2024

On Saturday | March 16

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The Readings from the Regular Cycle

The Epistle

For the Devout Saints.

Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 4. Psalm 149.

The holy ones shall boast in glory. [SAAS]

Verse: The high praise of God shall be in their mouth. [SAAS]

Saturday of the 27th Week

Gal. 5:22-26; 6:1-2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [RSV]

The Epistle

Saturday of Cheesefare Week

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

Rom. 14:19-23; 16:25-27

Brethren, let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up building. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for any one to make others fall I by what he eats; it is right not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother stumble or be upset or be weakened. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves. But he who has doubts is condemned, if he eats, because he does not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith - to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. [RSV]

The Gospel

Saturday of Cheesefare Week

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Mt. 6:1–13

The Lord said, “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.” [RSV]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 16 we commemorate the holy Martyr Sabine of Egypt.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Papas.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Julian of Cilicia.

On this day Saint John of Rufinianae died in peace.

On this day the holy Martyr Romanos of Parium died by the sword.

On this day the holy Ten Martyrs of Phoenicia died by the sword.

On this day Saint Alexandrion, Pope fo Rome, died in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Aninas the Wonder-worker.

On this day, we also commemorate our devout father Christodoulos the Wonder-worker, who lived in asceticism in the holy Monastery of John the Theologian, where his precious relic also lies.

From the Triodion.

On the Saturday of Cheese-fare week, we commemorate all the holy men and women who excelled in asceticism.

Verses

I offer these words as an abiding libation

to the souls of the Righteous whose memory abides forever.

By the intercessions of all Your monastic Saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

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Fasting Rule

Dairy: Dairy, eggs, fish, oil and wine are allowed. Refrain from meat.

It is the third week of the Triodion.