Saturday 28th January 2023
Today we commemorate:
St. Ephraim the Syrian (373). St. Palladius the Hermit of Antioch (4th C). St. Isaac the Syrian, bishop of Nineveh (7th C). St. James the Ascetic of Porphyreon in Palestine (6th C). St. Theodosius, abbot of Totma, Vologda (1568)
British Isles and Ireland:
Holy Pilgrim-Martyrs Brigid and Maura (4th C). St. Cannera of Bantry (530). St. Glastian of Kiunglassie (830). St. John the Wise of Malmesbury, monk (8th C).
2 Timothy 2:11-19; Matthew 24:1-13
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
2 Timothy 2:11-19
The saying is true: ‘If we have 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, charging them in the presence of the Lord not to quibble over words, which serves no purpose except to undermine those listening. Strive to present yourself approved by God, a worker with no cause to be ashamed, correctly discerning the word of truth. But walk away from ungodly and fruitless discussions, for those people will become more and more ungodly and their conversation will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus who, in matters of the truth, have wandered away, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. Nevertheless 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.’
Matthew 24:1-13
As Jesus was coming out of the Temple his disciples came up to him to point out the Temple buildings. Jesus told them, ‘You see all of these, do you not? Truly I tell you that there is not a stone here that will remain upon a stone and not be thrown down.’ When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us when these things will happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age.’ Jesus replied, telling them, ‘Watch out that no one leads you astray, for many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will lead many astray. Then you will begin to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you do not lose your nerve, for all these things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and plagues and earthquakes in various places. All these things are but the beginning of the birth pains. Then they will hand you over to be ill-treated, and they will kill you; and you will be hated by all the nations because of my name. At that time many will stumble; and they will betray one another, and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will increase, the love of many will grow cold. But those who persevere to the end will be saved.’