At the end of Chapter 8 in Gospel of Saint John, the Savior was disputing with the Pharisees in the Temple during the Feast of Tabernacles. He told them, "Your father Abraham was glad that he should see my day; and he saw it and rejoiced" (John 8:56). The Jews said that Jesus was not even fifty…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Icon of the Mother of God “of the Passion”
The Icon of the Mother of God “Of the Passion” The icon received its name because on either side of the Mother of God are two angels with the implements of the Lord’s suffering: the Cross, the lance, and the sponge. There was a certain pious woman, Katherine, who began to suffer…
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Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy and his fellow-laborer, Junia
Saint Andronicus Apostle of the Seventy and Saint Junia were relatives of the holy Apostle Paul. They labored much, preaching the Gospel to pagans. Saint Paul mentions them in his Epistle to the Romans: “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners, who are of note among the…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Saint Euphrosynē, Great Princess of Moscow
Today the Orthodox Church commemorates the tonsure of Saint Euphrosynē of Moscow on
May 17,1407. After the death of her husband, Saint Demetrios of the Don (May 19) from the wounds he received at the Battle of Kulikovo, the Holy Princess Eudokia refrained from participating directly in the…
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Martyrs Solochon, Pamphamer, and Pamphalon, at Chalcedon
Saint Solochon, a native of Egypt, suffered for Christ during the reign of the emperor Maximian (284-305). The holy martyrs Pamphamirus and Pamphalon also gave their lives for Christ at the same time. All of them served in the imperial army in the regiment of the tribune Campanus. During the…
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Saint Stephen, Archbishop of Constantinople
Saint Stephen, Patriarch of Constantinople, was the younger son of Emperor Basil the Macedonian, and was a brother of Emperor Leo the Wise. He was ordained to the priesthood under Patriarch Photius. When Saint Photius was compelled to resign the patriarchal throne in the year 886, Saint Stephen was…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Venerable Dodo of the Saint David-Gareji Monastery, Georgia
A companion of Saint David of Gareji, Saint Dodo belonged to the royal family Andronikashvili. He was tonsured a monk while still a youth, and was endowed with every virtue. An admirer of poverty and solitude, he labored as a hermit at Ninotsminda in Kakheti. Having heard about the miracles of…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Great Martyr Nicholas of Sofia (Bulgaria)
Saint Nicholas was born in 1510 in Thessaly, in the city of Ioannina. His parents were Albanians, but their names (Martin and Euphrosyne) indicate that they were Christians. He received a good upbringing and education, and was a handsome, intelligent young man. After the death of his parents, he…
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Troparion & Kontakion
Saint Athanasius the New, Wonderworker and Archbishop of Christianopolis
No information available at this time.
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Troparion & Kontakion
Transfer of the relics of the Hieromartyr Adrian of Ondrusov, Wonderworker
In the manuscript of the Olonets Trebnik under May 17 it is noted: "Today is the transfer of the relics of Venerable Father Adrian, Igoumen of Saint Nicholas Monastery on Lake Ladoga, on Ondrus Island, in the Olonets district, the new wonderworker. His memory is also celebrated on August 26."
The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
Divine Liturgy
The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
The Hours
Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.
Matins (Orthros)
The morning prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at dawn. Also called Orthros in Greek tradition, this service includes the reading of the Gospel, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. Matins prepares the faithful for the day and is often celebrated immediately before the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.
All-Night Vigil
A lengthy service combining Vespers and Matins, traditionally celebrated on the eve of Sundays and major feasts. The All-Night Vigil includes the singing of "Lord, I Call," the Magnificat, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. This service prepares the faithful spiritually for the upcoming feast.
No Public Services
Until further notice, there will be no public services at Ss. Peter & Paul due to the Coronavirus.