At Liturgy — Menaion — Orthodox Study

Brethren: Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He saith: “When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He Who descended is the same also Who ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the Faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

¶10

The Acts of the Apostles, §23 [Acts 9: 32-42]

¶11

Alleluia, in Tone IV —

¶12

In those days, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Æneas, who had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him: “Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.” And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said: “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

¶13

Stichos: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He delivered them out of all their tribulations.

¶14

Alleluia, in Tone I —

¶15

Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall deliver them out of them all.

¶16

Stichos: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive unto me.

¶17

Gospel according to Matthew, §34b [Mt 10:1, 5-8]

¶18

Stichos: And He brought me up out of the pit of misery, and from the mire of clay.

¶19

At that time, when Jesus had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them saying: “Go not into the way of the gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

¶20

Gospel according to Matthew, §104

¶21

Communion Verse —

¶22

[Mt. 25: 1-13]

¶23

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright.

¶24

The Lord said this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him!” Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise: “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” But the wise answered, saying: “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they who were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying: “Lord, Lord, open to us!” But he answered and said: “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

¶25

Communion Verse —

¶26

In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.