Prayer Before Reading Holy Scripture
O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we may overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.
Epistle Reading: 2 Timothy 4:5-8
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do
the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and
the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I
have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not
to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger
before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You."
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of
the LORD, make His paths straight.' "
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins.
And all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to
him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel's hair and with a leather belt
around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
And he preached, saying, "There comes One after me who is
mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
"I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit."
Saints and Feasts
Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles; Our Righteous Father Theoctistus, Abbot of Cucomo in Sicily; Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; Zosimos the Monk and Athanasios the Notary; Righteous Apollinaria the Senator; Martyrs Chrysanthos and Euphemia; Righteous Euthymios the Younger; New Martyr Onuphrios; Righteous Euthymios of Vatopedi; Righteous John Scholarios
