2024
On Friday | November 29
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The Readings from the Regular Cycle
The Epistle
Friday of the 23rd Week
The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.
1 Th. 2:14 – 20
Brethren, you become imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all men by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved — so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last! But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face; because we wanted to come to you — I, Paul, again and again — but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. [RSV]
The Gospel
Friday of the 11th Week of Luke
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Lk. 20:19 – 26
At that time, the scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Jesus at that very hour, but they feared the people; for they perceived that he had told this parable against them. So they watched him, and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might take hold of what he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a coin. Whose likeness and inscription has it?” They said, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were not able in the presence of the people to catch him by what he said; but marveling at his answer they were silent. [RSV]
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The Readings for the Commemoration
The Epistle
For the Martyrs.
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.
Rom. 8:14 – 21
Brethren, all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. [RSV]
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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
From the Menaion.
On November 29, we commemorate the contest of the holy Martyr Paramonus and his 370 fellow holy martyrs.
By the intercessions of Your saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.
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Fasting Rule
Strict: Refrain from meat, fish, oil, dairy, and eggs.
It is the Christmas fast.