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July 30
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| 9th Week after Pentecost. Tone 7. |  Fast-free period.
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Great-martyr Marina (Margaret) of Antioch in Pisidia (4th c.).
St. Irenarchus, abbot, of Solovki (1628). St. Leonid, founder of Ust-Neduma Monastery (Vologda) (1654). Translation of the relics of St. Lazarus the Wonderworker, of Mt. Galesion near Ephesus. St. Timothy, fool-for-Christ, of Svyatogorsk, near Pskov (1563). Glorification (1996) and translation of the relics (2000) of St. Gabriel of Seven Lakes Monastery (Kazan) and Pskov-Eleazar Monastery (Pskov).
Martyrs Speratus and his companions: Nartzalus, Cittinus, Veturius, Felix, Aquilinus, Laetantius, Januaria, Generosa, Vestia, Donata, and Secunda, at Scilli, near Carthage (180). Child-martyr Prince Kenelm of Wales (ca. 821). St. Euphrasius of Ionopolis, bishop (Gr. Cal).
Slaying of Bishop John (Bulin) of Pechersk (Pskov Caves) (1941).
Thoughts for Each Day of the Year
According to the Daily Church Readings from the Word of God
By St. Theophan the Recluse
Thursday. [I Cor. 14:6-19; Matt. 20:17-28]
Christianity fully satisfies our striving for superiority—but how? Through a method totally opposed to the one used in the world. Do you want to be first? Be a servant to everyone; that is, be the last amongst them, and this is just as essential as it is to attune your life and your disposition according to the example of Christ the Lord. The Lord says, the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. The Lord ministers, even washes the feet of His disciples; there is no need, therefore, to be ashamed of ministering to someone. Minister however, and with whatever, you can; there are opportunities every step of the way: feed one who is hungry, clothe one who is naked, bring a stranger into your home, visit one who is sick and even tend to him, and do not refuse all other help to those who ask it. Serve not the body only, but also the soul: give understanding, advice, point out a good book, console, support. A word is also a powerful means to help; a soul goes out from it, and helps another by joining with him.