Friday 5th December 2025
Nativity Fast: wine and oil allowed
Saint Sabbas the Sanctified
Today we commemorate:
Holy Martyr Diogenes (435). Philotheos the Righteous of Mount Athos. St. Nectarius of Bitol (1500), and his Elder, St. Philotheus, of Karyes Skete. Commemoration of St. Cosmas of Vatopedi (1276) and the monks of Karyes Skete, martyred by the Latins. St. Gurias, archbishop of Kazan (1563).
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Cawrdaf, monk and disciple of St. Illtyd (5th C). St. Justinian (Iestin), hermit of Ramsey (560).
1 Timothy 4:4-8, 16; Luke 20:19-26
For the Commemoration: Galatians 5:22-6:2; Matthew 11:27-30
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
1 Timothy 4:4-8, 16
Timothy, my son, everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be refused that is accepted with thanksgiving because it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. By presenting these things to the brothers and sisters you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished by the doctrines of the faith and by the valuable teaching that you have followed closely. But reject what is profane and old wives’ tales, and train yourself in godliness. Physical exercise is of little value, but godliness is profitable in every respect with a promise for life now and for that which is to come. … Look to yourself and to the teaching; continue in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.
Luke 20:19-26
At that time the chief priests and the scribes wanted to seize Jesus because they knew that he was telling the parables against them, but they feared the people. They therefore watched him; and they sent out spies, who pretended to be genuine, to catch him out in what he said in order to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor. They questioned him, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and that you are not taken in by appearances but truly teach God’s way. Are we allowed to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ But he, seeing through their duplicity, said to them, ‘Why are you setting a trap for me? Show me a coin. Whose image and inscription does it carry?’ They replied, ‘Caesar’s.’ He told them, ‘Well then, give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. And to God what belongs to God.’ And so they were not able to catch him out through what he said in front of the people. Amazed by his answer, they fell silent.
Galatians 5:22-6:2
Brothers and sisters, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, honesty, goodness, faith, humility and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become arrogant, irritating one another, envious of one another. Brothers and sisters, if someone has been caught unawares by some lapse, you who are of the Spirit should restore such a person in a spirit of humility, having regard for yourself so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Matthew 11:27-30
The Lord said to his disciples ‘Everything has been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. Come to me all you who labour and are overburdened and I shall give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke sits easily and my burden is light.’