Monday Oct 28 / Nov 10 new style • Martyrs Terence & Neonílla; St. Stephen the Sabbaïte; St. Athanásios, Patriarch of Constantinople; St. Philaret the Confessor, Metropolitan of New York; St. Theophilos the Fool for Christ of the Kiev Caves ~ I Thess. 1:1-5; St. Luke 11:29-33

Christian - If you don't love people, don't expect an invitation

MONDAY
October 28
Nov. 10 new style
2025

The Holy Martyrs Terence & Neonílla

St. Stephen the Sabbaïte;

St. Athanásios, Patriarch of

Constantinople;

St. Philaret the Confessor,

Metropolitan of New York

St. Theophilos the Fool for Christ

of the Kiev Caves

Saint Terence was from Syria, and suffered for Christ with his wife Neonílla and their seven children Sabelus, Photius, Theodoulos, Vele, Hierax, Nitus, and Eunice. They were denounced as Christians and brought before the authorities for interrogation.

The saints confessed Christ and mocked the pagan gods, even as their sides were raked with iron hooks. Vinegar was poured into their wounds, which were then set afire. The saints encouraged one another and prayed to God to help them. He sent angels to free them from their bonds and to heal their wounds.

Then the saints were thrown to the wild beasts, who became gentle and did not harm them. Afterward, they were thrown into a cauldron filled with hot pitch, but they were not burned. Seeing that nothing could harm the saints, the pagans beheaded them.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5

King James Version

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Saint Luke 11:29-33

King James Version

29 And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

30 For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.

32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.

A  HYMN  BEFORE  RETIRING 

Saint Ephraem the Syrian 

Grant Lord, that if I keep my vigils, 

I may stand in purity before Thee; 

And if, oh my Saviour, I slumber. 

Let my sleep be free from sin. 

If in my watching I commit iniquity. 

Oh Lord by Thy grace forgive me; 

If I sin when sleeping, 

Let Thy kindness be my expiation. And through the cross of Thy humiliation. 

Afford me refreshing slumber; 

And deliver me from disturbing dreams. 

And from profane imaginations; 

And in sleep full of peace. 

Let all the night conduct me; 

Let not evil beings have dominion over me. 

Nor thoughts full of iniquity. And from hateful concupiscence deliver me 

Through Thy living body which I have eaten; 

And I will lie down and sleep in peace. 

And let Thy blood be a protector to me: — And to the soul which is Thy production 

Grant the freedom of Thy likeness 

And let Thy right hand watch over 

The body which Thy hands have formed. Let the wall of Thy mercy encompass me 

Like a buckler of defence; 

And when my body is still, and slumbers, 

Let Thy kindness be its guard. 

Let not the Evil One approach my couch. 

Thro the supplication of the mother who bare Thee; 

And by Thy sacrifice on behalf of all men, 

Put Satan to flight that he persecute me not. And, Lord, perform Thy promise to me. 

And protect my life by Thy cross; 

And when I awake I will praise Thee 

Because Thou hast displayed Thy love to my lowliness. 

From the sleepers, satisfied with rest. 

And the watchers who have put on their arms, 

Be glory to Thee, Thou guardian Spirit!

Who hast made me a watcher for Thy praise!