THE EPISTLE (For the Sunday before the Nativity) Blessed are Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers. For Thou art justified in all that Thou hast done for us. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. (11:9-10, 32-40) Brethren, by faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in […]

THE EPISTLE (For the Sunday after Nativity of Christ) God is wondrous in His saints. Bless God in the congregations. The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. (1:11-19) Brethren, I would have you know that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not man’s gospel.  For I did not receive it from man, nor was […]

THE EPISTLE My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. Hear this, all ye people. The reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. (2:8-12) Brethren, see to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental […]

KONTAKION OF THE FOREFEAST OF THEOPHANY IN TONE FOUR (**On this day Thou hast appeared**) In the running waters of * the Jordan River, * on this day the Lord of all * crieth to John: Be not afraid * and hesitate not to baptize Me, * for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man. THE EPISTLE (For the Sunday before the Theophany of Christ) O Lord, save […]

KONTAKION OF THE THEOPHANY OF CHRIST IN TONE FOUR (**The original melody**) On this day Thou hast appeared * unto the whole world, * and Thy light, O Sovereign Lord, * is signed on us who sing Thy praise * and chant with knowledge: Thou hast now come, * Thou hast appeared, O Thou Light unapproachable. THE EPISTLE (For the Sunday after Theophany of Christ) Let Thy mercy, O Lord, […]