Saturday 31st January 2026
Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cyrus and John
Today we commemorate:
Those with Cyrus and John at Canopus in Egypt (311). St. Nikita of the Kievan Caves, bishop of Novgorod (1108). St. Arsenius of Paros (1877). New Martyr Elias Ardiunes at Kalamata (1686). Holy martyr Papias of Corinth
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Aidan (Maedoc), bishop of Ferns (626). St. Melangell, virgin-recluse of Montgomeryshire (6th C). St. Adamnan of Coldingham, monk (680). St. Wilgils, Hermit of the Humber (7th C). Holy Martyr Eusebius the Scot (884).
2 Timothy 2:11-19; Luke 18:2-8
For the Commemoration: 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8; Matthew 10:1,5-8
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
2 Timothy 2:11-19
Timothy, my son, this saying is true: ‘If we died with him, we shall also live with him. If we persevere, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful; he cannot disown himself.’ Remind them of these things and solemnly warn them in the presence of the Lord not to quibble over words. That serves no purpose except to undermine those listening. Strive to present yourself approved by God, a worker with no cause to be ashamed who correctly discerns the word of truth. But avoid profane babblings because they lead people into yet more irreverence, and their words will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus who turned away from the truth, saying that the resurrection had already happened and overturning the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, and it bears these credentials: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘Let every one who professes the name of the Lord turn away from unrighteousness.’
Luke 18:2-8
The Lord told this parable. ‘There was a judge in a certain city who did not fear God and did not respect anyone. And in that city there was a widow who would come to him, saying, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” For a while he would not, but then he said to himself, “Although I do not fear God or respect anyone, yet because this widow is pestering me I will grant her justice; otherwise her perpetual visits will wear me out.”’ The Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Will God not grant justice to his chosen ones and patiently bear with those who cry out to him day and night? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice.’
1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8
Brothers and sisters, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And in the Church God has appointed some to be, in first place, apostles, in second, prophets, in third, teachers. After that come miracles, then gifts of healing, assistance, administration and various languages. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Covet the better gifts, but I shall show you an even more excellent way. If I speak the languages of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I have become blaring brass or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and understand every mystery and have a knowledge of everything, even if I have complete faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nobody. And if I give away all that I possess to feed others, and if I surrender my body to be consumed, but do not have love, I am no better off. Love is patient; it shows kindness. Love is not envious. Love does not boast; it is not arrogant; it does not behave improperly; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily provoked; it does not keep account of evil. It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices in the truth. It endures everything, is always believing, always hoping, always persevering. Love never fails.
Matthew 10:1,5-8
At that time Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and illness. … These twelve Jesus sent out, giving them this charge. ‘Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, preach and say, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, make the lepers clean, raise the dead, and cast out demons. You received freely, give freely.’