'Daily Bread'
“At that time, the High Priest was in ecstasy, filled with the Spirit of God, and understood that the maiden was the dwelling place of divine grace and more worthy then he to stand always before God’s countenance. He remembered that the Law commended the Ark be placed in the Holy of Holies and straightway perceived that this ordinance pertained to the maiden.”
— St. Theophylact of Ochrid
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 2:6-9 (Epistle)
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him,”
Luke 4:31-36 (Gospel)
31 Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths.
32 And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority.
33 Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice,
34 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!”
35 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him.
36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Martyr Priscus of Phrygia
According to the Menologion of Basil II, Priscus came to love God and received divine Baptism after abandoning the impiety of his forefathers. He boldly proclaimed Christ, and in so doing he emboldened other Christians, while at the same time converting many pagans to faith in Christ. For this he was brought to trial, and after denouncing the gods and the royal decree that bid all to worship them, he urged everyone to revere and worship Christ Crucified.
When the governor heard this, he ordered that Priscus be tortured. He was tied up to a wooden pole, and his sides were torn at with iron claws. After enduring this, he was beheaded, and departed to the Lord.
Troparion — Tone 3
Your holy martyr Priscus, O Lord, / through his sufferings 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 — Tone 2
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance, / which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Priscus; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.
Stories of Saint Matrona of Perge: Why Female Monastics Wear Black (w/ Pres. Anysia Metrakos)
Presbyteria Anysia Metrakos shares with Fr. Andrew Damick stories of St. Matrona of Perge - the Byzantine ascetic who dressed as a man to escape her husband, defended the Orthodox Faith from heresy, and served as a spiritual mother to many.
This week’s calendar reminders:
Monday 9/16: Matins 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday 9/17: no services or events
Wednesday 9/18: no services or events
Thursday 9/19: Matins 8:30 a.m.; Men’s Group 7 p.m.
Friday 9/20: Matins 8:30 a.m.
Saturday 9/21: Catechumen Class 4:30 pm; Panikhida 5:45 pm; Great Vespers 6 pm
Sunday 9/22: Divine Liturgy 9: 15 a.m.
