Daily Orthodox - November 21st, 2024
Today is Thursday of the 22nd Week after Pentecost
Fasting Obligations
- OCA, GOARCH, Antioch: Fish, wine, and oil permitted.
Today, we commemorate...
1. The Entry into the Temple of the Most-holy Theotokos
When the Most-holy Virgin Mary reached the age of three, her holy parents Joachim and Anna took her from Nazareth to Jerusalem to dedicate her to the service of God according to their earlier promise. It was a three-day journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem but, traveling to do a God-pleasing work, this journey was not difficult for them. Many kinsmen of Joachim and Anna gathered in Jerusalem to take part in this event, at which the invisible angels of God were also present. Leading the procession into the Temple were virgins with lighted tapers in their hands, then the Most-holy Virgin, led on one side by her father and on the other side by her mother. The virgin was clad in vesture of royal magnificence and adornments as was befitting the "King's daughter, the Bride of God" (Psalm 45:13-15). Following them were many kinsmen and friends, all with lighted tapers. Fifteen steps led up to the temple. Joachim and Anna lifted the Virgin onto the first step, then she ran quickly to the top herself, where she was met by the High Priest Zacharias, who was to be the father of St. John the Forerunner. Taking her by the hand, he led her not only into the Temple, but into the "Holy of Holies," the holiest of holy places, into which no one but the high priest ever entered, and only once each year, at that. St. Theophylact of Ohrid says that Zacharias "was outside himself and possessed by God" when he led the Virgin into the holiest place in the Temple, beyond the second curtain-otherwise, his action could not be explained. Mary's parents then offered sacrifice to God according to the Law, received the priest's blessing and returned home. The Most-holy Virgin remained in the Temple and dwelt there for nine full years. While her parents were alive, they visited her often, especially Righteous Anna. When God called her parents from this world, the Most-holy Virgin was left an orphan and did not wish to leave the Temple until death or to enter into marriage. As that would have been against the Law and custom of Israel, she was given to St. Joseph, her kinsman in Nazareth, after reaching the age of twelve. Under the acceptable role of one betrothed, she could live in virginity and thus fulfill her desire and formally satisfy the Law, for it was then unknown in Israel for maidens to vow virginity to the end of their lives. The Most-holy Virgin Mary was the first of such life-vowed virgins, of the thousands and thousands of virgin men and women who would follow her in the Church of Christ.
2. St. Columbanus, abbot, and founder of the monasteries in Luxeuil (Gaul) and Bobbio (Italy) (615)
3. New Hieromartyr Alexander, protopresbyter, of New York and Moscow (1937)
4. Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos "Everlasting Hope"
For more information on today's saints or commemorations not provided, see https://www.oca.org/saints/lives (Slavic) and/or https://www.goarch.org/chapel (Greek).
Daily Scriptures
Slavic and Greek
- Epistle (Slavic: for the Entry): Hebrews 9:1-7
<1> Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. <2> For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; <3> and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, <4> which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; <5> and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. <6> Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. <7> But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;
- Gospel (Slavic: for the Entry): Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28
<38> Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. <39> And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. <40> But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." <41> And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. <42> But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." <27> And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!" <28> But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Slavic
- Epistle (Day): Colossians 4:2-9
<2> Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; <3> meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, <4> that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. <5> Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. <6> Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. <7> Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. <8> I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, <9> with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
- Gospel (Day): Luke 18:31-34
<31> Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. <32> For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. <33> They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again." <34> But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken