What would happen if we valued our spouses? What would happen if we publicly valued a faithful wife more than a voluptuous starlet? What would happen if character was valued more than money? I believe it would transform our culture, enhance our marriages, and produce stronger and better adjusted children. I know God would be pleased!
Day 3 of the Blessed Coptic Month of Abib, may God make it always received, year after year, with reassurance and tranquility, while our sins after forgiven by the tender mercies of our God my fathers and brothers.
Amen.
The Third Day of the Blessed Month of Abib
Departure of St.Kyrillos (Cyril) the First, the Twenty-Fourth Pope of Alexandria
On this day, of the year 160 A.D. (June 27th, 444 A.M.), the great father, the pillar of faith and the lamp of the Orthodox church, St. Kyrillos (Cyril) the First, the Alexandrian Pope, and the twenty-fourth Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, departed. This saint was the son of the sister of Pope Theophilus (23rd patriarch). He was raised by his uncle at the school of Alexandria where he was educated in its Theological and Philosophical subjects needed to defend Christianity and the Orthodox faith. After he learned a great deal of these subjects, his uncle sent him to the monastery of St. Macarius in the wilderness. There, he became a disciple to a righteous old monk called Sarabamon. He taught him the church books, and the sayings of the pure fathers. He trained his mind and body by practicing the works of righteousness and virtues for a period of time. After he spent in the wilderness five years, Pope Theophilus sent him to Abba Sarapion, the honorable bishop, so he increased in wisdom and knowledge. Shortly after, the bishop returned him to Alexandria. His uncle was rejoiced, ordained him a deacon, appointed him a preacher in the cathedral and made him his scribe. Whenever Kyrillos gave a sermon, he captured the hearts of his listeners with his eloquence, fluency, and his strong influence.
Since that time, he became well known for his vast knowledge, his great righteousness, and his deep influence in his teaching. When his uncle Pope Theophilus departed in the 18th of Babah 128 A.M. (October 15th, 412 A.M.), they enthroned this father in his place on the 20th of Babah, 128 A.M. (Oct. 17th, 412 A.D.). The church was illumined with his knowledge, and he gave special attention to resisting paganism and defending the Christian faith. He started to refute the falsity of Emperor Julian the Infidel in his ten essays that had been written after his apostasy. These were the favorite readings of the pagan young people of Alexandria and their pride, for they believed that it destroyed the principles of the Christian faith. Pope Kyrillos refuted them in terms that were clear, strong and convincing. He set out to rebut the heretics until he was able to close their churches and seize their contents. He ordered the expulsion of the Jews from Alexandria which led to a disturbance and confrontation between the Jews and the Christians. This led to the widening of the contention between the governor and this great saint. Because of his strong devotion to the Christian ethics and teachings, he found himself compelled to ask for reconciliation with the governor. However, the governor refused to accept the reconciliation, and the conflict between them continued for a period of time.
When the heresy of Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, emerged, a Universal Council convened for him. He denied that the Virgin was the mother of God (Theotokos). Two hundred bishops assembled in the city of Ephesus during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II, known by Theodosius the Less. St. Cyril (Kyrillos), Pope of Alexandria, presided over this council. He debated Nestorius, explained to him his heretic opinion, and threatened him with excommunication and exile from his Chair, if he did not change his erroneous opinion. St. Kyrillos composed twelve discourses wherein he explained the true faith, refuting the error of Nestorius. Anba John, Patriarch of Antioch, and some of the bishops of the East disagreed with him, taking Nestorius' side. Nevertheless, shortly after, they came back and agreed with Kyrillos who was victorious over the enemies of the church. He wrote many discourses and valuable epistles, confirming in them, that God the Word is One Nature, One Will, and One Person incarnated. He anathematized anyone who separated Christ or differed from this true faith. The Emperor exiled Nestorius in the year 435 A.D. to the land of Egypt, and remained in the city of Akhmim until his death in the year 440 A.D. From the monumental works of Pope Kyrillos was the commentary of the Holy Books. When he finished his strife, he fell sick for a short time and departed in peace. He remained on the Alexandrian Chair for thirty-one years, eight months, and ten days.
May his prayers be with us. Amen.
Departure of St.Celestine, Pope of Rome
On this day also, the great Pope Celestine, bishop of the city of Rome, departed (July 27th, 432 A.D.). This saint was the disciple of St. Boniface, bishop of Rome. At the time of his death, he commended that father Celestine would succeed him, and then he cautioned him saying, "Take heed O my son for there would be ravening wolves in the city of Rome." This father was a righteous and well learned monk. When Pope Boniface departed on September 4th, 422 A.D., they ordained Celestine in his place on September 10th, 422 A.D., during the reign of Emperor Honorius. This Emperor died in the city of Raffeen in France in the year 423 A.D. One of the Emperors (Julian the Infidel) wanted to appoint Nestorius a patriarch for Rome and expel Celestine the saintly Pope. The people rose up and expelled Nestorius which made Emperor Julian enraged against him. This Saint fled to one of the monasteries nearby Pentapolis (Five cities) and dwelt there. God wrought many signs and miracles by his hands. Then, the angel Raphael appeared to him in a dream saying: "Rise up and go to the city of Antioch to its patriarch St. Dimitrius, and abide with him for the Emperor had decided in his heart to kill you upon his return from the war." When he woke up, he went forth from that monastery along with two brothers and came to the city of Antioch.
He found its Patriarch ill, told him what had happened to him, and stayed in one of the monasteries of Antioch. Sts. Ignatius and Boniface along with a third venerable person appeared to the Emperor in a dream and said to him, "Why have you left the city of the saints without a bishop. Behold, God will remove your soul from you, and you shall die by the hands of your enemies." The Emperor asked, "What shall I do?" They replied, "Do you believe in the Son of God?" He answered saying, "I do believe." They said to him, "Send and bring our son bishop Celestine with honor, and restore him to his throne." When the Emperor awoke from his dream, he wrote to the patriarch of Antioch, Demetrius, asking him to inform his envoys of the whereabouts of Celestine, and return him to his See. They found him and returned him to his Chair with great honor, and the people received him with joy and happiness. The peace and the affairs of the church were established by his presence. When Nestorius blasphemed and the Council assembled for him, Celestine was unable to attend the Council, because of his illness, so he sent two priests with a letter excommunicating Nestorius in it. The Emperor believed in what Nestorius said, nevertheless he yielded to the decisions of the Council and exiled Nestorius to Egypt. When the Lord willed for Celestine to depart from this world, St. Boniface, his predecessor, and St. Athanasius, the Apostolic, appeared to him and told him, "Affirm your people in the faith, for Christ is calling you." When he woke up he commanded his people saying, "Take heed to yourselves, for behold ravening wolves shall come into this city." Having said this he added, "I am leaving, for the saints are calling for me." When he said that, he departed in peace.
May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen.
Readings for First Sunday of Abib
Vespers
Vespers Psalm
From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet.
May his blessings be with us all.
Psalms 20 : 6 - 9
Chapter 20
| 6 | Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand. |
| 7 | Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. |
| 8 | They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. |
| 9 | Save, LORD! May the King answer us when we call. |
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever.
Amen.
Vespers Gospel
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel.
A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint Luke the Evangelist.
May His Blessings be with us all.
Luke 9 : 1 - 6
Chapter 9
| 1 | Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. |
| 2 | He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. |
| 3 | And He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. |
| 4 | "Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. |
| 5 | And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them." |
| 6 | So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. |
And Glory be to God forever.
Matins
Matins Psalm
From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet.
May his blessings be with us all.
Psalms 31 : 23,19
Chapter 31
| 23 | Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person. |
| 19 | Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! |
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever.
Amen.
Matins Gospel
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel.
A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint Matthew the Evangelist.
May His Blessings be with us all.
Matthew 28 : 1 - 20
Chapter 28
| 1 | Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. |
| 2 | And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. |
| 3 | His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. |
| 4 | And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. |
| 5 | But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. |
| 6 | He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. |
| 7 | And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." |
| 8 | So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. |
| 9 | And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. |
| 10 | Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." |
| 11 | Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. |
| 12 | When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, |
| 13 | saying, "Tell them, "His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.' |
| 14 | And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will appease him and make you secure." |
| 15 | So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. |
| 16 | Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. |
| 17 | When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. |
| 18 | And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. |
| 19 | 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, |
| 20 | 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. |
And Glory be to God forever.
Liturgy Gospel
Paulines Epistle
Paul, the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed to the Gospel of God.
A reading from the Epistle of our teacher Paul to the Corinthians .
May his blessings be upon us.
Amen.
1 Corinthians 9 : 1 - 27
Chapter 9
| 1 | Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? |
| 2 | If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. |
| 3 | My defense to those who examine me is this: |
| 4 | Do we have no right to eat and drink? |
| 5 | Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? |
| 6 | Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? |
| 7 | Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? |
| 8 | Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? |
| 9 | For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? |
| 10 | Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. |
| 11 | If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? |
| 12 | If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. |
| 13 | Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? |
| 14 | Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel. |
| 15 | But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. |
| 16 | For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! |
| 17 | For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. |
| 18 | What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. |
| 19 | For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; |
| 20 | and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; |
| 21 | to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ ), that I might win those who are without law; |
| 22 | to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. |
| 23 | Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you. |
| 24 | Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. |
| 25 | And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. |
| 26 | Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. |
| 27 | But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. |
The grace of God the Father be with you all.
Amen.
Catholic Epistle
A Reading from Epistle 1 of St. Peter .
May his blessing be upon us.
Amen.
1 Peter 1 : 1 - 12
Chapter 1
| 1 | Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, |
| 2 | 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. |
| 3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, |
| 4 | to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, |
| 5 | who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. |
| 6 | In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, |
| 7 | that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, |
| 8 | whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, |
| 9 | receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls. |
| 10 | Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, |
| 11 | 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. |
| 12 | 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. |
Do not love the world or the things in the world.
The world passes away, and its desires; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Amen.
Acts of the Apostles
The Acts of our fathers the apostles, may their blessings be with us.
Acts 5 : 12 - 21
Chapter 5
| 12 | And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch. |
| 13 | Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. |
| 14 | And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, |
| 15 | so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. |
| 16 | Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. |
| 17 | Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, |
| 18 | and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. |
| 19 | But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, |
| 20 | "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life." |
| 21 | And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. |
The word of the Lord shall grow, multiply, be mighty, and be confirmed, in the holy Church of God.
Amen.
Divine Psalm
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel.
A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint John the Evangelist.
May His Blessings be with us all. Amen.
From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet, and the Good King.
May his blessings be with us all.
Psalms 89 : 7 - 7
Chapter 89
| 7 | God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him. |
Hallelujah.
Divine Gospel
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever.
Amen.
Luke 10 : 1 - 20
Chapter 10
| 1 | After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. |
| 2 | Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. |
| 3 | Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. |
| 4 | Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. |
| 5 | But whatever house you enter, first say, "Peace to this house.' |
| 6 | And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. |
| 7 | And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. |
| 8 | Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. |
| 9 | And heal the sick there, and say to them, "The kingdom of God has come near to you.' |
| 10 | But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, |
| 11 | "The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.' |
| 12 | But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. |
| 13 | "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 14 | But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. |
| 15 | And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. |
| 16 | He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me." |
| 17 | Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." |
| 18 | And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. |
| 19 | Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. |
| 20 | Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." |
And Glory be to God forever.
Chapter 12.— They Who Have Not Received Perseverance are Not Distinguished from the Mass of Those that are Lost.
And, consequently, both those who have not heard the gospel, and those who, having heard it and been changed by it for the better, have not received perseverance, and those who, having heard the gospel, have refused to come to Christ, that is, to believe in Him, since He Himself says, No man comes unto me, except it were given him of my Father,
John 6:65 and those who by their tender age were unable to believe, but might be absolved from original sin by the sole laver of regeneration, and yet have not received this laver, and have perished in death: are not made to differ from that lump which it is plain is condemned, as all go from one into condemnation.