4TH WEDNESDAY AFTER PENTECOST
ABSTAIN FROM MEAT, FISH, DAIRY, EGGS, WINE, OLIVE OIL
Sisoes the Great, Holy Apostles Archippus, Philemon and Onesimus, Loukia the Virgin-martyr, Rixios and the 24 Companion Martyrs, Juliana the Virgin-martyr
ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO THE ROMANS 11:2-12
Brethren, do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed thy prophets, they have demolished thy altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life.” But what is God’s reply to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. What then? Israel failed to obtain what it sought. The elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that should not see and ears that should not hear, down to this very day.” And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a pitfall and a retribution for them; let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs for ever.” So I ask, have they stumbled so as to fall? By no means! But through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean?
MATTHEW 11:20-26
At that time, the Lord began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.” At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yea, Father, so it was well pleasing before you.”
Venerable Sisoes the Great
Saint Sisoes the Great (+ 429) was a solitary monk, pursuing asceticism in the Egyptian desert in a cave sanctified by the prayerful labors of his predecessor, Saint Anthony the Great (January 17). For his sixty years of labor in the desert, Saint Sisoes attained to sublime spiritual purity and he was granted the gift of wonderworking, so that by his prayers he once restored a dead child back to life.
Extremely strict with himself, Abba Sisoes was very merciful and compassionate to others, and he received everyone with love. To those who visited him, the saint first of all always taught humility. When one of the monks asked how he might attain to a constant remembrance of God, Saint Sisoes remarked, “That is no great thing, my son, but it is a great thing to regard yourself as inferior to everyone else. This leads to the acquisition of humility.” Asked by the monks whether one year is sufficient for repentance if a brother sins, Abba Sisoes said, “I trust in the mercy of God that if such a man repents with all his heart, then God will accept his repentance in three days.”
When Saint Sisoes lay upon his deathbed, the disciples surrounding the Elder saw that his face shone like the sun. They asked the dying man what he saw. Abba Sisoes replied that he saw Saint Anthony, the prophets, and the apostles. His face increased in brightness, and he spoke with someone. The monks asked, “With whom are you speaking, Father?” He said that angels had come for his soul, and he was entreating them to give him a little more time for repentance. The monks said, “You have no need for repentance, Father.” Saint Sisoes said with great humility, “I do not think that I have even begun to repent.”
After these words the face of the holy abba shone so brightly that the brethren were not able to look upon him. Saint Sisoes told them that he saw the Lord Himself. Then there was a flash like lightning, and a fragrant odor, and Abba Sisoes departed to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Venerable Sisoes the Schemamonk of the Kiev Far Caves
Saint Sisoes, Schemamonk of the Kiev Caves (XIII), is commemorated in the general service of the Monastic Fathers of Kiev Caves whose relics rest in the Far Caves. He is mentioned together with Saint Gregory the Faster: “Sisoes the wondrous and Gregory, a name courageous, having by fasting both restrained their passions, humble the fierce lust of our flesh: for unto you is given the grace to help us in our passions” (5th Ode of the Canon).
Uncovering of the relics of Holy Princess Juliana Olshanskaya
Uncovering of the Relics of the Virgin Juliana, Princess of Olshansk. Saint Juliana lived during the first quarter of the sixteenth century. Her father, Prince Yurii Dubrovitsky-Olshansky, was one of the benefactors of the Kiev Caves Lavra. The God-pleasing virgin died at the age of sixteen. Her body, which was buried at the Kiev Caves Lavra near the great church, was found incorrupt during the time of Archimandrite Elisha Pletenets (1599-1624).
The holy relics were in a fire at the great church in the year 1718, and were put into a reliquary and placed in the church of the Near Caves.
Saint Juliana appeared to Archimandrite Peter Moghila (afterwards Metropolitan of Kiev) in a dream, reproaching him for the carelessness and lack of respect shown to her relics. He ordered a new reliquary to be made, for which a suitable covering was made by pious nuns. On the reliquary was the inscription: “By the will of the Creator of heaven and earth Juliana, patroness and great intercessor to Heaven, rests here for all time. Here are the bones … healing against all passions … You adorn Paradise, Juliana, like a beautiful flower …”
Many miracles have been worked by Saint Juliana, and she helps those who venerate her holy relics with piety and faith. She is also commemorated on October 10 with the seven saints of Volhynia.
Martyr Marinus, his wife Martha, their children, and those with them at Rome
The Holy Martyrs Marinus, Martha, Audifax, Habakkuk, Cyrenus, Valentinus the Presbyter, Asterius, and many others with them at Rome.
During the reign of the emperor Claudius II (268-270), Saint Marinus together with his wife Martha and their sons Audifax and Habakkuk journeyed from Persia to Rome, to pray at the graves of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul. During this time fierce persecutions and executions befell the Roman Church. Saint Marinus and his wife and sons helped Christians locked up in the prisons, and also requested the bodies of executed martyrs. At one of these jails they met a prisoner named Cyrenus and they helped him, since he had endured many torments for faith in Christ.
The persecution spread, and even more Christians were arrested. During this time 260 Christians, among whom was the tribune Vlastus, had been sent under the court sentence to dig ground along the Salerian Way, and were executed by archers. When they learned about this vicious murder, Marinus, his family, and the presbyter John went by night and took the bodies of the martyrs to be buried in the catacombs. They returned later to the prison where Saint Cyrenus was incarcerated, but did not find him. He had been executed the day before and his body was thrown into the Tiber River. Doing their holy duty, Saints Marinus and Martha and their sons took the body of the holy martyr from the river and committed it to the earth. The holy workers were among Christians, who continued secretly to perform the divine services under the leadership of the holy Bishop Callistus, and hid them from their pursuers.
In consummation of their great charitable deeds the holy family was deemed worthy to glorify the Lord by martyrdom. The pagans beheaded the courageous confessor Valentinus the Presbyter, and the imperial gardener Asterius who had been converted by him, and the holy ascetics from Persia were arrested and given over to torture. By order of the emperor, Saints Marinus, Audifax and Habakkuk were beheaded in the year 269, and Saint Martha was drowned in a river.
The relics of the holy saints are in Rome at the Church of Saint John the Hut-Dweller, and the relics of Saint Valentinus are in the Church of the holy Martyr Paraskevḗ.
Martyr Isaurius the Deacon of Apollonia in Macedonia and those with him
The Holy Martyrs Isaurius the Deacon, Innocent, Felix, Hermias, Basil, Peregrinus were Athenians, suffering for Christ in the Macedonian city of Apollonia under the emperor Numerian (283-284). Beheaded with them for believing in Christ were two city officials, Rufus and Ruphinus.
Martyr Cointus (Quintus) of Phrygia
No information available at this time.
Martyr Lucy, and those with her, at Rome
The Holy Martyrs Lucy (Lucia) the Virgin, Rexius, Antoninus, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonius, Arnosus, Capicus and Satyrus:
Saint Lucy, a native of the Italian district of Campania, from the time of her youth dedicated herself to God and lived in an austere and chaste manner. While still quite young, she was taken captive and carried off into a foreign land by Rexius, who had the title of Vicarius (a substitute for a dead or absent provincial governor). Rexius at first tried to compel Saint Lucy to sacrifice to idols but, she remained firm in her faith and was ready to accept torture for the sake of Christ. Rexius was inspired with profound respect for her and even permitted her and her servants the use of a separate house, where they lived in solitude, spending their time in unceasing prayer. Whenever he left to go on military campaigns, Rexius reverently asked for Saint Lucy’s prayers, and he returned victorious.
After 20 years Saint Lucy, having learned that the emperor Diocletian had begun a persecution against Christians, entreated Rexius to send her back to Italy. She wanted to glorify the Lord together with her fellow countrymen. Rexius, under the influence of Saint Lucy, had already accepted Christianity by this time, and even longed for martyrdom. Leaving behind his retinue and family, he went to Rome with Saint Lucy. The Roman prefect Aelius sentenced them to be beheaded with a sword. After them the holy martyrs Antoninus, Lucian, Isidore, Dion, Diodorus, Cutonis, Arnosus, Capicus and Satyrus were also beheaded. In all, twenty-four martyrs suffered with Saints Lucy and Rexius.
This Saint Lucy should not be confused with the Virgin Martyr Lucy of Syracuse (December 13).
Synaxis of the Saints of Radonezh
Abramius Igumen of Galich, or Chukhloma Lake, disciple of Saint Sergius of Radonezh (+1375). He is commemorated on July 20.
Alexander of Moscow, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ after 1427). He is commemorated on June 13.
Alexander Peresbet, schema-monk, warrior, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1380). He is commemorated on September 7.
Andrew Oslyaba, warrior, schema-monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1380). He is commemorated on September 7.
Andrew Rublev, monk of Spaso-Andronikov Monastery, iconographer, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1430). He is commemorated on June 13 and July 4.
Andronicus of Moscow, Igumen, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1395). He is commemorated on June 13.
Anthony (Medvedev), Archimandrite (+1877). He is commemorated on May 12 and October 3.
Arsenius (Sakharov), Igumen of Komel, Vologda (+1550). He is commemorated on August 24.
Athanasius, Igumen of Vysokoe monastery in Serpukhov, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ after 1401). He is commemorated on September 12.
Athanasius the younger of Vysokoe monastery, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1395). He is also commemorated on September 12.
Athanasius, monk of Zhelezvy, Cherepovits, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ ca. 1388). He is commemorated on July 5, September 25, November 26.
Barnabas (Merkulov), Hieromonk, Elder of Gethsemane Skete of Saint Sergius Lavra (+1906). He is commemorated on February 17.
Bartholomew, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ 14th century).He is commemorated on June 11.
Basil, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1392). He is commemorated on January 1.
Bassian (Rylo), Archbishop of Rostov (+1481). He is commemorated on March 23.
Cassian, abbot of Avnezh, Vologda (+1392). Commemorated on June 15.
Cyril, Igumen of White Lake (Cosmas, in the world), (+1427). He is commemorated on June 9.
Cyril, Schema-monk, father of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1337). He is commemorated on January 18 and September 28.
Daniel the Black, monk, iconographer, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1426). He is commemorated on June 13.
Demetrius of the Don, Grand Duke (+1399). He is commemorated on May 19.
Demetrius, Igumen of Priluki, Vologda. (+1392). He is commemorated on February 11.
Dionysius Archimandrite of Radonezh (David Zobninovsky in the world, +1633). He is commemorated on May 12.
Dionysius Archbishop of Suzdal (+1385). He is commemorated on June 26 and October 15.
Dorotheus, monk, bookkeeper (+1622). He is commemorated on June 5.
Elias, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1384). He is commemorated on May 29.
Elisei (Elisha), hierodeacon, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on June 14.
Epiphanius the wise, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1418-22). He is commemorated on May 12.
Eudokia (Euphrosynē in monasticism), Grand Duchess, wife of Saint Demetrius of the Don (+1407). She is commemorated on May 17 and July 7.
Euthymius, Archimandrite of Suzdal, wonderworker (+1404 or 1405). He is commemorated on April 1 and July 4.
Gregory (Avnezhsky), Igumen, hieromartyr (+1392). He is commemorated on June 15.
Gregory (Golutvin), monk disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th or 15th century). He is commemorated on January 25.
Ignatius, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+after 1392). He is commemorated on December 20.
Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow (John Popov-Veniaminov in the world +1877). He is commemorated on March 31 and October 6 (his glorification in 1977).
Ioannicius, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on November 4.
Irenarchus, monk, sacristan (+ 1621). He is commemorated on January 12 and November 28.
Isaac Molchanik, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1388).He is commemorated on May 30.
James of Zhelenzy Bor, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1442). He is commemorated on April 11 and May 5 (the uncovering of his relics in 1613).
James Stromynsk, Igumen, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on April 21.
James Yakut, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on October 23.
Joasaph, Bishop of Belgorod (Joachim Andreevich Gorlenko in the world +1754). He is commemorated on December 10 and September 4 (the uncovering of his relics in 1911).
Joasaph (Borov) Archimandrite, hieromartyr (+1610). He is commemorated on January 12 and July 5.
Joasaph (Skripitsyn), Metropolitan of Moscow (+1555). He is commemorated on July 27.
Leontius (Stromynsky), monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1380). He is commemorated on July 20.
Macarius, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1392). He is commemorated on January 19.
Maximus the Greek, monk (+1556). He is commemorated on January 21 and June 21 (the uncovering of his relics in 1996).
Maria, schema-nun, mother of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1337). She is commemorated on January 18 and September 28.
Martinian, Igumen of White Lake (+1423). He is commemorated on January 12, and October 7 (the uncovering of his relics in 1514).
Methodius, Igumen of Peshnosha, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1392). He is commemorated on June 4 and June 14.
Metrophanes, Igumen, Elder, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1392). He is commemorated on June 4.
Michael, Bishop of Smolensk (+1402). He is commemorated on November 28.
Micah, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1385). He is commemorated on May 6.
Nahum, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on December 1.
Nectarius, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on November 29.
Nikḗtas of Borov, disciple of Saint Sergius (+after 1421). He is commemorated on May 1.
Nikephorus of Borov, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1414). He is commemorated on February 9.
Nikon of Radonezh, Igumen, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1426). He is commemorated on November 17, July 7, and September 27.
Onesimus, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th century). He is commemorated on February 15.
Paul of Komel (Obnora), monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (1429). He is commemorated on January 10 and October 7.
Paul of Rostov, Igumen of Saints Boris and Gleb monastery (+after 1409). He is commemorated on October 22.
Romanus, Igumen of Kirzach, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1392). He is commemorated on July 29.
Savva of Moscow, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1410). He is commemorated on June 13.
Savva, Igumen of Storozhev (Zvenigorod), disciple of Saint Sergius (+1406). He is commemorated on January 19, August 23 (second uncovering of his relics), and December 3.
Savva of Stromysk, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1392). He is commemorated on July 20.
Serapion, Archbishop of Novgorod (+1516). He is commemorated on March 16 and April 7.
Sergius of Obnora, Nurom, Vologda, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+1412). He is commemorated on October 7.
Sergius, Igumen of Radonezh, wonderworker (+1392). He is commemorated on September 25 (repose), July 5 (uncovering of his relics in 1422), and on August 24 (commemoration of the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Saint Sergius).
Simon, Archimandrite of Radonezh and Smolensk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1392). He is commemorated on May 10.
Simon, ecclesiarch, disciple of Saint Sergius (+after 1392). He is commemorated on May 10.
Stephen, hieroschema-monk, Igumen of Makhrishche (+1406). He is commemorated on July 14.
Stephen of Moscow, monk, brother of Saint Sergius (+14-15 centuries) He is commemorated on July 14.
Stephen, Bishop of Perm (+1396). He is commemorated on April 26.
Sylvester of Obnora, monk, wonderworker (+1379). He is commemorated on April 25.
Theodore, Archbishop of Rostov, nephew of Saint Sergius (+1394). He is commemorated on November 28.
Theodore, Igumen of Rostov (+1409). He is commemorated on October 22.
Theodosius of Cherepovits, monk, disciple of Saint Sergius (+ca. 1388). He is commemorated on July 5, September 25, and November 26.
Therapon, Archimandrite, Igumen of White Lake, Mozhaisk and Luzhetsk, wonderworker (+1426). He is commemorated on May 27 and December 27.
Therapon, monk of Borov and Kaluga, disciple of Saint Sergius (+14th and 15th century). He is commemorated on May 27.
Saint Peter Antiochian Orthodox Church 