# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 10 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10)
## [Vespers reading for the 6th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/1)
> But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
## [Vespers reading for the 6th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/2)
> But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them. The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies; he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet; he will take holiness as a invincible shield, and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen. Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds, and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them; a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.
## [Vespers reading for the 6th Friday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 4:7-15)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/3)
> But the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
## [Epistle reading for the Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia (Galatians 5:22-6:2)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/5)
> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
## [Gospel reading for the Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia (Matthew 4:25-5:12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/6)
> Great multitudes followed Him – from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
## [Epistle reading for the 6th Friday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 4:5-8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/7)
> Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
## [Gospel reading for the 6th Friday after Pentecost (Matthew 13:44-54)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/10/8)
> Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
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## [Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia - 10 July](
Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Far Caves, Founder of Monasticism in Russia
Saint Anthony of the Kiev Caves was born in the year 983 at Liubech, not far from Chernigov, and was named Antipas in Baptism. Possessing the fear ...
🎶troparion🎶
Having departed from worldly tumults,
in leaving the world you followed Christ according to the Gospel.
You reached the quiet refuge of the Holy Mount Athos,
living there a life equal to the angels.
Therefore, with the blessing of the Fathers,
you came to the Kievan hills.
There having fulfilled a life loving of labors,
you illumined your homeland.
And having shown a multitude of monastics
the pathway leading to the heavenly kingdom,
you led them to Christ.
Beseech him, O Venerable Anthony,
that he may save our souls!
🎶kontakion🎶
From your youth you gave yourself to God whom you loved above all, O Venerable One;
and in love you followed after him with your whole soul.
Scorning the passing corruption of the world, you made a cave in the earth;
and in it you struggled nobly facing the snares of the invisible enemy,
while illumining the ends of the earth like a bright, shining sun.
Therefore, with rejoicing you entered into the heavenly chambers.
Standing now before the throne of the Master together with the angels,
remember us who honor your holy memory,
that we may cry out to you: Rejoice, Anthony our Holy Father!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 09 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/09)
## [Epistle reading for the 6th Thursday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 3:18-23)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/09/1)
> Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
## [Gospel reading for the 6th Thursday after Pentecost (Matthew 13:36-43)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/09/2)
> Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.” He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina in Sicily - 09 July](
Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina in Sicily
The Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Taormina, was born when our Lord Jesus Christ yet lived upon the earth. The parents of Pancratius were nativ...
🎶troparion🎶
As a flaming arrow You were sent from on high
to the throne of Taormina to wound godless impiety
and to illumine the hearts of the faithful,
confirming them in the faith through the word of God.
And having completed your course You did suffer unto bloodshed.
O Hieromartyr Pancratius, pray for all who praise your memory.
🎶kontakion🎶
You were a brilliant star in Taormina, O blessed Pancratius,
and You became a hieromartyr for Christ.
Standing before Him now, pray for those who honor you.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 08 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/08)
## [Epistle reading for the 6th Wednesday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 2:9-3:8)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/08/1)
> But, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him,” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
## [Gospel reading for the 6th Wednesday after Pentecost (Matthew 13:31-36)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/08/2)
> Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.” Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
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## [“Our Lady of Sitka” Icon of the Mother of God - 08 July](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/08/101965-our-lady-of-sitka-icon-of-the-mother-of-god)
🎶troparion🎶
Today, like the morning sun rising over us,
your all-honored icon enlightens the world with rays of mercy
and our land reverently receives it
as a divine gift from on high,
glorifying you, O Birthgiver of God, Our Lady of Sitka,
with joy magnifying Christ our God Who was born of you.
Pray to Him O Lady Mary, Queen and Theotokos
that all cities and lands be protected from our enemies,
and that they will be saved who in faith venerate your most pure icon
that has come to dwell with us, O Virgin Mother,
who shows us the way to Christ.
🎶kontakion🎶
O Mother of God, chosen from all generations to be the protectress of the Christian people;
we offer you songs of thanksgiving for your wonderworking Icon that has come to Alaska.
You are a fountain of mercy and help all who seek refuge in you.
Defend us in all afflictions, necessities and tribulations that we may cry to you:
Rejoice, zealous defender of the Orthodox faithful in America.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Venerable Acacius of Sinai, who is mentioned in the Ladder - 07 July](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/07/101951-venerable-acacius-of-sinai-who-is-mentioned-in-the-ladder)
🎶troparion🎶
O God of our Fathers,
always act with kindness towards us;
take not Your mercy from us,
but guide our lives in peace
through the prayers of Saints Thomas and Acacius.
🎶kontakion🎶
(Podoben: “Seeking the highest...”)Forsaking the world, you followed Christ from childhood.
Emulating His voluntary humility, you cast down the prideful tyrant.
All-wise and venerable Acacius,
unceasingly pray for us all!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 03 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/03)
## [Epistle reading for the 5th Friday after Pentecost (Romans 16:1-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/03/1)
> I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
## [Gospel reading for the 5th Friday after Pentecost (Matthew 13:4-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/03/2)
> And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Martyr Hyacinth of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, and those with him - 03 July](
Martyr Hyacinth of Caesarea, in Cappadocia, and those with him
Saint Hyacinth, a native of Caesarea in Cappadocia, was raised in a Christian family. The emperor Trajan made the boy his “cubicularius&rdquo...
🎶troparion🎶
Like a fragrant hyacinth of the Church of Christ, O all-blessed Hyacinth,
you radiate grace to the ends of the world.
By the brilliance of your confession of faith,
you were illustrious in contest in emulation of God the Word
and you ever illumine those who acclaim you.
🎶kontakion🎶
Come, you faithful,
plait a crown of unfading hyacinths today for the Martyr Hyacinth,
and let us cry to Him:
“Rejoice, glory of martyrs.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Icon of the Mother of God of Pozhai - 02 July](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/02/101870-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-pozhai)
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 02 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/02)
## [Epistle reading for the 5th Thursday after Pentecost (Romans 15:17-29)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/02/1)
> Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient – in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; and those who have not heard shall understand.” For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
## [Gospel reading for the 5th Thursday after Pentecost (Matthew 12:46-13:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/02/2)
> While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.” But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Saint John [Maximovitch], Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco - 02 July](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/02/206392-saint-john-maximovitch-archbishop-of-shanghai-and-san-francisco)
![Saint John [Maximovitch], Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco](
https://images.oca.org/icons/lg/july/0702john-sanfrancisco.jpg)
🎶troparion🎶
Your care for your flock in its sojourn prefigured your prayers,
which you always offer up for the whole world.
Thus we believe, having come to know your love, O holy hierarch and wonderworker John.
Wholly sanctified by God through the ministry of the all-pure Mysteries,
and ever strengthened by them yourself,
you hastened to the suffering, O healer, easing their afflictions.
Hasten now to help us, who honor you with all our heart.
🎶kontakion🎶
Your heart went out to all who entreat you with love, O hierarch John,
and who remember the struggle of your life, and thy painless and easy repose,
O faithful servant of the all-pure Directress.** Directress refers to the Mother of God as Hodēgḗtria (She who shows the way).
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Martyr Potitus at Naples - 01 July](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/07/01/101861-martyr-potitus-at-naples)
🎶troparion🎶
Your holy martyr Potitus, O Lord,
through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through his intercessions, save our souls!
🎶kontakion🎶
(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Potitus;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 01 July 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/01)
## [Epistle reading for the 5th Wednesday after Pentecost (Romans 15:7-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/01/1)
> Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name.” And again he says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!” And again: “Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!” And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
## [Gospel reading for the 5th Wednesday after Pentecost (Matthew 12:38-45)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/07/01/2)
> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here. When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 30 June 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30)
## [Vespers reading for the 5th Tuesday after Pentecost (Isaiah 43:9-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/1)
> Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear and say, “It is truth.” “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was no foreign god among you; therefore you are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon, and bring them all down as fugitives – the Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships.
## [Vespers reading for the 5th Tuesday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/2)
> But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
## [Vespers reading for the 5th Tuesday after Pentecost (Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-6:3)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/3)
> But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them. The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armor, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies; he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet; he will take holiness as a invincible shield, and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen. Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds, and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them; a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers. Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans.
## [Epistle reading for the Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-praised Twelve Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, the son of Alphaeus, Jude, the brother of James, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias (1 Corinthians 4:9-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/4)
> For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
## [Gospel reading for the Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-praised Twelve Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, the son of Alphaeus, Jude, the brother of James, Simon the Zealot, and Matthias (Mark 3:13-19)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/5)
> And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.
## [Epistle reading for the 5th Tuesday after Pentecost (Romans 14:9-18)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/6)
> For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
## [Gospel reading for the 5th Tuesday after Pentecost (Matthew 12:14-16, 22-30)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/06/30/7)
> Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all. Yet He warned them not to make Him known, Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles - 30 June](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/30/101711-synaxis-of-the-holy-glorious-and-all-praised-twelve-apostles)
🎶troparion🎶
First-enthroned of the apostles,
teachers of the universe:
Entreat the Master of all
to grant peace to the world,
and to our souls great mercy!** Note: The troparion for June 30 is the same as June 29.
🎶kontakion🎶
(Podoben: “Seeking the highest...”)Today Christ the Rock glorifies with highest honor
Peter, the rock of faith and leader of the apostles,
together with Paul and the company of the twelve,
whose memory we celebrate with eagerness of faith,
giving glory to the One Who gave glory to them.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter - 29 June](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/06/29/101841-the-holy-glorious-and-all-praised-leader-of-the-apostles-peter)
🎶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
