The New Testament #

Saint John the Baptist #

(The Gospel for the Nativity of the honorable and glorious Forerunner and Baptist John, read at the Liturgy and on the Conception, September 23rd).

In the final days of Herod’s reign, there lived a priest named Zacharias. His wife’s name was Elizabeth. They were righteous people, and they lived to old age, yet they had no children, though they frequently prayed to God for this. One day, when it was Zacharias’s turn to serve in the temple, and as he entered the sanctuary and approached the incense altar, he saw an angel standing to the right of the altar. Zacharias was afraid, but the angel said, “Do not fear; I bring you glad tidings: your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John (meaning Grace). He will be great before the Lord and will be filled with the Holy Spirit from birth.” Zacharias replied to the angel, “How can I be sure of this, for I am old and my wife is also?” The angel responded, “Because you did not believe, you will become mute and will not speak until this happens.” And Zacharias became mute.

Elizabeth, indeed, gave birth to a son. Neighbors and relatives suggested naming him after his father, Zacharias, but Elizabeth insisted on naming him John. When they inquired with Zacharias, he asked for a tablet and wrote, “His name is John,” and immediately his mouth was opened, and he began to speak and prophesy, saying that his son would be the Forerunner of the Messiah, that is, Christ. Those who witnessed this were astonished, and the child grew and became strong in spirit. John lived in the wilderness until the age of thirty, where he ate locusts (a type of plant) and wild honey, and wore clothing made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist. (Luke 1:5-68. Readings 2 and 4).

The Nativity of the Most Holy God-bearer and Her Presentation in the Temple #

The Most Holy Virgin Mary was the daughter of righteous parents, Joachim, a descendant of David, and Anna. Joachim and Anna, though advanced in age, had no children and fervently prayed to God, promising to dedicate their child to the service of God in the temple. God heard their prayers and granted them a daughter, whom they named Mary.

When the maiden Mary reached the age of three, her parents brought her to the temple in Jerusalem and dedicated her to God. At the temple, she lived with pious women who had also dedicated themselves to serving God. She prayed, read the sacred scriptures, worked diligently, and vowed to remain a virgin forever. By the age of fourteen, her parents had passed away. By divine instruction, the priests betrothed her to Joseph, a holy eighty-year-old man of David’s lineage, her relative, to provide for her and protect her virginity. Thus, the Most Holy Virgin Mary went to live in his home in Nazareth.

The Nativity of the Most Holy God-bearer is celebrated by the Church on September 8th, and her Presentation in the Temple on November 21st.

The Annunciation of the Most Holy God-bearer #

(The Gospel for the Annunciation at the Liturgy).

One day, while residing in Joseph’s house, Mary was reading the Holy Scriptures and pondering Isaiah’s prophecy, which foretold that the Savior would be born of a virgin. At that moment, an angel appeared before her and said, “Rejoice, O Favored One, the Lord is with you!” The angel then announced that she would bear a son and name him Jesus (meaning Savior), for He would save all people.

Upon hearing these words, Mary was perplexed: how could she give birth to a son, having vowed to remain a virgin? Seeing her confusion, the angel reassured her, saying, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.” To dispel her doubt, the angel added that her elderly relative Elizabeth, who had lost all hope of having children, would soon give birth to a son. After hearing this good news, Mary humbly responded, “I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be according to your word!”

Mary understood that the long-awaited Redeemer, the Savior, would soon be born, and that she would be His Mother. She said nothing to Joseph about this and immediately went to visit Elizabeth to share her joy. (Luke 1:26-38. Reading 3). The Annunciation of the Most Holy God-bearer is celebrated on March 25th.

(The Gospel for the Annunciation at Matins and other feasts of the Most Holy God-bearer).

Shortly after the Annunciation, the Most Holy God-bearer visited her relative Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias. As soon as she entered Zacharias’s home and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed loudly, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how is it that the Mother of my Lord has come to me?” In response, the Most Holy Virgin Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has regarded the lowliness of His servant; from now on, all generations will call me blessed.” The Most Holy God-bearer stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her own home. (Luke 1:39-56. Reading 4).

The Nativity of Christ #

(The Gospel for the Eve of the Nativity of Christ and at the Third Hour [Royal Hours]).

The Roman Emperor Augustus decreed a census in the land of Judea under his rule. For this, every Jew had to go to the city where their ancestors had lived. Joseph and the Most Holy Virgin Mary were of the lineage of David, so they traveled from Nazareth to the city of Bethlehem, where David was born. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, they could not find a place to stay, as many people had gathered there for the census, and they ended up outside the city, in a cave where shepherds sheltered their livestock during bad weather. It was here, in the night, that the Most Holy Virgin Mary gave birth to a Son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.

On the night of Christ’s Nativity, Bethlehem’s shepherds were tending their flocks in the field. Suddenly, a light shone around them, and an angel appeared. The shepherds were frightened, but the angel said to them, “Do not fear! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people: tonight, in the city of David, a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord; and this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” At that moment, a multitude of angels appeared in the sky, praising God and singing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men.”

When the angels disappeared, the shepherds said, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went to the cave and found there the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. They worshiped the Child and told Joseph and the Most Holy Virgin Mary what they had seen and heard from the angels. On the eighth day after His birth, the Child was circumcised and named Jesus. (Luke 2:1-21. Reading 5).

The Nativity of Christ is celebrated on December 25th, and the Circumcision on January 1st.

The Adoration of the Magi #

(The Gospel for the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, December 26th, for the Holy Innocents, and at the Ninth Hour on the Eve of the Nativity of Christ).

Shortly after the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, Magi (wise men) from a distant eastern land came to Jerusalem and began asking, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? We have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” Hearing this, King Herod was greatly troubled and sought to destroy the newborn King. He summoned the chief priests and scribes and asked them, “Where is the Christ to be born?” They replied, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet Micah.” Then Herod secretly called the Magi, found out from them the exact time the star appeared, and said to them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the Child, and when you have found Him, report back to me so that I, too, may come and worship Him.” The Magi went to Bethlehem, and the star they had seen in the east went before them and stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. The Magi bowed down and worshiped Him and offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gold, as to a king; frankincense, as to God; and myrrh, as to a man who was destined to die. Then, intending to return to Jerusalem to Herod, they were warned in a dream by the Lord and returned to their country by another way.

The Massacre of the Innocents #

When Herod learned that the Magi had deceived him, he became furious and sent soldiers to kill all male children in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas who were two years old or younger. The soldiers went and killed 14,000 infants. Herod hoped that among them would be the newborn King. However, Joseph and the Most Holy Virgin Mary, following the angel’s command, had already fled with the Child to Egypt and only returned to Nazareth after Herod’s death. (Matthew 2:1–12. Reading 4).

The Presentation of the Lord #

(The Gospel for the Presentation of the Lord at the Liturgy and Matins, and the commemoration of Simeon the God-receiver).

According to the Lord’s law given through Moses, the Jews were required to dedicate every firstborn male to God and to bring the child to the temple on the fortieth day after birth to offer a sacrifice. Therefore, the Most Holy Virgin Mary and Joseph brought the Child Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him before the Lord, offering two turtle doves. At that time, there was a righteous elder named Simeon in Jerusalem. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he saw the Lord’s Christ. Simeon came to the temple, and when the Most Holy Virgin Mary and Joseph brought the Child Jesus, Simeon took Him in his arms and said, “Now, Lord, You let Your servant depart in peace according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples.” (Luke 2:21–39. Readings 7 and 8).

The Presentation of the Lord is celebrated on February 2nd.

The Childhood of Jesus Christ #

According to the Law of Moses, all Jews were required to come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover, which lasted eight days. This feast was established in memory of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Observing all the laws, Joseph and the Most Holy Virgin Mary traveled to Jerusalem every year for this feast, always bringing Jesus with them. When Jesus was twelve years old, they again went to Jerusalem for the feast. After the celebration, they were returning home with other pilgrims, assuming that the boy Jesus was walking among the crowd with His peers or acquaintances. However, when they reached their lodging for the night, they searched for Jesus and did not find Him. They returned to Jerusalem and searched for Him for three days. Finally, they went to the temple to pray and saw Jesus there, sitting among the teachers, discussing the Holy Scriptures. All the teachers were amazed at Jesus’ wise answers. Upon seeing Him, the Most Holy Virgin Mary said, “Son, why have You treated us this way? We have been searching for You for three days, distressed.” But He replied, “Why did you search for Me elsewhere? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?”

They did not understand His words at the time, but the Most Holy Virgin Mary kept all these things in her heart. The boy Jesus returned with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them, growing in wisdom and stature, and finding favor with God and men. (Luke 2:40–52. Reading 8).

The Preaching of John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus Christ #

(The Gospel for the Eve of Theophany, the Feast of Theophany at the Liturgy, and at the Ninth Hour on the Eve of Theophany. Monday of the Twelfth Week, at the Sixth Hour of Theophany and at Matins).

John the Baptist, having lost his parents in his childhood, withdrew to the Judean desert, where he led a most austere life. He wore clothing made of camel’s hair, girded with a leather belt, and ate locusts (a type of plant) and wild honey.

When Tiberius Caesar ruled in Rome, and Pontius Pilate governed in Judea, the word of the Lord came to John, the son of Zachariah, in the wilderness, commanding him to begin preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins and to prepare the people for the coming of the Savior. The people came to John, confessed their sins, and were baptized by him in the Jordan. The people asked John, “What should we do?” John answered, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do the same.” Tax collectors (i.e., collectors of tributes) also came to him and asked, “What should we do?” He said to them, “Take no more than what is required.” Soldiers also asked, “And what should we do?” He told them, “Do not oppress anyone, do not accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” When John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him for baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers (i.e., snakes)! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and do not say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Luke 3:1–8. Reading 9).

When Jesus Christ turned thirty years old, He came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. John, feeling unworthy to baptize the Lord, said to Him, “I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me.” But Jesus Christ replied, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John baptized Him.

As Jesus Christ emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Spirit of God descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven was heard: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16–17. Reading 6. Mark 1:9–11. Reading 2). After His baptism, the Lord Jesus Christ withdrew into the wilderness, where He spent forty days and nights in prayer, without eating any food. The devil tempted Him to sin but was defeated and departed in shame. (Luke 4:1–13. Reading 12. Matthew 4:1–11. Reading 7. Mark 1:12–13. Reading 2). The Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on January 6th.

In remembrance of the Savior’s forty-day fast, the Holy Church has established the Great Lent before Holy Pascha.

The First Disciples of Jesus Christ #

(The Gospel for the Wednesday of Bright Week and for the Apostle Andrew).

After His forty-day fast in the wilderness, Jesus Christ returned to the banks of the Jordan, where John the Baptist was preaching. Seeing Jesus, John said to the people, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” Two of John’s disciples, Andrew, who is called the First-Called, and John the Theologian, immediately followed Jesus Christ. Later, Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus, whom Jesus called Peter.

The number of disciples following Jesus Christ gradually grew. From among them, He chose twelve and called them apostles, meaning “those who are sent,” as He would send them to preach His teachings. (John 1:35–51. Reading 4).

The names of the apostles are as follows: Andrew, Peter, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, the brother of the Lord (son of Alphaeus), Judas (son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

The Gospel #

From the baptism of Christ to His ascension into heaven, about three and a half years passed. During this time, Jesus Christ taught people the True Faith and virtue, sometimes simply, and sometimes in parables, that is, stories from everyday life, which must be understood spiritually. He also performed many miracles. The Church reads the Gospel (that is, the Good News) to the people every day, and on Sundays and major feasts, especially important passages are read, which contain either the teaching of Christ, His parables, His miracles, or notable events from the Gospel.

The First Miracle of Jesus Christ #

(The Gospel on the second Monday and during the Sacrament of Marriage). Jesus Christ came to Galilee. On the third day (after Jesus had called Nathanael), there was a wedding in the town of Cana. The Mother of God was there, and Jesus and His disciples were also invited. They ran out of wine. The Mother of God said to Jesus, “They have no wine.” He replied to her, “My hour has not yet come.” But the Mother of God told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” There were six stone water jars, each holding two or three measures (more than four buckets) for washing. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them to the brim. “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet” (the steward). They took it. The steward, after tasting the water that had turned into wine, called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first, and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have kept the best wine until now.” Thus, Jesus performed His first miracle, and His disciples believed in Him. (John 2:1–12. Reading 6).

The Cleansing of the Temple #

(The Gospel on the Friday of Bright Week). During the feast of Passover, Jesus Christ came to Jerusalem and saw that in the temple, people were selling oxen, sheep, and doves, and money changers were seated at their tables. The Lord made a whip of cords and drove all the merchants with their animals out of the temple, overturned the tables of the money changers, and said to the sellers of doves, “Take these things away; do not make My Father’s house a house of trade.” The temple leaders asked Him, “What sign can You show us to prove You have the authority to do this?” Jesus Christ answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” By “temple,” He meant His body, and His words meant that when He would be killed, He would rise again on the third day. But the Jews did not understand Him and said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and You are going to raise it in three days?” (John 2:13–25. Reading 7). During the Passover, the Lord performed many miracles, and many people believed in Him.

Jesus Christ in Nazareth #

(The Gospel on September 1st, the beginning of the New Year). While traveling through Galilee, the Lord Jesus Christ came to the town of Nazareth, where He was raised. On the Sabbath, He entered the synagogue and began to read. They handed Him the book of the prophet Isaiah, and He opened it and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Isaiah 61:1–2). After reading this, He said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,” and explained that it was fulfilled in Him. All those present agreed with Him and marveled at His gracious words, but at the same time, they asked each other, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” and they expected miracles from Him. To this, Jesus Christ said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown… (Therefore, you do not accept Me with faith. Miracles are not performed for those who lack faith. There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, but Elijah was not sent to any of them except to a widow in Zarephath in Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, but none of them were cleansed except Naaman the Syrian).”

Hearing this, all who were in the synagogue were filled with wrath, they drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the edge of a hill, intending to throw Him off. But He, passing through the midst of them (since His hour of suffering had not yet come), departed to Capernaum, settled there, and began traveling through the towns and villages of Galilee, preaching and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Luke 4:15–32. Reading 13 and 14. Matthew 4:13–17. Reading 8. Mark 1:14–15. Reading 3).

The Healing of the Paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda #

(The Gospel on the Fourth Sunday of the Paralytic and for the Blessing of the Waters on August 1st). In Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, there was a pool called Bethesda, meaning “House of Mercy.” Around it were five covered porches, where the sick, blind, lame, and paralyzed lay. They waited for the moving of the waters because an angel of the Lord would come down at certain times to stir the water, and whoever stepped in first after the water was stirred was healed of whatever disease they had.

When Jesus Christ came to the pool, He saw a paralyzed man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus Christ asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” The man replied, “Yes, Lord, but I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred; while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus Christ said to him, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” Immediately, the man was healed, took up his bed, and walked. This happened on the Sabbath.

The Jews said to the healed man, “Today is the Sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” He answered them, “The One who healed me told me to take up my bed and walk."—“Who is the one who healed you?” they asked. But he did not know who had healed him because Jesus Christ had slipped away into the crowd. Later, Jesus Christ found the healed man in the temple and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest something worse happen to you.” The healed man went and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. After this, the Jews became hostile toward Jesus Christ and sought to kill Him for performing such works on the Sabbath. (John 5:1–17. Reading 14).

The Sermon on the Mount #

(The Gospel on the Third Sunday; the Second Saturday after All Saints; for every request; the Saturday of Cheesefare). The Beatitudes. One day, a great crowd gathered around Jesus Christ. He was on an elevated place and began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven

Jesus Christ taught the following about God’s providence: “Do not worry about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Look at the birds of the sky: they do not sow, reap, or gather into barns, yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you?” (Matthew 6:25–34. Reading 18).

On Judging Others #

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. For with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1–6. Reading 20).

On Prayer #

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, it will be opened. Who among you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:7–11. Reading 20).

On Charity #

“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you openly.” (Matthew 6:1–5. Reading 16).

On Oaths #

“Do not swear at all, neither by heaven nor by earth, nor by Jerusalem, nor by your own head. Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant #

(The Gospel on the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost). When Jesus Christ entered Capernaum, a centurion (that is, a commander of a hundred soldiers) came to Him, pleading, “Lord, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus marveled at his faith and said to those following, “Truly, I tell you, I have not found such faith even in Israel. Therefore I say to you, many will come from the east and the west (Gentiles) and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the children of the kingdom (Israelites) will be cast into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then He said to the centurion, “Go, let it be done as you have believed,” and his servant was healed at that very hour. (Luke 7:1–10. Reading 29. Matthew 8:5–13. Reading 25).

The Raising of the Widow’s Son in Nain #

(The Gospel on the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost). One day, Jesus Christ came to a small town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were with Him. As He approached the town gate, a dead man, the only son of a poor widow, was being carried out. The mother was following the bier, weeping bitterly. Jesus had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” Then He approached the bier and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak. Everyone who saw this miracle was filled with fear and glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us.” (Luke 7:11–17. Reading 30).

The Parable of the Sower #

(The Gospel on the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost; Friday of the Fifth Week, and Monday of the Sixth Week after Pentecost). By the Sea of Galilee, Jesus Christ sat on the shore. A large crowd gathered around Him, so He got into a boat and sat in it, while the people stood on the shore. He began to teach them in parables (using examples from nature and everyday life). He said: “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. Other seed fell on rocky ground, where there was little soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow, but when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked it. Still, other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.” After telling this, Jesus cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Later, when He was alone, His disciples asked Him, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He answered, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. That is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” The disciples also asked Him, “What does this parable mean?” He answered, “Here is the meaning of the parable of the sower: The seed is the word of God. The sower is the one who sows (preaches the Word of God). The seed that fell along the path represents those who hear, but then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. The seed that fell on rocky ground represents those who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing, they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns represents those who hear, but the cares, riches, and pleasures of life choke them, and they bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed that fell on good soil represents those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by perseverance, produce a crop.” (Matthew 13:1–24. Reading 50 and 51. Mark 4:1–25. Reading 15 and 17. Luke 8:6–18. Reading 35).

The Parable of the Weeds #

(The Gospel on Tuesday of the Sixth Week; for the angels; Thursday of the Sixth Week after Pentecost). Continuing to teach the crowd standing by the shore, the Lord told another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The servants came to the owner and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ He replied, ‘An enemy did this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He answered, ‘No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

After Jesus dismissed the crowd and entered the house, His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, that is, Jesus Christ; the field is the world, meaning all people who hear the teachings of Christ; the enemy is the devil; the wheat represents true Christians who live according to God’s commandments; the weeds represent the wicked, who follow the temptations of the devil. Christ’s teaching is preached throughout the world, but the devil sows evil among people; therefore, in the vast field of the world, there are both righteous people (the wheat), who are worthy children of the Heavenly Father, and wicked people (the weeds), who follow the devil. And how often do we complain to God, asking why He does not punish the wicked immediately! How often do we say, ‘Lord! Why do evil people enjoy all the blessings of this world?’ To this, Christ replies, ‘Let both grow together until the harvest.’ There will be a great judgment over all people, and then everyone will receive according to their deeds.” (Matthew 13:24–30 and 34–43. Reading 52 and 54).

The Exorcism of Demons in the Land of the Gadarenes #

(The Gospel for the 5th Sunday, Thursday of the 14th Week; and the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost). In the land of the Gadarenes, Jesus Christ was met by two demon-possessed men who lived in the tombs (in caves where the dead were buried) and were so fierce that no one dared to pass that way. One of them was particularly savage. He did not wear clothes, broke the chains that bound him, and shattered the shackles, and no one could subdue him. When Jesus saw the demon-possessed men, He commanded the demons to come out of them. Then the demons cried out, “What have You to do with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the appointed time?” The particularly fierce man cried, “I adjure You by God, do not torment me!” The Lord asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion, for we are many.” The demons begged the Lord not to send them into the abyss. Nearby was a large herd of swine. The demons begged Him, “Send us into the swine.” He immediately permitted them. The unclean spirits came out of the men and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned. There were about two thousand pigs. The townspeople and villagers, learning of this, came to Jesus and began to ask Him to leave their region because they were filled with great fear. Jesus entered a boat to return to the other side. One of the healed men, who had been particularly savage, begged to go with Him. But the Lord said, “Go home and tell what the Lord has done for you.” He went and began to proclaim what Jesus Christ had done for him in the ten cities across the Jordan. (Matthew 8:28–34. Reading 28. Mark 5:1–20. Reading 19. Luke 8:26–39. Reading 38).

The Resurrection of Jairus’ Daughter #

(The Gospel for the 6th Saturday, the 14th Friday, and the 24th Sunday after Pentecost). A ruler of the synagogue, named Jairus, came to Jesus Christ, fell at His feet, and begged Him, “My daughter is at the point of death; come and lay Your hands on her so that she may recover.” Jesus Christ went with him. On their way, a messenger came and told Jairus, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any further.” But Jesus, hearing this, said, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be saved.” When they arrived at the house, they found great commotion: people were weeping and wailing. The Lord said, “Do not weep; the girl is not dead, but asleep.” Some laughed at Him, knowing that she was dead. Jesus sent everyone out of the house except the girl’s parents and three disciples—Peter, James, and John. He went into the room where the girl lay, took her by the hand, and said, “Little girl, arise!” Her spirit returned, and she immediately got up. (Matthew 9:18–26. Reading 82. Mark 5:21–43. Reading 20–21. Luke 8:40–56. Reading 89).

The Beheading of John the Baptist #

(The Gospel on August 29th for the Liturgy, Matins, and Tuesday of the 7th Week). Saint John the Forerunner ended his life through martyrdom. He often rebuked Herod, the ruler of Galilee, for taking Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, as his own while Philip was still alive. Herodias urged Herod to have John killed, but Herod hesitated because he revered John as a great prophet and feared the people. Nevertheless, to please Herodias, he imprisoned John.

Soon after, Herod celebrated his birthday by hosting a feast for his nobles. During the feast, the daughter of Herodias, Salome, danced and pleased the guests so much that Herod said to her, “Ask me for anything you want,” and swore to give her even up to half of his kingdom. She went to her mother for advice and returned, saying, “Give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” Herod was distressed, but because of his oath and the guests, he sent a soldier to the prison to behead John. The soldier brought John’s head on a platter and gave it to the girl, who then gave it to her mother. (Mark 6:17–29. Reading 24. Matthew 14:3–12. Reading 57). The beheading of John the Baptist is commemorated on August 29th, and the Holy Fathers have established a strict fast on this day.

The Miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand #

(The Gospel for the 8th Sunday after Pentecost; Thursday of the 15th Week; Friday of the 4th Week; Wednesday of the 5th Week after Pentecost). In a deserted place, a large crowd gathered around Jesus Christ, and He taught them. Evening came, and His disciples approached Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is late; send the people away to the villages and towns to buy food.” But Jesus Christ replied, “You give them something to eat.” The disciples said, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish, but what are these for so many?” Jesus Christ said, “Bring them to Me,” and instructed His disciples to have the people sit down on the grass in groups of hundreds and fifties. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, blessed them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, who distributed them to the people. All ate and were satisfied, and the disciples collected twelve baskets full of leftover fragments. About five thousand men, not counting women and children, were miraculously fed. (Matthew 14:18–21. Reading 58. Mark 6:32–44. Reading 25. Luke 9:10–17. Reading 42. John 6:1–14. Reading 18).

Jesus Christ Walking on Water #

(The Gospel for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost; Friday of the 2nd Week after Easter). After the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to get into a boat and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He went up a mountain to pray. Night fell. The boat, carrying the disciples, was in the middle of the sea, being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against them. In the early hours before dawn, Jesus Christ came to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking it was a ghost, and cried out in fear. But Jesus Christ said to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Then Peter called out, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” The Lord said, “Come.” Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus, but seeing the strong wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus Christ reached out His hand, caught him, and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. The disciples worshiped Jesus Christ, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” (Mark 6:45–56. Reading 26. Matthew 14:22–36. Reading 59. John 6:14–21. Reading 19).

The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Daughter of the Canaanite Woman #

(The Gospel for the 17th Sunday after Pentecost; Thursday of the 16th Week). Jesus Christ, distancing Himself from the scribes and Pharisees who were watching Him, went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. But even there, He could not remain hidden. A Canaanite woman saw Him, followed Him, and cried out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” But He did not answer her a word. His disciples came to Him and begged Him, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He replied, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” When Jesus Christ entered a house, the woman came to Him, fell at His feet, and said, “Lord, help me!” He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus Christ said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. (Matthew 15:21–28. Reading 62. Mark 7:24–30. Reading 80).

The Feeding of Four Thousand People with Seven Loaves #

(The Gospel for the 9th Saturday; 16th Friday). When Jesus Christ came to the Sea of Galilee and went up a mountain, He sat down. A large crowd gathered around Him, bringing with them the lame, blind, and crippled, and He healed them. After the people had been with Jesus Christ for three days and had nothing to eat, He called His disciples and said to them, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with Me for three days and have nothing to eat.” The disciples replied, “Where could we get enough bread in this desolate place?” He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” He then commanded the crowd to sit on the ground. Taking the seven loaves and the fish, He gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to His disciples, who distributed them to the people. Everyone ate and was satisfied, and they gathered seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. Those who ate were about four thousand men, besides women and children. After sending the crowd away, Jesus Christ got into a boat and went to the region of Magdala. (Matthew 15:29–39. Reading 32).

The Promise of the Church #

(The Gospel for June 29th; for the Holy Apostles; on the consecration of a church; the 5th Saturday of Lent; the 22nd Monday). When Jesus Christ came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then He asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock (the firm confession of faith), I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then Jesus Christ strictly commanded His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13–20. Reading 67. Mark 8:27–30. Reading 35. Luke 9:18–21. Reading 43).

The Transfiguration of the Lord #

(The Gospel for the Transfiguration on the Liturgy; at Matins (Luke)). Shortly before His suffering, Jesus Christ took three of His disciples—Peter, James, and John—and went up a mountain, Mount Tabor, to pray. While He was praying, the disciples, exhausted, fell asleep. When they awoke, they saw that Jesus Christ had been transfigured: His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as snow. Moses and Elijah appeared in glory and were talking with Him about His coming suffering and death in Jerusalem. As Moses and Elijah were departing, Peter exclaimed, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Suddenly, a bright cloud enveloped them, and they heard a voice from the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” The disciples were terrified and fell face down. Jesus Christ came to them, touched them, and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw only Jesus in His usual form. The Transfiguration of the Lord is celebrated on August 6th. (Matthew 17:1–13. Reading 70. Mark 9:2–13. Reading 38. Luke 9:28–36. Reading 45).

The Commandments on Love for One’s Neighbor #

(The Gospel for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost). One day, a lawyer, seeking to test Jesus Christ, asked Him, “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus Christ replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Luke 10:25–30. Reading 53).

The Healing of a Demon-Possessed, Mute Boy #

(The Gospel for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost and the 4th Sunday of Great Lent). After His transfiguration, a man came to Jesus Christ, fell at His feet, and said, “Lord, have mercy on my son. He has seizures and suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and into the water. I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.” Jesus said, “O unbelieving generation! How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to Me.” Then He asked, “How long has he been like this?” The man replied, “Since childhood,” and again begged the Lord to help him if He could. Jesus said, “If you can believe, everything is possible for one who believes.” The father cried out with tears, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus then commanded the unclean spirit, “Deaf and mute spirit, I command you to come out of him and never enter him again!” The spirit came out, and Jesus took the boy by the hand and helped him up, and he was healed.

The disciples later asked Jesus privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because of your little faith. Truly I tell you, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:14–21. Reading 72. Mark 9:14–32. Reading 40).

The Parable of the Merciful King and the Unmerciful Servant #

(The Gospel for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost). The Apostle Peter, having heard Jesus Christ’s teachings on forgiving those who repent, came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven.”

He then told the following parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents (about twenty million rubles) was brought to him. Since he was unable to pay, the master ordered that he, his wife, his children, and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. The servant fell on his knees before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back everything.’ The master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.”

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii (about twenty rubles). He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me.’ His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.”

“When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. The master called the servant in and said, ‘You wicked servant! I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In his anger, the master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he should pay back all he owed.”

“This is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:21–35. Reading 77).

The Healing of the Man Born Blind #

(The Gospel for the 6th Sunday after Easter). As Jesus Christ passed through Jerusalem, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Teacher, who sinned: this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus Christ answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” After saying this, He spit on the ground, made clay with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The man went, washed, and came back seeing.

The neighbors and those who had seen him begging asked, “How were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay, put it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went, washed, and then I could see.” This happened on the Sabbath, and healing on the Sabbath was considered unlawful by the Pharisees. So the man who had been blind was brought to the Pharisees, who asked how he had received his sight. He explained to them what had happened. Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. They asked the man again, “What do you say about Him?” He said, “He is a prophet.”

Not believing that he had been blind and received sight, the Pharisees summoned his parents and asked them, “Is this your son, the one you say was born blind? How is it that he can see now?” His parents answered, “We know that he is our son and that he was born blind, but how he can now see or who opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age; ask him.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Pharisees, who had already decided that anyone who acknowledged Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. So they called the man again and said, “Give glory to God by telling the truth. We know this man is a sinner.” He replied, “Whether He is a sinner or not, I do not know. One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see.”

They asked again, “How did He open your eyes?” He answered, “I have already told you, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?” They insulted him, saying, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where He comes from.” The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

Jesus Christ found him and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He replied, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” Jesus said, “You have now seen Him; in fact, He is the one speaking with you.” The man said, “Lord, I believe,” and worshiped Him. (John 9:1–38. Reading 34).

The Parable of the Good Samaritan #

(The Gospel for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost). A lawyer asked Jesus Christ, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The Lord pointed him to the commandments to love God and one’s neighbor. The lawyer then asked, “And who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus Christ told him this parable: A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him, bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii (43 kopecks) and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Jesus Christ then asked the lawyer, “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The lawyer answered, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus Christ said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25–37. Reading 53).

In this parable, Jesus Christ not only taught us to recognize every person as our neighbor but also depicted the salvation He brought to the human race. Just as the man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho was robbed and wounded by thieves, so too was mankind robbed of spiritual riches by sin, becoming spiritually near death. The priest and Levite, who did not help the wounded man, represent the Old Testament and its rituals and laws, which could not save humanity from sin. The Good Samaritan, however, had compassion on the dying man, treated his wounds with oil and wine, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Just as the Samaritan cared for the wounded man, so too did Jesus Christ, whom His enemies called a Samaritan, take pity on the perishing human race, heal its spiritual sickness through His suffering, and wash away its sinful wounds with His pure blood. He brought humanity into His holy Church, entrusted it to pastors and teachers, and, as He ascended to the Father, left them the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, promising a reward for their faithful care of His people at His second coming. (Interpretive Gospel, homily for the 25th Sunday).

Jesus Christ in the Home of Martha and Mary #

(The Gospel for all Feasts of the Mother of God on the Liturgy). Near Jerusalem, in the village of Bethany, lived two sisters: Martha and Mary. Jesus Christ came to their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Martha, however, was busy with many preparations. Seeing that her sister was not helping with the tasks, Martha came to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.” Jesus Christ replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38–42. Reading 54).

At that time, a woman in the crowd exclaimed, “Blessed is the mother who gave You birth and nursed You.” But Jesus Christ replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke, Reading 58).

The Parable of the Rich Fool #

(The Gospel for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost). Once, the Lord told the following parable to the people: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be for whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:18–21. Reading 66).

Gathering the harvest into barns, as the blessings sent by God, was not a sin on the part of the rich man; after all, it was necessary to collect it, even if this required building larger barns. But it was also necessary to share the excess with the poor. Had the rich man done so, he would not have faced punishment. However, he thought that God had sent this abundant harvest solely for him, to prolong his carefree life; but how wrong he was! While dreaming of many years of prosperity, he died that very night.

The Healing of a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath #

(The Gospel for the 27th Sunday after Pentecost). One Sabbath day, Jesus Christ was teaching in a synagogue. There was a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, He called her forward and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then He put His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water on the Sabbath? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When He said this, all His opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things He was doing. (Luke 13:10–17. Reading 71).

The Parable of the Great Banquet #

(The Gospel for the 28th Sunday after Pentecost). Once, the Lord told the following parable: “A man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I am on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I cannot come.’ The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ After some time, the servant reported, ‘Master, what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’ Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. I tell you, not one of those who were invited will taste my banquet.’ For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Luke 14:16–25. Reading 76).

With this parable, Jesus Christ revealed that God first invited the Jews into His kingdom; but since they did not follow the call, He would abandon them and invite the Gentiles.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son #

(The Gospel for the 34th Sunday, the Prodigal Son). The Lord told the following parable: “A certain man had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So the father divided his property between them. The younger son gathered all he had and set off for a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:11–32. Reading 79).

The Lord teaches us through this parable that God joyfully accepts any sinner who repents and returns to Him, and there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus #

(The Gospel for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost). The Lord told the following parable: “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen (purple being a costly fabric and fine linen made of Egyptian flax) and lived in luxury every day. At his gate lay a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. The time came when the beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side (the heavenly kingdom). The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you, a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ Then the rich man said, ‘I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, Father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19–31. Reading 83).

The Healing of Ten Lepers #

(The Gospel for the 29th Sunday after Pentecost). As Jesus Christ was entering a village, He was met by ten men with leprosy. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When He saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests” (since priests were responsible for declaring someone healed of leprosy). As they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then He said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:11–19. Reading 85).

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector #

(The Gospel for the 33rd Sunday, the Pharisee and the Publican). Jesus Christ told the following parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:1–14. Reading 89).

Pharisees were a group of Jews who primarily focused on appearing pious and doing everything for show. Tax collectors were seen as great sinners because they often collected more than what was required from the people.

Blessing of Children #

(The Gospel for Wednesday of the 26th Week after Pentecost). Once, people were bringing children to Jesus Christ, hoping He would lay His hands on them and pray, or at least touch them. The disciples tried to prevent this. Seeing this, Jesus became indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And He took the children in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. (Luke 18:15–17. Reading 90).

The Parable of the Equal Reward #

(The Gospel for Wednesday of the 9th Week). The Lord told the following parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius (a silver coin worth 21½ kopecks) for the day and sent them into his vineyard. Then, about nine in the morning, he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. He went out again at noon and around three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon, he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day doing nothing?’ ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last. For many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 19:27–30; 20:1–16. Reading 80).

This parable teaches humility to those who have lived righteously all their lives, so they do not become proud of their virtues and demand a special reward. It also gives hope to those who repent at the end of their lives, that they may not despair of God’s mercy.

The Story of Zacchaeus #

(The Gospel for the Sunday of Zacchaeus, 32nd Sunday). When Jesus Christ was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and was wealthy, wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:1–10. Reading 94).

The Resurrection of Lazarus #

(The Gospel for the 6th Saturday of Lent - Lazarus Saturday). Near Jerusalem (about three versts away) was the village of Bethany, where a man named Lazarus lived with his two sisters, Martha and Mary. The Lord loved this pious family and often visited them. Shortly before Passover, Lazarus fell ill. Martha and Mary sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death, but is for God’s glory.” After two days, Jesus told His disciples, “Lazarus is dead,” and set out for Bethany.

Martha went out to meet Jesus and said to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha replied, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” When Mary arrived with their relatives and friends, she fell at Jesus’ feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” But Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life!” Seeing their grief, Jesus wept and asked, “Where have you laid him?” When they came to the tomb where Lazarus had been buried, Jesus commanded that the stone be rolled away. Martha objected, “Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Jesus looked up and, after praying, called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in strips of linen, and his face covered with a cloth. Many of the Jews who had witnessed this miracle believed in Jesus Christ, but the Jewish high priests conspired to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. (John 11:17–57. Readings 39 and 40).

The Triumphal Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem #

(The Gospel for Meatfare Sunday; Friday of the 9th Week; Palm Sunday at the Liturgy; Cheesefare Monday). The day after the resurrection of Lazarus, six days before Passover, Jesus Christ left Bethany and went to Jerusalem. A large crowd followed Him. On the Mount of Olives, Jesus stopped and said to Peter and John, “Go to the village ahead of you, and you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, tell them that the Lord needs them.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus sat on it. As He rode along, a very large crowd came out to meet Him. Some spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Mark 11:1–11, Reading 49; Matthew 21:1–17, Reading 88; John 12:12–18, Reading 41; Luke 19:29–40, Reading 96).

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants #

(The Gospel for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost). The Lord told the following parable: “There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a wall around it, dug a winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his fruit. The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. Then he sent other servants to them, more than the first time, and the tenants treated them the same way. Last of all, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance.’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” The Jewish leaders answered, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end, and he will rent the vineyard to other tenants, who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time.” Jesus said to them, “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” (Matthew 21:33–46. Reading 87).

In this parable, the Lord speaks of the Jews, who killed the prophets sent by God, and then killed the Son of God. For this, the Lord took the kingdom of God away from them and entrusted it to other workers—the apostles and their successors.

The chief priests and the Pharisees understood that Jesus was speaking about them and wanted to arrest Him, but they feared the people, because they considered Him a prophet.

The Widow’s Mite #

(The Gospel for Thursday of the 32nd Week; Saturday of the 33rd Week). Once, as Jesus was leaving the temple, He sat opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting their money into the treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41–44, Reading 57; Luke 21:1–4, Reading 103). Thus, God is pleased not with large offerings, but with those given with devotion.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins #

(The Gospel for the 16th Saturday; Holy Martyr Thecla and Other Martyrs). Jesus Christ said, “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ’there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later, the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ But He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:1–13. Reading 104).

The Holy Fathers interpret the lamps and oil as strong faith and good deeds. This parable teaches us to always be ready to appear before God in judgment, ensuring we accumulate good deeds for the time of need.

The Parable of the Talents #

(The Gospel for the 16th Sunday after Pentecost). Jesus Christ, instructing His disciples to await His second coming, said that at His return, He would act like a man who, going on a journey, called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents (about three poods of silver, valued at 2½ thousand rubles per talent), to another two talents, and to a third one talent, each according to their ability, and then departed. The one who received five talents went and traded with them and gained five more. In the same way, the one who had received two talents gained two more. But the one who received one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s silver.

After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents brought the other five and said, “Master, you entrusted me with five talents; see, I have gained five more.” The master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” The one with two talents also came forward and said, “Master, you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.” The master said the same to him.

Then the servant who had received one talent came forward and said, “Master, I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.” His master replied, “You wicked and lazy servant! You knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. Therefore, take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

After saying this, Jesus Christ proclaimed, “Whoever has ears, let them hear!” (Matthew 25:14–30. Reading 105).

(The Lord teaches us through this parable to work throughout our lives, using the abilities given to us by God for the benefit of ourselves and others. For the lazy and neglectful will be condemned by God).

The Depiction of the Last Judgment #

(The Gospel for Meatfare Sunday). Jesus Christ described His judgment as follows: “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’

Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; I was naked and you did not clothe Me; I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31–46. Reading 106).

God does not require any service from us for Himself, as He has no need. But He requires that we love our neighbors and help them in their needs. Jesus Christ said that whoever helps a person in need for His sake is, in fact, helping Him. Therefore, on the Day of Judgment, the Lord will tell the sinners that by refusing to help those in need, they were refusing Him, and for this, they will be condemned to eternal torment.

Christ in the House of Simon. The Betrayal of Judas #

(The Gospel for Great Wednesday; Friday of the 33rd Week; Friday of the 28th Week after Pentecost). On Wednesday, the Lord was invited to a meal by Simon the Leper. It is likely that the Lord had recently healed Simon of his leprosy, and he was still referred to as “the leper.”

During the meal, while the guests were reclining on couches around the table, as was the custom, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume. She approached the Lord and poured the perfume on His head. The house was filled with the fragrance. Some of the guests, including the disciples, began whispering, “Why this waste? The perfume could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor.” But the Lord said, “Leave her alone! Why are you troubling her with such talk? Why are you trying to make her feel that she has done something wrong? She has done a good deed for Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them whenever you wish, but you will not always have Me. She did what she could; she anointed My body beforehand for burial. Truly, I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

The evangelists did not mention the woman by name, but tradition holds that it was Mary Magdalene, who had been a great sinner but, after hearing the Lord’s preaching, repented and followed Him everywhere.

The chief priests and scribes of the Jews did not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and disliked Him for frequently rebuking their vices. After the resurrection of Lazarus, when many people believed in Jesus Christ, they decided to kill Him and sought an opportunity to capture Him secretly. Four days after the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem, Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, came to them and said, “What will you give me if I deliver Him to you?” They promised him thirty pieces of silver (about 24 rubles), and from that time, he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus Christ. (Matthew 26:14–16, Reading 108; Mark 14:10–11, Reading 68; Luke 22:1–6, Reading 108).

We Christians now fast on Wednesdays in remembrance of Judas’ betrayal and his agreement to hand over the Savior.

The Mystical Supper #

(Gospel, on Tuesday of Meatfare Week; on Great Thursday during the Liturgy and the Foot Washing.)

Two days before the Passover, on Thursday morning, Jesus Christ called two of His disciples, Peter and John, and said to them: “Go into the city; there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him to the house and say to the owner: ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’ He will show you a large furnished room; prepare the Passover lamb there.” The disciples went and did as Jesus Christ had instructed them.

In the evening, Jesus Christ came with the rest of the disciples. When they had all reclined at the table, He removed His outer garment, girded Himself with a towel, poured water into a basin, and began washing the disciples’ feet, wiping them with the towel He was wearing. Then He put on His garment and said to the disciples: “Do you understand what I have done for you? I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

During the meal, Jesus Christ said to His disciples: “One of you will betray Me.” They all began asking, “Lord, is it I?” Judas also came forward and asked, “Is it I, Lord?” Jesus Christ quietly answered him, “You have said it.” No one else heard Jesus’ response, so John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, leaned against His chest and quietly asked, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus Christ quietly answered him, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread after I have dipped it.” And, taking a piece of bread, He dipped it into a dish of salt and gave it to Judas, saying, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” Judas left, and the disciples thought that Jesus had sent him to buy something for the feast or to give alms, since Judas kept the money box.

After completing the Jewish Passover, Jesus Christ took bread, blessed it, broke it, and, giving it to the disciples, said: “Take, eat; this is My body, which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Then He took a cup of wine and gave it to them, saying: “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.” At this time, He commanded: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Thus, the Sacrament of Communion was established, and the apostles partook of the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. (Matthew 26:16-29, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:7-39, John 13.)

These events took place on Holy Thursday.

When Judas had left, Jesus said to the disciples: “Tonight, all of you will fall away because of Me, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after My resurrection, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” Peter replied to Him, “Even if all fall away because of You, I will never fall away. I am ready to go with You to prison and to death.” But Jesus said to him: “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

The Arrest of Jesus Christ. His Trial before the High Priest Caiaphas #

(Gospel readings on Wednesday of Meatfare Week; on Tuesday of Cheesefare Week; Passion Week, 2nd.)

After the conclusion of the Last Supper, Jesus Christ went with His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, He knelt down, fell on His face, and prayed, saying: “Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours be done.” His prayer was so fervent that drops of bloody sweat fell from His face to the ground.

When Jesus Christ finished His prayer, Judas came to the garden with a crowd of soldiers and servants of the high priests. He had told them beforehand: “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” Then he approached the Lord and, with the words “Greetings, Teacher!” he kissed Him. The soldiers took Jesus Christ and led Him to the high priests; but the apostles, in fear, scattered.

That night, the scribes and elders of the Jews gathered at the house of the high priest Caiaphas to hold a trial over Jesus Christ. Many false witnesses appeared, but they could not say anything for which Jesus Christ could be condemned to death. Then the high priest Caiaphas asked Him, “Tell us, are You the Christ, the Son of God?” Jesus Christ answered him, “Yes, I am.” At these words, Caiaphas tore his garments and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” And they all answered, “He is deserving of death.” After this, the servants of the high priests led Jesus Christ out of Caiaphas’s house into the courtyard and there beat Him, spat in His face, and some covered His face, struck Him on the cheeks, and mockingly asked, “Prophesy to us, Christ, who is the one who struck You?” The Lord patiently and silently endured all this. (Matthew 26:36–68. Gospel readings 108; Mark 14:32–68. Gospel readings 64 and 65; Luke 22:39–44. Gospel reading 109; John 18:2–16. Gospel reading 58.)

Peter’s Denial and Repentance #

(Gospel reading 2nd of Passion Week; Tuesday of Cheesefare Week.)

When Jesus Christ was led from the Garden of Gethsemane to the high priest Annas, two of His disciples, Peter and John, recovered from their initial fear and followed Him at a distance. John was acquainted with the high priest and entered into the inner courtyard, but Peter remained outside at the door. John went out, spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. Meanwhile, the servants and officers had made a fire in the courtyard because it was cold, and they were warming themselves by the fire. Peter stood with them, warming himself. Then the servant girl who kept the door saw Peter and, looking closely at him, said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he said, “I do not know and do not understand what you are saying,” and went out to the outer courtyard. At that moment, a rooster crowed.

When they brought Jesus Christ from Annas to Caiaphas, Peter again entered the inner courtyard of the high priest’s house and stood warming himself by the fire. Then another servant girl saw him and began to say to those standing nearby, “This man is one of them” (one of Jesus’s disciples). Others said the same. He again denied it with an oath, saying he did not know this Man. About an hour later, those standing by said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them; you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.” One of the servants of the high priest said, “Did I not see you with Him in the garden?” Peter began to curse and swear, declaring, “I do not know this Man.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed a second time. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly, repenting of his sin. (John 18:13–27. Gospel reading 65; Luke 22:54–65. Gospel reading 109.)

The Condemnation of Jesus Christ to Death #

(Gospel readings on Great Friday at the First Hour; Great Friday evening; Passion Week, 5th.)

On Friday, early in the morning, all the chief priests, elders, and scribes assembled, brought Jesus Christ into their Sanhedrin, and asked, “Are You the Christ? Tell us.” He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask you, you will not answer Me or release Me. From now on, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of the power of God.” Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” He answered, “You rightly say that I am.” And they said, “What further testimony do we need? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.” And they consulted together to put Jesus Christ to death.

At this time, Judas, seeing that Jesus Christ was condemned to death in the Sanhedrin, repented but without hope of mercy, and thus fell into despair, which led him to suicide. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders and said, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed and went and hanged himself. With these thirty pieces of silver, the chief priests bought the potter’s field to bury strangers in. Therefore, that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. (Matthew 27:1–11. Gospel readings 110 and 111.)

The Trial of Jesus Christ before Pilate #

(Gospel readings on Thursday of Meatfare Week; Thursday of Cheesefare Week; September 14th at the Liturgy.)

On Friday, early in the morning, the chief priests led the bound Jesus Christ to the Roman governor Pilate, so that he might confirm the death sentence over Jesus. Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation do you bring against this Man?” The chief priests and scribes answered, “If He were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him up to you. He calls Himself a king and stirs up the people.” Pilate interrogated Jesus Christ but found no fault in Him. Knowing that they had handed Jesus over because of envy, Pilate turned to the people and said, “You have a custom that I should release someone to you at Passover. Whom do you want me to release to you: Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ?” The people, prompted by the chief priests, shouted in reply, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. Pilate asked, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They all answered, “Crucify Him!” Then Pilate had Jesus Christ scourged. The soldiers led Him away into the hall called the Praetorium and called together the whole garrison. They clothed Him with a purple robe, twisted a crown of thorns, placed it on His head, and began to salute Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him on the head with a reed, spat on Him, and, bowing the knee, they worshiped Him.

After the scourging, Pilate brought Jesus Christ out in the purple robe and crown of thorns to the people and said, “Behold the Man! I find no fault in Him.” But the crowd, seeing Jesus and incited by the members of the Sanhedrin, again began to shout, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate, seeing that the crowd was becoming more tumultuous, took water, washed his hands before them all, and said, “I am innocent of the blood of this Just Person.” The people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then Pilate delivered Jesus Christ to be crucified. (Matthew 27:1–26. Gospel readings 107 and 108; Mark 15:3–14. Gospel readings 66 and 67; Luke 23:13–25. Gospel reading 110; John 19:1–10. Gospel reading 60.)

The Crucifixion and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ #

(Gospel reading 7th of the Passion; July 31st in Veneration of the Precious Cross; Gospel reading 6th of the Passion; and at the 3rd Hour; Friday of Meatfare Week; 8th of the Passion; at the 6th Hour on Great Friday; 9th of the Passion; and on May 8th and September 26th at the Liturgy.)

The soldiers led Jesus Christ to Golgotha, near Jerusalem, and there they crucified Him between two robbers. Above His head, by Pilate’s order, they affixed a sign with the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” As they were nailing Jesus Christ to the cross, He prayed for His enemies, saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

The chief priests and scribes mocked the Lord, saying: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.” The people and soldiers said the same. Even one of the robbers crucified with Jesus Christ reviled Him, saying: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other robber rebuked him, saying: “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then, turning to Jesus Christ, he said: “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” Jesus Christ replied: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Standing by the cross of the Lord were His Mother and the beloved disciple John. Seeing His Mother, Jesus Christ said to Her: “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple: “Behold your mother!” And from that hour, John took the Most Pure Virgin Mary into his own home and cared for Her as his own mother.

When Jesus Christ was crucified, it was noon, or the sixth hour by Jewish reckoning. Suddenly, the sun was darkened, and great darkness came over the land, lasting for three hours. At the third hour after noon (the ninth hour), Jesus Christ said: “It is finished!” Then He cried out with a loud voice: “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit,” bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. At that moment, the earth quaked, rocks split, the temple veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. The centurion and those with him guarding Jesus, seeing what had happened, said: “Truly, this was the Son of God!” And the crowds that had gathered for the spectacle, witnessing these things, began to return home, beating their breasts in fear.

Evening approached. The chief priests did not want to leave the bodies on the crosses during the Sabbath, especially since it was a high holy day—the Feast of Passover. Therefore, they asked Pilate for permission to break the legs of the crucified so they might die quickly. Pilate granted their request. The soldiers came and broke the legs of the two robbers; but when they came to Jesus Christ and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (Matthew 27:27–54. Gospel readings 111 and 113; Mark 15:16–41. Gospel readings 67, 68; Luke 23:26–49. Gospel readings 110 and 111; John 19:16–37. Gospel readings 60 and 61.)

The Descent from the Cross and Burial of Jesus Christ #

(Gospel reading on Great Saturday at Matins and the 12th of the Passion; 10th of the Passion; on the 3rd Sunday after Pascha; 11th of the Passion.)

On Friday evening, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and prominent council member, a secret disciple of Jesus, came to Pilate and requested the body of Jesus. Pilate, after confirming with the centurion that Jesus was dead, granted Joseph permission. Joseph purchased fine linen, took Jesus’ body down from the cross, and wrapped it in the linen cloth.

Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus by night to discuss matters of faith, also came, bringing about a hundred pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes (fragrant spices). Joseph and Nicodemus took the body of Jesus Christ and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to Jewish burial customs. Near the place where Jesus Christ was crucified was Joseph’s garden, and in the garden a new tomb hewn out of rock, in which no one had yet been laid. In this tomb, Joseph and Nicodemus placed the body of Jesus Christ, rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb, and departed. The Most Holy Mother of God also participated in the removal of Jesus Christ from the cross and His burial. Present, too, were the women who had followed Jesus Christ from Galilee. After returning from the burial, they prepared spices and fragrant oils to anoint Jesus Christ’s body after the Sabbath. (Matthew 27:57–61. Gospel readings 113 and 114.)

On Saturday, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and said: “Sir, we remember how that deceiver said while He was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore, command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them: “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Mark 15:42–47. Gospel readings 68–69; Luke 23:50–54. Gospel reading 111; John 19:38–42. Gospel reading 62.)

While Jesus Christ’s body lay in the tomb, He descended in His soul into Hades, proclaimed to the souls of the departed His victory over the devil and death, led out from there into Paradise the souls of those who had faithfully awaited His coming, and was seated on the throne with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18–19. Gospel reading 60.)

The Resurrection of the Lord #

(Gospel reading on Great Saturday at the Liturgy; 1st Sunday and at the baptism of infants; 2nd and 3rd Sundays and at Matins of the Ascension; 4th Sunday; 7th, 8th, and 9th Sundays and on Bright Week evening and on Thomas Sunday.)

On the first day after the Sabbath, early in the morning, there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven; his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. He rolled back the stone from the entrance of the tomb and sat on it. The Lord Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. The soldiers guarding the tomb shook with fear and became like dead men, then fled. Some of them went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. The chief priests gave them money and instructed them to say that His disciples came by night and stole Him away while they slept.

At dawn, Mary Magdalene and some other devout women went to the tomb with fragrant spices to anoint Jesus’ body. On the way, they wondered among themselves: “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?” Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb first, but upon seeing the stone rolled away, she ran back to Peter and John and said: “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Following Mary Magdalene, the other myrrh-bearing women came to the tomb and saw an angel who said to them: “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” The myrrh-bearing women, trembling and amazed, fled from the tomb. On the way, Jesus Himself appeared to them and said: “Rejoice!” They fell to the ground and worshiped Him.

Mary Magdalene returned to the tomb a second time, weeping bitterly. Looking into the tomb, she saw two angels who asked her: “Woman, why are you weeping?” She replied: “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” At that moment, she turned around and saw Jesus Himself, but did not recognize Him, thinking He was the gardener. She asked: “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him.” The Lord said to her: “Mary!” She exclaimed: “Teacher!” and rushed to His feet.

On the very day of Christ’s Resurrection, in the evening, all the apostles except Thomas were together, and the doors were locked. Suddenly, Jesus Christ appeared to them and greeted them with the words: “Peace be with you!” The disciples were frightened, thinking they saw a spirit. But He said to them: “Why are you troubled? It is I Myself,” and showed them His hands, His feet, and His side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Then He breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

When Thomas returned, the other disciples told him: “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas replied that he would not believe until he himself saw and touched the wounds on the Lord’s body. Eight days later, the disciples were again together, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus Christ appeared and said: “Peace be with you!” Then, turning to Thomas, He added: “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!” And Jesus Christ said to him: “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

By the command of the Lord Jesus Christ, the eleven apostles went to a mountain in Galilee. There they saw Jesus Christ and worshiped Him. Jesus Christ said to them: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:1–20. Gospel readings 115 and 116; Mark 16:1–11. Gospel readings 70 and 71; Luke 24:1–12. Gospel reading 112; John 20:1–18. Gospel readings 63 and 64.)

The Ascension of the Lord #

(Gospel readings: 6th Sunday and on the Ascension at the Liturgy.)

On the fortieth day after His Resurrection from the dead, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the apostles in Jerusalem and led them out of the city to the Mount of Olives. There He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. Then, lifting up His hands, He blessed the apostles, and as He was blessing them, He began to ascend from them. Finally, a bright cloud hid Jesus Christ from the sight of the disciples; the Lord ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of God the Father. The apostles stood gazing into heaven. Suddenly, two angels in white garments appeared and said: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” The apostles worshiped the ascended Lord and returned to Jerusalem. (Mark 16:19. Gospel reading 71; Acts 1:4–12. Gospel reading 1; Luke 24:49–53. Gospel reading 114.) The Ascension of the Lord is celebrated on the fortieth day after Pascha, on Thursday.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles #

On the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the holy apostles, along with the Mother of God and other believers, were gathered in an upper room, praying. Suddenly, at the third hour of the day, there came a sound from heaven, like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, which rested upon each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

At that time, Jerusalem was filled with Jews from various countries, who had come for the Feast of Pentecost. Hearing the sound, they gathered around the house where the apostles were and were amazed that simple, unlearned men were speaking in different languages. Then the apostle Peter stood up and explained to the people that they had received the Holy Spirit from Jesus Christ, who was crucified but had risen from the dead. Those who heard this sermon were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles: “What shall we do?” Peter replied: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” And on that day, about three thousand souls were baptized. (Acts chapters 1 and 2. Gospel readings 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.)

The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Pascha and is called Pentecost or Trinity Sunday, as on this day the Most Holy Trinity is glorified.

The Dormition of the Most Holy God-bearer #

After the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Virgin Mary lived with the holy apostle John the Theologian until the end of Her earthly life. Three days before Her repose, She was informed by the Archangel Gabriel of Her approaching departure. Then, by Her desire, all the apostles except Thomas were miraculously gathered in Jerusalem by the power of God. At the hour of Her passing, an extraordinary light filled the room where the Mother of God was; the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared and received Her most pure soul, and Her body was buried by the apostles in the Garden of Gethsemane, in the tomb where Her parents and the righteous Joseph rested. Three days later, the apostle Thomas arrived and wished to venerate the body of the Mother of God. But when they opened the tomb, they did not find Her body. Suddenly, the Mother of God appeared to them and said: “Rejoice! I will always be your intercessor before God.” The Dormition of the Most Holy God-bearer is celebrated on August 15th.

The Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord #

After the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, the Christian faith began to spread rapidly across the world. However, pagan emperors were hostile toward Christians, persecuting them in every possible way, torturing many and putting them to death. Persecutions against Christians lasted for three hundred years and ended only under Emperor Constantine the Great, who himself embraced the Christian faith.

The pious Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem to find the Cross on which the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. She was informed that Christ’s Cross was buried underground and that a pagan temple had been built over that spot. By Empress Helena’s order, the structure was demolished, and upon digging the ground, they found three crosses and a plaque with the inscription: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” To determine which of the three was the Lord’s Cross, they placed them one by one on a deceased person. No miracle occurred with the first two crosses; but when they placed the third Cross, the dead person was restored to life, thus identifying the Lord’s Cross. Everyone present desired to see the Holy Cross. Then the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Macarius, and Empress Helena stood on an elevated platform and exalted the Cross (that is, lifted it up), while the people venerated it and exclaimed: “Lord, have mercy.”

On the day of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, a strict fast is observed. During this feast, at Matins, the Holy Cross is solemnly brought out from the altar to the center of the church for veneration and kissing by the faithful. It is celebrated on September 14th.

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