SJTB

Saint John the Baptist Orthodox Church

Orthodox Church in America — Diocese of New York and New Jersey

Sunday, 25 October 2026

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost — Tone 4

Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries
Saint Tabitha of Joppa

Byzantine-style gold-ground mosaic labelled "S PETRVS": the apostle Peter, white-haired and haloed, in a blue mantle over a white tunic, stretches out his right hand in blessing and takes the hand of a kneeling woman in a dark blue-green robe and gold-patterned skirt who rises before him — the raising of Tabitha — while a young man in orange stands behind him and three veiled women in brown and black look on beside a stone building at the right.

The Hours, 9:30am  ·  Divine Liturgy, 10:00am

The Very Reverend Father David Mezynski, Rector

The Epistle

Galatians 2:16–20

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The Gospel

Luke 16:19–31

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: and there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: for I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

The week ahead

  • Wednesday 28 October, 6:00pm — Akathist
  • Wednesday 28 October, 8:00pm — Adult education, on Zoom
  • Saturday 31 October, 6:00pm — Vespers
  • Sunday 1 November, 9:30am — The Hours
  • Sunday 1 November, 10:00am — Divine Liturgy

Announcements

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.