Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church
Orthodox Church in America — Diocese of New York and New Jersey
Sunday, 18 October 2026
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost — Tone 3
The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke
The Hours, 9:30am · Divine Liturgy, 10:00am
The Very Reverend Father David Mezynski, Rector
The Epistle
Galatians 1:11–19
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
The Gospel
Luke 8:5–15
A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
The week ahead
- Wednesday 21 October, 6:00pm — Akathist
- Wednesday 21 October, 8:00pm — Adult education, on Zoom
- Saturday 24 October, 6:00pm — Vespers
- Sunday 25 October, 9:30am — The Hours
- Sunday 25 October, 10:00am — Divine Liturgy
Announcements
Many years to Wenenna B. (21 October), Saba N. and Kristin S. (22 October), Tamara W. (23 October) and Doug S. (24 October), who celebrate their birthdays this week. There are no anniversaries this week.
Coffee hour follows the Divine Liturgy. Visitors, please do stay — it is the easiest way to meet the parish.
Adult education meets on Zoom on Wednesdays at 8:00pm. Inquirers, catechumens and anyone wishing to understand the faith more deeply are welcome; no preparation is needed.
House blessings: please speak to Father David to arrange a time for your house to be blessed.
Collections in the foyer: personal hygiene items for the Food Cupboard — toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, mouthwash, shampoo; and men's socks for the Open Door Mission.
855 South Goodman Street, Rochester, New York 14620
sjoca.org — fr.david@sjoca.org
Offerings may be made in the plate or online through the Giving page at sjoca.org.