Monday 16th February 2026
Cheesefare week: dairy, eggs and fish allowed
Today we commemorate:
Holy Martyrs Pamphilius the presbyter; Valens the deacon, and those with them, at Cæsarea in Palestine (c.309). New Monk-martyr Romanus of Carpenision, who suffered at Constantinople (1694).
3 John 1:1-14; Luke 19:29-40,22:7-39
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
3 John 1:1-14
The presbyter to the beloved Gaius whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I pray that you are thriving in every way and that you are in good health, even as your soul thrives. I rejoiced greatly when the brothers and sisters came, testifying to your sincerity as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. Beloved, you are being faithul in whatever you do for the brothers and sisters, and for the strangers who, in the presence of the church, bore witness to your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God, for they set out for the sake of his name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. We ought indeed to welcome such as these, so that we may be labourers together for the truth. I did write to the church, but Diotrephes who loves being in charge does not acknowledge us. That is why, should I come, I shall call to mind what he is doing, ranting against us with poisonous words. And not content with that, he never offers hospitality to the brothers and sisters and forbids those so minded; and he throws them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Those who do what is good are of God; those who do what is evil have not seen God. As for Demetrius, he is approved of all, and by Truth herself as we too bear witness; and you know that our testimony is true. I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon and we shall speak face to face. Peace be with you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
Luke 19:29-40,22:7-39
At that time, as Jesus drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent off two of his disciples, saying, ‘Make your way to the village opposite. There, as you go in, you will find a foal tied up on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say this to them, “The Lord needs it.”’ And those dispatched went and found the foal standing there just as he had told them, and as they were untying the foal its owners said to them, ‘Why are you letting the foal loose?’ And they replied, ‘Because the Lord needs it.’ They then brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the foal, and set Jesus on it. As he went on his way, they spread their cloaks beneath him on the road. And on the descent from the Mount of Olives, as he drew nearer the whole company of disciples began to cheer and to praise God in a mighty voice for all the miracles they had seen. They were calling out, ‘Blessed is the King, he who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ But he replied, ‘I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out.’ … Then came the day of Unleavened Bread when the Passover had to be sacrificed, and he sent Peter and John, saying, ‘Go and prepare the Passover for us so that we may eat.’ They asked him, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations?’ And he told them, ‘Listen, as you enter the city a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters and tell the master of the house, “The Teacher says to you, ‘Where is the guest room where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’” He will show you a large furnished upper room. Make the preparations there.’ They went and found it as he had told them, and they prepared for the Passover. When the time came he took his place at the table with the twelve Apostles, and he said to them, ‘I have had a great desire to eat this Passover with you before I suffer because I tell you that I shall not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.’ Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and said, ‘Take this and share it among you, for I tell you that I shall not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.’ Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them saying, ‘This is my body that is being offered for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And after they had eaten, it was the same with the cup. He said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood that is being poured out for you. But know that the hand of my betrayer is with me at the table. It is true that the Son of Man goes on his way as it has been ordained, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed.’ They then argued with one another about who was going to do this, and there was also a quarrel among them about which one of them was considered to be the greatest. He said to them, ‘The kings of the nations exercise lordship over them and those who wield power over them are called Benefactors, but for you it is not like that. No, the greatest among you will be like the youngest, and the one with authority like the one who serves. For who is greater: the one at the table, or the one serving? Is it not the one at the table? Yet I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stayed with me throughout my trials, and I am bestowing upon you a kingdom, just as my Father bestowed one upon me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom where you will sit on thrones and judge the twelve tribes of Israel.’ Then the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon, do you know that Satan wanted to sift you like wheat? But I prayed for you that your faith might not fail you; and when you turn back again, strengthen your brothers and sisters.’ He told him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ But he replied, ‘I tell you, Peter, that the cock will not crow today before you deny three times that you know me.’ And he asked them, ‘When I sent you out without a purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ They said, ‘Nothing.’ Then he said to them, ‘But now, whoever has a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and whoever does not have a sword should sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture, “He was numbered with transgressors,” must be fulfilled in me because the things that relate to me are nearing fulfilment.’ They said, ‘Look, Lord, here are two swords.’ And he told them, ‘That is enough.’ Then he went out and made his way as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.