Thursday 29th January 2026
Translation of the relics of Hieromartyr Ignatius the Godbearer of Antioch (107)
Today we commemorate:
St. Sulpicius Severus, disciple of St. Martin of Tours (406). New Martyr Demetrios of Chios (1802). St. Laurence, Recluse of the Kievan Caves and bishop of Turov (1194)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Gildas the Wise, abbot of Llanilltud and Brittany (c.570). St. Blath (Flora) of Kildare (523). St. Dallan Forgaill, martyr (598). St. Voloc, bishop in Scotland (c.724).
1 Peter 4:12-5:5; Mark 12:38-44
For the Commemoration: Hebrews 10:32-38; Mark 9:33-41
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
1 Peter 4:12-5:5
Beloved, do not be bewildered by the fiery trial that is coming upon you, to test you, as if something strange were happening to you, but rejoice in so far as you have a share in the sufferings of Christ so that you may also rejoice with greater joy at the revelation of his glory. If you are insulted in Christ’s name, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of power and of God rests upon you. Although he is blasphemed by them, he is glorified by you. Let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a villain or a busybody, but if it is as a Christian, you should not be ashamed but glorify God for this, because the time has come for the judgement to begin with the household of God. And if it begins with us, how will it end for those who refuse to believe the Gospel of God? ‘For if it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ Therefore let those who are suffering according to the will of God commit their souls to the faithful Creator by doing good. I, as a fellow presbyter and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who has a share in the glory about to be revealed, exhort the presbyters among you to shepherd the flock of God under you, exercising oversight, not with reluctance but willingly, not for sordid gain but gladly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. Then, when the High Shepherd appears, you will receive the imperishable crown of glory. In the same way you younger ones are to be obedient to your elders, with all of you being obedient to one another. Clothe yourselves with humility because ‘God resists the proud but gives grace to the lowly.’
Mark 12:38-44
The Lord said, ‘Watch out for the scribes who love to walk around in flowing robes, and the greetings in the marketplaces, and the front seats in the synagogues and the top tables at feasts. They gobble up widows’ property, and for outward show pray at great length. They will receive an especially severe condemnation.’ Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and was watching the crowd put money into the treasury. Many who were rich threw in a large amount. A poor widow appeared, and she put in two tiny coins amounting to a quarter of a penny. He called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you that this poor widow put in more than all of those giving to the treasury, for they all put in from their surplus, but she, in her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.’
Hebrews 10:32-38
Brothers and sisters, remember the early days when you were brought to the light. You endured a great struggle with sufferings. Some were made a spectacle through abuse and persecution, and others kept company with those who were living through such things. You also showed compassion for me in chains, and you cheerfully accepted the seizure of your property, knowing that you have within you a better and enduring possession in the heavens. Therefore do not let go of your confidence which holds a great reward, because you need perseverance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive the promise. ‘For in a little while he who is coming will be here, and he will not delay. Then the righteous will live by faith.’
Mark 9:33-41
At that time Jesus arrived in Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked the disciples, ‘What were you discussing among yourselves on the road?’ But they remained silent because on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. He sat down and addressed the Twelve, telling them, ‘Anyone who wants to be first is to be last of all and servant of all.’ He caught up a little child whom he placed among them. Then he took the child in his arms and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name is welcoming me, and whoever welcomes me is not welcoming me but the one who sent me.’ John spoke up, saying to him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in your name, and we told him not to because he does not follow us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not prevent him, because no one who does a miracle in my name will easily be able to revile me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you that those who give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, will not lose their reward.’