Wednesday 21st January 2026
Fast day: strict fast
Holy and Venerable Maximus the Confessor (662)
Today we commemorate:
Holy Martyrs Zosimos and Neophytos (305). Venerable Maxim the Greek (1556). Virgin-Martyr Agnes of Rome (304). Holy martyr Anastasius, disciple of St. Maximus the Confessor (662)
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Brigid of Kilbride (6th C). St. Wynnin, bishop and abbot of Holywood (6th C). St. Lawdog of Wales (6th C). St. Macallan, hermit and abbot (978).
1 Peter 4:1-11; Mark 6:7-13
For the Commemoration: Philippians 1:12-20; Luke 12:8-12
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
1 Peter 4:1-11
Beloved, Christ suffered for us in the flesh. Since he who suffered in the flesh has put an end to sin, you too are to arm yourselves with the same purpose in order to live out the remaining time in the flesh no longer by human desires but by the will of God. For you have spent quite enough of your past life in what the Gentiles practice: a life of indecency, lusts, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and abominable idolatries. They find it strange that you are not rushing headlong with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they revile you. It is they who will give an account to the one who is ready to judge the living and the dead. This is why the Gospel was also preached to the dead, so that although they may have been condemned as human beings in the flesh, they may live with God in the Spirit. The end of everything has drawn near, so be sensible and watch in prayer. Above all have a fervent love for each other, because love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling; minister to each other as good stewards of the many forms of God’s grace according to the gift each has received. If anyone speaks, let it be with the words of God; if anyone ministers, let it be in the strength that God supplies so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the dominion to the ages of ages. Amen.
Mark 6:7-13
At that time Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs, giving them authority over the unclean spirits. He told them that they were to take nothing for the journey, ‘but only a staff: no bag, no bread, no money in the belt. Have sandals strapped on, but do not wear two tunics.’ And he said to them, ‘Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place; and wherever they do not welcome you or listen to you, shake off the dust from the soles of your feet as you leave that place, as a witness to them. Truly I tell you that it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the Day of Judgement than for that town.’ And so they went out preaching that all should repent, and they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were ill and healed them.
Philippians 1:12-20
Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that my situation has become an advantage for the furtherance of the Gospel in that my chains have come to be seen throughout the Praetorium and everywhere else as being for Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters in the Lord have taken confidence from my chains and are fearlessly speaking the word with far greater boldness. It is true that some are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others also from goodwill. Those who proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, without sincerity, imagine that they are adding suffering to my chains, but the others who do so from love know that I am here for the defence of the Gospel. What of it? In every way, whether as a pretence or for the truth, Christ is being proclaimed. I rejoice in this, and I shall continue to rejoice because I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will lead to salvation for me according to my eager expectation and hope.
Luke 12:8-12
The Lord said to his disciples, ‘Everyone who acknowledges me in the presence of others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of the angels of God. But those who disown me in the presence of others will be disowned in the presence of the angels of God. If anyone should utter a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven. But those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they bring you before the synagogues or the rulers or the authorities, do not be anxious about how or with what to defend yourselves or what you should say, for at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.’