Thursday 14 November 2013

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a feast-day in honor of the Blessed Martyr Josaphat, at whose martyrdom the angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.

Ps 32:1

Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting.

Glory Be to the Father…

Let us all rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a feast-day in honor of the Blessed Martyr Josaphat, at whose martyrdom the angels rejoice, and give praise to the Son of God.

Arouse in Your Church, O Lord, the spirit with which blessed Josaphat, Your Martyr and Bishop, was filled when he laid down his life for his flock; so that, by his intercession, we, also moved and strengthened by the same spirit, may not fear to lay down our lives for our brethren.

Through our Lord… eiusdem

Lesson from the letter of St. Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews

Heb 5:1-6

Brethren: Every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in the things pertaining to God, that he may offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to have compassion on the ignorant and erring, because he himself also is beset with weakness, and by reason thereof is obliged to offer for sins, as on behalf of the people so also for himself. And no man takes the honor to himself; he takes it who is called by God, as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself with the high priesthood, but He Who spoke to Him, “You are My Son, I this day have Begotten You.” As He says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchisedec.”

Ps 88:21-23

I have found David, My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, that My hand may be always with him, and that My arm may make him strong.

℣.No enemy shall deceive him, nor shall the wicked afflict him. Alleluia, alleluia.

℣.This is the priest whom the Lord has crowned. Alleluia.

Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to John

John 10:11-16

At that time Jesus said to the Pharisees: I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep. But the hireling, and he that is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep and flieth: and the wolf catcheth and scattereth the sheep: and the hireling flieth, because he is a hireling, and he hath no care for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me, as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father: and I lay down My life for My sheep. And other sheep I have that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.

John 15:13

Greater love than this no one has, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Most merciful God, shower these offerings with Your blessing and strengthen us in the faith which St. Josaphat, Your Martyr and Bishop, upheld by the shedding of his blood.

Through our Lord…

Common

It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominions adore it, the Powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed Seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do Thou command that it be permitted us to join with them in confessing Thee, while we say with lowly praise:

John 10:14

I am the Good Shepherd, and I know My sheep, and Mine know Me.

May this heavenly food, O Lord, impart to us that spirit of strength which unfailingly sustained the life of blessed Josaphat, Your Martyr and Bishop, unto victory for the honor of Your Church.

Through our Lord…