Tenth Week After Pentecost

August 3-9, 2009
August 6th: Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-7 - After six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli'jah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." (RSV)

The Glory of the Cross - Jesus is transfigured to manifest the glory of the Cross, to console Peter and the others in their dread of the Passion and to bring their minds to elevated understanding. Those who went up with him did not hold their peace but were destined to speak of the glory which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem – of his Passion and the glory of the Cross. (St. John Chrysostom)

Scripture Readings

  • Monday - 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Matthew 21:18-22
  • Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 15:29-38, Matthew 21:23-27
  • Wednesday - 1 Corinthians 16:4-12, Matthew 21:28-32
  • Thursday - Exodus 24:12-18, Exodus 33:11-23, 1[3] Kings 19:3-9, 11-13, 15-16, Luke 9:28-36, 2 Peter 1:10-19, Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration)
  • Friday - 2 Corinthians 1:12-20, Matthew 22:23-33
  • Saturday - Romans 15:30-33, Matthew 17:24-18:4
  • Sunday - John 21:1-14, 1 Corinthians 4:9-16, Matthew 17:14-23

Dormition Fast began on August 1st and continues until the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God on August 15th.

Summer Feasts

The Icon is of the Transfiguration of our Lord.

Jesus Christ the Lifegiver

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Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)

Feasts & Fasts

December
6 St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
9 (8) The Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God by the Righteous Anna
11 Second Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Forefathers)
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe (Ruthenians, USA)
18 Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Fathers)
24 Christmas Eve
25 The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ
26 Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God, Boxing Day (Canada)
27 First-Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen
28 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia
29 14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) Slain by Herod at Bethlehem

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