Fasting Rules

Meat Abstain

Fish Allowed

Dairy Abstain

Oil Allowed

Wine Allowed

☦ Saints & Commemorations

Synaxis of the Saints of North America

On the second Sunday after Pentecost, each local Orthodox Church commemorates all the saints, known and unknown, who have shone forth in its territory. Accordingly, the Orthodox Church in America remembers the saints of North America on this day. Saints of all times, and in every country are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem fallen humanity. T On the second Sunday after Pentecost, each local Orthodox Church commemorates all the saints, known and unknown, who have shone forth in its territory. Accordingly, the Orthodox Church in America remembers the saints of North America on this day. Saints of all times, and in every country are seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem fallen humanity. Their example encourages us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily besets us” and to “run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). The saints of North America also teach us how we should live, and what we must expect to endure as Christians Although it is a relatively young church, the Orthodox Church in America has produced saints in nearly all of the six major categories of saints: Apostles (and Equals of the Apostles); Martyrs (and Confessors); Prophets; Hierarchs; Monastic Saints; and the Righteous. Prophets, of course, lived in Old Testament times and predicted the coming of Christ. The first Divine Liturgy in what is now American territory (northern latitude 58 degrees, 14 minutes, western longitude 141 degrees) was celebrated on July 20, 1741, the Feast of the Prophet Elias, aboard the ship Peter under the command of Vitus Bering. Hieromonk Hilarion Trusov and the priest Ignatius Kozirevsky served together on that occasion. Several years later, the Russian merchant Gregory I. Shelikov visited Valaam monastery, suggesting to the abbot that it would be desirable to send missionaries to Russian America. On September 24, 1794, after a journey of 7,327 miles (the longest missionary journey in Orthodox history) and 293 days, a group of monks from Valaam arrived on Kodiak Island in Alaska. The mission was headed by Archimandrite Joasaph, and included Hieromonks Juvenal, Macarius, and Athanasius, the Hierodeacons Nectarius and Stephen, and the monks Herman and Joasaph. Saint Herman of Alaska (December 13, August 9), the last surviving member of the mission, fell asleep in the Lord in 1837. Throughout the Church’s history, the seeds of faith have always been watered by the blood of the martyrs. The Protomartyr Juvenal was killed near Lake Iliamna by natives in 1799, thus becoming the first Orthodox Christian to shed his blood for Christ in the New World. In 1816, Saint Peter the Aleut was put to death by Spanish missionaries in California when he refused to convert to Roman Catholicism. Missionary efforts continued in the nineteenth century, with outreach to the native peoples of Alaska. Two of the most prominent laborers in Christ’s Vineyard were Saint Innocent Veniaminov (March 31 and October 6) and Saint Jacob Netsvetov (July 26), who translated Orthodox services and books into the native languages. Father Jacob Netsvetev died in Sitka in 1864 after a life of devoted service to the Church. Father John Veniaminov, after his wife’s death, received monastic tonsure with the name Innocent. He died in 1879 as the Metropolitan of Moscow. As the nineteenth century was drawing to a close, an event of enormous significance for the North American Church took place. On March 25, 1891, Bishop Vladimir went to Minneapolis to receive Saint Alexis Toth (May 7) and 361 of his parishioners into the Orthodox Church. This was the beginning of the return of many Uniates to Orthodoxy. Saint Tikhon (Bellavin), the future Patriarch of Moscow (April 7, October 9), came to America as bishop of the diocese of the Aleutians and Alaska in September 1898. As the only Orthodox bishop on the continent, Saint Tikhon traveled extensively throughout North America in order to minister to his widely scattered and diverse flock. He realized that the local church here could not be a permanent extension of the Russian Church. Therefore, he focused his efforts on giving the American Church a diocesan and parish structure which would help it mature and grow. Saint Tikhon returned to Russia in 1907, and was elected as Patriarch of Moscow ten years later. He died in 1925, and for many years his exact burial place remained unknown. Saint Tikhon’s grave was discovered on February 22, 1992 in the smaller cathedral of Our Lady of the Don in the Don Monastery when a fire made renovation of the church necessary. Saint Raphael of Brooklyn (February 27) was the first Orthodox bishop to be consecrated in North America. Archimandrite Raphael Hawaweeny was consecrated by Bishop Tikhon and Bishop Innocent (Pustynsky) at Saint Nicholas Cathedral in New York on March 13, 1904. As Bishop of Brooklyn, Saint Raphael was a trusted and capable assistant to Saint Tikhon in his archpastoral ministry. Saint Raphael reposed on February 27, 1915. The first All American Council took place March 5-7, 1907 at Mayfield, PA, and the main topic was “How to expand the mission.” Guidelines and directions for missionary activity, and statutes for the administrative structure of parishes were also set forth. In the twentieth century, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, countless men, women, and children received the crown of martyrdom rather than renounce Christ. Saints John Kochurov (October 31) and Alexander Hotovitzky (December 4 and August 7) both served the Church in North America before going back to Russia. Saint John became the first clergyman to be martyred in Russia on October 31, 1917 in Saint Petersburg. Saint Alexander Hotovitzky, who served in America until 1914, was killed in 1937. In addition to the saints listed above, we also honor those saints who are known only to God, and have not been recognized officially by the Church. As we contemplate the lives of these saints, let us remember that we are also called by God to a life of holiness.

Troparion - Tone 8

As the bountiful harvest of Your sowing of salvation, / the lands of North America offer to You, O Lord, all the saints who have shone in them. / By their prayers keep the Church and our land in abiding peace / through the Theotokos, O most Merciful One.

Kontakion - Tone 3

Today the choir of Saints who were pleasing to God in the lands of North America / now stands before us in the Church and invisibly prays to God for us. / With them the angels glorify Him, / and all the saints of the Church of Christ keep festival with them; / and together they all pray for us to the Pre-Eternal God.

All Saints of America, All Saints of Russia

Glorification of Saint John of Kronstadt

Saint John of Kronstadt was glorified by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1990. He is also commemorated on December 20.

Prophet Elisha

The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ, and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord he was called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet Elias (July 20). When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what shall I do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they wen The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the ninth century before the Birth of Christ, and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord he was called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet Elias (July 20). When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what shall I do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me.” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10). As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias. He spent more than 65 years in prophetic service, under six Israelite kings (from Ahab to Joash). While Elisha lived, he did not tremble before any prince, and no word could overcome him (Sirach 48: 13 [“Sirach” is called “Ecclesiasticus” in Catholic Bibles ]). The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho spring fit for drinking; he saved the armies of the kings of Israel and Judah that stood in an arid wilderness by bringing forth abundant water by his prayer; he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet. The Syrian military-commander Namaan was healed from leprosy but the prophet’s servant Gehazi was afflicted since he disobeyed the prophet and took money from Namaan. Elisha predicted to the Israelite king Joash the victory over his enemies, and by the power of his prayer he worked many other miracles (4 Kings 3-13). The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. “In his life he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvellous” (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21). The Prophet Elisha and his teacher, the Prophet Elias, left no books behind them, since their prophetic preaching was oral. Jesus, son of Sirach, praised both great prophets (Sir. 48:1-15). John of Damascus composed a canon in honor of the Prophet Elisha, and at Constantinople a church was built in his honor. Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah) and John the Forerunner, but the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them were transferred to Alexandria. In the twentieth century, the humble priest Nicholas Planas had a great veneration for the Prophet Elisha, and was accounted worthy to see him in visions.

Troparion - Tone 4

An angel in the flesh and the cornerstone of the prophets, / the second forerunner of the coming of Christ, / glorious Elijah sent grace from on high to Elisha, / to dispel diseases and to cleanse lepers. / Therefore, he pours forth healings on those who honor him.

St John Mavropos, Metropolitan of Euchaïta(1100)

He is commemorated today on the Slavic Calendar; for his life, see October 5, his commemoration on the Greek Calendar.

Saint Methodius, Patriarch of Constantinople

He was born to wealthy parents in Syracuse of Sicily. He entered monastic life and in time became a priest in the service of Patriarch Nikephoros. Because of his great and well-known zeal for the holy icons, he was cruelly persecuted by a succession of iconoclast emperors. Around 815, he was sent as an ambassador to Rome on behalf of the Patriarch, who had been exiled by the Emperor Leo the Armenian. He was born to wealthy parents in Syracuse of Sicily. He entered monastic life and in time became a priest in the service of Patriarch Nikephoros. Because of his great and well-known zeal for the holy icons, he was cruelly persecuted by a succession of iconoclast emperors. Around 815, he was sent as an ambassador to Rome on behalf of the Patriarch, who had been exiled by the Emperor Leo the Armenian. When he returned to Constantinople upon Leo’s death, he was immediately exiled and imprisoned by Leo’s successor, Michael the Stutterer. Upon Michael’s death he was freed for a short time, but soon the Emperor Theophilus had him exiled to an island where, says the Prologue, “he spent seven years in prison with two common robbers, in damp conditions, without light and without sufficient food, as if in a grave.” When the pious Empress Theodora restored the Empire to Orthodoxy, he was freed and elevated to Patriarch of Constantinople. On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we commemorate the restoration of the Holy Icons by Theodora and Methodios. Despite many attacks by heretics while he was Patriarch, he served faithfully and reposed in peace.

Troparion - Tone 4

You appeared to your flock as a rule of faith, / an image of humility, and a teacher of abstinence. / Because of your lowliness, heaven was opened to you; / because of your poverty, riches were granted to you! / O Holy Bishop Methodius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

Kontakion - Tone 2

You contended on earth as one already delivered from the body, / and thus you deserved heaven, O Methodius! / You proclaimed throughout the world the righteousness of venerating Icons, / spending your days in hardship and effort, / and now you still rebuke those who do not honor the image of Christ.

Saint Mstislav (George), Prince of Novgorod

No information available at this time.

Venerable Methodius, Abbot of Peshnosha

According to an old manuscript calendar, “The Monk Methodios, the Igumen (and founder) of Peshnosha Monastery, the disciple of Saint Sergius the wonderworker, reposed in the summer of 6900 (1392), on the fourteenth day of June.” Saint Methodios was regarded as a saint at Peshnosha from the day of his death, and his memory was celebrated at the monastery and in the surrounding villages on June 14, on the same day as Saint Methodios, Patriarch of Constantinople. Ac According to an old manuscript calendar, “The Monk Methodios, the Igumen (and founder) of Peshnosha Monastery, the disciple of Saint Sergius the wonderworker, reposed in the summer of 6900 (1392), on the fourteenth day of June.” Saint Methodios was regarded as a saint at Peshnosha from the day of his death, and his memory was celebrated at the monastery and in the surrounding villages on June 14, on the same day as Saint Methodios, Patriarch of Constantinople. According to other sources, Saint Methodios reposed on June 4, 1392. Saint Methodios was numbered among the saints at the Moscow Council of 1549.

Troparion - Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Methodius, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

Venerable Elisha of Suma, Solovki

Saint Elisha of Suma was a monk at the Solovki monastery, and was occupied with the weaving of fishing nets. Before his death he became a schemamonk. In 1688 miracles began from the saint’s grave in a crypt in the Nikolsk church of the city of Suma, Archangelsk diocese.

Troparion - Tone 8

Venerable Niphon of Mount Athos

Saint Niphon of Athos lived in the fourteenth century, and was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. But the thirst for perfect stillness and solitary labors led the monk to the Holy Mountain. Saint Niphon of Athos lived in the fourteenth century, and was the son of a priest. From childhood he was raised under the principles of strict Christian morality. Upon taking monastic tonsure he soon was ordained to the holy priesthood. But the thirst for perfect stillness and solitary labors led the monk to the Holy Mountain. There he struggled for many years with the renowned Athonite Elder Saint Maximus Kavsokalyvites (“the Hut-burner,” January 13). Saint Niphon died at age 96, glorified by gifts of wonderworking and clairvoyance.

Troparion - Tone 8

Synaxis of the Saints of Belarus

No information available at this time.

Synaxis of the Saints of Diveyevo

The Holy Trinity St. Seraphim-Diveyevo Convent was founded in 1760 when the Mother of God appeared in a dream to a woman named Agatha in the village of Diveyevo and promised that she would build a great women's monastery there. Agatha also built a church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos on the spot where she had appeared. The Holy Trinity St. Seraphim-Diveyevo Convent was founded in 1760 when the Mother of God appeared in a dream to a woman named Agatha in the village of Diveyevo and promised that she would build a great women's monastery there. Agatha also built a church in honor of the Kazan Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos on the spot where she had appeared. Later, Agatha received the monastic tonsure and the new name Alexandra, and she became the first Igoumeness of the new Convent. The Most Holy Theotokos chose Diveyevo as her "fourth portion in the inhabited world." The others are Mount Athos, Georgia, and Kiev's Holy Trinity Lavra of the Caves. She also promised that God's mercy and grace would be gathered there from the other three portions. Venerable Alexandra Mel'gunova (+ June 13, 1789) Martyr Daria Slushinskaya (+ August 5/18,1919) Martyr Daria Timagina (+ August 5/18,1919) Venerable Elena Manturova (+ May 28, 1832) Martyr Eudokia Shikova (+ August 5/18,1919) Martyr Jacob Gusev (+ December 16/29 1937) Martyr Maria of Puzo (+ August 5/18,1919) Blessed Maria Ivanovna Fedina, Fool for Christ (+ August 26/ September 8, 1937) Martyr Maria Neizvestnaya, Suborovskaya (+ August 5,1919) Martyr Michael Gusev (+ December 16/29 1937) Venerable Martha Milyukova (+ August 21,1829) Martyr Pelagia Testova (+ October 21/November 3, 1944) Confessor Matrona (Vlasova) of Diveevo, (+ October 25/November 7, 1963) Blessed Natalia Dmitrievna-“Natashenka” of Diveevo (+ February 22/March 7, 1900 Blessed Paraskeve (Pasha) Ivanovna Semyonovna, Fool for Christ (+ September 22, 1915) Blessed Pelagia Ivanovna Semyonovna (+ January 30, 1884) Pelagia (Testova) of Diveevo (+1944) Commemorated on October 21/November 3 Venerable Seraphim of Sarov (January 2 and July 19) Hieromartyr Seraphim (Chichagov (+ November 28, 1937) Hieromartyr Seraphim of Dmitrov (+ August 13/26, 1937) Martyr Xenia Cherlina-Brailovskaya (+ September 2/15,1937)

Scripture Readings

☩Epistle

Romans 2:10-16

10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

☩Gospel

Matthew 4:18-23

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Liturgical data sourced from OCA.org and orthocal.info