Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
Saints of the Day
August 14 / 27. Forefeast of the Dormition. Prophet Micah. Translation of the Relics of St. Theodosius of the Kiev Caves. Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea. St. Arcadius, monk of Novotorzhk. Martyr Ursicius at Nicomedia. New-Martyr Simeon of Trebizond. Greek Calendar: Martyr Luke the Soldier.) Commemoration of the disciples of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk: Monks Theophanes, Aaron, Nicander, Cosmas and Metrophanes.
Photo of the Day
The Metropolitan Laurus Memorial Library, newly painted in “Park Bench Green”.
Quote of the Day
“By all means, we should try to preserve peace of soul, and not be disturbed by offenses from others. For the preservation of peace of soul, it is also necessary by all means to avoid criticizing others.” St. Seraphim of Sarov
A man came to the Elder Paisios of the Holy Mountain, with a complaint about Greek “priests who hang out in coffee houses all day, and do not tend to their priestly duties”. The Elder responded by say, “there are two types of people in the world, flies and bees. Flies know where all the dirt is, and where to find “stink”. Whereas, bees know where all the flowers are, and know only that which smells beautiful.” The Elder’s words, together with the above words of Saint Seraphim, are words we should all live by. We spend entirely too much time looking for the faults of others, be they our bishop, our priest, or our neighbor, and not enough time looking for Christ in them. It is more profitable to judge only ourselves, and look only for that which is lacking in ourselves.
Abbot Tryphon
Scripture Readings for the Day
2 Corinthians 7:1-10
1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
The Corinthians’ Repentance
2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Mark 1:29-35
Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed
29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.
Many Healed After Sabbath Sunset
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.
Preaching in Galilee
35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.