Our Holy Father Stephen the Confessor, Archbishop of Surozh; The Holy Hieromartyr Eleutherius. Our Venerable Father Paul of Latra.

Troparia and Kontakia

Troparion, Tone 4: O holy priest-martyr Eleutherius,* you lent yourself to the apostles’ way of life* and succeeded them on their throne.* Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue.* Therefore, you became a perfect teacher of truth,* fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood.* Intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Troparion, Tone 4: You were numbered among the monks and a companion of angels,* and so we raise this song to you, O glorious Paul.* Pray that we may find mercy for our souls.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Kontakion, Tone 2: We all sing a hymn of praise to you, O holy one,* splenduor of bishops and an example of victory.* We beseech you, O priest-martyr, to deliver from danger* all those who celebrate your memory with fervour.* Intercede unceasingly for all of us.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

Kontakion. Tone 8: You acted maturely from your childhood and spurned the goods of the world.* You became a temple of the Trinity in your quest for the divine life.* You enlighten those who come to you,* and so we sing: Rejoice, O generous father Paul.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.

verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear all you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 28:4,2)

Epistle

Hebrews 9:8-10,15-23

Brothers and Sisters, the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent is still standing. This is a symbol of the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various baptisms, regulations for the body imposed until the time comes to set things right.

For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. Where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. Hence not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. For when every commandment had been told to all the people by Moses in accordance with the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the scroll itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you.” And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Thus it was necessary for the sketches of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves need better sacrifices than these.

Alleluia, Tone 2

verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment.

verse: The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps will not falter. (Psalm 36:30,31)

Gospel

Mark 8:22-26

At that time, Jesus came to Bethsaida. Some people brought a blind man to him and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Then he sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not even go into the village.”

Communion Hymn

The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)