Epistle Reading: Hebrews 7:7-17
Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the
better.
Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them,
of whom it is witnessed that he lives.
Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,
so to speak,
for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek
met him.
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical
priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need
was there that another priest should rise according to the order of
Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?
For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also
a change of the law.
For He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another
tribe, from which no man has officiated at the altar.
For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which
tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of
Melchizedek, there arises another priest
who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly
commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.
For He testifies: "You are a priest forever according to the
order of Melchizedek."
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Now when the days of her purification according to the law of
Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the
Lord
(as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who
opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"),
and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law
of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon,
and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents
brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the
law,
he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
"Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
according to Your word;
for my eyes have seen Your salvation
which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of
Your people Israel."
And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were
spoken of Him.
Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold,
this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a
sign which will be spoken against
(yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that
the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband
seven years from her virginity;
and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did
not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night
and day.
And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and
spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
So when they had performed all things according to the law of
the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Saints and Feasts
The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple; Gabriel the New Martyr of Constantinople; Jordan the New Martyr; Agathadoros the Martyr of Cappadocia
