## [The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter - 29 June](

The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter

The hymns for their Feast speak of Saints Peter and Paul as leaders (koryphaioi), and chiefs of the Apostles. They are, without a doubt, the foremo...

 🎶troparion🎶 O foremost of the Apostles and teachers of the inhabited earth, intercede with the Master of all to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls. 🎶kontakion🎶 (The original melody)You received the steadfast and divinely-inspired Heralds, O Lord, the Foremost Apostles, for the enjoyment of Your blessings and repose. For You recognized their labors and death as greater than any burnt offering, for You alone know what is in the hearts of men. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 29 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29) ## [Vespers reading for the 5th Monday after Pentecost (1 Peter 1:3-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/1) > Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls. ## [Vespers reading for the 5th Monday after Pentecost (1 Peter 1:13-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/2) > Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. ## [Vespers reading for the 5th Monday after Pentecost (1 Peter 2:11-24)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/3) > Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men – as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed. ## [Epistle reading for the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul (2 Corinthians 11:21-12:9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/5) > To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold – I speak foolishly – I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. Are they ministers of Christ? – I speak as a fool – I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness – besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago – whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows – such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man – whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows – how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ## [Gospel reading for the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul (Matthew 16:13-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/6) > When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ## [Epistle reading for the 5th Monday after Pentecost (Romans 12:4-5, 15-21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/7) > For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ## [Gospel reading for the 5th Monday after Pentecost (Matthew 12:9-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/29/8) > Now when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. And behold, there was a man who had a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” – that they might accuse Him. Then He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not lay hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul - 29 June](

The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul

Sermon of Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo Today the Holy Church piously remembers the sufferings of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles Pe...

 🎶troparion🎶 O foremost of the Apostles and teachers of the inhabited earth, intercede with the Master of all to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls. 🎶kontakion🎶 (The original melody)You received the steadfast and divinely-inspired Heralds, O Lord, the Foremost Apostles, for the enjoyment of Your blessings and repose. For You recognized their labors and death as greater than any burnt offering, for You alone know what is in the hearts of men. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Paul, Physician of Corinth - 28 June](

Saint Paul, Physician of Corinth

Saint Paul the Physician, from the city of Corinth, in his youth took monastic tonsure at one of the monasteries. Here the saint toiled much and be...

 🎶troparion🎶 By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! O our holy father Paul, pray to Christ our God to save our souls! #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 28 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/28) ## [Matins Gospel reading (Luke 24:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/28/1) > Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’” And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Romans 6:18-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/28/2) > And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 8:5-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/28/3) > Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Translation of the Relics of the holy and wonderworking Unmercenaries Cyrus and John - 28 June](

Translation of the Relics of the holy and wonderworking Unmercenaries Cyrus and John

The Transfer of the Relics of the Holy Martyrs, Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, Cyrus and John from the city of Konopa, near Alexandria (where the...

 🎶troparion🎶 O Christ God, You have given us the miracles of Your martyrs, Cyrus and John, as an invincible rampart; through their prayers, frustrate the plans of the heathens, and strengthen the faith of the Orthodox Christians, for You alone are good and love mankind. 🎶kontakion🎶 (Podoben: “Today the Virgin...”)Having received the gift of miracles through divine grace, O saints, you work wonders in the world unceasingly. You remove all of our passions through your invisible surgery, divinely-wise Cyrus and glorious John, for you are truly divine physicians. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Severus the Presbyter of Interocrea, Italy - 27 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/27/101829-saint-severus-the-presbyter-of-interocrea-italy) #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 27 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/27) ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Saturday after Pentecost (Romans 6:11-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/27/1) > Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Saturday after Pentecost (Matthew 8:14-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/27/2) > Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Saint Sampson the Hospitable of Constantinople - 27 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/27/101828-saint-sampson-the-hospitable-of-constantinople)  🎶troparion🎶 Through your patience, your unceasing prayer, your love for the poor and the help you gave to them, you became worthy of your reward, O holy Sampson. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls. 🎶kontakion🎶 (Podoben: “As the first-fruits of nature...” – Kontakion for All Saints)We honor your relics, for you are an excellent physician and powerful intercessor; as we gather to praise you with psalms and hymns, divinely-wise and Venerable Sampson, we glorify Christ, who granted you the grace of healing. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Appearance of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God - 26 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/26/101821-appearance-of-the-tikhvin-icon-of-the-mother-of-god)  🎶troparion🎶 Today, O Sovereign Lady, your most honored Icon has shone upon us in the Heavens like a most radiant sun, enlightening the world with rays of mercy, which Russia has received most reverently as a Divine gift from on high; and it glorifies you, O Mother of God, as the Queen of all, and joyfully magnifies Christ our God, Who was born of you. Pray to Him, O Lady Theotokos, that He may preserve all Christian cities and countries unharmed from all the machinations of the Enemy, and that He may save those who with faith bow down before His divine image and your most pure Icon, O Virgin who knew not wedlock. 🎶kontakion🎶 O people, let us have recourse to the Virgin Theotokos and Queen, thanking Christ God; and, gazing tenderly at her wonderworking Icon, let us come and cry out to her: "O Sovereign Lady Mary, you visited this land by the wondrous appearance of your sacred image; preserve all Christians in peace and well-being and make all of them heirs of the heavenly life, for we cry out to you with faith: "Rejoice, O Virgin, salvation of the world." #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 26 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/26) ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Friday after Pentecost (Romans 11:25-36)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/26/1) > For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Friday after Pentecost (Matthew 12:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/26/2) > At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!” But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? Or have you not read in the law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? Yet I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the temple. But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Saint David of Thessaloniki - 26 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/26/101817-saint-david-of-thessaloniki)  🎶troparion🎶 The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore your spirit, venerable David, rejoices with the angels. 🎶kontakion🎶 We bless you, servant of God David; you are like the angels and estranged from earthly things. Now you rejoice in divine gifts. Grant us to share in them also, O holy and righteous Father! #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Monastic Martyr Procopius of the Ivḗron Monastery on Mount Athos - 25 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/25/101815-monastic-martyr-procopius-of-the-ivron-monastery-on-mount-athos) 🎶troparion🎶 The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore your spirit, venerable Procopius, rejoices with the angels. 🎶kontakion🎶 As a venerable and proven ascetic, as an honorable and renowned martyr, and as a model of the desert life, O most exalted Procopius, we sing hymns of praise to you, for you have trampled upon serpents. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 25 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/25) ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Thursday after Pentecost (Romans 11:13-24)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/25/1) > For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Thursday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:27-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/25/2) > All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Virgin Martyr Febronia of Nisibis - 25 June](

Virgin Martyr Febronia of Nisibis

The Virgin Martyr Febronia suffered during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). She was raised at a monastery in the city of Sivapolis (Assyria). The...

 🎶troparion🎶 Like a fragrant rose in the ascetic life, you breathed forth the myrrh of Christ. Therefore he has glorified you as a righteous martyr, O Febronia. Now intercede with him for those who cry: “Rejoice, O noble and blessed martyr!” 🎶kontakion🎶 You were adorned with the grace of virginity and the beauty of martyrdom, O Febronia, bride of Christ. You wisely carried your lamp and ran to your Bridegroom receiving an incorruptible crown. Pray for those who faithfully sing hymns of praise to you! #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Venerable Anthony, Abbot of Dymsk, Novgorod - 24 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/24/107803-venerable-anthony-abbot-of-dymsk-novgorod)  🎶troparion🎶 You were a zealot of virtue, a desert dweller, and ascetic of faith in Christ our God, and by fasting and labors you deadened carnal lusts. O namesake of Anthony the Great, you emulated his life and built a divine church in his name; now together with the venerable Anthony, beseech the Savior of all, that He may make us victorious over the lusts of the flesh, and temples of the Holy Spirit, according to His great mercy. 🎶kontakion🎶 You were a peer and emulator of Venerable Barlaam, and when you attained true obedience to him, you were shown to be worthy of him, and you shepherded his flock until the time, when having been zealous for his virtues, you attained the same age; and loving silence, you were shown to be pleasing to the Lord, and became the first Superior in the wilderness at Lake Dymsk; therefore, we cry out to you: “With Saint Barlaam, O Father Anthony, entreat God for us, so He may grant us to please Him as you did, an image of obedience and a zealot for stillness.” #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 24 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24) ## [Vespers reading for the 4th Wednesday after Pentecost (Composite 10 - Genesis 17:15-17, 19; 18:11-14; 21:1-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/1) > God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai thy wife, her name shall not be called Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her, and give thee a child by her; and I will bless him, and he shall become nations, and kings of nations shall come from him.” And Abraham fell on his face and said to himself, “Shall there be born a son to one who is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?” And God said to Abraham, “Yes. Behold, Sarah thy wife shall bear you a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him, for an everlasting covenant.” Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in days. Sarah laughed to herself saying, “This has not as yet happened to me, even until now, and my lord is old.” And the Lord God said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh to herself, saying, ‘Shall I then indeed bear? but I am old’? Shall anything be impossible that is spoken by God?” And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said. And she conceived, and bore Abraham a son in old age as the Lord God had spoken to him. And Abraham circumcised him on the eighth day, as the Lord God had commanded him. And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, “The Lord God has made laughter for me; for every one who hears shall rejoice with me.” And she said, “Who shall say to Abraham that Sarah suckles a child? Yet I have borne him a child in my old age.” And the child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. ## [Vespers reading for the 4th Wednesday after Pentecost (Composite 11 - Judges 13:2-8, 13-14, 17-18, 21)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/2) > In those days, there was a certain man of the tribe of Dan, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and bore not. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren. But you shall conceive and bear a son. And now beware and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for lo, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be consecrated to God from the womb.” And the woman went and spoke to her husband, saying, “A man of God came to me, and his countenance was like the countenance of an angel of God, very bright. And he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son; and now, drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, even until the day of his death.” Then Manoah prayed to God and said, “O Lord, let the man of God whom Thou didst send come again to us, and teach us what we are to do with the child that will be born.” And the angel of the Lord came to Manoah, and said, “Of all things that I said to your wife, let her keep. Let her eat nothing that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink.” And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, that, when your words come to pass, we may glorify you?” And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask concerning my name, whereas it is wonderful?” And the angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and his wife. ## [Vespers reading for the 4th Wednesday after Pentecost (Composite 8 - Isaiah 40, 41, 45, 48, 54)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/3) > Thus saith the Lord: “Comfort, comfort My people,” says God. “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, you Priests, comfort her, for her humiliation is increased, her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for her sins. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the paths of our God.’ “Go up to a high mountain, you who are proclaiming glad tidings to Zion, lift up your voice with strength, O herald of good tidings to Jerusalem. Lift it up, fear not! I the Lord God, I have heard the poor of Israel and will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the mountains, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the deserts pools of water, and the thirsty land springs of water. Let the heavens rejoice from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth bring forth, and let it sprout forth mercy and cause righteousness to shine forth also. “Declare this with a shout of joy, and let this be known, proclaim it to the end of the earth. Say, ‘The Lord hath redeemed His servant Jacob!’ And if they thirst, he shall lead them through the desert, He shall bring forth water for them out of the rock. Rejoice, O barren one who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry loud, you who have not been in travail! For more are the children of the desolate one than of her who has a husband.” ## [Epistle reading for the Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John (Romans 13:11-14:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/5) > And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. ## [Gospel reading for the Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John (Luke 1:1-25, 57-68, 76, 80)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/6) > Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father – what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” So the child grew and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his manifestation to Israel. ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Wednesday after Pentecost (Romans 11:2-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/7) > God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written: “God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.” And David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.” I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Wednesday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:20-26)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/24/8) > Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr

## [Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John - 24 June](https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/24/101800-nativity-of-the-holy-glorious-prophet-forerunner-and-baptist-joh)  🎶troparion🎶 Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, although we cannot praise you worthily, we honor you in love at your nativity, for by it you ended your father’s silence and your mother’s barrenness, proclaiming to the world the incarnation of the Son of God! 🎶kontakion🎶 Today the formerly barren woman gives birth to Christ’s Forerunner, who is the fulfillment of every prophecy; for in the Jordan, when he laid his hand on the One foretold by the prophets, he was revealed as Prophet, Herald, and Forerunner of God the Word. #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

## [Saint Etheldreda of Ely - 23 June](

Saint Etheldreda of Ely

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🎶troparion🎶 In you, O Mother, was preserved with exactness what is according to the image; for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away; but to care for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore, O Venerable Etheldreda, your spirit rejoices with the Angels. 🎶kontakion🎶 (Podoben: “Having received the grace of healing...”)1Having discarded a bed for rest, for the sake of your love for God, O Mother Etheldreda, and illuminating your spirit with fasting, you have completely vanquished your enemies; and by your intercessions you destroyed the evil schemes of our adversaries.1See Nov. 1 (Holy Unmercenaries) #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint

# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 23 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/23) ## [Epistle reading for the 4th Tuesday after Pentecost (Romans 10:11-11:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/23/1) > For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the Name of the LORD shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.” But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” But to Israel he says: “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, ## [Gospel reading for the 4th Tuesday after Pentecost (Matthew 11:16-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/23/2) > But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, and saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not lament.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: #Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr