Orthodox Readings

Thursday, November 12, 2026

St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria; Our Father among the Saints Martin, Bishop of Tours (397); Our Holy Father Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai (430)

Thursday of the 24th week after Pentecost

Tone 6. No fast. What this means

The Epistle for John the Merciful

2 Corinthians 9:6–11

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

The Gospel for John the Merciful

Matthew 5:14–19

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Commemorated today

  • St John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria
  • Leondos Styppi, Patriarch of Constantinople
  • Our Father among the Saints Martin, Bishop of Tours (397)
  • Our Holy Father Nilus the Ascetic of Sinai (430)
  • St Nilus the Myrrh-Gusher of Mt Athos (1651)

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

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