2 Timothy 2.11-19
(Epistle)
11This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.
12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.
13If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.”
14Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
15Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
16But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
17and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:
18men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
19However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
Ephesians 2.4-10
(Epistle, St. Theodore)
4But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
6and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;
8for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9not of works, that no one would boast.
10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
Luke 18.2-8
(Gospel)
2saying, “There was a judge in a certain city who didn’t fear God and didn’t respect man.
3A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, ‘Defend me from my adversary!’
4He wouldn’t for a while; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man,
5yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.’”
6The Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.
7Won’t God avenge his chosen ones who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?
8I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Matthew 10.16-22
(Gospel, St. Theodore)
16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
17But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
18Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.
19But when they deliver you up, don’t be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.
20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
21“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.
22You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.