Orthodox Study
From the calendar 2028

Wednesday, December 20

Repose of St. John of Kronstadt

Appointed readings

2 passages

Epistle

Hebrews 5:11–6:8

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11of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

2of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3And this we will do if God permits.

4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

6if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

8but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Gospel

Mark 10:11–16

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11So He said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.

12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'

13Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.

14But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

15Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

16And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

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