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2024 |
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On Saturday | April 20 |
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The Readings from the Regular Cycle |
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The Epistle |
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For the Theotokos. |
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. |
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Heb. 9:1-7 |
Brethren, the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people. [RSV] |
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The Gospel |
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For the Theotokos. |
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke. |
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Lk. 1:39-49, 56 |
In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. [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 April 20, we commemorate our devout father Theodore, called “Trichinas,” (which means he wore a hair-shirt). |
On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Victor, Zotikos, Zeno, Acindynos, Caesarius, Severian, Christopher, Theonas, and Antoninus. |
On this day we also commemorate our devout father John Paleolavriotes. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Anastasios of Antioch. |
On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Zacchaeus. |
On this day, devout Saint Athanasios, who built the Monastery of Meteora in Thessaly around the year 1310, and who was originally from Patras, died in peace. |
Devout Saint Ioasaf, the fellow ascetic of Saint Athanasios of Meteora, died in peace. |
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From the Triodion. |
On this day, Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent, we celebrate the Akathist Hymn of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary. |
Verses |
With sleepless hymns gratefully the City |
Extols her Protectress who is vigilant in battles. |
Through the intercessions of Your Mother the unassailable Champion, O Christ our God, redeem us from besetting calamities, and have mercy on us, as our only benevolent Lord. |
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Fasting Rule |
Wine: Wine and oil are allowed. Refrain from meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. |
It is Saturday or Sunday in Lent. |