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2026-02-09 16:41:01 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Leavetaking of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple (Hebrews 7:7-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/09/1)
> Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
## [Epistle reading for Meatfare Monday (1 John 2:18-3:10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/09/3)
> Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us – eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
## [Gospel reading for the Leavetaking of the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/09/2)
> Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
## [Gospel reading for Meatfare Monday (Mark 11:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/09/4)
> Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.” So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-02-09 04:34:42 UTC

## [Martyr Nikephoros of Antioch, in Syria - 08 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/09/100466-martyr-nikephoros-of-antioch-in-syria)
![Martyr Nikephoros of Antioch, in Syria](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/february/0209nicephorusantioch.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your holy martyr Nikēphóros, 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🎶
Bound with chains of love, O Nikēphóros,
you demolished the malice of hatred.
And when beheaded, you became a holy martyr for the Incarnate Savior.
Pray to Him for us who praise your glorious memory in song.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-08 05:17:26 UTC

## [2nd Matins Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Mark 16:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/08/1)
> Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away – for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples – and Peter – that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
## [Epistle reading for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/08/2)
> All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
## [Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/08/3)
> Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living. But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-02-08 05:15:25 UTC

## [Sunday of the Prodigal Son - 07 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/08/3-sunday-of-the-prodigal-son)
![Sunday of the Prodigal Son](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/prelent/prodigalsona.jpg)
🎶kontakion🎶
I have recklessly forgotten Your glory, O Father;
and among sinners I have scattered the riches which You had given me.
Therefore, I cry to You like the Prodigal:
“I have sinned before You, O compassionate Father;
receive me a penitent and make me as one of Your hired servants.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-07 03:36:33 UTC

## [Saint Parthenios, Bishop of Lampsakos - 07 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/07/100457-saint-parthenios-bishop-of-lampsakos)
![Saint Parthenios, Bishop of Lampsakos](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/february/0207parthenius.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
O God of our Fathers,
ever dealing with us according to Your compassion, take not Your mercy from us,
but direct our lives in peace
through the prayers of Saint Parthenios.
🎶kontakion🎶
You received from God the grace of working miracles,
O godly-wise Hierarch, wonderworker, and God-bearer Parthenios.
You cleansed all the passions of the faithful
and cast out evil spirits.
Therefore, O Father, we sing your praise as a great initiate of the grace of God.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-07 03:35:41 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 34th Saturday after Pentecost (2 Timothy 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/07/1)
> But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
## [Gospel reading for the 17th Saturday of Luke (Luke 20:46-21:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/07/2)
> “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-02-06 05:04:58 UTC

## [Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna - 06 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/06/100441-saint-bucolus-bishop-of-smyrna)
![Saint Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/february/0206bucolus.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
You shone with the rays of virtue
received from him who leaned on the Master’s breast.
Resplendent, God-inspired hierarch,
you led your flock to the pastures of truth.
Entreat Christ our God for those who honor you, father Bucolus.
🎶kontakion🎶
He who was beloved of Christ
saw the purity of your life;
he made you a shepherd of the Church
and a radiant lamp of godliness.
Holy father Bucolus,
you truly emulated his virtues.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-06 05:04:32 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 34th Friday after Pentecost (1 John 2:7-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/06/1)
> Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
## [Gospel reading for the 17th Friday of Luke (Mark 14:3-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/06/2)
> And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, “Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-02-02 00:26:18 UTC

I'm an idiot who forgot to put the link
https://github.com/roguehashrate/orthofetch
#nevent1q…2gxl

2026-02-02 00:12:38 UTC

- reply

Suh dude?

2026-02-02 00:06:32 UTC

My dude, @nprofile…c8py, made a dope #Orthodox #Christian #python fetch tool for your terminal. Want to see the #saints for the day? BOOM! Orthofetch. Want to see what the #scripture readings are for the day? BOOM! Orthofetch. Want to read the #Bible in your terminal? BOOM! Orthofetch.
Show this man your appreciation by installing it and helping contribute. And if you're so compelled toss a few shekels his way
#grownostr

2026-02-01 23:57:39 UTC

## [1st Vespers reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Composite 6 - Exodus 12, 13; Numbers 8; Leviticus 12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/1)
> The Lord spoke to Moses in that very day on which He led the children of Israel out from the land of Egypt saying: “Sanctify to Me all the first-born, the first-produced opening the womb among the children of Israel.” And Moses went and gathered all the people and said: “Remember this day, in which you came out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for with a strong hand the Lord led you out from thence; and you shall keep His law. And it shall come to pass when the Lord your God shall bring you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to your fathers: you shall set apart all the first-born, whatever opens the womb, the males for the Lord. And it shall come to pass that if you son asks you, saying, “What is this?” you shall say to him: “By the strength of hand the Lord led you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. For when Pharoah hardened his heart, so as not to let us go, the Lord slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both the first-born of man and the first-born of cattle. Therefore, I bring a sacrifice to the Lord: every male that opens the womb; but all the first-born of my sons I will redeem.” And it shall be a sign, set firmly before your eyes. For thus says the Lord God Almighty: “The first-born of your sons you shall give to Me. And it shall be that a woman who bears a male child, on the eighth day shall circumcise the flesh of his foreskin. Then for thirty-three days she shall not enter the sanctuary of God until the days of purification are fulfilled. “And after this she shall bring to the Lord an unblemished lamb one year old, as a whole-burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove, to the doors of the tent of witness, to the priest. Or, instead of these she shall bring before the Lord two turtledoves or two young pigeons, and the priest shall pray for her. “For these are given to Me as a recompense from all the sons of Israel, and I have taken them and consecrated them for Myself, instead of the first-born of the Egyptians, in the day in which I slew all the first-born in the land of Egypt, of both man and cattle.” Thus saith God Most High, the Holy One of Israel.
## [2nd Vespers reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Isaiah 6:1-12))](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/2)
> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ “Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.” Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered: “Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, the houses are without a man, the land is utterly desolate, The Lord has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.
## [3rd Vespers reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Composite 7 - Isaiah 19:1, 3, 4-5, 12, 16, 19-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/3)
> Behold, the Lord sits on a light cloud, and shall come to Egypt; and the idols of Egypt will tremble at His presence, and their hearts shall faint within them. And their spirit shall be troubled within them, and He will frustrate their counsel. He will deliver Egypt into the hands of cruel lords – Thus saith the Lord, the holy Lord of Hosts! And the Egyptians shall drink the water that is by the sea, but will fail and be dried up. Thus saith the Lord: Where now are your wise men? Let them tell you and make known what the Lord of Hosts has purposed against Egypt. In that day the Egyptians will be in fear and trembling because of the hand of the Lord of Hosts which He shall lay upon them. And there shall be an altar to the Lord in the land of the Egyptians, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it shall be a sign to the Lord of Hosts forever in the land of the Egyptians; for they shall cry to the Lord and the Lord shall send to them a man who shall save them. And the Lord will make Himself known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and they shall offer sacrifices and gifts, and shall pray, and they make their vows to the Lord.
## [Matins Gospel reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Luke 2:25-32)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/4)
> And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
## [Epistle reading for the 34th Monday after Pentecost (2 Peter 1:20-2:9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/5)
> knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds) – then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,
## [Epistle reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Hebrews 7:7-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/02/7)
> Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
## [Gospel reading for the 17th Monday of Luke (Mark 13:9-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/02/6)
> But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
## [Gospel reading for the The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/02/8)
> Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD”), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-02-01 23:56:00 UTC

## [The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple - 02 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/02/100407-the-meeting-of-our-lord-and-savior-jesus-christ-in-the-temple)
![The Meeting of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/greatfeasts/0202meeting-lord-temple0001.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Hail, Virgin Theotokos, full of grace;
for from you has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,
giving light to those in darkness.
Be glad, O righteous Elder;
for you received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls,
Who bestows upon us the resurrection.
🎶kontakion🎶
By Your birth, You sanctified a virginal womb,
and fittingly You blessed Simeon’s hands, O Christ God;
even now You have saved us by anticipation.
Grant peace to Your faithful people whom You have loved, O only Lover of mankind.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-01 04:17:23 UTC

## [Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee - 01 February](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/02/01/2-sunday-of-the-publican-and-the-pharisee-embeginning-of-the-lente)
![Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/prelent/publicanpharisee.jpg)
🎶kontakion🎶
Let us flee from the pride of the Pharisee!
And learn humility from the Publican’s tears!
Let us cry to our Savior,
have mercy on us,
only merciful One!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-02-01 04:15:42 UTC

## [Matins Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (Matthew 28:16-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/01/1)
> Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
## [Epistle reading for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (2 Timothy 3:10-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/02/01/2)
> But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra – what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
## [Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/3)
> “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men – extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-31 05:21:03 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Saturday after Pentecost (2 Timothy 2:11-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/31/1)
> This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
## [Gospel reading for the 16th Saturday of Luke (Luke 18:2-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/31/2)
> saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-31 05:20:11 UTC

## [Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, and those with them - 31 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/31/100380-holy-wonderworkers-and-unmercenaries-cyrus-and-john-and-those-wi)
![Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John, and those with them](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0131athanasia-daughters-egypt.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
You have given us the miracles of Your martyrs, Cyrus and John,
as an invincible rampart;
through their prayers, frustrate the plans of the heathens,
and strengthen the faith of the Orthodox Christians,
for You alone are good and love mankind.
🎶kontakion🎶
Having received the gift of miracles through divine grace, O saints,
you work wonders in the world unceasingly.
You remove all of our passions through your invisible surgery,
divinely-wise Cyrus and glorious John,
for you are truly divine physicians.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-30 21:52:05 UTC

## [1st Vespers reading (Deuteronomy 1:8-11, 15-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/1)
> See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers – to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – to give to them and their descendants after them.’ And I spoke to you at that time, saying: ‘I alone am not able to bear you. The Lord your God has multiplied you, and here you are today, as the stars of heaven in multitude. May the Lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times more numerous than you are, and bless you as He has promised you! So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and knowledgeable men, and made them heads over you, leaders of thousands, leaders of hundreds, leaders of fifties, leaders of tens, and officers for your tribes. Then I commanded your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your brethren, and judge righteously between a man and his brother or the stranger who is with him. You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small as well as the great; you shall not be afraid in any man’s presence, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too hard for you, bring to me, and I will hear it.’
## [2nd Vespers reading (Deuteronomy 10:14-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/2)
> Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him, and to Him you shall hold fast, and take oaths in His name. He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen.
## [3rd Vespers reading (Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/3)
> 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.
## [Matins Gospel reading (John 10:9-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/4)
> 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.
## [Epistle reading for the Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom (Hebrews 13:7-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/5)
> Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them. We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Friday after Pentecost (2 Peter 1:1-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/7)
> Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble
## [Gospel reading for the Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom (Matthew 5:14-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/6)
> You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
## [Gospel reading for the 16th Friday of Luke (Mark 13:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/30/8)
> Then as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-30 21:45:22 UTC

## [Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom - 30 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/30/100350-synaxis-of-the-ecumenical-teachers-and-hierarchs-basil-the-great)
![Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0130hierarchs.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Let us who love their words come together, honoring with hymns, the three greatest luminaries of the Three-Sunned divinity:
Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, together with the renowned John Chrysostom, of golden speech.
They have illumined the entire world with the rays of divine doctrines;
they are sweetly-flowing rivers of wisdom,
who with divine knowledge have watered all of creation with clear streams;
for they always intercede with the Trinity for us.
🎶kontakion🎶
O Lord, You have received the Holy and God-proclaiming heralds, the crown of Your Teachers,
for the enjoyment of Your good things and for repose;
for You have accepted their sufferings and labors above every sacrifice,
for You alone glorify Your Saints.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-30 04:23:07 UTC

## [Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch - 29 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/29/100335-translation-of-the-relics-of-the-hieromartyr-ignatius-the-godbea)
![Translation of the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius, the Godbearer and Bishop of Antioch](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0129aignatiustheophorus.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Like a treasure of rich and abundant gifts
your relics were carried reverently from Rome to your flock.
While lovingly celebrating their return,
we receive the grace of healing for our souls and bodies:
and we always sing of your martyric contest, O glorious Hieromartyr Ignatius.
🎶kontakion🎶
Today you shone forth from the East,
enlightening all of creation with your teachings,
and you were adorned with martyrdom, O godly Ignatius the God-bearer.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-30 01:55:08 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Thursday after Pentecost (1 Peter 4:12-5:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/29/1)
> Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
## [Gospel reading for the 16th Thursday of Luke (Mark 12:38-44)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/29/2)
> Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-28 04:43:39 UTC

## [Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople - 27 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/27/100327-translation-of-the-relics-of-saint-john-chrysostom-archbishop-of)
![Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0127bjohnchrysostom.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe;
it has shone to the world the riches of poverty;
it has revealed to us the heights of humility.
Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom,
intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the holy Church is mystically gladdened by the transfer of your honored relics,
concealing them like precious gold;
and by your intercessions,
she unceasingly imparts the grace of healing unto those who praise you in song, O John Chrysostom.
🎶kontakion🎶
Having received divine grace from heaven,
you teach all men to adore the one God in three persons.
O all-blessed John Chrysostom, we rightly praise you,
for you are our teacher, revealing things divine!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-28 04:43:03 UTC

## [Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (Hebrews 7:26-8:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/27/5)
> 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.
## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Tuesday after Pentecost (1 Peter 3:10-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/27/7)
> For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
## [Gospel reading for the Translation of the relics of Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople (John 10:9-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/27/6)
> 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.
## [Gospel reading for the 16th Tuesday of Luke (Mark 12:18-27)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/27/8)
> Then some Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him; and they asked Him, saying: “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies, and leaves his wife behind, and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife; and dying, he left no offspring. And the second took her, and he died; nor did he leave any offspring. And the third likewise. So the seven had her and left no offspring. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For all seven had her as wife.” Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You are therefore greatly mistaken.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-25 03:38:14 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 25 January 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25)
## [1st Vespers reading (Proverbs 10, 3, 8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/1)
>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.
## [2nd Vespers reading (Proverbs 10; Wisdom of Solomon 6, 7, 8, 9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/2)
>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.”
## [3rd Vespers reading (Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/3)
>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.
## [Matins Gospel reading (John 21:15-25)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/4)
> So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
## [Epistle reading for the Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/5)
>But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
## [Epistle reading for the Sunday of Zacchaeus (1 Timothy 4:9-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/7)
>This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
## [Gospel reading for the Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (John 10:9-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/6)
>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.
## [Gospel reading for the Sunday of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/25/8)
>Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-25 03:14:23 UTC

## [Sunday of Zacchaeus - 25 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/25/1-sunday-of-zacchaeus)
![Sunday of Zacchaeus](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/prelent/zacchaeus.jpg)
The paschal season of the Church is preceded by the season of Great Lent, which is also preceded by its own liturgical preparation. The first sign of the approach of Great Lent comes five Sundays before its beginning. On this Sunday the Gospel reading is about Zacchaeus the tax-collector. It tells how Christ brought salvation to the sinful man, and how his life was changed simply because he “sought to see who Jesus was” (Luke 19:3). The desire and effort to see Jesus begins the entire movement through Lent towards Pascha. It is the first movement of salvation.
Our lenten journey begins with a recognition of our own sinfulness, just as Zacchaeus recognized his. He promised to make restitution by giving half of his wealth to the poor, and by paying to those he had falsely accused four times as much as they had lost. In this, he went beyond the requirements of the Law (Ex. 22:3-12).
The example of Zacchaeus teaches us that we should turn away from our sins, and atone for them. The real proof of our sorrow and repentance is not just a verbal apology, but when we correct ourselves and try to make amends for the consequences of our evil actions.
We are also assured of God’s mercy and compassion by Christ’s words to Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). After the Great Doxology and Trisagion at Sunday Matins (when the Tone of the week is in Tone 1, 3, 5, or 7) we sing the Troparion of the Resurrection: “Today salvation is come to the world, let us sing praises to Him Who arose from the tomb, and is the Author of our life. For having destroyed death by death, He has given us the victory and great mercy.”
Zacchaeus was short, so he climbed a tree in order to see the Lord. All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). We are also short in our spiritual stature, therefore we must climb the ladder of the virtues. In other words, we must prepare for spiritual effort and growth.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-25 03:12:36 UTC

## [Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople - 25 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/25/100298-saint-gregory-the-theologian-archbishop-of-constantinople)
![Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0125gregory-theologian.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
The sweet-sounding shepherd’s pipe of your theology
overpowered the trumpeting of the orators;
for having searched the depths of the Spirit
eloquence was also bestowed upon you.
Pray to Christ God, Father Gregory,
that our souls may be saved.
🎶kontakion🎶
By words of theology you unraveled the complex webs of the orators,
glorious Gregory,
and adorned the Church with the robe of Orthodoxy woven from on high.
Wearing it, she cries out with us, her children:
“Rejoice, O Father, supreme mind of theology.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-24 04:42:42 UTC

## [Venerable Xenia of Rome, and her two female servants - 24 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/24/100286-venerable-xenia-of-rome-and-her-two-female-servants)
![Venerable Xenia of Rome, and her two female servants](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0124xenia-rome03.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Living the life of a stranger in the world,
you estranged yourself from every sin;
you abandoned comforts and fleeting honors
and betrothed yourself to your Immortal Bridegroom.
Glorious Xenia, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
🎶kontakion🎶
We celebrate the memory of the life you lived as a stranger in the world,
and as we honor you with love, O Xenia,
we praise Christ, who gave you power to grant healing to all;
ever pray to Him on our behalf.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-24 04:42:01 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Saturday after Pentecost (1 Thessalonians 5:14-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/24/1)
>Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
## [Gospel reading for the 18th Saturday of Luke (Luke 17:3-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/24/2)
>Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him. And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-23 18:29:49 UTC

## [Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, and Martyr Agathangelus - 23 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/23/100277-hieromartyr-clement-bishop-of-ancyra-and-martyr-agathangelus)
![Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, and Martyr Agathangelus](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0123clement-agathangelus.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
You sprang up, most holy one,
as a branch and stem of holiness,
a most sacred flower of the contest of martyrdom
and as a most sweet fruit given by God to the faithful.
But as one who shared the struggle of the martyrs
and the throne of hierarchs,
intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.
🎶kontakion🎶
You have become an honored branch of the vine of Christ,
revealed as one of many struggles,
all-praised Clement,
with your fellow champion you cried out:
“Christ is the shining joy of martyrs.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-23 18:29:25 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Friday after Pentecost (1 Peter 1:1-2, 10-12, 2:6-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/23/1)
>Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things which angels desire to look into. Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.” Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
## [Gospel reading for the 18th Friday of Luke (Mark 12:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/23/2)
>Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-23 04:37:13 UTC

## [Apostle Timothy of the Seventy - 22 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/22/100262-apostle-timothy-of-the-seventy)
![Apostle Timothy of the Seventy](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0122timothy.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Having learned goodness and maintaining continence in all things,
you were arrayed with a good conscience as befits a priest.
From the chosen Vessel you drew ineffable mysteries;
you kept the faith, and finished a course equal to His.
Bishop martyr Timothy, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
🎶kontakion🎶
Let us the faithful praise the Holy Apostle Timothy,
the companion of Paul in his travels and together with him
let us honor the wise Anastasius, who came as a star from Persia
for the healing of the passions of our souls and the diseases of our bodies.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-23 04:36:45 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Thursday after Pentecost (James 4:7-5:9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/22/1)
>Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
## [Gospel reading for the 18th Thursday of Luke (Mark 11:27-33)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/22/2)
>Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John – was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’” – they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-21 17:55:10 UTC

## [Venerable Maximus the Confessor - 21 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/21/100249-venerable-maximus-the-confessor)
![Venerable Maximus the Confessor](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0121maximos-the-confessor0020.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Champion of Orthodoxy, teacher of purity and of true worship,
enlightener of the universe and adornment of hierarchs:
all-wise father Maximus, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things.
Intercede before Christ God to save our souls.
🎶kontakion🎶
Let us the faithful fittingly praise the lover of the Trinity,
the great Maximus who taught the God-inspired faith,
that Christ is to be glorified in His two natures, wills, and energies;
and let us cry to him: “Rejoice, herald of the faith.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-21 17:54:29 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Wednesday after Pentecost (James 3:11-4:6)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/21/1)
>Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
## [Gospel reading for the 18th Wednesday of Luke (Mark 11:22-26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/21/2)
>So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-20 04:17:41 UTC

## [Venerable Euthymius the Great - 20 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/20/100238-venerable-euthymius-the-great)
![Venerable Euthymius the Great](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0120aeuthymiosthegreat.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Be glad, O desert which hast not given birth
be of good cheer, you who have not travailed
for a man of desires has multiplied your spiritual children and planted them in piety, and through abstinence, he brought them unto the perfection of the virtues. Through his supplications, O Christ our God, make our life peaceful.
🎶kontakion🎶
Creation rejoiced at your august birth, and at your divine memorial, O Venerable one, and gladly received many of your miracles
now bestow them abundantly upon our souls, and wash away the stains of our sins,
that we may sing: “Alleluia!”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-20 04:17:11 UTC

## [1st Vespers reading for the Venerable Euthymius the Great (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/1)
> But the righteous live forever, and their reward is with the Lord; but the ungodly shall be punished, and their counsel shall come to nothing. For if they had sprung from one father, and been created by one God, and we all share one nature, how is it that they would hasten to remember us? They reason among themselves and say, "We are of noble birth." They trust in their riches and their strength, and they forget the Lord. But they are of little account, though they be many; and a feeble plant from a strange land, and a useless household, though they be firmly established. When He examines them, they are ashamed. And therefore, being faint-hearted, they will be utterly laid waste when terror comes upon them. For if He had not judged them, they are the judges, and He has given them authority and rule over all the peoples and all the nations, to do as they please, and to give their sons in marriage, and to take their daughters in marriage for their sons, to be found also, to plunder with gold and silver, because the riches of the earth and the riches of the heavens are beautiful, and the wealth of a good house is in the heavens. But if they have been the judges of men, they will die like men without peace; because the sword of the Lord has cut them off from the earth. But let them see with their own eyes and be ashamed for the multitude of their sins.
## [2nd Vespers reading for the Venerable Euthymius the Great (Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/2)
> 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 seem to have died, and their departure is considered an affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are in peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. And having been a little disciplined, they will be greatly honored, because God tested them and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace, He tested them, and as a whole burnt offering He accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and they will run like sparks among the stubble. They will judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them forever. Those who trust in Him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with Him in love, because grace and mercy are for His elect, and He watches over His holy ones.
## [3rd Vespers reading for the Venerable Euthymius the Great (Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/3)
> But the righteous, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of days, 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, and while living among sinners He was taken up. He was snatched away lest evil should change his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and the roving of desire perverts the innocent mind. Being made perfect in a short time, He fulfilled long years; for His soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore He hurried to bring him out of the midst of evils. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor did they take this into account, that God's grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care for His elect.
## [Matins Gospel reading Venerable Euthymius the Great (Matthew 11:27-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/4)
> All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
## [Epistle reading the Venerable Euthymius the Great (Hebrews 13:17-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/5)
> Obey those who rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you. For if they do this with grief and with complaint, that would be harmful to you, and He who watches over your souls would have cause to groan, so that He should have no advantage over you.
## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Tuesday after Pentecost (James 3:1-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/7)
> My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, He is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
## [Gospel reading the Venerable Euthymius the Great (Luke 6:17-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/6)
> 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."
## [Gospel reading for the 18th Tuesday of Luke (Mark 11:11-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/20/8)
> Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter into it, you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it to Me. And if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it,' and immediately He will send it here." And those who were sent went away and found it as He had said to them: a colt was tied outside at a door in the open street, and they loosed it, and some of those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, loosing the colt?" And they said to them as Jesus had commanded. And they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and set Him on it. And many spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!" And Jesus entered into Jerusalem and into the temple, and when He had looked all around, when it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-19 20:38:01 UTC

## [Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt - 19 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/19/100226-venerable-macarius-the-great-of-egypt)
![Venerable Macarius the Great of Egypt](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0119macariusegypt.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
You were shown to be a citizen of the desert,
an angel in the body, and a wonderworker, O Makarios our God-bearing Father;
receiving heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer,
healing the infirmities and the souls of those who come to you with faith.
Glory to Him Who strengthened you.
Glory to Him Who crowned you.
Glory to Him Who, through you, grants healing to all.
🎶kontakion🎶
Truly, the Lord has appointed you as an abode of abstinence,
and as an unerring star, enlightening the ends of the earth,
O Venerable Makarios, the Father of Fathers.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-19 20:37:18 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 33rd Monday after Pentecost (James 2:14-26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/19/1)
> What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
## [Gospel reading the 18th Monday of Luke (Mark 10:46-52)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/19/2)
> But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched – where 'Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched – where 'Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire – where 'Their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another." Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-13 18:25:02 UTC

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Boost!
https://fountain.fm/live/6dhOHJIqtD1uWUQFtlrK
#nevent1q…t2ml

2026-01-10 05:30:43 UTC

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I knew it

2026-01-10 05:27:23 UTC

## [Afterfeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - 10 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/10/100139-afterfeast-of-the-theophany-of-our-lord-and-savior-jesus-christ)
![Afterfeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/greatfeasts/0106theophany26.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan
the worship of the Trinity was made manifest
for the voice of the Father bore witness to You
and called You His beloved Son.
And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,
confirmed the truthfulness of His word.
O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself
and have enlightened the world, glory to You!
🎶kontakion🎶
Today You have shown forth to the world, O Lord,
and the light of Your countenance has been marked on us.
Knowing You, we sing Your praises.
You have come and revealed Yourself,
O unapproachable Light.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-06 11:58:01 UTC

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There's Catholics on the Julian calendar?

2026-01-04 01:20:27 UTC

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I forked this note and added the last bit. Seems like I've confused more than humored folks. Probably should've just quoted it 💆
#nevent1q…m6sw

2026-01-04 01:15:54 UTC

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"According to the Fathers, our first glimpse into understanding what hesychasm is can be found in the book of Genesis, where it is said that the Spirit of God 'hovered over the face of the waters.' Regarding this image in Genesis, Elder Zacharias has this to say: "The whole work of mental prayer is infinitely creative. Before the beginning of the world, the Spirit of God was hovering over the abyss, and at a given moment, there was an explosion from which all creation was hatched.' Our God is the Creator God, the God through whom everything that is, is. So we see that before we discover what God created, it is revealed how God creates. This image of God hovering over the water is one of dynamic stillness and divine solitude. What God creates is wondrous and how He creates is in and through hesychasm."

2026-01-03 20:51:27 UTC

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The people of #Venezuela #praise #God after the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro.
10 minutes later Caracas had their first pride parade
https://blossom.primal.net/54121028d3a9b388e3e95531ebc0f5d62039577f242e9cb6ab91f029fba2b50c.mp4

2026-01-03 20:36:14 UTC

https://image.nostr.build/bf42a65f95aa9170f92f0b96ab21715cfe8a118a17a784f36eae60292dc1aad9.jpg
#christian #christianity #prolife

2026-01-03 03:46:13 UTC

## [Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - 03 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/03/100012-forefeast-of-the-theophany-of-our-lord-and-savior-jesus-christ)
![Forefeast of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/greatfeasts/0106theophany20.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Prepare, O Zebulon,
and adorn yourself, O Naphtali;
River Jordan, cease flowing
and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized.
Adam, rejoice with our First Mother
and do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise;
for having seen you naked,
He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment.
Christ has appeared to renew all creation.
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John:
“Do not be afraid to baptize me.
For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-03 03:45:32 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Saturday before Theophany (1 Timothy 3:14-4:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/03/1)
>These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
## [Gospel reading for the Saturday before Theophany (Matthew 3:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/03/2)
>In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make His paths straight.’” Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-02 20:01:43 UTC

## [The Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov - 02 January](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/02/100008-repose-of-venerable-seraphim-wonderworker-of-sarov)
![The Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0102seraphim-sarov0013.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
You loved Christ from your youth, O blessed one,
and longing to work for Him alone you struggled in the wilderness in constant prayer and labor.
With penitent heart and great love for Christ you were favored by the Mother of God.
Therefore we cry to you:
“Save us by your prayers, venerable Seraphim, our father.”
🎶kontakion🎶
Forsaking the beauty as well as the corruption of this world,
you settled in the monastery of Sarov, O Saint.
There you lived an angelic life,
becoming for many the way to salvation.
Therefore, Christ has glorified you, Father Seraphim,
enriching you with abundant healing and miracles.
So we cry to you: “Save us by your prayers, venerable Seraphim, our father.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-02 20:01:14 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov (Galatians 5:22-6:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/5)
>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.
## [Epistle reading for the 30th Friday after Pentecost (Hebrews 11:8, 11-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/7)
>By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
## [Gospel reading for the Repose of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov (Luke 6:17-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/6)
>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.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Friday of Luke (Mark 12:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/02/8)
>Then He began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a place for the wine vat and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now at vintage-time he sent a servant to the vinedressers, that he might receive some of the fruit of the vineyard from the vinedressers. And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some. Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But those vinedressers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others. Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” And they sought to lay hands on Him, but feared the multitude, for they knew He had spoken the parable against them. So they left Him and went away.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2026-01-01 05:09:03 UTC

## [The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - 31 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/01/01/100001-the-circumcision-of-our-lord-and-savior-jesus-christ)
![The Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/january/0101circumcision.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Enthroned on high with the Eternal Father and Your divine Spirit,
O Jesus, You willed to be born on earth of the unwedded handmaid, your Mother.
Therefore You were circumcised as an eight-day old Child.
Glory to Your most gracious counsel;
glory to Your dispensation;
glory to Your condescension, O only Lover of mankind.
🎶kontakion🎶
The Lord of all accepts to be circumcised,
thus, as He is good, excises the sins of mortal men.
Today He grants the world salvation,
while light-bearing Basil, high priest of our Creator,
rejoices in heaven as a divine initiate of Christ.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2026-01-01 05:07:04 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:8-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/5)
>Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
## [Epistle reading for Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (Hebrews 7:26-8:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/7)
>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.
## [Epistle reading for the 30th Thursday after Pentecost (Hebrews 10:35-11:7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/9)
>Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
## [Gospel reading for the feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Luke 2:20-21,40-52)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/6)
>Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
## [Gospel reading for Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (Luke 6:17-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/8)
>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.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Thursday of Luke (Mark 11:27-33)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/01/01/10)
>Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. And they said to Him, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John – was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’” – they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-31 16:27:30 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 30th Wednesday after Pentecost (Hebrews 10:1-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/31/1)
>For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come – in the volume of the book it is written of Me – to do Your will, O God.’” Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,” says the LORD: “I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Wednesday of Luke (Mark 11:22-26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/31/2)
>So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-31 16:23:24 UTC

## [Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome - 31 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/31/103701-venerable-melania-the-younger-of-rome)
![Venerable Melania the Younger of Rome](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/december/1231melania.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother, / 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 instead for the soul, since it is immortal. / Therefore your spirit, O holy Mother Melania, rejoices with the angels.
🎶kontakion🎶
As a two-fold lamp you illumine the Church of Christ / with truly mystical radiance. / You brought forth a hundred-fold fruit through your contest, O Anysia; / and you shone forth in asceticism, O Melania. / You were both found worthy of the incorruptible life of the righteous.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-31 06:08:48 UTC

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My apologies. 300 years after the birthiof Christ, not 400. Yes, the article claims that Sol Invictus had long been sacred to Aryan peoples but where is the evidence of that? Particularly of his connection to 25 December prior to the birth of Christ? I don't see a credible argument for Christianity hijacking 25 December. And I really don't understand what the Easter claim the article is making is all about

2025-12-31 05:50:11 UTC

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A Christian cannot be a Zionist and Protestantism is post-Christian, as is Talmudic rabbinic "Judaism." Protestantism is largely ahistorical so they don't reflect traditional Christian thought, nor are they a majority of Christians. The scriptures clearly indicate that the people of God are not a genos but those who follow Him. Modern "Jews" claim to practice the religion of Abraham, but none of their practices would be recognizable to him. Their religion was born out of the 600s AD, iirc. I am Orthodox Christian and would suggest you looking into our history and theology, but even the Catholics can be alright at times

2025-12-31 04:26:34 UTC

https://video.nostr.build/7c547d7852f83bbd3ab22a3df8273ce3228d5156ae4f9dd4506bd1df24d05f49.mp4
[sauce](https://mastodon.social/@veggietalesgang/115811506154845143)

2025-12-31 03:17:18 UTC

## [Virgin Martyr Anysia at Thessalonica - 30 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/30/103691-virgin-martyr-anysia-at-thessalonica)
![Virgin Martyr Anysia at Thessalonica](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/december/1230anysia.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your lamb Anysia calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering.
In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You,
and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.
🎶kontakion🎶
As a two-fold lamp you illumine the Church of Christ
with truly mystical radiance.
You brought forth a hundred-fold fruit through your contest, O Anysia;
and you shone forth in asceticism, O Melania.
You were both found worthy of the incorruptible life of the righteous.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-31 03:16:51 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 30th Tuesday after Pentecost (Hebrews 9:8-10, 15-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/30/1)
>the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience – concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Tuesday of Luke (Mark 11:11-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/30/2)
>And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve. Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. When evening had come, He went out of the city. Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-30 16:51:00 UTC

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But your article uses the example of the Roman festival of Sol Invictus being celebrated 400 years after the birth of Christ

2025-12-30 16:49:29 UTC

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How do you define Jew and Israel? Who are these Christians you speak of, as in which denomination?

2025-12-30 05:21:25 UTC

Me whenever people say,"happy holidays "
https://c.tenor.com/n5G0_g5EazQAAAAC/tenor.gif

2025-12-29 19:53:48 UTC

## [14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) slain by Herod at Bethlehem - 29 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/29/103682-14000-infants-the-holy-innocents-slain-by-herod-at-bethlehem)
![14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) slain by Herod at Bethlehem](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/december/1229-14000innocents02.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
As acceptable victims and freshly plucked flowers,
as divine first-fruits and newborn lambs,
you were offered to Christ who was born as a child, holy innocents.
You mocked Herod’s wickedness;
now we beseech you:
“Unceasingly pray for our souls.”
🎶kontakion🎶
When the King was born in Bethlehem, the Magi came from the east.
Having been guided by the star on high, they brought Him gifts.
But in his exceeding wrath, Herod mowed down the infants as wheat;
lamenting that the rule of his kingdom had come to an end.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-29 19:53:25 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the 30th Monday after Pentecost (Hebrews 8:7-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/29/1)
>For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Monday of Luke (Mark 10:46-52)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/29/2)
>Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-29 02:42:39 UTC

## [Commemoration of the Holy Righteous David the King, Joseph the Betrothed, and James the Brother of the Lord - 28 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/28/86-commemoration-of-the-holy-righteous-david-the-king-joseph-the-be)
![Commemoration of the Holy Righteous David the King, Joseph the Betrothed, and James the Brother of the Lord](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/nativity/david-prophet08.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God:
you have seen a Virgin great with child; you gave glory with the shepherds;
you worshipped with the Magi;
you received an answer from the Angel.
Beseech Christ God to save our souls.
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the godly David is filled with gladness
and Joseph offers praise with James.
Having received the crown of their kinship with Christ, they rejoice,
praising in song Him Who is inexpressibly born on earth,
crying out: “O Compassionate One, save those who honor You!”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-29 02:42:05 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Sunday after Nativity (Galatians 1:11-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/28/2)
>But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
## [Gospel reading for the Sunday after Nativity (Matthew 2:13-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/28/3)
>Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-28 20:52:14 UTC

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This is the way

2025-12-28 20:51:17 UTC

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The apostles would have a field day

2025-12-28 20:46:07 UTC

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You reposted the cringe?

2025-12-27 19:25:13 UTC

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Have you asked them to change that? Our CS guys appreciate the fact I run Graphene and are always willing to help out when I have self-inflicted "issues" like this

2025-12-27 18:58:39 UTC

Me when my podcast queue is empty
!(https://c.tenor.com/tdaOPkc0jHkAAAAd/tenor.gif)

2025-12-27 18:18:01 UTC

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Sounds warm

2025-12-27 17:51:58 UTC

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What does this even mean?
>With microscopically small exceptions, they see Jews as somehow especially “holy” and special and deeply connected to their shared “holy book.”

2025-12-27 17:48:22 UTC

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What service are you trying to authenticate to? I assumed MS365, which I have no issue with using Aegis

2025-12-27 17:46:16 UTC

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In what way did Christianity hijack Christmas and Easter? What is this selective reading and doublespeak that Christians use to support family union?

2025-12-27 17:26:37 UTC

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You can't use [Aegis](https://github.com/beemdevelopment/aegis)?

2025-12-27 15:21:03 UTC

#bitcoin saves your wealth
#Jesus saves your soul
#nevent1q…4dez

2025-12-27 15:20:07 UTC

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Your Nativity, O Christ our God,
has shone to the world the Light of knowledge;
for by it, those who worshipped the stars
were taught by a star to adore You,
the Sun of Righteousness,
and to know You, the Dayspring from on High.
O Lord, glory to You!

2025-12-27 13:47:10 UTC

Dearest #coffeechain and #asknostr, what are your best memes illustrating the difference between nostriches and tooters?

2025-12-27 13:45:25 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5, 47-60)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/1)
>And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And he said, “Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But Solomon built Him a house. However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build for Me? says the LORD, or what is the place of My rest? Has My hand not made all these things?’ You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
## [Epistle reading for the Saturday after Nativity (1 Timothy 6:11-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/3)
>But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.
## [Epistle reading for the 29th Saturday after Pentecost (Ephesians 2:11-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/5)
>Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh – who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands – that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
## [Gospel reading for the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen (Matthew 21:33-42)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/2)
>Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
## [Gospel reading for the Saturday after Nativity (Matthew 12:15-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/4)
>But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “Behold! My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My soul is well pleased! I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will declare justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory; and in His name Gentiles will trust.”
## [Gospel reading for the 29th Saturday after Pentecost (Luke 16:10-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/27/6)
>He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-27 13:38:15 UTC

## [Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen - 27 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/27/103659-protomartyr-and-archdeacon-stephen)
![Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/december/1227stephen-protomartyr.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your head is crowned with a royal diadem,
because of the struggles you endured for Christ God, O first of the Martyrs to suffer;
for when you rebuked the fury1 of the Jews,
you saw your Savior at the Father's right hand.
Always pray to Him for our souls.
🎶kontakion🎶
Yesterday the Master came to us in the flesh,
today His servant departs from the flesh;
yesterday the King was born in the flesh,
and today His servant is stoned;
for His sake, the Protomartyr and divine Stephen is perfected.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-27 00:42:46 UTC

## [Second Day of the Nativity of our Lord - 26 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/26/103647-second-day-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord)
![Second Day of the Nativity of our Lord](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/nativity/nativityc.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,
has shone to the world the Light of knowledge;
for by it, those who worshipped the stars
were taught by a star to adore You,
the Sun of Righteousness,
and to know You, the Dayspring from on High.
O Lord, glory to You!
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,
and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!
Angels with shepherds glorify Him.
The wise men journey with a star,
since for our sake the Pre-Eternal God was born as a young Child.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-27 00:15:37 UTC

## [Epistle reading for the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos (Hebrews 2:11-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/26/1)
>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 Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos (Matthew 2:13-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/26/2)
>Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-26 01:24:45 UTC

For all my brothers and sisters in the faith who are celebrating today with festal bubble guts; I hear your cries. I feel your pain. With God all things are possible

2025-12-25 22:26:46 UTC

- reply

What is the holiest day?

2025-12-25 15:32:13 UTC

## [The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/25/103638-the-nativity-of-our-lord-god-and-savior-jesus-christ)
![The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ](https://images.oca.org/icons/sm/nativity/1225nativity-xc001.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your Nativity, O Christ our God,
has shone to the world the Light of knowledge;
for by it, those who worshipped the stars
were taught by a star to adore You,
the Sun of Righteousness,
and to know You, the Dayspring from on High.
O Lord, glory to You!
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,
and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!
Angels with shepherds glorify Him.
The wise men journey with a star,
since for our sake the Pre-Eternal God was born as a young Child.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

2025-12-25 15:27:28 UTC

- reply

Christ is born!

2025-12-25 15:27:09 UTC

- reply

Glorify Him!

2025-12-25 13:00:51 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 25 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/25)
## [Epistle reading for the Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ (Galatians 4:4-7](https://www.oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/25/2)
>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. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
## [Gospel reading for the Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1-12)](https://www.oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/25/3)
>Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-25 07:14:40 UTC

2025-12-25 07:13:43 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 25 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/25)
## [Matins Gospel reading for the Nativity of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25)](https://www.oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/25/1)
>Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-24 22:16:40 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/23)
## [First Epistle reading (Divine Liturgy) for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Hebrews 5:11-6:8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/21)
>We have much to say about Melchizedek, which is hard to explain, since you have become dull in hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
## [Second Epistle reading (Divine Liturgy) for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Hebrews 1:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/23)
>God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.” But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.”
## [First Gospel reading (Divine Liturgy) for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Mark 10:11-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/22)
>So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
## [Second Gospel reading (Divine Liturgy) for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Luke 2:1-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/24)
>And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-24 21:39:30 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/23)
## [First Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Genesis 1:1-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/13)
>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day.
## [Second Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9, 17-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/14)
>And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Then he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened, “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel! Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens by the riverside, Like aloes planted by the LORD, Like cedars beside the waters. He shall pour water from his buckets, And his seed shall be in many waters. “His king shall be higher than Agag, And his kingdom shall be exalted. “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones And pierce them with his arrows. ‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ “ Blessed is he who blesses you, And cursed is he who curses you.” “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult. “And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, While Israel does valiantly.
## [Third Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Micah 4:6-7; 5:2-4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/15)
>In that day, declares the LORD, I will gather the lame; I will assemble the exiles and those I have brought to grief. I will make the lame a remnant, those driven away a strong nation. The LORD will rule over them in Mount Zion from that day and forever. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth.
## [Fourth Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Isaiah 11:1-10](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/16)
>There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.”
## [Fifth Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Jeremiah (Baruch 3:35-4:4))](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/17)
>This is our God; no other can be compared to him! He found the whole way to knowledge, and gave her to Jacob his servant and to Israel whom He loved. Afterward she appeared on earth and lived among men. She is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endures for ever. All who hold fast will live, and those who forsake her will die. Turn, O Jacob, and take her; walk toward the shining of her light. Do not give your glory to another, or your advantage to an alien people. Happy we are, O Israel, for we know what is pleasing to God.
## [Sixth Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Daniel 2:31-36, 44-45)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/18)
>“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. “This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. In the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold – the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure.”
## [Seventh Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Isaiah 9:6-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/19)
>For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
## [Eighth Vesperal Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Isaiah 7:10-16; 8:1-4, 9-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/20)
>Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. “Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. “And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.” Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; “for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.” “Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

2025-12-24 20:20:31 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24)
## [Ninth Hour Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Isaiah 9:6-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/10)
>For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
## [Ninth Hour Epistle reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Hebrews 2:11-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/11)
>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.
## [Ninth Hour Gospel reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Matthew 2:13-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/12)
>Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
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2025-12-24 17:42:43 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24)
## [Sixth Hour Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Isaiah 7:10-16; 8:1-4, 9-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/7)
>Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. “Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. “For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. “And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.” Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; “for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.” “Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”
## [Sixth Hour Epistle reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Hebrews 1:10-2:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/8)
>And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.” But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
## [Sixth Hour Gospel reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Matthew 2:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/9)
>Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.
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2025-12-24 14:21:56 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24)
## [Third Hour Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Jeremiah (Baruch 3:35-4:4))](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/4)
>This is our God; no other can be compared to him! He found the whole way to knowledge, and gave her to Jacob his servant and to Israel whom He loved. Afterward she appeared on earth and lived among men. She is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endures for ever. All who hold fast will live, and those who forsake her will die. Turn, O Jacob, and take her; walk toward the shining of her light. Do not give your glory to another, or your advantage to an alien people. Happy we are, O Israel, for we know what is pleasing to God.
## [Third Hour Epistle reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Galatians 3:23-29)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/5)
>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.
## [Third Hour Gospel reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Luke 2:1-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/6)
>And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
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2025-12-24 11:01:56 UTC

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 December 2025 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24)
## [First Hour Old testament reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Micah 5:2-4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/1)
>“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; and they shall abide, for now He shall be great to the ends of the earth.
## [First Hour Epistle reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Hebrews 1:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/2)
>God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.” But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.”
## [First Hour Gospel reading for the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord (Matthew 1:18-25)](oca.org/readings/daily/2025/12/24/3)
>Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.
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2025-12-24 04:13:37 UTC

Greater love hath no man than this, that an Orthodox Christian man trust his wife with scissors around his beard.

2025-12-24 01:48:20 UTC

## [Eve of the Nativity of our Lord - 24 December](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2025/12/24/103630-eve-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord)
![Eve of the Nativity of our Lord](https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/nativity/1225nativity-2001icon-0010.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Mary was of David’s seed,
so she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem.
She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man.
The time for the birth was at hand.
Since there was no room at the inn,
the cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen.
Christ is born, raising up the image that fell of old.
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the Virgin comes to the cave
to give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds
the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!
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