# [Scripture Readings for Wednesday, 09 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/09)
## [Epistle reading for the 15th Wednesday after Pentecost (Galatians 3:15-22)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/09/1)
> Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Wednesday after Pentecost (Mark 6:7-13)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/09/2)
> And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts – but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. Also He said to them, “In whatever place you enter a house, stay there till you depart from that place. And whoever will not receive you nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!” So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God - 09 September](
Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God
No information available at this time.
🎶troparion🎶
Your Nativity, O Virgin,
has proclaimed joy to the whole universe!
The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,
has shone from You, O Theotokos!
By annulling the curse,
He bestowed a blessing.
By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.
🎶kontakion🎶
By Your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin,
Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness;
Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death.
And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you:
The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Tuesday, 08 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08)
## [Vespers reading for the 15th Tuesday after Pentecost (Genesis 28:10-17)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/1)
> Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. “Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
## [Vespers reading for the 15th Tuesday after Pentecost (Ezekiel 43:27-44:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/2)
> ‘When these days are over it shall be, on the eighth day and thereafter, that the priests shall offer your burnt offerings and your peace offerings on the altar; and I will accept you,’ says the Lord God.” Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut. And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut. “As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way.” Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell on my face.
## [Vespers reading for the 15th Tuesday after Pentecost (Proverbs 9:1-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/3)
> Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; she has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”
## [Epistle reading for the 15th Tuesday after Pentecost (Galatians 2:21-3:7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/5)
> I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain – if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? – just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Tuesday after Pentecost (Mark 6:1-7)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/6)
> Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, “Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits.
## [Epistle reading for the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (Philippians 2:5-11)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/7)
> Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
## [Gospel reading for the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary (Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/08/8)
> Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!” But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary - 08 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/08/102541-the-nativity-of-our-most-holy-lady-the-mother-of-god-and-ever-vi)
🎶troparion🎶
Your Nativity, O Virgin,
has proclaimed joy to the whole universe!
The Sun of Righteousness,1Christ our God,
has shone from you, O Theotokos!
By annulling the curse,
He bestowed a blessing.
By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.1Malachai 4:2
🎶kontakion🎶
(Original Melody)By your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin,
Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness;
Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death.
And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you:
“The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Martyr Sozon of Cilicia - 07 September](
Martyr Sozon of Cilicia
Saint Sozon lived in the late III century. He was from Lykaonia in Cilicia, and originally his name was Tarasios. When he became a Christian, he wa...
🎶troparion🎶
O Martyr Sozon, you pledged your life to God,
Enduring the contest and becoming a sharer in Christ’s passion.
Save from temptation those who cry to you:
“Glory to him who strengthened you!
Glory to him who crowned you!
Glory to him who through you works healing for all!”
🎶kontakion🎶
As we come together on this day,
let us, with loud voices, remember the true and God-bearing martyr,
and athlete of piety, Sozon,
the divine initiate of grace,
the most bountiful giver of healings,
for he intercedes with God for us all.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Monday, 07 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/07)
## [Epistle reading for the 15th Monday after Pentecost (Galatians 2:11-16)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/07/1)
> Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
## [Gospel reading for the 15th Monday after Pentecost (Mark 5:24-34)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/07/2)
> So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God - 07 September](
Forefeast of the Nativity of the Mother of God
The first lesson at Great Vespers (Genesis 28:10-17) describes Jacob’s dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, and the angels ascend...
🎶troparion🎶
Podoben: “Joseph was amazed....”From the root of Jesse, and from the loins of David,
the godly Mary is born to us today,
for which the universe rejoices and is renewed,
heaven and earth rejoice together.
Praise her, you Fathers of the nations,
Joachim rejoices and Anna celebrates shouting
“The barren woman has conceived the Theotokos, the nourisher of our lives.”
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the Virgin Theotokos Mary
the bridal chamber of the Heavenly Bridegroom
by the will of God is born of a barren woman,
being prepared as the chariot of God the Word.
She was fore-ordained for this, since she is the divine gate and the true Mother of Life.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Martyr Romulus and with him many others - 06 September](
Martyr Romulus and with him many others
The Martyr Romulus lived during the reign of the emperor Trajan (98-117) and was a confidant of the emperor by virtue of his office of military com...
🎶troparion🎶
Your holy martyr Romulus and his companions, O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Sunday, 06 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/06)
## [Matins Gospel reading (Mark 16:9-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/06/1)
> Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
## [Epistle reading for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (2 Corinthians 1:21-2:4)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/06/2)
> Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in sorrow. For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
## [Gospel reading for the 14th Sunday after Pentecost (Matthew 22:1-14)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/06/3)
> And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.”’ But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.”
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Commemoration of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael at Colossae - 06 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/06/102517-commemoration-of-the-miracle-of-the-archangel-michael-at-colossa)
🎶troparion🎶
Michael, commander of the heavenly hosts,
we who are unworthy beseech you,
by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory,
and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry out to you:
“Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commander of the powers on high!”
🎶kontakion🎶
Michael, commander of God’s armies
and minister of the divine glory,
prince of the bodiless angels
and guide of mankind,
ask for what is good for us, and for great mercy,
as supreme commander of the Bodiless Hosts.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Martyr Abdias (Abidas) of Persia - 05 September](
Martyr Abdias (Abidas) of Persia
The Martyr Abdias [or Abidas] suffered in Persia during the reign of the emperor Izdegerd I for his refusal to renounce Christ and instead worship ...
🎶troparion🎶
Your holy martyr Abdias, 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 Abdias;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Saturday, 05 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/05)
## [Epistle reading for the 14th Saturday after Pentecost (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/05/1)
> Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 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.
## [Gospel reading for the 14th Saturday after Pentecost (Matthew 23:1-12)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/05/2)
> Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Holy Prophet Zachariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of Saint John the Baptist - 05 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/05/102502-holy-prophet-zachariah-and-righteous-elizabeth-parents-of-saint)
🎶troparion🎶
Celebrating the memory of the Righteous Zachariah and Elizabeth, O Lord,
together with them we pray to You: "Save our souls."
🎶kontakion🎶
Today the prophet Zachariah, priest of the Most High
and parent of the Forerunner,
has prepared a banquet to his memory to nourish the faithful,
mixing the drink of righteousness.
Therefore we praise him as a divine initiate of the grace of God.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Martyrs Theodore, Mianus, Julian, Kion, and Centurionus, of Nicomedia - 04 September](
Martyrs Theodore, Mianus, Julian, Kion, and Centurionus, of Nicomedia
The Holy Martyrs Theodore, Mianus (Ammianus), Julian and Kion (Oceanus) lived during the reign of Maximian (284-305)and were from the village of Qu...
🎶troparion🎶
Your holy martyrs O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Friday, 04 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/04)
## [Epistle reading for the 14th Friday after Pentecost (Galatians 2:6-10)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/04/1)
> But from those who seemed to be something – whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man – for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.
## [Gospel reading for the 14th Friday after Pentecost (Mark 5:22-24, 35-6:1)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/04/2)
> And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. Come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed, and she will live.” So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him. While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” And He permitted no one to follow Him except Peter, James, and John the brother of James. Then He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw a tumult and those who wept and wailed loudly. When He came in, He said to them, “Why make this commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. But when He had put them all outside, He took the father and the mother of the child, and those who were with Him, and entered where the child was lying. Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement. But He commanded them strictly that no one should know it, and said that something should be given her to eat. Then He went out from there and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Martyr Gorazd of Prague, Bohemia and Moravo-Cilezsk - 04 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/04/102375-martyr-gorazd-of-prague-bohemia-and-moravo-cilezsk)
🎶troparion🎶
Orthodox leader and restorer of the Moravian Church,
Godly chief shepherd, Father Gorazd!
With joy, you suffered for the Truth.
Pray to our gracious God to save our souls!
🎶kontakion🎶
Amid currents of uncertainty, you remained in truth like the hardest diamond,
and you preached to your native land Orthodoxy -- the way of salvation.
After a God-favored life as a teacher of the Gospel, O high priest and shepherd,
you patiently and bravely received the martyrs’ crown from Christ the Savior.
O Martyr, Enlightener, Father Gorazd, pray for us in the Kingdom of God.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
## [Hieromartyr Aristion, Bishop of Alexandria - 03 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/03/102483-hieromartyr-aristion-bishop-of-alexandria)
🎶troparion🎶
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles,
you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Aristion, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint
# [Scripture Readings for Thursday, 03 September 2026 (OCA)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/03)
## [Epistle reading for the 14th Thursday after Pentecost (Galatians 1:1-10, 20-2:5)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/03/1)
> Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me. Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
## [Gospel reading for the 14th Thursday after Pentecost (Mark 5:1-20)](oca.org/readings/daily/2026/09/03/2)
> Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Bible #Scripture #Orthodox #Orthostr #Biblestr
## [Hieromartyr Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia and those with him - 03 September](
https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/09/03/102467-hieromartyr-anthimus-bishop-of-nicomedia-and-those-with-him)
🎶troparion🎶
You protected your flock with your blood,
not fearing your adversaries.
Now you rejoice in heaven standing before the throne.
Glory to Christ who has strengthened you;
glory to your courage;
glory to your endurance, O holy Hieromartyr Anthimus!
🎶kontakion🎶
Illustrious priest and steadfast martyr,
Anthimus, worthy of praise:
You assailed the worship of idols,
and championed your flock which fervently cries to you:
By your prayers deliver us from dangers!
#Christian #OrthodoxChristian #Orthodox #Orthostr #Saint