Galatians 2:21-3:7 Luke 6:37-45

Galatians 3:15-22 Luke 6:46-7:1

Galatians 3:23-4:5 Luke 7:17-30

Galatians 4:8-21 Luke 7:31-35

Galatians 4:28-5:10 Luke 7:36-50

Galatians 5:11-21 Luke 8:1-3

Galatians 6:2-10 Luke 8:22-25

Ephesians 1:1-9 Luke 9:7-11

Ephesians 1:7-17 Luke 9:12-18

Ephesians 1:22-2:3 Luke 9:18-22

Ephesians 2:19-3:7 Luke 9:23-27

Ephesians 3:8-21 Luke 9:44-50

Ephesians 4:14-19 Luke 9:49-56

Ephesians 4:17-25 Luke 10:1-15

Ephesians 4:25-32 Luke 10:22-24

Ephesians 5:20-26 Luke 11:1-10

Ephesians 5:25-33 Luke 11:9-13

Ephesians 5:33-6:9 Luke 11:14-23

Ephesians 6:18-24 Luke 11:23-26

Philippians 1:1-7 Luke 11:29-33

Philippians 1:8-14 Luke 11:34-41

Philippians 1:12-20 Luke 11:42-46

Philippians 1:20-27 Luke 11:47-12:1

Philippians 1:27-2:4 Luke 12:2-12

Philippians 2:12-16 Luke 12:13-15, 22-31

Philippians 2:17-23 Luke 12:42-48

Philippians 2:24-30 Luke 12:48-59

Philippians 3:1-8 Luke 13:1-9

Philippians 3:8-19 Luke 13:31-35

Philippians 4:10-23 Luke 14:12-15

Colossians 1:1-2, 7-11 Luke 14:25-35

Colossians 1:18-23 Luke 15:1-10

Here the Old Testament readings for Great Vespers and the New Testament readings for Divine Liturgy are used to illuminate the importance of councils and primacy in the holy Church—a Church that is visible and concrete, with a recognizable and divinely-ordained shape, just as our Lord actually took on humanity, and did not simply visit us in an “appearance.”

Here the Old Testament readings for Great Vespers and the New Testament readings for Divine Liturgy are used to illuminate the importance of councils and primacy in the holy Church—a Church that is visible and concrete, with a recognizable and divinely-ordained shape, just as our Lord actually took on humanity, and did not simply visit us in an “appearance.” This program is a re-air from July 17, 2015.

Remembering the apostles, we consider Jesus’ words from Matt 9:13 concerning God’s mercy, and the Resurrection hymns in the fourth tone, in the light of 1 Cor 1:26-31, Hosea 6:6-7, Genesis 3:1-5, and Wisdom 2:23-24.

This week we take to heart Jesus’ strengthening words to the seer John, learning what it is to truly fear the Lord, how He is the beginning and the end of all things, and how our times are in His hands. (Rev. 1:17b-20, Genesis 1-3, Dan 10:7-12a; Isaiah 22:22; Psalm 31:14-17a/LXX 30:15-18a)

Chapter 6 of Revelation has some uncomfortable moments, but in it we discern the care and deliverance of our Savior, who models for us the Christian way of victory by the cross. We read this difficult sequence of the seals by reference to ancient fathers, Zechariah 6 and 11, and Isaiah.

This week we consider Revelation 13:1-10 in the light of Dan 7:1-8, 11-12, 1 Peter 1:18-20, and Isaiah 14:4-15, soberly observing the vast impact of the Evil One and his human deputies, but also recalling the eternal power of the Lamb who was slain, and the given assurances everywhere that there is no God as great as our God, who does wonders.

In Revelation 19:11-21, the heavens are opened, revealing the mounted Word of God, and His final conquest over evil. We are helped with this exhilarating and disturbing passage by seeing echoes in Psalm 72/71:2, Psalm 44/5:3-5, Isaiah 63:1-3, and listening to the wisdom of ancient commentators.

In our final episode of this series, we take a “bird’s eye” view of the entire book, considering its structure, and how that fills out the central theme of the Apocalypse—the loving Victory of Christ, who includes us in God’s ongoing plan to recover His creation. Our hearts are grasped by this unusual book, if read in this light. Hearers are invited to join Edith for a new series after Thanksgiving, focused on the “canticles” of the Church.

We read Hannah’s sober and joyful canticle (canticle 3), taken from 1 Samuel/1 Kingdoms 2:1–10, and consider what it means for God to “bring low” and to “exalt” us. In this we are helped by St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil and Great, and other sections of the Old Testament.

We read the second “lamplight” Psalm, Psalm 141 (LXX) /142 (MT), clarifying its historical context by means of 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 22 and 1 Samuel (Kingdoms) 24, and understanding its relevance to our lives today through the fathers and Hebrews 12:1-6. God is our true hope as we cry out to Him for deliverance, and as He surrounds us with those who journey on the same path.

This week we read the fifth of the six “censing” psalms of Orthros, Psalm 102 (LXX)/ 103 (MT), and marvel at God’s invitation that we should bless Him. We are helped in understanding the Psalm by Hebrews 7:7, Colossians 1:12-13, James 2:13, and the blessed Augustine.

This week we read the story of Susanna, found either in the prologue of Daniel or Daniel 13 (dependent upon the version used). Susanna is an excellent example of the charms and depth of the Readable Books, adding to doctrine and morals an appreciation for the domestic life and the spunkiness of its heroine, whose story is here analyzed with reference to Daniel 3:17-18, Romans 4, and Psalm 3:1-4.

Bearing the Saint, Chapter four, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Operation 4: Prayers for Family, Friends, and Enemies.

Special Agents of Christ: A Prayer Book for Young Orthodox Saints by Annalisa Boyd (Conciliar Press, 2012). Drill 4: Live like an Agent.

From God to You: The Icon’s Journey to Your Heart, conclusion, by John Kosmas Skinas (Ancient Faith Publishing, 2014)

Great Lent Unplugged: The Funny, Terrible, Wonderful Journey to Pascha, Chapter 4, by Jean Hoefling (Regina Orthodox Press, 2007) Available on Amazon.

Dawn’s Gentle Light, "Great Pascha, Easter 1914," by Renee Riva (Pink Heart Press, 2017)