March 7 2010 – Third Sunday of the Fast, The Worship of the Precious Cross (Saints-Apostle-Gospel)

The Holy Hieromartyrs of Cherson: Basil, Ephraim, Capito, Eugene, Aetherius, Elpidius, and Agathodorus (4th c.). New Hieromartyr Nicholas (1930). New Hieromartyr Nilus, Virgin-martyrs Matrona, Mary, Eudocia, Ecaterina, Antonina, Nadezhda, Xenia, and Anna (1938). Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt, disciple of St. Anthony the Great (4th c.). St. Paul the Confessor, bishop of Prusias in Bithynia (850). Venerable Emilian of Rome. Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Surety of Sinners” in Korets (1622), Odrin (1843) and Moscow (1848). Sts. Nestor and Arcadius, bishops of Tremithus (Greek). Venerable Laurence, founder of the monastery of the Mother of God on Salamis (1707) (Greek). St. Ephraim, Patriarch of Antioch (546). St. Dandus and all Saints of Thrace. St. Eosterwine, abbot of Wearmount.

The Apostle

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

(Hebrews 4:14-5:6)

The Gospel

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.nd he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.

(St Mark 8:34-9:1)

Note: The passages are from the King James / Authorized Version.

Source (for the saints): http://www.holytrinityorthodox.com