Orthodox Readings

Friday, November 18, 2022

Martyrs Platon and Roman; Holy Martyr Romanus and the holy child who declared for Christ (305); Holy New Martyr Anastasius of Epirus (1750), and Daniel, whom he converted

Friday of the 23rd week after Pentecost

Tone 5. Nativity Fast: strict. What this means

The Epistle

1 Thessalonians 2:14–20

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For ye are our glory and joy.

The Gospel

Luke 16:15–18, 17:1–4

And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. 16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. 17And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. 18Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. 4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Commemorated today

  • Martyrs Platon and Roman
  • Zaccheus the Deacon
  • Holy Martyr Romanus and the holy child who declared for Christ (305)
  • Holy New Martyr Anastasius of Epirus (1750), and Daniel, whom he converted

Hymns and lives of the saints are on the Online Chapel of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

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