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| Old Style
May 18
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Friday |
New Style
May 31
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5th Week after Pascha.
Tone 4.
Fast Day. |
 Fish, wine and oil allowed.
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Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra and seven virgin-martyrs: Tecusa, Alexandra, Claudia, Phaine, Euphrasia, Matrona, and Julia (303). Martyrs Peter of Lampsacus and Andrew, Paul, Dionysius, and Christina, at Euridinos (249-251). St. Macarius (Glukharev), archimandrite, of the Altai (1847).
Martyrs Heraclius, Paulinus, and Benedimus, of Athens (250). Martyrs Symeon, Isaac, and Bachthisoes, of Persia (4th c.). Martyrs David and Tarechan, of Georgia (683). St. John Gashkevich, archpriest, of Korma (1917).
Martyr Euphrasia of Nicaea (ca. 303). Hieromartyr Potamon, bishop of Heraclea (341). St. Theodore I, pope of Rome (649). St. Stephen the New, patriarch of Constantinople (893). New Hieromartyr Damian Strbac, Jr., priest, of Grahovo, Serbia (1940s). St. Anastaso of Leukadion. St. Martinian, monk, of the Areovinthus quarter, Constantinople.
Repose of Blessed Philip, founder of Gethsemane Caves Skete, St. Sergius Lavra (1869).
Thoughts for Each Day of the Year
According to the Daily Church Readings from the Word of God
By St. Theophan the Recluse
Friday. [Acts 15:5–34; John 10:17–28]
Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep says the Lord to the unbelieving Jews. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:26–7). Unbelievers are not of Christ’s fold. At that time, the unbelievers were those who had not yet entered into the fold; but now the unbelievers are all those who have fallen from the faith or who lag behind the fold of Christ. The Lord is the shepherd: all of His sheep go after Him, following His teaching and fulfilling His holy commandments. Sinners are sheep that are sick and weak, but still plod along together with the fold. But those who have lost the faith are those who have totally fallen behind, and have been abandoned to be eaten by wild beasts. These are the ones who are truly backward. They are not from the fold of Christ and they do not hear His voice; and He does not know them, because they do not let themselves be known as did the woman with the issue of blood. And at the judgment it will be said to them: I know you not, depart (cf. Matt. 25:12).
Articles
 Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of AncyraThe Holy Martyr Theodotus lived in Ancyra of Galatia in the third century. |
 Martyr Dionysius of Ancyra, who suffered under DeciusDionysius, Nikomachus, and two soldiers, Andrew and Paul, who had been transferred from Mesopotamia, were put on trial. |
 Virginmartyr Christina of Ancyra, who suffered under DeciusSaint Christina suffered under emperor Decius (249-251). |
 Martyrs Heraclius, Paulinus, and Benedimus, of AthensThe Holy Martyrs Heraclius, Paulinus and Benedimus suffered for Christ in the city of Athens. |
