St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Prahran in Prahran, Victoria | Eastern Orthodox church

St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Prahran

Locality: Prahran, Victoria

Address: 380 High Street, Prahran 3181 Prahran, VIC, Australia

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25.01.2022 9th Sunday of Luke The Parable of the Rich Fool For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also(Mat, 6.21)... Today’s Gospel Luke 12: 16-21 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

24.01.2022 THE HOLY PROTECTION OF THE THEOTOKOS On October 1, 911, during the reign of Emperor Leo the Wise, there was an All-night Vigil in the Blachernae Church of the Mother of God in Constantinople. The church was overflowing with people praying. St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ was standing in the rear of the church with his disciple Epiphanius. ... At four o’clock in the morning, the Most-holy Theotokos appeared above the people. The Most Holy Virgin tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time. Then she came near the Bishop's Throne and continued her prayer. After completing her prayer she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them from enemies both visible and invisible. She was clothed in gold-encrusted purple, and shone with an ineffable radiance, surrounded by apostles, saints, martyrs and virgins. St. Andrew said to Blessed Epiphanius: Do you see, brother, the Queen and Lady of all praying for the whole world? Epiphanius replied: I see, Father, and am struck with amazement! The Feast of the Protection commemorates this event, and reminds us that we can prayerfully receive the unceasing protection of the Most-holy Theotokos in any time of difficulty. TROPARION Today the faithful celebrate the feast with joy illumined by your coming, O Mother of God. Beholding your pure image we fervently cry to you. Encompass us beneath the precious veil of your protection, deliver us from every form of evil by entreating Christ, your Son and our God that He may save our souls. KONTAKION Today the Virgin stands in the midst of the Church and with choirs of saints she invisibly prays to God for us. Angels and bishops worship, apostles and prophets rejoice together, since for our sake she prays to the pre-eternal God. ION , , , , , . , , , . ONTAKION , , . ' , , , . In Greek tradition the feast is commemorated October 28th.

24.01.2022 Holy, All-Praised Apostle Philip Feast Day 14th November TROPARION... Holy Apostle Philip, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions. KONTAKION Your disciple, friend and imitator of Your passion, the God-preaching Philip, proclaimed You to the universe! By his prayers deliver Your Church from her enemies, through the Theotokos protect every city, most merciful Christ! , , , , , , , .

23.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, We apologize that over the last couple of weeks our live streaming of the Divine Liturgy Service via our Facebook page has been interrupted. The likely cause of this interruption is the maximum allowable live streaming time. To have the least disruption as possible we will live stream tomorrows Service in two parts, Orthros from 8:00am to 9:30am and then the Divine Liturgy Service from 9:30am to 11:00am. It means if you are observing the first part you will need to refresh the page or go back in to observe the second part. We hope this works!

23.01.2022 10th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW Translation of the Image of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ APOLYTIKON... We worship Thine immaculate image, O Good One, and ask the forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God; for of Thine own will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, to deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst created. Therefore we thankfully cry to Thee: Thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Savior, by coming to save the world. KONTAKION The uncircumscribable Word of the Father, was circumscribed when He took flesh of thee, O Mother of God; and when He had restored the defiled image to its pristine state He suffused it with divine beauty. And as we proclaim our salvation we record it by word and deed. , , , , , , , , , , , . Todays Gospel Reading is Matthew: 17:14-23

23.01.2022 Translation of the Relics of St. Nektarios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Pentapolis. The fragrance which poured forth cannot be described. It was amazing. - Archimandrite T. Kalamperidis, who was present that day in 1953. ... APOLYTIKON As we celebrate the uncovering of your Relics from your holy tomb, O Hierarch Nektarios, we are granted sanctification of bodies and souls and healing of all kinds of passions, for those who approach with reverance, and who cry out to your grace: glory to Him Who glorified you radiantly, glory to Him who sanctified you, glory to Him Who grants to us through you, healings.

23.01.2022 St Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki TROPARION O light of Orthodoxy, teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.... KONTAKION Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology, together we sing your praises, O God-inspired Gregory. Since you now stand before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, so that we may sing to you: Rejoice, preacher of grace. , , , , , , , , , , .

22.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, The Great Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, will be live streamed tomorrow via our Facebook page from 8:00 am.

22.01.2022 The Parable of the Good Samaritan Today’s Gospel: Luke 10: 25-37 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?... He said to him, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and your neighbor as yourself. And He said to him, You have answered rightly; do this and you will live. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor? Then Jesus answered and said: A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves? And he said, He who showed mercy on him. Then Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.

21.01.2022 KOSMAS AITOLOS, Equal to the Apostles If you wish to be saved, seek no other thing here in this world as much as love." -Kosmas Aitolos. ... APOLYTIKION By teaching the Divine Faith, thou hast richly adorned the Church and become a zealous emulator of the Apostles; for having been lifted up by the wings of divine love, that hast spread far and wide the message of the Gospel. O glorious Cosmas, entreat God that He grants us His great mercy. KONTAKION Having led an irreproachable life on Athos, like Moses thou hast been deemed worthy of Gods manifestation; wherefore truly thou dost gladden the Church exceedingly by thy deeds and thy God-inspired words, O Father Cosmas, having contended for which, thou hast been adorned with a double crown. , , , , , , . , , . , , , , .

21.01.2022 The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas TROPARION You were a disciple of Christ, and a member of the divine college of Apostles. Having been weak in faith you doubted the Resurrection of Christ, but by feeling the wounds you believed in His all-pure Passion: pray now to Him, O all-praised Thomas, to grant us peace and great mercy.... KONTAKION Thomas, the faithful servant and disciple of Christ, filled with divine grace, cried out from the depth of his love: You are my Lord and my God! , , , . , .

20.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT Until the end of this month our church will have these additional Divine Liturgy Services: Saturday 21 November THE ENTRANCE OF THE THEOTOKOS... Wednesday 25 November SAINT CATHERINE Monday 30 November Saint ANDREAS PROTOKLITOS : 21 25 30

20.01.2022 13th Sunday of Luke The Rich Ruler Today’s Gospel Luke 18: 18-27... And a ruler asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour your father and mother. And he said, All these I have kept from my youth. When Jesus heard this, he said to him, One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. Those who heard it said, Then who can be saved? But he said, What is impossible with man is possible with God.

19.01.2022 JAMES the Apostle, son of Alphaeus TROPARION Holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.... KONTAKION Let us bless James, praising him as the messenger of God, for he filled the souls of the pious with wise dogmas. Standing at the throne of glory before the Master, he rejoices with all the angels unceasingly praying for us all. , , , , , , , , .

19.01.2022 ST NEKTARIOS the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis We have within us deeply rooted weaknesses, passions, and defects. This cannot all be cut out with one sharp motion, but patience, persistence, care and attention. The path leading to perfection is long. Pray to God so that he will strengthen you. Patiently accept your falls and, having stood up, immediately run to God, not remaining in that place where you have fallen. Do not despair if you keep falling into your old... sins. Many of them are strong because they have received the force of habit. Only with the passage of time and with fervor will they be conquered. Don’t let anything deprive you of hope. St. Nectarios of Aegina -Path to Happiness APOLYTIKION O faithful, let us honor Nektarios, divine servant of Christ, offspring of Silivria and guardian of Aegina, who in these latter years was manifested as the true friend of virtue. All manner of healing wells forth for those who in piety cry out, "Glory to Christ who glorified you; glory to Him who, through you, wrought wonders; glory to Him who, through you, works healing for all." KONTAKION In joy, let our hearts praise the latest shining star of the Orthodox, the newly erected rampart of the Church. For, glorified by the work of the Spirit, he abundantly pours forth the grace of healing to those who cry out, "Hail, Father Nektarios". , , , , , , , , , , . , . . . .

18.01.2022 Dear Parishioners, Unfortunately we are unable to live stream tomorrows Divine Liturgy Service via our Facebook page. Thank you for your understanding.

18.01.2022 PHANOURIOS the Great Martyr TROPARION A heavenly song of praise is chanted radiantly upon the earth the company of angels now joyfully celebrates an earthly festival, and from on high with hymns they praise your contests, and from below, the church proclaims the heavenly glory which you have found by your labors and struggles, O glorious Phanourius.... KONTAKION You saved the priests from an ungodly captivity, and broke their bonds by divine power, O godly-minded one; you bravely put to shame the audacity of the tyrants, and made glad the orders of the angels, O great martyr. Therefore, we honor you, O divine warrior, glorious Phanourius. , , , , , , , , , . KONTAKION , , , , , , , , , , . Icon is believed to be from 13th century, church is the interior of St Phanourios in Rhodes where the holy icon is today.

18.01.2022 Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.... Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. (Matthew 11: 9-11) TROPARION The memory of the righteous is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lords testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner. You were shown in truth to be the most honorable of the prophets, for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold. Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy, you proclaimed to those in hell God who appeared in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world, and grants us great mercy. KONTAKION The glorious beheading of the Forerunner, became an act of divine dispensation, for he preached to those in hell the coming of the Savior. Let Herodias lament, for she entreated lawless murder, loving not the law of God, nor eternal life, but that which is false and temporal. , , , . , , , , . o, , , , , , , .

17.01.2022 NESTOR the Martyr of Thessaloniki O God of Demetrios, help me. The young novice having received his blessing and sealed with the sign of the cross from St Demetrios struck the pagan barbarian Lyaeus, with a mortal blow, rendering him lifeless. Such was the faith of a young man, whom was told by the Great Martyr himself after being blessed, You will defeat Lyaeus, but you will suffer for Christ , his life ended in martyrdom.... TROPARION As a friend and companion of Saint Demetrios, you were an invincible athlete of godliness and contended manfully, O blessed Nestor. With divine help, you conquered Lyaeus, and by being slain you became a holy sacrifice to our God. KONTAKION You contested well, therefore you have gained immortal renown, O wise Nestor, and you became an excellent soldier of the Master Christ, through the prayers of the Martyr Demetrios. Therefore, with him, pray without ceasing for all of us. , , , , , , , , , . , , , , , , , .

17.01.2022 Apostle Andrew, the Holy and Praised First-Called TROPARION Andrew, first-called of the Apostles and brother of the foremost disciple, entreat the Master of all to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.... KONTAKION Let us praise Andrew, the herald of God, the namesake of courage, the first-called of the Savior’s disciples and the brother of Peter. As he once called to his brother, he now cries out to us: Come, for we have found the One whom the world desires! , , , , . , , , , .

16.01.2022 13th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW The Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers Matthew 21: 33-42... Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. Now when vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, They will respect my son. But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance. So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers? They said to Him, He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons. Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lords doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes?

16.01.2022 St. IAKOVOS (Tsalikis) of Evia (+1991) Feast Day 22nd November He is one of the greatest saints of our century. St Porphyrios (+1991) said of Iakovos.... Below is the personal story of Giorgios Ioannidis (from Volos Greece) Leaving the Monastery of St. David, where I had been on pilgrimage with my family in September 1997, when I was at the gate I felt a strong desire to go and venerate Elder Iakovos’ grave again. I felt it, like someone who realizes he forgot something important and wants to go back to get it. I went back with my son, and about a yard away from the elder’s grave I saw a prayer rope lying on the ground. I picked it up and held it up so whichever of the pilgrims lost it would see it, so I could return it to him. But then I heard a voice from behind me saying, ‘What are you looking for? The prayer rope is for you.’ I turned around, and a few feet away I saw the living Elder Iakovos, smiling at me. I saw him clear as day. I noticed his moist eyes, the lines on his face, and his beard. I realized something extraordinary, and it stunned me. The appearance in front of me of the living Elder Iakovos, in the literal sense, was decisive for me, imprinting certainly in the Divine presence. APOLYTIKION The prototype of discernment and modesty, the wonderworking leader of the Monastery of David the venerable, who plowed and sowed love in the hardened hearts of the God-bearing people, O Father Iakovos. Do not neglect to intercede with Christ on behalf of those who call upon you in faith. , , , , , .

16.01.2022 5th Sunday of Luke ‘The Rich Man and Lazarus’ Today’s Gospel Luke 16: 19 -31... There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ No, father Abraham, he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’

15.01.2022 , ! St Adamantina of the Forty Virgin Matryrs.

14.01.2022 A beautiful photo of our Church taken yesterday, Spring is coming!! By Mary Dionisopoulos

14.01.2022 INVITATION: The Jesus Prayer and the Nativity Fast

14.01.2022 Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers Feast Day 8th November TROPARION... Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you, by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high! KONTAKION Commanders of God’s armies and ministers of the divine glory, princes of the bodiless angels and guides of mankind, ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy, supreme commanders of the Bodiless Hosts. , , , , , , . , , , v, v v , , v . Miracle working Icon. Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Symi, Greece.

13.01.2022 The Holy Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-streamer And therefore this divine Demetrios became spoken of as a wonder for the whole world, the fragrance of Christ, according to St. Paul, for those who are being saved and for those who are redeemed...this incomparable fragrance I do not have words to speak of, of the myrrh and wonders granted by God from the body of the Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer. (A passage from the Homily on St. Demetrios by St. Gregory Palama...Continue reading

13.01.2022 THE DORMITION OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE THEOTOKOS AND VIRGIN MARY O friends and disciples of my Son and God, do not mourn and be sad for my joy. But bury my body, in the way I am formed on my deathbed." Having said these things, behold the divinely-sweet Apostle Paul arrived, that chosen vessel, and he fell at the feet of the Mother of God, and venerated her. And opening his mouth, he praised her with many and heavenly encomiums, saying: ... "Rejoice, O Mother of life, and my own preaching and pretext; for, although I did not physically see on earth your Son, I saw you, and it was as if I saw Him." After these things, the Virgin bid him farewell, and reclined on her deathbed, forming her All-Immaculate body as she wished. Offering entreaties and supplications to her Son for the sustenance and peace of the entire world, she then filled the Apostles and Hierarchs with the blessings of her Son, given through her for humanity. She then delivered into the hands of her Son and God, her all-illumined and All-Holy Soul. APOLYTIKON In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions. KONTAKION Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. N , , , , , . , , , , , . Photos by Mary Dionisopoulos

13.01.2022 (OFFICIAL PETITION) Dear Friends, Help make a difference.... With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Let our Government know that faith and worship needs fair consideration in the 'roadmap for reopening'. Sign & share the below petition so that our places of worship can open safely and fairly. We are not asking for special treatment - just equal treatment. People of faith deserve equitable treatment. However, it is important to also involve our parents and grandparents in this as they may not have access to social media or internet. For this reason, please ensure everyone makes an effort to get our older generation involved in this and help them sign the petition! https://www.equalityforfaith.com.au/ The link can also be found in the Bio.

11.01.2022 Sunday before the Elevation of The HOLY CROSS Among the many symbols of the Christian Faith the Holy Cross is considered the most important. It is the symbol of Christianity. It is the symbol of Christs victory over death.... It is the weapon against all evil forces. It is the power of the Saints. It is the flag under which the righteous fought against Satan. (Metropolitan Panteleimon Of Antinoes) Todays Gospel Reading; John 3: 13-17 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man [a]who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should [b]not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. Holy Cross Icon, from the 12th Century St Catherines Monastery Mt Sinai

11.01.2022 The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary TROPARION Your Nativity, O Virgin, has proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, has shone from You, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.... KONTAKION By Your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin, Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness; Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death. And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you: The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life! , , , , , , , . ONTAKION , , , , , , , , , , .

10.01.2022 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council KONTAKION... The preaching of the Apostles and the decisions of the Fathers have established the true faith of the Church which she wears as the garment of truth fashioned from the theology on high. She justly governs and glorifies the great mystery of worship. ‘The Parable of the Sower’. Today’s Gospel: Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

10.01.2022 ST DAVID the Righteous of Euboea (Evia) Feast day November 1st When little David was three years old, one evening he saw Saint John the Baptist in a vision. Saint John took his hand and they went together to a chapel dedicated to his memory. ... There, Saint John went into his icon, while the child got down on his knees in front of it. Little David's parents, as well as the whole village, were looking for him for six days and nights. On the sixth day, which was Saturday, David's father went with some villagers to that chapel to serve the Vespers and pray to the Saint for his child. When they arrived, they were surprised to see little David on his knees in front of the icon of Saint John. His face was glowing with a celestial light and he didn't look at all haggard. Then they all understood that this child was not like the other children, he was special. APOLYTIKION With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O David, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls. , , , , , , . , , .

09.01.2022 SUNDAY after The Holy Cross Mark 8:34-38 Take Up the Cross and Follow Him... When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels. Mark 9:1 The Transfiguration of Christ And He said to them, Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power. The Christ Pantocrator of St. Catherines Monastery at Sinai is one of the oldest religious icons.

09.01.2022 HEW, the Holy Apostle and Evangelist. Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 9-13 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, Follow Me. So he arose and followed Him.... Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? When Jesus heard that, He said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘ I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance. ++++++++++++ TROPARION With zeal, you followed Christ the Master, who in His goodness, appeared on earth to mankind. Summoning you from the custom house. He revealed you as a chosen apostle: the proclaimer of the Gospel to the whole world! Therefore, divinely eloquent Matthew, we honor your precious memory! Entreat merciful God that He may grant our souls remission of transgressions. KONTAKION Casting aside the bonds of the custom house for the yoke of justice, you were revealed as an excellent merchant, rich in wisdom from on high. You proclaimed the word of truth and roused the souls of the slothful by writing of the hour of Judgment. , , , , , , , , , . 13th Century fresco - Holy Apostle Matthew

09.01.2022 Apostle Thaddeus of the Seventy TROPARION O holy Apostle Thaddeus, witness of God, Who appeared in the flesh for our sake, you brought the light of saving grace to those in darkness and were revealed as an excellent physician to those in Edessa. Wherefore shelter those who fervently seek you.... KONTAKION The Church has acquired you as a brilliant star, and is ever enlightened by your miracles, O Apostle Thaddeus. Save those who in faith honor your memory. KONTAKION , , , , , , , , , .

08.01.2022 12th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW The Parable of The Rich Young Man. Matthew 19:16-26 ... And behold, a man came up to Him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life? And He said to him, Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only One who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments. He said to him, Which ones? And Jesus said, You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honour your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. The young man said to him, All these I have kept. What do I still lack? Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

08.01.2022 2nd SUNDAY of LUKE Do to others as you would have them do to you. Today’s Gospel: Luke 6:31-36 ... And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

07.01.2022 PELAGIA the Righteous TROPARION Like a fragrant rose growing from thorns, you were revealed to the Church through your virtuous deeds becoming a source of joy for the faithful. You offered your life in sweet-smelling fragrance to him who made you wonderful. Entreat him to deliver us from every soul-destroying passion, O righteous Pelagia!... KONTAKION You wore out your body through fasting, vigils, and prayer beseeching the Creator to completely forgive your deeds. You achieved this, holy Mother Pelagia, thereby showing us the way to repentance. ONTAKION , , , v , , v v, , .

07.01.2022 COSMAS & DAMIAN the Holy Unmercenaries and their mother St Theodota of Mesopotamia. TROPARION Holy unmercenaries and wonderworkers, Cosmas and Damian, heal our infirmities. ... Freely you have received; freely you give to us. KONTAKION Having received the grace of healing, you grant healing to those in need. Glorious wonder workers and healers, Cosmas and Damian, visit us and put down the insolence of our enemies, and bring healing to the world through your miracles. , , , . , , , , , .

06.01.2022 ST ARSENIOS of Cappadocia (+ 1924) Father Arsenios proclaimed true Orthodoxy with his Orthodox life. He mortified his flesh in asceticism from his ardent love of God, and modified souls with the Grace of God. He believed deeply and healed many, believers and non-believers. Few words, many miracles. He experienced much and hid much. Within his hard outer shell, he concealed his sweet, spiritual fruit. A very harsh father to himself, but also a very loving father to his chil...dren. He never beat them with the law. As minister of the Most High, he did not tread the earth, and as co-administrant of the sacraments he shone upon the world." Saint Paisios APOLYTIKION Your godly life well-spent, as a vessel of the Spirit, honourable, you shone, Arsenios inspired by God. Endowed with the grace of miracles, you swiftly send aid to all. Beseech, Blessed Father, Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy. KONTAKION As one who lived a God-pleasing life in asceticism, and was made worthy of the radiance of the Saints, and was adorned with the crown of incorruption, intercede with the Lord, we pray, that we may all be delivered from evils and trials, as we cry out to you: Rejoice, O Father Arsenios. , , , , , , , , . , , , , , , , ’ , , .

06.01.2022 St CATHERINE, the Great Martyr of Alexandria (+305) KONTAKION... O friends of martyrs, now divinely raise up a renewed chorus, praising the all-wise Katherine. For, she proclaimed Christ in the arena, trampled on the serpent, and spat upon the knowledge of the orators. APOLYTIKION Let us extol the all-lauded Bride of Christ, the holy Catherine, the guardian of Sinai, who is our helper and support. For, she silenced utterly the subtleties of the impious by the power of the Holy Spirit. And now, crowned a Martyr, she asks great mercy for us all. , , , , , , , , . , , , , , , , . As for the relics of St Catherine a tradition claims that a monk at this monastery saw in a vision angels carrying the body of St Catherine to the top of the highest mountain in Sinai (depicted in her icon). The monks then miraculously found her body as the vision indicated and subsequently buried her body in this monastery( image below showing the rock where her body was found by the monks). Today these relics rest within a marble reliquary at an altar to the right of the main sanctuary (image of reliquary within her monastery and her holy relics).

06.01.2022 NIKITAS the Great Martyr TROPARION You defeated error and triumphed in martyrdom, Nikitas, namesake of victory, for you conquered the ranks of the enemy and ended your contest by fire. Pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.... KONTAKION You stood firm and defeated delusion and have received your martyrs crown. Nikitas, namesake of victory, you are rejoicing with the angels, together with them you are praying unceasingly to Christ God for us all. , , , , , , , , , . ONTAKION , , , , , , , .

04.01.2022 7th Sunday of Luke Jesus Raises a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman Today’s Gospel Luke: 8: 41-56... Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Who touched me? Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you. But Jesus said, Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me. Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. Then he said to her, Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. Your daughter is dead, he said. Don’t bother the teacher anymore. Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. Stop wailing, Jesus said. She is not dead but asleep. They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, My child, get up! Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

04.01.2022 Holy and Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna TROPARION Since you were righteous under the law of grace, O Joachim and Anna, ... you gave birth to the God-given infant for our sake. Therefore, the divine Church radiantly keeps feast today, joyfully celebrating your honorable memory and giving glory to God who has raised up a horn of salvation from the house of David. KONTAKION Anna is now no longer barren and nurses the All-Pure One! She rejoices and calls us all to sing a hymn of praise to Christ, she who from her womb gave mankind the only ever Virgin Mother. , , , . , , , , , , .

04.01.2022 The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple TROPARION Today is the prelude of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her, "Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation."... KONTAKION The most pure Temple of the Savior, the most precious bridal Chamber and Virgin, the sacred Treasure of the glory of God, is presented today to the house of the Lord. She brings with her the grace of the Divine Spirit, therefore, the angels of God praise her: Truly she is the heavenly tabernacle. , , , , , . , , , , , , , , .

03.01.2022 11th SUNDAY OF MATTHEW The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Matthew 18:23-35... Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants , which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest me. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desirest me: Should not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Jesus Christ Pantocrator- (detail of mosaic in Hagia Sophia )

01.01.2022 The Exaltation of the Precious and Life Giving Cross Synaxarion On this day, we commemorate two events connected with the Precious Cross of Christ: the finding of the Cross on Golgotha, and the returning of the Cross to Jerusalem from Persia. ... While in the Holy Land, the Empress Helena learned that the Holy Cross was buried underneath the temple of the pagan goddess Venus built on Golgotha. She demanded it be torn down and the Cross be excavated. The search turned up three crosses. Uncertain which was the true Cross, the Patriarch Marcarius ordered that each cross be placed on the corpse in a funeral procession passing by. The first two produced nothing, but the third brought the man back to life, thus determining that this was the very Cross on which our Savior brought life to the world. Later, King Chozroes conquered Jerusalem, took the people into slavery and carried off the Lords Cross to Persia. In 628, the Greek Emperor Heraclius defeated Chozroes, and brought the Cross back to Jerusalem with great ceremony. Heraclius was carrying the Cross on his back when, suddenly, he froze. The Patriarch Zacharias saw an angel directing the emperor to take off his robes and walk with the same extreme humility with which our Savior bore His Cross. The emperor complied, and was able to finish the procession to the Church of the Resurrection on Golgotha, where he restored the Holy Cross. TROPARION O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross, preserve Your habitation. KONTAKION As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake, grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, granting them victories over their adversaries, by bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.

01.01.2022 Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople Feast Day 13th November. -Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness. (St John Chrysostom).... -Glory to God for all things! Were his last words as he fell asleep in the Lord in the year 407. TROPARION Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty, it has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls! KONTAKION Having received divine grace from heaven, with your mouth you teach all men to worship one God in Trinity. All blessed and venerable John Chrysostom, we worthily praise you, for you are our teacher, revealing things divine! , , , , . , , , , . , , , , , , , , .