The Morning Offering

The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not Protestant. It is orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic, but not Roman. It isn't non-denominational - it is pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended and died for the Faith of the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Friday, July 17 / July 4 (Church Calendar)
Royal Martyrs of Russia

Saints of the Day:

July 4 / 17. St. Andrew, Archbishop of Crete. St. Martha, mother of St. Symeon Stylites the Younger. Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia Tsar Nicholas II, Tsaritsa Alexandra, Crown Prince Alexis, and Grand-duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia, and those martyred with them (1918). Hieromartyr Theodore, Bishop of Cyrene in Libya, and with him Martyrs Cyprilla, Aroa and Lucia. Martyrs Theodotus and Theodota at Caesarea in Cappadocia. Opening of the Relics of St. Euthymius, archimandrite of Suzdal. Burial of St. Andrew, prince of Bogoliubsk. Saints Tychon, Basil, and Nicon, monks of Solovki. St. Andrew the Russian of Cairo. St. Andrew Rublev, iconographer. New-Martyr Hieromonk Nilus of Poltava (1918). (Greek Calendar: St. Asclepias the Wonderworker. Hieromartyr Theophilus. St. Menignus, monk. Hieromartyr Theodotus. St. Donatus of Libya,Repose of Schema-hieromonk John, founder of Sarov Monastery (1737).

Photo of the Day:

The Metropolitan Laurus Memorial Library (left) and the Trapeza (center) (Click to enlarge)

Quote of the Day:

"When the Tsar ceased to be - Russia ceased to be."

St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco

"Homily Before A Memorial Service For The Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II"

Video of the Day:

Song of Penitence for Russia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5mkwoeUKKc&NR=1 

Scripture Readings for the Day:

1 Corinthians 4:5-8

⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

Fools for Christ's Sake

⁶ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. ⁷ For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
⁸ You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!

Matthew 13:44-54

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

⁴⁴ "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

⁴⁵ "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

The Parable of the Dragnet

⁴⁷ "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, ⁴⁸ which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. ⁴⁹ So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, ⁵⁰ and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
⁵¹ Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?"
They said to Him, "Yes, Lord."
⁵² Then He said to them, "Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old."

Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

⁵³ Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. ⁵⁴ When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, "Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?