Neither the tomb, nor death, could hold the Theotokos, who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.  For being the Mother of Life, she was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her viginal womb!   (Kontakion #2)

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.    (Matt 6:5-6)

"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matt 6:5-6)

O Son of God who wast transfigured on the mount, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!

Divine Liturgy - Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Fruits for the Feast of the Transfiguration – In order to strengthen the faith of His disciples, when they would see His suffering, Jesus Christ took three disciples, Peter, James and John, and led them up on Mount Tabor to pray.  As the Savior was praying, the disciples slept from fatigue.  When they woke up, they saw Jesus Christ transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun and His garments became white as snow and glistened as light.  There appeared with Him, in heavenly glory, two prophets, Moses and Elijah, and they were talking with Jesus about the suffering and death which He would have to endure in Jerusalem.  Suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and they heard the voice of God the Father saying, “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.  Listen to Him!”

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!  For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for behold henceforth all generations will call me blesssed. ( Prokeimenon  #3 (Canticle of the Theotokos))

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness....      (Isa 61:10)

My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!   For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed.   (Prokeimenon #3)

And Mary said,   'My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden; for behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed."   (Luke 1:46-48)  Prokeimenon #3 (Cantlcle of the Theotokos)

"For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."     (Matt 5:45-48)

Heal me, O LORD , and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for Thou art my praise.   (Jer 17:11)

"So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."      (Matt 7:12)

Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."  (Rom 12:17-19)

Great Vespers with Litiya for the Holy Day of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist - "The memory of the righteous is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner. You were shown in truth to be the most honorable of the prophets, for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold. Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy, you proclaimed to those in hell God who appeared in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world, and grants us great mercy." (Troparion — Tone 2)

Divine Liturgy - The Beheading of St. John the Baptist - The life of John the Baptist was one of sacrifice and penance. He preached a baptism of repentance, proclaiming the presence of the Savior to a people who had long awaited His coming. It can also be said that his blessed life was crowned by his noble death - his beheading was a direct result of his fearless condemnation of Herod’s sinful, scandalous behavior. It is no wonder that our Lord had this to say about St. John the Baptist: “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11)

O Creator and Master of time and the ages,  Triune and Merciful God of all: grant blessings for the course of this year, and in Thy boundless mercy save those who worship Thee and cry out in fear:  “O Savior, grant blessings to all mankind!”