Sunday Readings

Apostolic Reading – James 5:10-20

Gospel – Matthew 9:1-8

Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 5)

Let us, O faithful, praise and worship the word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born of the Virgin for our Salvation; for He was pleased to be lifted in the flesh upon the cross and to endure death and to raise the dead by His glorious resurrection

Troparion of the Prophet Elijah (Tone 4)

The glorious Elijah, the angel in body, a pillar of the prophets and second forerunner of Christ’s advent, by sending grace from on high upon Elisha, dispels diseases, purifies lepers, and overflows with healings to those who honor him.

Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 1)

O Lord save your people and bless your inheritance, granting peace to the world; and protect your community by the power of your Cross.

Kondakion (Tone 2)

O never failing Protectress of Christians and their ever-present intercessor before the Creator, despise not the petitions of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us, for you have always protected those who honor you.

Prokimenon

You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedek.

Stichon

The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Reading from the Epistle of St. James the Apostle (5:10-20)

Brethren, take as an example of cruel suffering and forbearance the prophets who sp

oke in the Lord’s name. See, we call blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s patience, and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, how the Lord is merciful and compassionate. But above all things, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth, or any other oath: but let your yes be yes and your no, no, that you may not fall under judgment.

           Is anyone of you sad? Let him pray. Is anyone in good spirits? Let him sing a hymn. Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he is in sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess, therefore, your sins to one another, and pray for one another that you may be saved. For the unceasing prayer of a just man is of great avail.

Elijah was a man like ourselves, subject to the same weaknesses. And he prayed earnestly that it might not rain on earth, and it did not rain for three years and six months. He prayed again, and the heavens gave rain and the earth brought forth its fruit.

My brethren, if any one of you strays from the truth and someone brings him back, he ought to know that he who causes a sinner to be brought back from his misguided way, will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Alleluia

Moses and Aaron were among his priests, and Smauel among those who called upon his name.

Stichon

The just cried out, and the Lord heard them, and he delivered them from all their trials.

The Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew the Evangelist (9:1-8)

At that time, getting into a boat, Jesus crossed over and came to his own town. And behold, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a pallet. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven you.” And behold, some of the Scribes said within themselves, “This man blasphemes.” And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” then he said to the paralytic “Arise, take up your pallet and go to your house.” And he arose, and went away to his house. But when the crowds saw it, they were struck with fear, and glorified God who had given such power to men.