2025

On Sunday | March 23

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The Readings from the Regular Cycle

The Epistle

Third Sunday of Lent

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.

Heb. 4:14 – 16; 5:1 – 6

Brethren, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” [RSV]

The Gospel

Third Sunday of Lent

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Mk. 8:34 – 38; 9:1

The Lord said: “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” [RSV]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 23 we commemorate the holy Martyr Nicon and the 199 Martyrs who were his disciples.

On this day Saint Dometios died by the sword.

The holy New Monastic Martyr Luke witnessed in Mytilene in the year 1802 and died by hanging.

From the Triodion.

On this day, the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate the veneration of the precious and life-giving Cross.

Let all the earth adore the Cross,

Through which it learned to adore You, the Word.

By the power of Your Cross, O Christ our God, guard us against the wanton assaults of the evil one, and make us worthy to worship Your divine Passion and life-bringing Resurrection, to finish the course of the forty-day fast with ease, and have mercy on us, as You alone are good and benevolent.

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Fasting Rule

Wine: Wine and oil are allowed. Refrain from meat, fish, dairy, and eggs.

It is Saturday or Sunday in Lent.