The Holy Seven Youths (“Seven Sleepers”) of Ephesus: Maximilian, Jamblicus, Martinian, John, Dionysius, Exacustodian (Constantine), and Antoninus (250 and ca. 446). Uncovering of the relics (2000) of St. Alexis, priest, of Bortsurmany, Nizhni-Novgorod (1848).
Martyr Eleutherius of Byzantium (beg. of 4th c.). Martyr Eudocia of Anatolia in Persia (362-364).
New Hieromartyr Michael (Zhuk), hieromonk, of Staroye Zubarevo (Mordovia) (1937).
New Hieromartyr Cosmas of Aitolia, Equal-to-the-Apostles (1779). Martyrs Ia and 9,000 with her in Persia (363). St. George (Lazar) the Pilgrim, of Varatec, Romania (1916).
Repose of Archimandrite Lazar (Abashidze) of Georgia (2018).
Wednesday. [I Cor. 16:4-12; Matt. 21:28-32]
In the parable about the two sons, the
second promptly said, “I go,” and went not.
This is an image for all hasty good intentions that lack
the constancy, will and patience to fulfil them. A light
heart is immediately ready for every good thing presented
to it, but a soft and lazy will refuses to do it from the
very beginning. This infirmity is found in nearly
everyone. How can one avoid such unreliability before
one’s own self and others? This is how: do not begin
anything without thinking it over and calculating whether
there will be enough strength for the undertaking. This is
what the Lord asked us to do in the parables about the man
who set off to war, and the other who set about building a
house. In what lies this calculation? These parables are
related by the Lord in order to instruct us to arm
ourselves in advance with self-denial and patience. Look
to see whether you have these buttresses that all laborers
for goodness have. If you have them, begin the
undertaking; but if not, then first store them up. If you
stock yourself up with them, then no matter what you meet
on the path to what you intend to do, you will endure and
overcome it all, and you will bring what you have begun to
a finish. Calculating does not mean that as soon as the
deed becomes a bit difficult you drop it, but rather that
you should inspire yourself for every labor. From this
there will come firmness of will and constancy in deeds.
And it will never be the case with you that you
say—“I go,” and then go not.