Weekly Diocesan Bulletin - Sunday, December 2nd 2018

TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST:

THE HOLY PROPHET OBADIAH; THE HOLY MARTYR BARLAAM OF CAPPADOCIA; THE VENERABLE FATHERS BARLAAM AND JOASAPH

RESURRECTIONAL TROPARION – TONE TWO:
When Thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life! Christ our God! Glory to Thee!

TROPARION TO THE HOLY PROPHET OBADIAH – TONE TWO:
We celebrate the memory of Your prophet Obadiah, O Lord; through him, we beseech You: ‘Save our souls.’

TROPARION TO THE HOLY MARTYR BARLAAM – TONE FOUR:
Armed with youthful fervor, you endured martyrdom in old age and glorified Christ. You offered Him your right hand as a whole burnt offering and your holy soul as a blameless sacrifice. Intercede that all may be granted forgiveness, Great-martyr Barlaam.

RESURRECTIONAL KONTAKION - TONE TWO:
Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.

KONTAKION TO THE HOLY PROPHET OBADIAH – TONE ONE:
The great Obadiah, acquiring a mind luminous with divine splendor, speaks through the Holy Spirit, proclaiming things to come. Today we honor him with faithful minds, celebrating his holy memory which enlightens the hearts of men.

KONTAKION TO THE HOLY MARTYR BARLAAM – TONE THREE:
Though weak with old age you vanquished the evil one, in your mighty contest, O Barlaam. you endured the rack like one without a body, and steadfastly endured the burning of your hand. Therefore, God the Word has crowned you with a crown of glory.

HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD - TONE SIX:
Steadfast Protectress of Christians and constant advocate before the Creator, do not despise the cry of us sinners; but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you!

EPISTLE READING

THE PROKEIMENON IN TONE TWO:
The Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.

EPHESIANS 6: 10-17
Brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

THE ALLELUIA VERSES:
The Lord answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! Save the king, O Lord, and hear us on the day we call!

GOSPEL READING

LUKE 13: 10-17   
At that time Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her: “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd: “There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” The Lord then answered him and said: “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound - think of it - for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him.

Source: Westsrbdio.org