2026

On Friday | September 4

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The Readings from the Regular Cycle

The Epistle

Friday of the 14th Week

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

Gal. 2:6 – 10

Brethren, from those who were reputed to be something (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) — those, I say, who were of repute added nothing to me; but on the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for the mission to the circumcised worked through me also for the Gentiles), and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised; only they would have us remember the poor, which very thing I was eager to do. [RSV]

The Gospel

Friday of the 14th Week of Matthew

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

Mk. 5:22 – 24, 35 – 43; 6:1

At that time, there came to Jesus one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and besought him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” And he went with him. While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But hearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi”; which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and walked (she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. Then he went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. [RSV]

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The Readings for the Commemoration

The Epistle

For the Hieromartyr.

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

Heb. 11:33 – 40; 12:1 – 2

Brethren, all the saints through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were killed with the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated — of whom the world was not worthy — wandering over deserts and mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had foreseen something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin that easily distracts, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of faith. [RSV]

The Gospel

For the Hieromartyr.

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Mt. 10:32 – 36; 11:1

The Lord said to his disciples, “Every one who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven; but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s foes will be those of his own household.” And when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. [RSV]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On the September 4, we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Babylus, Bishop of Greater Antioch, and three holy children with him, who died by the sword.

On this day St. Babylus, a teacher in Antioch, and his 84 young pupils died by the sword.

The holy Prophet Moses reposed in peace.

On this day we commemorate St. Hermione, one of the daughters of Philip the Apostle.

Saints Theotimus and Theodoulus, the executioners who believed, died by fire.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Centurion, Theodore, Amianus and Julian, from the town of Candaule.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Petronius, Charitina, Zarvilus, Thathuil and Vevaia.

On this day we commemorate the holy 3,628 martyrs.

By the intercession of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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Fasting Rule

Strict: Refrain from meat, fish, oil, dairy, and eggs.

It is a Wednesday or Friday.