Saturday 8th February 2025
Afterfeast of the Presentaion of Our Lord in the Temple
Today we commemorate:
Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (‘the General’), of Heraclea (319).
Righteous Prophet Zechariah (c.520 BC).
St. Sava (Sabbas) II, archbishop of Serbia (1269).
Holy Martyr Conitus of Alexandria (249).
St. Agathangelos, bishop of Damascus (c.325).
British Isles and Ireland:
St. Kegwe of Monmouthshire (6th C).
St. Oncho of Clonmore, poet and pilgrim (600).
St. Cuthman of Steyning, hermit (8th C).
St. Elfleda, abbess of Whitby (714).
SS. Jacut and Guethenoc (5th C).
2 Timothy 2:11-19; Luke 18:2-8
Readings in bold type are those appointed by the Typikon for use at the Liturgy
Epistle
2 Timothy 2:11-19
The saying is true: ‘If we died with him, we shall also live with him. If we persevere, we shall also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he remains faithful; he cannot disown himself.’ Remind them of these things and solemnly warn them in the presence of the Lord not to quibble over words. That serves no purpose except to undermine those listening. Strive to present yourself approved by God, a worker with no cause to be ashamed who correctly discerns the word of truth. But avoid profane babblings because they lead people into yet more irreverence, and their words will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus who turned away from the truth, saying that the resurrection had already happened and overturning the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, and it bears these credentials: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and ‘Let every one who professes the name of the Lord turn away from unrighteousness.’
Gospel
Luke 18:2-8
Jesus said, ‘There was a judge in a certain city who did not fear God and did not respect anyone. And in that city there was a widow who would come to him, saying, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” For a while he would not, but then he said to himself, “Although I do not fear God or respect anyone, yet because this widow is pestering me I will grant her justice; otherwise her perpetual visits will wear me out.”’ The Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. Will God not grant justice to his chosen ones and patiently bear with those who cry out to him day and night? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’