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The Orthodox Pages email: pater@christopherklitou.com
THE BOOK OF
THE APOSTLE |
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Apostle Readings for Various Occasions |
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Apostle at the Dedication [Consecration] of a Church Prokhimenon. Tone 1. [Psalm 26] Verse: The Lord is my light and my Saviour. Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 2:11-18 Brethren, both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Alleluia [3]. Tone 3 [Psalm 54]. Verse: It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. Verse: Unto God I cried, and the Lord hearkened unto me.
Prokhimenon. Tone 3. [Psalm 44] Verse: Virgins shall be brought to the King after her. Verse: Her fellows shall be brought to thee. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Hebrews 9:1-7 Brethren, the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.
Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [Psalm 92] Verse: Holiness becomes Thine house, O Lord, for ever. Verse: The Lord reigneth, He is clothed with majesty.
The
reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews. Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Apostle at the Sacrament of Baptism Prokhimenon. Tone 1. [Psalm 26] Verse: The Lord is my light and my Saviour. Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Rom 6: 3-11 Brethren, know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia [3]. Tone 6 [Psalm 44]. Verse: My heart is inditing a good matter. Verse: Grace is poured into thy lips.
Apostle at the Sacrament of Marriage Prokhimenon. Tone 8. [Psalm 20] Verse: Thou hast set upon their heads crowns of precious stones. Verse: They asked life from Thee and Thou didst give them length of days. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians. Ephesians. 5: 20-33 Brethren, give thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband. Alleluia [3]. Tone 8 [Psalm 11]. Verse: Thou, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us. Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man ceaseth.
Apostles at the Sacrament of Holy Unction
First Apostle Prokhimenon. Tone 8. [Psalm 32] Verse: Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us. Verse: Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous. The reading is from the General Epistle of St. James. James 5:10-16 Brethren, take, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Alleluia [3]. Tone 8 [Psalm 100]. Verse: I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord.
Prokhimenon. Tone 2. [Psalm 117]. Verse: The Lord is my strength and my song. Verse: The Lord hath chastened me sore. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Romans 15:1-7 Brethren, we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Alleluia [3]. Tone 5 [Psalm 88]. Verse: I will sing of mercies, O Lord, for ever.
Prokhimenon. Tone 1. [Psalm 26] Verse: The Lord is my light and my Saviour. Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life. The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8 Brethren, ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth. Alleluia [3]. Tone 2 [Psalm 30]. Verse: In thee, O Lord, have I hoped; let me never be ashamed.
Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [Psalm 101] Verse: In the day when I call answer me speedily. Verse: Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 Brethren, ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Alleluia
[3]. Tone 1. [Psalm
39]
Prokhimenon. Tone 5. [Psalm 11]. Verse: Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and shalt preserve us. Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man ceaseth. The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Brethren, we would not, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. Alleluia [3]. Tone 5 [Psalm 88]. Verse: I will sing of Thy mercies, O Lord, for ever.
Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [Psalm 50]. Verse: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness. Verse: Create in me a clean heart, O God. The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. Galatians 5:22-6:2 Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Alleluia [3]. Tone 6 [Psalm 111]. Verse: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord.
Prokhimenon. Tone 4. [Psalm 6]. Verse: O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger. Verse: Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak. The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 Brethren, we exhort you, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For those who have Fallen Asleep [At the Funeral Service] Prokhimenon. Tone 6. [Psalm 24, 27] Verse: Their souls shall dwell at ease. Verse: Unto thee will I cry, O Lord my God. The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Alleluia [3]. Tone 6 [Psalm 64, 101]. Verse: Blessed are they whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee. Verse: And their remembrance from generation to generation.
Another Apostle for the Departed1 The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 15:47-57 Brethren, the first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Brethren, Christ is risen from the dead, and hath become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans. Romans 14:6-10 Brethren, he that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
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