Holy Cross Orthodox Parish, Columbus, OH

10/16/2026

Lectionary for Friday, October 16, 2026
Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:8-19
Gospel Reading: Matthew 27:33-54
Saints and Feasts:
Longinus the Centurion; The Two Soldiers martyred with Saint Longinus

Today's Gospel Reading:

At that time, when the soldiers came to a place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull), they offered him w**e to drink, mingled with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews." Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him; for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split; the tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe, and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

SAINTS AND FEASTS

MARTYR LONGINUS THE CENTURION, WHO STOOD AT THE CROSS OF THE LORD

The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the Governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers were eyewitnesses of the final moments of the earthly life of the Lord, and of the great and awesome portents that appeared at His death. These events shook the centurion’s soul. Longinus believed in Christ and confessed before everyone, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Mt. 27:54).

According to Church Tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear, and received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound.

After the Crucifixion and Burial of the Savior, Longinus stood watch with his company at the Sepulchre of the Lord. These soldiers were present at the All-Radiant Resurrection of Christ. The Jews bribed them to lie and say that His disciples had stolen away the Body of Christ, but Longinus and two of his comrades refused to be seduced by the Jewish gold. They also refused to remain silent about the miracle of the Resurrection.

Having come to believe in the Savior, the soldiers received Baptism from the apostles and decided to leave military service. Saint Longinus left Judea to preach about Jesus Christ the Son of God in his native land (Cappadocia), and his two comrades followed him.

The fiery words of those who had actually participated in the great events in Judea swayed the hearts and minds of the Cappadocians; Christianity began quickly to spread throughout the city and the surrounding villages. When they learned of this, the Jewish elders persuaded Pilate to send a company of soldiers to Cappadocia to kill Longinus and his comrades. When the soldiers arrived at Longinus’s village, the former centurion himself came out to meet the soldiers and took them to his home. After a meal, the soldiers revealed the purpose of their visit, not knowing that the master of the house was the very man whom they were seeking. Then Longinus and his friends identified themselves and told the startled soldiers to carry out their duty.

The soldiers wanted to let the saints go and advised them to flee, but they refused to do this, showing their firm intention to suffer for Christ. The holy martyrs were beheaded, and their bodies were buried at the place where the saints were martyred. The head of Saint Longinus, however, was sent to Pilate.

Pilate gave orders to cast the martyr’s head on a trash-heap outside the city walls. After a while a certain blind widow from Cappadocia arrived in Jerusalem with her son to pray at the holy places, and to ask that her sight be restored. After becoming blind, she had sought the help of physicians to cure her, but all their efforts were in vain.

The woman’s son became ill shortly after reaching Jerusalem, and he died a few days later. The widow grieved for the loss of her son, who had served as her guide.

Saint Longinus appeared to her in a dream and comforted her. He told her that she would see her son in heavenly glory, and also receive her sight. He told her to go outside the city walls and there she would find his head in a great pile of refuse. Guides led the blind woman to the rubbish heap, and she began to dig with her hands. As soon as she touched the martyr’s head, the woman received her sight, and she glorified God and Saint Longinus.

Taking up the head, she brought it to the place she was staying and washed it. The next night, Saint Longinus appeared to her again, this time with her son. They were surrounded by a bright light, and Saint Longinus said, “Woman, behold the son for whom you grieve. See what glory and honor are his now, and be consoled. God has numbered him with those in His heavenly Kingdom. Now take my head and your son’s body, and bury them in the same casket. Do not weep for your son, for he will rejoice forever in great glory and happiness.”

The woman carried out the saint’s instructions and returned to her home in Cappadocia. There she buried her son and the head of Saint Longinus. Once, she had been overcome by grief for her son, but her weeping was transformed into joy when she saw him with Saint Longinus. She had sought healing for her eyes, and also received healing of her soul.

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/16/102980-martyr-longinus-the-centurion-who-stood-at-the-cross-of-the-lord

10/15/2026

Lectionary for Thursday, October 15, 2026
Epistle Reading: Philippians 3:1-8
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:7-11
Saints and Feasts
Lucian the Martyr of Antioch; Savinos the Bishop of Catania; Barsus the Confessor; Euthymios the New

Today's Gospel Reading:

At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Jesus, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen. Herod said, "John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him. On their return the apostles told him what they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him; and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and cured those who had need of healing.

SAINTS AND FEASTS

VENERABLE EUTHYMIUS THE NEW OF THESSALONICA, AND MONK OF MOUNT ATHOS

Saint Euthymius the New of Thessalonica and Mt Athos, in the world was named Nicetas, and he was a native of the city of Ancyra in Galatia. His parents, Epiphanius and Anna, led virtuous Christian lives, and from childhood their son was meek, pious and obedient. At age seven he was left fatherless and he soon became the sole support of his mother in all matters. Having entered military service, Nicetas married, on the insistence of his mother. After the birth of a daughter, he secretly left home in order to enter a monastery. For fifteen years the venerable Euthymius lived the ascetic life on Mount Olympus, where he learned monastic deeds from the Elders.

The monk went to resettle on Mount Athos. On the way he learned that his mother and wife were in good health. He informed them that he had become a monk, and he sent them a cross, calling on them to follow his example. On Mt Athos he was tonsured into the Great Schema and lived for three years in a cave in total silence, struggling with temptations. Saint Euthymius also lived for a long time as a stylite, not far from Thessalonica, instructing those coming to him for advice and healing the sick.

The monk cleansed his mind and heart to such an extent that he was granted divine visions and revelations. At the command of the Lord, Saint Euthymius founded two monasteries in 863 on Mount Peristeros, not far from Thessalonica, which he guided for 14 years, with the rank of deacon. In one of these his wife and mother received monastic tonsure. Before his death he settled on Hiera, an island of Mt Athos, where he reposed in 898. His relics were transferred to Thessalonica. Saint Euthymius is called “the New” to distinguish him from Saint Euthymius the Great (January 20).

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/15/102972-venerable-euthymius-the-new-of-thessalonica-and-monk-of-mount-at

10/14/2026

Today is clergy day this month! Happy Clergy Day to Fr Mark, Fr Kevin, Fr Dn Ed, and Seminarian Clay Wood! Thank you for all you do for us at Holy Cross and many people and pets everywhere!

10/14/2026

Lectionary for Wednesday October 14,2026
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:24-30
Gospel Reading: Luke 8:22-25
Saints and Feasts
Martyrs Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius, & Celsus; Cosmas the Hagiopolite; Praised Ignatius, Archbishop of Methymna; Righteous Paraskeve of Serbia

Today's Gospel Reading:

At that time, Jesus entered a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side of the lake." So they set out, and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, "Where is your faith?" And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, "Who then is this, that he commands even wind and water, and they obey him?"

FEASTS AND SAINTS

VENERABLE PARASKEVI (PETKA) OF SERBIA

Saint Paraskevi (Paraskevḗ) the New was born into a pious family, living during the eleventh century in the village of Epivato, between Silistra and Constantinople. Her older brother Euthymius became a monk, and later he was consecrated as Bishop of Matidia. One day, while attending the divine services, the words of the Lord pierced her heart like an arrow, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself” (Mt. 16:24). From that time she began to distribute her clothing to the needy, for which reason she endured much grief from her family.

Upon the death of her parents, the saint was tonsured into monasticism at the age of fifteen. She withdrew to the Jordanian desert where she lived the ascetic life until she reached the age of twenty-five. An angel of the Lord ordered her to return to her homeland, so she stayed at Epivato for two years.

Saint Paraskevi departed to the Lord at the age of twenty-seven, and was buried near the sea. Because of the many miracles which took place at her grave, her relics were uncovered and found to be incorrupt. They were placed in the church of the Holy Apostles at Epivato, where they remained for about 175 years.

Saint Paraskevi’s relics were moved to Trnovo, Bulgaria in 1223 and placed in the cathedral. Patriarch Euthymius wrote her Life and established the day of her commemoration as October 14. The Turks occupied Bulgaria in 1391, and her relics were given to Mircea the Elder, Prince of the Romanian Land (one of the districts of Romania). In 1394 the relics were given to Princess Angelina of Serbia (July 30), who brought them to Belgrade. For 120 years Saint Paraskevi’s relics rested in Constantinople in the patriarchal cathedral.

On June 13, 1641, her incorrupt relics were transferred to the monastery of the Three Hierarchs at Jassy in Rumania, where many healings took place. On December 26, 1888, after being rescued from a fire, Saint Paraskevi’s relics were moved again. This time they were placed in the new cathedral at Jassy, where they remain until the present day.

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/14/102968-venerable-paraskevi-petka-of-serbia

10/13/2026

Lectionary for Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:16-23
Gospel Reading: Luke 8:1-3
Saints and Feasts
Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, & Agathonica, the Martyrs of Pergamus; Benjamin the Deacon; Chryssi the New Martyr of Greece; Meletios of Pegas, Patriarch of Alexandria; Florentios the Martyr of Thessaloniki; Hieromartyr Jacob of Hamatoura

Today's Gospel Reading:

At that time Jesus went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for him out of their means.

SAINTS AND FEASTS

MARTYRS CARPUS, PAPYLUS, AGATHADORUS, AND AGATHONICA, AT PERGAMUM

The Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus and Agathonike suffered at Pergamum during the persecution of Decius in the third century.

The governor of the district where the saints lived discovered that Carpus and Papylus did not celebrate the pagan festivals. He ordered that the transgressors be arrested and persuaded to accept the Roman pagan religion. The saints replied that they would never worship false gods. The judge then ordered them to be bound in iron chains and led through the city, and then to be tied to horses and dragged to the nearby city of Sardis.

Agathodorus and Agathonike voluntarily followed after Carpus and Papylus. Saint Agathonike was choked to death with ox sinews and Saints Carpus, Papylus and Agathodorus were beheaded in Sardis.

During his life Saint Papylus was known for his gift of curing the sick. Since his martyrdom, he has granted healing to all who pray to him with faith.

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/13/102953-martyrs-carpus-papylus-agathadorus-and-agathonica-at-pergamum

10/12/2026

Lectionary for Monday, October 12, 2026
Epistle Reading: Philippians 2:12-15
Gospel Reading: Luke 7:36-50
Saints and Feasts
Probus, Andronicus, & Tarachus, Martyrs of Tarsus; Symeon the New Theologian; Cosmas the Hymnographer, Bishop of Maiuma; Domnina the Martyr; Wilfrid of York

Today's Gospel Reading:

At that time, one of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house, and took his place at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "What is it, Teacher?" "A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, to whom he forgave more." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Schedule for October 11 – October 18, 2026
Sunday, October 11
9:15 A.M. Hours
9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy, , followed by Church School classes, and special meeting of
congregation
Saturday, October 17
4:30 P.M. Confessions
5:00 P.M. Vespers
Sunday, October 18
9:15 A.M. Hours
9:30 A.M. Divine Liturgy, followed by church school classes

SAINTS AND FEASTS

SAINT COSMAS THE HYMNOGRAPHER, BISHOP OF MAIUMA

Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer, Bishop of Maiuma, was a native of Jerusalem. He was raised by the parents of Saint John of Damascus (December 4) together with their son, and he received a fine education. When Saint Cosmas came of age, he set out to one of the monasteries of Palestine, where he attained renown for his monastic exploits.

During a time of persecution against holy icons Saint Cosmas, and the venerable John, came forward to defend Orthodoxy. In the year 743 Cosmas was made Bishop of Maiuma. He died in old age, leaving behind many canons for feast days and a Triodion for four days of Holy Week.

In Slavic usage Saint Cosmas the Hymnographer is commemorated on October 12, but on October 14, according to Greek usage.

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/12/102944-saint-cosmas-the-hymnographer-bishop-of-maiuma

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

This Sunday, October 11, 2026 is the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost; the Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
We also commemorate Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons;
Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea; Holy Martyrs Zenais and Philonilla; Nectarios,
Arsakios, Sisinios and Philotheos Kokkinos, Patriarchs of Constantinople; Ethelburga, Abbess of
Barking; Our righteous Father Kenneth, Founder of the Monastery of Aghaboe in Ireland.

SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY CROSS WILL BE STREAMED HERE ON FACE BOOK AT 9:30AM

REMINDER: SPECIAL MEETING OF CONGREGATION REGARDING PARKING LOT DRAINAGE AND PAVING, FOLLOWING DIVINE LITURGY

Sunday's Lectionary:

Epistle: Titus 3:8-15

Gospel: Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along
the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the
rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among
thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and
yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To
you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in
parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the
parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard;
then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be
saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but
these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what
fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by
the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the
good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and
bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let
him hear."

SAINTS AND FEASTS

APOSTLE PHILIP OF THE SEVENTY, ONE OF THE SEVEN DEACONS

Holy Apostle Philip of the Seventy, one of the 7 Deacons is not to be confused with Saint Philip one of the Twelve Apostles (November 14). This Philip was born in Palestine, was married and had children.

After the Descent of the Holy Spirit, the Twelve Apostles made Philip a deacon in the Church of Jerusalem. Along with the other six deacons, they appointed him to deal with the offerings of the faithful and attend to the concerns of the widowed, the orphaned and the needy. The eldest among the seven deacons was the holy Archdeacon Stephen. When the persecution of Christians began, the Jews stoned the Protomartyr Stephen. The Apostle Philip left Jerusalem and settled in Samaria. There he successfully preached Christianity. Among the disciple’s converts was the noted magician Simon, who “after being baptized, continued with Philip.” (Acts 8:9-13)

At the command of an angel of the Lord, Saint Philip set out upon the road connecting Jerusalem with Gaza. There he met an official of the empress of Ethiopia, whom also he converted to Christianity (Acts 8:26-39). The holy disciple Philip tirelessly preached the Word of God in many of the lands of the Near East adjoining Palestine. At Jerusalem the Apostles made him a bishop and sent him to Tralles in Asia Minor, where he also baptized many. Saint Philip died in old age.

AND

COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

Today the Church remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council under the holy Patriarch Tarasius (February 25).

The Synod of 787, the second to meet at Nicea, refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress Irene and her son Constantine VI.

The Council decreed that the veneration of icons was not idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes to the prototype (the person depicted). It also upheld the possibility of depicting Christ, Who became man and took flesh at His Incarnation. The Father, on the other hand, cannot be represented in His eternal nature, because “no man has seen God at any time” (John 1:18).

In Greek practice, the holy God-bearing Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council are commemorated on October 11 (if it is a Sunday), or on the Sunday which follows October 11. According to the Slavic menaion, however, if the eleventh falls on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the service is moved to the preceding Sunday.

Source: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2026/10/11/70-commemoration-of-the-holy-fathers-of-the-seventh-ecumenical-coun

10/10/2026

SOME IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM FR MARK CONCERNING SATURDAY AND SUNDAY TRAVEL AND EVENTS:

Reminder: Special meeting of congregation regarding parking lot drainage and paving, following Divine Liturgy on Sunday (October 11).

Note to those coming to Vespers on Saturday evening: there is a home OSU football game, beginning at 4:15 PM.

The Columbus Marathon is next Sunday, October 18--directions for avoiding the road closures are in the bulletin, and will be repeated next week.

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC INFORMATION FOR OCTOBER 18, 2026:

There will be numerous, rolling road closures for the Columbus Marathon, which begins at 7:30 AM on Sunday. The route goes through downtown Columbus, up through the Short North and OSU area, over through Upper Arlington and Grandview, and back downtown. The marathon will last several hours.

It will STILL be possible to get to Holy Cross, but only via Route 315 (unless you live within the perimeter of the course). Those coming from the north can take the Kinnear Road/Olentangy River Road exit (turn right on Kinnear, to Kenny, then left on Kenny to Chambers/Concord). Those coming from the south can take the King Avenue/OSU exit (south on Cannon Drive, right on King Avenue, to Kenny Road, then right on Kenny to Concord/Chambers).

10/10/2026

Lectionary for Saturday, October 10, 2026
Epistle Reading: I Corinthians 15:58; 16:1-3
Gospel Reading: Luke 5:27-32
Saints and Feasts:
Eulampius & Eulampia the Martyrs; Our Righteous Father Theophilus the Confessor; Pinytos, Bishop of Knossos; The 200 Monk-martyrs of Nicomedia; Vassianos the Righteous of Constantinople; The 14 Holy Elders of Optina Monastery; Paulinus, Archbishop of York

Vespers is at 5:30 PM at Holy Cross

FOR STEAMING VESPERS/VIGIL, SEE THE TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY AT 6:00 PM AT
http://www.orthodoxmonasteryellwoodcity.org/chapel

Saturday's Gospel Reading:

At that time, as Jesus passed by, he saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he left everything, and rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Sunday, October 11, Divine Liturgy is at 9:30 AM

This Sunday, October 11, 2026 is the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost; the Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
We also commemorate Philip the Apostle of the 70, one of the 7 Deacons;
Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicaea; Holy Martyrs Zenais and Philonilla; Nectarios,
Arsakios, Sisinios and Philotheos Kokkinos, Patriarchs of Constantinople; Ethelburga, Abbess of
Barking; Our righteous Father Kenneth, Founder of the Monastery of Aghaboe in Ireland.

SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY CROSS WILL BE STREAMED HERE ON FACE BOOK AT 9:30AM

Sunday's Holy Gospel Reading: Luke 8:5-15

The Lord said this parable: "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along
the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the
rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among
thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew, and
yielded a hundredfold." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To
you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in
parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. Now the
parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard;
then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be
saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy; but
these have no root, they believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. And as for what
fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by
the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. And as for that in the
good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and
bring forth fruit with patience." As he said these things, he cried out "He who has ears to hear, let
him hear."

SAINTS AND FEASTS

FOR SATURDAY

MARTYRS EULAMPIUS AND EULAMPIA, AT NICOMEDIA, AND 200 MARTYRS WITH THEM

Saints Eulampius and Eulampia were brother and sister. They lived at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nicomedia. Eulampius became upset after reading the decree of the emperor Maximian (284-305) sentencing all Christians to ex*****on. Eulampius was horrified that the emperor was taking up arms against his own subjects rather than fighting the enemies of his country.

The youth was brought to trial and commanded to renounce the Christian Faith. When he refused, they first raked him with iron hooks, and then placed him upon a red-hot bed of coals. All of a sudden the sufferer expressed a wish to visit the pagan temple. The judges were delighted, supposing that they had turned him from Christianity. In the pagan temple of Mars the saint approached the idol and cried out, “In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I command you to fall to the floor and crumble into dust!” The idol immediately crashed down to the floor and was destroyed.

The people exclaimed, “The Supreme God is the Christian God, Who is great and mighty!” Saint Eulampius was again taken away for torture. This time his sister, Eulampia, appeared before the judges and declared that she also was a Christian. Eulampius told her, “Sister, do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul” (Mt.10:28).

The martyrs were tortured and thrown into a red-hot furnace, but the Lord protected them from the fire. Finally, they beheaded Eulampius, but Eulampia died from her torments before she could be beheaded.

Two hundred martyrs were converted to Christ after seeing the miracles of Saint Eulampius and Saint Eulampia as they were being tortured. They were also put to death and received the crown of martyrdom.

Source: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/ /FMfcgzQhWnwbb###FRthqTJFdgqPjHQZ?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

Painting by Juan de Pareja [1661] of Christ calling Levi/Matthew, the tax collector: