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: 1 Corinthians 10:23-28
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not
helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.
Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's
well-being.
Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no
questions for conscience' sake;
for "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness."
If any of those who do not believe invites you to
dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no
question for conscience' sake.
But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols,"
do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience'
sake; for "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness."
Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:34-44
"Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means
pass away till all these things are fulfilled.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no
means pass away.
"But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not even the
angels of heaven, but My Father only.
"But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of
the Son of Man be.
"For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and
drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered
the ark,
"and did not know until the flood came and took them all
away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
"Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and
the other left.
"Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken
and the other left.
"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord
is coming.
"But know this, that if the master of the house had known
what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his
house to be broken into.
"Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming
at an hour when you do not expect Him.
Saints and Feasts
Sunday before Holy Cross; Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross; The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre); Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr; Aristides the Philosopher; Hierotheos the Righteous of Iveron Monastery, Mount Athos
