Epistle Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and
not according to the tradition which he received from us.
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us,
for we were not disorderly among you;
nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but
worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to
any of you,
not because we do not have authority, but to make
ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
For even when we were with you, we commanded you
this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
For we hear that there are some who walk among you
in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
Now those who are such we command and exhort through
our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing
good.
And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle,
note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him
as a brother.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace
always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a
sign in every epistle; so I write.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:2-12
"For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor
hidden that will not be known.
"Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard
in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be
proclaimed on the housetops.
"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who
kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after
He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!
"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one
of them is forgotten before God.
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear
therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
"Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the
Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God.
"But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the
angels of God.
"And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will
be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will
not be forgiven.
"Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates
and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what
you should say.
"For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what
you ought to say."
Saints and Feasts
Bishop Raphael Hawaweeny of Brooklyn; Acepsimas the Bishop, Joseph the Presbyter, & Aeithalas the Deacon, Martyrs of Persia; Dedication of the Temple of the Holy Great Martyr George in Lydda; Holy Father and New Hieromartyr Gregory of Neapolis; Theodore the Confessor, Bishop of Ancyra; George of Neapolis the New Martyr; Winifred of Treffynnon
