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
Wednesday, August 12 / July 30 (Church Calendar)


Saints of the Day:

July 30 / August 12. Apostles Silas and Silvanus of the Seventy and those with them: Crescens, Epenetus, and Andronicus. Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna (Terni) in Italy, and Martyrs Proculus, Ephebus, Apollonius, and Abundius, youths. Martyr John the soldier at Constantinople. Hieromartyr Polychronius, Bishop of Babylon, and Martyrs Permenius, Helimenas (Elimas) and Chrysotelus, presbyters; Luke and Mocius, deacons; and Abdon, Sennen, Maximus and Olympius. Opening of the Relics of St. Herman (Germanus) of Solovki. St. Angelina, princess of Serbia. Birthday of New-Martyr Crown Prince Alexis. New-Martyr Anatole of Optina (1922).

Photo of the Day:

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The Grand Opening of the monastery's bookstore/gift shop. (click to enlarge)

Quote of the Day:

"We are often indifferent to our brethren who are distressed or upset, on the grounds that they are in this state through no fault of ours. The Doctor of souls, however, wishing to root out the soul's excuses from the heart, tells us to leave our gift and to be reconciled not only if we happen to be upset by our brother, but also if he is upset by us, whether justly or unjustly; only when we have healed the breach through our apology should we offer our gift."
St. John Cassian

Scripture Readings for the Day:

1 Corinthians 16:4-12

⁴ But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.

Personal Plans

⁵ Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia). ⁶ And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷ For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
⁸ But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. ⁹ For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
¹⁰ And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. ¹¹ Therefore let no one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.
¹² Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

Matthew 21:28-32

The Parable of the Two Sons

²⁸ "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' ²⁹ He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. ³⁰ Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. ³¹ Which of the two did the will of his father?"
They said to Him, "The first."
Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. ³² For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.