunday of Pascha (Acts 8:26-39)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/7)

> Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is desert. So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

## [Gospel reading for Thursday of the 3rd Sunday of Pascha (John 6:40-44)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/30/8)

> And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Martyr Savva Stratelates “the General” of Rome, and 70 ...

2026-04-24T10:00:54Z

## [Martyr Savva Stratelates “the General” of Rome, and 70 soldiers with him - 24 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/24/101188-martyr-savva-stratelates-the-general-of-rome-and-70-soldiers-wit)

![Martyr Savva Stratelates “the General” of Rome, and 70 soldiers with him]( )

🎶troparion🎶

You abandoned earthly rank and honor,
and as an athlete, confessed Christ God before the false and tyrannical emperors.
For His sake, you endured much suffering, O glorious one.
Therefore, splendidly adorned with the armies of heaven,
you have been crowned with a beautiful wreath of victory
by the King who reigns over all.
As you stand before Him, O Savva,
pray that He may save our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

You were shown to be an invincible athlete, most blessed Savva,
overcoming the snares of the barbarians.
You contended with faithfulness,
conquering a multitude of the invisible enemy.
Therefore, you have woven a wreath of victory.
Most glorious one, entreat Christ for those who honor you with faith.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Theodore the Sykeote, Bishop of Anastasiopolis - 22 ...

2026-04-22T10:00:53Z

## [Saint Theodore the Sykeote, Bishop of Anastasiopolis - 22 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/22/101178-saint-theodore-the-sykeote-bishop-of-anastasiopolis)

![Saint Theodore the Sykeote, Bishop of Anastasiopolis]( )

🎶troparion🎶

You were sanctified from your earliest childhood
and were shown to be filled with grace.
You illumined the world with miracles
and drove away a multitude of demons, O Holy Hierarch Theodore.
Therefore, entreat the Lord on our behalf.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben “Today the Virgin...”)As upon a fiery chariot, you ascended on the virtues to the heavenly mansions, O God-bearer Theodore.
You were an Angel living on earth with men;
and a man dancing with joy with the holy Angels.
Therefore, O Theodore,
you proved to be a divine vessel of miracles.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 17 April 2026 ...

2026-04-17T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 17 April 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/17)

## [Epistle reading for the Bright Friday — The “Lifegiving Fountain” Icon of the Most-holy Theotokos. (Philippians 2:5-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/17/1)

> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

## [Gospel reading for the Bright Friday — The “Lifegiving Fountain” Icon of the Most-holy Theotokos. (Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/17/2)

> Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

## [Epistle reading for Bright Friday (Acts 3:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/17/3)

> Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them – walking, leaping, and praising God.

## [Gospel reading for Bright Friday (John 2:12-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/17/4)

> After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body. Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy - 15 ...

2026-04-15T20:00:53Z

## [Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy - 15 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/15/101083-apostle-aristarchus-of-the-seventy)

![Apostle Aristarchus of the Seventy]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Holy Apostles Aristarchus, Pudens, and Trophimus,
entreat the merciful God
to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

🎶kontakion🎶

Apostles of Christ and laborers for the Savior,
Aristarchus, Pudens, and Trophimus,
you are the light of the world.
Intercede for us who praise your glorious memory
and pray that we may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Callinicus of Cernica, Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania ...

2026-04-11T20:00:53Z

## [Saint Callinicus of Cernica, Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania - 11 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/11/101059-saint-callinicus-of-cernica-bishop-of-rimnicului-in-romania)

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Callinicus,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Great and Holy Saturday - 11 ...

2026-04-11T10:00:54Z

## [Great and Holy Saturday - 11 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/11/26-great-and-holy-saturday)

![Great and Holy Saturday]( )

🎶troparion🎶

The Noble Joseph,
when he had taken down Your most pure Body from the tree,
wrapped it in fine linen,
and anointed it with spices,
and placed it in a new tomb.

🎶kontakion🎶

He who shut in the depths is beheld dead,
wrapped in fine linen and spices.
The Immortal One is laid in a tomb as a mortal man.
The women have come to anoint Him with myrrh,
weeping bitterly and crying:
“This is the most blessed Sabbath
on which Christ has fallen asleep to rise on the third day!”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Great and Holy Wednesday - 08 ...

2026-04-08T10:00:53Z

## [Great and Holy Wednesday - 08 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/08/23-great-and-holy-wednesday)

![Great and Holy Wednesday]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Behold the Bridegroom comes at midnight,
and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching,
and again unworthy is the servant whom He shall find heedless.
Beware, therefore, O my soul, do not be weighed down with sleep,
lest you be given up to death and lest you be shut out of the Kingdom.
But rouse yourself crying: Holy, Holy, Holy, are You, O our God!
Through the Theotokos have mercy on us!

🎶kontakion🎶

Though I have transgressed more than the harlot, O Good One,
I have not offered You a flood of tears, but in silence I fall down before You.
With love I embrace Your most Pure feet.
As Master, grant me remission of sins, when I cry to You, O Savior:
“Deliver me from the filth of my evil deeds.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [“Unfading Flower” Icon of the Mother of God - 03 ...

2026-04-03T20:00:54Z

## [“Unfading Flower” Icon of the Mother of God - 03 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/03/100983-unfading-flower-icon-of-the-mother-of-god)

![“Unfading Flower” Icon of the Mother of God]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Rejoice, O Bride of God,
rejoice, mystical rod which blossomed the Unfading Flower;1
rejoice, O Sovereign Lady,
through whom we are filled with joy and inherit life.1This is a quotation from the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn, Canon to the Theotokos, Ode 7.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 03 April 2026 ...

2026-04-03T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 03 April 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/03)

## [6th Hour reading for Friday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Isaiah 66:10-24)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/03/1)

> “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all you who love her; rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; That you may feed and be satisfied with the consolation of her bosom, that you may drink deeply and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.” For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, and His indignation to His enemies. For behold, the Lord will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many. “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the Lord. “For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. “I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. “Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the Lord out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. “And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,” says the Lord. “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, “so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord. “And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Genesis 49:33-50:26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/03/2)

> And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, and wept over him, and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’” And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.” So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering. Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. “Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Proverbs 31:8-31)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/03/3)

> Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable Niketas the Confessor, Abbot of Medikion - 03 ...

2026-04-03T10:00:53Z

## [Venerable Niketas the Confessor, Abbot of Medikion - 03 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/03/100975-venerable-niketas-the-confessor-abbot-of-medikion)

![Venerable Niketas the Confessor, Abbot of Medikion]( )

🎶troparion🎶

You were a firm pillar and an undaunted guardian of sacred tradition, O Nicetas;
you were adorned with holy dispassion and became an illustrious confessor of the Faith.
Accept the prayers of those who cry to you,
interceding for them with Christ our God.

🎶kontakion🎶

You acquired a heavenly mind and life,
shining as brightly as the sun in the splendor of your deeds!
Father Nicetas, you enlighten those in the darkness of life guiding them all to God.
Pray without ceasing for us all!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria - 02 ...

2026-04-02T20:00:53Z

## [Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria - 02 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/02/100974-martyr-polycarp-of-alexandria)

![Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Your holy martyr Polycarp, O Lord,
through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Polycarp;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 02 April 2026 ...

2026-04-02T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 02 April 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/02)

## [6th Hour reading for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Isaiah 65:8-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/02/1)

> Thus says the Lord: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it,’ so will I do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah an heir of My mountains; My elect shall inherit it, and My servants shall dwell there. Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down, for My people who have sought Me. “But you are those who forsake the Lord, who forget My holy mountain, who prepare a table for Gad, and who furnish a drink offering for Meni. Therefore I will number you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear, but did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.” Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed; Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit. You shall leave your name as a curse to My chosen; for the Lord God will slay you, and call His servants by another name; so that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My eyes.

## [Vespers reading for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Genesis 46:1-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/02/2)

> So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” And he said, “Here I am.” So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. “I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.” Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.

## [Vespers reading for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Proverbs 23:15-24:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/02/3)

> My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice – indeed, I myself; yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things. Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well. She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable Titus the Wonderworker - 02 ...

2026-04-02T10:00:53Z

## [Venerable Titus the Wonderworker - 02 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/02/100971-venerable-titus-the-wonderworker)

![Venerable Titus the Wonderworker]( )

🎶troparion🎶

(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)You were dedicated to the Lord from childhood,
living in the world as an angel;
and you received from God the grace of working miracles;
therefore, you were a guide of monks and a wise steward, O most blessed Titus.
Do not cease to intercede with God for the world, O Father.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)You purified yourself through prayer and abstinence
and shone forth with grace and virtue.
Thus, you bring joy to us who sing to you:
“Rejoice, O Titus,
adornment of the Fathers.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides - 01 ...

2026-04-01T20:00:53Z

## [Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides - 01 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/01/100968-martyrs-gerontius-and-basilides)

![Martyrs Gerontius and Basilides]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Your holy martyrs Gerontius and Basilides, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 01 April 2026 ...

2026-04-01T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 01 April 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/01)

## [6th Hour reading for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Isaiah 58:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/01/1)

> “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God. ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and you take no notice?’ “In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

## [Vespers reading for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Genesis 43:26-31, 45:1-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/01/2)

> And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.” Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. “But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. “For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. “And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. “Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. “You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. “There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”’ “And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. “So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him. Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

## [Vespers reading for Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Proverbs 21:23-22:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/04/01/3)

> Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. A proud and haughty man – “Scoffer” is his name; he acts with arrogant pride. The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly. A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way. There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord. A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable Mary of Egypt - 01 ...

2026-04-01T10:00:53Z

## [Venerable Mary of Egypt - 01 April](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/04/01/100963-venerable-mary-of-egypt)

![Venerable Mary of Egypt]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In you, O Mother, was preserved with exactness what was according to the image;
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away;
but to care for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore, O Venerable Mary, your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

🎶kontakion🎶

Having been a sinful woman,
you became a Bride of Christ through repentance.
Having attained the angelic life,
you defeated demons by the weapon of the Cross;
therefore, O most glorious Mary you are a Bride of the Kingdom.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Repose of Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia ...

2026-03-31T20:00:53Z

## [Repose of Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia - 31 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/31/100955-repose-of-saint-jonah-metropolitan-of-moscow-and-all-russia)

![Repose of Saint Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Jonah,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 31 March 2026 ...

2026-03-31T13:00:56Z

# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 31 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31)

## [6th Hour reading for Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Isaiah 49:6-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/1)

> Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him Whom the nation abhors, to the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord Who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, Who has chosen You.” Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; that You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ “They shall feed along the roads, and their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; for He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them.

## [Vespers reading for Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Genesis 31:3-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/2)

> Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. “And you know that with all my might I have served your father. “Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. “If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. “So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. “And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. “Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ “And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. ‘I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’” Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? “Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. “For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

## [Vespers reading for Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Proverbs 21:3-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/3)

> To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin. The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right. Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it. He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

## [Vespers reading for the 3rd reading, Saint (Composite 2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/4)

> The memory of the righteous is with praise and the blessing of the Lord is upon his head. Blessed is the man who has found wisdom and the mortal who has understanding. For it is better to purchase her than treasuries of gold and silver. She is more precious than precious stones and all that is precious is unworthy of her. For length of days and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are riches and glory. Out of her mouth proceeds righteousness and she bears law and mercy upon her tongue. Hear me, O child, for I will speak noble things. Blessed is the man who keeps my ways, for my ways are the ways of life, and in them is prepared favor from the Lord. Therefore, I pray thee, and utter my voice to the sons of men: For I, wisdom, have dwelt with counsel and knowledge and I have called upon understanding. Counsel and safety are mine, understanding and strength are mine. I love those who love me and those seeking me shall find grace. Understand craftiness, O you who are simple, and imbibe knowledge, you who are untaught. Hear me again, for I will speak noble things: I will open my mouth and from my lips shall come what is right. For my throat shall meditate truth; false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing in them that is twisted or perverse. They are all straight to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge. I shall instruct you in truth, so that your hope will be in the Lord and you shall be filled with the Spirit.

## [Vespers reading for the 4th reading, Saint (Composite 3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/5)

> The righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. The righteous man who has died will judge the ungodly who are living. For they will see the end of the righteous, and will not understand what was said about him; for the Lord will cast down the ungodly speechless to the ground and shake them from the foundations; they shall become desolate to the end; they will be in sorrows, and their memory will perish. For they will come with fear at the thought of their sins, and their iniquities shall stand against them to convict them. Then the righteous man will stand with great boldness before those who have afflicted him, and those who have made of no account his labors. Having seen it, they shall be troubled with much fear and they will be amazed at his most-glorious salvation. They will say within themselves in repentance, in anguish of spirit they will groan and say: “This was he whom we had sometimes in derision and a proverb of reproach – we fools! We accounted his life as madness, and his end to be without honor. How is he numbered among the sons of God? And why is his lot among the Saints? “Therefore, we have erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness did not illumine us, nor did the sun shine on us. We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction, and we walked impassable pathways, but the way of the Lord we have not known.”

## [Vespers reading for the 5th reading, Saint (Composite 4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/6)

> The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom; the lips of the wise man know grace. The mouth of the wise speaketh wisdom, and the truth delivereth them from death. If a righteous man dies, hope doth not, for the son of the righteous is born to life, and in his own good things he acquireth the fruit of righteousness. There is always light for the righteous and they obtain grace and glory from the Lord. The tongue of the wise is a good sister-in-law, and in their hearts resteth wisdom. The Lord loveth the hearts of the holy, and acceptable to Him are all the undefiled in the way. The wisdom of the Lord illumineth the faces of the wise. For she takes hold of those desiring her by making herself first known to them. She is easily seen by those who love her. He who rises early to seek her shall have no difficulty, and those keeping vigil for the sake of her shall quickly be without sorrows. For she goeth about seeking those worthy of her, and graciously revealeth herself in the pathways. Against wisdom evil doth not prevail. Therefore I was a lover of her beauty; I loved her and sought her out from my youth. I desired to make her my bride, and even the Master of All loved her. For she is an initiate in the knowledge of God, and a discoverer of His works. Her labors are virtues, for she teaches temperance and prudence, justice and courage; nothing in life is more necessary for men than these. And if anyone desireth much knowledge, she knoweth the things of old, and beholdeth things to come; she understandeth turns of speech and the solution of riddles; she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders and the outcome of times and seasons. She is a mediator of good things for all, for immortality is in her, and glory in the company of her words. Therefore I appealed to the Lord and prayed to Him, and said to Him with all my heart: “O God of my fathers and Lord of mercy, Who hast made all things by Thy word, and by Thy wisdom hast fashioned man that he should have dominion over the creatures made by Thee, that he should rule the world in holiness and righteousness: Give me wisdom that sits by Thy throne, and cast me not away from among Thy children, for I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid. Send her forth from the heavens, from Thy holy abode, and from the throne of Thy glory, that she may be with me, and instruct me in what is pleasing to Thee. And she shall guide me in understanding, and preserve me in her glory. For the thoughts of mortals are miserable, and their intentions likely to fail.”

## [Epistle reading for the Repose of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts and Apostle to the Americas (Hebrews 7:26-8:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/8)

> For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for his own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

## [Gospel reading for the Repose of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts and Apostle to the Americas (John 10:9-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/31/9)

> I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Repose of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener ...

2026-03-31T10:00:53Z

## [Repose of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts, Apostle to the Americas - 31 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/31/100954-repose-of-saint-innocent-metropolitan-of-moscow-enlightener-of-t)

![Repose of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow, Enlightener of the Aleuts, Apostle to the Americas]( )

🎶troparion🎶

O holy father Innocent
in obedience to the will of God
you accepted dangers and tribulations
bringing many peoples to the knowledge of truth.
You showed us the way,
now by your prayers help lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

🎶kontakion🎶

A true celebration of the providence and grace of God
is your life, O holy father Innocent, Apostle to our land.
In hardships and dangers you toiled for the Gospel’s sake
and God delivered and preserved you unharmed.
From obscurity He highly exalted you as an example
that the Lord truly guides a man in the way he should go.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Apostle Cephas of the Seventy - 30 ...

2026-03-30T20:00:53Z

## [Apostle Cephas of the Seventy - 30 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/30/100948-apostle-cephas-of-the-seventy)

🎶troparion🎶

Holy Apostle Cephas,
entreat the merciful God,
to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 30 March 2026 ...

2026-03-30T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 30 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/30)

## [6th Hour reading for Monday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Isaiah 48:17-49:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/30/1)

> Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; his name would not have been cut off nor destroyed from before Me.” Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim this, utter it to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant, Jacob!” And they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” “Listen, O coastlands, to me, and take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called me from the womb; from the matrix of my mother he has made mention of my name. And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has hidden me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver He has hidden me.” “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, and my work with my God.’”

## [Vespers reading for Monday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Genesis 27:1-41)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/30/2)

> Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. “Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. “And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.’ “Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. “Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. “Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. “Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.” Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.” He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: “Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!” Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.” And his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him – and indeed he shall be blessed.” When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me – me also, O my father!” But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?” And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me – me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: “Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

## [Vespers reading for Monday of the Sixth Week of Lent (Proverbs 19:16-25)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/30/3)

> He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die. He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel – that will stand. What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of “the Ladder” ...

2026-03-30T10:00:53Z

## [Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of “the Ladder” - 30 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/30/100943-venerable-john-climacus-of-sinai-author-of-the-ladder)

![Venerable John Climacus of Sinai, Author of “the Ladder”]( )

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile
and by your longing for God you brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illuminated the whole universe.
O our holy Father John Climacus, pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

You offered us your teachings as fruits of everlasting freshness,
to sweeten the hearts of those who receive them with attention.
O blessed and wise John, they are the rungs of a ladder,
leading the souls of those who honor you from earth to Eternal glory in Heaven!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Nikḗtas of the Roslavl Forests - 29 ...

2026-03-29T20:00:53Z

## [Saint Nikḗtas of the Roslavl Forests - 29 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/29/105910-saint-niktas-of-the-roslavl-forests)

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Niketas, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 29 March 2026 ...

2026-03-29T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 29 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29)

## [Matins Gospel reading (John 20:19-31)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29/1)

> Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

## [Epistle reading for the St Mary of Egypt. (Galatians 3:23-29)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29/2)

> But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

## [Gospel reading for the St Mary of Egypt. (Luke 7:36-50)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29/3)

> Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” So he said, “Teacher, say it.” “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

## [Epistle reading for Fifth Sunday of Lent (Hebrews 9:11-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29/4)

> But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

## [Gospel reading for Fifth Sunday of Lent (Mark 10:32-45)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/29/5)

> Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [5th Sunday of Great Lent: St Mary of Egypt - 29 ...

2026-03-29T10:00:53Z

## [5th Sunday of Great Lent: St Mary of Egypt - 29 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/29/18-5th-sunday-of-great-lent-st-mary-of-egypt)

![5th Sunday of Great Lent: St Mary of Egypt]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In you, O Mother, was preserved with exactness what was according to the image;
for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.
By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away;
but to care for the soul, since it is immortal.
Therefore, O Venerable Mary, your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

🎶kontakion🎶

Having been a sinful woman,
you became a Bride of Christ through repentance.
Having attained the angelic life,
you defeated demons by the weapon of the Cross;
therefore, O most glorious Mary you are a Bride of the Kingdom.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable John, Bishop of Manglisi - 28 ...

2026-03-28T20:00:53Z

## [Venerable John, Bishop of Manglisi - 28 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/28/103831-venerable-john-bishop-of-manglisi)

![Venerable John, Bishop of Manglisi]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father John,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 28 March 2026 ...

2026-03-28T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 28 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/28)

## [Epistle reading for the Fifth Saturday of Lent — Saturday of the Akathist to the Most-holy Theotokos. (Hebrews 9:1-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/28/1)

> Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance;

## [Gospel reading for the Fifth Saturday of Lent — Saturday of the Akathist to the Most-holy Theotokos. (Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/28/2)

> Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

## [Epistle reading for Fifth Saturday of Lent (Hebrews 9:24-28)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/28/3)

> For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another – He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

## [Gospel reading for Fifth Saturday of Lent (Mark 8:27-31)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/28/4)

> Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him. And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos ...

2026-03-28T10:00:53Z

## [5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos - 28 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/28/17-5th-saturday-of-great-lent-of-the-akathist-to-the-theotokos)

![5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos]( )

🎶troparion🎶

When the archangel understood the mysterious command,
he came to the house of Joseph with haste and proclaimed to the unwedded Lady:
The One Who bowed the heavens by His condescension
is contained wholly and without change in you!
As I behold Him in your womb, taking the form of a servant, I am frightened, but cry:
Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

🎶kontakion🎶

Victorious leader of triumphant hosts,
we your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, Theotokos!
As you possess invincible might set us free from every calamity,
so that we may sing: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Icon of the Mother of God “of the Akathist” - 27 ...

2026-03-27T20:00:53Z

## [Icon of the Mother of God “of the Akathist” - 27 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/27/100918-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-the-akathist)

![Icon of the Mother of God “of the Akathist”]( )

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 27 March 2026 ...

2026-03-27T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 27 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/27)

## [6th Hour reading for Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Isaiah 45:11-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/27/1)

> Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. I have made the earth, and created man on it. I – My hands – stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded. I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says the Lord of hosts. Thus says the Lord: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; they shall walk behind you, they shall come over in chains; and they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, ‘God is with you only, and there is no other; no god besides Him.’ Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! They shall be ashamed and also disgraced, all of them; they shall go in confusion together, who are makers of idols. But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Genesis 22:1-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/27/2)

> Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son – “blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Proverbs 17:17-18:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/27/3)

> A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend. He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice. Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness. He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach. The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel - 26 ...

2026-03-26T20:00:53Z

## [Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel - 26 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/26/100886-synaxis-of-the-archangel-gabriel)

![Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Gabriel, commander of the heavenly hosts,
we who are unworthy beseech you,
by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,
and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you:
“Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commander of the powers on high!”

🎶kontakion🎶

Supreme commander Gabriel,
you are the glorious intercessor and servant
before the all-radiant, worthy, all-powerful, infinite and awesome Trinity.
Ever pray now that we may be delivered from all tribulations and torments,
so that we may cry out to you:
“Rejoice, protection of your servants!”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Leavetaking of the Annunciation - 26 ...

2026-03-26T10:00:53Z

## [Leavetaking of the Annunciation - 26 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/26/100885-leavetaking-of-the-annunciation)

![Leavetaking of the Annunciation]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Today is the beginning of our salvation,
the revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace,
the Lord is with You!

🎶kontakion🎶

O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts!
We, your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos!
As you possess invincible might, set us free from every calamity
so that we may sing: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and ...

2026-03-25T20:00:53Z

## [The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary - 25 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/25/100884-the-annunciation-of-our-most-holy-lady-the-theotokos-and-ever-vi)

![The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Today is the beginning of our salvation,
the revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:
Hail, O Full of Grace,
the Lord is with You!

🎶kontakion🎶

O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts!
We, your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos!
As you possess invincible might, set us free from every calamity
so that we may sing: Hail, O unwedded Bride!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 25 March 2026 ...

2026-03-25T13:00:55Z

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 25 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25)

## [6th Hour reading for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Isaiah 41:4-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/1)

> Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, am the first; and with the last I am He.’” The coastlands saw it and feared, the ends of the earth were afraid; they drew near and came. Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, “Be of good courage!” So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; he who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, Saying, “It is ready for the soldering”; then he fastened it with pegs, that it might not totter. “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ “Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them – those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ “Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you, says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

## [Vespers reading for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Genesis 17:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/2)

> When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. “And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.

## [Vespers reading for Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Proverbs 15:20-16:9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/3)

> A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below. The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy. The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility. The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

## [Vespers reading for the 3rd reading, Theotokos (Exodus 3:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/4)

> Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father – the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. “So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites

## [Vespers reading for the 4th reading, Theotokos (Proverbs 8:22-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/5)

> “The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. I have been established from everlasting, from the beginning, before there was ever an earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields, or the primal dust of the world. When He prepared the heavens, I was there, when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep, when He assigned to the sea its limit, so that the waters would not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him,

## [Epistle reading for the Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (Hebrews 2:11-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/7)

> For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

## [Gospel reading for the Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (Luke 1:24-38)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/25/8)

> Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [The Annunciation of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and ...

2026-03-25T10:00:53Z

## [Saint Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia - 24 ...

2026-03-24T20:00:53Z

## [Saint Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia - 24 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/24/100878-saint-artemon-bishop-of-seleucia)

![Saint Artemon, Bishop of Seleucia]( )

🎶troparion🎶

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Artemon,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 24 March 2026 ...

2026-03-24T13:00:55Z

# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 24 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24)

## [6th Hour reading for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Isaiah 40:18-31)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/1)

> To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? The workman molds an image, the goldsmith overspreads it with gold, and the silversmith casts silver chains. Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks for himself a skillful workman to prepare a carved image that will not totter. Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. “To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and see Who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing. Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

## [Vespers reading for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Genesis 15:1-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/2)

> After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. “And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. “Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age.

## [Vespers reading for Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Proverbs 15:7-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/3)

> The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness. Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men. A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise. A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention. The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway.

## [Vespers reading for the 3rd reading, Theotokos (Genesis 28:10-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/4)

> Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. “Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”

## [Vespers reading for the 4th reading, Theotokos (Ezekiel 43:27-44:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/5)

> ‘When these days are over it shall be, on the eighth day and thereafter, that the priests shall offer your burnt offerings and your peace offerings on the altar; and I will accept you,’ says the Lord God.” Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. “As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way.” Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell on my face.

## [Vespers reading for the 5th reading, Theotokos (Proverbs 9:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/24/6)

> Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; she has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Forefeast of the Annunciation - 24 ...

2026-03-24T10:00:53Z

## [Forefeast of the Annunciation - 24 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/24/100876-forefeast-of-the-annunciation)

![Forefeast of the Annunciation]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Today the beginning of universal joy moves us to sing the prefestal hymn;
for Gabriel is coming and will cry to her:
"Rejoice, O Virgin full of grace, the Lord is with you.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Greek)At the great Archangel’s voice, O Theotokos,
the All-holy Spirit came upon thee
and thou didst conceive Him Who is one in essence and co-enthroned with God the Father,
O you who are the recall of Adam.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Sergius (Srebryansky), the New Confessor of Tver - ...

2026-03-23T20:00:53Z

## [Venerable Sergius (Srebryansky), the New Confessor of Tver - 23 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/23/103912-venerable-sergius-srebryansky-the-new-confessor-of-tver)

![Venerable Sergius (Srebryansky), the New Confessor of Tver]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
the enlightener of the universe and the adornment of hierarchs:
all-wise father Sergius, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things.
Intercede before Christ God to save our souls.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 23 March 2026 ...

2026-03-23T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 23 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/23)

## [6th Hour reading for Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Isaiah 37:33-38:6)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/23/1)

> “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor build a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same shall he return; and he shall not come into this city,’ says the Lord. ‘For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’” Then the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses – all dead. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place. In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. “I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”’

## [Vespers reading for Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Genesis 13:12-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/23/2)

> Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord. And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are northward, southward, eastward, and westward; “for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. “And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. “Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

## [Vespers reading for Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent (Proverbs 14:27-15:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/23/3)

> The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly. A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death. Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame. A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Venerable Isaac the Confessor, Founder of the Dalmatian ...

2026-03-22T20:00:53Z

## [Venerable Isaac the Confessor, Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople - 22 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/22/100863-venerable-isaac-the-confessor-founder-of-the-dalmatian-monastery)

![Venerable Isaac the Confessor, Founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
enlightener of the universe and adornment of hierarchs:
all-wise father Isaac, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things.
Intercede before Christ God to save our souls.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 22 March 2026 ...

2026-03-22T13:00:55Z

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 22 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22)

## [Matins Gospel reading (John 20:11-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22/1)

> But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

## [Epistle reading for Fourth Sunday of Lent (Ephesians 5:9-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22/2)

> (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

## [Gospel reading for Saint John Climacus (of The Ladder ). (Matthew 4:25-5:12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22/3)

> Great multitudes followed Him – from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

## [Epistle reading for Fourth Sunday of Lent (Hebrews 6:13-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22/4)

> For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

## [Gospel reading for Fourth Sunday of Lent (Mark 9:17-31)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/22/5)

> Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [4th Sunday of Great Lent: St John Climacus (of the Ladder) - ...

2026-03-22T10:00:53Z

## [4th Sunday of Great Lent: St John Climacus (of the Ladder) - 22 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/22/16-4th-sunday-of-great-lent-st-john-climacus-of-the-ladder)

![4th Sunday of Great Lent: St John Climacus (of the Ladder)]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Dweller of the desert and angel in the body,
you were shown to be a wonderworker, our God-bearing Father John.
You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer:
healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith.
Glory to Him who gave you strength.
Glory to Him who granted you a crown.
Glory to Him Who, through you, grants healing to all.

🎶kontakion🎶

(Podoben: “The Angelic Choir...”)The Lord truly set you on the height of abstinence,
O our instructor and Father John,
as an unerring star, guiding the ends of the earth by your light.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Seraphim of Vyritsa - 21 ...

2026-03-21T20:00:55Z

## [Venerable Seraphim of Vyritsa - 21 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/21/103710-venerable-seraphim-of-vyritsa)

![Venerable Seraphim of Vyritsa]( )

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Seraphim, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 21 March 2026 ...

2026-03-21T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 21 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/21)

## [Epistle reading for Departed (1 Corinthians 15:47-57)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/21/1)

> The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed – in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

## [Gospel reading for Departed (John 5:24-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/21/2)

> Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

## [Epistle reading for Fourth Saturday of Lent (Hebrews 6:9-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/21/3)

> But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

## [Gospel reading for Fourth Saturday of Lent (Mark 7:31-37)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/21/4)

> Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [4th Saturday of Great Lent: Memorial Saturday - 21 ...

2026-03-21T10:00:53Z

## [4th Saturday of Great Lent: Memorial Saturday - 21 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/21/15-4th-saturday-of-great-lent-memorial-saturday)

🎶troparion🎶

Only Creator, with wisdom profound, You mercifully order all things,
and give that which is needed to all men:
Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep,
for they have placed their trust in You, our Maker and Fashioner, and our God.

🎶kontakion🎶

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants,
where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing,
but life everlasting.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 20 March 2026 ...

2026-03-20T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 20 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/20)

## [6th Hour reading for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Isaiah 29:13-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/20/1)

> Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?” Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? Is it not yet a very little while till Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be esteemed as a forest? In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the terrible one is brought to nothing, the scornful one is consumed, and all who watch for iniquity are cut off – who make a man an offender by a word, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and turn aside the just by empty words. Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale; but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name, and hallow the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the God of Israel.

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Genesis 12:1-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/20/2)

> Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

## [Vespers reading for Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Proverbs 14:15-26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/20/3)

> The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated. The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends. He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly. A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Martyred Holy Fathers who were slain at the Monastery of ...

2026-03-20T10:00:53Z

## [Martyred Holy Fathers who were slain at the Monastery of Saint Savva - 20 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/20/100841-martyred-holy-fathers-who-were-slain-at-the-monastery-of-saint-s)

![Martyred Holy Fathers who were slain at the Monastery of Saint Savva]( )

🎶troparion🎶

As chosen and holy lambs of the Savior,
you were gathered together in wise Savva’s flock from many lands.
You were put to death by the cruelty of the barbarians
and you departed joyfully to the heavenly fold.
As righteous athletes you now pray for our souls.

🎶kontakion🎶

You openly disdained the pleasure of earthly and corruptible things,
choosing instead a life in the desert.
You despised the beautiful things of this world
together with the food that passes away.
Therefore, all-blessed ones, you were counted worthy of the Kingdom of heaven,
where you rejoice with the choirs of martyrs and ascetics.
As we honor your memory,
we earnestly cry out to you:
deliver us, O Fathers, from tribulations!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

Test

2026-03-19T22:24:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…25u4
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Test

Test

2026-03-19T22:16:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…25u4
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Test

## [Icon of the Mother of God of Lubyatov - 19 ...

2026-03-19T20:00:53Z

## [Icon of the Mother of God of Lubyatov - 19 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/19/108895-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-lubyatov)

![Icon of the Mother of God of Lubyatov]( )

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 19 March 2026 ...

2026-03-19T13:00:54Z

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 19 March 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/19)

## [6th Hour reading for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Isaiah 28:14-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/19/1)

> Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scornful men, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.” Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily. Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it. As often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day and by night; it will be a terror just to understand the report.” For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it. For the Lord will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon – that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act. Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

## [Vespers reading for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Genesis 10:32-11:9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/19/2)

> These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood. Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

## [Vespers reading for Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent (Proverbs 13:19-14:6)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/03/19/3)

> A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste. He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want. The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies. A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, and those with them at Rome - ...

2026-03-19T10:00:53Z

## [Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, and those with them at Rome - 19 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/19/100830-martyrs-chrysanthus-and-daria-and-those-with-them-at-rome)

![Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, and those with them at Rome]( )

🎶troparion🎶

Let us honor the like-minded pair of Martyrs,
Chrysanthos the offspring of purity, and the most modest Daria.
For united in holiness in the faith,
they were shown to be initiates of the Word of God.
They contested lawfully for Him; and they save those who sing:
“Glory to Him Who strengthened you.
Glory to Him Who crowned you.
Glory to Him Who, through you, works healings for all.”

🎶kontakion🎶

You breathed forth the sweet fragrance of piety, O Chrysanthos,
thereby drawing Daria to the knowledge of salvation, and you contested with her.
Putting the serpent to flight, the author of evil,
you were fittingly taken up to the heavenly Bridal Chamber.

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates - 18 ...

2026-03-18T20:00:53Z

## [Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates - 18 March](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/03/18/100828-venerable-aninas-of-the-euphrates)

![Venerable Aninas of the Euphrates]( )

🎶troparion🎶

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Aninas, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint