INTROIT
Mal 2:6
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace, and in equity, and turned many away from iniquity.
Ps 77:1
Hearken, My people, to My teaching; incline your ears to the words of My mouth.
Glory Be to the Father…
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace, and in equity, and turned many away from iniquity.
COLLECT
O God, Who enabled blessed Irenaeus, Your Martyr and Bishop, to overcome heresy with true doctrine and to establish peace happily in the Church, grant, we beseech You, that Your people may be steadfast in holy religion, and give us Your peace in our times.
Through our Lord…
EPISTLE
Lesson from the second letter of St. Paul the Apostle to Timothy
2 Tim. 3:14-17; 4:1-5
Beloved: Continue in the things that you have learned and that have been entrusted to you, knowing of whom you have learned them. For from your infancy you have known the Sacred Writings, which are able to instruct you unto salvation by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproving, for correcting, for instructing in justice; that the man of God may be perfect, equipped for every good work. I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus, Who will judge the living and the dead by His coming and by His kingdom, preach the word, be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and teaching. For there will come a time when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap up to themselves teachers according to their own lusts, and they will turn away their hearing from the truth and turn aside rather to fables. But be watchful in all things, bear with tribulation patiently, work as a preacher of the Gospel, fulfill your ministry.
GRADUAL
Ps 121:8
Because of my relatives and friends I will say, Peace be within you!
Ps 36:37
℣. Keep innocence, and behold equity; for there is a future for the man of peace. Alleluia, alleluia.
Eccli 6:35
℣. Frequent the company of the elders; whoever is wise, stay close to him. Be eager to hear every godly discourse. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
Continuation ☩ of the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Matt 10:28-33
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather be afraid of Him Who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s leave. But as for you, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. Therefore, everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I in turn will disown him before My Father in heaven.
OFFERTORY
Eccli 24:44
I send my teachings forth to all shining like the dawn, and I will make them known afar off.
SECRET
O God, Who do not allow the nations that believe in You to be troubled by any distress, graciously accept the prayers and sacrificial gifts Your people dedicate to You, so that the peace bestowed by Your love may make Christian lands safe from every foe.
Through our Lord…
PREFACE
Common
It is truly meet and just, and profitable unto salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, through Christ, our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominions adore it, the Powers are in awe. Which the heavens and the hosts of heaven together with the blessed Seraphim joyfully do magnify. And do Thou command that it be permitted us to join with them in confessing Thee, while we say with lowly praise:
COMMUNION
Ecclus 24:47
See that I have not labored for myself only, but for all who seek out the truth.
POSTCOMMUNION
O God, author and lover of peace, to know You is to live, and to serve You is to rule; protect from all assaults those who humbly implore You, that, trusting in Your protection, by the intercession of St. Irenaeus, Your Martyr and Bishop, we may not fear the power of any foe.
Through our Lord…