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2026 |
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On Friday | December 18 |
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The Readings from the Regular Cycle |
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The Epistle |
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Friday of the 29th Week |
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. |
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Heb. 7:18 – 25 |
Brethren, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath. Those who formerly became priests took their office without an oath, but this one was addressed with an oath, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’” This makes Jesus the surety of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues for ever. Consequently he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. [RSV] |
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The Gospel |
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Friday of the 13th Week of Luke |
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark. |
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Mk. 9:33 – 41 |
At that time, Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve; and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.” John said to him, “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us. For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward.” [RSV] |
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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion. |
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Synaxarion |
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From the Menaion. |
On December 18, we commemorate the holy martyr Sebastian and those with him: Zoe, Tranquillinus, Nikostratos, Claudius, Castor, Tiburtius, Castulus, Marcellinus, and Mark |
On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Eubiotus. |
On this day we also commemorate our devout father Florus, Bishop of Amisus. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Phokas and Hermylus, who died by the sword. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Zacchaeus the Deacon and Alfaeus the Reader, who contested in Caesarea. |
On this day we commemorate the holy miracle-worker Sophia. Also, the Consecration of the eminent Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Chalkoprateia. |
We also commemorate our devout father Michael the Chancellor, the Confessor. |
By the intercessions of the 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 the Christmas fast. |