Thursday, December 21, 2028

Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ

On Thursday, December 21, 2028, Orthodox Christians on the New Calendar remember Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ; Juliana and Companions; and St Peter of Moscow. It is a fast day, with wine and oil. On the Old Calendar the same day remembers St Patapius of Thebes; and Sosthenes, Apollos, Tychicus and Epaphroditus. It is a fast day, with wine and oil.

New Calendar

Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ

This day is a fast day, but wine and oil are permitted, no meat, dairy, or fish.

Old Calendar

This day is a fast day, but wine and oil are permitted, no meat, dairy, or fish.

The saints of the day

  • Tone 3 of the Octoechos
  • 28th Week after Pentecost

Readings, New Calendar

EpistleHebrews 7.1-6

7:1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”, 3without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually. 4Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder.

5They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, 6but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.

WEB, public domain

GospelMark 10.17-27

10:17As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one—God. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” 20He said to him, “Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth.” 21Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”

22But his face fell at that saying, and he went away sorrowful, for he was one who had great possessions. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into God’s Kingdom!” 24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into God’s Kingdom! 25It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.” 26They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, “Then who can be saved?” 27Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”

WEB, public domain

The order and appointment of the readings follow the Orthodox lectionary. Come to the Liturgy to hear them proclaimed.

Readings, Old Calendar

EpistleHebrews 7.1-6

7:1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”, 3without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually. 4Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder.

5They indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment to take tithes from the people according to the law, that is, of their brothers, though these have come out of the body of Abraham, 6but he whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abraham, and has blessed him who has the promises.

WEB, public domain

GospelLuke 21.28-33

21:28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near.” 29He told them a parable. “See the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near. 31Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that God’s Kingdom is near. 32Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

WEB, public domain

The order and appointment of the readings follow the Orthodox lectionary. Come to the Liturgy to hear them proclaimed.

Questions

What does the Orthodox Church remember on Thursday, December 21, 2028?

  • On the New Calendar, Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ; Juliana and Companions; and St Peter of Moscow.
  • On the Old Calendar, St Patapius of Thebes; and Sosthenes, Apollos, Tychicus and Epaphroditus.

Is Thursday, December 21, 2028 a fast day in the Orthodox Church?

Yes.

  • On the New Calendar it is a fast day, with wine and oil.
  • On the Old Calendar it is a fast day, with wine and oil.

What are the Orthodox readings for Thursday, December 21, 2028?

On the New Calendar:

At the Liturgy, the Epistle is Hebrews 7.1-6 and the Gospel is Mark 10.17-27.

On the Old Calendar:

At the Liturgy, the Epistle is Hebrews 7.1-6 and the Gospel is Luke 21.28-33.

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