Ten Martyrs of Crete;

12/23/2019

Saints and Feasts: Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; Ten Martyrs of Crete; Paul, Archbishop of Neo-Caesarea; Rememberance of the Founding of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople; Naoum the Illuminator of The Bulgarians; Nicholas & John the New Martyrs

Strict Fast

Epistle Reading: St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy 2:20-26
Timothy, my son, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble. If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work. So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52
At that time, as Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaios, a blind beggar, the son of Timaios, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, „Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, „Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, „Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, „Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, „What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, „Rabbi, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, „Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.