Friday, January 9, 2026 | Tobe 1, 1742
Festal | Herbs and plants
Yesterday | Today | TomorrowVespers Raising of Incense
Gospel
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint Matthew the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet. May his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 5:10,11,13
Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, For they have rebelled against You. But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.
Alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever. Amen.Matthew 10:24-33
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Fathers will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
And Glory be to God forever. Amen.
Prime Raising of Incense
Gospel
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint John the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet. May his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 33:18,19
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever. Amen.John 12:20-26
Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
And Glory be to God forever. Amen.
Divine Liturgy
Pauline Epistle
Paul, the servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed to the Gospel of God. A reading from the 2 Epistle of our teacher Paul to the Corinthians. May his blessings be upon us. Amen.
2 Corinthians 11:16-12:12
I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little.
The grace of God the Father be with you all. Amen.
Catholic Epistle
A Reading from the 1 Epistle of St. Peter. May his blessing be upon us. Amen.
1 Peter 1:25-2:10
But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.But the word of the LORD endures forever."Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The world passes away, and its desires; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Amen.
Acts of the Apostles
The Acts of our fathers the apostles, may their blessings be with us. Amen.
Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7:2
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
The word of the Lord shall grow, multiply, be mighty, and be confirmed, in the holy Church of God. Amen.
Synaxarium
The First Day of the Blessed Coptic Month of Tobe, may God make it always received, year after year, with reassurance and tranquility, while our sins are forgiven by the tender mercies of our God my fathers and brothers, Amen.
Martyrdom of Saint Stephen the Archdeacon
This day marks the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the Archdeacon and the first martyr (protomartyr). St. Luke testified about him in the Acts of the Apostles saying, 'Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.' (Acts 6:8) The Jews envied him and seized him and brought him to the Council. They also set up false witnesses who said, 'This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.' (Acts 6:12-13) And all who sat in the Council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. (Acts 6:13) Then the high priest said, 'Are these things so?' St. Stephen answered with convincing words and told them the history from Abraham to Moses. The coming out of Abraham from Haran, the birth and the circumcision of Isaac, Jacob and his sons and their selling of Joseph, and how Joseph revealed himself to his brothers. St. Stephen continued to narrate to them all the events until the building of the temple. He concluded by saying, 'You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of Whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers; who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.' (Acts 7:51-53)
When they heard these things they were cut to their hearts, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!' Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran toward him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. They stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, 'Lord Jesus receive my Spirit.' Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:51-60) Devout men carried St. Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him.
May his prayers be with us. Amen.
Martyrdom of Saint Leontius (Lawendius)
On this day also, St. Lawindianus (Leontius) was martyred. He was from Syria during the time of the infidel Emperor Maximianus. When the Emperor heard about this Saint and his worship of Christ, he sent for him. He tried to entice him with much money to renounce the worship of Christ and to worship the idols. The saint mocked the Emperor's words and despised his presents, belittling his threats of tortures. The Emperor was enraged, ordered him to be hung on the squeezing machine (Hinbazeen) to be pressed and then be beaten with pins, and to be cast in boiling oil. The saint endured it all, and the Lord Christ strengthened and healed him. When the Emperor was weary of torturing him, he ordered Lawindianus to be beheaded, and Lawindianus received the crown of martyrdom. Many miracles and wonders appeared through his body until he became well known in all Syria, and several churches and monasteries were built in his name.
May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen.
Gospel
Stand in the fear of God and listen to the Holy Gospel. A reading from the Gospel according to our teacher Saint Luke the Evangelist. May His Blessings be with us all. From the Psalms of our teacher David the prophet. May his blessings be with us all. Amen.
Psalms 20:3,5
For You meet him with the blessings of goodness; You set a crown of pure gold upon his head. His glory is great in Your salvation; Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
Alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Our Lord God, Savior, and King of us all, Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God to whom be glory forever. Amen.Luke 10:1-20
After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this house. And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick there, and say to them, The kingdom of God has come near to you. But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you. But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me."Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
And Glory be to God forever. Amen