Fasting Guidelines
Thursday June 13, 2024
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Today’s Commemorations
- The Ascension of our Lord
- Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria
- Saint Triphyllius, Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia), Cyprus
- Venerable Andronikos, Disciple of Saint Sergius
- Venerable Savva, Abbot of Moscow
- Martyr Antonina of Nicea
- Saint Anna and her son, Saint John, of Constantinople
- Venerable James, who was deceived and worshiped the Antichrist
- Saint Antipater, Bishop of Bostra, Arabia
- Saint Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia
- 10,000 Martyrs
- The Finding of the Holy Relics of Saint Nicholas the Deacon of Lesbos
- Transfer of the relics of Saint Paraskevḗ the New
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 2:2-3 (Vespers, 1st reading)
Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Composite 21 – Isaiah 62:10-63:3, 7-9 (Vespers, 2nd reading)
Thus saith the Lord: “Go through and enter my gates; prepare My way and make it a way for my people. Cast the stones out of the way; lift up an ensign for the nations. For behold, the Lord has made it to be heard even to the ends of the earth. Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your Savior comes, having His reward with Him, and His work before Him.’ And they shall call them, The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord.” And you shall be called, A City Sought Out, and Not Forsaken. Who is that comes from Edom, his garment red, from Bosrah? Beautiful in his apparel, he cried out with great strength, “I speak of righteousness and a judgment of salvation!” Why are your garments red, and your apparel like his that treads in the winepress? “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the nations no one was with Me.” I remember the mercy of the Lord, the virtues of the Lord according to all that He has granted us. The Lord is a good judge to the House of Israel; He deals with us according to His mercies, and according to the abundance of His righteousness. And He said, “Is it not My people? Children that will not be rejected? And He became to them salvation out of all their afflications. Not a mediator, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself saved them, because He loved them and spared them; He Himself redeemed them and accepted them, and lifted them up all the days of the age.
Composite 22 – Zechariah 14:1, 4, 8-11 (Vespers, 3rd reading)
Thus saith the Lord: “Behold, the days of the Lord shall come, and His feet shall stand in those days on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem toward the east. And in those days living water shall come forth out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; and so shall it be in the harvest time and in the spring. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in those days there shall be one Lord. His name shall be one, encompassing all the earth, and the wilderness, from Geba to Rimmon, opposite the crest of Jerusalem. And she shall be lifted up, and abide in her place; from the gates of Benjamin to the place of the former gates, and to the gate of the corners, and from the Tower of Hananeel to the king’s winepresses, they shall dwell in her. And no longer shall there be a curse; but Jerusalem shall dwell securely.”
Mark 16:9-20 (Matins Gospel)
Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either. Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.
Acts 1:1-12 (Epistle)
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.
Luke 24:36-53 (Gospel)
Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence. Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
Saints and Feasts Celebrated Today
The Ascension of our Lord 
“AND ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN….”V. Rev. George Florovsky, D.D.“I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and to My God, and Your God” (John 20:17). In these words the Risen Christ described to Mary Magdalene the mystery of His Resurrection. She had to carry this mysterious message to His disciples, “as they mourned and wept” (Mark 16:10). The disciples listened to these glad tidings with fear and amazement, with doubt and mistrust. It was not Thomas alone who doubted among the Eleven. On the contrary, it appears that only one of the Eleven did not doubt—Saint John, the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” He alone grasped the mystery of the empty tomb at once: “and he saw, and believed” (John 20:8). Even Peter left the sepulcher in amazement, “wondering at that which was come to pass” (Luke 24:12).The disciples did not expect the Resurrection. The women did not, either. They were quite certain that Jesus was dead and rested in the grave, and they went to the place “where He was laid,” with the spices they had prepared, “that they might come and anoint Him.” They had but one thought: “Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulcher for us?” (Mark 16:1-3; Luke 24:1). And therefore, on not finding the body, Mary Magdalene was sorrowful and complained: “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him” (John 20:13). On hearing the good news from the angel, the women fled from the sepulchre in fear and trembling: “Neither said they anything to any man, for they were afraid” (Mark 16:8). And when they spoke no one believed them, in the same way as no one had believed Mary, who saw the Lord, or the disciples as they walked on their way into the country, (Mark 16:13), and who recognized Him in the breaking of bread. “And afterward He appeared unto the Eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them who had seen Him after He was risen” (Mark 16:10-14).From whence comes this “hardness of heart” and hesitation? Why were their eyes so “holden,” why were the disciples so much afraid of the news, and why did the Easter joy so slowly, and with such difficulty, enter the Apostles’ hearts? Did not they, who were with Him from the beginning, “from the baptism of John,” see all the signs of power which He performed before the face of the whole people? The lame walked, the blind saw, the dead were raised, and all infirmities were healed. Did they not behold, only a week earlier, how He raised by His word Lazarus from the dead, who had already been in the grave for four days? Why then was it so strange to them that the Master had arisen Himself? How was it that they came to forget that which the Lord used to tell them on many occasions, that after suffering and death He would arise on the third day?The mystery of the Apostles’ “unbelief” is partly disclosed in the narrative of the Gospel: “But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel,” with disillusionment and complaint said the two disciples to their mysterious Companion on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:21). They meant: He was betrayed, condemned to death and crucified. The news of the Resurrection brought by the women only “astonished” them. They still wait for an earthly triumph, for an exernal victory. The same temptation possesses their hearts, which first prevented them from accepting “the preaching of the Cross” and made them argue every time the Saviour tried to reveal His mystery to them. “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26). It was still difficult to understand this.He had the power to arise, why did He allow what that had happened to take place at all? Why did He take upon Himself disgrace, blasphemy and wounds? In the eyes of all Jerusalem, amidst the vast crowds assembled for the Great Feast, He was condemned and suffered a shameful death. And now He enters not into the Holy City, neither to the people which beheld His shame and death, nor to the High Priests and elders, nor to Pilate—so that He might make their crime obvious and smite their pride. Instead, He sends His disciples away to remote Galilee and appears to them there. Even much earlier the disciples wondered, “How is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:22). Their wonder continues, and even on the day of His glorious Ascension the Apostles question the Lord, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They still did not comprehend the meaning of His Resurrection, they did not understand what it meant that He was “ascending” to the Father. Their eyes were opened but later, when “the promise of the Father” had been fulfilled.In the Ascension resides the meaning and the fullness of Christ’s Resurrection.The Lord did not rise in order to return again to the fleshly order of life, so as to live again and commune with the disciples and the multitudes by means of preaching and miracles. Now he does not even stay with them, but only “appears” to them during the forty days, from time to time, and always in a miraculous and mysterious manner. “He was not always with them now, as He was before the Resurrection,” comments Saint John Chrysostom. “He came and again disappeared, thus leading them on to higher conceptions. He no longer permitted them to continue in their former relationship toward Him, but took effectual measures to secure these two objects: That the fact of His Resurrection should be believed, and that He Himself should be ever after apprehended to be greater than man.” There was something new and unusual in His person (cf. John 21:1-14). As Saint John Chrysostom says, “It was not an open presence, but a certain testimony of the fact that He was present.” That is why the disciples were confused and frightened. Christ arose not in the same way as those who were restored to life before Him. Theirs was a resurrection for a time, and they returned to life in the same body, which was subject to death and corruption—returned to the previous mode of life. But Christ arose for ever, unto eternity. He arose in a body of glory, immortal and incorruptible. He arose, never to die, for “He clothed the mortal in the splendor of incorruption.” His glorified Body was already exempt from the fleshly order of existence. “It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body” (I Cor. 15:42-44). This mysterious transformation of human bodies, of which Saint Paul was speaking in the case of our Lord, had been accomplished in three days. Christ’s work on earth was accomplished. He had suffered, was dead and buried, and now rose to a higher mode of existence. By His Resurrection He abolished and destroyed death, abolished the law of corruption, “and raised with Himself the whole race of Adam.” Christ has risen, and now “no dead are left in the grave” (cf. The Easter Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom). And now He ascends to the Father, yet He does not “go away,” but abides with the faithful for ever (cf. The Kontakion of Ascension). For He raises the very earth with Him to heaven, and even higher than any heaven. God’s power, in the phrase of Saint John Chrysostom, “manifests itself not only in the Resurrection, but in something much stronger.” For “He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19).And with Christ, man’s nature ascends also.“We who seemed unworthy of the earth, are now raised to heaven,” says Saint John Chrysostom. “We who were unworthy of earthly dominion have been raised to the Kingdom on high, have ascended higher than heaven, have came to occupy the King’s throne, and the same nature from which the angels guarded Paradise, stopped not until it ascended to the throne of the Lord.” By His Ascension the Lord not only opened to man the entrance to heaven, not only appeared before the face of God on our behalf and for our sake, but likewise “transferred man” to the high places. “He honored them He loved by putting them close to the Father.” God quickened and raised us together with Christ, as Saint Paul says, “and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephes. 2:6). Heaven received the inhabitants of the earth. “The First fruits of them that slept” sits now on high, and in Him all creation is summed up and bound together. “The earth rejoices in mystery, and the heavens are filled with joy.”“The terrible ascent….” Terror-stricken and trembling stand the angelic hosts, contemplating the Ascension of Christ. And trembling they ask each other, “What is this vision? One who is man in appearance ascends in His body higher than the heavens, as God.”Thus the Office for the Feast of the Ascension depicts the mystery in a poetical language. As on the day of Christ’s Nativity the earth was astonished on beholding God in the flesh, so now the Heavens do tremble and cry out. “The Lord of Hosts, Who reigns over all, Who is Himself the head of all, Who is preeminent in all things, Who has reinstated creation in its former order—He is the King of Glory.” And the heavenly doors are opened: “Open, Oh heavenly gates, and receive God in the flesh.” It is an open allusion to Psalms 24:7-10, now prophetically interpreted. “Lift up your heads, Oh ye gates, and be lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty….” Saint Chrysostom says, “Now the angels have received that for which they have long waited, the archangels see that for which they have long thirsted. They have seen our nature shining on the King’s throne, glistening with glory and eternal beauty…. Therefore they descend in order to see the unusual and marvelous vision: Man appearing in heaven.”The Ascension is the token of Pentecost, the sign of its coming, “The Lord has ascended to heaven and will send the Comforter to the world”For the Holy Spirit was not yet in the world, until Jesus was glorified. And the Lord Himself told the disciples, “If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you” (John 16:7). The gifts of the Spirit are “gifts of reconciliation,” a seal of an accomplished salvation and of the ultimate reunion of the world with God. And this was accomplished only in the Ascension. “And one saw miracles follow miracles,” says Saint John Chrysostom, “ten days prior to this our nature ascended to the King’s throne, while today the Holy Ghost has descended on to our nature.” The joy of the Ascension lies in the promise of the Spirit. “Thou didst give joy to Thy disciples by a promise of the Holy Spirit.” The victory of Christ is wrought in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.“On high is His body, here below with us is His Spirit. And so we have His token on high, that is His body, which He received from us, and here below we have His Spirit with us. Heaven received the Holy Body, and the earth accepted the Holy Spirit. Christ came and sent the Spirit. He ascended, and with Him our body ascended also” (Saint John Chrysostom). The revelation of the Holy Trinity was completed. Now the Spirit Comforter is poured forth on all flesh. “Hence comes foreknowledge of the future, understanding of mysteries, apprehension of what is hidden, distribution of good gifts, the heavenly citizenship, a place in the chorus of angels, joy without end, abiding in God, the being made like to God, and, highest of all, the being made God!” (Saint Basil, On the Holy Spirit, IX). Beginning with the Apostles, and through communion with them—by an unbroken succession—Grace is spread to all believers. Through renewal and glorification in the Ascended Christ, man’s nature became receptive of the spirit. “And unto the world He gives quickening forces through His human body,” says Bishop Theophanes. “He holds it completely in Himself and penetrates it with His strength, out of Himself; and He likewise draws the angels to Himself through the spirit of man, giving them space for action and thus making them blessed.” All this is done through the Church, which is “the Body of Christ;” that is, His “fullness” (Ephesians 1:23). “The Church is the fulfillment of Christ,” continues Bishop Theophanes, “perhaps in the same way as the tree is the fulfillment of the seed. That which is contained in the seed in a contracted form receives its development in the tree.”The very existence of the Church is the fruit of the Ascension. It is in the Church that man’s nature is truly ascended to the Divine heights. “And gave Him to be Head over all things” (Ephesians 1:22). Saint John Chrysostom comments: “Amazing! Look again, whither He has raised the Church. As though He were lifting it up by some engine, He has raised it up to a vast height, and set it on yonder throne; for where the Head is, there is the body also. There is no interval of separation between the Head and the body; for were there a separation, then would the one no longer be a body, nor would the other any longer be a Head.” The whole race of men is to follow Christ, even in His ultimate exaltation, “to follow in His train.” Within the Church, through an acquisition of the Spirit in the fellowship of Sacraments, the Ascension continues still, and will continue until the measure is full. “Only then shall the Head be filled up, when the body is rendered perfect, when we are knit together and united,” concludes Saint John Chrysostom.The Ascension is a sign and token of the Second Coming. “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).The mystery of God’s Providence will be accomplished in the Return of the Risen Lord. In the fulfillment of time, Christ’s kingly power will be revealed and spread over the whole of faithful mankind. Christ bequeathes the Kingdom to the whole of the faithful. “And I appoint unto you a Kingdom as My Father has appointed unto me. That ye may eat and drink at My table in My Kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:29-30). Those who followed Him faithfully will sit with Him on their thrones on the day of His coming. “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne” (Rev. 3:21). Salvation will be consummated in the Glory. “Conceive to yourself the throne, the royal throne, conceive the immensity of the privilege. This, at least if we chose, might more avail to startle us, yea, even than hell itself” (Saint John Chrysostom).We should tremble more at the thought of that abundant Glory which is appointed unto the redeemed, than at the thought of the eternal darkness. “Think near Whom Thy Head is seated….” Or rather, Who is the Head. In very truth, “wondrous and terrible is Thy divine ascension from the mountain, O Giver of Life.” A terrible and wondrous height is the King’s throne. In face of this height all flesh stands silent, in awe and trembling. “He has Himself descended to the lowest depths of humiliation, and raised up man to the height of exaltation.” What then should we do? “If thou art the body of Christ, bear the Cross, for He bore it” (Saint John Chrysostom).“With the power of Thy Cross, Oh Christ, establish my thoughts, so that I may sing and glorify Thy saving Ascension.” Originally published in Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Quarterly, Vol. 2 # 3, 1954. Used with permission.
Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria 
The Holy Martyr Aquilina, a native of the Phoenician city of Byblos, suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Her parents raised her in Christian piety. When the girl was only twelve years old, she persuaded a pagan friend to convert to Christ. One of the servants of the imperial governor Volusian accused her of teaching others not to follow the religion of their fathers. The girl firmly confessed her faith in Christ before the governor and said that she would not renounce Him. Volusian tried to influence the young confessor through persuasion and by flattery, but seeing her confidence, he ordered her to be tortured. They struck her upon the face, then they stripped her and beat her with whips. The torturer asked, “Where then is your God? Let Him come and take you out of my hands”. The saint answered, “The Lord is here with me invisibly, and the more I suffer, the more strength and endurance will He give me.” They drilled through the martyr’s ears with heated metal rods. The holy virgin fell down as if dead. The torturer thought that the girl had actually died, and he gave orders to throw her body outside the city to be eaten by dogs. By night a holy angel appeared to Saint Aquilina, roused her and said, “Arise and be healed. Go and denounce Volusian, so that he and his plans may come to nothing.” The martyr went to the court of the governor and stood before Volusian. Seeing Saint Aquilina, he called for his servants and ordered them to keep watch over her until morning. In the morning he sentenced Saint Aquilina to death, saying that she was a sorceress who did not obey the imperial decrees. When they led the saint to execution, she prayed and gave thanks to God for allowing her to suffer for His Holy Name. A voice was heard in answer to her prayer, summoning her to the heavenly Kingdom. Before the executioner could carry out the sentence, the martyr gave up her spirit to God (+ 293). The executioner feared to disobey the governor’s orders, so he cut off her head although she was already dead. Christians piously buried the martyr’s body. Later, her relics were taken to Constantinople and placed in a church named for her.
Saint Triphyllius, Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia), Cyprus 
Saint Tryphillius, Bishop of Leukosia, was born in Constantinople, and he received his education at Berit (Beirut, in Lebanon). He was very intelligent and eloquent. In spite of this, the saint chose as his guide a man neither bookish nor learned, but one of conspicuous holiness: Saint Spyridon of Tremithos (December 12).The emperor Constantine II (337-340) fell grievously ill, and receiving no help from the doctors, he turned to God. In a dream he saw an angel, directing him to a group of hierarchs. Pointing out two of them, the angel said that only through them could he receive healing. Constantine issued an imperial edict, commanding the bishops to assemble. Saint Spyridon also received this order, and went to the emperor with his disciple Saint Tryphillius. The sick one immediately recognized them as the healers indicated by the angel. He bowed to them and asked them to pray for his health. Saint Spyridon with a prayer touched the head of the emperor, and he became well.Saint Tryphillius was charmed by the beautiful palace, the majestic figure of the emperor, and the pomp of palace life. Saint Spyridon said, “Why are you astonished? Does all this make the emperor any more righteous? All of them, emperors and dignitaries alike, will die and stand together with the very poorest before the judgment seat of God. One should seek eternal blessings and heavenly glory.”Soon Saint Tryphillius was made Bishop of Leukosia on Cyprus. He often visited with Saint Spyridon. Once, they passed through an area of vineyards and gardens of special beauty and abundance, named Parimnos. Saint Tryphillius, attracted by the beauty of nature, considered how they might explore this land. Saint Spyridon discerned the thoughts of Saint Tryphillius and said, “Why do you always think about earthly and transitory blessings? Our habitation and riches are in Heaven, for which we ought to strive.” Thus did Saint Spyridon lead his disciple toward spiritual perfection, which Saint Tryphillius attained through the prayers of his instructor. Saint Tryphillius had a charitable soul, a heart without malice, right faith and love towards all, and many other virtues.Once, a Council of bishops assembled on Cyprus. The Fathers of the Council requested that Saint Tryphillius, known for his erudition and eloquence, address the people. Speaking about the healing of the paralytic by the Lord (Mark 2:11), in place of the word “cot” he used the word “bed”. Impatient with the imprecise rendering of the Gospel text, Saint Spyridon said to Saint Tryphillius, “Are you better than He who said “cot”, that you should be ashamed of His wording?” and abruptly he left the church.In this way Saint Spyridon gave Saint Tryphillius a lesson in humility, so that he would not become proud of his own eloquence. Saint Tryphillius wisely shepherded his flock. From the inheritance left him by his mother, he built a monastery at Leukosia. The saint died in old age in about the year 370.The Russian pilgrim Igumen Daniel saw the relics of Saint Tryphillius on Cyprus at the beginning of the twelfth century.
Venerable Andronikos, Disciple of Saint Sergius 
Saint Andronikos (Andrónikos), a native of Rostov, began his spiritual life under the guidance of the great luminary Saint Sergius of Radonezh. He was a lover of the spiritual life, so Metropolitan Alexei chose Andronikos to be the Igoumen of the new Monastery of the All-Merciful Savior, which he hoped to build, with God’s help, in honor of the Icon of the Savior not made by hands, in order to fulfill a vow he made after he was delivered from a great storm at sea when he sailed from Constantinople. A site was chosen on the Yauza River, the same place where Prince Vsevolod Yurievich engaged the hordes of Batu in a bloody battle. Saint Sergius went there to pray for the new Monastery. In 1361 construction was completed, and Saint Andronikos assumed the duties entrusted to him. Father Igoumen set an example for the brethren by his strict fasting, meekness, and humility, and these qualities drew many people to the Monastery. They came to learn the Law of God, and some of them even became monks. With the blessing of Saint Alexei, a dormitory was built in the Monastery. Saint Sergius did not neglect to visit his disciple and inspire him to greater ascetical contests (podvigs). In 1365, Saint Sergius came to venerate the Icon of the Savior not made by hands before setting off on a long journey to Nizhny Novgorod to visit Prince Boris. Then he spoke with Andronikos for a long time. At the place of their farewell a chapel was built. Metropolitan Alexei and Great Prince Demetrios also stayed at the Savior–Andronikov Monastery to pray before the icon of the Savior prior to the Prince’s campaign against the Horde (1381). The spiritual life flourished at the Savior–Andronikov Monastery under the supervision of its vigilant Igoumen. Saint Joseph of Volokolamsk wrote: “Saint Andronikos shone with great virtues. His disciples Savva and Alexander lived with him, and were accomplished iconographers, also Daniel, his disciple Andrew, and many other iconographers were so distinguished by their zeal for fasting and the monastic life that they were honored with Divine grace. Their minds and thoughts were turned to the Divine light, and their eyes looked lovingly at the painted faces of Christ, the Most Pure Mother of God, and of all the Saints.” In 1405 Saint Andrew Rublev painted the walls of the church of the Annunciation, and other icons; in 1408, together with Daniel the Black, he adorned the cathedral church at Vladimir. Then they painted the Savior–Andronikov Monastery. At Saint Nikon’s request, their last works were dedicated to the memory of Saint Sergius. The Chronicle says: “Venerable Andronikos hastily gathered painters, excellent men, perfect in virtue, Daniel, his companion Andrew, and their assistants. With God’s help, they set to work diligently and adorned the churches with wondrous icons, which remain astonishing to this day. After living until a ripe old age, Saint Andronikos handed over the administration of the Monastery to his disciple Saint Savva, while he, following the example of his Elder Sergius, began preparing for his departure to everlasting life by his profond silence. The great ascetic reposed in 1404, and was buried in the Cathedral of the Savior–Andronikov Monastery. In 1812, the French looted the Monastery, yet the relics remained intact. The head disappeared, however. After 1917, the rest of the relics also disappeared. In 1993, as a result of archaeological research under the ancient altar of the Savior–Andronikov Cathedral, the oldest burials in the Monastery were discovered. Professor Oleg Ulyanov, the scientific director of the excavations, attributed the relics to the founders of the Savior–Andronikov Monastery: Saints Andronikos and Savva of Moscow. Saint Andronikos is commemorated on June 13 (his blessed repose); on July 6 (Synaxis of the Radonezh Saints); on the second Sunday after Pentecost (All Saints of Russia); and on the Sunday before August 26 (Synaxis of the Moscow Saints).
Venerable Savva, Abbot of Moscow Saint Savva of Moscow succeeded Saint Andronicus as the igumen of the monastery of the Savior, dedicated to the Icon of Christ Not-Made-By Hands (August 16) in 1395. He died in 1410.
Martyr Antonina of Nicea 
The Holy Martyr Antonina suffered during the third century under Diocletian (284-305) in the city of Nicea. They tortured her in various ways: they burned her with fire, they put her on a red-hot plate, they bored into her hands and feet with red-hot rods and they threw her in prison, where she languished for two days.These torments did not break Saint Antonina’s spirit, and to her very death she confessed her faith in Christ. They threw the holy martyr into the sea.
Saint Anna and her son, Saint John, of Constantinople 
Saint Anna and her son Saint John lived in the ninth century. Saint Anna was the daughter of a deacon of the Blachernae church in Constantinople. After the death of her husband, she dressed in men’s clothing and called herself Euthymianus. She and her son Saint John lived in asceticism in one of the Bythinian monasteries near Olympus.Saint Anna died in Constantinople in 826. Her memory is also celebrated on October 29.
Saint Antipater, Bishop of Bostra, Arabia 
Saint Antipater’s life is not to be found in the Synaxaristes. From other sources, we know that he was the Bishop of Bostra in Arabia, and he lived in the second half of the fifth century. He was esteemed highly by his contemporaries. His best known work was a book refuting the doctrines of Origen, which has been lost, and only a few fragments of it have been preserved in the Acts of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. He is known to have composed a treatise against the Apollonarians, but we possess only a few fragments of it. Two of his sermons have survived, however: one on the Annunciation, and another on Saint John the Baptist. Saint Antipater reposed in peace.
Saint Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia 
Saint Anthimus of Iberia was one of the most highly educated people of his time. He was fluent in many languages, including Greek, Romanian, Old Slavonic, Arabic, and Turkish and well-versed in theology, literature, and the natural sciences. He was unusually gifted in the fine arts—in painting, engraving, and sculpture in particular. He was famed for his beautiful calligraphy. Finally, Saint Anthimus was a great writer, a renowned orator, and a reformer of the written Romanian language.Little is known about the youth of Saint Anthimus. He was a native of the Samtskhe region in southern Georgia. His parents, John and Mariam, gave him the name Andria at Baptism. He accompanied King Archil to Russia and helped him to found a Georgian print shop there, but after he returned he was captured by Dagestani robbers and sold into slavery. Through the efforts of Patriarch Dositheus of Jerusalem, Anthimus was finally set free, but he remained in the patriarch’s service in order to further his spiritual education.Already famed for his paintings, engravings, and calligraphy, Anthimus was asked by Prince Constantine Brincoveanu (1688-1714) of Wallachia (present-day Romania) to travel to his kingdom around the year 1691. After he had arrived in Wallachia, he began to manage a local print shop. The printing industry in that country advanced tremendously at that time, and the chief inspiration and driving force behind the great advances was the Georgian master Anthimus. He succeeded in making Wallachia a center of Christianity and a major publisher of books for all the East. In 1694 Anthimus was enthroned as abbot of Snagov Monastery (in present-day Romania), where he soon founded a print shop. In the same year his new print shop published Guidelines for the Divine Services on May 21, All Saints’ Day. The book was signed by Subdeacon Michael Ishtvanovich, future founder of the first Georgian print shop.In 1705 Anthimus, “the chosen among chosen abbots of Wallachia,” was consecrated bishop of Rimnicu Vilcea, and in 1708 he was appointed metropolitan of Hungro-Wallachia. The whole country celebrated his elevation. As one abbot proclaimed: “The divine Anthimus, a great man and son of the wise Iberian nation, has come to Wallachia and enlightened our land. God has granted him an inexhaustible source of wisdom, entrusted him to accomplish great endeavors, and helped to advance our nation by establishing for us a great printing industry.”Under the direct leadership of Saint Anthimus, more than twenty churches and monasteries were erected in Wallachia. Of particular significance is All Saints’ Monastery, located in the center of Bucharest. The main gates of this monastery were made of oak and carved with traditional Georgian motifs by Saint Anthimus himself. The metropolitan also established rules for the monastery and declared its independence from the Church of Constantinople.From the day of his consecration, Metropolitan Anthimus fought tirelessly for the liberation of Wallachia from foreign oppressors. On the day he was ordained he addressed his flock: “You have defended the Christian Faith in purity and without fault. Nevertheless, you are surrounded and tightly bound by the violence of other nations. You endure countless deprivations and tribulations from those who dominate this world…. Though I am unworthy and am indeed younger than many of you—like David, I am the youngest among my brothers— the Lord God has anointed me to be your shepherd. Thus I will share in your future trials and griefs and partake in the lot that God has appointed for you.”His words were prophetic: In 1714 the Turks executed the Wallachian prince Constantine Brincoveanu, and in 1716 they executed Stefan Cantacuzino (1714-1716), the last prince of Wallachia. In his place they appointed the Phanariote (a member of one of the principal Greek families of the Phanar, the Greek quarter of Constantinople, who, as administrators in the civil bureaucracy, exercised great influence in the Ottoman Empire after the Turkish conquest) Nicholas Mavrokordatos, who concerned himself only with the interests of the Ottoman Empire. During this difficult time, Anthimus of Iberia gathered around him a group of loyal boyar patriots determined to liberate their country from Turkish and Phanariote domination. But Nicholas Mavrokordatos became suspicious, and he ordered Anthimus to resign as metropolitan. When Anthimus failed to do so, he filed a complaint with Patriarch Jeremiah of Constantinople. Then a council of bishops, which did not include a single Romanian clergyman, condemned the “conspirator and instigator of revolutionary activity” to anathema and excommunication and declared him unworthy to be called a monk. But Nicholas Mavrokordatos was still unsatisfied and claimed that to deny Anthimus the title of Metropolitan of Hungro-Wallachia was insufficient punishment. He ordered Anthimus to be exiled far from Wallachia, to Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai. Metropolitan Anthimus, beloved of the Romanian people, was escorted out of the city at night since the conspirators feared the reaction of the people. But Metropolitan Anthimus never reached Mt. Sinai. On September 14, 1716, a band of Turkish soldiers stabbed Saint Anthimus to death on the bank of the Tundzha (Tunca) River where it flows through Adrianople, not far from Gallipoli, and cast his butchered remains into the river.Thus ended the earthly life of one more Georgian saint—a man who had dedicated all of his strength, talent, and knowledge to the revival of Christian culture and the strengthening of the Wallachian people in the Orthodox Faith. In 1992 the Romanian Church canonized Anthimus of Iberia and proclaimed his commemoration day to be September 14, the day of his repose. The Georgian Church commemorates him on June 13.
The Finding of the Holy Relics of Saint Nicholas the Deacon of Lesbos 
Today we commemorate the finding of the relics of Saint Nicholas the Deacon at Karyes Monastery on Lesbos on June 13, 1960. In April of 1960 he appeared to three women in the town of Thermi, telling them where his relics were to be found. They hesitated to ask the Metropolitan of Mytilene for permission to dig, lest the tomb should not be found and they become objects of derision. Finally, they went and told the Metropolitan about seeing Saint Nicholas in their dreams, and the Hierarch blessed them to dig. Doukas Tsolakis was asked to dig where the women told him. He dug a little, and then stopped because the ground was hard. That night Doukas saw Saint Nicholas in a dream, sitting at the very place where he had been digging. The Saint said, “I am Nicholas. Why do you doubt that my grave is here?” Then he told Doukas that he would be punished if he did not dig at the spot indicated by the women. On June 13, 1960, Mr. Tsolakis was helped by another workman, and after some difficulties, the Martyr’s relics were found. That day was one of great rejoicing for the pious people, for many miracles took place. On that same day, a round Patriarchal Privelege Seal was found. It was made of lead and silver, and was from the XIV century. One side depicted the Mother of God, and the Archangel Michael on the other. Other persons also saw Deacon Nicholas in their dreams, and he told them that he was a native of Thessaloniki, from an aristocratic family, and he was ordained as a Deacon. In 1454, Saint Nicholas accompanied Saint Raphael to Lesbos after the Turks invaded Thrace. In 1463, the Turks invaded the Karyes Monastery and captured the monks, subjecting them to various torments. Then the Turks dragged Archimandrite Raphael by his hair and beard, and tied him to a tree. They beat him and struck him with their heated weapons. Finally, they sawed through his mouth, separating the jaw and his head. This took place on Bright Tuesday (April 9, 1463). Saint Nicholas died of heart failure after witnessing Saint Raphael’s martyrdom. Saint Nicholas is short and thin, with a small blond beard. Sometimes he appears in his vestments, holding a censer. He always stands before Saint Raphael with great respect.
Read more about Saints Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene
Venerable James, who was deceived and worshiped the Antichrist
Saint James had so much love for Christ, and so little regard for the things of this world, that he sold all of all his possessions, and distributed the money to the poor, keeping none for himself. Unfortunately, he was overcome with pride. He said to himself, “Who knows better than I do, concerning my salvation?” Following his own will and personal inclinations, he lived in solitude, undertaking difficult spiritual struggles without first seeking the advice of wiser, more experienced ascetics. Because of his pride, he fell away from God’s grace. Therefore, Satan was able to enter his soul. One day he was visited by a demon who had assumed the appearance of an Angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). He told James that Christ was very pleased by his labors, and would come that night to reward him. “Clean your cell,” he said, “and make ready by lighting the lamps and burning incense.” James, blinded by his delusion, accepted these words without question. When the Antichrist appeared at midnight, James opened his door and fell down in worship before him. The devil struck him on the head, and then vanished. Only then did the deceived monk realize the truth. He awoke at dawn and went to visit a certain Elder to tell him what had happened, and to ask how he might atone for his sin. Before James could utter a single word, the Elder said, “You must leave this place, for you have been deceived by Satan.” James was heartbroken and wept bitter tears. The Elder advised him to go to a cenobitic monastery in order to acquire humility, the cornerstone of all the virtues. There he observed all the rules of the Monastery and persevered in his assigned obedience in the trapeza. Then for another seven years, he sat in his cell working at some handicraft, and performing his Prayer Rule. After some time, Saint James was restored to grace, acquiring the gift of discernment, following God’s straight and narrow path, and becoming a great worker of miracles. After living the rest of his life in all righteousness and humility, he reposed in peace. No one knows where he lived, or when.
10,000 Martyrs
Today we also commemorate 10,000 Martyrs, beheaded by the sword for Christ. The year of their death is not known.
Transfer of the relics of Saint Paraskevḗ the New
Troparion — Tone 2
You loved the solitary and hesychastic life, / and then, with diligence, you hastened after Christ, your Bridegroom, and took up His easy yoke in your youth. / Armed with the Sign of the Cross, / you contended courageously against noetic enemies; / through fasting, prayer, and by shedding tears, / you extinguished the embers of the passions, O glorious Paraskevḗ. / Now, standing in the heavenly Bridal Chamber of Christ, together with the wise virgins, / intercede for us who honor your holy memory.
Kontakion — Tone 6
Devoutly let us all praise the most honorable Paraskevḗ, / a holy intercessor for the afflicted; / for she left this perishable life behind and received eternal incorruption. / Therefore, she has been given the grace of working miracles, by the command of God.
Today’s Hymns
The Ascension of our Lord – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
O Christ God, You have ascended in Glory,
granting joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Through the blessing they were assured
that You are the Son of God,
the Redeemer of the world!
Kontakion — Tone 6
When You had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake,
and united earth to heaven:
You ascended in glory, O Christ our God,
not being parted from those who love You,
but remaining with them and crying:
“I am with you and no one will be against you!”
Martyr Aquilina of Byblos in Syria – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
Your lamb Aquilina, calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice:
“I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering.
In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You,
and I died so that I might live with You.
Accept me as a pure sacrifice,
for I have offered myself in love.”
Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.
Kontakion — Tone 3
You ascended to the heights through martyrdom, all-honorable Aquilina,
having purified your soul through the virtues of your virginity.
You were wounded with love for Christ your bridegroom,
before whom you stand rejoicing with the angels;
together with them unceasingly pray for us all.
Saint Triphyllius, Bishop of Leucosia (Nicosia), Cyprus – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Triphyllius,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.
Venerable Andronikos, Disciple of Saint Sergius – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 1
Having loved silence from your youth, you came to Mount Makovets, O blessed Andrónikos,
and established a coenobitic Monastery in the earthly city of Moscow;
and now as you rejoice in the abode of the Heavenly City,
pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Venerable Savva, Abbot of Moscow – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father Savva, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
Martyr Antonina of Nicea – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 3
Your holy martyr Antonina, O Lord,
through her sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God.
For having Your strength, she laid low her adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through her intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion — Tone 2
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance,
which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Antonina;
extinguishing the allure of false gods,
you enlighten the faithful,
always interceding for us all.
Saint Anna and her son, Saint John, of Constantinople – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O holy Anna and John, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
Venerable James, who was deceived and worshiped the Antichrist – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
O our holy father James, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!
Saint Antipater, Bishop of Bostra, Arabia – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Antipater,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.
Saint Anthimus, Bishop of Georgia – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Anthimus,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.
10,000 Martyrs – Troparion & Kontakion
Troparion — Tone 4
Your holy martyrs O Lord,
through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God.
For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries,
and shattered the powerless boldness of demons.
Through their intercessions, save our souls!
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Fasting guidelines provided by The Greek American Orthodox Archdiocese (GOARCH).
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