2024
On Saturday | August 31
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The Readings from the Regular Cycle
The Epistle
Saturday of the 10th Week
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
Rom. 15:30 – 33
Brethren, I appeal to you, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. The God of peace be with you all. Amen. [RSV]
The Gospel
Saturday of the 10th Week of Matthew
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Mt. 17:24 – 27; 18:1 – 4
At that time, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, “Does not your teacher pay the tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came home, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tribute? From their sons or from others?” And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel; take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” [RSV]
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The Readings for the Commemoration
The Epistle
For the Theotokos.
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
Heb. 9:1 – 7
Brethren, the first tent had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the first 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 sins committed unintentionally by the people. [RSV]
The Gospel
For the Theotokos.
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Lk. 10:38 – 42; 11:27 – 28
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” [RSV]
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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On August 31 we remember the installation of the Precious Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos in the church dedicated to her in Chalkoprateia in Constantinople, to where it was transferred from the Diocese of Zela in Cappadocia by the Emperor Justinian. We also remember the miracle that occurred when the Precious Belt was placed on the Empress Zoe, the wife of Emperor Leo.
Through the intercessions of Your undefiled Mother, Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
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Fasting Rule
Fast Free: All foods allowed.