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☦ Saints & Commemorations

Bright Thursday

On Bright Thursday the Gospel reading is John 3:1-15, which mentions the Pharisee Νikόdēmos who came by night to speak to Christ. The Lord told him that a man could not see the Kingdom of God unless he were born again. Νikόdēmos, taking Him much too literally, could not understand how such a thing was possible. The On Bright Thursday the Gospel reading is John 3:1-15, which mentions the Pharisee Νikόdēmos who came by night to speak to Christ. The Lord told him that a man could not see the Kingdom of God unless he were born again. Νikόdēmos, taking Him much too literally, could not understand how such a thing was possible. The Savior then clarified His words, saying that one must be born “of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5), referring to Baptism. Νikόdēmos, however, still found it difficult to understand Him. The Lord said, “If I have told you of earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12). The reading from Acts 2:38-41 also speaks of Baptism. Saint Peter told the crowd, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you... and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). The main focus of today’s readings is on Baptism, but they also point to other things. We are to raise our mind and understanding from earthly to heavenly things, and to seek the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Virgin Martyrs Agape, Irene and Chionia, in Illyria

The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia were sisters who lived at the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century, near the Italian city of Aquilea. They were left orphaned at an early age. The young women led a pious Christian life and they turned down many offers of marriage. The Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia were sisters who lived at the end of the third century to the beginning of the fourth century, near the Italian city of Aquilea. They were left orphaned at an early age. The young women led a pious Christian life and they turned down many offers of marriage. Their spiritual guide was the priest Xeno. It was revealed to him in a vision that he would die very soon, and that the holy virgins would suffer martyrdom. Also at Aquilea and having a similar vision was the Great Martyr Anastasia (December 22), who is called “Deliverer from Potions,” because she fearlessly visited Christians in prison, encouraging them and healing them from potions, poisons, and other harmful things. The Great Martyr Anastasia visited the sisters and urged them to endure all things for Christ. Soon what was predicted in the vision came to pass. The priest Zeno died, and the three virgins were arrested and brought to trial before the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Saint Chionia (“snow” in Greek) preserved the purity of her baptism according to the words of the Prophet-King David, “You will wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps. 50/51:7). Saint Irene (“peace” in Greek) preserved the peace of Christ within herself and manifested it to others, according to the Savior’s word, “My peace I give you” (John 14:27). Saint Agape (“love” in Greek) loved God with all her heart, and her neighbor as herself (Mt.22:37-39). Seeing the youthful beauty of the sisters, the emperor urged them to deny Christ and he promised to find them illustrious bridegrooms from his entourage. The holy sisters replied that their only Bridegroom was Christ, for Whom they were ready to suffer. The emperor demanded they renounce Christ, but neither the elder sisters, nor the youngest, would consent. They called the pagan gods mere idols made by human hands, and they preached faith in the true God. By order of Diocletian, who was leaving for Macedonia, the holy sisters were also to be brought there. And they brought them to the court of the governor Dulcititus. When he saw the beauty of the holy martyrs, he was aroused with impure passion. He put the sisters under guard, and he told them that they would receive their freedom if they agreed to fulfill his desires. But the holy martyrs replied that they were prepared to die for their Heavenly Bridegroom, Christ. Then Dulcititus decided to have his way by force. When the holy sisters arose at night to glorify the Lord in prayer, Dulcititus came to the door and tried to enter, but an invisible force prevented him. He staggered about, unable to find his way out. Then he fell down in the kitchen among the cooking utensils, the pots and pans, and he was covered all over with soot. The servants and the soldiers recognized him only with difficulty. When he saw himself in a mirror, he then realized that the holy martyrs had made a fool of him, and he decided to take his revenge on them. At his court, Dulcititus gave orders to strip the holy martyrs. But the soldiers were not able to do this, no matter how much they tried. Their clothing seemed to be stuck to the bodies of the holy virgins. During the trial Dulcititus suddenly fell asleep, and no one could rouse him. Just as they carried him into his house, he immediately awoke. When they reported to the emperor Diocletian everything that had happened, he became angry with Dulcititus and he gave the holy virgins over to Sisinius for trial. He began with the youngest sister, Irene. Seeing that she remained unyielding, he sent her to prison and then attempted to sway Saints Chionia and Agape. He also failed to make them renounce Christ, and Sisinius ordered that Saints Agape and Chionia be burned. On hearing the sentence, the sisters gave thanks to the Lord for their crowns of martyrdom. In the fire, Agape and Chionia surrendered their pure souls to the Lord. When the fire went out, everyone saw that the bodies of the holy martyrs and their clothing had not been scorched by the fire, and their faces were beautiful and peaceful, as if they were asleep. On the day following, Sisinius gave orders to bring Saint Irene to court. He threatened her with the fate of her older sisters and he urged her to renounce Christ. Then he threatened to hand her over for defilement in a brothel. But the holy martyr answered, “Even if my body is defiled by force, my soul will never be defiled by renouncing Christ.” When the soldiers of Sisinius led Saint Irene to the brothel, two luminous soldiers overtook them and said, “Your master Sisinius commands you to take this virgin to a high mountain and leave her there, and then return to him and report to him that you have fulfilled his command.” And the soldiers did so. When they reported back to Sisinius, he flew into a rage, since he had given no such orders. The luminous soldiers were angels of God, saving the holy martyr from defilement. Sisinius went to the mountain with a detachment of soldiers and saw Saint Irene on the summit. For a long while they searched for the way to the top, but they could not find it. Then one of the soldiers wounded Saint Irene with an arrow. The martyr cried out to Sisinius, “I mock your impotent malice, and I go to my Lord Jesus Christ pure and undefiled.” Having given thanks to the Lord, she lay down upon the ground and surrendered her soul to God on the very day of Holy Pascha (+ 304). The Great Martyr Anastasia heard about the end of the holy sisters, and she buried their bodies with reverence.

Troparion - Tone 1

Sisters in the flesh united in the Spirit, / you wrestled with the prince of evil and endured your martyrdom. / Holy and blest Agape, Irene, and Chionia, / pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

Kontakion - Tone 3

Completing the course of your life in martyrdom / and having kept the faith, / as lambs endowed with reason / you were led before Christ the Lamb and Shepherd. / Therefore rejoicing now in spirit, / we celebrate your wondrous and holy memory, / magnifying Christ.

Martyrs Leonidas, Chariessa, Nice, Galina, Kalista, Nunechia, Basilissa, Theodora, and Irene, of Corinth

The Holy Martyr Leonidas and the Holy Martyrs Charissa, Nike (Nika, Victoria), Galina, Kalista (Kalida), Nunekhia, Basilissa, Irene, and Theodora suffered at Corinth in the year 258. They threw them into the sea, but they did not drown. Instead, they walked upon the water as if on dry land, singing spiritual hymns. The Holy Martyr Leonidas and the Holy Martyrs Charissa, Nike (Nika, Victoria), Galina, Kalista (Kalida), Nunekhia, Basilissa, Irene, and Theodora suffered at Corinth in the year 258. They threw them into the sea, but they did not drown. Instead, they walked upon the water as if on dry land, singing spiritual hymns. The torturers overtook them in a ship, tied stones around their necks and drowned them.

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!

Monastic Martyr Christopher of Dionysiou, Mount Athos

No information available at this time.

Troparion - Tone 1

The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Father, / for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. / By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh for it passes away / but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. / Therefore your spirit, venerable Christopher, rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion - Tone 2

As a venerable and proven ascetic, as an honorable and renowned martyr, / and as a model of the desert life, O most exalted Christopher, / we sing hymns of praise to you, / for you have trampled upon serpents.

Hieromartyr Nikḗtas

No information available at this time.

Troparion - Tone 4

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, / you became a successor to their throne. / Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; / by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, / even to the shedding of your blood. / Hieromartyr Niketas, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Weeping “Ilyin Chernigov” Icon of the Mother of God

The Il'insk (Prophet Elias)-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God was painted in 1658 by the iconographer Gregory Dubensky (Gennadios in monasticism). The history of the Icon's creation and its miracles are described by a witness of these events, Saint Demetrios, Metropolitan of Rostov, in the works "A Miracle of the Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin Mary," and "The Bedewed Fleece" (Руно орошенное). Some miracle The Il'insk (Prophet Elias)-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God was painted in 1658 by the iconographer Gregory Dubensky (Gennadios in monasticism). The history of the Icon's creation and its miracles are described by a witness of these events, Saint Demetrios, Metropolitan of Rostov, in the works "A Miracle of the Most Holy and Most Blessed Virgin Mary," and "The Bedewed Fleece" (Руно орошенное). Some miracles are also mentioned by Saint John (Maximovich), Metropolitan of Tobolsk (June 10) in a poem "To the Virgin Theotokos." In 1662 there was a miraculous flow of tears from the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon, which continued from April 16-24, in connection with which a Feast Day was appointed for the Icon. In the same year, Chernigov was attacked by the Tatars, who ravaged the city and its environs, including the Holy Trinity-Il'insk Monastery, but, as Saint Demetrios testifies, the Icon and its precious oklad remained unharmed. The brethren who had taken refuge in the underground caves were also spared. From the XVII century, cases of miracles from the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon were recorded with particular care. In "The Bedewed Fleece," Saint Demetrios described in detail 24 miraculous healings (one every hour) from all sorts of ailments of the residents of Chernigov and its environs. The list of miracles was augmented when the book was reprinted. Thus, by 1696, there were 56 cases of healing (5 from blindness, 3 from a disease of the legs, 3 from "gostza" (rheumatism). 1 from paralysis, 15 from demonic possession, 14 from clouding of the mind, 15 from various chronic diseases, and 1 instance of a boy raised from the dead. In the XIX century, several healings were observed: a Romny bourgeois from a fever (1865), a Chernigov girl from a mental disorder (on the Icon's Feast Day in 1874), and an infant from a high fever (1887 or 1888), the son of a Poltava landowner from diphtheria (until 1898), and a staff captain from Sveaborg from a chronic illness (until 1898), and several others. Before HolyTrinity Cathedral was built in the Monastery (1679-1695), the Icon was kept in the church of the Prophet Elias near the caves, to the right near the pillar closest to the iconostasis. In 1786-1794, in connection with the planned opening of the University of Holy Trinity-Il'insk Monastery at Chernigov, but this did not occur, so the Icon was placed in the Dormition Cathedral of the Yelets Chernigov Convent, which was dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. In the XIX century, the Icon was in the cathedral, but only during the summertime. In winter, the Icon was transferred to the heated church of the Nativity of Christ, and placed in a special case behind the right kliros. At the beginning of the XX century, in winter, the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God was kept in the Sretensky church in the Bishop's residence, and a substitute icon was left in the cathedral. The wonderworking Icon disappeared after the closure of Holy Trinity-Il'insk Monastery in 1924. At the end of the XVII century, by the initiative of Archbishop Lazarus (Baranovich) and at the expense of Hetman I. S. Mazepa (whose initials and coat of arms were on the case), a silver oklad and a kiot were made (these have not been preserved). A crown with precious stones was donated by the Chernigov Colonel V. Dunin-Borkovsky, who received healing from the Icon in 1687 The dimensions of the Icon (1 arshin, 5 vershkas by 14.5 vershts – 93.37×64.45 cm) were increased when placed in the kiot because it was overlaid with a frame covered with silver plates with additional images engraved on them (2 arshins 2 vershkas by 1 arshin 6 vershks (151.24×97.8 cm) together with the frame). Attached to the case were plaques with inscriptions: "This holy image of the Mother of God, called Il'insk-Chernigov, was painted in 1658" and "The miraculous flow of tears from the Icon apparently occurred in 1662, from the 16th to the 24th day of the month of April." "In 1662 the Tatars invaded the city of Chernigov, but the hands of the impious Saracens could not touch this wonderworking Icon." In 1897 the oklad was replaced by a new one, made in Moscow by M. N. Ryndin with donations from the residents of Chernigov. There was an inscription on it: "This silver riza was made to replace the old one, which had fallen into disrepair, with the blessing of Bishop Anthony of Chernigov and Nizhyn, with the zeal of the benevolent donors of Chernigov. Hierodeacon Varlaam was sent to Moscow to order this riza from the master M. N. Ryndin, 1897, the weight of this riza is 33 ф. 29 з." Revered copies of the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon, made at the end of the XVII-XVIII centuries, were in all the churches of Chernigov. At present, two copies are venerated in the Yelets Dormition Monastery in Chernigov. The wonderworking copy of the Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God, which was kept in the Gethsemane Skete of Holy Trinity-Saint Sergius Lavra, became famous in 1869. The Icon belongs to the traditional Hodegetria type. The Child blesses with His right hand, and a scroll in his left. He sits on the left hand of His Mother. The heads of the Mother of God and the Child are slightly inclined toward each other, the Child's legs are tightly together. The figure of the Mother of God has an almost generational edge, characteristic of the southern and western Russian iconography of the Mother of God of the XVII century. The Child is dressed in a white shirt with a collar. A distinctive feature of Il'insk-Chernigov iconography. The Icon is a gesture of the Infant's hand stretched forward. Identical or fairly similar compositional solutions are present in a number of other wonderworking Icons of the Mother of God associated with Belarus and Ukraine (Borkolabovskaya, Trigorskaya, Poddubetska, Gerbovetskaya Icons of the Mother of God). In copies of the wonderworking Icon, crowns were often depicted on the heads of the Mother of God and her Child, which were absent on the Icon itself, but were present on its oklad. For the first time, crowns were depicted in an engraving of 1683 in Saint Demetrios of Rostov's book "The Bedewed Fleece." Obviously, this engraving became a model for Ukrainian and Russian icons, and on such copies the identifying inscription at the bottom was usually repeated (icon of 1778, Chernigov State Icon, Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve).

Troparion - Tone 4

Let us sinners and wretched people now run most earnestly to the Theotokos, / and let us fall down in repentance, crying out from the depths of our souls: / “O Sovereign Lady, have compassion on us, / help us, and come quickly, for we are perishing from a multitude of transgressions. / Do not turn your servants away empty-handed, for we have you as our only hope.”

Kontakion - Tone 6

We have no other help, we have no other hope, but you, O Sovereign Lady. / Help us, for in you do we hope, / and of you do we boast, for we are your servants. Let us not be put to shame.

Tambov (Utkino) Icon of the Mother of God

In 1686, Saint Pitirim (July 28) came to Tambov and, along with other relics, he brought with him a copy of the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God, considered to be the patroness of the southwestern region. For this reason, the Icon was placed at the southwestern gate of the city. Over time, the Icon began to be called Tambov, especially since there were some differences between it and the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God . In 1686, Saint Pitirim (July 28) came to Tambov and, along with other relics, he brought with him a copy of the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God, considered to be the patroness of the southwestern region. For this reason, the Icon was placed at the southwestern gate of the city. Over time, the Icon began to be called Tambov, especially since there were some differences between it and the Il'insk-Chernigov Icon of the Mother of God . On the borders of the Icon, on the right and on the left, were depicted: Saint Alexei, the Man of God , and Saint Eudoxia . It is assumed that these were the heavenly patrons of Bishop Pitirim's parents, and it is quite possible that he himself painted the images of those Saints. Later, on the site of the southwestern city gate, a small wooden church was built and dedicated to the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. It was in this church that the Icon was kept. And when the merchant Ivan Utkin built the stone church of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen at his own expense in 1771-1778, the Tambov Icon was transferred there and placed in the altar above the altar. People began to call the church by the name of the builder Utkinskaya, and the Icon was later completely forgotten. But the Queen of Heaven reminded people of herself. At the beginning of the XIX century, a priest in Kaluga, was suffering from a malady of his legs and could not walk. He saw this Icon of the Mother of God in a dream. She told him: "Find this icon. Pray before it and you shall be healed." After the dream, the priest received some relief from his illness, so that he was able to walk, and immediately he began to search for the Icon he had seen in the dream. After visiting various villages and towns, he finally reached Tambov, where, after inspecting all the churches, he found the Icon he had seen in his dream in the altar of the Utkin church. After praying before it, he received complete healing. This incident became widely known in the city, and afterward there were several more miraculous healings of the townspeople. The Tambov Icon became famous again, and when in 1835 the old Utkin church was severely damaged. At the request of the townspeople, the right side altar was consecrated in honor of the Tambov Icon of the Mother of God. With the passage of time, the grateful Tambov residents adorned the Icon with a luxurious silver-gilt riza with many precious stones. There were so many cures from the Icon that there was no time to record all of them. In 1888, by decree of the Holy Synod, a Cross Procession took place in all the churches of the city on April 16 in honor of the Tambov Icon, and in 1900 the church was once again called the church of the Theotokos. After the 1917 revolution, Tambov's churches were devastated, and the wonderworking Icon also suffered. The riza was removed and the stones were pried out, and then it disappeared without a trace. There are revered copies of the wonderworking Icon in the city. The Tambov Icon is commemorated on April 16, and again on July 28 (the repose of Bishop Pitirim).

Troparion - Tone 4

Today the city of Tambov exalts radiantly, and Christ’s Hierarch Pitirim rejoices; / for now, O Sovereign Lady, your icon shines forth with the miracles of your Icon, / which the Hierarch brought from the capital city of Moscow, / revealing your wondrous intercession to the people, and healing everyone who turns to you with faith. / Therefore, we humbly cry out to you: “Save us through your Icon, O All-hymned Virgin.”

Kontakion - Tone 3

Now God’s Angels and all the Saints in Heaven rejoice, / beholding your glory, O Most Pure Virgin, / and before your Icon, the faithful offer you prayers of thanksgiving / for the mercy and compassion you have shown to all of us, especially to our city. / As you did of old, O Virgin Theotokos, / save us in days to come by your intercession.

Scripture Readings

☩Epistle

Acts 2:38-43

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

☩Gospel

John 3:1-15

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Liturgical data sourced from OCA.org and orthocal.info