Orthodox Calendar

Saturday, August 20, 1988
Saturday of the 12th week after Pentecost

No Fast

Scripture Readings

Commemorations

Scripture Readings

1 Corinthians 1.26-29 (Epistle)

26For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; 27but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong. 28God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that don’t exist, that he might bring to nothing the things that exist, 29that no flesh should boast before God.

Matthew 20.29-34 (Gospel)

29As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed him. 30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!” 31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!”

32Jesus stood still and called them, and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”

33They told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”

34Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed him.

Commemorations

Prophet Samuel

He was the last of the Judges of Israel, and was appointed by God to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Read the Old Testament book 1 Samuel for his story. Many believe that he is the author of the books of Judges, Ruth and the first 24 chapters of I Samuel.

Hieromartyr Philip, Bishop of Heraklion, and those with him (2nd c.)

He served in Thrace in the time of Diocletian’s persecutions. When the pagans were about to burn a Christian church, he came forward and said to them: ‘Do you think that God is shut within walls? He lives in men’s hearts.’ The church was burned and all its clergy were taken to Jedrene where, after long imprisonment and torture, they were drowned in the river Maritsa. The holy bishop Philip, his priest Severus, his deacon Hermes, and thirty-eight other Christians all received the martyr’s crown.