2025

On Wednesday | November 12

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The Readings from the Regular Cycle

The Epistle

Wednesday of the 23rd Week

The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Th. 2:1 – 8

Brethren, you yourselves know that our visit to you was not in vain; but though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from error or uncleanness, nor is it made with guile; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never used either words of flattery, as you know, or a cloak for greed, as God is witness; nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our very own selves, because you had become very dear to us. [RSV]

The Gospel

Wednesday of the 8th Week of Luke

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

Lk. 12:48 – 59

The Lord said, “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” He also said to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper.” [RSV]

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The Readings for the Commemoration

The Epistle

For the Saint.

The reading is from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.

2 Cor. 9:6 – 11

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. [RSV]

The Gospel

For the Saint.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Mt. 5:14 – 19

The Lord said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” [RSV]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On November 12 we commemorate our father among the saints John the Merciful (or Almsgiver), Archbishop of Alexandria.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Nilus the Ascetic.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Martin the Wonder-worker, Bishop of Tours.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Prophet Achia.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Martin, Bishop of Tarakin.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Anthony and those with him.

On this day the holy Martyr Arsakios died by the sword.

Devout St. Nilus of Kynuria, who lived as an ascetic near the Monastery of Great Lavra on Mt. Athos, and who after death exuded myrrh and cured many sick people, died in peace.

Saint Leo Styppes, Patriarch of Constantinople, died in peace.

The holy Neo-martyr Savas of Nigdele and Samolada witnessed in Constantinople and died by the sword in the year 1726.

The holy Neo-martyr Nicholas, who was from the parish of the six Marbles and who witnessed in Constantinople in 1732, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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Fasting Rule

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

It is a minor feast.