St. John of the Cross

A story from the Hasidic tradition: "How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and day begins?" a young man asked.
"Is it when from a distance you can distinguish a dog from a sheep)" suggested another man.
"No," said the old rabbi.
"Is it when you can distinguIsh between a tig tree and a grapevine?" asked yet another student.
"No," said the old teacher. "It is when you can look into the face of another human being, no matter who they are, what they are, and what they've done or not done, and you have enough light to recognize in him or her a brother or sister. Until then, it is night, and darkness us still with you."

Conception of Our Lady

Troparion - Tone 4

Today the bonds of barrenness are broken,
God has heard the prayers of Joachim and Anna.
He has promised them beyond all their hopes to bear the Maiden of God,
by whom the uncircumscribed One was born as mortal Man;
He commanded an angel to cry to her:
“Rejoice, O full of grace,
the Lord is with you!”

Kontakion - Tone 4

Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”
Today the universe rejoices,
for Anna has conceived the Theotokos through God's dispensation,
for she has brought forth the one who is to bear the ineffable Word!

Pearl Harbor Day

St. Ambrose of Milan

Troparion - Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Ambrose,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion - Tone 3

You shone forth with divine doctrine eclipsing the deception of Arius,
shepherd and initiate of the mysteries, Ambrose.
you worked miracles through the power of the Spirit,
healing various passions;
righteous father, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

Troparion - Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith,
an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence;
your humility exalted you;
your poverty enriched you.
Hierarch Father Nicholas,
entreat Christ our God
that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion - Tone 3

You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest,
For you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ
By giving up your soul for your people,
And saving the innocent from death.
Therefore you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.

World AIDS Day