The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not Protestant. It is orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic, but not Roman. It isn’t non-denominational – it is pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended and died for the Faith of the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
Saints of the Day
July 3 / 16. Martyr Hyacinth of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Translation of the Relics of Hieromartyr Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow. Martyrs Mocius (Mucian) and Mark. Martyrs Diomedes, Eulampius, Asclepiodotus and Golinduch, who suffered with Hyacinth. St. Anatolius, Patriarch of Constantinople. St. Alexander, founder of the Unsleeping Ones. Holy Princes Basil and Constantine of Yaroslav. St. Anatolius, recluse of the Kiev Caves. St. Anatolius (another) of the Kiev Caves. Saints John and Longinus, Wonderworkers of Yarensk (Solovki). Blessed John of Moscow, fool-for-Christ. St. Nicodemus, abbot of Kazhe-ezersk. Blessed Michael and Thomas, fools-for-Christ of Solvychegodsk (Vologda). (Greek Calendar: Martyrs Theodotus and Theodota, martyred with St. Hyacinth. Monk-martyr Gerasimus the New of Carpenision.) Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos the Milk-Giver of Chilandar Monastery on Mt. Athos. Repose of Righteous Nun Euphrosyne the Unknown (1855).
Photo of the Day
Two of the almost 40 rot iron crosses that brace the posts on our many porches.
Quote of the Day
Reading the Scriptures is a great means of security against sinning. The ignorance of Scripture is a great cliff and a deep abyss; to know nothing of the divine laws is a great betrayal of salvation. This has given birth to heresies, this has introduced a corrupt way of life, this has put down the things above. For it is impossible, impossible for anyone to depart without benefit if he reads continually with attention. St. John Chrysostom
“On Wealth and Poverty”
Scripture Readings for the Day
1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Avoid Worldly Wisdom
18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; 20 and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. 23 And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.
Matthew 13:36-43
The Parable of the Tares Explained
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.”
37 He answered and said to them: “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!