Martyrs Justin the Philosopher, and those with him at Rome: Chariton, Charita, Euelpistus, Hierax, Paeon, and Valerian (Liberianus) (166). St. Dionysius of Glushitsa (Vologda), monastic founder (1437). Righteous John, Wonderworker of Kronstadt (Glorification 1990)
St. Agapitus, unmercenary physician, of the Kiev Caves (11th c.). St. Justin (Popovic), archimandrite, of Chelije in Serbia (1978). Sts. Shio the New, David, Gabriel, and Paul, of Gareji, Georgia (1696-1700).
Martyr Thespesius of Cappadocia (230). Martyr Firmus of Magus (284-303). St. Mertius the Farmer, of Myra in Lycia (912).
Repose of Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov) of Dmitrov (1934) and Elder Philaret of Kapsala, Mt. Athos (1975).
Monday. [Acts 21:8–14; John 14:27–15:7]
The Lord Jesus Christ is the vine, a grape
tree; Christians are branches and shoots. We cleave to Him
through faith and bear fruit through a life according to
faith. The Heavenly Father is the husbandman who watches
over this tree. Any branch which does not bring forth
fruit—that is, whoever believes and does not live
according to faith—the Lord cuts off. But He
cleanses those which bring forth fruit—that is,
those who not only believe, but are also zealous to live
according to faith. These the Lord helps in every way to
become rich in good deeds, which are the fruits of faith.
Let each person arrange his life according to this law of
God’s action upon us, firmly remembering that
without the Lord one can do nothing. Run to Him with every
need. May His most holy and sweetest name be ever
impressed upon your mind, heart, and tongue.