Daily Reading

Monday

LITURGY

1 Peter 2:21-3:9

     21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Mark 12:13-17

     13 And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words. 14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.

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ICON OF THE MOTHER OF GOD "SOOTHE MY SORROWS"
ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
ST FELICITAS AND HER SEVEN MARTYRED SONS
ST EOCHOD

Troparion of the Icon of the Mother of God    Tone 5

Sooth the pains of my much-sighing soul,/ O thou who hast wiped away every tear from the face of the earth:/ for thou dost drive away the sickness of men,/ and quench the afflictions of sinners./ We have obtained hope and support in thee,/ O most holy Virgin.

Troparion of St Gregory the Theologian    Tone 1

The shepherd's pipe of thy theology/ conquered the philosophers' trumpets;/ for since thou didst search out the depths of the Spirit,/ beauty of speech was added to thee./ Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved,/ O Father Gregory.

Troparion of St Felicitas and her seven martyred sons    Tone 1

Truly thou art blessed, O holy Felicitas,/ for thou didst never doubt the mercy of Christ our God,/ and in spite of all temptations, with thy seven sons thou didst rejoice/ to return to Him rather than to languish in dishonour on earth./ Wherefore pray for us that we may follow thy example/ for the salvation of our souls.

Troparion of St Eochod    Tone 6

The Picts of Galloway honoured thee as their Apostle,/ O righteous Hierarch Eochod,/ for at the behest of Father Columba/ thou didst open to them the Gospel of Salvation./ Wherefore, O Saint, cease not in thy pious labours,/ praying that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion of the Icon of the Mother of God    Tone 6

O holy Lady, do not entrust me to human protection,/ but accept the prayers of thy supplicant./ I am fettered by sorrow and unable to endure the demon's darts./ I have no shelter, nor place to run, I am wretched./ My enemies are on every side,/ and I have no consolation but in thee./ Mistress of creation, protection and hope of the faithful,/ do not turn away when I pray to thee; do that which will profit me.

Kontakion of St Gregory the Theologian    Tone 3

With thy theologian's speech thou didst dispel the philosopher's cobwebs,/ O glorious Gregory;/ and thou dost adorn the robe of Orthodoxy woven for the Church from on high./ Wearing this, she cries out with us thy children:/ Rejoice, O Father, most excellent mind of theology.

Kontakion of St Felicitas and her seven martyred sons    Tone 2

Unfailing loyalty to Christ was thy virtue,/ O holy Felicitas,/ for despite all threats and torments thou didst inspire thy sons/ to resist all for the salvation of their souls./ Without hesitation thou didst willingly follow them,/ winning the crown of martyrdom./ Wherefore we pray for grace to emulate thine all-praised example.

Kontakion of St Eochod    Tone 3

All praise is thy due, most blessed Father Eochod,/ in that thou didst love nothing more than Christ,/ willingly obeying His command to preach the Gospel to all nations./ As both our inspiration and our example,/ pray that we may fearlessly preach Christ for the salvation of our race.