Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Saints, Feasts, and Readings for 12/21/2022

Saints and Feasts: Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; Juliana of Nicomedia & her 630 Companion Martyrs; Themistocles the Martyr of Myra; Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow

Strict Fast

Epistle Reading: II Timothy 4:9-22
TIMOTHY, my son, do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you; for he is very useful in serving me. Tychicos I have sent to Ephesos. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpos at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will requite him for his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one took my part; all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the message fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphoros. Erastos remained at Corinth; Trophimos I left ill at Miletos. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulos sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linos and Claudia and all the brethren.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:11-16
The Lord said, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.