Thursday 5th December 2024
Nativity Fast: fish, wine and oil allowed
Saint Sabbas the Sanctified (532)
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 Thessalonians 5:1-8; Luke 21:28-33
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 Thessalonians 5:1-8
Concerning dates and seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need me to write to you, for you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. When people say, ‘Peace and security,’ then sudden destruction is upon them, like labour pains upon a pregnant woman, and they do not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness for the day to catch you out like a thief. You are all children of light, daytime children. We do not belong to the night nor to the darkness, so let us not sleep like everyone else, but be watchful and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night; but you are of the day. Let us be sober, clothing ourselves with a breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Luke 21:28-33
The Lord said … ‘When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.’ Then he told them a parable. ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When it is time for them to bud, you notice, and you know that summer is already at hand. In this way, when you see these things happening, you will know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Truly I say to you that this generation will not pass away until everything has happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’
Galatians 5:22-6:2
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 … ‘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.’