YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, September 29, 2023


“THE CARE OF THE SOUL”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fasting: wine/oil allowed; no meat/dairy
👉 No Church Activities
👉 Walking with Joy -West Zone - Cancelled

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theraphan the Recluse
❤️ CARE OF THE SOUL REQUIRES CHANGE
Eph. 4:17-25; Mark 12:1-12

The Old Testament Church and God's care for it is depicted in the parable about the vineyard. The New Testament Church succeeded the Old, and so this parable can be applied to it as well.

Since each Christian is also a living church of God, it can refer to him as well. The latter is more needful for us.

What is the vineyard?

It is the soul that has received remission of sins, the grace of rebirth, the gift of the Holy Spirit as a promise of the inheritance of the eternal Kingdom, the word of God, the Holy Mysteries, and a guardian angel.

Who are the husbandmen?

Consciousness and freedom. They receive the gifts and give a commitment to cultivate them and bear fruit to the Lord.

Who are the careless husbandmen?

Those who want to use the advantages of being a Christian as befits the outward order of their lives, but do not bring forth worthy spiritual fruits for the Lord.

Who are those sent by the Lord?

The conscience and the fear of God, the word of God, and teachers and pastors, by whom the Lord wants to grant understanding to the careless.

Those who do not want to change themselves do not heed them. Some drive them away and try to muffle their voice. Others even start to be at enmity against the Lord Himself, when they reject faith in Him in various forms. In the end, they will be miserably destroyed (cf. Matt. 21:41).

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 4:17-25

CARE OF THE SOUL REQUIRES LEAVING THE OLD LIFE

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But you have not so learned Christ,
21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

Mark 12:1-12

CARE OF THE SOUL REQUIRES GOD’S WILL

1 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.
2 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.
3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
4 Again he sent them another servant, and at him they threw stones, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated.
5 And again he sent another, and him they killed; and many others, beating some and killing some.
6 Therefore still having one son, his beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
7 But those vinedressers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.'
8 So they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard.
9 Therefore what will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the vinedressers, and give the vineyard to others.
10 Have you not even read this Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
11 This was the LORD's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'?"
12 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.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 83 (1-6)

CARE OF THE SOUL REQUIRES LOVE OF THE LORD & HIS TEMPLE

1 How beloved are Thy dwellings, O Lord of hosts; my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord.
2 My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.
3 For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtledove a nest for herself where she may lay her young,
4 Even Thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
5 Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; unto ages of ages shall they praise Thee.
6 Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee; he hath made ascents in his heart, in the vale of weeping, in the place which he hath appointed.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

Great-martyr Euphemia the All-praised, of Chalcedon (304).
New Hieromartyr Gregory Raevsky priest (1937).
New Hieromartyr Sergius priest (1942).
Translation of the relics of St. Alexis of Moscow (2001).
Repose of St. Cyprian, metropolitan of Kiev (1406).
St. Photius, metropolitan of Kiev (1431).
St. Kushka of Odessa confessor (1964).
St. Sebastiana, disciple of St. Paul the Apostle, martyred at Heraclea (86).
Martyr Melitina of Marcianopolis (2nd c.).
Martyrs Victor and Sosthenes at Chalcedon (304).
Venerable Dorotheus, hermit of Egypt (4th c.).
Martyr Ludmilla (927), grandmother of St. Wenceslaus, prince of the Czechs.
Venerable Procopius, abbot, of Sazava in Bohemia (1053).
New Martyrs Isaac and Joseph, who suffered at Karnu, Georgia (808) (Georgia).
The Icon of the Mother of God, named "Support of the Humble" (1420).
St. Ninian, bishop of Whithorn (Candida Casa) ( 432) (Celtic & British).
Venerable Edith, nun, of Wilton, England (984) (Celtic & British).
Venerable Cyprian of Serbia (Serbia).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, September 28, 2023


“PARALYZED BY DOUBTS & DARKNESS”

+ TODAY:
👉 No Church Activities

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 No Church Activities
👉 Walking with Joy -West Zone - Cancelled

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ PARALYZED BY DOUDTS
Eph. 4:14-19; Mark I1:27-33

The Savior proved that He was sent from heaven using the testimony of John the Forerunner. But [the leaders of the Jews]
were silent, for there was nothing to say to the contrary, yet they did not believe.

Another time He proved the same thing through His deeds, and they thought up a new trick: [He casteth out devils] by the prince of the devils (Matt. 9:34; Mark 3:22). When this trick was exposed as completely inapplicable, they were again silent, but nevertheless did not believe.

Thus unbelievers never believe, no matter what you tell them and how convincingly you prove the truth. They cannot say anything to the contrary, while they nevertheless do not believe.

One might say that their mind is paralyzed; after all, they reason sensibly about other things. Only when the issue touches upon faith do they become confused in their concepts and words.

They also become confused when they present their opinions as a substitute for the tenets of the Faith given by God. Here their doubt raises such a buttress that it is like a mighty cliff.

If you hear their entire theory through, you will see that a child could figure out that this is a spider's web; but they do not see it.

What unfathomable blindness!

One can explain the obstinacy of unbelievers as they’re not wanting to believe, but where does this lack of desire come from?

Why in this case does it get such power that it makes a sensible man consciously cling to an illogical way of thinking?

This is darkness. Is it not from the father of darkness?

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 4:14-19

PARALYZED BY DARKNESS

14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-Christ-
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Mark 11:27-33

PARALYZED BY REASON

27 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.
28 And they said to Him, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?"
29 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:
30 The baptism of John-was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.
31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
32 But if we say, 'From men' -they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed.
33 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."

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 82 (10-17)

PARALYZED BY GREED

10 Make their princes like Oreb and Zeb and Zebee and Salmana.
11 Yea, all their princes who said: Let us take to ourselves for an inheritance the sanctuary of God.
12 O my God, make them like a wheel, as stubble before the face of the wind,
13 As fire which shall burn the forest, as a flame which shall consume the mountains.
14 So shalt Thou pursue them with Thy tempest, and in Thy wrath shalt Thou trouble them.
15 Fill their faces with dishonour, and they shall seek Thy name, O Lord.
16 Let them be shamed and troubled unto ages of ages, and let them be confounded and destroyed.
17 And let them know that Thy name is Lord; Thou alone art Most High over all the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ The Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Great-martyr Nicetas the Goth (372).
New Hieromartyr John priest and Virgin-martyr Eudocia (1918).
New Hieromartyrs Andrew, Gregory, Gregory, John priests (1921).
Venerable Ignatius confessor (1932).
New Hieromartyr Demetrius priest (1935).
New Hieromartyrs John, Jacob, Peter priests and Nicholas deacon, Martyrs Mary and Ludmila (1937).
Uncovering of the relics of St. Acacius the Confessor, bishop of Melitene (257).
Martyrs Theodotus, Asclepiodotus, and Maximus of Adrianopolis (305-311).
Martyr Porphyrius the Mime of Caesaria (361).
Uncovering of the relics of the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen (415).
Venerable Philotheus the Presbyter of Asia Minor (10th c.).
St. Joseph, abbot, of Alaverdi in Georgia (570) (Georgia).
"Novoniketas" Icon of the Mother of God (372).
St. Symeon, archbishop of Thessalonica (1430).
Sts. Bessarion I and Bessarion II (1540), metropolitans of Larissa (Greek).
New Martyr John of Crete (1811) (Greek).
Venerable Gerasimus, abbot, of Sourvia (1740).
St. Joseph the New of Partos, metropolitan of Timisoara (1656) (Romania).
St. Mirin, abbot of Paisley.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, September 27, 2023


“THE POWER OF THE CROSS”
☦️ The Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - wine, oil allowed, no meat or dairy
👉 Exaltation of the Precious Cross
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Bulgarika
Bulgar ian Music and Dance Bulgarika:
Hosted by the Indy Folk Dancers in our
parish hall. Potluck meal at 6:30 followed
by dancing.
Bring a dish to share and $3/person for
admission

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 No Church Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE POWER OF THE CROSS HELPS FORGIVE
Eph. 3:8-21; Mark 11:23-26

The Lord said that, if you do not forgive others' trespasses againse you, then your Heavenly Father will not forgive you your trespasses.

Who does not forgive others?

A righteous person, or rather one who considers himself righteous. To such a person nothing remains other than to judge, pronounce sentences, and demand the punishment of the guilty.

Does a man who feels sinful have any time for [considering the sins of] others?

Would his tongue dare to judge another and demand satisfaction from him, when his own conscience unceasingly convicts him and unceasingly threatens him with God's righteous judgment?

So, is it better to sin than to be self-righteous?

No - be zealous for righteousness in every way; but with all of your righteousness, recognize that you are an unprofitable servant, and recognize this with undivided thought, that is, not with the thought of your unworthiness in the foreground, while the feeling of righteousness hides in the background.

Rather, preserve a full awareness and sense of yourself as unprofitable. When you attain this, (and it takes a while to get there, for it is not acquired suddenly), then no matter how your brother trespasses against you, you will not call him to account, because your conscience will keep repeating, "You deserve more than this; this is not enough for you."

Then you will forgive him; and having forgiven, you yourself will be made worthy of forgiveness. So, for your whole life, let there be forgiveness after forgiveness, and at the Judgment all shall be forgiven you.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 3:8-19

THE POWER OF THE CROSS IS ABLE TO SAVE

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

MARK 11:23-26

THE POWER OF THE CROSS US ABLE TO REMOVE BARRIERS

‭ “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 82 (1-9)

THE POWER OF THE CROSS CAN DEFEAT THE ENEMY

1 O God, who shall be likened unto Thee? Be Thou not silent, neither be still, O God.
2 For behold, Thine enemies have made a noise, and they that hate Thee have lifted up their heads.
3 Against Thy people have they taken wicked counsel, and have conspired against Thy saints.
4 They said: Come, let us utterly destroy them that they may be no more a nation, and let the name of Israel be remembered no more.
5 For they have conspired with oneness of mind together, against Thee have they made a covenant; even the tents of the Idumeans and the Ismaelites,
6 Moab and the Hagarenes, Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, and foreigners with them that dwell at Tyre.
7 Yea, for even Assur is come with them; they are become a help for the sons of Lot.
8 Do unto them as Thou didst unto Madiam and Sisara, as unto Jabin at the brook of Kisson.
9 They were utterly destroyed in Endor, they became as dung for the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ The Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Repose of St. John Chrysostom (407).
New Hieromartyr John priest (1918).
New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1937).
"Lesna" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (1696).
Martyr Papas of Lycaonia (305).
St. Placilla the Empress (400), wife of Theodosius the Great.
St. Maria of Tarsus (607).
New Martyr Macarius of Thessalonica (Mt. Athos) (1527), disciple of St. Niphon, patriarch of Constantinople (Greek).
Uncovering of the relics (2000) of Sts. Alexandra, Martha and Helen of Diveyevo.
Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council (Greek).
Martyr Theocles and Child-martyr Valerian (Greek).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, September 26, 2023


“THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS CONNECTED TO THE DIVINE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
@ Holy Resurrection
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil @ Joy

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - wine, oil allowed, no meat or dairy
👉 Exaltation of the Precious Cross
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Bulgarika
Bulgarian Music and Dance Bulgarika:
Hosted by the Indy Folk Dancers in our
parish hall. Potluck meal at 6:30 followed
by dancing.
Bring a dish to share and $3/person for
admission

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS CONNECTED TO THE SPIRIT OF LIFE
Eph. 2:19-3:7; Mark 11:11-23

The fig tree covered with leaves was splendid in appearance, but was not honored with approval by the Lord because there was no fruit on it, and there was no fruit because there was no inner fruit-bearing power.

How many such fig trees there are in the moral sense! In appearance all is proper, but on the inside there is nothing.

They are steady, honorable, and fulfill all that is Christian, but they do not have the spirit of life in Christ Jesus. That is why they do not have living fruit. What is in them only seems to be fruit, but it is not.

In what lies the spirit of life in Christ Jesus?

To this we say: one part is from the Lord, and the other is from us. What is from the Lord is essentially a fruit bearing spiritual power, but from us there is only a receiver for this power.

Concern yourself more with the latter. The root of this is the feeling that you are perishing, and that if it were not for the Lord, you would perish. From this you will have a heart that is broken and humbled, in everything you do throughout your life.

Furthermore, since the future is unknown, since there are many enemies and you can stumble every moment, then salvation is effectuated in fear and trembling, along with the unceasing cry:

"By the judgments which Thou knowest, save me!"

Woe unto him who rests on something other than the Lord; woe unto him who has worked for something other than the Lord!

Ask yourself, you who labor in works which are considered God-pleasing:

"For whom are you working?"

If your conscience boldly answers, "Only for the Lord"-it is good; but if not, you are building a house upon sand.

These are several indications of a fertile inner spirit. You can understand other things according to this.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 2:19-3:7

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS CONNECTED TO THE SAINTS

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles-
2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,
4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Mark 11:11-23

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS TO BEAR SPIRITUAL FRUIT

11 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.
12 Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry.
13 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.
14 In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." And His disciples heard it.
15 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.
16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.
17 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.' "
18 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.
19 When evening had come, He went out of the city.
20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away."
22 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Have faith in God.
23 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.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 81

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS CONNECTED TO DIVINITY AS GODS (gods)

1 God stood in the congregation of the gods, and in the midst He shall stand out among gods.
2 How long will ye judge unrighteously and accept the person of sinners?
3 Judge for the orphan and the poor man, do justice to the humble and the pauper.
4 Rescue the poor man and the needy, from the hand of the sinner deliver him.
5 They have not known, nor understood; they walk in darkness. Let all the foundations of the earth be shaken.
6 I said: Ye are gods, and all of you the sons of the Most High.
7 But like men ye die, and like one of the rulers do ye fall.
8 Arise, O God, judge the earth, for Thou shalt have an inheritance among all the nations.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ Tuesday before the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Forefeast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
Commemoration of the Founding of the Church of the Resurrection (The Holy Sepulchre) at Jerusalem (335).
Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion (1st c.).
New Hieromartyrs Stephan, Alexander priests and Nicholas deacon (1937).
Martyrs Cronides, Leontius, and Serapion of Alexandria (237).
Martyr Seleucus in Scythia (320).
Martyr Straton of Nicomedia (3rd c.).
Martyrs Macrobius and Gordian at Tomi in Romania (320).
Hieromartyr Julian of Galatia (4th c.).
Martyrs Elias, Zoticus, Lucian, Valerian, Macrobius, and Gordian at Tomi in Romania (320).
Venerable Peter at Atroe (9th C).
Great-martyr Ketevan, queen of Kakhetia (1624) (Georgia).
Venerable Cornelius of Padan-Olonets (16th c.), disciple of Venerable Alexander of Svir, and with him Venerables Dionysius and Misail
Venerable Litorius, bishop of Tours (370).
Venerable John of Prislop (15th-16th c.) (Romania).
Venerable Basil monk of Iveron Monastery (Greek).
St. Hierotheus of Kalamata, monk of Iveron Monastery, Mt. Athos (1745) (Greek).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, September 25, 2023


“LAYING ASIDE ALL EARTHLY CARE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM Vigil at Holy Resurrection
@ 800 E 110th St, Indianapolis, IN 46280

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy @ Holy Resurrection
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil @ Joy

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ LAYING ASIDE ALL EARTHLY CARES
Eph. 1:22-2:3; Mark 10: 46-52

The blind man of Jericho raised his voice when he learned that the Lord was walking by. His cry reached the Lord.

Nothing surrounding the Lord could interfere with His hearing it, and the Lord called the blind man over and restored his sight.

At every time and in every place the Lord does not just walk by, but is there; He governs the whole world.

As human thinking would have it, this means that He has many cares; furthermore, multitudes of angels surround Him with their doxologies.

But if you are able to raise your voice like the blind man of Jericho, nothing will stop your cry from reaching the Lord; He will hear and fulfill your petition.

It does not depend on the Lord; He Himself is near, and everything you need is already prepared with Him- it is you who are holding things up.

Succeed in raising your voice to the measure of the Lord's hearing, and you will immediately receive everything.

What then is this measure?

Faith, hope, and devotion to God's will. But even these have their own measures.

What then should these measures be?

Ask someone who has prayed and received what he requested. He will say to you, "I prayed about this and that, and I received according to my request. Now I need this and that and I've been praying and haven't received it, and I know why: because I cannot in any way ascend to the measure of prayer that I had earlier."

It turns out that it is impossible to determine this measure with literal precision. Only one thing is definitely true: that the matter depends on us, and not on the Lord. As soon as you reach the point where you are capable of receiving, you will unquestionably receive.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 1:22-2:3

LAYING ASIDE THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

Mark 10:46-52

LAYING ASIDE YOUR OLD GARMENTS

46 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.
47 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!"
48 Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"
49 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."
50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.
51 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."
52 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.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 80 (8-15)

LAYING ASIDE A STUBBORN OBSTINATE HEART

8 Hear, O My people, and I will speak unto thee, O Israel, and I will testify unto thee; if thou hearest Me, there shall be in thee no new god, nor shalt thou worship an alien god,
9 For I am the Lord thy God Who led thee out of the land of Egypt. Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
10 But My people heard not My voice, and Israel gave no heed unto Me.
11 And I let them go according to the ways of their hearts; they shall walk in their own ways.
12 If My people had heard Me, if Israel had walked in My ways,
13 Quickly would I have humbled their enemies, and upon their oppressors would I have laid My hand.
14 The enemies of the Lord have lied unto Him, but in that age their time shall come.
15 And He fed them with the fat of the wheat, and with honey out of the rock He satisfied them.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ Monday before the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Apodosis of the Nativity of the Theotokos.
Hieromartyr Autonomus, bishop in Italy (313).
Venerable Athanasius (1401), disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh and abbot of the Vysotsk Monastery in Serpukhov, and his disciple Venerable Athanasius (1395).
New Hieromartyrs Theodore, John, Nicholas priests and Martyr Alexis (1937).
Translation of the relics (1704) of Righteous Simeon of Verkhoturye (1642).
Venerable Bassian of Tiksna (Vologda) (1624).
Martyr Julian of Galatia, and forty martyrs with him (4th c.).
Hieromartyr Theodore, archbishop of Alexandria (606).
St. Coronatus, bishop of Iconium (3rd c.).
Martyr Macedonius in Phrygia, and with him Martyrs Tatian and Theodulus (4th c.).
St. Sacerdos, bishop of Lyons in Gaul (Gaul).
Venerable Daniel of Thassos, monk (843) (Greek).
St. Andronicus of Atroa (9th c.) (Greek).
Hieromartyr Dositheus of Tbilisi, Georgia (1795) (Georgia).
St. Ailbhe (Elvis) of Emly (527) (Celtic & British).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, September 24, 2023


“SELFLESS USE OF YOUR TALENTS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast before Eucharist
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 5”

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM Vigil at Holy Resurrection
@ 800 E 110th St, Indianapolis, IN 46280

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SELFLESS USE OF YOUR TALENTS
(I Cor. 6:1-10; Matt. 25:14-30)

The parable about the talents offers the thought that life is a time for trading.

That means that it is necessary to hasten to use this time as a person would hurry to a market to bargain for what he can. Even if one has only brought bast shoes, or only bast*, he does not sit with his arms folded, but contrives to call over buyers to sell what he has and then buy what he needs for himself.

No one who has received life from the Lord can say that he does not have a single talent--everyone has something, and not just one thing.

Everyone, therefore, has something with which to trade and make a profit. Do not look around and calculate what others have received, but take a good look at yourself and determine more precisely what lies within you and what you can gain for what you have, and then act according to this plan without laziness.

At the Judgment you will not be asked why you did not gain ten talents if you had only one, and you will not even be asked why you gained only one talent on your one, but you will be told that you gained a talent, half a talent, or a tenth of its worth.

And there will be a reward--not because you received the talents, but because you gained. There will be nothing with which to justify yourself--not with being a member of the nobility, or with poverty, or with a lack of education.

What has not been given to you will not be demanded of you. But you had hands and feet.

You will be asked, what did you gain with them?

You had a tongue--what did you gain with it?

In this way the inequalities of earthly states will be leveled out at God's Judgment.

* Bast is tree-bark, from which shoes and other items are woven. Thus St.Theophan means here very inexpensive, unsophisticated items.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

SELFLESS SERVICE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2 For He says: In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.
4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,
5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;
6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;
9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;
10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Matthew 25:14-30

SELFLESS SERVICE IS A SPIRITUAL INVESTMENT

14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them.
15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.
18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.'
21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
22 He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.'
23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
24 Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed.
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.
26 But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed.
27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest.
28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 80 (1-7)

SELFLESS SERVICE IN WORSHIP

1 Rejoice in God our helper, shout with joy to the God of Jacob.
2 Take up a psalm, and bring the timbrel, the pleasant psaltery with the harp.
3 Sound the trumpet at the new moon, in the notable day of our feast.
4 For this is an ordinance for Israel and a judgement of the God of Jacob.
5 He ordained it for a testimony in Joseph when he went out from the land of Egypt; a tongue which he knew not did he hear.
6 He removed his back from burdens; his hands had slaved at the basket.
7 Thou didst call upon Me in affliction, and I delivered thee; I heard thee in the secret place of the tempest, I made trial of thee at the water of gainsaying.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ Sunday before the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Translation of the relics of Venerables Sergius and Herman of Valaam.
Venerable Theodora of Alexandria (490).
Hieromartyrs Nicholas and Victor priests (1918).
Hieromartyr Carp priest (1937).
Venerable Silouan, elder of Mt. Athos (1938).
Hieromartyr Nicholas diacon (1942).
Martyrs Demetrius, his wife Euanthia, and their son Demetrian at Skepsis on the Hellespont (1st c.).
Martyrs Diodorus, Didymus, and Diomedes of Laodicea (4th c.).
Martyr Ia of Persia and 9,000 Martyrs with her (363).
Venerable Euphrosynus the Cook of Alexandria (9th c.).
Weeping Kazan Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, of "Kaplunovka" (1689).
Martyrs Serapion, Cronides (Hieronides), and Leontius of Alexandria (237).
Venerable Paphnutius the Confessor, bishop in the Egyptian Thebaid (4th c.).
Holy Martyr Theodora of Vasta in the Peloponnesus.
Venerable Elias the Cave-dweller, of Calabria (960).
Canonization (1978) of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg (18th c.).
Venerable Deiniol, abbot of Bangor, bishop in Wales (584) (Celtic & British).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY


“LIVING WITH JOYFUL READINESS”

+ TODAY:
👉 No fast
👉 5:00 PM - Vespers only
👉 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - St. Stephen's 108th
Anniversary Dinner Dance
2615 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast before Eucharist
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 5”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ LIVING WITH JOYFUL READINESS
I Cor. 10:23-28; Matt. 24:34-44

“Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matt. 24:42).

To be vigilant does not mean to sit with your arms folded, but rather to keep in mind that the Lord will come suddenly, and so to behave and conduct your affairs so as to be ready to meet Him at any instant, not fearing reproach and condemnation.

How is one to do this?

Very simply. Walk in the commandments without breaking a single one. And if it happens that you break one, immediately cleanse yourself through repentance and by fulfilling what needs to be done.

Then everything in you will be clean. Do not leave sin on your soul for even a minute; immediately repent, weep in your heart, and run to your spiritual father to confess and receive absolution, and then get down to business again, in accordance with God's commandments.

If you set out zealously to have your life in good order, it soon will be; just do not remain in a fall for long.

In such a case falls will become ever rarer and will eventually cease completely, with the help of the all-healing grace of God. Then the joyful assurance will dwell in you that you will not meet the Lord unprepared.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 1 Corinthians 10:23-28

LIVING WITH JOYFUL FREEDOM

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.
25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake;
26 for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness."
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience' sake.
28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness."

Matthew 24:34-44

LIVING WITH JOYFUL PURITY

34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.
41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 79 (11-20)

LIVING WITH JOYFUL PURPOSE

11 The shadows thereof covered the mountains, and the boughs thereof the cedars of God.
12 It stretched forth its shoots unto the sea, and its branches unto the rivers.
13 Why hast Thou broken down the hedge thereof, and all that pass along the way do pluck the fruit?
14 The boar of the forest hath laid it to waste, and the wild beast hath devoured it.
15 O God of hosts, return again; and look down from heaven and behold, and visit this vine,
16 And perfect that which Thy right hand hath planted, and look upon the son of man whom Thou madest strong for Thyself.
17 It is burned with fire and is dug up; at the rebuke of Thy face they shall perish.
18 Let Thy hand be upon the man of Thy right hand, and upon the son of man whom Thou madest strong for Thyself.
19 And we will not depart from Thee; Thou shalt quicken us, and we will call upon Thy name.
20 O Lord God of hosts, make us to return and cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

☦️ Saturday before the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Creating Cross of the Lord

Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora at Nicomedia (305).
New Hieromartyrs Ismail, Eugene, John, Constantine, Peter, Basil, Gleb, Basil, John, Nicholas, Palladius priests, Hieromartyrs Meletius and Gabriel, Martyr Symeon, Virgin-Martyr Tatiana (1937).
New Hieromartyr Warus bishop of Lipetsk (1938).
Venerable Paul the Obedient of the Kiev Caves (13th c.).
Venerable Prince Andrew, in monasticism Joasaph, of Kubensk, Vologda (1453).
Synaxis of the Holy Apostles Apelles, Lucius, and Clement of the Seventy..
Martyr Barypsabas in Dalmatia (2nd c.).
Blessed Pulcheria, the Empress of Greece (453).
Sts. Peter (826) and Paul (9th c.), bishops of Nicaea.
Synaxis of All Saints of Lipetsk.
Venerable Cassian, abbot of Spaso-Kamenny and St. Cyril of White Lake Monasteries (1469).
St. Salvius, bishop of Albi (584) (Gaul).
Venerable Finian of Ulster (Ireland), abbot (579) (Celtic & British).
St. Theodaard of Maastricht (668) (Neth.).
Translation of the relics of St. Egvin, bishop of Worchester.
Translation of the relics of St. Ethelwold, bishop of Winchester.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY


“HUMBLE SERVICE SEEKS NO RECOGNITION”

+ TODAY:
👉Strict Fast
👉6:00 PM - Walking w/ Joy - Irvington Zone
Meet @ Landlocked Baking Company
Fireside snacks @ Lance & Florence Longs

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 5:00 PM - Vespers only
👉 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - St. Stephen's 108th
Anniversary Dinner Dance
2615 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ HUMBLE SERVICE SEEKS NO RECOGNITION
Eph. 1:7-17; Mark 8:1-10

Having filled four thousand with seven loaves of bread, the Lord straightway ... “entered into a ship, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha” (Mark 8:10), as if nothing special had been done.

Such is the true doing of good - to do it continually, not paying attention to what has been done and, always forgetting what is past, to stretch forward to what is ahead. This comes natural for those who are filled with goodness.

Just as a strong man lifts heavy weights without noticing, while a weak man who has lifted a small weight cannot seem to forget it, so one who is strong in goodness does every good without strain, whenever the occasion arises, while one who is weak in goodness cannot manage without straining.

The good is memorable to him, and he keeps glancing at it and looking back.

A good heart craves to do good, and is not satisfied until it has done good in abundance, as a man is not satisfied until he has eaten his fill.

While hunger is felt, dinner is remembered, but when the hunger has been satisfied, all is forgotten.

So it is with a truly good person: a good deed is remembered before it is completed, but once it is done, it is forgotten.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians 1:7-17

HUMBLE SERVICE RESULTS FROM THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him.
11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,
16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Mark 8:1-10

HUMBLE SERVICE HAS COMPASSION ON ALL

1 In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them,
2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat.
3 And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar.
4 Then His disciples answered Him, "How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?"
5 He asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven."
6 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.
7 They also had a few small fish; and having blessed them, He said to set them also before them.
8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments.
9 Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away,
10 immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha.
11 Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 79 (1-10)

HUMBLE SERVICE LEAVES THE CHERUBIM TO SAVE US

1 O Shepherd of Israel, attend, Thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.
2 Thou that sittest on the cherubim, manifest Thyself before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasses.
3 Stir up Thy might and come to save us.
4 O God, make us to return and cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.
5 O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt Thou be wroth against the prayer of Thy servants?
6 Wilt Thou feed us with the bread of tears, and wilt Thou give us for drink tears in measure?
7 Thou hast made us a gainsaying among our neighbours, and our enemies have scoffed at us.
8 O Lord of hosts, make us to return and cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved.
9 A vine hast Thou brought out of Egypt, Thou hast cast out the heathen and planted it.
10 Thou hast prepared the way before it, and Thou hast planted the roots thereof, and it filled the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna.
Martyr Severian of Sebaste (320).
Venerable Joseph, abbot of Volokolamsk (or Volotsk) (1515).
Uncovering of the relics (1896) of St. Theodosius, archbishop of Chernigov (1696).
Elders of the Glinsk Hermitage: Venerables Basil Kishkin (1831); Philaret Danilevsky (1841); Theodotus Levchenko (1859); Macarius Sharov (1864); Martyrius Kirichenko (1865); Euthymius Liubimchenko (1866); Dositheus Kolchenkov (1874); Heliodorus Golovanitsky (1879); Innocent Stepanov (1888); Luke Shvets (1894); Archippus Shestakov (1896); Ioannicius Gromolko (1912); Seraphim Amelin (1958); Andronicus Lukash (1974); Seraphim Romantsov (1976); Zenobius Mazhuga (Seraphim) (1985).
New Hieromartyrs Gregory priest and Aleksander deacon (1918).
New Hieromartyrs Zaharias archbishop of Voronezh, Sergius, Joseph, Alexis, Demetrius priests and Martyr Basil (1937).
New Hieromartyr Andronicus (1938).
New Hieromartyr Alexander, priest (1942).
Venerable Theophanes the Confessor and Faster of Mt. Diabenos (299).
Martyrs Chariton and Straton.
Blessed Nicetas the Hidden of Constantinople (12th c.).
Commemoration of the Third Ecumenical Council (431).
Venerable Onuphrius of Voronsk (1789) (Romania).
Venerable Joachim, abbot of Opochka Monastery (Pskov) (1550).
St. Kieran (Ciaran) of Clonmacnois (Ireland) (ca. 545) (Celtic & British).
St. Omer, bishop of Therouanne (670).
St. Wulfhilda, abbess of Barking.
St. Bettelin, Hermit of Crowland.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR JOY TODAY
Thursday, September 21, 2023


“EMBRACING THE FULLNESS OF GOD”

+ TODAY:
👉 Nativity of the Theotokos - Feast Day
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Fellowship at the Lamp Post (bring your favorite board game!)

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉Strict Fast
👉6:00 PM - Walking w/ Joy - Irvington Zone
Meet @ Landlocked Baking Company
Fireside snacks @ Lance & Florence Longs

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ EMBRACING THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S TRUTH
Eph. 1:1-9; Mark 7:24-30

What moved the Syro-Phoenician woman to come to the Lord and be so persistent in her petition?

The convictions that had been formed within her. She was convinced that the Savior had the power to heal her daughter, and she came to Him. She was convinced that He would not leave her petition without fulfillment, and she would not stop asking.

Convictions are the sum of one's whole life, upbringing, current thinking, impressions from one's surroundings and the teachings one has received, and various incidents and activities in life.

One's mind works under the influence of all this, and arrives at certain convictions. Meanwhile, one must keep in mind that God's truth is everywhere, and it presses into the soul of man from everywhere.

Truth lies in the heart of man. God's truth is imprinted in all creatures. God's truth is in the customs and dispositions of man and it is also in his teachings to a greater or lesser degree.

But falsehood is everywhere as well. He who is of the truth gathers the truth, and is full of true, saving convictions, whereas he who is not of the truth gathers lies and is full of false convictions and fatal delusions.

Whether a person is of the truth or not of the truth -let each one examine for himself; meanwhile, God's judgment awaits everyone...

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭

EMBRACING THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S GRACE

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
8 according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself.

Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭30‬ ‭

EMBRACING THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S HEALING

24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.
25 For a woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard about Him, and she came and fell at His feet.
26 The woman was a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, and she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter.
27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”
29 Then He said to her, “For this saying go your way; the demon has gone out of your daughter.”
30 And when she had come to her house, she found the demon gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.”

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 78 (8-14)

EMBRACING THE FULLNESS OF GOD’S LOVING CARE

8 O remember not our iniquities of old; let Thy compassions quickly go before us, O Lord, for we are become exceedingly poor.
9 Help us, O God our Saviour, for the sake of the glory of Thy name; O Lord, deliver us and be gracious unto our sins for Thy name's sake,
10 Lest haply the nations say: Where is their God?
11 Yea, make known among the nations before our eyes the vengeance for Thy servant's blood which hath been shed. Let there come before Thee the groaning of them that be in fetters.
12 According to the greatness of Thine arm, show Thy care for the sons of the slain.
13 And render to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached Thee, O Lord;
14 For we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. We will confess Thee, O God, for ever; unto generation and generation we will declare Thy praise.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
~ New Martyr Demetrius, priest (1937).
~ St. Ioane (Maisuradze) (1957) and St. Giorgi-Ioane (Mkheidze), (1960), confessors, of Georgia (Georgia).
~ New Martyr Alexander Jacobson at Solovki (1930).
~ Icon of Sophia, the Wisdom of God (Kiev).
~ Venerable Icons of the Nativity of Most Holy Mother of God Syamsk (1524), Glinsk (16th C), Lukianovsk (16th C), Isaacovsk (1659), Kholmsk, Kursk "Sign" Icon (1259), Pochaev (1559), Lesninsk, Domnitsk (1696).
~ Venerable Serapion, monk, of Spaso-Eleazar Monastery (Pskov) (1480).
~ Venerable Lucian, abbot of Alexandrov (1654).
~ Venerable Arsenius, abbot of Konevits (1447).
~ King Ina of Wessex and Queen Ethelburga (8th c.) (Celtic & British).
~ New Martyr Athanasius of Thessalonica (1774) (Greek).
~ St. Sophronius of Achtalea in Georgia, bishop (1803) (Greek).
~ Martyrs Rufus and Rufianus (Greek)
Martyrs Severus and Artemidorus (Greek)
St. Kinemark, disciple of St. Dyfrig.
~ Translation of the relics of St. Grimald, abbot of Winchester.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, September 20, 2023


“FIGHTING AGAINST INNER SELFISH THOUGHTS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil to The Theotokos Nativity
(No Class)

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 No Fast
👉 Nativity of the Theotokos
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Fellowship at the Lamp Post (bring your favorite board game!)

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ FIGHTING AGAINST SINFUL THOUGHTS
Gal. 6:2-10; Mark 7:14-24

“From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughs, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness” (Mark 7:21-22).

Here common sins are listed; but all the rest also, both large and small, proceed from the heart, and the form in which they proceed are evil thoughts. The first seed of evil falls as a thought to do this or that.

Why and how does this occur?

A )Some of these instances can be explained by known laws of the joining and linking of ideas and images, but only some of them.

B )Another, more significant portion comes from the self-propelled irritation of the passions. When a passion lives in the heart, it cannot help but demand satisfaction.

This demand is revealed in an urge for something or other; with the urge is united some object or another. From this comes the thought: "Here is what I need to do" Here the same thing happens as, for example, when one is hungry: feeling hunger, one feels an urge for food; with the urge comes the thought of the food itself; from this follows finding something and eating it.

C ) The third and, perhaps, largest portion proceeds from the unclean powers. The air is filled with them; they dart around people in packs.

Each, according to what kind of demon it is, spreads its influence around itself to people with whom it comes into contact. Evil flies from them like sparks from a red hot iron. Where it is readily accepted, a spark is instilled, and with it the thought of an evil deed.

Only by this can one explain why evil thoughts arise, for unknown reasons, in the midst of activities which decisively are not related to them. But this variety of reasons does not require a variety of ways to react to evil thoughts.

There is one law: an evil thought has come- cast it out and the matter is finished. If you do not cast it out the first minute, it will be harder the second minute, and yet harder the third minute; and then you will not even notice how sympathy, desire, and the decision will be born; then the means will appear ... and a sinful act is at hand.

The first opposition to evil thoughts is sobriety and prayerful vigilance.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 2:6-10

FIGHTING AGAINST INNER SELFISH ATTITUDES

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Mark 7:14-24

FIGHTING AGINST THE INNER DEFILEMENTS OF THE HEART

14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:
15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.
16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!
17 When He had entered a house away from the crowd, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable.
18 So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him,
19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?
20 And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man.
21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.
23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.
24 From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 78 (1-7)

FIGHTING AGAINST THOSE WHO DISHONOR HOLY GOD

1 O God, the heathen are come into Thine inheritance, they have defiled Thy holy temple; they have made Jerusalem as it were the hut of an orchard-keeper.
2 They have made the dead bodies of Thy servants to be food for the birds of heaven, the flesh of Thy saints for the beasts of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.
4 We are become a reproach among our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
5 How long, O Lord, wilt Thou be wroth unto the end? Shall Thy jealousy be kindled like fire?
6 Pour out Thy wrath upon the nations that know Thee not, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon Thy name;
7 For they have devoured Jacob, and his place have they made desolate.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Forefeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.
Martyr Sozon of Cilicia (304).
~ St. John, archbishop and wonderworker of Novgorod (1186).
~ Martyrdom of St. Macarius, archimandrite of Kanev (1678).
~ Venerable Macarius of Optina (1860).
~ New Hieromartyrs Peter and Michael priests, Alexander deacon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Priest John Maslovsky of Verkhne-Poltavka, Amur (1921).
~ New Hieromartyrs Eugene metropolitan of Gorky, Stephan priest and Hieromartyrs Eugene, Nicholas and Pakhomius, New Hieromartyrs Gregory, Basil priests, Hieromartyr Leo (1937).
~ Venerables Alexander Peresvet and Andrew Osliaby (1380).
~ Venerable Serapion of Spaso-Eleazar Monastery in Pskov (1480).
~ Apostles Evodus (Euodias) (66) and Onesiphorus (67) of the Seventy.
~ Martyr Eupsychius of Caesarea in Cappadocia (2nd c.).
~ Venerable Luke and St. Peter the Cappadocian, abbots of the monastery of the Deep Stream (10th c.).
~ St. Cassia (Cassiane) the Hymnographer (9th c.).
~ Venerable Cloud (Clodoald), abbot-founder of Nogent-sur-Seine near Paris (560) (Gaul).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, September 19, 2023


“NO DESIRE TO KEEP THE CHURCH FASTS?”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 2:00 PM - Men's Group @ The Lamp Post
👉 6:00 PM - Walking with Joy - Zone North
@ 100 Acre Woods - CANCELED

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil to The Theotokos Nativity
(No Class)

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ NO DESIRE TO KEEP THE CHURCH FASTS
Gal. S:11-21; Mark 7:5-16

“There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man” (Mark 7:15).

This and similar passages for example, “But meat commendeth us not to God” (I Cor. 8:8) - are usually cited by those who do not like to fast, supposing that they thereby sufficiently justify the fact that they do not fast according to the rule and custom of the Church.

Everyone who is faithful to the Church knows how invalid this excuse is. Fasting decrees
that we abstain from some foods not because they are defiled, but because we can more conveniently refine our flesh by this abstinence-something crucial for inner progress.

This meaning of the law of fasting is so essential that those who consider some foods to be defiled are numbered among the heretics.

For those who are not well disposed to fasting it is better not to insist on this point, but on the point that fasting is not obligatory, although it is definitely the means for overcoming sinful urges and the strivings of the flesh.

There is no way that they can resist on this point. If inner progress is obligatory, then the means by which it is obtained is also obligatory, namely, fasting. Each person's conscience says this to him.

In order to soothe their conscience, they assert: I'll compensate for my omission of fasting in another way; or, fasting is harmful for me; or, I'll fast when I want to, but not during the established fasts.

However, the first excuse is inappropriate because no one has yet managed to cope with his flesh or to order his inner life properly without fasting.

The last excuse is also inappropriate, because the Church is one body, and to separate oneself from others within it means opposing its good order. One can remove oneself from the general customs of the Church only by leaving it; but, while someone is a member of it, he cannot say this or demand that.

The second excuse has a shade of validity. Indeed, among the limitations of fasting, the obligation is lifted from those upon whom fasting acts destructively, because the fast was established not to kill the body, but to mortify the passions.

But if one were to conscientiously count the true number of such people, it would be seen that they are so few that they do not even count. Only one real reason remains-lack of desire.

There is no point in arguing with this. You will not be brought to Paradise against your will. But when you are condemned to hell you will go whether you want to or not--you will be grabbed and thrown there.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 5:11-21

NO DESIRE TO FOLLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT

11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Mark 7:5-16

NO DESIRE FOR INNER TRANSFORMATION

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.
9 He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.
10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.'
11 But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban"-' (that is, a gift to God),
12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother,
13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.
14 When He had called all the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear Me, everyone, and understand:
15 There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.
16 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 77 (16-20)

NO DESIRE TO BE LEAD BY GOD

16 Great was the resounding sound of the waters, the clouds gave forth a voice.
17 Yea, for thine arrows passed abroad; the voice of Thy thunder is in their rolling.
18 And Thy lightnings have lightened the world; the earth was shaken and it trembled.
19 In the sea are Thy byways, and Thy paths in many waters; and Thy footsteps shall not be known.
20 Thou leddest Thy people as sheep by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Commemoration of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossae (Chonae) (4th c.).
~ Martyr Eudoxius, and with him Martyrs Zeno, Macarius, and 1,104 soldiers in Melitene (311).
~ New Hieromartyr Demetrius priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Constantine, John and Vsevolod priests (1937).
~ Venerable Archippus of Hierapolis (4th c.).
~ Martyrs Romulus and 11,000 others in Armenia (2nd c.).
~ Hieromartyr Cyril, bishop of Gortyna (3rd-4th c.).
~ Martyrs Cyriacus, Faustus, Abibus, and 11 others at Alexandria (250).
Venerable David of Hermopolis in Egypt (6th c.).
~ Kiev-Bratsk (1654) and Arabia Icons of the Mother of God.
~ Martyrs Calodote, Macarius, Andrew, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Andrew the Soldier, Andropelagia, Thecla, Theoctistus, and Sarapabon the Senator, in Egypt (256).
~ St. Beya, virgin, first abbess of Copeland in Cumbria (7th c.) (Celtic & British).
~ St. Magnus of Fussen, enlightener of the Allgau region of Germany (750-772).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, September 18, 2023


“INNER TRANSFORMATION REQUIRES THE EXTERNAL PRACTICES”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Church Activities

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Walking with Joy - Zone North
@ 100 Acre Woods

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ INNER TRANSFORMATION REQUIRES THE HELP OF EXTERNAL PRACTICES & RULES
Gal. 4:28-5:10; Mark 6:54-7:8

The Lord rebukes the Pharisees not for their outward observances and rules of conduct, but for their passionate attachment to them--for limiting themselves to the external worship of God with no concern for what was in their heart.

It is impossible to be without externals. The highest internal things require the external as their expression and garment.

In reality, internal things are never alone, but are always united with the outer; only in false theories are they separated.

But again, it is obvious that externals alone are nothing; their worth comes from the presence of the internal things contained within them. Thus, once the inward ceases to be, the outward might as well not be there.

Meanwhile, we have a weakness for outward and visible things, in which the internal is depicted and takes a definite form. And we do so to such an extent that, having fulfilled that which is external, we remain at peace, without even thinking that there might be internal things.

And since the inward is harder to attain than the outward, it is quite natural to get stuck on the latter, without striving for the former.

What can we do?

We must govern ourselves and keep the internal things in mind, always pushing ourselves toward them through the externals, only considering a work to be real when the internal and external are united in it. There is no other way.

Attentiveness toward oneself, sobriety, and vigilance are the only levers for raising up our nature, which is corpulent and has a penchant for lowly (earthly/sinful) things. Notice that those who possess the internal never abandon the external, although they attach no special value to it.

#fasting #churchattendance #prayerrule #study

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 4:28-5:10

INNER TRANSFORMATION IS NOT ENSLAVED TO EXTERNAL PRACTICES & RULES

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
29 But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free.
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Mark 6:55-7:8

INNER TRANSFORMATION CAN BE LOST WHEN THE FOCUS IS ON EXTERNAL RULES ONLY

55 ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.
56 Wherever He entered, into villages, cities, or the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged Him that they might just touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched Him were made well.
1 Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem.
2 Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault.
3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders.
4 When they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things which they have received and hold, like the washing of cups, pitchers, copper vessels, and couches.
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"
6 He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:'This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men -the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 77 (11-16)

INNER TRANSFORMATION COMES ULTIMATELY FROM THE GOD OF WONDERS

11 I remembered the works of the Lord; for I will remember Thy wonders from the beginning.
12 And I will meditate on all Thy works, and I shall ponder upon Thy ways.
13 O God, in the sanctuary is Thy way. What God is as great as our God? Thou art God Who workest wonders.
14 Thou hast made Thy power among the peoples; with Thine arm hast Thou redeemed Thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
15 The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid; the abysses were troubled.
16 Great was the resounding sound of the waters, the clouds gave forth a voice.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Prophet Zacharias and Righteous Elizabeth (1st c.), parents of St. John the Forerunner.
~ Martyrdom of St. Athanasius, abbot, of Brest, by the Latins (1649).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexis, archbishop of Velikoustiuzh, Martyr Euthymius (1937).
~ Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Alexander Urodov (2001).
~ Martyrdom of the Holy Passion-bearer Gleb of Russia, in holy baptism David (1051).
~ Martyrs Thiphael and his sister, Thivea (or Vivea) (98-138).
~ Martyr Sarbelus of Edessa.
~ Virgin-martyr Rhais (Raisa) of Alexandria (308).
~ Martyrs Juventinus and Maximus at Antioch (4th c.).
~ Martyrs Urban, Theodore, Medimnus, and 77 Companions at Nicomedia (370).
~ Martyrs Abdas, Hormizd, and Sunin of Persia (ca. 424).
~ Icon of the Mother of God Orshansk (1631).
~ Appearance of the Holy Apostle Peter to Emperor Justinian at Athira near Constantinople.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY


“UNION WITH GOD REQUIRES INNER TRANSFORMATION”

+ TODAY:
👉 Morning Fast Before Eucharist
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 4”

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Church Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ UNION WITH GOD EMERGES FROM FAITH & LOVE
II Cor. 4:6-15; Matt. 22:35-46

The Lord offered the commandment concerning love for God and one's neighbor, and immediately supplemented it with the teaching about His Sonship to God and His Divinity.

Why was this?

Because true love for God and for people is possible in no other way than by the operation of faith in the Divinity of Christ the Savior--that He is the Incarnate Son of God.

Such faith arouses love for God; for how can one not love God, Who has loved us so much, Who did not even spare His Only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us?

Faith brings this love to complete fulfillment, or to what it seeks-and love seeks a living union. To attain this union, one must overcome one's sense of God's justice, which punishes sin.
Otherwise it is terrifying to approach God.

This feeling is overcome through the conviction that God's righteousness has been propitiated by the death on the Cross of the Son of God [cf. I John 2:2, 4:10; Heb. 2:17]. Such a conviction comes from faith.

Consequently, faith opens the path of love for God. This is the first thing. The second thing, faith in the Divinity of the Son of God--Who took flesh, suffered, and was buried for our sake-gives us a model of love for one's neighbor; for it is love when one lays down his life for his beloved.

Faith also gives strength for the manifestation of such love. To have such love, one must become a new person instead of an egotistical person -one must become a self-sacrificing person.

Only in Christ does a person become a new creature, but we can only be in Christ if we unite with Christ by faith and by a grace-filled rebirth through the Holy Mysteries received with faith.

Hence it follows that people without faith who expect at least to maintain good moral conduct do so in vain. Everything must be taken together; it is impossible to divide a man. All of his aspects must be taken care of.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 2 Corinthians 4:6-15

UNION WITH GOD IS A RESULT OF GOD’S POWER

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Matthew 22:35-46

UNION WITH GOD REQUIRES LOVING HIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART

35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying,
36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?
37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David."
43 He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying:
44 The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool"'?
45 If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son?
46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 77 (6-10)

UNION WITH GOD REQUIRES A INNER CHANGE BY THE MOST HIGH

6 By night I pondered in my heart, and my spirit searched diligently.
7 Will the Lord then cast me off unto the ages, and will He be favourable no more?
8 Or will He cut off His mercy unto the end? Hath He brought to an end His word from generation to generation?
9 Or will the Lord forget to be merciful? Or in His wrath will He shut up His compassions for ever?
10 And I said: Now have I made a beginning; this change hath been wrought by the right hand of the Most High.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

❤️ Hieromartyr Babylas, bishop of Antioch, with Martyrs Urban, Prilidian, and Epolonius, and their mother Christodula (251).
❤️ Holy Prophet and God-seer Moses (1531 B.C.).
~ Translation of the relics of Prince Peter (1228) and Princess Febronia (tonsured David and Euphrosyne), wonderworkers of Murom (movable holiday on the Sunday before September 6th).
~ Synaxis of New Martyrs and Confessors of Kazakhstan (movable holiday on the Sunday after September 3rd).
~ Uncovering of the relics (1911) of St. Ioasaph, bishop of Belgorod (1754).
~ Uncovering of the relics (1989) of St. Metrophanes, bishop of Voronezh (1703).
~ Synaxis of All Saints of Voronezh.
~ Hieromartyr Parthenius, abbot of Kiziltis Monastery in Crimea (1867).
~ New Hieromartyrs Paul, John, Nicholas, Nicholas, John, Nicholas, Alexander, Peter and Michael priests, Hieromartyr Stephen, Martyrs Basil, Peter, Stephen and Alexander (1937).
~ New Hieromartyrs Gregory (Lebedev) Bishop of Shliserburg and Sergius (Druzhinin) Bishop of Narva (1937).
~ Virgin-Martyr Helen (1942).
~ Martyr Hermione, daughter of Apostle Philip the Deacon (117).
~ Martyr Babylas of Nicomedia, and with him 84 children (4th c.).
~ Martyrs Theodore, Mianus (Ammianus), Julian, Kion (Oceanus), and Centurionus of Nicomedia (305-311).
~ New Hieromartyr Peter, metropolitan of Dabro-Bosnia (1941).
~ Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "The Unburnt Bush" (1680).
~ St. Joachim, patriarch of Alexandria.
Venerable Petronius of Egypt (346), disciple of St. Pachomius the Great.
~ Martyr Charitina of Amisus (Greek).
~ Martyrs Tathuil and Bebaia of Edessa (2nd c.) (Greek).
~ Martyr Jerusalem of Berroia (Greek).
~ Martyrs Theotimus and Theodulus the executioners (Greek).
~ St. Simeon, abbot and wonderworker of Garesja (1773).
~ St. Anthimus the Blind, new ascetic of Cephalonia (1782).
~ Translation of the relics of St. Birinus, bishop of Dorchester-on-Thames and enlighterer of Wessex.
~ Translation of the relics St. Cuthberg, bishop of Lindisfarne.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, September 16, 2023


“A SELFISH WILL DEVELOPS A COLD HEART”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 Noon - 10:00 PM Middle Eastern Festival
@ St. George in Fishers
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Morning Fast Before Eucharist
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 4”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ A SELFISH WILL OPENS THE DOOR TO SIN
I Cor. 4:17-5:5; Matt. 24:1-13

“Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12).

Love is destroyed by transgressions; the more sins there are, the less love there is. Where all is sin, do not look for love.

Therefore, he who seeks the spread of love and the diminishing of the lack of love ought to be concerned with decreasing sin and curtailing the love of sin.

This is the true foundation for humanism!

Having taken up this work, one must use all means to oppose sin. Outward sins are the fruit of inner sinfulness. Inner sinfulness is rooted in egoism and its offspring.

Consequently, humanists need to make it a rule for themselves to suppress egoism by all means. Egoism is suppressed most forcefully by not allowing one's own will. Do not allow yourself to have your own will, and soon you will overcome egoism.

On the other hand, no matter what means you want to use against egoism, you will not be able to do anything if you give freedom to your will.

Hence it follows that wherever people seek their own little will in all things, they are seeking an expansion of egoism and the drying up of love, and they are seeking greater evil. Yet such is the spirit of the current time--and evil is growing.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 1 Corinthians 4:17-5:5

A SELFISH WILL OPENS THE DOOR TO SEXUAL IMMORALITY

17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles-that a man has his father's wife!
2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.
3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.
4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Matthew 24:1-13

A SELFISH WILL IS EASILY OFFENDED & FULL OF HATEFULNESS

1 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?"
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.
6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake.
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 77 (1-5)

A SELFISH WILL MUST INCLINE & SUBMIT TO GOD

1 Give heed, O my people, to my law; incline your ear unto the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter dark sayings which have been from the beginning,
3 Even those things that we have heard and have known and which our fathers have told us.
4 They were not hid from their children in another generation.
5 They declared the praises of the Lord and His mighty acts and His wonders which He wrought.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Hieromartyr Anthimus, bishop of Nicomedia, and those with him: Martyrs Theophilus deacon, Dorotheos, Mardonius, Migdonius, Peter, Indes, Gorgonius, Zeno, the Virgin Domna, and Euthymius (302).
~ Venerable Theoctistus (451), fellow-faster with St. Euthymius the Great.
~ Blessed John "the Hairy," fool-for-Christ at Rostov (1580).
~ New Hieromartyr Pimen (Belolikov) bishop of Vernensk and Semirechensk, Sergius, Basil, Philip, Vladimir priests, martyr Meletius (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Basil and Parthenius priests (1919).
~ New Hieromartyrs Andrew and Theophan priests (1920).
~ New Hieromartyrs Vladimir and Michael priests (1921).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1923).
~ New Hieromartyr Euthymius priest with 4 martyrs (1924).
~ New Hieromartyr Romanus priest (1929).
New Hieromartyr Alexis and Elias priests (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Peter Deacon (1953).
~ St. Phoebe, deaconess at Cenchreae near Corinth (1st c.).
~ Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia (309).
~ Hieromartyr Aristion, bishop of Alexandria, in Syria (3rd c.).
~ St. Ioannicius II, first patriarch of Serbia (1349).
~ The Pisidia Icon of the Mother of God (608).
~ New Martyr Polydorus of Cyprus (1794) (Greek).
~ Emperor Constantine the New (Greek).
~ Martyrs Chariton and Archontinus (Greek).
~ St. Remaclus, bishop of Maastricht (677) (Neth.).
~ St. Aigulphus of Provence (676) (Gaul).
~ St. Edward, martyr and king of England (978) (Celtic & British).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, September 15, 2023


“THE LORD IS NEAR; BE OF GOOD CHEER”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 5:00-9:00 PM - Middle Eastern Festival
@ St. George in Fishers

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast Free
👉 Noon - 10:00 PM Middle Eastern Festival
@ St. George in Fishers
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE LORD IS NEAR TO PROVIDE PROTECTION
Gal. 4:8-21; Mark 6:45-53

“Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid” (Mark 6:50).

Here is the pillar of our hope! Whatever misfortune or sorrow there might be, remember that the Lord is near, and be inspired through courageous patience.

As He then suddenly appeared before the Apostles who were in danger on the sea, so will He show His help and protection suddenly to you when you are in danger.

He is everywhere and is always ready with His protection.

Only stand with Him or before Him in faith, prayer, hope, and devotion to His holy will. Your spirit will be joined to the Lord, and from this comes every good thing.

However, this does not mean that there will immediately be dignity, glory, and honor, and other such things. External things might remain as they are, but there will arise a courageous and placid abiding in the order of events which it pleases the Lord to arrange for a person.

And this is the main thing that everyone in danger should seek: happiness on the inside, not on the outside. Inner blessedness always exists among those who are in a living union with the Lord.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 4:8-21

THE LORD IS NEAR TO MAKE HIMSELF KNOWN

8 But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods.
9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years.
11 I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all.
13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first.
14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.
16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them.
18 But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you,
20 I would like to be present with you now and to change my tone; for I have doubts about you.
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

Mark 6:45-53

THE LORD IS NEAR TO RELIEVE OUR FEARS

45 Immediately He made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent the multitude away.
46 And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.
47 Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land.
48 Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by.
49 And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out;
50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. But immediately He talked with them and said to them, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
51 Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled.
52 For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened.
53 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and anchored there.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 76 (11-20)

THE LORD IS NEAR TO PERFORM HIS WORKS

11 I remembered the works of the Lord; for I will remember Thy wonders from the beginning.
12 And I will meditate on all Thy works, and I shall ponder upon Thy ways.
13 O God, in the sanctuary is Thy way. What God is as great as our God? Thou art God Who workest wonders.
14 Thou hast made Thy power among the peoples; with Thine arm hast Thou redeemed Thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
15 The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid; the abysses were troubled.
16 Great was the resounding sound of the waters, the clouds gave forth a voice.
17 Yea, for thine arrows passed abroad; the voice of Thy thunder is in their rolling.
18 And Thy lightnings have lightened the world; the earth was shaken and it trembled.
19 In the sea are Thy byways, and Thy paths in many waters; and Thy footsteps shall not be known.
20 Thou leddest Thy people as sheep by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Mamas of Caesarea in Cappadocia (275), and his parents, Martyrs Theodotus and Rufina (3rd c.).
~ Venerable John the Faster, patriarch of Constantinople (595).
~ Venerables Anthony (1073) and Theodosius (1074) of the Kiev Caves.
~ New Martyrs Barsunuphius, bishop of Kyrilov, priest John, Abbess Seraphima of Therapontov Convent, and Anatole, Nicholas, Michael and Philip (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1920).
~ New Hieromartyrs Damascene, bishop of Starodub, priests Ephimius, John, John, Vladimir, Victor, Basil, Theodore, Peter, Stephen and Virgin-martyr Ksenia(1937).
~ Herman, bishop of Vyaznikov, priest Stephen and martyr Paul (1937).
~ Translation of the relics (1796) of Venerable Theodosius, abbot, of Totma.
~ 3,618 Martyrs who suffered at Nicomedia (3rd-4th c.).
~ "Kaluga" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (1771).
~ Righteous Eleazar, son of Aaron, and Righteous Phineas.
~ Martyrs Aeithalas and Ammon of Thrace (Greek).
~ Hieu, abbess of Tadcaster (7th c.) (Celtic & British).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, September 14, 2023


“DEEP HUNGER IN THE SOUL FOR GOD”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 Church New Year
👉 Day of Prayer for Creation

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 5:00-9:00 PM - Middle Eastern Festival
@ St. George in Fishers

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DEEP HUNGER FOR THE DIVINE
Gal. 3:23-4:5; Mark 6:30-45

“And people ran afoot thither out of all cities... and came together unto Him” (Mark 6:33), that is, to the Bethsaida desert, where the marvelous satisfying of five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fishes was performed.

What drew the people to the Lord?

A feeling for the Divine. The Divinity of the Lord, hidden under the cover of human nature, revealed itself in word, deed, gaze, and in all that was visible in the Lord.

The manifestations of the Godhead awakened a feeling for the Divine hidden in the heart of the people, and through it drew them to the Lord.

No one has power to hold back such a movement toward the Lord, not even the one who feels it, because it is deeper and stronger than all other movements.

When the Savior manifested the same Divinity later, it drew people of every tongue under the heavens to Him. It has been the same throughout the entire history of the Church, even to this day. A small sign of the Divine draws people to itself.

What can one conclude from this universal experience of our spirit's aspiration for the Divine, which takes place at all times?

One can conclude that the source of this experience is the Divine, the supernatural, the Godhead. This aspiration lies at the foundation of our spirit and constitutes its nature, as anyone can see from our intellectual, aesthetic, and practical concerns.

But there cannot be lies and deception in nature. Consequently, they do not exist in this aspiration for the Godhead. From this it follows that God and the Divine exist, and that the naturalists, in rejecting what is supernatural, are going against the nature of the human spirit.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭29‬;‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭ ‭

DEEP HUNGER FOR RESTORED IMAGE IN CHRIST (THEOSIS)

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be Lord of all;
2 but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”

Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭30‬-‭45‬ ‭

DEEP HUNGER IS SATISFIED BY CHRIST

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
36 send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat.
38 And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
39 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see.
40 And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
41 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
42 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
43 And they did all eat, and were filled.
44 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 76 (1-10)

DEEP HUNGER IN THE SOUL FOR GOD

1 With my voice unto the Lord have I cried, with my voice unto God, and He was attentive unto me.
2 In the day of mine affliction I sought out God, with my hands upraised by night before Him, and I was not deceived.
3 My soul refused to be comforted; I remembered God and I was gladdened; I spake in idleness and my spirit became faint-hearted.
4 Mine eyes were wakeful before the watches; I was troubled and spake not.
5 I thought upon the days of old, and the years of ages past I called to mind, and I meditated.
6 By night I pondered in my heart, and my spirit searched diligently.
7 Will the Lord then cast me off unto the ages, and will He be favourable no more?
8 Or will He cut off His mercy unto the end? Hath He brought to an end His word from generation to generation?
9 Or will the Lord forget to be merciful? Or in His wrath will He shut up His compassions for ever?
10 And I said: Now have I made a beginning; this change hath been wrought by the right hand of the Most High.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Church New Year.
~ Venerable Symeon Stylites (the Elder) (459) and his mother St. Martha (428).
~ Virgin-martyrs Tatiana and Natalia (1937).
~ Martyr Aeithalas of Persia (380).
~ Holy Forty Virgin-martyrs: Laurencia the deaconess, Celsina, Theoclia, Theoctista, Dorothy, Eutychia, Thecla, Aristaineta, Philadelphia, Mary, Veronica, Euthymia, Lamprotatia, Euphymia, Theodora, Theodota, Teteia, Aquilina, Theodulia, Aplodora, Lampadia, Procopia, Paula, Junilla, Ampliana, Percissa, Polynicia, Maura, Gregoria, Cyria, Bassa, Callinica, Barbara, Cyriacia, Agathonica, Justa, Irene, Matrona, Timothea, Tatiana, and Anna, and Martyr Ammon the deacon, their teacher, at Heraclea in Thrace (321-3).
~ Martyrs Callista and her brothers Evodus and Hermogenes, at Nicomedia (309).
~ Righteous Joshua the Son of Nun (1400 B.C.).
~ Venerable Dionysius the Lesser (before 556) (Romania).
~ Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos in Miasena Monastery, in memory of the finding of Her Icon (864).
~ "Chernigov-Gethsemane" (1869), Alexandria, August (1914) and named "All-Blessed" at Kazan Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
~ Venerable Meletius the Younger of Thebes (1095-1124).
~ New Martyr Angelis of Constantinople (1680) (Greek).
~ Venerable Nicholas of Courtaliatis in Crete, monk (1670) (Greek).
~ Venerable Symeon of Lesbos (Greek).
~ St. Evanthia (Greek).
~ St. Verena of Zurzach (350) (Switzerland).
~ St. Aegidius of Camargue (590) (Gaul).
~ St. Haido of Stanos (1820-21).
~ Commemoration of the Great Fire at Constantinople about 470 A.D.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, September 13, 2023


“SELFLESS LIVING IS FULL OF BLESSINGS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 - 6:40 PM - Vespers
👉 6:40 PM - Unseen Warfare Class
with Fr. John Miller

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast Free
👉 Church New Year
👉 Day of Prayer for Creation

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY- St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SELFLESS LIVING WITH NO CARES
Gal. 3:15-22; Mark 6:7-13

When the Lord sent the Holy Apostles to preach, He commanded that they not take anything with them but the clothes on their back, the sandals on their feet, and a staff in their hand.

They were to have no cares about anything, and to enter into this work as if everything were fully provided. Indeed, the Apostles were completely provided for, without any external provisions.

How was this arranged?

Through their complete devotion to the will of God. That is why the Lord arranged for them not to have any need for anything.

Their preaching moved the hearts of their listeners, who fed and sheltered them. But the Apostles did not think of this and did not expect anything, committing all to the Lord.

That is why they patiently bore any unpleasantness they might have encountered. Their only care was to preach, and their only sorrow was if people would not listen to their preaching.

From this came the purity, independence, and great fruitfulness of their preaching. The same is needed today as well, but our infirmity demands external provision, without which we will not take a step. This, however, is not a reproach against our apostles of today.

In the beginning they definitely find comfort in being provided for, but then the thought of it disappears from their mind, and through their very labor they are raised up to the state of committing themselves to God. Very likely it is from that moment that their preaching begins to be truly fruitful.

Dedication to God is a high level of moral perfection, and people do not reach it immediately, at the moment they understand its value. It comes on its own after one labors on oneself.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 3:15-22

SELFLESS LIVING BY FAITH IN CHRIST

15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Mark 6:7-13

SELFLESS LIVING TO SET FREE & HEAL

7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
8 He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff-no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts-
9 but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics.
10 Also He said to them, "In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place.
11 And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city
12 So they went out and preached that people should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 75 (7-11)

SELFLESS LIVING FULL OF VOWS & PRAISE

7 Thou art to be feared, and who shall withstand Thee? From thenceforth is Thy wrath; Thou didst cause judgement to be heard from heaven.
8 The earth feared and was still, when God rose to judgement to save all the meek of the earth.
9 For the inward thought of man shall give praise unto Thee, and the remainder of his inward thought shall keep a feast to Thee.
10 Make your vows and pay them to the Lord our God; all that are round about Him shall bring gifts,
11 To Him that is to be feared and taketh away the spirits of princes, to Him that is to be feared among the kings of the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Placing of the Cincture (Sash) of the Most Holy Theotokos (395-408).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexander priest and Vladimir deacon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Michael and Myron priests (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Demetrius (1938).
~ Hieromartyr Cyprian, bishop of Carthage (258).
~ St. Gennadius, patriarch of Constantinople (471).
~ New Martyrs of Jasenovac (1941-1945) (Serbia).
~ St. John, metropolitan of Kiev (1089).
~ St. Paulinus, bishop of Trier (358).
~ St. Gennadius Scholarius, patriarch of Constantinople (1372).
~ St. Eanswythe, abbess, of Folkestone (England) (640) (Celtic & British).
~ St. Cuthburga, abbess of Wimborne (Celtic & British).
~ St. Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne (651) (Celtic & British).
~ Four Martyrs of Perge in Pamphylia (Greek).
~ Martyrs: Menas, Faustus, Andrew, Heraclius, Phileortus and Diadoch (Greek).
~ Martyr Phileortus (Greek).
~ Martyr Diadoch (Greek) Eight Virgin-martyrs of Gaza (Greek).
~ 366 Martyrs of Nicomedia (Greek).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, September 12, 2023


“LIFE CHANGE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Walking with Joy
100 Acre Woods

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 - 6:40 PM - Vespers
👉 6:40 PM - Unseen Warfare Class
with Fr. John Miller

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ LIFE CHANGE HAPPENS IN OTHERS
Gal. 2:21-3:7; Mark 6:1-7

“From whence hath this Man these things? And what wisdom is this which is given unto Him?”(Mark 6:2).

Thus spoke the people of Nazareth about the Lord, having known His former life of low estate. The same happens with everyone who truly follows the Lord.

He who strictly holds to the path of the Lord changes completely once he has labored to overcome all that is not right within himself. His gaze, walk, speech, and behavior- His whole constitution-all bear the mark of a special harmony and dignity, even though he may have come from a lowly background and have no education.

Then there is heard: From whence hath this man these things? If things bodily and visible are so transformed, what can be said of the inner things of the soul, which are more directly and closely subject to the action of transforming grace, and to which the externals serve only as an expression and consequence?

How bright, exact, and definite are his thoughts about everything! How true is his judgment about what exists and happens! His viewpoint on everything is higher than that of philosophers! And his intentions, actions, and undertakings?

All is pure and holy, reflecting heavenly brightness. In truth, this is a new person!

He did not receive an education, did not attend university lectures, and did not have a good upbringing at all, yet he is most well mannered and wise. Attentiveness toward himself, labor over himself, prayer, and drawing near to God have refashioned everything through God's grace; and no one saw how it happened.

That is why the question arises: From whence hath this man these things?

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 2:21-3:7

LIFE CHANGE HAPPENS BY FAITH

21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have you suffered so many things in vain-if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?-
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.

Mark 6:1-7

LIFE CHANGE HAS NO LIMITS ACCEPT UNBELIEF

1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.
2 And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands!
3 Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us? So they were offended at Him.
4 But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house."
5 Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.
6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.
7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 75 (1-6)

LIFE CHANGE CAN BREAK OLD WAYS

1 In Judea is God known, His name is great in Israel.
2 And His place hath been made in peace, and His dwelling in Sion.
3 There did He break the power of the bow, the weapon and the sword and the battle.
4 Thou shinest wondrously from the everlasting mountains; all the foolish of heart were troubled.
5 They have slept their sleep, and all the men of wealth have found nothing in their hands.
6 At Thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, they that had mounted upon horses fell aslumber.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Sts. Alexander (340), John (595), and Paul the New (784), patriarchs of Constantinople.
~ Repose of Venerable Alexander, abbot of Svir (1533).
~ Translation of the relics (1724) of St. Alexander Nevsky (1263).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Daniel, prince of Moscow (1652).
~ New Hieromartyr Peter priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Apollinaris (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Paul priest and Virgin-martyr Elizaveta and Martyr Theodore (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Schema-archimandrite Ignatius (Lebedev) of St. Peter's Monastery (1938).
~ Hiero-confessor Archpriest Peter Cheltsov of Smolensk (1972).
~ Venerable Christopher of Palestine (6th c.).
~ Venerable Fantinus of Calabria (9th c.).
~ Synaxis of the Serbian Hierarchs: Sts. Sava I (1235), Arsenius (1266), Sava II (1271), Eustathius I (1285), James (1292), Nicodemus (1325), and Daniel II (1338), archbishops; Sts. Ioannicius II (1354), Spyridon (1388), Ephraim II (1395), Cyril (1419), Nicon (ca. 1439), Macarius (1574), Gabriel I (1659), patriarchs; and St. Gregory (1012), bishop.
~ St. Barlaam metropolitan of Moldavia (1657) (Romania).
~ Venerable Bryaene of Nisibis (318).
~ St. Eulalius, bishop of Caesarea (4th c.).
~ Sixteen Monk-martyrs of Thebes (Greek).
~ Six Martyrs of Melitene (Greek).
~ St. Sarmata of The Paradise (Greek).
~ Hieromartyr Felix and Martyrs Fortunatus, Septimius and Januarius (Greek).
~ St. Fiacrius of Brogillum (670) (Gaul).
~ Translation of the relics of St. Guthlac.
~ Hieromonk of Crowland.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, September 11, 2023


“HEALING OF SOUL, MIND, & BODY”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
Beheading St. John the Forerunner

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Church Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ HEALING THE DISEASE OF SINFUL PASSIONS
Gal. 2:11-16; Mark 5:24-34

The woman with the issue of blood had only to touch the Lord with faith, and power went out of the Lord into her. Straightway, the fountain of her blood was dried up (Mark 5:29).

The issue of blood is an image of the passionate thoughts and intentions that incessantly spring forth from the heart, if it has not yet been cleansed from all sympathy to sin--this is our sinful disease.

It is sensed by those who have repented and zealously strive to keep themselves pure not only outwardly, but inwardly as well.

Such people see that evil thoughts incessantly proceed from the heart, and they grieve over this and seek healing. But it is not possible to find such healing in oneself or others.

It comes from the Lord or, more precisely, it comes when the soul touches the Lord and power goes out of the Lord into the soul.

In other words, it comes when tangible contact with the Lord occurs, to which a special warmth and inner burning testifies. When it happens, the soul immediately feels that it was healed of that plague (Mark s:29).

This is a great good; but how can it be attained?

The woman with the issue of blood pressed toward the Lord and received healing- we too must press toward the Lord, proceeding without laziness by the narrow way of inner and outer spiritual struggles.

Everything is narrow for those who go by this way, and the Lord is not in sight. But then suddenly there is the Lord. And what joy!

The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation (Luke 17:20).

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 2:11-16

HEALING OF THE SOUL AVAILABLE FOR ALL PEOPLE

11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;
12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Mark 5:24-34

HEALING COMES FROM EFFORT & FAITH

24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years,
26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.
27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.
28 For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."
29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"
31 But His disciples said to Him, "You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, 'Who touched Me?' "
32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing.
33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth.
34 And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 74 (6-10)

HEALING COMES THROUGH REPENTANCE

6 For judgement cometh not from the byways, nor from the west, nor from the desert mountains; for God is judge.
7 This man He humbleth, and another He exalteth; for in the hand of the Lord there is a brimming cup of unmingled wine.
8 And He hath inclined it from side to side, but the dregs thereof were not fully emptied out; all the sinners of the earth shall drink of them.
9 But as for me, I will rejoice for ever; I will chant unto the God of Jacob.
10 And all the horns of the sinners will I break, but the horn of the righteous man shall be exalted.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Beheading of the Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John.
~ Commemoration of orthodox soldiers killed on a battle fields.
~ Venerable Alexander, abbot of Voche, of Galich (16th c.).
~ New Martyr Anastasius of Bulgaria (1794).
~ St. Sebbi, king of the East Saxons (694) (Celtic & British).
~ Venerable Theodora, nun, of Thessalonica (892) (Greek).
~ Venerable Arcadius of Arsinoe, Cyprus, bishop and wonderworker (Greek).
~ Translation of the relics of Venerable Joseph the Sanctified of Samaka (Greek).
~ New Hieromartyr Peter, metropolitan of Krutitsa (1936).
~ Sts. Candida (418) and Gelasia (422) of Constantinople.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, September 10, 2023


“CHRISTIAN IN TITLE ONLY?”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 3”
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil
Beheading St. John the Forerunner

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
Beheading St. John the Forerunner

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ CHRISTIAN TITLE BUT NO FAITH
I Cor. 1:21-2:4; Matt. 22:1-14

A king arranged a wedding for his son. He sent once for those who were bidden and sent for them a second time, but because of earthly cares they did not come--one was occupied at home, another with business.

A new invitation was made to others, and the wedding chamber was furnished with guests. Among them was found one not dressed for the wedding, and he was therefore cast out. The meaning of this parable is clear: the wedding is the Kingdom of Heaven, the invitation is the preaching of the Gospel, those who refused are those who did not believe at all, and the one who was not dressed for the wedding believed, but did not live according to his faith.

Each of us must discern for himself to which category he belongs. That we are bidden is clear, but are we believers?

Indeed it is even possible to be among believers, to be called by that name, and completely lack faith.

One person does not think at all about faith, as though it did not exist; another knows a little about it and is satisfied; another interprets the Faith in a distorted way; another relates to it with complete animosity.

All are considered to be Christians, although they have absolutely nothing which is Christian. If you believe, determine whether your feelings and deeds conform to your faith - these are the garment of the soul, by which God sees you as dressed for the wedding or not.

It is possible to know the Faith well and be zealous for it, but in actual life to serve the passions--to dress, that is, in the shameful clothes of a sin-loving soul.

Such people are one way in word, but another way in the heart. On their tongue is, "Lord, Lord!" but within they are saying, "Have me excused."

Examine yourself, whether you are in the Faith (cf. II Cor. 13:5) and wearing the wedding clothes of the virtues, or wearing the shameful tatters of sins and passions.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 2 Corinthians 1:21-2:4

CHRISTIAN TITLE WITHOUT MORALS & VIRTUES
(Apostle Paul confronting their sin)

21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
23 Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth.
24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
1 But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me?
3 And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.
4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.

Matthew 22:1-14

CHRISTIAN TITLE BUT NO WEDDING GARMENT (Garment of Christ’s Blood)

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said:
2 The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding." '
5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.
6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy.
9 'Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'
10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.
11 But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
12 So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless.
13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 74 (1-5)

CHRISTIAN TITLE WITHOUT HUMBLE REPENTANCE

1 We will confess Thee, O God, we will confess Thee, and we will call upon Thy name.
2 I will tell of all Thy wonders. When I am given the appointed time, I will judge uprightly.
3 The earth is melted and all that dwell therein; it is I that made steadfast the pillars thereof.
4 I said to the transgressors: Do not transgress; and to the sinners: Lift not up the horn.
5 Lift not up your horn on high, and speak not unrighteousness against God.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Venerable Moses the Black of Scete (400).
Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Job of Pochaev (1651).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexis (1918).
~ New Martyrs Archimandrite Sergius (Zaytsev) and monks of Zilantov Monastery of Kazan (1918) hieromonks Laurecnce (Nikitin), Seraphim (Kuz'min), hierodeacon Theodosius (Alexandrov), monks Leontius (Kariagin), Stephen, brothers Gregory (Timofeev), Hylarion (Pravdin), John (Sretensky), Sergius (Galin) (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexander, deacon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1931).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil priest (1937).
~ Synaxis of the Saints of the Kiev Caves whose relics repose in the Far Cave of Venerable Theodosius.
~ Venerable Sabbas, abbot of Krypetsk (1495).
~ Righteous Anna the Prophetess and Daughter of Phanuel, who met the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem (1st c.).
~ Martyr Queen Shushaniki (Susanna) of Georgia (475) (Georgia).
~ St. Amphilochius, bishop of Vladimir, Volhynia (1122).
~ Righteous Hezekiah, king of Judah (691 B.C.).
~ Venerable Theodore (Monk Theodosius of the Kiev Caves), prince of Ostrog (1483).
~ New Hieromartyr Chrysostom, metropolitan of Smyrna (1922) (Greek).
~ 33 Martyrs of Nicomedia (Greek).
~ Martyrs Diomedes and Laurence (Greek).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, September 9, 2023


“HUMBLE SERVICE TO GOD & OTHERS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 9:30 AM 10:30 AM - Men's Breakfast
@ Maxine's: 222 E Market St.
👉 12PM-10PM - Indy Serb Fest
@ St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Bible Study Class
by Subdeacon Randy Hay
“Revelation 3”
👉 Vigil, Beheading St. John the Forerunner

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ HUMBLE SERVICE TO OTHERS
I Cor. 4:1-5; Matt. 23:1-12

“He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matt. 23:11).

As the Lord tells us, greatness is measured not by birth, not by power, not by the measure of abilities and resources, but by the ability to provide good for others.

He who is more tireless and acts more extensively in this is the greatest. Just as the head of a family, once he becomes the head, is sincerely concerned for the whole family, and considers it an honor and advantage to set them all at ease, to arrange that things will be good for everyone - so in a Christian society, he who wants to be the greatest must take on complete care for the Christian comforting of all those in his sphere of existence and in the area of activity which he has chosen for himself.

But it is even better to abandon every thought about greatness and take heartfelt care to serve as much as possible for the good of those around you, and then you will be the greatest in the eyes of God, and people will perhaps recognize you as such also.

If only all those in high positions would make this law of Christ the law of their conscience, what prosperity and case would arise immediately among us!

But the misfortune is that the majority of them begin quickly to serve themselves and their own interests, and almost always combine this with demands to be served rather than serving others.

They soothe their conscience with the fact that official affairs are running well. This is why there are many superiors, but good does not prosper in our midst, and not all good institutions bring forth the good that is expected of them.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

HUMBLE SERVICE TO GOD

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

Matthew 23:1-12

HUMBLE SERVICE OF LEADERS

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,
2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.
3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.
6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'
8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.
11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 73 (20-24)

HUMBLE SERVICE IN PRAYER

20 O deliver not unto beasts the soul which doth confess Thee; of the souls of Thy paupers be not forgetful unto the end.
21 Look Thou upon Thy covenant, for the dark places of the earth are filled with the houses of iniquity.
22 Let not the humbled and shamed man be turned away; the beggar and the poor man shall praise Thy name.
23 Arise, O God, judge Thine own cause; remember the reproach made against Thee by the mindless man all the day long.
24 Forget not the voice of Thy suppliants; the pride of them that hate Thee ascendeth continually.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Venerable Poemen the Great (450).
~ New Hieromartyr Stephen Nemkov, and those with him, of Nizhni-Novgorod (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Paul, priest (1918).
New Hieromartyrs John, John priest and Hieromartyr Methodius (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Aleksander, priest (1939).
~ New Hieromartyr Vladimir, priest (1940).
~ St. Demetrius confessor, priest (1952).
Venerables Pimen, Kuksha, and Nicon of the Kiev Caves (1114).
~ St. Hosius (Osia) the Confessor, bishop of Cordova (4th c.).
~ St. Liberius, pope of Rome (366).
~ Venerable Poemen of Palestine (605).
~ Martyr Anthusa.
~ Venerable Sabbas of Benephali.
~ Great-martyr Phanurius the Newly Appeared of Rhodes (Greek).
~ Translation of the relics of Sts.
~ Theognostus, Cyprian, and Photius, metropolitans of Moscow (1479).
~ St. Caesarius, bishop of Aries (543) (Celtic & British).
~ Martyr-hermit Decuman of Watchet.
~ Martyr Djan Darada, the Ethiopian eunuch of Queen Candace.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, September 8, 2023


“SEEK & SHOW NO PRAISE NOR GLORY”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast: Wine and oil allowed; no meat, dairy
👉 6:00 PM - Walking w/ Joy - Far East Zone
Lion’s Park Cumberland (Buckcreek Trail)
Bonfire @ Steve Linder’s with snacks

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast Free
👉 9:30 AM 10:30 AM - Men's Breakfast
@ Maxine's: 222 E Market St.
👉 12PM-10PM - Indy Serb Fest
@ St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SEEK & SHOW NO PRAISE & RECOGNITION
Gal. 2:6-10; Mark 5:22-24, 35-6:1

“Having resurrected the daughter of Jairus, the Lord commanded her parents strictly, that no man should know it” (Marks: 43).

Thus are we commanded: do not seek glory, and do not train your ear for human praise, even if your deeds are of such a nature that it is impossible to hide them.

Do what the fear of God and your conscience urge you to do, and as to what people say, act as though it had never been said.

Look after your soul-as soon as it inclines the slightest degree in the direction of seeking glory, return it to its place. A desire for people to know what you have done is provoked by a desire for praise.

When there is praise the goal is achieved; but this undermines one's energy and suppresses the praiseworthy activity, and consequently suppresses the continuation of praise.

Thus, one who wants people to know of his good works is his own betrayer. It is a good thing for people to praise what is good- for why would someone not praise what is good?

But do not keep this in your thoughts; do not expect it and do not seek it. Indulge yourself in this and you will be totally spoiled. One indulgence leads to another.

Increase the frequency of the same deeds and they will become a habit, and you will become a lover of praise.

When you come to that point, then not all of your deeds will be praiseworthy, and praise will cease. Because you lack praise from others, you will begin to praise yourself, and this is what the Lord called sounding a trumpet before oneself. This is even worse.

The soul then becomes petty, and chases solely after tinsel. Do not expect true good to come from such a soul.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 2:6-10

SEEK & SHOW NO FAVORITISM

6 But from those who seemed to be something-whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man-for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.
7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
10 They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

Mark 5:22-24, 35-6:1

SEEK & SHOW NO BRAGGING & PRIDE

22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet
23 and begged Him earnestly, saying, "My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live."
24 So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?"
36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not be afraid; only believe."
37 And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James.
38 Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly.
39 When He came in, He said to them, "Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping."
40 And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying.
41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha, cumi," which is translated, "Little girl, I say to you, arise."
42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
43 But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat.
1 Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 73 (13-19)

SEEK & SHOW NO PERSONAL PRAISE

13 But God is our king before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.
14 Thou didst establish the sea by Thy might, Thou didst break the heads of the dragons in the water.
15 Thou didst crush the head of the dragon, Thou gavest him as food to the Ethiopian peoples.
16 Thou hast cloven fountains and torrents, Thou hast dried up the rivers of Etham.
17 Thine is the day and Thine is the night; Thou hast perfected the light and the sun.
18 Thou hast made all the borders of the earth; summer and spring hast Thou fashioned.
19 Be mindful of this Thy creation. The enemy hath reproached the Lord, and a mindless people hath provoked Thy name.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Commemoration of the Meeting of the "Vladimir" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane in 1395.
~ Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions of Nicomedia (4th c.).
~ New Hieromartyr Peter priest and St.
~ Gregory confessor, priest (1938).
~ Blessed Mary Diveyevo (1931).
~ New Hieromartyr Victor priets, Martyr Demetrius, Peter and New Hiero-confessor Archpriest Roman Medved of Moscow (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Nectarius (Trezvinsky), bishop of Yaransk (1937).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Nicholas the Confessor, metropolitan of Almaty (2000).
~ Venerable Adrian, abbot of Ondrusov (Valaam) (1549).
~ Synaxis of All Saints of Orlov Metropolia.
~ The Pskov Caves Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, named the "Tenderness" (1542).
~ Blessed Cyprian of Storozhev, former outlaw (16th c.).
~ Venerable Adrian, abbot of Poshekhonye (1550).
~ Vladimir-Eletsk Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God (1395).
~ Venerable Tithoes of the Thebaid (4th c.), disciple of St. Pachomius the Great (4th c.).
Venerable Ibestion the Confessor, Egyptian ascetic.
~ St. Zer-Jacob, missionary of Ethiopia.
Venerable Adrian of Uglich (1504), disciple of St. Paisius of Uglich.
~ Finding of the relics of Venerable Bassian of Alatyr Monastery (17th c.).
~ Monk Ioasaph, prince of India (Greek).
~ Martyrs Atticus and Sisinnius (Greek).
~ The miraculous renewal of the Vladimir Icon of the Theotokos in Harbin (Manchuria) (1925).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, September 7, 2023


“DELIVERED FROM DEMONIC INFLUENCES”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Evening at the Lamp Post, fellowship and Presentation by Kenneth Michael: “C.S. Lewis and the Inklings: a guided tour.”

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast: Wine and oil allowed; no meat, dairy
👉 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Evening at the Lamp Post, fellowship and Presentation by Kenneth Michael: “C.S. Lewis and the Inklings: a guided tour.”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DELIVERED FROM DEMONIC & UNCLEAN SPIRITS
Gal. 1:1-10, 20-2:5; Mark 5:I-20

“My name is Legion: for we are many” (Mark s:9).

Spirits are bodiless, and therefore they do not fill or take up space like bodies. This explains why it is physically possible for many spirits to reside in one person.

That it is possible morally for spirits to do this is understandable from their amorality or their absence of all moral principles. That it is possible for people is understandable from their many-sided contact with the dark realm of the unclean powers, due to the way people's souls are ordered.

But this only explains what is possible; the reality of demonic possession is subject to conditions which we do not have the ability to determine. We can only say that spirits do not always enter in a visible way, and possession is not always demonstrated through the possessed person's actions.

There is an unseen, hidden demonic possession. There is also a power of spirits over minds, apart from the body, when the demons lead them wherever they wish, through the passions working in them.

People think that they are acting themselves, but they are actually the laughingstocks of unclean powers. What can we do?

Be a true Christian and no enemy power shall overcome you.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 Galatians 1:1-10, 20-2:5

DELIVERED FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL AGE

1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),
2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,
7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
20 (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.)
21 Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ.
23 But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God in me.
1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),
5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Mark 5:1-20

DELIVERED FROM SPIRITUAL CHAINS & SHACKLES

1 Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains,
4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.
5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.
6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.
7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, "What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me."
8 For He said to him, "Come out of the man, unclean spirit!"
9 Then He asked him, "What is your name?" And he answered, saying, "My name is Legion; for we are many."
10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.
11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains.
12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, "Send us to the swine, that we may enter them."
13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea.
14 So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened.
15 Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine.
17 Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region.
18 And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him.
19 However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you."
20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 73 (7-12)

DELIVERED FROM DESTRUCTIVE SPIRITUAL FORCES

7 As in a forest of trees, with axes they cut down the doors thereof together, with two-edged axe and mason's hammer have they broken it down.
8 With fire have they burned down Thy sanctuary, they have profaned even unto the ground the habitation of Thy name.
9 They said in their heart, even the whole kindred of them together: Come, let us abolish all the feasts of God from the earth.
10 Our signs have we not seen; there is no more any prophet, and he will know us no more.
11 How long, O God, shall the enemy utter reproaches? Shall the adversary provoke Thy name to the end?
12 Wherefore turnest away Thy hand, and Thy right hand out of the midst of Thy bosom for ever?

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Apostle Titus of the Seventy (1st c.).
~ Hieromartyr Moses (1931).
~ New Hieromartyr priest Vladimir Moschansky (1938).
~ Sts. Barses and Eulogius (386), bishops of Edessa, and St. Protogenes, bishop of Carrhae (4th c.), confessors.
~ St. Menas, patriarch of Constantinople (6th c.).
~ St. John the Cappadocian (520) and St. Epiphanius (535), patriarchs of Constantinople.
~ Synaxis of Hierarchs of Crete: Andrew the Wonderworker; Cyril, bishop of Gortyna; and Eumenius, bishop of Rome. (Greek).
~ St. Aredius of Limousin (591) (Gaul).
~ St. Gregory of Utrecht (775) (Neth.).
Translation of the relics of St. Hilda of Whitby (680) (Celtic & British).
~ St. Ebba the Elder, abbess of Coldingham, Northumbria, England (683) (Celtic & British).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, September 6, 2023


“JESUS’ POWER AT WORK IN OUR MIDST”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 PM - VESPERS
👉 6:50 PM - “Unseen Warfare” Class
with Fr. John Miller, teaching
in Church Parlor

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Evening at the Lamp Post, fellowship and Presentation by Kenneth Michael: “C.S. Lewis and the Inklings: a guided tour.”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ JESUS’ POWER WORKS ALL AROUND US WHEN THINGS COMPETE
2 Cor. 13:3-13; Mark 4:35-41

The disciples are sailing across the sea; a storm arises and places them in a dangerous situation, while the Lord sleeps. They call our to Him, Lord, save us! and He calms the storm with one word.

This is another real presentation of the order of Divine Providence. All people and nations, as well as the Church, are sailing across the sea of life on their own by means of the natural and supernatural powers placed in them, according to the order established by God.

The Lord rests, although He also abides amidst moving events; He Himself begins to act when an unavoidable misfortune threatens which could turn the direction of events to oppose His Divine plans.

He is everywhere, preserves everything, and warms everything with the breath of His love; but He leaves His creatures to act on their own, by means of the powers given by Him, according to the laws and order everywhere established and upheld by Him.

He is not personally intervening in all things, even though everything proceeds from Him and without Him nothing occurs. He Himself is always prepared to act when it is necessary, according to His boundless wisdom and truth.

Prayer is the receptor of God's actions. But the best prayer is: "Lord! Thou knowest all things. Do with me as Thou willest!"

————— SCRIPTURE ————

📖 2 Corinthians 13:3-13

JESUS’ POWER WORKS WITHIN US TO MAKE US COMPLETE

3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified.
6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.
10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.
11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 All the saints greet you.

Mark 4:35-41

JESUS’ POWER IS AT WORK EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS HE’S ASLEEP

35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 73 (1-6)

JESUS’ POWER IS AT WORK AMIDST ENEMY FEATS

1 O God, why hast Thou cast us off unto the end? Why hath Thine anger raged against the sheep of Thy pasture?
2 Remember Thy congregation which Thou hast purchased from the beginning.
3 Thou hast redeemed the rod of Thine inheritance, this Mount Sion wherein Thou hast dwelt.
4 Lift up Thy hands against their pride at the end, against the things which the enemy hath wickedly done in Thy holy place.
5 And they that hate Thee have boasted in the midst of Thy feast.
6 They set up their ensigns, yea, signs (though they knew it not) as it were for the departing on high.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Hieromartyr Eutychius (1st c.), disciple of St. John the Theologian.
~ Translation of the relics of St. Peter, metropolitan of Kiev (1479).
~ New Hieromartyr Maximus Sandovich priest (1914).
~ New Hieromartyr Priests Michael Voskresensky, and those with him, of Nizhni-Novgorod (1918).
~ Venerable Aristoclius elder of Moscow (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Seraphim (1946).
~ Venerable Arsenius, abbot of Komel (Vologda) (1550).
~ Martyr Tation at Claudiopolis (305).
~ Virgin-martyr Cyra of Persia (558).
~ Venerable George Limniotes the Confessor of Mt. Olympus (716).
~ Equal-to-the-Apostles Cosmas of Aitolia (1779).
~ Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos ~ "Petrovskaya" ("of St. Peter of Moscow") (1306).
~ St. Martyrius, ArchBishop of Novgorod (1199).
~ Commemorating the appearance of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary to Venerable Sergius, abbot, of Radonezh (1385).
~ St. Dionysius of Zakynthos, archbishop of Aegina (1622).
~ St. Serapion the Wonderworker, abbot of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist at Garesja, Georgia (1747) (Georgia).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, September 5, 2023


“FREE WILL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Walking With Joy - North Zone (Hot/Storms)

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 PM - VESPERS
👉 6:50 PM - “Unseen Warfare” Class
with Fr. John Miller, teaching
in Church Parlor

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ FREE WILL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH
II Cor. 12:20-13:2; Mark 4:24-34

The parable about the gradual growth of wheat from seed portrays, with respect to each man, the gradual growth of what is hidden in a man's heart, sown and watched over by God's grace, while with respect to mankind, it is the gradual increase in the body of the Church, or the community of those saved in the Lord Jesus Christ, according to the order established by Him.

Through this parable the question is settled: why to this day is Christianity not universally embraced?

Just as a man who has cast seed into the ground sleeps and rises, and the seed sprouts and grows up on its own without his knowing how, so the Lord, placing the seed of Divine life in the ground, has given it freedom to spread on its own, subordinating it to the natural flow of events, and not forcing these events.

He only watches over the seed, assists it in individual circumstances, and gives the general direction. The reason for this lies in man's freedom.

The Lord wants man to submit to Him on his own, and awaits the inclination of his freedom; this matter takes time. If all depended only on God's will, everyone would have been a Christian long ago.

Another thought: the body of the Church is being created in heaven; from the earth come only materials, formed also by heavenly agents. The word from heaven traverses the earth and attracts those who desire this.

Those who take heed and follow, enter like raw material into God's laboratory--the Church-and here are remade according to patterns given from heaven. Those who are remade, upon their departure from this life pass into heaven and there enter into the house of God, each where he is fit.

This goes on unceasingly, and consequently the work of God does not stand still. A universal triumph of Christianity is not required for this. The house of God is created invisibly.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 12:20-13:2

FREE WILL & SINFUL STRUGGLES

20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;
21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
1 This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established."
2 I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare.

Mark 4:24-34

FREE WILL & INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY

24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
26 And He said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground,
27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how.
28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head.
29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.
30 Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it?
31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;
32 but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.
33 And with many such parables He spoke the word to them as they were able to hear it.
34 But without a parable He did not speak to them. And when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 72 (20-26)

FREE WILL & REBELLIOUS RESISTANCE

20 For my heart was fired and my reins have been changed; and I was brought to nought and knew it not.
21 I became as a beast before Thee, and I am ever with Thee.
22 Thou hast held me by my right hand, and by Thy counsel Thou hast guided me, and with glory hast Thou taken me to Thyself.
23 For what have I in heaven? And besides Thee, what have I desired upon earth?
24 My heart and my flesh have failed, O God of my heart; and God is my portion for ever.
25 For behold, they that remove themselves from Thee shall perish; Thou hast destroyed all that go a whoring from Thee.
26 But it is good for me to cleave unto God, to put my hope in the Lord, that I may declare all Thy praises in the gates of the daughter of Sion.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Apodosis of the Dormition.
~ Martyr Lupus (306), slave of St. Demetrius of Thessalonica.
~ New Hieromartyrs Ephraim, bishop of Selenginsk (1918) and Archpriest John Vostorgov of Moscow (1918) and Martyr Nicholas.
~ New Hieromartyrs Paul and John priests (1937).
~ Hieromartyr Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons (202).
~ Venerables Eutychius (540) and Florentius (547) of Nursia.
~ St. Callinicus, patriarch of Constantinople (705).
~ Holy Martyr Ebba the Younger, abbess of Coldingham, Northumbria, and her companions (870) (Celtic & British).
~ 38 Martyrs of Thrace (Greek).
Venerable Nicholas the Sicilian, who struggled on Mt. Neotaka in Euboea (Greek).
~ Hieromartyr Pothinus, bishop of Lyons (177).
~ Martyr Victor of Marseilles (3rd c.).
~ Martyr Tydfil of Merthyr Tydfil.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, September 4, 2023


“RENEWED IMAGE OF GOD”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 Labor Day Holiday; No Church Activities

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Walking With Joy - North Zone (Hot/Storms)

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE IMAGE OF GOD RENEWED
II Cor. 12:10-19; Mark 4:10-23

The Lord breathed the breath of life, and man became in the image of God.

It is the same with one's own rebirth: the beginnings of a new life are established and one's image is renewed by the breath of the Spirit of God; and whence and how it comes is not known.

This is the point of departure; from here the work of raising up the image to a perfect likeness begins. When we are reborn according to the image of the Creator by the Lord's Spirit, we are transfigured from glory to glory-but not without us, our work and effort.

However, it is God Who creates and restores us by the grace of the Most Holy Spirit, according to faith in the Lord. Behold the ideal and method of fulfilling in oneself the image and likeness of God!

People so often write about and discuss education. Meanwhile, in the word of God it is all defined in a few words. Undertake only to fulfill what is prescribed, and education will proceed successfully to its goal. This is God's path, but it does not exclude human paths--on the contrary, it gives them direction and crowns their success.

When only the human remains, education is usually insufficient, even detrimental, and often totally perverts those being educated; then the rest of life goes awry. Where those educated in a distorted manner multiply, all of society becomes more and more distorted, both in life and in its attitudes. The end is universal distortion; one bends in one direction, another bends in another.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 12:10-19

THE RENEWED IMAGE OF GOD IS LOVING SACRIFICE

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!
17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.

Mark 4:10-23

THE RENEWED IMAGE OF GOD OPENS SPIRITUAL EYES

10 But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable.
11 And He said to them, "To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,
12 so that 'Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.' "
13 And He said to them, "Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?
14 The sower sows the word.
15 And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16 These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble.
18 Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word,
19 and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20 But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.
21 Also He said to them, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
22 For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.
23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 72 (10-19)

A RENEWED IMAGE OF GOD LEAVES OLD SINFUL IMAGE

10 Therefore shall my people return hither, and full days shall be found in them.
11 And they said: How doth God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?
12 Behold, these are the sinners; they prosper in this age and have obtained riches.
13 And I said: Surely in vain have I kept justice in my heart and washed my hands among the innocent.
14 And I became a man scourged all the day long, and reproof was mine in every morning.
15 And I said: I shall speak thus: Lo, I should have broken covenant with the generation of Thy sons.
16 And I sought to understand, but this was toilsome in my sight, until I come into the sanctuary of God and understand their end.
17 Surely, for their crafty dealings Thou hast appointed evils for them; Thou hast cast them down in their exaltation.
18 How are they come unto desolation in a moment! They have ceased to be; they have perished because of their iniquity.
19 As a dream of one who waketh, O Lord, in Thy city Thou shalt bring their image to nought.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Agathonicus of Nicomedia and his companions: Martyrs Zoticus, Theoprepius, Acindynus, Severian, Zeno, and others, who suffered under Maximian (4th c.).
~ Martyr Gorazd of Prague, Bohemia and Moravo-Cilezsk (1942).
~ Venerable Isaac I (Antimonov, the "Elder") of Optina (1894).
~ New Hieromartyrs Macarius bishop of Vyazma, John Boyarschinov and Alexis Naumov priests (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Theodore bishop of Penza and with him Basil and Gabriel priests (1937).
~ New Hieromartyrs John bishop of Velikoluk, Alexis archbishop of Omsk, Alexander, Michael and Theodore priests, Hieromartyr Hilarion, John and Hierotheus (1937).
~ Hieromartyr Athanasius (270-275), bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, Venerable Anthusa of Syria (298) and Martyrs Charesimus and Neophytus (270-275).
~ Virgin-martyr Eulalia of Barcelona (303).
~ Iveron Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos at the Monastery of St. Alexis of Moscow (1650).
~ Venerable Bogolep of St. Paisius of Uglich Monastery (16th c.).
~ St. Symphorian of Autun (2nd-3rd c.) (Celtic & British).
~ Venerable Sigfrid, abbot of Wearmouth (England) (688) (Celtic & British).
~ New Hieromartyr Andrew (Ukhtomsky), bishop of Ufa (1937).
~ Martyrs Irenaeus, Deakon, Or, and Oropsus (Greek).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, September 3, 2023


“FAITH & FEAR”

+ TODAY:
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 10:45 AM - Moleben to St. John
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Topical Summer Class
by Mike Drippé
“Abortion and the Early Church”

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast Free
👉 Labor Day; No Church Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ FAITH IN CHRIST, “THE GOOD PART”
Phil. 2:5-11; Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28

“Mary hath chosen that good part” (Luke 10:42).

The Dormition of the Mother of God represents a good end to such a choice.

At her Dormition the Savior Himself received her soul into His arms. Many saints were made worthy of the same. In various ways and to varying degrees, all those who choose that good part encounter this.

At the time this choice is made, the saints foresee this end through hope, and even feel it to a certain degree. But then labors, struggles, and forcing of oneself come, one after another, and obscure the chosen path.

The good end of that good part remains as a guiding star. It is as a faraway shining light for a traveler who is overtaken by darkness.

Hope is the stimulator of energy and the maintainer of patience and constancy in what was begun, while hope itself is strong through faith. People make their choice according to faith, and through hope they are firm in their choice, while through patience they attain that good end.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

1 Corinthians 16:13-24

FAITH IN CHRIST HELPS BE BRAVE & STRONG

13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
15 I urge you, brethren-you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints-
16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
17 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The salutation with my own hand-Paul's.
22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come!
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 21:33-42

FAITH IN CHRIST, WHO KNOWS REJECTION

33 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.
34 Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit.
35 And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another.
36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them.
37 Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
38 But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.'
39 So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?
41 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."
42 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'?

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 72 (1-9)

FAITH HAS NO ROOM FOR PRIDE

1 How good is God to Israel, to them that are upright of heart!
2 But as for me, my feet were all but shaken; my steps well nigh had slipped.
3 For I was jealous of the transgressors, when I beheld the peace of sinners.
4 For they make no sign of refusal in the time of their death, and they have steadfastness in the time of their scourging.
5 They are not in such toils as other men, nor with other men shall they be scourged.
6 Wherefore, their pride hath utterly mastered them, they have wrapped themselves in their injustice and ungodliness.
7 Their injustice shall go forth as out of fatness, they have passed through to their heart's intent.
8 They have thought and spoken in wickedness, they have spoken unrighteousness in arrogance.
9 They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue roveth in the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ APOSTLE THADDEUS of the Seventy (44).
~ Martyr Bassa of Edessa and her sons Theogonius, Agapius, and Pistus (4th c.).
~ Venerable Abramius, archimandrite, wonderworker of Smolensk (1220).
~ St. Martha, schemanun of Diveyevo (1829).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexander priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Paul priest (1937).
~ New Martyr Ignatius (1942).
~ Venerable Abramius the Lover-of-Labor of the Kiev Caves (14th c.).
~ Hieromartyr Raphael of Sisatovac, Serbia (1941) (Serbia).
~ Appearance of the Light-Painted image of the Most Holy Theotokos on Mount Athos in the Russian Saint Panteleimon Monastery (1903).
~ Venerable Theocleta the Wonderworker of Asia Minor (840).
~ Venerable Cornelius, abbot of Palei Island (Valaam) (1420), and his disciple St. Abramius.
~ Venerable Ephraim (1238) of Smolensk disiciple of St. Abramius.
~ St. Avitus, bishop of Clermont (594) (Gaul).
~ Martyrs Donatus the deacon, Romul the priest, Silvan the deacon, and Venust (Romania).
~ Venerable Isaiah of Mt. Athos (Greek).
~ St. Sarmean, Catholicos of Kartli, Georgia (779) (Georgia).
~ New Martyr Symeon of Samokovo (1737).
~ Translation of the relics (1953) of St. Nectarius (Kephalus), metropolitan of Pentapolis (1920).
~ St. Hardulph of Breedon

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, September 2, 2023


“GOD’S LOVE & PRESENCE IN DAILY LIFE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil (Vespers /Matins)
🛐 Holy Sacrament of Confession

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Chanting / Prayers
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 10:45 AM - Moleben to St. John
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Topical Summer Class
by Mike Drippé
“Abortion and the Early Church”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ GOD’S LOVE & PRESENCE IN OUR DAILY ROUTINE
I Cor. 2:6-9; Matt. 22:15-22

“Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's” (Matt. 22:21) - render unto each what is his.

Hence there is a law: do not please God in one way alone, but in whatever way you can and ought to please Him; direct all of your strength and every means toward serving God.

Having said, Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, the Lord showed that such work is pleasing to Him. If by the things which are Caesar's you understand all the necessary and important practices of earthly life in general, and by the things that are God's, all observances of the Church established by God, then it turns out that all the paths of our life are filled with means for salvation.

Just take heed and use everything, and act everywhere in accordance with God's will, as God wants from you -and your salvation is at hand.

You can set yourself so that not a single step is taken without its being a deed pleasing to God and, consequently, a step toward salvation -for the path of salvation proceeds along the path of God's will.

Walk in God's presence, take heed, discern, and set about immediately without self-pity to do that deed which your conscience shows you at each given moment.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

1 Corinthians 2:6-9

GOD’S LOVE & PLANS FOR THOSE WHO TRULY LOVE HIM

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: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Matthew 22:15-22

GOD’S LOVE & PRESENCE TO KEEP CIVILIAN LAW

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk.
16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men.
17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?
19 Show Me the tax money. So they brought Him a denarius.
20 And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?"
21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 71 (11-21)

GOD’S LOVE & PRESENCE AMONG THE POOR

11 And all the kings of the earth shall worship Him, all the nations shall serve Him,
12 For He hath delivered the beggar from the oppressor, and the poor man for whom there was no helper.
13 He shall spare the poor man and the pauper, and the souls of the poor shall He save.
14 From usury and from injustices shall He redeem their souls, and precious shall be His name before them.
15 And He shall live, and there shall be given unto Him of the gold of Arabia, and they shall make prayer concerning Him always; all the day long shall they bless Him.
16 He shall be a support in the earth on the summits of the mountains; exalted more than Lebanon shall be His fruit, and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth.
17 His name shall be blessed unto the ages, before the sun doth His name continue.
18 And in Him shall be blessed all the tribes of the earth, all the nations shall call Him blessed.
19 Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, Who alone doeth wonders.
20 And blessed is the name of His glory for ever, and unto the ages of ages.
21 And all the earth shall be filled with His glory. So be it. So be it.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Prophet Samuel (6th c. B.C.).
~ New Hieromartyrs Alexander, Leo, and Vladimir priests (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1919).
~ Uncovering of the relics of Hieromartyr Hermogenes (Germogen), bishop of Tobolsk (2005).
~ Hieromartyr Philip, bishop of Heraclea, and with him Martyrs Severus, Memnon, and 37 soldiers at Plovdiv in Thrace (304).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, September 1, 2023


“HUMILITY TO LEARN & GROW”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil (Vespers /Matins)
🛐 Holy Sacrament of Confession

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

YOUR DAILY THEORIA
Friday - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ HUMILITY TO LEARN & OBEY GOD’S WORD
II Cor. 11:5-21; Mark 4:1-9

“Behold, there went out a sower to sow” (Mark 4:3).

Since the time that this Sower went out to sow, He has not ceased to sow. In the beginning He sowed personally, then through the Apostles, and at last through Divine Scripture and Divinely wise teachers.

To this day the word of God's truth is being sown everywhere. Just be prepared to manifest yourself as good ground, and you will be sown without fail. God will raise up what has been sown.

How do you make yourself into good ground?

With attention and study of the word of God, sympathy and love toward it, and readiness to immediately carry out what you learn.

With such a mind-set, not a single word will lie on the surface of your soul, but all will enter within. Uniting with the elements of the spirit which are dear to it, it will take root and sprout.

Then, being nourished -from above through spiritual inspirations, and from below through good desires and labors- it will grow into a tree and will flower and give fruit.

God Himself arranged everything around us this way, and this is why we cannot but be amazed at our fruitlessness. But all of this is due to our inattentiveness and carelessness.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 11:5-21

HUMILITY TO SACRIFICE FOR OTHERS

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

Mark 4:1-9

HUMILITY TO LEARN, GROW, & PRODUCE

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 71 (1-10)

HUMILITY BEFORE GOD’S HOLINESS & RIGHTEOUSNESS

1 O God, give Thy judgement to the king, and Thy righteousness to the son of the king,
2 That he may judge Thy people with righteousness, and Thy poor with judgement.
3 Let the mountains receive peace for the people, and let the hills receive righteousness.
4 He shall judge the beggars among the people, and shall save the sons of the poor, and shall humble the false accuser.
5 And He shall continue as long as the sun, and before the moon from generation to generation.
6 He shall come down like rain upon a fleece, and like rain-drops that fall upon the earth.
7 In His days shall righteousness dawn forth an abundance of peace, until the moon be taken away.
8 And He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the rivers even unto the ends of the inhabited earth.
9 Before Him shall the Ethiopians fall down, and His enemies shall lick the dust.
10 The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall bring gifts, kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring presents.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Andrew Stratelates and 2,593 soldiers with him in Cilicia (3rd c.).
~ St. Nicholas priest (1933).
~ St. Pitirim, bishop of Perm (1455).
~ Martyrs Timothy, Agapius, and Thecla of Palestine (304).
~ Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Of the Don" (1591).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, August 31, 2023


“SINFUL & UNCLEAN SPIRITS LEAD TO BLASPHEMY”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SINFUL & UNCLEAN SPIRITS LEAD YO BLASPHEMY
II Cor. 10:7-18; Mark 3:28-35

“He that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness” (Mark 3:29).

Does it take long to fall into this terrible sin?

Not long at all, for behold the sins of this nature:”Great or excessive hope in God's grace; despair or lack of hope in God's compassion; contradicting manifest and confirmed truth, and rejection of the Orthodox Christian Faith. Some add to this jealousy over spiritual gifts which a close one receives from God; obstinacy in sin and chronic wickedness; carelessness about repentance before departure from this life" (Orthodox Confession, part 3, question 38).

See how many paths there are! Begin to walk any of these, and it will be difficult to return. It will carry you to a devouring abyss.

Opposition to the truth begins with small doubts arising through evil words or writings. If you leave them unattended or untreated, they will lead to unbelief and obstinacy therein.

People also reach despair unnoticeably: "I will repent," they say, and then they sin. Thus it goes on several times; then, seeing that repentance does not come, they say to themselves, "Let it be, you can't control yourself”, and then they give themselves over to the full power of sin.

A huge number of sins gather; and at the same time one permits oneself a great deal of opposition to the obvious attraction of God's grace.

When in such a condition a person comes to the thought of improving himself, the multitude of his sins restrain him, while his opposition to grace takes away his boldness to approach the Lord.

He then decides, "My guilt is too great for it to be remitted." This is despair! Beware of the rudiments of unbelief and love of sin, and you will not fall into this chasm.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 10:7-18

LEAD BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

Mark 3:28-35

BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 70 (16-23)

SUSTAINED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

16 Yea, even unto old age and the dignity of years, my God, forsake me not,
17 Until I declare Thy mighty arm to every generation that is to come,
18 Yea, Thy sovereignty and Thy righteousness, O God, and declare even to the heights the great things which Thou hast done for me. O God, who is like unto Thee?
19 How great are the many and evil afflictions which Thou hast showed unto me; yet, having returned, Thou madest me to live, and out of the depths of the earth Thou broughtest me up.
20 Thou hast multiplied Thy magnificence over me; and having returned, Thou hast comforted me, and out of the depths of the earth again Thou broughtest me up.
21 Therefore also will I confess Thee among the peoples, O Lord, with instruments of psalmody; with the harp I will chant of Thy truth unto Thee, O God, O Holy One of Israel.
22 My lips shall rejoice when I chant unto Thee, yea, even my soul which Thou hast redeemed.
23 Moreover my tongue will meditate on Thy righteousness all the day long, when they be put to shame and confounded which seek evils for me.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyrs Florus and Laurus of Illyria (2nd c.).
~ New Hieromartyr Gregory priest and Martyr Eugene and Michael (1937).
~,Martyrs Hermes, Serapion, and Polyaenus of Rome (2nd c.).
~ Martyrs Hilarion, Dionysius, and Hermippus, Hieromartyr Emilian, and others (about 1,000) of Italy (4th c.).
~ Sts. John (674) and George (683), patriarchs of Constantinople.
~ Venerable Macarius the Monk of Pelekete (830).
~ Repose of Venerable John, abbot of Rila (946) (Bulgaria).
~ The Hodigitria Icon of the Mother of God.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, August 30, 2023


“WARRING AGAINST SPIRITUAL ATTACKS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 - 6:45 PM Vespers
👉 6:45 PM - Bible study, Revelation 3
Subdeacon, Randy Hay

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast Free
👉 No Parish Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ WARRING AGAINST THE ENTRANCE OF SIN
Il Cor. 9:12-10:7; Mark 3:20-27

“If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand” (Mark 3:24).

As long as single-mindedness for sinful evil is the quality within us, the kingdom of darkness and sin is strong in us; but when God's grace attracts to itself the part of the spirit held captive by sin, freeing it from captivity, then there occurs a division within: sin on one side, good on the other.

As soon as a person, as a result of this awakening, unites his consciousness and freedom with the good, sin loses all support and starts to decay.

Constancy in the good intention that has been undertaken and patience in labors for its sake completely thwart sin and destroy it.

Then begins the kingdom of good within, and it remains until some evil thought steals in and, attracting the will to itself, once again brings about divisions. Merely give entrance to the sinful stirring which has arisen, unite with it and set it in action, and again the good will begin to weaken, and evil will grow, until it destroys the good entirely.

This is the nearly continuous history of the inner life of those who are weak-hearted and do not have a strong disposition.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 9:12-10:7

WARRING AGAINST STRONGHOLDS OF THOUGHTS (Taking every thought captive Vss. 4-5)

12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,
14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
1 Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ-who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
7 Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.

Mark 3:20-27

WARRING AGAINST THE ENEMY OF YOUR SOUL

20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.
21 But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, "He is out of His mind."
22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebub," and, "By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons."
23 So He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: "How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end.
27 No one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. And then he will plunder his house.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 70 (8-15)

WARRING AGAINST THE ENEMY IN GOD’S STRENGTH

8 Cast me not away in the time of mine old age; when my strength faileth, forsake me not.
9 For mine enemies have spoken against me, and they that watch my soul took counsel together, saying: God hath forsaken him; pursue him and take him for there is none to deliver him.
10 My God, be not far off from me; my God, be attentive unto helping me.
11 Let them be put to shame and brought to nought that falsely accuse my soul; let them be covered with shame and confusion, they that seek evils for me.
12 But as for me, I will ever hope in Thee, and I will add to all Thy praise.
13 My mouth shall declare Thy righteousness, all the day long Thy salvation; for I know not the reckoning thereof.
14 I will commence in the might of the Lord; O Lord, I will make mention of the righteousness which is Thine alone.
15 O my God, Thou hast taught me from my youth, and till now will I declare Thy wondrous works.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Myron of Cyzicus (250).
~ Venerable Pimen, archimandrite of Ugresh (1880) New Hieromartyr Alexis priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Demetrius priest (1937).
~ Venerable Alypius the Iconographer of the Kiev Caves (1114).
~ Martyrs Paul and his sister Juliana of Syria (273).
~ Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius, and Coronatus, with others at Caesarea in Bithynia (250).
~ Martyr Patroclus of Troyes (3rd c.) (Gaul).
~ Martyrs Straton, Philip, Eutychian, and Cyprian of Nicomedia (303).
~ "Svensk" ("of the Kiev Caves") (1288) Icon of the Mother of God.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, August 29, 2023


“POWER TO HEAL YOUR SOUL”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Dormition Walk - Team North
@ 100 Acre Woods
38th Street behind Newfields

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Strict Fast
👉 6:00 - 6:45 PM Vespers
👉 6:45 PM - Bible study, Revelation 3
Subdeacon, Randy Hay

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DIVINE GRACE & POWER TO HEAL YOUR SOUL
II Cor. 8:16-9:5; Mark 3:13-19

The Lord chose the Apostles, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, and to “have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” (Mark 3:14-15).

Every Christian is chosen-and is chosen for similar deeds, namely: to be with the Lord through unceasing remembrance of Him and awareness of His omnipresence, through the preaching and fulfillment of His commandments, and through a readiness to confess one's faith in Him.

Where such a confession is made, it is a loud sermon for those who hear it. Every Christian has the power to heal infirmities - not of others, but his own, and not of the body, but of the soul, that is, sins and sinful habits-and to cast out devils, rejecting the evil thoughts sown by them and extinguishing the excitement of the passions inflamed by them.

Do this and you will be an apostle, a fulfiller of what the Lord chose you for, an achiever of your calling as an evangelizer.

When you first succeed in all this, then perhaps the Lord will appoint you as a special ambassador--to save others after you have saved yourself, and to help those who are tempted, after you yourself pass through all temptations, all experiences of good and evil.

But your job is to work upon yourself: for this you are chosen. The rest is in Gods hands. He who humbles himself shall be exalted.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

DIVINE GRACE MOTIVATES US TO SACRIFICE & GIVE TO OTHERS

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,
19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind,
20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us-
21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you.
23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you;
2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.
3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready;
4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

Mark 3:13-19

DIVINE GRACE CALLS & PERSUADES US TO FOLLOW CHRIST

13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.
14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,
15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter;
17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, "Sons of Thunder";
18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite;
19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 70 (1-7)

DIVINE GRACE DELIVERS & RESCUES US

1 In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me not be put to shame in the age to come; in Thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline Thine ear unto me and save me.
2 Be Thou unto me a God that is my defender and a place of strength that Thou mayest save me, for Thou art my foundation and refuge.
3 O my God, deliver me out of the hand of the sinner, out of the hand of the transgressor and the unrighteous man.
4 For Thou art my patience, O Lord; O Lord, Thou art my hope from my youth.
5 On Thee have I been made fast from the womb; from my mother's womb Thou art my protector.
6 In Thee continually is my singing of praise; I am become as a wonder to many, and Thou art my strong helper.
7 Let my mouth be filled with praise, that I may hymn Thy glory and Thy majesty all the day long.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Translation of the Image Not-Made-By-Hands of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople (944).
~ Martyr Diomedes the Physician of Tarsus in Cilicia (298).
~ 33 Martyrs of Palestine. New Hieromartyr Alexander priest, Virgin Martyr Anna and Martyr Jacob (1937).
~ Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt (4th c.).
~ Martyr grand prince Constantine (1714) (Romania).
~ Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos of St. Theodore ("Feodorovskaya") (1239) and "Triumph of Holy Theotokos" (Port Artur) (1904).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, August 28, 2023


“LOVING GOD’S WILL & SALVATION”

+ TODAY:
👉 Dormition of the Theotokos Spradznikum!
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free
👉 6:00 PM - Walk @ 100 Acre Woods

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DOING GOD’S WILL
2 Cor. 8:7-15; Mark 3:6-12

The Lord forbade both people and demons to praise Him when He was on the earth, but required that people believe in Him and fulfill God's commandments.

The Lord has the same law now, and it will be the same at the Judgment: “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).

This is why in church [the great doxology] begins with "Glory to God in the highest," and toward the end it says, "Heal my soul.... Teach me to do Thy will."

Without this, praise of God has no worth. For then it does not proceed from the soul, but is only sent up from the tongue in someone else's words, and that is why the Lord pays no attention to it.

One must arrange things so that others praise the Lord when they see our works, so that our life will be praise to God, for He does all things in all people, as long as you do not get in the way. It is to Him that praise for one's deeds ascends.

Each person must become the fragrance of Christ; then even without praise there will be unceasing glorification of the Lord. A rose does not speak, but its fragrance spreads far in silence. This is how all Christians ought to live.

————— SCRIPTURE ————

Philippians 2:5-11

THE MIND & WILL OF CHRIST

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

Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

HEARING & DOING GOD’S WILL

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 69

LOVING GOD’S WILL & SALVATION

1 O God, be attentive unto helping me; O Lord, make haste to help me.
2 Let them be shamed and confounded that seek after my soul.
3 Let them be turned back and brought to shame that desire evils against me.
4 Let them be turned back straightway in shame that say unto me: Well done! Well done!
5 Let them be glad and rejoice in Thee all that seek after Thee, O God, and let them that love Thy salvation say continually: The Lord be magnified.
6 But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, come unto mine aid.
7 My helper and my deliverer art Thou, O Lord; make no long tarrying.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
~ Icon of Sophia, the Wisdom of God (Novgorod).
~ Reverence list of the Dormition Icon of the Mother of God: "Kievo-Pechersk" (1073), "Ovinovsk" (1425), "Pskov-Pechersk" (1472), "Semigorodnaya" (15th c.) and "Piukhtitsk" (16th c.). "Mosdok" (13th c.), "Atskursk" (1st. c.), "Tsilkansk" (4th c.), "Vlakhernsk" (Georgia), "Vladimirsko-Rostovsky" (12th c.), Gaenatsky (13th c.), "Bakhchisaraysk", "Chukhlomsk" (14th c.), "Surdegsk" (1530), "Tupichevsk" (17th c.) Icons of the Mother of God

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, August 28, 2023


“DIVINE GRACE & THE IMPOSSIBLE SOUL”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 8:30 AM - Prayers, Theoria, Chanting
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy Facebook
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 Topical Summer Class - Postponed
by Mike Drippé: Abortion & Early Church
👉 6:00 PM Vigil with Lamentations
👉 8:30 PM to Monday 8:30 AM
All Night Vigil at Tomb (Psalm Reading)
Sign up in parish email (link)

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Dormition of the Theotokos Spradznikum!
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DIVINE GRACE & A RICH MAN
I Cor. 15:1-11; Matt. 19:16-26

“A rich man shall hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt.19:23).

Here is meant a rich man who sees within himself the many means and powers that lead to his prosperity. But as soon as one who has many possessions cuts off all attachment to them, extinguishes within himself all reliance on them, and ceases to see them as his substantial support, then in his heart he is the same as one who possesses nothing.

To such a one is the road to the Kingdom opened. Riches then not only do not hinder him, but they help him, for they provide the means for charitable works.

Riches are not the danger, but rather reliance upon them and attachment to them.

This thought can be generalized in this way: whoever relies on something and is attached to it is rich in that thing. Whoever relies on God alone and cleaves to Him with all his heart is rich in God. Whoever relies on something else turns his heart to it instead of to God. Such a person is rich in this other thing, but not in God.

Here are meant such things as family, connections, intelligence, rank, spheres of activities, and so forth. From this it follows that he who is not rich in God has no entrance into the Kingdom of God.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

DIVINE GRACE & A SINFUL MAN

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

Matthew 19:16-26

DIVINE GRACE & THE IMPOSSIBLE SOUL

16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"
17 So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."
18 He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,'
19 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "
20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"
26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 68 (32-41)

DIVINE GRACE & A WOUNDED HEART

31 For they persecuted him whom Thou hast smitten, and to the pain of my wounds have they added.
32 Add iniquity to their iniquity, and let them not enter into Thy righteousness.
33 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and with the righteous let them not be written.
34 Poor and in sorrow am I; may Thy salvation, O God, be quick to help me.
35 I will praise the name of my God with an ode, I will magnify Him with praise.
36 And this shall please God more than a young calf that hath horns and hooves.
37 Let beggars behold it and be glad; seek after God, and your soul shall live.
38 For the Lord hath hearkened unto the poor and hath not despised them that are fettered for His sake.
39 Let the heavens and the earth praise Him, the sea and all the creeping things therein.
40 For God will save Sion, and the cities of Judea shall be builded; and they shall dwell therein and inherit it.
41 And the seed of Thy servants shall possess it, and they that love Thy name shall dwell therein.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Forefeast of the Dormition.
~ Prophet Micah (8th c. B.C.).
~ Translation of the relics of Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Caves (1091).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil bishop of Chernigov and with him Hieromartyr Mathew and Martyr Alexis (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Vladimir priest (1920).
~ New Hieromartyrs Vladimir and Nicholas priests, Hieromartyr Eleutherius, Virgin-Martyr Eudokia and Martyr Theodore (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Schema-archimandrite Eleutherius of Chimkent (Kazakhstan) (1937).
~ Venerable Alexander confessor (1961). Venerable Arcadius, monk, of Vyazma and New Torzhok (1077).
~ Hieromartyr Marcellus, bishop of Apamea (389).
~ “Converser" (1383) and "Narva" (1558) Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, August 26, 2023


“FAITH & FEEBLE WINGS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Indy Greek Fest
@ Holy Trinity in Carmel
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 8:30 AM Prayers, Theoria, Chanting
👉 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy Facebook
👉 11:00 AM Coffee Hour
👉 Topical Summer Class - Postponed
by Mike Drippé: Abortion & Early Church
👉 6:00 PM Vigil with Lamentations
👉 8:30 PM to Monday 8:30 AM
All Night Vigil at Tomb (Psalm Reading)
Sign up in parish email (link)

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ FAITH & FEEBLE WINGS
I Cor. 1:26-29; Matt. 20:29-34

The two blind men of Jericho cry out, and the Lord returns their sight to them. But could these blind men have been the only ones in those places?

Of course not. Why did these receive vision, but not the others?

Because those did not cry out; and they did not cry out because they did not have hope; they did not have hope because they did not please God; they did not please God because they had little faith.

When real faith comes to a man, he begins to please God from that very moment; with pleasing God comes hope, and from all of this comes prayer, compelling all kinds of help from above.

Such people meet no refusal. They know how to ask, and they truly know that they must ask. They understand the limits to their asking, and they have patient persistence in prayer. All of this is indispensably necessary for success, for prayer by itself has feeble wings.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

FAITH & WEAK THINGS

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

Matthew 20:29-34

FAITH & DIVINE MERCY

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 68 (21-30)

FAITH & GRIEVING

21 Turn not Thy countenance away from Thy servant, for I am afflicted; quickly hearken unto me.
22 Attend unto my soul and deliver it; because of mine enemies, rescue me.
23 For Thou knowest my reproach, my shame and my humiliation.
24 Before Thee are all that afflict me; my soul hath awaited reproach and misery.
25 And I waited for one that would grieve with me, but there was no one; and for them that would comfort me, but I found none.
26 And they gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
27 Let their table before them be for a snare, for a recompense and for a stumbling-block.
28 Let their eyes be darkened that they may not see, and their back do Thou continually bow down.
29 Pour out upon them Thy wrath, and let the fury of Thy wrath take hold upon them.
30 Let their habitation be made desolate, and in their tents let there be none to dwell.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Venerable Maximus the Confessor (662).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Maximus of Moscow, fool-for-Christ (1547).
~ St. Tikhon (Tychon), bishop of Voronezh, wonderworker of Zadonsk and All Russia (1783).
~ New Hieromartyrs John, Ioasph and Constantine priests (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Seraphim (Zvezdinsky), bishop of Dmitrov, Nicholas, Jacob priests and Alexis deacon (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil (1942).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil (Preobrazhensky) bishop of Kineshma.
~ Martyr Hippolytus of Rome and 18 martyrs with him, including Martyrs Concordia, Irenaeus, and Abundius (258).
~ "Minsk" (1500), "Seven Arrows" (1830) and "Of the Passion" (1641) Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, August 25, 2023


“THE TRANSFIGURED & TRANSFORMED LIFE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Indy Greek Fest
@ Holy Trinity in Carmel
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ TRANSFIGURED & TRANSFORMED BY LOVE
II Cor. 7:10-16; Mark 2:18-22

At the Transfiguration a voice from heaven uttered, “Hear ye Him” (Matt. 17:5).

Why is this so?

Because the fruit of obedience was being shown to them. It was as if the Heavenly Father were saying:

“Do you want to attain this? Hear what He will suggest and command you to do.”

If you go on His path, you will undoubtedly enter into the realm of light, which will not embrace you from without, but will come forth from within, and always keep you in a state in which all of your bones will utter: it is good for us to be this way.

You will be filled with the light of joy, the light of goodwill, the light of knowledge; all sorrows will pass away, the dissonance of the passions will disappear, and falsehood and delusion will disperse.

On the earth you will become heavenly; from among the earthborn you will become Divinely born; from among transitory things you will become eternally blessed. Then all will be yours, because you yourselves will become Christ's.

He who loves Christ the Lord is beloved of the Heavenly Father, and both will come to him and make Their abode with him. This is the light of the Transfiguration!

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 7:10-16

TRANSFIGURED & TRANSFORMED BY GODLY SORROW

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

Mark 2:18-22

TRANSFIGURED & TRANSFORMED BY FASTING

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 68 (11-20)

TRANSFIGURED & TRANSFORMED BY FASTING & REPENTANCE

11 I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto the sons of my mother.
12 For the zeal of Thy house hath eaten me up, and the reproaches of them that reproach Thee are fallen on me.
13 Yea, with fasting I covered my soul, and it was turned into a reproach for me.
14 And I made sackcloth my clothing, and I became a proverb to them.
15 And they prated against me, they that sit in the gates; and they made a song about me, they that drink wine.
16 But as for me, with my prayer I cry unto Thee, O Lord; it is time for Thy good pleasure.
17 O God, in the multitude of Thy mercy hearken unto me, in the truth of Thy salvation.
18 Save me from the mire, that I be not stuck therein; let me be delivered from them that hate me and from the deeps of the waters.
19 Let not the tempest of water overwhelm me, nor let the deep swallow me up, nor let the pit shut its mouth upon me.
20 Hearken unto me, O Lord, for Thy mercy is good; according to the multitude of Thy compassions, look upon me.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyrs Anicetus and Photius (Photinus) of Nicomedia (305).
~ New Hieromartyrs Barlaam abbot of Belogor St. Nicholas monastery and brotherhood: hieromonks Sergius, Ilia, Viacheslav, Iosaph, John, Anoty, hierodeacons Mikhey, Bessarion, Mathew, Euphemia, monks Barnabas, Demetrius, Sabbas, Hermogenus, Arcadius, Euphemia, btothers John, Jacob, Peter, another Jacob, Alexander, Theodore, another Peter, Sergius, Alexis (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Leonidas, John and Nicholas priests (1937).
~ Hieromartyr Alexander, bishop of Comana (3rd c.).
~ Martyrs Pamphilus and Capito

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, August 24, 2023


“RISE EARLY TO PRAY TO GOD”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ PRAY TO GOD IN THE EARLY MORNING
II Cor. 7:1-10; Mark 1:29-35

“In the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35).

Here is a lesson to get up early and devote the first hours of the day to prayer in solitude. The soul, renewed with sleep, is fresh, light, and capable of being permeated, like fresh morning air.

Therefore, it asks on its own to be allowed to go where all of its joy is found, to go before the face of the Heavenly Father, to the company of the angels and saints. It is more convenient for the soul to pray at this time instead of later, when the cares of the day are already piled upon the soul.

The Lord orders everything. You must receive a blessing from Him for your deeds, for the teachings you need, and for your necessary strengthening.

Hasten as early as possible, before anything interferes, to lift yourself up to the Lord in mind and heart in solitude, to confess your needs and intentions to Him, and to beg for His help.

Having attuned yourself by prayer and thoughts of God from the first moments of the day, you will then spend the whole day in reverence and fear of God, with collected thoughts.

From this come discretion, steadiness, and harmony in deeds and mutual relations.

This is a reward for the labor which you compel yourself to undertake in your morning solitude. Thus, even for worldly people this makes good sense and is not something alien to their goals.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 7:1-10

PRAY TO GOD WITH HUMBLE REPENTANCE

1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.
3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.
4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.
6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while.
9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Mark 1:29-35

PRAY TO GOD IN A QUIET SOLITARY PLACE

29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once.
31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed.
33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door.
34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 68 (1-10)

PRAY TO GOD FROM THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR

1 Save me, O God, for the waters are come in unto my soul.
2 I am stuck fast in the mire of the deep, and there is no sure standing.
3 I am come into the deeps of the sea, and a tempest hath overwhelmed me.
4 I am grown weary with crying, my throat is become hoarse; from my hoping in my God, mine eyes have failed me.
5 They that hate me without a cause are multiplied more than the hairs of my head.
6 Mine enemies are grown strong, they that persecute me unjustly; then did I restore that which I took not away.
7 O God, Thou knowest my foolishness, and my transgressions are not hid from Thee.
8 Let not them that wait on Thee be ashamed for my sake, O Lord, Thou Lord of hosts.
9 Nor let them that seek after Thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.
10 Because for Thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered my face.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Euplus of Catania (304).
~ Martyrs Basil and Theodore of the Kiev Caves (1098).
~ Venerable Theodore (in monasticism Theodosius) of the Kiev Caves, prince of Ostrog (1483).
~ St. John, recluse of Svyatogorsk Monastery (1867).
~ Virgin-martyr Susanna and those with her: Martyrs Gaius, pope of Rome; presbyter Gabinus, his brother and father of Susanna; Maximus, Claudius and his wife, Praepedigna, and their sons Alexander and Cutias (295).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, August 23, 2023


“EXPOSING & DEPOSING DARKNESS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God
👉 6:45 PM - Bible study - Revelation 3

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ EXPOSING & DEPOSING DEMONS
II Cor. 6:11-16; Mark 1:23-28

The demon praised the Savior, but the Savior said to him, “Hold thy peace, and come out of him” (Mark 1:25).

Demons never say or do anything with a good purpose-they always have something evil in mind. So it was here. The Lord, not exposing their snares, resolved it with a word: Hold thy peace, and come out. He did not want to converse long with an evil spirit.

Here is a lesson for us. A person manages to do very little of something good before a demon sits nearby and begins to trumpet in his ears: "You are this and that."

Do not listen and do not enter into conversation with this flatterer, but immediately say point-blank, "Hold thy peace and come out, and erase his tracks with sighs and self-reproach, then cense the place where he was with contrite prayer.

He wants to give rise to self-opinion and self-esteem, and then to inflate self-praise and vainglory from them. In the spiritual life, all those thoughts and feelings are the same as thieves in everyday life.

Like thieves that enter a house to rob its goods, so these demons, taking root in a soul, destroy all that is good in that soul and cast it away, so that nothing remains that the Lord might praise later.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 6:11-16

EXPOSING & DEPOSING DARKNESS

11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.
12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?
15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."

Mark 1:23-28

EXPOSING & DEPOSING UNCLEAN SPIRITS

23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,
24 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!"
25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"
26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him.
27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."
28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 67 (30-35)

EXPOSING & DEPOSING THOSE OF STRIFE & DIVISION

30 Because of Thy temple in Jerusalem, kings shall bring gifts unto Thee.
31 Rebuke the wild beasts of the reed, that congregation of bulls among the heifers of the peoples, lest they exclude them that have been proved like silver.
32 Scatter the nations that desire wars; ambassadors shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall hasten to stretch out her hand unto God.
33 Ye kingdoms of the earth, sing unto God; chant ye unto the Lord, unto Him that rideth the heaven of heaven towards the dayspring. Lo, He will utter with His voice a voice of power.
34 Give ye glory unto God; His magnificence is over Israel and His power is in the clouds.
35 Wondrous is God in His saints; the God of Israel, He will give power and strength unto His people. Blessed is God.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Martyrs Archdeacon Laurence and Pope Sixtus, Felicissimus and Agapitus, deacons, and others with them (258).
~ Blessed Laurence, fool-for-Christ at Kaluga (1515).
~ New Hieromartyr Viacheslav priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Athanasius priest (1937).
~ Synaxis of the Saints of Solovki Monastery.
~ Uncovering and Translation of the relics of Venerable Sabbas of Storozhev or Zvenigorod (1998).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, August 22, 2023


“MENTAL ASCENT vs INNER HEART”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:30 PM Parish Council Meeting

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God
👉 6:45 PM - Bible study

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
St Theophan the Recluse (Russia, 1815-1894)
❤️ MENTAL ASCENT vs ANOINTED SPIRIT
II Cor. 5:15-21; Mark 1:16-22

The Lord taught in the Capernaum synagogue, and everyone marveled at His teaching: “for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mark 1:22).

This authority is not a commanding tone, but the power of influence on souls and hearts. His word entered within, and bound itself to human consciences, showing that all was as He said.

This is how a word which is imbued with Divine power, a word from the Spirit, or an anointed word, always is. This is how it was with the Holy Apostles, and after them with all influential teachers, who spoke not from learnedness, but as the Spirit gave them the gift of prophecy.

It is a gift of God - which can only be acquired through labors - to master it in one's heart and life, and not just by learning. Wherever this occurs the word is imbued with cogency, because it moves from heart to heart. In this is the power of the word over souls.

The scribes, speaking and writing from their learnedness, were not given such power, because they spoke from their head and mixed into their head their own philosophizing.

Life is not found in the head, only the tip of life. Life is in the heart, and only what comes forth from the heart can influence the currents of life.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 5:15-21

MENTAL ASCENT vs NEW CREATION

15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Mark 1:16-22

MENTAL ASCENT vs HUMBLE OBEDIENCE

16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
17 Then Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."
18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
19 When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets.
20 And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.
21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught.
22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 67 (20-29)

MENTAL ASCENT (man) vs DIVINE DESCENT (God)

20 Blessed is the Lord God, blessed is the Lord day by day; the God of our salvation shall prosper us along the way.
21 Our God is the God of salvation, and the pathways leading forth from death are those of the Lord's Lord.
22 But God shall crush the heads of His enemies, the hairy crown of them that continue in their trespasses.
23 The Lord said: I will return from Basan. I will return in the deeps of the sea,
24 That thy foot may be dipped in blood, yea, the tongue of thy dogs in that of thine enemies.
25 Thy processionals have been seen, O God, the processionals of my God, of my King Who is in His sanctuary.
26 Princes went before, and after them the chanters, in the midst of timbrel-playing maidens.
27 In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of Israel.
28 Yonder is Benjamin the younger in rapture, the princes of Judah their rulers, the princes of Zabulon, the princes of Nephthalim.
29 Give Thou command, O God, unto Thy hosts; strengthen, O God, this which Thou hast wrought in us.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Apostle Matthias (63).
~ Synaxis of All Saints of Solovki.
~,St. Philaret, archbishop of Chernigov (1866).
~ New Martyr Margaret (1918).
~ Martyr Anthony of Alexandria.
~ Venerable Psoes of Egypt (4th c.).
~ Martyrs Julian, Marcian, John, James, Alexius, Demetrius, Photius (Phocas), Peter, Leontius, and Mary, of Constantinople (726)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, August 21, 2023


“THE TIME OF REPENTANCE WILL CLOSE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:30 PM Parish Council Meeting

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
Monday - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE TIME OF REPENTANCE WILL CLOSE
II Cor. 5:10-15; Mark 1:9-15

The Lord began His sermon thus: “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel” (Mark
1:Is).

At the end of the ages it will also be said: the time is fulfilled, the Kingdom is at hand. But this statement will not be followed by repent ye, and believe but by "come out to the Judgment."

The time for repentance and labors of self-improvement will have ended. Let everyone give an account of what good or evil things he did in his body. And so, while there is time, hurry to use this time unto your salvation.

The Father's embrace is open to receive all who come with a sincere feeling of contrition about the past and with a desire to serve God henceforth by the zealous fulfillment of His holy commandments. For each of us death is the end of this age; it is the door to the other life.

Look into this more often and determine for yourself more truly: what will happen then? And having determined this without pitying yourself, begin laboring to prepare that which in you is not ready, that you might enter the place where joy is unending.

Labor to push aside all that could give the servants of outer darkness the right to prevail over us and carry us away to their realm, whence there will no longer be a way out.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 5:10-15

THE TIME OF JUDGEMENT WILL HAPPEN

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

Mark 1:9-15

THE TIME OF REPENTANCE IS NOW

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 67 (10-19)

THE TIME OF CHRIST’S GLORY & REIGN AS KING IN HIS HOLY PLACE

10 A rain freely given shalt Thou ordain, O God, for Thine inheritance; yea, it became weak, but Thou shalt restore it.
11 Thy living creatures shall dwell therein; Thou hast prepared it in Thy goodness for the poor man, O God.
12 The Lord shall give speech with great power to them that bring good tidings.
13 He that is the King of the hosts of His beloved one shall divide the spoils for the beauty of the house.
14 Even if ye sleep among the lots, ye shall have the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her pinions of sparkling gold.
15 When He that is in the heavens ordaineth kings over her, they shall be made snow-white in Selmon.
16 The mountain of God is a butter mountain, a curdled mountain, a butter mountain.
17 Why suppose ye that there be other curdled mountains? This is the mountain wherein God is pleased to dwell, yea, for the Lord will dwell therein to the end.
18 The chariot host of God is ten thousandfold, yea, thousands of them that abound in number; the Lord is among them at Sinai, in His holy place.
19 Thou hast ascended on high, Thou leddest captivity captive, Thou didst receive gifts among men (yea, for they were disobedient) that Thou mightest dwell there.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ St. Emilian the Confessor, bishop of Cyzicus (820).
~ New Hieromartyr Joseph (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicodemus (Krotov) archbishop of Kostroma and Galich (1938).
~ Venerable Gregory, iconographer of the Kiev Caves (12th c.).
~ Translation of the relics (1566) of Venerables Zosimas (1478) and Sabbatius (1435) of Solovki.
~ Second translation of the relics (1992) of Venerables Zosimas, Sabbatius, and Herman of Solovki.
~ St. Myron, bishop of Crete (350).
~ Martyrs Eleutherius and Leonides of Constantinople, and many infants with them.
~ Venerable Gregory of Sinai (Mt. Athos) (1346).
~ "Tolga" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (1314).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY


“UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE HAS GRAVE CONSEQUENCES”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Summer Class by Mike Drippé:
The Human Person in Eastern Orthodoxy

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE HAS GRAVE CONSEQUENCES
I Cor. 9:2-12; Matt. 18:23-35

The Lord concluded the parable about the two debtors with the following words: “So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matt. 18:35).

It would seem that such a small thing is required: forgive and you will be forgiven. When you are forgiven, you are received into mercy; and when you are brought into mercy, you have become a participant in all the treasures of mercy -salvation, and Paradise, and eternal bliss. What a great acquisition for such a small thing as forgiving!

Yes, it is a small thing, but for our self-love there is nothing more difficult than forgiving. We might still forgive some unintentional annoyance dealt us in private that no one sees. But if the offense is just a bit more sensitive, and takes place in front of people, don't even ask-there is no forgiveness.

There are circumstances when, whether you want to or not, you are not allowed to express your displeasure-and so you remain silent. However, only your tongue is silent. Meanwhile, your heart speaks and builds evil plans.
Raise the annoyance yet another degree, and there is no restraint.

Neither shame, nor fear, nor loss, nor any other thing will restrain you. Egoism which has reached the boiling point makes a person as though insane, and he who gives in to it begins to talk foolishly.

The people most subject to this unfortunate state are usually not just anyone. The more civilized one is, the more sensitive he is to insults, and the less forgiving. Relations will often remain smooth on the surface, but inwardly there is clearly discord. Meanwhile, the Lord requires that we forgive with our whole heart.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 9:2-12

UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE HINDERS MINISTRY

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.

Matthew 18:23-35

UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE AFFECTS OTHERS AROUND US

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.
26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'
27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
28 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'
29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'
30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done.
32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
33 'Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'
34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 67 (1-9)

UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE IS LIKE LIVING IN SHACKLES

1 Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
2 As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire, so let sinners perish at the presence of God.
3 And let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice in the presence of God, let them delight in gladness.
4 Sing unto God, chant unto His name; prepare ye the way for Him that rideth upon the setting of the sun. Lord is His name; yea, rejoice before Him.
5 Let them be troubled at His presence, Who is a father of orphans and a judge to the widows.
6 God is in His holy place, God settleth the solitary in a house,
7 Mightily leading forth them that were shackled, and likewise them that embitter Him, them that dwell in tombs.
8 O God, when Thou wentest forth before Thy people, when Thou didst traverse the wilderness,
9 The earth was shaken and the heavens dropped dew, at the presence of the God of Sinai, at the presence of the God of Israel.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Dometius of Persia (363) and two disciples.
~ Translation of the relics (1832) of St. Metrophanes, first bishop of Voronezh (1703).
~ Venerable Anthony of Optina (1865).
~ New Hieromartyrs Alexander, Peter, Michael, John, Demetrius and Alexis priests, Elisey deacon and Hieromartyr Athanasius (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil priest (1938).
~ Venerable Poemen (Pimen) the Much-ailing of the Kiev Caves (1110).
~ Venerable Pimen, faster of the Kiev Caves (13th c.).
~ Venerable Mercurius, bishop of Smolensk (Kiev Caves) (1239).
~ Martyrs Marinus the Soldier and Asterius the Senator at Caesarea in Palestine (260).
~ Venerable Hor (Horus) of the Thebaid (390).
~ Virgin Potamia of Alexandria.
~ Venerable Theodosius the New, healer of Peloponnesus (862) (Greek).
~ St. Hierotheus of Hungary (10th c.).
~ St. Stephen I king of Hungary (1038).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, August 19, 2023


“THE BLESSING OF GOD’S FACE UPON US”
Celebrating the Transfiguration Feast

+ TODAY:

👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 Transfiguration Fast (Fish & oil allowed)
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Summer Class by Mike Drippé:
The Human Person in Eastern Orthodoxy

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE BLESSING OF CELIBACY BY CHRIST
I Cor. 1:3-9; Matt. 19:3-12

The Lord says that God Himself originally blessed the marriage union, and put this law into our nature. About those who do not want to get married [for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven], He said: He that is able to receive it, let him receive it (Matt. 19:12).

It is clear that although He admitted that marriage is a natural law, it is not so indispensable and inevitable that there is no room for celibacy. He allows celibacy, but guards it with a condition that brings it nearer to the law of nature.

A eunuch from birth is celibate according to natural law. However, he who by his own will puts himself in the same state as that of a natural eunuch, who is such by birth without the participation of will, places himself on the same level with him as regards physical needs.

Consequently, in this sense, both the former and the latter are natural celibates.

Why is the state of a spiritual eunuch-self-imposed celibacy-considered unnatural?

Because people do not understand nature.
For them "natural" means what is natural for the body; but what is natural for the spirit, and what becomes natural for the body as a consequence of the spirit's influence, people do not want to consider natural.

It would be a different matter if these were all materialists, but this is not the case. Discuss some other subject with them, and they will speak reasonably.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

THE BLESSING & ENRICHMENT OF EVERYTHING IN CHRIST

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,
5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,
6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,
7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 19:3-12

THE BLESSING OF GOD ON MARRIAGE FROM CREATION

3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?"
4 And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'
5 and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'?
6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.
7 They said to Him, "Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?"
8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.
10 His disciples said to Him, "If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry."
11 But He said to them, "All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:
12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 66

THE BLESSING OF DIVINE GRACE & GOD’S FACE

1 God be gracious unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy on us,
2 That we may know upon the earth Thy way, among all the nations Thy salvation.
3 Let the peoples give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples praise Thee.
4 Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for Thou shalt judge peoples with uprightness; and nations shalt Thou guide upon the earth.
5 Let the peoples give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples praise Thee; the earth hath yielded her fruit.
6 Let God, our God, bless us; let God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth fear Him.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, August 18, 2023


“CONTEMPLATE DEATH & CHRIST’S RETURN”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil with Lit

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 Transfiguration Fast (Fish allowed)
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil and Confession

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ CONTEMPLATE DEATH
II Cor. 4:13-18; Matt. 24:27-33, 42-51

“Watch; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matt. 24:42).

If only this were remembered, there would be no sinners. But it is not remembered, although everyone knows that it is unquestionably true. Even the strictest ascetics were not strong enough to easily keep this in mind, but they made efforts to fix it in their consciousness so that it would not leave.

One would keep a coffin in his cell, another would beg his fellow ascetics to ask him about his coffin and grave, another would keep pictures of death and the Judgment, and others would do other things.

If death does not touch a soul, the soul does not remember it. But in no way can what immediately follows death not touch a soul; a soul cannot but be concerned about this, since it is the judgment of its fate for eternal ages.

Why does a soul not remember this?

It deceives itself that death will not come soon, and that perhaps somehow things will not go badly for it. How bitter!

It goes without saying that a soul which abides in such thoughts is careless and self-indulgent.

So, how can it think that judgment will go favorably for it?

No, one must behave like a student who is facing an exam: no matter what he does, the exam does not leave his head. Such remembrance does not allow him to waste even a minute in vain, and he uses all his time to prepare for the exam.

When will we acquire a mind-set like this?

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 4:13-18

CONTEMPLATE ETERNAL THINGS

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,
14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Matthew 24:27-33, 42-51

CONTEMPLATE CHRIST’S RETURN

27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
32 Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors!
42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.
43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.
44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.
48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,'
49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards,
50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of,
51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 65 (10-19)

CONTEMPLATE GOD WITH REVERENT FEAR

10 For Thou hast proved us, O God, and by fire hast Thou tried us even as silver is tried by fire.
11 Thou hast brought us into the snare, Thou hast laid afflictions upon our back, Thou madest men to mount upon our heads.
12 We went through fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into refreshment.
13 I will go into Thy house with a whole-burnt offering; to Thee will I pay my vows which my lips pronounced and which my mouth had spoken in mine affliction.
14 Whole-burnt offerings full of marrow will I offer unto Thee, with incense and rams; oxen and goats will I offer unto Thee.
15 Come and hear, and I will declare unto you, all ye that fear God, what things He hath done for my soul.
16 Unto Him with my mouth have I cried, and I exalted Him with my tongue.
17 If in my heart I regarded unrighteousness, let the Lord not hear me.
18 Wherefore God hath hearkened unto me, He hath been attentive to the voice of my supplication.
19 Blessed is God Who hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy away from me.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Forefeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord.
~ Martyr Eusignius of Antioch (362).
~ New Hieromartyr Stephen priest (1918).
~ New Martyrs Eudocia and Novices Daria, Daria, and Maria (1919).
~ New Hieromartyr Simon bishop of Ufa (1921).
~ New Hieromartyr John deacon (1938).
~ Venerable Job the Gorge-dweller on the Mezen River (Solovki) (1628).
~ Hieromartyrs Fabian (250) and Antherus (Antheros) (257), popes of Rome.
~ Martyr Pontius at Cimella in France (257).
~ Martyrs Cantidius, Cantidian and Sibelius (Sobel), of Egypt.
~ Righteous Nonna (374), mother of St. Gregory the Theologian.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, August 17, 2023


“HEAVINESS OF SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil with Lity

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - ST. Theophane the Recluse
❤️ SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS MAKES ENDURANCE DIFFICULT
I Cor. 4:1-6; Matt. 24:13-28

“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matt. 24:13).

However, not everyone who endures will be saved, but only he who endures on the Lord's path. This life is given to us for that reason-to endure. Everyone endures something, even through to the very end. But enduring does not lead to benefit if it is not for the sake of the Lord and His Holy Gospel.

Step onto the path of faith and the Gospel commandments; occasions to endure will multiply, but from that moment endurance will begin to bring forth crowns. That endurance which before was empty, will be made fruitful.

The enemy brings such blindness upon us that the endurance which is encountered on the path of good seems heavy and unbearable, while what he inflicts on those who serve the passions seems light and free, although it is actually heavier and more dismal than what people bear in struggling against the passions and opposing the enemy!

But we are blind, and do not see this. We labor, endure, and strain ourselves to the breaking point for the sake of the enemy, unto our own perdition.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 4:1-6

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS VEILS UNDERSTANDING THE TRUTH

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.
6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:13-28

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS MAKES ONE EASILY DECEIVED

13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
15 Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand),
16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house.
18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.
19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.
21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened.
23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it.
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it.
27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 65

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS DOES NOT SEE THE GLORY & AWESOMENESS OF GOD

1 Shout with jubilation unto the Lord all the earth; chant ye unto His name, give glory in praise of Him.
2 Say unto God: How awesome are Thy works! In the multitude of Thy power shall Thine enemies be proved false unto Thee.
3 Let all the earth worship Thee and chant unto Thee; let them chant unto Thy name, O Most High.
4 Come and see the works of the Lord, how awesome He is in His counsels, more than the sons of men.
5 He turneth the sea into dry land; in the river shall they pass through on foot.
6 There shall we rejoice in Him, in Him that is ruler in His sovereignty for ever.
7 His eyes look upon the nations; let not them that embitter Him be exalted in themselves.
8 O bless our God, ye nations, and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who hath established my soul in life, and permitteth not my feet to be shaken.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Seven Youths (the "Seven Sleepers") of Ephesus: Maximilian, Jamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine) and Antoninus (250 & 5th c.). New Hieromartyr Michael, Martyrs Simeon and Demetrius (1937).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Alexis, priest of Bortsumany, Nizhni-Novgorod (2000).
~ Martyr Eudocia of Persia (362).
~ Martyr Eleutherius of Constantinople (4th c.).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Arsenius of Elasson.
~ “Kazan-Penza" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, August 16, 2023


“THE HEALING OF A HARD HEART”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:50 PM - Bible Study
Revelation 2 - W/Subdeacon Randy Hay

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 No Parish Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ THE PASSIONS HARDEN THE HEART & SOUL
II Cor. 3:4-11; Matt. 23:29-39

How many mercies the Lord revealed to Jerusalem (that is, to the Jews)! And, in the end, He was still forced to say: “Behold, your
house is left unto you desolate” (Matt. 23:38).

It is well known to all what the consequences of this were: the Jews are homeless to this day.?

Does not a similar thing occur with the soul?

The Lord cares for the soul and teaches it in every way. An obedient soul traverses the path indicated, but a disobedient soul remains in opposition to God's calling. However, the Lord does not abandon even this soul, and uses every means to bring it to reason.

If stubbornness increases, God's influence increases. But there is a limit to everything. A soul becomes hardened, and the Lord, seeing that there is nothing more that can be done with this soul, abandons it to its fall, and it perishes like Pharaoh.

Let anyone who is beset by passions learn from this the lesson that he cannot continue indulging himself indefinitely without punishment.

Is it not time to abandon those passions - not just to deny oneself occasionally, but to decisively turn away?

Indeed, no one can say when he will overstep the limit. Perhaps God's long-suffering is just about to end.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 3:4-11

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES LIFE & HEALS THE HARDENED SOUL

4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God.
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,
8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?
9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

Matthew 23:29-39

CONSEQUENCES OF A STUBBORN HARDENED HEART

29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous,
30 and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'
31 Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.
32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt.
33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?
34 Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,
35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
36 Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
38 See! Your house is left to you desolate;
39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!'

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 64 (8-14)

MERCY & GRACE GREATER THAN THE HARDENED HEART

8 The heathen shall be troubled, and the dwellers of the farthest regions shall be afraid at Thy signs; Thou shalt make the outgoings of the morning and the evening to delight.
9 Thou hast visited the earth and abundantly watered her; Thou hast multiplied the means of enriching her.
10 The river of God is filled with waters; Thou hast prepared their food, for thus is the preparation thereof.
11 Do Thou make her furrows drunk with water, multiply her fruits; in her showers will she be glad when she sprouteth forth.
12 Thou shalt bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness, and Thy plains shall be filled with fatness.
13 Enriched shall be the mountains of the wilderness, and the hills shall be girded with rejoicing.
14 The rams of the flock have clothed themselves with fleece, and the valleys shall abound with wheat; they shall cry aloud, yea, they shall chant hymns unto Thee.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Venerables Isaac, Dalmatus, and Faustus, ascetics of the Dalmatian Monastery, Constantinople (5th c.).
~ Venerable Anthony the Roman, abbot (Novgorod) (1147).
~ New Hieromartyr Viacheslav deacon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1938). Protomartyr Rajden of Tsromi and Nikozi, Georgia (457) (Georgia).
~ Venerable Cosmas, eunuch and hermit of Palestine (6th c.)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, August 15, 2023


“HEALING THE INNER STENCH”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 Dormition Fast - Day 2
👉 6:00 PM - Walk with Joy
@ 100 Acre Woods on 38th St.

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:50 PM - Bible Study
Revelation 2 - W/Subdeacon Randy Hay

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ NEGLECTING INNER HEALING & TRANSFORMATION
II Cor. 2:14-3:3; Matt. 23:23-28

“Cleanse the inner so the outer will be clean.”

Our outward behavior in society is almost always proper - we fear the judgment of people and restrain ourselves. If we give ourselves over to vices outwardly, this is the end--it means that all shame is lost.

But when one's visible behavior is proper, the inner tenor of thoughts and feelings is not always proper. Here complete freedom is given to pleasing oneself, which is satisfied outwardly to the degree that the eyes of men can bear it and as far as it can hide its works from human sight. This is precisely what a whited sepulcher is.

Furthermore, inner uncleanness makes what is on the outside unclean. Cleanse yourself inwardly, and then the exterior will become clean, and you will be entirely clean. You will be made into a vessel that is fit for all the good uses of a householder. One must marvel at how the inside remains neglected; after all, no one wants perdition.

Truly, the enemy keeps such a soul in blindness- [he says] that there is no problem as long as there are no obvious sins, or he teaches the soul to put off what is important until tomorrow.

"Tomorrow we'll work seriously on ourselves, as we ought; but now let my soul take some pleasure in passionate thoughts and dreams, if not deeds".

Let us be on our guard that we do not grow old in such a frame of mind, lest correction become impossible for us, like teaching an old man new things.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 2:14-3:3

DIFFUSING THE FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST FROM HIS INNER TRANSFORMATION

14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, epistles of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you?
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;
3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

Matthew 23:23-28

NEED TO HEAL & TRANSFORM THE DEATH STENCH OF THE INNER HEART

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
24 Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!
25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.
26 Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.
27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.
28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 64 (1-7)

HEALING & TRANSFORMING THE MOST TURBULENT HEART & MIND

1 To Thee is due praise, O God, in Sion; and unto Thee shall a vow be rendered in Jerusalem.
2 Hearken unto my prayer, for unto Thee shall all flesh come.
3 The words of lawless men have overpowered us, but to our ungodliness shalt Thou be merciful.
4 Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself; he shall dwell in Thy courts.
5 We shall be filled with the good things of Thy house; holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.
6 Hearken unto us, O God our Saviour, Thou hope of all the ends of the earth and of them that be far off at sea,
7 Who settest fast the mountains by Thy strength, Who art girded round about with power, Who troublest the hollow of the sea; as for the roar of its waves, who shall withstand them?

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Translation of the relics (428) of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen (428) and Translation of the relics (415) of the Righteous Nicodemus, Gamaliel, and Abibus. ~ Blessed Basil of Moscow, fool-for-Christ (1552).
~ New Martyr Athanasius (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Platon (1937).
~ Blessed Basil of Kuben Lake (1472).
~ Hieromartyr Stephen, pope of Rome (257).
~ Achair Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos (21 c.)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Monday, August 14, 2023


“SHUT OUT OF THE KINGDOM?”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Today
👉 Procession of Precious & Life-giving Cross
👉 6:00 - 6:45 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 6:00 PM - Walk with Joy
@ 100 Acre Woods on 38th St.

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ LEAVING PEOPLE BLIND & SELF-GUIDED
II Cor. 2:4-15; Matt. 23:13-22

“Woe unto you ... for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men” (Matt. 23:13).

This can be said to hierarchs who neither teach the people the saving path themselves nor compel the priests to teach them. This can also be said to priests who leave the people in neglect, not taking care to explain to them what is necessary for the salvation of the soul. Due to this, the people remain in blindness.

Some remain in the certainty that they are proceeding properly; others, although they notice that things are not going the right way, do not go where they should, because they do not know how and where to go. This causes various silly ideas to spread among the people; this is why schismatics, Molokans, and Khlysts* find acceptance among them, and this is how every evil teaching finds convenient access to them.

A priest usually thinks that everything is fine in his parish, and rushes into action only when this evil has already spread and exposed itself. But then nothing can be done about it.

A priest must consider it the first priority of his conscience to continually instruct the adults in the knowledge of the Christian Faith, and to prepare the young generation from their first conscious years, explaining to them what they can and must know. There is no need to wait for school. This must be done orally, gathering the children in the church and at home on Sunday evenings, or whenever and however it is convenient.

* The term schismatics refers to those Old Ritualists who were not in communion with the Russian Church. Molokans and Khlysts were Russian sects.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 2:3-15

CHURCH DISCIPLINE & SPIRITUAL GUIDES

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

Matthew 23:13-22

BLIND GUIDES SHUTTING PEOPLE OUT OF THE KINGDOM

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

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 63

GOD’S PROTECTION FROM WICKED GUIDES

1 Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto Thee; rescue my soul from fear of the enemy.
2 Shelter me from the concourse of them that do wickedness, from the multitude of them that work unrighteousness.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a sword, they have bent their bow, a bitter thing, that they may shoot in secret at the blameless man.
4 Suddenly shall they shoot at him and shall not fear; they have strengthened themselves in a wicked word.
5 They have spoken of hiding snares; they said: Who shall see them?
6 They have searched after iniquity, in searching they are grown weary of searching.
7 A man shall draw nigh, and the heart is deep; and God shall be exalted.
8 As an arrow of infants are their blows, and their tongues are made strengthless against them.
9 All that saw them were troubled, and every man was afraid.
10 And they declared the works of God, and His deeds they understood.
11 The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him; and all the upright in heart shall be praised.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Beginning of the Dormition Fast. Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord (1164) (First of the three "Feasts of the Saviour" in August).
~ The Feast to the All-Merciful Saviour and the Most Holy Mother of God.
~ Holy Seven Maccabees, Martyrs Abimus, Antonius, Gurias, Eleazar, Eusebonus, Alimus, and Marcellus, their mother Solomonia, and their teacher Eleazar (166 B.C.).
~ New Hieromartyr Demetrius priest (1937).
~ Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Sophia of Suzdal (1995).
~ Nine Martyrs of Perge in Pamphylia: Leontius, Attius, Alexander, Cindeus, Minsitheus (Mnesitheus), Cyriacus, Mineon (Menaeus), Catanus, and Eucleus (3rd c.).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

 

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, August 13, 2023


“ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR PRAYER & FASTING”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Prayers / Chanting
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 10:50 AM - Lesser Blessing of Water
👉 11:15 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 No Class
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast - Strict Dormition Fast
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Today
👉 Procession of the Precious and Life-giving Cross
👉 6:00 - 6:45 PM - Paraklesis (Supplication) to the Mother of God

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ ABSOLUTE NECESSITY TO PRAY & FAST
I Cor. 4:9-16; Matt. 17:14-23

“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matt. 17:21).

If this kind goes out by the prayer and fasting of another person, then it is even less able to enter one who fasts and prays. What protection!

Although there are a huge number of demons and all the air is packed with them, they cannot do anything to one who is protected by prayer and fasting.

Fasting is comprehensive temperance, and prayer is comprehensive communication with God. The former defends from the outside, whereas the latter directs a fiery weapon against the enemies from within.

QThe demons can sense a man of abstinence and prayer from a distance, and they run far away from him so as to avoid a painful blow.

Is it possible to think that where there is no fasting and prayer, there is already a demon?

Yes, it is. The demons lodging in a person do not always reveal their presence, but lurk there, stealthily teaching their host every evil and turning him away from every good. This person is certain that he is doing everything on his own, but meanwhile he is only fulfilling the will of his enemy.

Just commence prayer and fasting, and the enemy will immediately depart, waiting on the side for an opportunity to somehow return again. And he really will return, as soon as prayer and fasting are abandoned.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 4:9-16

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH IN PRAYER & FASTING

9 For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!
11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.
12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;
13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

Matthew 17:14-23

SPIRITUAL WARFARE ONLY THROUGH PRAYER & FASTING

14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying,
15 Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water.
16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.
17 Then Jesus answered and said, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me."
18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
20 So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
22 Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men,
23 and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up. And they were exceedingly sorrowful.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 62

RISING TO PRAY, FAST, & MEDITATE

1 O God, my God, unto Thee I rise early at dawn. My soul hath thirsted for Thee; how often hath my flesh longed after Thee in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered.
2 So in the sanctuary have I appeared before Thee to see Thy power and Thy glory,
3 For Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee.
4 So shall I bless Thee in my life, and in Thy name will I lift up my hands.
5 As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips rejoicing shall my mouth praise Thee.
6 If I remembered Thee on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on Thee.
7 For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice.
8 My soul hath cleaved after Thee, Thy right hand hath been quick to help me.
9 But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth, they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be.
10 But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that sweareth by Him; for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Forefeast of the Procession of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord.
~ Righteous Eudocimus of Cappadocia (9th c.).
~ New Martyrs Benjamin, metropolitan of Petrograd, and those with him: Archimandrite Sergius and George and John of Petrograd (1922).
~ Martyr Maximus (1928).
~ New New Hieromartyr Vladimir priest (1937).
~ New Hieromartyr John priest, Martyr Constantine priest, Virgin-martyr Anna, and St. Elizabeth (after 1937).
~ Martyr Julitta at Caesarea (304).
~ St. Germanus, bishop of Auxerre (448) (Celtic & British).
~ Martyr Dionysius of Vatopedi, Mt. Athos (1822)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, August 12, 2023


“INNER TRANSFORMATION”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Free
👉 9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @
Lincoln Square 2330 N. Meridian
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast - Free
👉 8:30 AM - Theoria / Prayers / Chanting
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 10:50 AM - Lesser Blessing of Water
👉 11:15 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 No Class
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ INNER TRANSFORMATION
Rom. 15:30-33; Matt. 17:24-18:4

The Lord paid the required temple tribute and kept all other practices, both temple-related and civic. He fulfilled this and taught the Apostles to do the same, and the Apostles in turn passed this same law on to all Christians.

Only the spirit of life was made new; externally all remained as it had been, except what was clearly against the will of God-for instance, participating in sacrifices to idols, etc.

Then Christianity gained the upper hand, displaced all the former practices, and established its own. One would expect that it would thus have become easier for the spirit of Christianity to develop and strengthen. So it was, but not for everyone.

A large percentage mastered external Christian practices but stopped there, not concerning themselves with the spirit of life. It is the same today.

Out of the entire sum of Christians, who proves to be a Christian in spirit?
What are the others?

They bear the name as if they were alive, but, behold - they are dead. When the Apostles preached the Gospel, their word drew Gods potion out from the midst of the pagan world. Now, through the same word, the Lord chooses His portion from amidst the Christian world.

“Whoso readeth, let him understand” (Matt, 24:15), and let him take care to find out for certain whether he is in the Lords portion. If he cannot be certain of this, let him take care to belong to the Lord, for in this alone lies salvation.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

Romans 15:30-33

INNER TRANSFORMATION BRINGS JOY & REFRESHMENT TO OTHERS

30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me,
31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints,
32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Matthew 17:24-18:4

INNER TRANSFORMATION ONLY BEGINS WITH HUMILITY AS A CHILD

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?"
25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?"
26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.
27 Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.
1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 61

INNER TRANSFORMATION IS ONLY POSSIBLE BY COOPERATING WITH GOD’S GRACE

1 Shall not my soul be subjected to God? For from Him is my salvation.
2 For He is my God, my saviour and my helper, and I shall be shaken no more.
3 How long do ye assail a man? Ye kill, all of you, as ye might assail a leaning wall and a tottering rampart.
4 But they made plans to cast aside mine honour, they ran in falsehood; with their mouth they bless, but with their heart they curse.
5 But be subject unto God, O my soul, for from Him is my patient endurance.
6 For He is my God, my saviour and my helper, and I shall not be moved from hence.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; He is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.
8 Hope in Him, all ye congregation of the peoples; pour out your hearts before Him, for God is our helper.
9 For the sons of men are vain, the sons of men are a lie in the balance; out of vanity they gather themselves together that they might do injustice.
10 Set not your hopes on injustice, and lust not after plunder; if riches flow in, set not your hearts thereon.
11 Once hath God spoken; these two things have I heard, that dominion belongeth to God, and mercy is Thine, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Apostles Silas and Silvanus of the Seventy and those with them: Crescens, Epenetus, and Andronicus (1st c.).
~ Martyr John the Soldier at Constantinople (4th c.).
~ New Hiero-confessor Anatole II (Potapov, the "Younger") of Optina (1922).
~ New Hieromartyr John deacon (1918).
~ Uncovering of the relics (1484) of Venerable Herman of Solovki (1479).
~ Hieromartyr Polychronius, bishop of Babylon (251), and Martyrs Parmenius, Helimenas (Elimas), and Chrysotelus presbyters, Luke and Mocius deacons, and Abdon, Sennen, Maximus, and Olympius.
~ Hieromartyr Valentine, bishop of Interamna (Terni) in Italy (273), and Martyrs Proculus, Ephebus, Apollonius, and Abundius, youths. ~ Synaxis of All Saints of Samara.

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, August 11, 2023

"OUR PURPOSE & FUTURE FULFILLMENT ”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - no meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast - Free
👉 9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian
👉 6:00 PM - Vigil
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ OUR PURPOSE IS IN THE FUTURE PROMISES
II Cor. 1:12-20; Matt. 22:23-33

Concerning the manner of the future life, the Lord said that people there will “not marry and will not be given in marriage”, that is, our everyday earthly relationships will have no place there.

It would follow that none of the norms of earthly life will either. Neither science, nor art, nor governments, nor anything else will exist.

What will there be?

God will be all in all. And since God is spirit, He unites with the spirit and acts on what is spiritual. All life there will be a continuous flow of spiritual movements.

There can be only one conclusion drawn from this: since our goal is the future life, and what is here is only a preparation for it, then to spend all the time of one's life only on what is appropriate to this life alone and has no relevance to the future life means to go against our purpose, and to prepare ourselves for a bitter, most bitter lot.

We are not absolutely required to drop everything; but while working as much as is necessary for this life, we must turn our main concern toward preparation for the future life, trying wherever possible to turn even earthly, menial labor into a means for achieving this goal.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 1:12-20

ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD ARE BEING FULFILLED THROUGH CHRIST

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end
14 (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.
15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit-
16 to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea.
17 Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No?
18 But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us-by me, Silvanus, and Timothy-was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

Matthew 22:23-33

FUTURE SPIRITUAL LIFE FOCUSES ON UNION WITH THE LIVING GOD

23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him,
24 saying: "Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother.
25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother.
26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh.
27 Last of all the woman died also.
28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.
29 Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven.
31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying,
32 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 60

FULFILLMENT OF PURPOSE & FUTURE LIFE WITH GOD FOR ALL ETERNITY

1 Hearken, O God, unto my supplication; attend unto my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth unto Thee have I cried, when my heart was despondent; on a rock hast Thou lifted me on high.
3 Thou hast guided me, for Thou art become my hope, a tower of strength against the face of the enemy.
4 I will dwell in Thy tabernacle unto the ages, I shall be sheltered in the shelter of Thy wings.
5 For Thou, O God, hast heard my prayers; Thou hast given an inheritance to them that fear Thy name.
6 Days shalt Thou add to the days of the king, his years unto days for generation and generation.
7 He shall abide before the face of God in the age to come. As for His mercy and truth, who shall seek them out?
8 So will I chant unto Thy name unto the ages, that I may pay my vows from day to day.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Callinicus of Gangra in Asia Minor (250).
~ New Hieromartyrs Venerables Seraphim (Bogoslovsky) and Theognost (1921).
~ New Hieromartyr Anatole (1930-1935).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexis priest, and Martyr Pachomius (1938).
~ Venerables Constantine and Cosmas, abbots of Kosinsk (Pskov) (13th c.).
~ Martyr Daniel of Cherkassk (1776).
~ Virgin-martyr Seraphima (Serapia) of Antioch (2nd c.).
~ Martyr Theodota and her three sons, in Bithynia (304).
~ St. Lupus the Confessor, bishop of Troyes (479).
~ Martyr Michael (9th c.).
~ Martyr Eustathius of Mtskheta in Georgia (589) (Georgia).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, August 10, 2023


“DAMAGE OF DISBELIEF”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Free
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Fast - no meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DISBELIEF CRIES, “CRUCIFY”
II Cor. 1:1-7; Matt. 21:43-46

The chief priests and Pharisees perceived that the Lord was telling parables on their account, that He was opening their eyes so that they would see the truth.

But what did they do with this?

They thought about how to kill the Lord. If their common sense had not been distorted by their prejudice, then even if they could not believe, as the clarity of the instruction required, they would at least have carefully considered the truth of the Savior's words.

Their prejudice pushed them onto a crooked path, and they then proved to be God-killers. It has always been this way, and it is this way now. The Germans*, and our people who have followed after them and become Germanized in their mentality, immediately cry out whenever they come across a miracle in the Gospels, "Not true, not true; this didn't happen and couldn't happen, this needs to be crossed out."

Is not this the same as killing?

Look through all the books of these clever men-in none of them will you find any indication as to why they think this way. Not one of them can say anything against what the Gospel truth proves, and not one cares to comprehend the arguments which sober-minded people use to convict their falseness; they only continue insisting that what is written] could not be, and that is why they do not believe the Gospels. And you cannot do anything with them - they are ready to defy God Himself.

* St. Theophan is referring here to "higher Biblical criticism, which is popular in eighteenth and nineteenth century Germany; and continues tob about today This system of investigation purpermanyake determinations. in sur the auchorship of Biblieal wrtings, and whethero rmarevents descibed in Scripture actually occurred. -Ed.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

2 Corinthians 1:1-7

MUTUAL COMFORT BY LETTING GO OF DISBELIEF

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Matthew 21:43-46

DISBELIEF BEARS NO SPIRITUAL FRUIT

43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 59

DISBELIEF PREVENTS CONTRITION, REPENTANCE, & HEALING

1 O God, Thou hast cast off and hast destroyed us; Thou hast been wroth and hast had pity upon us.
2 Thou madest the earth to quake and troubled it; heal the breaches thereof, for it hath been shaken.
3 Thou hast shown Thy people hard things, Thou hast made us to drink the wine of contrition.
4 Thou hast given a sign unto them that fear Thee, that they may flee from before the face of the bow.
5 That Thy beloved ones may be delivered, save Thou with Thy right hand and hearken unto me.
6 God hath spoken in His sanctuary: I will rejoice and I will divide Sikima, and the vale of tabernacles will I measure out.
7 Mine is Galaad, and Mine is Manasses, and Ephraim is the strength of My head.
8 Judah is My king, Moab is the cauldron of My hope.
9 Upon Idumea will I stretch out My shoe; the foreign tribes have been subjected unto Me.
10 Who will bring me into a fortified city? Or who will lead me into Idumea?
11 Wilt Thou not, O God, Who hast spurned us? And wilt Thou not, O God, go forth with our forces?
12 Give us help from affliction, for vain is the salvation of man.
13 In God we shall work mighty deeds, and He will bring to nought them that afflict us.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Appearance of the "Smolensk" "Directress" Icon of the Mother of God brought from Constantinople in 1046.
~ Holy Apostles of the Seventy and Deacons: Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, and Parmenas (1st c.).
~ St. Pitirim, bishop of Tambov (1698).
~ Synaxis of All Saints of Tambov.
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas deacon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Basil, Virgin-martyrs Anastasia and Hellen, Martyrs Aretha, John, John, John and Virgin-martyr Maura (1937).
~ Venerable Moses, wonderworker of the Kiev Caves (14th c.).
~ Martyr Julian of Dalmatia (2nd c.), Martyr Eustathius (Eustace) the Soldier of Ancyra (316) and Martyr Acacius of Apamea (321).
~ Venerable Paul of Xeropotamou, Mt. Athos (820).
~ "Grebensk" (1380), "Kostroma" (1672) and "Umileniye" ("of Tender Feeling") (1885) of Diveyevo, before which St. Seraphim reposed.
~ Reverence list of an "Smolensk" Icon of the Mother of God: "Ustiuzh" (1290), "Vydropussk" (15th c.), "Voronin" (1524), "Xristopor" (16th c.), "Supralsk" (16th c.), "Yug" (1615), "Igritsky" (1624), "Shuysk" (1654-16-55), "Sedmiezersk" (17th c.), "Sergievsk" (Troitsk-Sergievsky Lavra) (1730).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, August 9, 2023


"Meaningless & Misguided Intentions”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - no meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:50 PM - Study “Book of Revelation”
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - Free
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Dormition Fast Begins Monday

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ MEANINGLESS GOOD INTENTIONS
I Cor. 16:4-12; Matt. 21:28-32

In the parable about the two sons, the second promptly said, "I go”, but he went not.

This is an image of all hasty good intentions that lack the constancy, will, and patience to fulfill them.

A light heart is immediately ready for every good thing presented to it, but a will that is neither firm nor loves labor refuses to do something from the very beginning. This infirmity is found in nearly everyone.

How can one avoid such unreliability toward oneself and others?

This is how: do not begin anything without thinking it over and calculating whether there will be enough strength for the undertaking. This is what the Lord asked us to do in the parables about the man who set off to war and the other who set about building a house.

What is this calculation?

These parables are related by the Lord in order to instruct us to arm ourselves in advance with self-denial and patience. Look to see whether you have these buttresses that all laborers for goodness have. If you have them, begin the undertaking; but if not, then first store them up.

If you stock yourself up with them, then no matter what you meet on the path to your goal, you will endure and overcome it all, and you will bring your undertaking to a conclusion.

Calculating does not mean that as soon as the deed becomes a bit difficult you drop it, but rather that you should inspire yourself for every labor. From this there will come firmness of will and constancy in deeds. And it will never be the case with you that you say "I go" and then go not.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 16:4-12

HOLY SPIRIT LEAD INTENTIONS

4 But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.
5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).
6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11 Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

Matthew 21:28-32

EMPTY PROMISES & INTENTIONS

28 But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.'
29 He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went.
30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go.
31 Which of the two did the will of his father? They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 58 (11-19)

SEEKING GOD’S INTENTIONS & PURPOSES

11 Slay them not, lest at any time they forget Thy law; scatter them by Thy power, and bring them down, O Lord my defender.
12 The sin of their mouth is the speech of their lips; yea, let them be taken captive in their pride.
13 And from their curse and falsehood shall their final destruction be made known in the wrath of their utter destruction, and they shall be no more.
14 And they shall know that God is sovereign of Jacob and of the ends of the earth.
15 They shall return at evening, and shall hunger like dogs, and shall go round about the city.
16 They shall be scattered abroad that they may eat; if they be not satisfied, they shall murmur.
17 But as for me, I will sing of Thy power; and in the morning I will rejoice in Thy mercy.
18 For Thou art become my helper and my refuge in the day of my tribulation.
19 Thou art my helper, unto Thee will I chant; for Thou, O God, art my helper; O my God, Thou art my mercy.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Great-martyr and Healer Panteleimon (305).
~ Commemoration of the canonization of Venerable Herman of Alaska (1970).
~ New Hieromartyrs Ambrose, bishop of Sarapul, priests Plato and Panteleimon (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr John priest (1941).
~ St. Ioasaph, metropolitan of Moscow (1555).
~ Blessed Nicholas Kochanov, fool-for-Christ at Novgorod (1392).
~ Venerable Anthusa, abbess of Mantinea in Asia Minor and her 90 sisters (759).
~ St. Clement of Ochrid, bishop of Greater Macedonia (916), and Sts. Angelar (10th c.), Gorazd (896), Nahum of Ochrid (910), and Sabbas (10th c.), disciples of Sts. Cyril and Methodius (Bulgaria)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, August 8, 2023


“LOVING & PREFERING LIES”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 Last week before “Dormition Fast”
👉 No Men's Group Coffee today.
👉 6:00 PM “Walk with Joy” @ 100 Acre Woods
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - no meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 6:00 PM - Vespers
👉 6:50 PM - Bible Study “Book of Revelation”
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ PREFERENTIAL LIES AVOIDS TRUTH
I Cor. 15:29-38; Matt. 21:23-27

When the Lord asked the question about John the Baptist, the chief priests and the elders thought, "If we answer this way or that, either way is detrimental for us," and that is why they decided it would be better to use ignorance as a cover. Their self-interest tied their tongue and did not allow them to witness to the truth.

If they had loved truth more than themselves, the words would have been different, as would their works. Their interests buried the truth and would not let it reach their hearts. Their interests kept them from forming a sincere conviction, and made their hearts indifferent to the truth.

This is how it always is -egotistical strivings are the primordial enemies of truth. All other enemies follow them and act by means of them. If one investigates how all delusions and heresies have arisen, it turns out that this is precisely the source of them all: In words, truth is truth; but in reality, the truth hinders us in one regard or another and must be eliminated, and a lie must be set in its place which is more favorable to us.

Why, for example, are there materialists and nihilists?

Because the idea of God the Creator, Provider, and Judge, together with the idea of the spirituality of the soul, hinders those people from living in grand style according to their inclinations, and so they push the idea aside. It is clear from the worthlessness of their premises that the nihilists are not guided by the truth. They want everything to be just as they think it is, and every phantom that reflects their thoughts is exhibited by them as a witness to the truth. If they would sober up even a little, they would immediately see their lie. But they feel sorry for themselves, and therefore remain as they are.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 15:29-38

PREFERENTIAL LIES BLOCK KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?
30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour?
31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!"
33 Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.
35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?"
36 Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies.
37 And what you sow, you do not sow that body that shall be, but mere grain-perhaps wheat or some other grain.
38 But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.

Matthew 21:23-27

PREFERENTIAL LIES AVOIDS GOD’S AUTHORITY

23 Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?"
24 But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things:
25 The baptism of John-where was it from? From heaven or from men? And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?'
26 But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.
27 So they answered Jesus and said, "We do not know." And He said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 58 (1-10)

AVOID SATAN’S LIES & FIND THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S MERCY

1 Rescue me from mine enemies, O God, and from them that rise up against me redeem me.
2 Deliver me from them that work iniquity, and from men of blood do Thou save me.
3 For lo, they have hunted after my soul, the mighty have set upon me.
4 Neither is it mine iniquity, O Lord, nor my sin; without iniquity I ran, and directed my steps; arise to meet me, and behold.
5 And Thou, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, be attentive to visit all the heathen; be not merciful to any that work iniquity.
6 They shall return at evening, and shall hunger like dogs, and shall go round about the city.
7 Behold, they shall utter sounds with their mouth, and a sword is in their lips: For who, say they, hath heard?
8 And Thou, O Lord, shalt laugh them to scorn; Thou shalt bring to nought all the heathen.
9 O my Strength, I will keep watch for Thee, for Thou, O God, art my helper.
10 As for my God, His mercy shall go before me; my God shall make it manifest unto me among mine enemies.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Hieromartyrs Hermolaus (305), Hermippus, and Hermocrates at Nicomedia.
~ New Hieromartyr Sergius priest (1937).
~ Venerable Moses the Hungarian, of the Kiev Caves (1043).
~ Martyr Parasceve of Rome (138).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

Monday, August 7, 2023

"FROZEN & FRUITLESS FAITH”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Last week before “Dormition Fast”

+ TOMORROW: Tuesday
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 No Men's Group Coffee
👉 Saturday, Aug. 12
9:30 a.m. Men's group Breakfast @ Lincoln
Square 2330 N. Meridian

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule 

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
MONDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ FROZEN & FRUITLESS FAITH
I Cor. 15:12-19; Matt. 21:18-22

The Lord condemned the fig tree to fruitlessness because in appearance it was so covered with leaves that there ought to have been fruit on it, but none could be found. In applying this to the Christian life, the leaves represent outward works of piety and outward spiritual asceticism, while the fruits represent inner dispositions.

According to the law, the former should proceed from the latter. However, out of condescension to our infirmity, the latter should at least develop together with the former. When the former are strong but the latter are not even budding, a false life results, which expresses itself like this: “to seem, but not to be”.

At first, perhaps, this unfortunate state is not in one's thoughts, but then it appears unnoticeably and establishes itself as a war of life. When one applies himself excessively to externals and becomes passionately attached to them, his attention toward his heart is suppressed, his spiritual feelings die away, and coldness settles in.

At this stage spiritual life freezes, and there remains only an appearance of piety, but no piety. One's behavior is proper on the outside, but inwardly everything is wrong. The consequence of this is spiritual fruitlessness-works are done, but they are all dead.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

FUTILE & EMPTY FAITH

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.
14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.
15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up-if in fact the dead do not rise.
16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.
17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

Matthew 21:18-22

FAITH GREATER THAN A FRUITLESS LIFE

18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry.
19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither away so soon?"
21 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done.
22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 57

FEARLESS FAITH IN SPIRITUAL BATTLES

1 If ye indeed speak of righteousness, judge rightly, ye sons of men.
2 For in your heart ye work iniquity in the earth; your hands weave unrighteousness.
3 Even from the womb, sinners are estranged; even from the belly, they are gone astray, they have spoken lies.
4 Their rage is like that of a serpent, like that of an asp that is deaf and stoppeth her ears,
5 Which shall not hearken to the voice of the charmers, nor is spellbound by the spells of a wizard.
6 God will shatter their teeth in their mouth, the great teeth of the lions the Lord hath broken.
7 They shall vanish like passing waters; He will bend His bow till they be weakened.
8 Like wax that is melted shall they be taken away; fire hath fallen upon them and they saw not the sun.
9 Before your thorns can know their brier, while they are yet alive, in His wrath shall He swallow them up.
10 The righteous man shall be glad, when he seeth the avengement, he shall wash his hands in the blood of the sinner.
11 And man shall say: If indeed there is fruit for the righteous man, there is indeed a God that judgeth them upon the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ The Dormition of the Righteous Anna, mother of the Most Holy Theotokos.
~ Holy Women Olympias (Olympiada) the Deaconess of Constantinople (409), and the Virgin Eupraxia of Tabenna (413).
~ Venerable Macarius, abbot of Zheltovod and Unzha (1444).
~ New Hieromartyr Nicholas priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexander priest (1927).
~ St. Iraida confessor (1967).
~ Commemoration of the Holy 165 Fathers of the Fifth Ecumenical Council (553).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Sunday, August 6, 2023

“FAITH OR FEAR”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast before Eucharist
👉 8:30 AM - Chanting/Prayers/Theoria
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Class w/Mike Drippé
“En Medía: Orthodoxy & The Middle Road”

+ TOMORROW: Monday
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 Last week before “Dormition Fast”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SUNDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SHAKY FAITH AMIDST THE STORMS
I Cor. 3:9-17; Matt. 14:22-34

The Holy Apostle Peter, with the Lord's permission, gets out of the ship and walks on the water; then he yields to the movement of fear and begins to drown.

The fact that he decided upon such a singular act, hoping in the Lord, deserves no reprimand-otherwise the Lord would not have allowed him to do this. The reprimand came because he did not sustain the original state of his soul. He was filled with inspired hope in the Lord's ability to do anything, and this gave him the boldness to entrust himself to the waves.

Several steps were already made along this new path- it was necessary only to stand more firmly in hope, gazing at the Lord, Who is near, and at the experience of walking in His strength. Instead, he gave himself over to human thoughts: "The wind is strong, the waves are great, and water is not solid" and this shook loose and weakened the strength of his faith and hope.

Because of this he broke away from the Lord's hands and, left to the operation of nature's laws, began to drown. The Lord rebuked him: “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” (Matt. 14:31), showing that in this lay the entire reason for his danger.

Behold a lesson for all who undertake something, great or small, with the aim of pleasing the Lord! Keep your first state of faith and hope, from which a great virtue is born- patience in doing good, which serves as the basis for a God-pleasing life. As long as these dispositions are maintained, inspiration for laboring on the path begun does not go away, and obstacles, no matter how great they may be, are not noticed.

When these dispositions weaken, the soul is filled with human reasoning about human methods of preserving one's life and conducting the affairs one has begun. But since these human methods always turns out to be powerless, fear enters the soul--how should one act?

From this comes waverings about whether or not to continue, and in the end one completely turns back. Here is what you must do: if you begin, persevere -chase away troubling thoughts, and be bold in the Lord, Who is close.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

1 Corinthians 3:9-17

BUILDING FAITH THAT WILL ENDURE

9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

Matthew 14:22-34

FAITH GETS US OUT OF THE COMFORT & SAFETY OF THE BOAT

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."
28 And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."
29 So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!"
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."
34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 56

FAITH HAS A READY HEART (vs. 10)

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for my soul trusted in Thee.
2 And in the shadow of Thy wings will I hope, until iniquity shall pass away.
3 I will cry unto God the Most High, unto God my benefactor.
4 He hath sent out of heaven and saved me, He hath given over to reproach them that were trampling me down.
5 God hath sent forth His mercy and His truth, and hath delivered my soul from the midst of lions' cubs; I lay me down to sleep as one troubled.
6 As for the sons of men, their teeth are weapons and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
7 Be Thou exalted above the heavens, O God, and Thy glory above all the earth.
8 They have prepared a snare for my feet, and bowed down my soul.
9 They have dug a pit before my face and have fallen into it themselves.
10 Ready is my heart, O God, ready is my heart; I will sing and chant in my glory.
11 Awake, O my glory; awake, O psaltery and harp; I myself will awake at dawn.
12 I will confess Thee among the peoples, O Lord, I will chant unto Thee among the nations.
13 For magnified even unto the heavens is Thy mercy, and Thy truth even unto the clouds.
14 Be Thou exalted above the heavens, O God, and Thy glory above all the earth.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Martyr Christina of Tyre (300).
~ Holy Martyrs and Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb of Russia, in holy baptism Romanus and David (1015).
~ New Hieromartyr Alpheus deacon (1937).
~ Sts. Nicholas (1942) and John (1951) confessors, priests.
~ Uncovering of the relics of Venerable Dalmatus, abbot and founder of the Dormition Monastery in Siberia (1994).
~ Venerable Polycarp, archimandrite of the Kiev Caves (1182).
~ St. George, bisop of Mogilev (1795)

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Saturday, August 5, 2023

“DIVINE PROVIDENCE”

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM Parish Work Day
Lunch provided 🥪
👉 6:00 PM Evening Vigil
6:00 PM Vespers
7:00 PM Matins

+ TOMORROW: Sunday
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 8:30 AM - Chanting/Prayers/Theoria
👉 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy
👉 11:00 AM - Coffee Hour
👉 12:00 PM - Class w/Mike Drippé
“En Medía: Orthodoxy & The Middle Road”

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
SATURDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ DIVINE PROVIDENCE: THE EBB & FLOW OF GRACE
I Rom. 14:6-9; Matt. 15:32-39

Yet again the Lord miraculously fed the people accompanying Him, to show that He is always ready to provide generously for believers.

He could have done this at every opportunity, but He did not, in order not to break them from their usual way of life-likewise established, maintained, and supported by Him.

Such is God's general Providence. The main, all-embracing actions of Providence were accomplished in the beginning, at the ordering of all things. But, having arranged everything and set it into motion, God did not bind Himself in any way, but reserved for Himself the freedom to usher in extraordinary help when necessary.

He acts like the master of a house who establishes rules but, while maintaining them, does not bind himself to them.Rather, he regards them with the authority and good intentions usual to the master of a house.

Those who oppose the Faith do not understand the meaning of God's Providence and, broadening it in their minds beyond its proper boundaries, and not seeing the realization of their ideas, they deny this very Providence.

The providence which they demand does not exist, but that Providence which the Lord God is well pleased to establish and preserve unquestionably does exist.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

Romans 14:6-9

DIVINE PROVIDENCE INCLUDES GRACE FOR LIVING & DYING

6 He who observes the day (Sabbath), observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat (fasting), to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies (martyr) to himself.
8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Matthew 15:32-39

DIVINE PROVIDENCE INCLUDES COMPASSION & PROVISION

32 Now Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way."
33 Then His disciples said to Him, "Where could we get enough bread in the wilderness to fill such a great multitude?"
34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" And they said, "Seven, and a few little fish."
35 So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.
36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitude.
37 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets full of the fragments that were left.
38 Now those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children.
39 And He sent away the multitude, got into the boat, and came to the region of Magdala.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 55

DIVINE PROVIDENCE INCLUDES HOPE & PROTECTION

1 Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me down all the day long; making war, he hath afflicted me.
2 Mine enemies have trodden me down all the day long, for many are they that war against me from on high. By day I shall not fear; but as for me, I will hope in Thee.
3 In God will I commend my words, in God I have set my hope; I will not fear what flesh shall do to me.
4 All the day long they detested my words, all their thoughts were against me for evil.
5 They will dwell near and will hide themselves; they will watch where I set my heel, even as they have waited for my soul.
6 On no account wilt Thou save them, in wrath wilt Thou bring down the peoples, O God.
7 My life have I declared unto Thee; Thou hast set my tears before Thee.
8 Even as in Thy promise, mine enemies shall be turned back.
9 In what day soever I shall call upon Thee, behold, I know that Thou art God.
10 In God will I praise His word, in the Lord will I praise His speech; in God have I put my hope, I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
11 In me, O God, there be vows, which I will render in praise of Thee.
12 For Thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from sliding, that I may be well-pleasing before the Lord in the light of the living.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ "Pochaev" (1675) Icon of the Mother of God.
~ Martyrs Trophimus, Theophilus, and 13 others in Lycia (305).
~ St. Theodore of Sanaskar (Glorification 2001).
~ New Hieromartyr Michael priest and Martyr Andrew (1938).
~ Hieromartyr Apollinaris, bishop of Ravenna (75).
~ Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos "The Joy of All Who Sorrow" (with coins) in St. Petersburg (1888).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Friday, August 4, 2023

 

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast Day - No meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Saturday
👉 Fast Free Day
👉 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM Parish Work Day
(lunch provided)

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
FRIDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ PREPARE THE MIND FOR WORSHIP @ CHURCH
I Cor. 14:26-40; Matt. 21:12-14, 17-20

“My House shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matt. 21:13).

Everyone knows that being in church calls for reverence, the collecting of one's thoughts, profound Divine contemplation, and standing in the presence of God- but who fulfills this?

People go to church with a desire to pray, to stand there for a while with warm fervor; but then thoughts begin to wander, and bargaining begins in one's head that is even louder than that which the Lord found in the temple in Jerusalem.

Why is this so?

Because the way one stands in church is a reflection of one's entire life. As people live, so do they behave in church.

A church influences and somewhat supports movements of the spirit, but then the usual course of one's spiritual constitution takes over. Therefore, if you want your time in church to consist in worthily standing before the face of the Lord, prepare for this in your ordinary life.

Go about as much as you can in a prayerful frame of mind. This labor will bring you to the point that in church too you will stand reverently all the time. This reverence will inspire you to be reverent in your ordinary life as well. Thus you will go ever higher and higher. Say, "O Lord, help"… and begin!

————— SCRIPTURE —————

📖 YOUR DAILY SCRIPTURE- “Let us attend!!”

1 Corinthians 14:26-40

PEACEFUL WORSHIP & EDIFICATION @ CHURCH

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?
37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20

A PLACE FOR PRAYER & HEALING @ CHURCH

12 Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
13 And He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.' "
14 Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
17 Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.
18 Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry.
19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree wither away so soon?"

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 54 (22-27)

CASTING “ALL EARTHLY CARES” TO GOD @ CHURCH

22 For to them there is no requital, because they have not feared God; He hath stretched forth His hand in retribution.
23 They have defiled His covenant; they were scattered by the wrath of His countenance, and their hearts have convened.
24 Their words were smoother than oil, and yet they are darts.
25 Cast thy care upon the Lord, and He will nourish thee; He will never permit the righteous to be shaken.
26 But Thou, O God, shalt bring those men down into the pit of destruction.
27 Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but as for me, O Lord, I will hope in Thee.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalen (1st c.).
~ Translation of the relics (404) of Hieromartyr Phocas, bishop of Sinope (117).
~ New Hieromartyr Michael priest (1918).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexis priest (1931).
~ Venerable Cornelius, monk, of Pereyaslavl, and confessor of Alexandrov Convent (1693).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Thursday, August 3, 2023

 

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - Free
👉 No Parish Activities

+ TOMORROW: Friday
👉 Fast Day - No meat, fish, dairy, oil, wine
👉 No Parish Activities

————CONTENTS ————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

———— THEORIA —————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
THURSDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ SERVE TO BUILD UP & EDIFY OTHERS
I Cor. 14:6-19; Matt. 20:17-28

Christianity fully satisfies our striving for precedence- but how?

Through a method totally opposed to the one used in the world.

Do you want to be first?

Be a servant to everyone, that is, be the last among them. This is just as essential as it is to attune your life and your disposition to the example of Christ the Lord.

The Lord says: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). The Lord ministers, and even washes the feet of His disciples. There is no need, therefore, to be ashamed of ministering to someone.

Minister in any way possible, and with whatever means you can. There are opportunities every step of the way: “feed someone who is hungry, clothe someone who is naked, bring a stranger into your home, visit someone who is sick and even take care of him, and do not refuse all other help to those who ask it”.

Serve not only the body, but also the soul: give understanding and advice, point out a good book, console, and support. A word is a powerful means to help; through such a word one's soul extends itself and, joining another soul, gives him strength.

————— SCRIPTURE —————

📖 YOUR DAILY SCRIPTURE- “Let us attend!!”

1 Corinthians 14:6-19

SPEAK WORDS THAT BUILD UP & EDIFY OTHERS

6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?
9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.
11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Matthew 20:17-28

CHOOSE TO BE A SERVANT TO BUILD UP & EDIFY OTHERS

17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them,
18 Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death,
19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.
20 Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
21 And He said to her, "What do you wish?" She said to Him, "Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom."
22 But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able."
23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father."
24 And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers.
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.
26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.
27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

————— PSALTER —————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 54 (16-21)

PRAY WHEN IT’S DIFFICULT BUILD UP & EDIFY

16 Let death come upon such ones, and let them go down alive into hades.
17 For wickedness is in their dwellings, and in the midst of them.
18 As for me, unto God have I cried, and the Lord hearkened unto me.
19 Evening, morning, and noonday will I tell of it and will declare it, and He will hear my voice.
20 He will redeem my soul in peace from them that draw nigh unto me, for they among many were with me.
21 God will hear, and He will humble them, He that is before the ages.

—————— SAINTS ——————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Prophet Ezekiel (6th c. B.C.).
~ Venerable Symeon of Emesa, fool-for-Christ (590), and his fellow faster Venerable John.
~ New Hieromartyr Peter priest (1938).
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Romanus Medved' the Confessor, priest (1999).
~ Venerable Onuphrius the Silent of the Kiev Caves (12th c.) and St. Onesimus, recluse of the Kiev Caves (13th c.).

————— PRAYER RULE —————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Wednesday, August 2, 2023

 

+ TODAY:
👉 Fast - No meat, dairy, fish, oil, wine
👉 St. Elias the Prophet
👉 6:00 p.m. Vespers
👉 6:45 p.m. Bible study

+ TOMORROW: Thursday
👉 Fast - Free
👉 No Parish Activities

——— CONTENTS ———

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

——— THEORIA ———

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
WEDNESDAY - St Theophan the Recluse
❤️ GOD CALLS US WITH LOVE & MERCY
I Cor. 13:4-14:5; Matt. 20:1-16

In the parable about the hirelings, even he who worked only one hour was rewarded by the master of the house the same as the others.

The hours of the day in this parable are an image of the course of our life. The eleventh hour is the final period of this life.

The Lord shows that even those who lived without serving Him up to that moment can begin to work and can please Him no less than the others. Therefore, old age is no excuse.

Let no one despair, supposing that there is no point in beginning to work. Begin, and do not be afraid. The Lord is merciful-He will give you all that He gives others: here, according to the order of grace, and there, according to the law of justice.

Just have more fervor, and grieve more contritely about the carelessness in which almost all of your life was spent.

You will say, "The master of the house summoned those in the parable-so, let the Lord call me."

But isn't He calling?

Could it really be that you do not hear the voice of the Lord in the Church, saying, Come unto Me all ye, and the Apostle's call, As though God did besech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, “be ye reconciled to God” (II Cor. 5:20)?

——— SCRIPTURE ———-

📖 YOUR DAILY SCRIPTURE- “Let us attend!!”

1 Corinthians 13:4-14:5

GOD CALLS US TO PURSUE LOVE & MERCY

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;
5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Matthew 20:1-16

GOD CHOOSES US WITH LOVE & MERCY

1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
4 and said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, 'Why have you been standing here idle all day?'
7 They said to him, 'Because no one hired us.' He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.'
8 So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, 'Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.'
9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
12 saying, 'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.'
13 But he answered one of them and said, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
14 'Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.
15 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?'
16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

—---— PSALTER ———

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 54 (9-15)

THE HOUSE OF GOD IS FULL OF LOVE & MERCY

9 Plunge them into the depths, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen iniquity and gainsaying in the city.
10 Day and night they go round about her upon her walls; iniquity and toil and unrighteousness are in the midst of her.
11 And usury and deceit have not departed from her streets.
12 For if mine enemy had reviled me, I might have endured it.
13 And if he that hateth me had spoken boastful words against me, I might have hid myself from him.
14 But thou it was, O man of like soul with me, my guide and my familiar friend,
15 Thou who together with me didst sweeten my repasts; in the house of God I walked with thee in oneness of mind.

———— SAINTS ———

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Holy Glorious Prophet Elias (Elijah) (9th c. B.C.).
~ Venerable Abramius of Galich or Chukhloma Lake (1375), disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh.
~ Uncovering of the relics of St. Athanasius, abbot, of Brest-Litovsk (1649).
~ New Hieromartyrs Constantine and Nicholas priests (1918).
~ New Hieromartyrs Alexander, George, John, John, Sergius and Theodore priests, Hieromartyrs Tykhon, George, Cosmas and Martyrs Euphimius and Peter (1930).
~ New Hieromartyr Alexis priest (1938).
~ New Hieromartyr Theodore (1941).
~ "Galich-Chukhlomsk" "Tenderness" (1350), "Abalatsk" ("Sign") (1637) and Orshansk (1631) Icons of the Mother of God.

——— PRAYER RULE —--—

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.

Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness.

O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.

A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.

Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Chris, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light; true God of true God, begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father.

And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. 3X

O Lord, bless.

The Dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, the God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

(Click link for additional sections of prayers.)

———————————————

YOUR DAILY PERSONAL PRAYERS

~ Applying Today’s Scriptures
~ Repentance / Humility
~ Prepare for Confession
~ Your Family Members
~ Parish Family Members
~ Parish Fathers, Priests, & Families
> Fr. John and Popidia Juliana
> Fr. Michael and Deaconesa Rebecca
> Fr. Stevan and Matushka Margaret
~ Catechumen / New Seekers
~ Newly Illumined
~ Parish Leaders / Staff / Board
~ Others …

YOUR DAILY JOY
Tuesday, August 1, 2023

 

+ TODAY:
👉 No Fasting
👉 Seraphim of Sarov, Uncovering of Relics
👉 No Parish Activities
👉 6:00 PM - Walking with Joy @ 100 Acre Woods

+ TOMORROW: Wednesday
👉 Fast - No meat, dairy, fish, oil, wine
👉 St. Elias the Prophet
👉 6:00 p.m. Vespers
👉 6:45 p.m. Bible study

——————————————

🛐 Your Daily Theoria (Contemplation)
📖 Your Daily Scripture
❤️ Your Daily Psalter Reading (Septuagint - LXX)
🙇🏽 Your Daily Orthodox Saints & Prayers
🙏 Your Daily Orthodox Prayer Rule (Prayer List)

——————————————

🛐 YOUR DAILY THEORIA
TUESDAY - St. Theophan the Recluse
❤️ LOVE: ALWAYS FORGIVES, ALWAYS
I Cor. 12:12-26; Matt. 18:18-22; 19:1-2, 13-15

Wanting to know how many times one should forgive his brother, St. Peter asked with the suggestion: “forgive .. till seven times”? (Matt.
18:21).

Saying this, he thought that he had chosen the greatest quantity. How short human patience is!

The Lord, applying His long-suffering to our infirmities, defined it thus: I say not unto thee, “Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:22).

This is the same as saying: always forgive, and do not think about not forgiving.

All-forgivingness will be the distinctive feature of a Christian spirit, as all-forgivingness is the source and constant support of our life in the Lord, coming from God Himself.

Always forgiving everyone for everything is the outer garment of Christian love, which, according to the Epistle, suffereth long, and is kind, is not easily provoked, beareth all things (I Cor. 13:4-7).

It is the most faithful guarantee of forgiveness at the Last Judgment- “for if we forgive, our Heavenly Father will also forgive us”(cf. Matt.
6:14).

In such a manner--if you want to go to heaven-forgive everyone sincerely, from the bottom of your heart, so that not even a shadow of hostility remains.

———————————————

📖 YOUR DAILY SCRIPTURE- “Let us attend!!”

Galatians 5:22-6:2

LOVE: FORGIVES & GENTLY RESTORES

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
1 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.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Luke 6:17-23

LOVE MEETS PEOPLE ON THEIR LEVEL & HEALS THEM

17 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,
18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed.
19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God.
21 Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh.
22 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.
23 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.

———————————————

❤️ YOUR DAILY PSALTER (Septuagint - LXX)

PSALM 54 (1-8)

LOVE OBSERVES & CALMS THE TROUBLED HEART

1 Give ear, O God, unto my prayer, and disdain not my supplication; attend unto me, and hear me.
2 I was grieved in my meditation, and I was troubled at the voice of the enemy and at the oppression of the sinner;
3 Because they have turned iniquity upon me, and with wrath were they angry against me.
4 My heart is troubled within me, and the terror of death is fallen upon me.
5 Fear and trembling are come upon me, and darkness hath covered me.
6 And I said: Who will give me wings like a dove? And I will fly, and be at rest.
7 Lo, I have fled afar off and have dwelt in the wilderness.
8 I waited for God that saveth me from faintheartedness and from tempest.

————————————

🙇🏽 TODAY’S SAINTS - VENERATION & PRAYER
(Click link in Facebook comments to read about each Saint)

+ To Your Own Patron Saint in the Heavenly Realms (to intercede for you).

~ Venerable Macrina, sister of St. Basil the Great (380).
~ Venerable Dius, abbot, of Antioch (430).
~ Uncovering of the relics (1903) of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov.
~ Synaxis of All Saints of Kursk.
~ Blessed Romanus, prince of Ryazan (1270).
~ Venerable Paisius of the Kiev Caves (14th c.).
~ Blessed Stephen Lazarevich, king of Serbia (1427), and his mother St. Militsa (Eugenia in schema) (1405).

————————————

🙏 MORNING ORTHODOX PRAYERS
(Pray aloud standing before home Icon Corner)

Having risen from sleep, before any other action, stand reverently, considering thyself to be in the presence of the All-seeing God, and, having made the sign of the Cross, say:

In the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly; and then make three bows, saying: the Prayer of the Publican:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

The Beginning Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
O Lord, be gracious unto our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3X

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Troparia to the Holy Trinity:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou. O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. 12X

Prayer of Saint Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity:

As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou wast not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind’s eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O come let us worship God our King.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 50:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, an