Words from the Saints -- May 22, 2025

"When in His compassion for man the Word of God became flesh, He changed neither what He was nor what He became." --St. Thalassios the Libyan

"Just as the Samaritan woman abandoned her water jar to follow the Savior, let us abandon the cares of this world to follow Christ with all our hearts." --St. Seraphim of Sarov:

"The Lord speaks with each of us in the same way He spoke to the Samaritan woman: not to condemn but to reveal the living water that flows from His side." --St. Augustine of Hippo

"The woman at the well represents all of us. We, too, are thirsty for the living water of Christ, which He alone can give, and when we drink of it, we are transformed." --St. Nikolai Velimirovich

"Sometimes people are tested by pleasure, sometimes by distress or by physical suffering. By means of His prescriptions the Physician of souls administers the remedy according to the cause of the passions (spiritual struggles) lying hidden in the soul." --St. Maximos the Confessor

"Try to know yourself, your own wickedness. Think on the greatness of God and your wretchedness. Meditate on the suffering of Christ, the magnitude of whose love and suffering surpass our understanding. Ascribe the good that you do to God alone. Do not think about the sin of a brother but about what in him is better than in yourself .... Flee from glory, honors and praise, but if this is impossible, be sorry that such is your lot. Be benevolent to people of low origin. Be freely and willingly obedient not only to those above you but to those below .... The lowlier we are in spirit, the better we know ourselves, and without humility we cannot see God." --St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

Vespers Livestream – Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Christ is Risen!

Thank you for joining us today in prayer during our livestreamed Vespers service. It is a joy and blessing to gather virtually in worship and reflection as a community united in faith. Your participation helps strengthen our shared journey toward holiness and communion with God.

As we look ahead to the saints commemorated by the Orthodox Church tomorrow, Thursday, May 22, we remember:

• Saint Basil the Confessor, Archbishop of Parium, who courageously defended the Orthodox faith during the iconoclast controversies

• Saints Theodore and Joseph, ascetics who lived lives of humility and prayer

• And many other holy men and women whose examples inspire us.

May their steadfast faith and prayers guide and protect us in our daily lives.

📅 Our next livestreamed service will be on Friday, May 23 at 8:00 AM Eastern Time. We invite you to join us again as we greet the new day with the prayers and praises of the Orthodox Church.

To learn more about St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach, our ministry to the elderly, homebound, and those in need throughout Northeast Ohio, and to access service materials and past livestreams, please visit us at stpanteleimon.com.

Together, let us continue to grow in faith, hope, and love — walking in the light of Christ.

#OrthodoxChristianity #VespersLive #OrthodoxSaints #StPanteleimon #OrthodoxFaith #PrayTogether #LivestreamWorship #EasternOrthodox #FaithCommunity #ChristIsRisen #ClevelandOrthodox #OrthodoxMinistry

If you’d like, I can also help prepare social media posts or an email announcement based on this!

Saints Constantine and Helen—Bringers of Light in a Pagan World

May 21st marks the feast day of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helen, two figures whose impact on the Christian world is still profoundly felt today. Their story is one of divine providence, courageous faith, and transforming a pagan empire into fertile ground for the Gospel.

Saint Constantine, the Roman Emperor who ruled in the early 4th century, is best remembered for the Edict of Milan in the year 313 AD. This decree  legalized Christianity and ended centuries of brutal persecution against believers. This was not simply a political maneuver; it was a pivotal moment in Church history. Constantine, moved by a vision of the Cross with the words "In this sign, conquer," led his army to victory and gave public witness to Christ's power. His life exemplifies how God can use worldly authority for eternal purposes.

Saint Helen, Constantine's mother, became a devout Christian later in life. Her pilgrimage to the Holy Land in search of sacred Christian sites led to the discovery of the True Cross of Christ. She funded the construction of many churches, including the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Church of the Holy Resurrection) in Jerusalem. Her devotion to Christ and service to the Church earned her the title "Equal to the Apostles."

Saints Constantine and Helen teach us that God's grace is present in every part of life, including politics, empires, and personal change. Their legacy lives on in many churches named after them, the growth of the Christian faith after years of struggle, and the belief that Christ can overcome any darkness with the power of His Cross.

As we celebrate their memory, let us ask their intercessions: for the Church to stand boldly in truth, for our leaders to be guided by faith, and for each of us to carry the Cross of Christ with courage and joy.

Join the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach Facebook Group

Are you looking for a deeper connection with your Orthodox faith, regular encouragement, and a loving community dedicated to Christ’s command to care for “the least of these”? We invite you to join the official St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach Facebook Group—a vibrant online space where faith, fellowship, and service come together.

Why Join Our Orthodox Christian Facebook Group?

Our mission at St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach is to bring the light of Christ to nursing homes, the elderly, the sick, and the forgotten. But this mission isn’t only lived out in person—it continues online, where we build one another up in prayer, service, and love.

By joining our group, you'll receive:

• 🕯️ Weekly devotionals and reflections based on the Orthodox tradition

• 📖 Service booklets and links to our livestreams

• 🙏 Prayer requests and intercessory support

• 🤝 Updates on outreach events, volunteer opportunities, and ministry needs

• 💬 A place for Orthodox Christian fellowship and encouragement

Who Is This Group For?

Whether you’re a longtime Orthodox Christian, a catechumen, or someone exploring the faith, you’re welcome here. Our Facebook group is especially valuable for:

• Volunteers and supporters of the Outreach

• Family members of nursing home residents

• Orthodox Christians seeking community and spiritual encouragement

• Anyone who believes in the healing power of Christ’s love shared with the vulnerable

How to Join

Joining is easy!
👉 Click here to request access to our Facebook Group

Once inside, take a moment to introduce yourself and let us know how we can be praying for you. We believe God led you here for a reason—and we’re grateful to walk this journey with you.

Stay Connected in Faith

In a world of noise and distraction, our group is a peaceful, prayerful place to stay rooted in Christ and connected to the ministry of St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach. Let’s grow together in compassion, Orthodox faith, and the joy of serving others.

✝️ “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Typica Livestream – Monday, May 19

Christ is Risen!

Thank you to everyone for joining us for our Typica service livestream. Your prayers and presence continue to uplift our ministry and remind us that even across distance, we are united as one Body in Christ.

Saints Commemorated on May 19

Today, the Orthodox Church commemorates the following holy saints:

• Saint Patrick the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Prusa, and his companions (3rd century)

• Saint Cornelius the Monk of Komel

• Saint John, Bishop of the Goths in Crimea

• New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo

Through their prayers and examples, may we grow in faith, humility, and boldness in our Christian walk.

Daily Scripture Readings

The appointed Scripture readings for today are:

• Acts 12:12–17 – Saint Peter’s miraculous escape from prison and his witness to the early Church

• John 8:42–51 – Christ teaches about His divine origin and obedience to the Father

These readings challenge us to deepen our faith, trust in God’s providence, and listen to the voice of Christ who leads us to eternal life.

Join Us for the Next Livestream

We invite you to pray with us again during our next livestream:

📅 Wednesday, May 21
🕡 6:30 PM Eastern Time
📍 Streaming live from St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach

Come and be spiritually refreshed as we continue to draw near to Christ together.

To learn more about our outreach ministry, upcoming services, and how you can get involved, please visit stpanteleimon.com.

Thank you again for being part of our growing online Orthodox community. May the peace of Christ be with you always.

#OrthodoxChurch #TypicaService #DailyReadings #ActsOfTheApostles #GospelOfJohn #StPanteleimon #EasternOrthodox #FaithInChrist #Livestream #OrthodoxSaints #ChristIsRisen #OrthodoxFaith #PrayWithUs

Readings for the Week of May 18, 2025

5/18: Acts 11:19-26, 29-30; John 4:5-42

5/19: Acts 12:12-17; John 8:42-51

5/20: Acts 12:25-13:12; John 8:51-59

5/21: Acts 13:13-24; 26:1-5, 12-20; John 6:5-14; 10:1-9

5/22: Acts 14:20-27; John 9:39-10:9

5/23: Acts 15:5-34; John 10:17-28

5/24: Acts 15:35-41; John 10:27-38

Reflection for the Fifth Sunday of Pascha: The Samaritan Woman

On this Fifth Sunday of Pascha, the Church presents the powerful and personal encounter between our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ and a Samaritan Woman at the well (John 4:5–42). At first glance, it may seem like a simple dialogue about water, but this moment reveals profound truths about worship, repentance, mission, and the living water of divine grace.

Christ meets St. Photini—not by accident, but in divine providence. A woman with a troubled past, isolated from her community, is approached by the very Source of Life. He doesn't shame her but gently exposes the truth of her life to awaken her thirst for something more profound. Their conversation transitions from the physical to the spiritual, from water drawn from a well to the living water that springs up to eternal life.

In this meeting, we see God's mercy and love reaching boundaries of gender, ethnicity, and moral reputation. The Jews had no dealings with Samaritans, yet Christ speaks to her with dignity and honesty. Her sin is not ignored, but neither is it the end of her story. In repentance, St. Photini becomes a believer and a bold evangelist—rushing back to her town to share the good news: "Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"

Her witness reminds us that none of us is beyond the reach of God's grace. The Gospel is for the righteous as well as those thirsty for truth, healing, and purpose. Her transformation encourages us to believe our past mistakes do not disqualify us from becoming vessels of God's mercy.

The dialogue at the well also points us toward the nature of true worship: "The hour is coming, and now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth." This calls each of us to examine not just what we do externally, but the state of our heart in prayer and in our life with God. Are we worshiping in truth, allowing God to expose our hidden wounds and fill them with His healing love?

During this Paschal season, as we continue to proclaim, "Christ is Risen!" Let us remember that the Risen Christ meets us where we are—at the wells of our own lives, calling us to drink deeply of the water He alone can give. Like the Samaritan Woman, may we allow our encounter with Him to transform us so that we, too, may lead others to the joy of the Resurrection.

Typica Livestream – Friday, May 16, 2025

Christ is Risen!

We warmly welcome you and thank you for joining us in prayer during our Typica livestream on this blessed Friday, May 16, 2025. Whether you are a regular participant or joining us for the first time, we are grateful for your presence and for lifting your hearts with ours in worship.

Saints Commemorated Today

On this day, the Orthodox Church commemorates several saints, including:

• St. Theodore the Sanctified, disciple of St. Pachomius the Great

• St. Alexander, Archbishop of Jerusalem

• St. Brendan the Navigator, Abbot of Clonfert

• New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo in Epirus

• St. George of Mitylene, Bishop and Wonderworker

May their holy prayers strengthen and inspire us on our journey toward Christ.

Today's Scripture Readings

The prescribed readings for Friday, May 16 are:

• Acts 10:44–11:10 – The Holy Spirit falls upon the Gentiles, confirming God’s call to all peoples.

• John 8:21–30 – Jesus foretells His departure and speaks of His relationship with the Father.

Let these readings encourage us to live with faith and discernment, knowing Christ is ever present, even when misunderstood by the world.

Next Livestream

📅 Mark your calendars!
Our next livestream will be on Monday, May 19 at 8:00 AM Eastern. We hope you’ll join us again as we continue to grow in prayer, scripture, and the life of the Church.

Learn More About Our Ministry

To discover more about St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach, including our nursing home visitations, livestream schedule, and how you can support our work, please visit:
🌐 www.stpanteleimon.com

Thank you again for praying with us today. May the peace of Christ and the prayers of His saints uphold you always.

#OrthodoxChristianity #DailyTypica #OrthodoxLivestream #StPanteleimonOutreach #TypicaService #PrayWithUs #EasternOrthodox #Acts10 #John8 #ChristianMinistry

Words from the Saints -- May 15, 2025

"God has granted us existence - the greatest gift of His goodness, and after we had fallen away from Him, from life into death, He gave us for our regeneration, to bring us back to life, His Son. How small in proportion are all the other gifts which we ask of Him in prayer, and how easy it is for Him to give them to us at the first word of true faith, if they are really necessary for us! Therefore it is perfectly unpardonable in us if we still doubt that we shall obtain what we ask of God in prayer. The Lord said plainly: 'Ask, and it shall be given you.' (Matthew 7:7)." --St. John of Kronstadt

"It is good that we make God's mercy known to all and speak to those close to us of the compassion and inexpressible bounty He has shown us." --St. Symeon the New Theologian

"He who does not make his will agree with God is tripped up by his own schemes and falls into the hands of his enemies." --St. Mark the Ascetic

Vespers Livestream – Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Christ is Risen!

We warmly welcome you and thank you for joining us in prayer during our livestreamed Vespers service this evening, Wednesday, May 14. It is a blessing to pray together with faithful from around the world as we lift up our hearts in prayer and thanksgiving to God.

As we prepare for the next liturgical day in the life of the Orthodox Church, we also remember the saints commemorated on Thursday, May 15, including:

• Saint Pachomius the Great, founder of communal monasticism in Egypt

• Saint Achillius, Bishop of Larissa, known for his steadfast defense of Orthodoxy at the First Ecumenical Council

• Saint Barbarus the Myrrh-gusher, a former soldier who became a fervent Christian martyr

• And other righteous men and women whose lives inspire us to walk in faith, humility, and love.

May their prayers strengthen us as we continue on our journey with Christ.

📅 Our next livestreamed service will be on Friday, May 16 at 8:00am Eastern Time. We invite you to join us once again in prayer and reflection as we greet the new day with the praises of God.

To learn more about our ministry to the elderly, the sick, and the forgotten in Northeast Ohio—and to access service booklets, devotionals, and past livestreams—please visit stpanteleimon.com.

Let us continue to walk in the light of the Risen Christ, united in love and faith.

In Christ,
St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach

#OrthodoxChurch #OrthodoxChristianity #VespersService #StPanteleimon #PrayWithUs #ChristIsRisen #EasternOrthodox #DigitalMinistry #Livestream

Typica Livestream – Monday, May 12

Christ is Risen!

We warmly welcome you and thank you for praying with us during our Typica service livestream on this blessed Monday, May 12. Whether you joined us from near or far, your presence in prayer strengthens our fellowship in Christ and glorifies His holy name.

Saints Commemorated Today

On this day, the Orthodox Church commemorates:

• Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (403)

• Saint Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople (740)

We give thanks for the witness of these saints and ask for their intercessions as we continue our spiritual journey.

Daily Scripture Readings

The prescribed readings for today’s Typica service are:

• Acts 10:1–16 – The vision of St. Peter and the call to preach to the Gentiles

• John 6:56–69 – Christ speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, and Peter’s confession of faith

These powerful readings remind us of the transformative call of Christ and our communion with Him in faith and truth.

Join Us for Our Next Livestream

Please mark your calendars and join us again for our next livestream on:

📅 Wednesday, May 14
🕡 6:30 PM Eastern Time
📍 Streaming live from St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach

We look forward to lifting our hearts and voices together again in prayer and worship.

To learn more about our mission, community outreach, and upcoming services, please visit stpanteleimon.com.

Stay connected with us and help spread the word by sharing our ministry!

#OrthodoxChurch #TypicaService #DailyScripture #ChristIsRisen #StPanteleimon #OrthodoxChristian #FaithAndPrayer #EasternOrthodoxy #Livestream #PrayWithUs

Prayer List for the Week of May 11, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Philip, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Kathleen, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Daria, Vera, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin, Edward, Gloria, Martha, Amanda

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Alexander, Bruce

Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Pascha: The Healing of the Paralytic

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

On this Fourth Sunday of Pascha, the Church calls us to contemplate the Gospel account of the healing of the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1–15). For thirty-eight long years, this man lay helpless, waiting for someone—anyone—to help him into the waters when they were stirred. But none came. Until Christ.

The words of the paralytic ring out with aching loneliness: “Sir, I have no man…” In those few words, we hear not just his personal sorrow, but the cry of all humanity burdened by suffering, sin, and isolation. In a world filled with people, he had no one. Yet, the Lord—God in the flesh—comes not only with healing but with presence. Where there was no man, God Himself becomes “the Man” who answers the cry of the heart.

This Gospel is a profound reminder that Christ meets us where we are: in our paralysis, our spiritual dryness, our weariness, our waiting. He asks a simple but piercing question: “Do you want to be made well?” It is a question not only of desire but of readiness. Are we prepared to rise from the old patterns of life? Are we ready to be changed—not just physically, but spiritually?

The healing of the paralytic is not merely a miracle of the body, but a call to transformation. “Rise, take up your bed, and walk,” Christ commands. And in obedience, the man is made whole. So too must we rise—from sin, despair, and apathy—and walk in the newness of life that the Risen Christ offers. The bed that once held the paralytic becomes the symbol of victory: he carries what once carried him.

As we continue in the joy of the Paschal season, let us remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Christ has come into our world, into our suffering, and He speaks healing into our lives. Let us be attentive to His voice, respond with faith, and walk boldly in the light of His Resurrection.

Kontakion of the Sunday of the Paralytic
"I am grievously paralyzed, O Lord, and I have no man to put me into the healing pool. But as You are compassionate, heal me, O Savior, that I may cry out to You: Glory to You!"

Readings for the Week of May 11, 2025

5/11: Acts 9:32-42; John 5:1-15

5/12: Acts 10:1-16; John 6:56-69

5/13: Acts 10:21-33; John 7:1-13

5/14: Acts 14:6-18; John 7:14-30

5/15: Acts 10:34-43; John 8:12-20

5/16: Acts 10:44-11:10; John 8:21-30

5/17: Acts 12:1-11; John 8:31-42

Typica on May 9, 2025

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

On May 9, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Prophet Isaiah and the Holy Great Martyr Christopher.

The prescribed readings are Acts 8:40-9:19 and John 6:48-54.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, May 12, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- May 8, 2025

"Just like a shadow follows a body, so does temptation follow good deeds — for no one will enter the Kingdom of Heaven without temptation. Thus, endure without anxiety and pray — the good Lord will reward you for your diligence and patience." --St. Dorotheos of Gaza

"When you pray to God in time of temptation do not say, 'Take this or that away from me', but pray like this: 'O Jesus Christ, sovereign Master, help me and do not let me sin against You...'" --Abba Isaiah

"Do not think that you have a right to complain when your prayers are not answered. God fulfills your desires in a manner that you do not know." --St. Nektarios the Wonderworker

"If we knew at what time we were to depart from this world, we would be able to select a season for pleasure and another for repentance. But God, who has promised pardon to every repentant sinner, has not promised us tomorrow. Therefore we must always dread the final day, which we can never foresee. This very day is a day of truce, a day for conversion. And yet we refuse to cry over the evil we have done! Not only do we not weep for the sins we have committed, we even add to them... If we are, in fact, now occupied in good deeds, we should not attribute the strength with which we are doing them to ourselves. We must not count on ourselves, because even if we know what kind of person we are today, we do not know what we will be tomorrow. Nobody must rejoice in the security of their own good deeds. As long as we are still experiencing the uncertainties of this life, we do not know what end may follow...we must not trust in our own virtues." --St. Gregory the Great

Vespers on May 7, 2025

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

On May 8, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy, Glorious, & All-Praised Apostle John the Evangelist and Theologian.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Friday, May 9, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Typica on May 5, 2025

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

On May 5, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Great Virgin Martyr Irene.

The prescribed readings are Acts 6:8-7:5, 47-60 and John 4:46-54.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

Prayer List for the Week of May 4, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Philip, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Kathleen, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Daria, Vera, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin, Edward, Gloria, Martha. Amanda

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Alexander, Bruce, Helen, George

The Third Sunday of Pascha: Honoring the Myrrh-Bearing Women and St. Joseph of Arimathea

“The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree…”

As we continue to bask in the radiant joy of the Resurrection, the Holy Church invites us on the Third Sunday of Pascha to contemplate the courage, love, and devotion of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, as well as St. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—figures whose quiet faithfulness bore witness to the mystery of Christ's Passion and Resurrection.

A Gospel of Courage and Love

The Gospel reading for this Sunday comes from Mark 15:43–16:8, which recounts how Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Christ, went boldly to Pilate to ask for the Body of Jesus. This act alone was dangerous, risking both his reputation and safety. We then read of the Myrrh-Bearing Women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and others—who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, bringing myrrh to anoint His body.

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here.’” — Mark 16:5-6

Though the Apostles had scattered in fear, these faithful women stood by the Cross and journeyed to the tomb while it was still dark. Their actions remind us that love casts out fear (cf. 1 John 4:18) and that true discipleship often takes quiet, steadfast form.

The Hymnology of the Day

The Church’s hymnography exalts these saints with deep reverence and poetic beauty. The Apolytikion (Troparion) for the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women proclaims:

"The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it in a new tomb. But Thou didst rise on the third day, O Lord, granting the world great mercy."

Another hymn extols the bravery of the women:

"The angel came to the myrrh-bearing women at the tomb and said: 'Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption! So proclaim: The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy!'"

These hymns do not merely recall history; they invite us into active participation—to imitate the boldness of Joseph, the devotion of the women, and the unshakeable hope in the risen Christ.

Words from the Saints

Saint Gregory the Theologian reminds us of the paradox of strength found in gentleness:

“They [the Myrrh-Bearing Women] came, seeking the dead, and found the Living; they came mourning, and returned rejoicing… They were the first to see the Resurrection, apostles to the Apostles.”

Saint John Chrysostom praises Joseph for his bravery:

“When even the disciples had fled, this man went in and was very bold… He exposed himself to death, taking the risk for what he loved.”

Their example shows that resurrectional faith is not passive. It is courageous and sacrificial. It risks everything for the sake of Christ.

A Lesson for Us Today

In honoring the Myrrh-Bearers and St. Joseph of Arimathea, we are reminded that the call to discipleship is often quiet, humble, and hidden. Yet in their simplicity, these saints became the first proclaimers of the greatest truth in human history: Christ is Risen!

In a world still marked by fear, confusion, and the sting of death, the Church raises up their memory to show us that love—steadfast and fearless—finds Christ, even at the tomb.

Let us ask their intercessions today, that we too may walk with faith and devotion in the light of the Resurrection.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!