Fasting Rules
Saints & Commemorations
Martyr Myron, Presbyter of Cyzicus
He was a priest in Achaia. In the time of the Emperor Decius, when Antipater was governor of Achaia, the persecutors entered the church on the Feast of the Nativity, dragged Myron away from the service and put him to torture. He endured many horrible tortures, but would not worship the idols. Finally he was thrown to wild beasts.
He was a priest in Achaia. In the time of the Emperor Decius, when Antipater was governor of Achaia, the persecutors entered the church on the Feast of the Nativity, dragged Myron away from the service and put him to torture. He endured many horrible tortures, but would not worship the idols. Finally he was thrown to wild beasts. When Antipater saw the beasts greeting Myron affectionately, the persecutor seized a sword and slew himself. The Saint was then sent to Cyzicus, where he was beheaded by the proconsul.
Straton, Philip, Eutychian, & Cyprian the Martyrs of Nicomedea
Holy Martyr Patroclus (late 3rd c.)
The Martyr Patroclus lived during the third century under the emperor Aurelian (270-275). He was a native of the city of Tricassinum (now the city of Troyes in France) and led a pious Christian life: he loved to pray, to read the Holy Scriptures, to fast and to be charitable to the poor. For this the Lord bestowed upon him the gift of wonderworking.
The Martyr Patroclus lived during the third century under the emperor Aurelian (270-275). He was a native of the city of Tricassinum (now the city of Troyes in France) and led a pious Christian life: he loved to pray, to read the Holy Scriptures, to fast and to be charitable to the poor. For this the Lord bestowed upon him the gift of wonderworking.
The emperor Aurelian summoned Saint Patroclus to himself and commanded him to worship idols, promising for this great honors and riches. The saint disdained idol worship saying that the emperor himself was a beggar.
“How can you call me, the emperor, a beggar?” asked Aurelian. The saint answered: “You possess many earthly treasures, but you do not have heavenly treasures. Since you do not believe in Christ and in the future life, you shall not receive the blessedness of Paradise. Therefore, you are poor.”
Aurelian sentenced him to beheading by the sword. Soldiers led him to the banks of the River Sequanum (now the Seine), but suddenly their eyes were clouded, and Saint Patroclus at this time went across the river on the water and began to pray on a hill on the other shore. Coming to themselves, some of the soldiers were astounded at the disappearance of the martyr and they glorified God, but others attributed the miracle to magic.
A pagan woman pointed out to the soldiers that Saint Patroclus was on the other bank of the river. Crossing over there, the soldiers killed the martyr. His body was buried by night by the priest Eusebius and deacon Liberius.
Troparion - Tone 3
Your holy martyr Patroclus, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!
Kontakion - Tone 2
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance, / which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Patroclus; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.
Scripture Readings
☩Epistle
2 Corinthians 5:10-15
10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
11
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
12
For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
13
For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.
14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
☩Gospel
Mark 1:9-15
9
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
10
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
11
And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
12
And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
13
And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.
14
Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Liturgical data sourced from OCA.org and orthocal.info