Nativity

The liturgical calendar begins with the Nativity period, which is the period before Christmas. There are eight weeks in this period, two weeks set aside for the sanctification and dedication of the Church at the beginning of the liturgical year and six weeks for the events leading up to Christmas. The feast of the Consecration of the Church (Koodhosh Eetho) is eight Sundays before Christmas and falls on either the last Sunday of October (if that Sunday is the 30th or 31st of the month) or the first Sunday of the November. The next Sunday is the feast of the Dedication of the Church (Hoodhosh Eetho).

Following these two weeks, we turn our focus to the nativity period and commemorate the main events preceding the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, which includes the Annunciation of the birth of St. John the Baptist to St. Zachariah, the Annuncation to the Blessed Mother, St. Mary, the visitation of St. Mary to St. Elizabeth, the birth of St. John the Baptist, and the revelation to St. Joseph. After these Sundays, comes the Sunday before Christmas, when the geneology of our Lord is read, and then the feast of the birth of our Lord (Yeldho) which is celebrated on December 25th. The fast of the Nativity begins on December 1st and lasts till December 25th - Christmas Day.

Koodhosh Eetho (Sanctification) Sunday 

  • Description
    • The Sunday that comes on of after October 30th is called Koodhosh Eetho (Sanctification of Church) Sunday. It is the beginning of the church calendar.
  • Evening
    • St. Mark 8: 27 -33
  • Morning
    • St. John 21: 15- 22
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 33: 7-11
    • Exodus 40 : 17-38
    • Isaiah 6: 1 - 8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2:1-12
    • I Corinthians 3: 16-17, 6: 15-20
    • St. Matthew 16:13-23

Hoodhosh Eetho (Dedication) Sunday 

  • Description
    • The Sunday after Koodhosh Eetho is called Hoodhosh Eetho (Dedication of Church) Sunday.
  • Evening
    • St. Luke 19: 47- 20: 8
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 12: 41-44
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 33: 7-11
    • I Kings : 8 :22 - 40
    • Isaiah 55: 1- 13
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 7: 44-53
    • Hebrews 9: 1-14
    • St. John 10: 22 - 38

Annunciation to Zechariah 

  • Description
    • This Sunday is commemorated as the day when John the Baptist's birth was announced to Zechariah by Angel Gabriel.
  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 19: 3-12
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 10: 38 - 12
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 17: 15-22
    • Numbers 8: 13-20
    • I Samuel 1: 9-17
    • Isaiah 41: 8-15
  • Holy Qurbana
    • II Peter 1: 1-15
    • Ephesians 5: 21 -6: 4
    • St. Luke 1: 5 - 25

Annunciation to St. Mary, Mother of God. 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 8: 16- 21
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 3: 31-35
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 28: 10 -22
    • Judges 13: 2-14
    • Zechariah 2: 10-13, 4: 1-7, 8: 3
    • Isaiah 63: 15-64: 5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 2-17
    • Galatians: 4: 1-7
    • St. Luke 1: 26-38

St. Mary's visit to Elizabeth 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 8: 1- 3
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 10: 38-42
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 1: 24 - 31, 24: 15-38
    • Judges 4: 4 -16
    • II Kings 5: 1 -5
    • Ester 4: 1- 17
    • Proverbs 14: 1-19.
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 1 -7
    • I Timothy 2: 9 - 15 , 3:11-13
    • St. Luke 1: 39-56

Birth of John the Baptist 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 10 : 13-16
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 11: 11-19
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 21: 1-21
    • Exodus 2: 1-10
    • Psalms 127 : 1 -5
    • Isaiah 62: 1-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 1-3
    • Ephesians 6: 1-4;
    • Colosians 3: 20-21
    • St. Luke 1: 57-80

Annunciation to St. Joseph 

  • Evening
    • St. John 6: 30-46
  • Morning
    • St. John 6: 30-46
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 13: 1-11
    • Isaiah 1: 2 - 9
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 11 -17
    • Galatians 1: 11-24
    • St. Matthew 1: 18-25

Sunday before Christmas 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 1: 1- 18
  • Morning
    • St. John 1: 1-18
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 46: 8-27
    • I Kings 9: 3-7
    • Isaiah 7: 14-15, 11: 1 -9
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 3: 16-26
    • Romans 4: 13-25
    • St. Luke 3: 23-38

Yeldho/Incarnation of our Lord (Christmas) (December 25) 

  • Evening
    • St. John 1: 1-18
  • By the fire-pit
    • Hebrews 1: 1-12
    • St. Luke 2: 1-14
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 2: 15-20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 21: 1-8
    • Micah 5:5 1- 4
    • Isaiah 9: 1-7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 1: 1- 10
    • Galatians 3: 23- 4 :7
    • St. Matthew 2: 1-12

 

Infancy

The period after Christmas, is known as the Infancy Period, in reference to the infancy of Christ and lasts till the beginning of His public ministry, which we remember at the start of the Great Lent. The first day of this period, December 26th, is the glorification of the Holy Virgin Mary. On December 27th, we remember the martyrdom of the infants of Bethlehem at the hands of Herod. As per Jewish custom the eighth day after the birth of a male child, eight days after the birth of Christ, January 1st, the Circumsion of our Lord is celebrated. On January 6th, the Church commemorates Theophany (Denha), the feast of the baptism of our Lord. Other feasts commemorated during this period are the beheading of St. John the Baptist on January 7th, and the martyrdom of St. Stephen on January 8th. The presentation of our Lord at the Temple of Jerusalem (Mayaltho) is celebrated on February 2nd.

The period before Easter is a preparatory period in anticipation of the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord. This preparation is primarily through the Great Lent; however, we begin our preparation during this period through repentance and remembering all the departed of the Church. Our preparation begins with the three-day Nineveh fast in commemoration of repentance of the Ninevites during the time of Jonah. This fast begins three Mondays before the beginning of the Great Lent, ten weeks before Easter. The two Sundays after the Nineveh fast commemorates all departed clergy and all the faithful departed of the Church.

Feast of the glory of St. Mary, Mother of God 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 2: 15-20
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 11: 23-32
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 3: 1-10
    • Ezekiel 44: 1-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 7: 30-43
    • Romans 1: 1-10
    • St. Luke 8: 16-21

Massacre of the Infants (December 27) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 2: 13-18
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 6: 1-6
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 1: 1-22
    • Jeremiah 31: 15-20
    • Isaiah 60: 8-14
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 7: 11-29
    • Romans 15: 1-7
    • St. Matthew 2: 13-18

First Sunday after Christmas (The Holy Family flee to Egypt) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 10 : 16-23
  • Morning
    • St. John 15: 18-21
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 37: 13 - 28
    • Zechariah 8: 3-8
    • Isaiah 5: 20-30
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 16: 6 -10
    • I Corinthians 10 : 1- 13
    • St. Matthew 2: 9 - 15, 19- 23

New Year's Day (January 1) Circumcision of our Lord, Memory of St. Basil and St. Gregory. 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 13: 6 - 9
  • Morning
    • St. John 9: 4 -7
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 12 : 1- 9
    • Deuteronomy 10: 12-11: 1
    • Ezekiel 18: 21-24
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 13 - 18
    • Romans 2: 28-3: 8
    • St. John 15: 5 -19

Second Sunday after Christmas 

  • Evening
    • St. John 1: 35 -42
  • Morning
    • St. John 1: 43 - 51
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 37: 1- 11
    • Psalms 45: 1-17
    • Isaiah 26: 1-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 21-24
    • Hebrews 11: 23-31
    • St. Luke 2: 40 - 52

Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ (6th January) 

  • Description
    • This festival is called Danaha in Syriac meaning 'Dawn'. Also called Epiphany or Theophany.
  • Evening
    • St. Mark 1: 1-11
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 3 : 1 -17
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 24: 10 -20
    • II Kings 3 : 19-25
    • Ezekiel 47: 1-9
    • Isaiah 12: 1-6
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 19 : 1 -7
    • Titus 2: 11- 3: 9
    • St. Luke 3: 15-22
  • Blessing of the Water
    • Acts 8: 35-40
    • Hebrews 10: 15-25
    • St. John 4: 1-42

Beheading of St. John the Baptist (7th January) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 3: 1-14, 19-20
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 6: 14-29
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 4: 1 - 15
    • Jeremiah 37: 11-21
    • Isaiah 40: 3-8, 41: 8-13,
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 12 - 17
    • Romans 8 : 35- 39
    • St. Matthew 14: 1-12

Feast of St. Stephen (8th January) 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 12: 1-12
  • Morning
    • St. John 8: 34-59
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 4: 1- 15
    • Isaiah 37: 8-20
    • Barazeera 50 :1 -2
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 7: 51 - 8: 2
    • Romans 8: 35- 39
    • St. Matthew 23: 34-39

First Sunday after Baptism of our Lord 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 1: 14-34
  • Morning
    • St. John 1: 18-28
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 25: 19-34 , 30: 36-31 : 2
    • II Kings 5: 1-14
    • Isaiah 49: 7-13
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 2: 37-47
    • Ephesians 1: 3-14
    • St. Matthew 4: 12-22

Second Sunday after Baptism of our Lord 

  • Evening
    • St. John 1: 26-34
  • Morning
    • St. John 1: 35-42
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 22: 26-33
    • Proverbs 9 : 1 - 9
    • Isaiah 51: 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 7-15
    • Hebrews 1: 1, 2: 4
    • St. John 1: 43 - 51

Third Sunday after Baptism of our Lord 

  • Evening
    • St. John 3: 22-4: 3
  • Morning
    • St. John 5: 30 - 47
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • II Kings 2: 19-22
    • Joel 2: 21-32
    • Jeremiah 31: 1-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 17: 16 - 34
    • I Corinthians 3: 16-4: 5
    • St. John 3: 1-12

Fourth Sunday after Baptism 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 7: 18 - 35
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 12: 28 - 37
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 2: 4- 17
    • Deuteronomy 18 : 9-16
    • Isaiah 40: 27 -31
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 18: 1- 4, 20 : 33-35
    • I Corinthians 12 : 12-27
    • I Thessalonians 4: 9 -12
    • II Thessalonians 3: 6-15
    • St. Mark 6: 1-6

Fifth Sunday after Baptism of our Lord 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 11: 1-15
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 5: 1-11
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 9: 12-17
    • Psalms 29: 1-11
    • Isaiah 41: 8-20
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 9: 10 - 21
    • II Corinthians 4: 1-6
    • St. Mark 1: 12-20

Mayaltho (Entry of our Lord into the temple) 

  • Description
    • February 2nd is celebrated as the day when infant Jesus was presented in the temple. Also called the day of the Old Aged. Memory of St. Simon and St. Hanna.
  • Evening
    • St. Luke 2: 22- 40
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 2: 22-40
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 12: 1-8, 19: 30-37
    • Proverbs 6 : 20 - 24 , 23 : 22-26
    • Isaiah 11: 1 - 10
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 24: 10-23
    • Ephesians 3: 13-21 6: 1-4 .
    • St. Luke 2: 22 -40

All Departed Holy Fathers (February 3) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 13: 22-30
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 5: 1-20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 39: 11-23
    • Lamentations 3: 1-21 ,
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 1: 12-21
    • II Timothy 3: 10-15
    • St. Luke 6: 20-31

Monday of Three days Lent 

  • Description
    • The three day lent is a lent of attrition and repentance commemorating the repentance of the people Nineveh at the preaching of Prophet Jonah. This lent starts three weeks before the start of the Great Lent.
  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 12: 31-41
  • Morning
    • Numbers 5: 5-10
    • Jonah 1: 1- 17
    • Isaiah 19: 17-22
    • Acts 13:6 - 12
    • Colossians 1: 3-13
    • St. Matthew 7: 1-12

Tuesday of Three days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 4: 24-32
  • Morning
    • Exodus 22:28 - 30
    • Micah 1: 1-16
    • Jonah 2: 1-10
    • Nahum 1: 1-14
    • Isaiah 57: 13-19
    • Acts 8: 9-25
    • Romans 1: 18- 32
    • St. Matthew 24: 36-46

Wednesday of Three days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 11: 5-13, 29-32
  • Morning
    • Exodus 23: 1 -9
    • Zephaniah 1: 11-2: 4
    • Jonah 3: 1 - 10
    • Isaiah 41: 17-26
    • St. James 1: 13-27
    • Romans 15: 24-43
    • St. Luke 11:27-36
  • Holy Qurbana
    • II Peter 2: 1-18
    • I Thessalonians 5: 12-24
    • St. Matthew 12: 38-50

Thursday/The end of Three days Lent 

  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 18: 23-33
    • Joshua 7: 6- 20
    • Jonah 4: 1 - 11
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 4: 7-17
    • Ephesians 5: 3-21
    • St. Luke 12: 54-13: 9

All Departed Priests 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 25: 13-30
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 19: 11-28
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 20: 23-29
    • Deuteronomy 34: 1-8
    • Isaiah 65: 13-20
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 20: 26-38
    • I Thessalonians 4: 13-5: 11
    • St. Matthew 24: 42-51

All the Departed Faithful 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 25: 31-46
  • Morning
    • St. John 5: 19-29
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 49: 33-50: 13
    • Ezekiel 34: 1-14
    • Isaiah 38: 10-20
    • Maccabians : 12: 38-45
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 3: 1 - 12
    • I Corinthians 15: 20-28
    • St. Luke 12: 32-48

Public Ministry

From the Great Lent to the Resurrection, we commemorate the Public Ministry of our Lord. During this time the date of the east of Resurrection (Kymtho), or Easter, dictates the dates for a majority of the other feasts. The date of Easter was determined according to a rule laid down at the Council of Nicea in AD 325 that the feast of the Resurrection should be commemorated on the Sunday following (not including) the full moon after the spring equinox.

Seven Sundays before Easter marks the beginning of the Great Lent and we read from the Gospel of St. John about the Wedding Feast of Cana, the beginning of the Public Ministry of our Lord. During the Sundays leading up to Easter (six through two weeks before), we recall the events from our Lord's ministry, particularly his healing ministry: the healing of the leper, the paralytic, the Canaanite woman, the hunch-back woman, and the blind man, respectively.

Twenty five days before Easter, (Wednesday of the fourth week of Lent) marks Mid-Lent, the Feast of the Holy Cross. The Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, which was commemorated earlier in the liturgical year during the nativity period, is again celebrated on March 25th, exactly nine months before the birth of Christ. The Friday before Palm Sunday, marks the fortieth day of Lent and the raising of St. Lazarus is commemorated the following day (Saturday).

The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday (Hosanna) and that evening marks the start of Passion Week (Hasha). On Thursday of Passion Week, Passover (Pesaha) is commemorated along with our Lord's washing of the feet of His disciples. Friday of Passion Week, or Good Friday, is the day we remember the Crucifixion of our Savior. This is one of the holiest days in Christianity, and due to its solemn nature, Holy Qurbana is not celebrated on this day, unless it the feast of Annunciation falls on that day. The next day is the Saturday of Good Tidings, the day our Lord descended into Sheol to preach the Good News to the departed. On Sunday, the Church celebrates the Feast of Feasts, the Resurrection our Savior (Kymtha).

First Sunday of 50 days Lent (Kothine Sunday) (Pethrutha of the Great Lent) 

  • Description
    • The Great Lent starts by commemorating the first miracle performed by Jesus i.e. turning water into wine at the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee. The Gospel reading for each Sunday of the Great Lent is about a miracle performed by Jesus.
  • Evening
    • St. John 3: 1- 6
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 16: 1-18
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 20: 1-21
    • Joel 2: 12-20
    • Isaiah 58: 5-14
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 11: 19-26
    • OR
    • Revelations 2: 1 -7
    • Colossians 3: 1- 17
    • St. John 2: 1-11

First Monday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Morning
    • Genesis 1: 1 - 12
    • Great Wisdom 7: 7 -24
    • Isaiah 29: 15-24
    • St. James 1: 2-12
    • Romans 1: 18-25
    • St. Matthew 4: 1-11
  • Shub-khono
    • I John 4: 11-20
    • I Corinthians 13: 1-13
    • St. Matthew 18: 18-35

First Tuesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 4: 1 - 15
  • Morning
    • Exodus 32: 30- 35
    • Hosea 14: 1 - 9
    • Isaiah 30: 1-4
    • St. James 1: 12-27
    • Ephesians 4: 32- 5: 21
    • St. Matthew 6: 1-6

First Wednesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 6: 19-24
    • St. Luke 16: 14-18
  • Morning
    • Genesis 1: 14-18
    • Isaiah 13: 6-13
    • St. James 2 : 1 - 13
    • Romans 2: 7-24
    • St. Matthew 6: 25-34

First Thursday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 7: 1-12
  • Morning
    • Exodus 22: 5-6
    • I Kings 18: 16-24
    • II Kings 17: 7 - 23
    • Isaiah 36: 1-7, 37: 1-7
    • St. James 2: 14 - 26
    • Romans 2: 28 - 3: 8
    • St. Matthew 7: 13-27

First Friday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 5: 17 - 26
  • Morning
    • Ezekiel 18: 20-32
    • Hosea 4: 1-11
    • Deuteronomy 6 : 1- 13
    • Isaiah 1: 1-9
    • St. James 3: 13 - 4: 5
    • Romans 3: 9-26
    • St. Matthew 5: 27-37

First Saturday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 10: 24 - 38
  • Morning
    • St. John 15: 17-16: 3
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 2: 4 - 17
    • Zechariah 7: 8-14
    • Isaiah 1: 24-31
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 12: 1-24
    • Romans 12: 10-21
    • St. John 4: 46-54

Second Sunday of Fifty days Lent (Lepers' Sunday) 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 1 : 32-45
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 9 : 14 - 29
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 7: 6 - 24
    • II Kings 5: 1 - 14
    • Isaiah 33: 2-9
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 9: 22-31
    • Romans 3: 27- 4: 5
    • St. Luke 5: 12-16, 4: 40-41

Second Monday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Morning
    • Genesis 35: 1 - 5
    • II Samuel 16: 5-12
    • Hosea 2: 21-3: 5
    • St. James 4: 7-5: 6
    • I Timothy 2: 1-15
    • St. Luke 6: 27-36

Second Tuesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 6: 37-49
  • Morning
    • Exodus 16: 15 -27
    • Acts 10: 25-33
    • II Corinthians 6: 1-11
    • St. Mark 4: 21 -34

Second Wednesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 18: 1-11
  • Morning
    • Exodus 34: 1-17
    • Proverbs 7: 1-11
    • Zechariah 8: 1-8
    • III John 1: 1-15
    • I Corinthians 8: 1-13
    • St. Luke 11: 1-13

Second Thursday of Fifty days Lent. 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 16: 1-13
  • Morning
    • Numbers 16: 1-10
    • Isaiah 20: 20-25
    • Acts 10: 34-48
    • I Corinthians 9: 1-12
    • St. Luke 18: 1-8
    • St. Matthew 18: 18-22

Second Friday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 16: 21-28
  • Morning
    • Exodus 21: 20-27
    • Job 25: 1-6
    • Acts 11: 1-18
    • Romans 1: 16-25
    • St. Matthew 5: 38-48

Second Saturday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 30: 1 -7
    • Isaiah 35: 1-10
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 13: 37 -52
    • II Corinthians 8: 1- 9
    • St. Mark 1: 21-31

Third Sunday of Fifty days Lent (Palsy Sunday) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 5: 17-26
  • Morning
    • St. John 5: 1-18
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Ezekiel 33: 23-34: 12
    • Exodus 4 : 10 - 17
    • II Kings 2 : 1 - 11
    • Isaiah 5: 20-25
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 5: 12-16. 19: 8 -12
    • Romans 5: 1-11
    • St. Mark 2: 1-12

Third Monday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Morning
    • Genesis 18: 20-33
    • Judges 6: 11-21
    • Acts 28: 1-10
    • OR
    • Revelations 2: 1 - 7
    • I Timothy 6: 1-12
    • St. Mark 2: 13-22

Third Tuesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 10: 17-27
  • Morning
    • Exodus 20: 1-19
    • Job 31: 1-15
    • Proverbs 3: 1-12
    • St. James 1: 27-2: 13
    • Ephesians 2: 1-18
    • St. Mark 4: 1-20

Third Wednesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 9: 44-50, 57-62
  • Morning
    • Leviticus 25: 35-46
    • I Samuel 9: 18-27
    • Isaiah 65: 16-25
    • Acts 13: 1-3
    • Ephesians 6: 1-9
    • St. Luke 12: 32-40

Third Thursday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 13: 18-30
  • Morning
    • Numbers 12: 1-10
    • II Chronicles 26: 16-21
    • Micah 6: 1-8
    • St. James 4: 1-17
    • Philippians 1: 1-11
    • St. Mark 9: 30-42

Third Friday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 6: 5-15
  • Morning
    • Deuteronomy 8 : 1-20
    • Isaiah 1: 10-20
    • I Peter 3: 7- 15
    • Romans 2: 2- 13
    • St. Luke 18 : 9 -17

Third Saturday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 16: 1-10
    • II Kings 4: 38-44
    • Hosea 2: 18-23
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 1-10
    • Philippians 2: 12-30
    • St. Mark 8: 1-10

Fourth Sunday of Fifty days Lent (Canaanite woman) 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 7: 24-37
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 7: 1-10
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • I Samuel 7: 10-17
    • Numbers 17 : 1 - 8
    • Isaiah 56: 1 - 7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4 : 1- 12
    • Romans 7: 14 - 25

Fourth Monday of Fifty Days Lent 

  • Morning
    • Leviticus 16: 1 -17
    • Amos 6: 1 -9
    • Acts 14: 19 - 15: 3
    • II Corinthians 11: 1 - 15
    • St. Mark 12: 35- 44

Fourth Tuesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 20: 1-16
  • Morning
    • Numbers 28: 1-8
    • I Samuel 21: 1- 9
    • Acts 14 : 8 - 22
    • I Corinthians 16: 13-24
    • St. Matthew 11: 25-12: 8

Fourth Wednesday of Fifty days Lent (Mid Lent) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 17: 22-27
  • Morning
    • St. John 3: 13-21
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 21: 4-9
    • Psalms 34: 1-9
    • Zechariah 12: 6-14
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 15: 22 -33
    • II Corinthians 9: 1-15
    • St. John 3: 13-21

Fourth Thursday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 15 : 11-32
  • Morning
    • Deuteronomy 5: 6-22
    • Psalms 41: 1-3
    • Proverbs 22: 1-12
    • Acts 15: 35-40
    • II Corinthians 1: 13-22
    • St. Matthew 19: 16-26

Fourth Friday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 16: 19-3
  • Morning
    • Leviticus 19: 9 - 18
    • Daniel 9: 1-11
    • Acts 16: 1-7
    • II Corinthians 12: 19-13: 13
    • St. Luke 17: 1-10

Fourth Saturday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 18: 1-15
    • II Samuel 9: 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 16: 8-15
    • I Corinthians 9: 14-27
    • St. Luke 9: 10-17

Fifth Sunday of Fifty days Lent (Kpiptho/Crippled Woman) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 10: 25-37
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 7: 11-17
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 9: 1 -7
    • Jeremiah 51: 1-9
    • Isaiah 50: 1 - 5
    • Barazeera 51: 13 - 30
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 8-16
    • Romans 12: 1-15
    • St. Luke 13: 10-17

Fifth Monday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Morning
    • Genesis 20: 8-18
    • II Kings 2: 19-25
    • Acts 19: 13-22
    • Romans 9: 14-21
    • St. Luke 4: 31-41

Fifth Tuesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 3: 1-12
  • Morning
    • Exodus 14: 21-31
    • Isaiah 40: 12-24
    • Acts 18: 18 -28
    • Romans 1: 26-32
    • St. Mark 5: 1 -20

Fifth Wednesday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 6: 30-46
  • Morning
    • Deuteronomy 31: 16-23
    • Isaiah 41: 8-17
    • Acts 5: 1 - 6
    • I Corinthians 10: 1-13
    • St. Matthew 14: 14-23

Fifth Thursday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 14: 23 -36
  • Morning
    • Genesis 50: 14-22
    • Isaiah 42: 1-9
    • Acts 19: 8-12
    • Colossians 3: 1-17
    • St. Mark 6: 47-56

Fifth Friday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 5: 21-43
  • Morning
    • Deuteronomy 27: 16-28: 2
    • II Kings 4: 32-37
    • Hosea 6: 1-6
    • Acts 16: 16 - 23
    • I Timothy 1: 1-20
    • St. Matthew 9: 18-31

Fifth Saturday of Fifty days Lent 

  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 27: 16 - 28; 8
    • II Kings 4 : 32 - 37
    • Hosea 6: 1 - 6
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 5: 33 - 42
    • I Thessalonians 2 13-20
    • St. Luke 6: 1 - 11

Sixth Sunday of Fifty Days Lent (Catholicate Day) 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 10 : 46 - 52
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 9 : 27-31
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 25: 13- 16, 26:1 - 13
    • Job 42: 1-10
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 4: 12-19
    • II Corinthians 9 : 6-15/
    • or/
    • Ephesians 5: 1-14
    • St. John 9: 1-41

Monday before Hosanna 

  • Morning
    • Genesis 49: 8-12
    • I Kings 17: 10-16
    • Zechariah 9 : 9 - 14
    • Acts 2: 37-47
    • I Thessalonians 4: 1-12
    • St. Luke 18: 31-34, 19: 1-10

Tuesday before Hosanna 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 9: 18-27
  • Morning
    • Genesis 41: 38 - 52
    • I Samuel 17: 34-51
    • Acts 21: 1-14
    • Romans 8: 12-27
    • St. Mark 10: 32-45

Wednesday before Hosanna 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 8: 23-9: 1
  • Morning
    • Genesis 46 : 1-7
    • Isaiah 63: 7-19
    • Daniel 7: 9-18
    • Acts 14: 8 -19
    • Galatians 5: 13-26
    • St. Mark 4: 35-41

Thursday before Hosanna 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 7: 1 - 12
  • Morning
    • Exodus 15: 19 -21
    • Joshua 6: 1-5
    • Isaiah 51: 1-8
    • Acts 16: 23- 40
    • II Corinthians 6: 1-10
    • St. Mark 8: 22-27
    • St. Matthew 20: 17-19

Friday before Hosanna (40th Friday) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 4: 1-13
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 4: 1-11
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 1: 3 - 14
    • II Samuel 24: 18-25
    • Isaiah 58: 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 1: 13 - 22
    • Romans 13: 11 - 14: 9
    • St. Matthew 4: 1-11

Saturday before Hosanna (Lazarus' Saturday) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 10 : 38 - 42
  • Morning
    • St. John 11: 1 - 8, 11 - 27
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 27 : 30 - 33
    • Isaiah 61: 1-9
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 6-10
    • Ephesians 1: 15-2: 7
    • St. John 11: 28-46

Memory of Forty Martyrs (9th March, if it is a Saturday or Sunday. Otherwise on the Saturday after 9th) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 10: 16-33
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 12: 1-12
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 4: 1: 12
    • Isaiah 30: 1-4
    • Daniel 3: 14 -25
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4: 19-33
    • Romans 8: 31 - 39
    • St. Mark 8: 34-38

Annunciation to St. Mary (25th March) 

  • Description
    • We celebrate the Feast of Annunciation to St. Mary twice a year. On the 3rd Sunday after Koodhosh Eetho and on March 25th. Holy Eucharist must be celebrated on this day even if it comes during the Great Lent, during the Passion Week or on Good Friday. (The Holy Eucharist is not celebrated during the Great Lent days except all Saturdays and Sundays, Wednesday of Mid Lent, 40th Friday, and Maundy Thursday during the Passion week.)
  • Evening
    • St. Luke 8 : 16-21
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 3: 31-35
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 26: 16-27: 10
    • Judges 13: 2-14
    • Zechariah 2: 10-13, 4: 1-7, 8: 3
    • Isaiah 63: 15-64: 5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 2-17
    • Hebrews 6: 13-7: 10

Hosanna/Palm Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 21: 1 - 17
    • Midnight
    • St. Mark 11: 1- 11
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 19 : 28 - 44
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 49: 8-15
    • I Samuel 2: 18 -26, 16 : 1
    • Daniel 1: 16 - 20
    • Micah 4: 1 -5
    • I Kings 3: 4 - 14
    • Zephaniah 3: 11 -20
    • Jeremiah 30: 18-22
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 5 : 1 -12
    • Romans 8 : 18 -25
    • St. John 12: 12-19
  • For Procession (at the Western Entrance)
    • St. Luke 19: 28-40
  • For the Blessing of the Palm leaves
    • Zechariah 9: 9-12
    • Isaiah 51: 9-11
    • I John 2: 7-14
    • Romans 11: 13-24
    • St. Mark 11: 1-11

Monday of the Passion Week 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 19: 41-20: 8
  • Midnight
  • First Qaumo
    • St. Matthew 21: 33-46
  • Second Qaumo
    • St. Luke 14: 12-24
  • Vadhe Dhalmeeno
    • St. Matthew 25: 1-13
  • Third Qaumo
    • St. Matthew 22: 1-14
  • Morning
    • Genesis 3: 1- 21
    • Judges 11: 30-40
    • Isaiah 28: 5-13
    • Acts 25: 6-12
    • Hebrews 1: 6-2: 4
    • St. Matthew 21: 23-32, 17: 10-13
  • Third Hour (9 a.m.)
    • St. Matthew 19: 1-12
    • St. Luke 9: 43-45
  • Noon
    • St. Matthew 22: 41-23: 12
  • Ninth Hour (3 p.m.)
    • St. Matthew 23: 13- 39

Tuesday of the Passion Week. 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 22: 15-33
  • Midnight
  • First Qaumo
    • St. Matthew 12 : 38-45
    • St. Luke 11: 53-55
  • Second Qaumo
    • St. John 2: 12-25, 3: 13-21
  • Third Qaumo
    • St. John 5: 30-6: 4
  • Morning
    • Deuteronomy 31: 14 - 21
    • Zephaniah 1: 11-18
    • I John 1: 1-9
    • Hebrews 2: 5-18
    • St. John 8: 28-59
  • Third Hour (9 a.m.)
    • St. John 7: 45-52, 8: 12-20
  • Noon (12 p.m)
    • St. Luke 11: 37-54
  • Ninth Hour (3 p.m.)
    • St. John 6: 30, 8: 21-27

Wednesday of the Passion Week 

  • Evening
    • St. John 11: 47-12: 2, 9-11
  • Midnight
  • First Qaumo
    • St. John 10: 15-38
  • Second Qaumo
    • St. John 12: 19-33
  • Third Qaumo
    • St. John 12: 34-50
  • Morning
    • Leviticus 6: 24-7: 7
    • I Samuel 16: 1-13
    • Isaiah 5: 1-7
    • Acts 19: 21 - 41
    • Colossians 1: 9- 23
    • St. John 6: 63-7: 13
  • Third Hour (9 a.m.)
    • St. John 7: 14-27
  • Noon
    • St. John 7: 28-44
  • Ninth Hour (3 p.m.)
    • St. Luke 13: 31-35

Pesaho (Maundy Thursday) 

  • Evening
    • St. John 7: 45-52, 8: 12-20
  • Midnight
  • First Qaumo
    • St. Matthew 26: 1 -30
  • Second Qaumo
    • St. John 6: 24- 4 0
  • Third Qaumo
    • St. John 6: 41-63
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 22: 1-13
  • Third Hour (9 a.m.)
    • St. John 12: 20-36
  • Noon (12 p.m.)
    • St. Luke 7 : 36 -50
    • St. Mark 14: 1- 2
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 12: 1-11
    • Leviticus 16: 3-10
    • Ezekiel 45: 18 - 25
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 15-20
    • I Corinthians 5 : 1 -8 11: 23 - 34
    • St. Luke 22: 14-30
  • Ninth Hour (3 p.m.)
    • St. Matthew 26: 31- 35
  • For Feet Washing Service
    • Exodus 34: 18-26
    • II Kings 23: 21 - 25
    • Isaiah 50: 4-10
    • I Peter 3: 17-22
    • Hebrews 10: 19 -29
    • St. John 13: 1-20

Good Friday 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 22: 1-30
  • Midnight
  • First Qauma
    • St. Matthew 26: 31-46
  • Second Qauma
    • St. Mark 14: 27-52
  • Third Qauma
    • St. Luke 22: 31-62
  • Morning
    • Leviticus 4: 1-7, 16; 3 - 34
    • Numbers 19: 1-11
    • Acts 22: 30-23: 16
    • I Corinthians 1: 18-31
    • Hebrews 9: 11 -14
    • St. Matthew 27: 3 -10
    • St. Mark 15: 1-10
    • St. Luke 22: 66-71
  • Third Hour (9 a.m.)
    • St. Matthew 27: 12 - 31
    • St. Mark 15: 12 - 18
  • Noon (12 p.m.)
    • St. Luke 23: 26 -34
    • St. Matthew 27:34.
    • St. John 19:23-24.
    • St. Matthew 27: 36- 37.
    • St. Luke 23: 39 -45
    • St. John 19: 25- 27
  • Ninth Hour (3 p.m.)
    • St. Matthew 27: 45-56
    • St. Mark 15: 33-41
    • St. Luke 23: 44-49
    • St. John 19: 23-30
  • Veneration of the Holy Cross
    • Genesis 22: 1-14
    • Exodus 17: 8-14
    • Isaiah 52: 13-53: 8
    • I Peter 2: 19-25
    • Galatians 2: 20 - 3: 14, 6: 11-18
    • St. Luke 23: 55 - 56
    • St. John 19: 31 - 42

Gospel Saturday (Saturday of Good Tidings) 

  • Evening
    • St.Matthew 27: 61
    • St. Luke 23: 50-24: 12
    • St. John 19: 31-42
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 27:62-66
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 8: 1-12
    • Zechariah 12: 11-13: 7
    • Jeremiah 38: 2-13
    • Micah 7 : 8 -13
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 13 -22
    • Romans 6: 1-14
    • St. Matthew 27: 62 - 66
  • Shub-khono
    • I John 4: 11-21
    • I Corinthians 13: 4-10
    • St. Matthew 18: 12- 35

Easter Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 16: 1- 8
  • Midnight
    • St. Luke 24: 1-12
  • Morning
    • St. John 20: 1-18
  • Celebration of the Holy Cross
    • Isaiah 60: 17-22
    • I Peter 5: 5-14
    • Romans 16: 1-16
    • St. John 14: 27, 15: 11-15, 17-19
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 23: 26 - 32
    • Isaiah 60: 1-7, 11-16, 61: 10-62: 5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 2: 22 -36
    • I Corinthians 15: 1- 19
    • St. Matthew 28: 1-20

Resurrection

The period from the Feast of the Resurrection toe Pentecost commemorates the times Christ spent with His disciples on earth after His Resurrection. The first Sunday after Easter is called New Sunday. Forty days after Easter, or the sixth Thursday after the Resurrection, the Church celebrates the feast of the Ascension of our Lord. Ten days later, on Sunday, the fiftieth day after Easter Sunday, is the feast of Pentecost. These ten days are known as the days of awaiting (kathiruppu), or awaiting the Holy Spirit. Because of the joyous celebratory nature of this period prostrations, an integral part of the Orthodox prayer life, are not allowed.

Havorae Monday (Monday after Easter) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 24: 13-35
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 28: 11-20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 41: 41-46
    • Jeremiah 1: 4-12
    • Isaiah 40: 9-15
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 5 : 1 - 8
    • Romans 6: 12-23
    • St. John 2: 18-25

Havorae Tuesday 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 15: 37- 47, 16: 1 - 8
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 16: 9-18
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 14: 26-31
    • Joshua 6 : 6 - 21
    • Great Wisdom 1: 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 13: 26-39
    • Ephesians 6: 10-20
    • St. Mark 8: 11-21

Havorae Wednesday 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 23: 46- 56, 24: 1- 12
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 24: 13 -35
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 40: 1-16
    • Joshua 2: 1-6
    • Hosea 8: 1-8
    • Isaiah 49 : 13- 21
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4: 8-21
    • Hebrews 3: 1-13
    • St. Mark 8: 27-33

Havorae Thursday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 19: 30-20: 2
  • Morning
    • St. John 20: 3-18
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 34: 4-12
    • Micah 4: 1-7
    • Zechariah 8: 4-9
    • Isaiah 37: 8-17
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 5: 13- 21
    • Hebrews 11: 3-6
    • St. Matthew 16: 20-27

Havorae Friday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 20: 18-23
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 28 : 1-11
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 16: 1-8
    • Joshua 8: 30-33
    • Isaiah 54: : 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 17-22
    • Hebrews 11: 32-40
    • St. Mark 9: 9-13

Havorae Saturday 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 24: 36-45
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 28: 1 - 20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Joshua 1: 5-9
    • Leviticus 25: 1 - 7
    • Isaiah 44: 23-28
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 26: 19-25
    • Philippians 2: 1-11
    • St. Matthew 22: 23-33

New Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 20: 19-31
  • Morning
    • St. John 4:31 -38
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 41: 41-46
    • Ecclesiastes 12:1 - 8
    • Jeremiah 1: 4-12
    • Isaiah 40: 9-15
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 19-25
    • II Timothy 2 1 - 13
    • St. John 20: 19-31

First Sunday after New Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 21: 15 -25
  • Morning
    • St. John 21: 1- 14
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 14: 26-31
    • Joshua 6, 9 - 21
    • Great Wisdom 1: 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 13: 26-39
    • Ephesians 6: 10-20
    • St. John 21: 1 - 14

Second Sunday after New Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 6: 16-29
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 14: 22-33
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 40: 1-16
    • Joshua 2: 1-6
    • Isaiah 49 : 13 -21
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4: 8-21
    • Hebrews 3: 1-13
    • St. John 21: 15 -19

Third Sunday after New Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 5: 27-39
  • Morning
    • St. John 6 : 47-58
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 34: 4-12
    • Micah 4: 1-7
    • Zachariah 8: 4-9
    • Isaiah 37: 8-17
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 5: 13 - 21
    • Hebrews 11: 3-6
    • St. Luke 24 : 13 - 35

Fourth Sunday after New Sunday 

  • Evening
    • St. John 14: 1-16
  • Morning
    • St. John 16: 16-30
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 16: 1-8
    • Joshua 8: 30-35
    • Isaiah 54 : 1-8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 3: 17-22
    • Hebrews 11: 32-40
    • St. Luke 9 : 51 - 62

Ascension of our Lord (Thursday after the fourth Sunday following New Sunday) 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 16: 14 - 20
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 24: 36-53
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 9: 26-10: 5
    • Jeremiah 31: 31-34
    • II Kings 2: 9-15
    • Isaiah 48: 20-49: 4
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 4 -11
    • Ephesians 4: 1-16
    • St. Luke 24 : 36 - 53

Sunday before Pentecost (Sunday of the Monks) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 19 : 16 - 30
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 10 : 17 - 22
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 25: 1 - 13
    • Joshua 1: 5-9
    • Isaiah 44: 23-28
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 21 : 7 - 9
    • I Corinthians 7: 1- 2, 25 - 34, 9: 1- 10
    • St. John 17: 13 -26

Pentecost (Fiftieth day after Easter) 

  • Evening
    • St. John 14:15-31
  • Morning
    • St. John 15: 20 -25
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 11: 16 - 35
    • I Samuel 10:9-12
    • II Kings 2: 14-17 , 12: 1-27
    • Ezekiel 11: 17-20, 36: 25 - 27
    • Isaiah 42: 1- 27
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 2: 1-13
    • Galatians 5 : 16 - 26
    • St. John 15: 1 - 14
  • Service of the First kneeling
    • Genesis 11: 1-9
    • II Kings 2 ; 14 - 17
    • Acts 19:1-7
    • I Corinthians 14: 20-25
    • St. John 14: 1-17
  • Service of the Second Kneeling
    • Ezekiel 37: 1 - 14
    • Joel 2:25-32
    • Acts 10: 34 - 48
    • I Corinthians 12: 12- 27
    • St. John 14: 25 - 31
  • Service of the Third Kneeling
    • Judges 13 : 24- 14: 7
    • Ezekiel 47: 1-12
    • Isaiah 47: 1- 1
    • Acts 2: 1-21
    • I Corinthians 14: 20- 33
    • St. John 16: 1 - 15

Pentecost

The period after Pentecost commemorates the ministry of the Apostles. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles and strengthens them to minister throughout the world as Christ commissioned them. The fast of the Apostles begins on June 16th and ends on June 29th, the feast of St. Peter & St. Paul. June 30th, is the feast of the Holy Apostles.

Golden Friday (Friday after Pentecost) 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 22: 24 - 30
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 9: 36-10: 1 - 15
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 12: 1-9
    • Psalms 1
    • Isaiah 43: 1-14
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 3: 1- 20
    • I Corinthians 12: 28-13: 10
    • St. Matthew 19: 23 - 30

First Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 8: 4-15
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 11: 20- 24
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 41: 38-40
    • Exodus 12: 31-40
    • Joshua 5: 9-12
    • Jeremiah 29: 10-16
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 17: 10-15
    • II Corinthians 5: 14 - 6:10
    • St. John 6: 26-35

Second Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 6: 12-23
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 3: 7 -19
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 19: 1-8
    • II Samuel 5: 1-10
    • Daniel 6: 25-28
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4: 23 - 31
    • Ephesians 2: 11-22
    • St. Matthew 10: 5 - 16

Third Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 6: 4-13
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 9: 1-11
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 42: 18-25
    • Jeremiah 3: 1 - 5
    • Daniel 3: 21-23
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 13: 26-39
    • Galatians 6:10-18
    • St. John 6: 35-46

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 14: 14 - 23
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 10: 17-24
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 33: 23-29
    • Psalms 15
    • Isaiah 65: 8-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 6: 1-7
    • I Corinthians 16 : 14- 22
    • St. Luke 10 : 1 - 16

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 9: 10 - 17
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 17 : 20 - 28
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 23: 14-19
    • Psalms 16
    • Isaiah 40: 27-31
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 9: 10-18
    • II Corinthians 5: 14-20
    • St. Luke 9:10-17

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 17: 1-10
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 6: 30- 52
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 3-: 34-38
    • Psalms 20
    • Isaiah 14: 22-27
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 15- 20
    • I Corinthians 8: 1-6
    • St. Matthew 15: 32-39

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 12: 30-37
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 12: 38-50
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 16: 29-34
    • Hosea 5: 1-5
    • Isaiah 57: 15-19
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 4: 32-37
    • Ephesians 2: 11-22
    • St. Mark 3: 20-30

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 4: 1-23
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 13: 10-23
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 3: 9-15
    • Jeremiah 7:21-25
    • Isaiah 52: 1-6
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 4 -10
    • Hebrews 4: 14-5: 5
    • St. John 6 : 47 - 59

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 13: 24-35
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 13: 36-43
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Psalms 22 : 1 - 21
    • Deuteronomy 4: 1-6
    • Proverbs 13: 1-7
    • Isaiah 24: 1-5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 28: 11-22
    • I Corinthians 6: 1-11
    • St. Luke 14: 7-11

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 9: 12-17
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 16: 13-20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 15: 23-27
    • Job 42: 7 -17
    • Psalms 112: 1-10
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 28: 23-30
    • Romans 10: 5-21
    • St. Matthew 18: 1-11

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 18: 15- 35
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 9: 33-50
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 19: 13-18
    • Joshua 23: 7-14
    • Malachi 4: 1-6
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 2: 14-20
    • I Corinthians 14: 34 - 39
    • St. Mark 6: 7-13

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29) 

  • Evening
    • St.Matthew 16: 13-20
  • Morning
    • St. John 21: 15 - 25
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 12: 1-9
    • Daniel 1: 8- 21
    • Isaiah 43: 1- 7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 12-14
    • I Corinthians 12: 28-13: 10
    • St. Matthew 20: 1-16

Feast of the Twelve Apostles (June 30) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 9: 36-10: 5
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 10: 11- 15 19: 27 - 30
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 12: 1-9
    • Daniel 1: 8 - 21
    • Isaiah 43: 1-7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 12-14
    • I Corinthians 12: 28-13: 10
    • St. Luke 6: 12-26

Transfiguration

The theme of the Transfiguration period is the transformation of the Church and the world through the work of the Apostles. Like Christ was transfigured on Mount Tabor, the Church on earth too is transfigured. On August 6th, the Church celebrated the feast of Transfiguration. The feast of the Mother of God begins on August 1st and ends with the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th.

The Festival of Transfiguration/Koodaara Perunnal (6th August) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 16: 27-17: 13
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 8: 38-9: 13
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 16: 13-17
    • Psalms 24
    • Isaiah 60: 12-15, 61: 1-3
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 2: 23-3: 1
    • Romans 11: 25-36
    • St. Luke 9: 27-36

First Sunday after the Festival of Transfiguration 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 4: 21-34
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 13: 44-52
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Deuteronomy 25: 13-16
    • Psalms 27
    • Ezekiel 7: 1-4
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 4: 7-5: 6
    • Philippians 4: 8-20
    • St. Matthew 21: 28-32

Second Sunday after the Festival of Transfiguration 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 14: 15-24
  • Morning
    • St. Mark.10: 28-34
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 23: 20-27
    • Psalms 29
    • Hosea 11: 1-9
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 5: 1-11
    • I Corinthians 10: 1 -13
    • St. Luke 12: 13 - 21, 35 - 44

The Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary (August 15) Marth Mariam Samajam Day 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 1: 39 - 56, 2: 22 - 35
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 2: 42-51,
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 3: 1 - 6, 19: 16-23
    • Ezekiel 44 : 1 - 3
    • Isaiah 45: 11 -19
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 12 - 14, 7: 44-53
    • Hebrews 9: 3-12, 2: 14 - 18
    • St. Luke 11 : 22 -28
    • St. Matthew 12: 46 - 50
    • St. John 19: 25-27

First Sunday after the Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 14: 25-35
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 15: 1-10
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 14: 21-31
    • I Samuel 8: 4 -9
    • Isaiah 43: 1-5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 2: 22-29
    • Ephesians 6: 10-17
    • St. Luke 6 : 39 - 45

Second Sunday after the Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 18: 1 - 8
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 18: 9-17
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 6: 3-12
    • Ecclesiastes 7: 1-7
    • Psalms 12: 1- 7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • II Peter 3: 8-14
    • II Thessalonians 5: 1- 11
    • St. Luke 11: 9 -20

Third Sunday after the Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 19: 1-12
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 19: 11-27
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 24: 12-18
    • I Samuel 3: 16-21
    • Ezekiel 18: 21-24
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 5: 1-6
    • II Corinthians 10: 1-7
    • St. Matthew 17: 22-27

Fourth Sunday after the Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 18: 1-11
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 18: 12-22
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 3: 1-6, 11-14
    • Job 1: 1-5
    • Isaiah 1: 15 -20
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 1-5
    • I Corinthians 3: 16-23
    • St. Matthew 5 : 38 - 48

Fifth Sunday after the Festival of the Ascension of St. Mary 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 7: 1-13
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 7: 14 - 23
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 18: 1-5
    • Joshua 22: 1 - 6
    • Ezekiel 34: 1- 6
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 11: 2 - 10
    • Romans 2: 28-3: 8
    • St. Luke 11: 33 - 41

The Festival of Holy Cross (September 14) 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 24: 1-35
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 13: 1-33
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 21: 4 - 9
    • I Samuel 17: 37-53
    • Jeremiah 32 : 36 - 41
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 13: 26-39
    • Galatians 2: 17-3: 14
    • St. Luke 21: 5 - 28

First Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 17: 20-37
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 24: 36-51
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Psalms 34
    • Genesis 42: 1- 28
    • Isaiah 1 : 10 - 20
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 3: 21 - 26
    • I Corinthians 2: 10-16
    • St. Mark 13: 28 -37

Second Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 14: 34- 36, 15: 1 - 11
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 15: 12 - 20
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 42: 9-17
    • I Kings 3: 5-9
    • Great Wisdom 6: 1-9
    • Isaiah 48: 12-16
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 5: 17 - 32
    • I Corinthians 2: 14-3: 9
    • St. Matthew 16: 5-12

Third Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 18: 23-35
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 16: 1-13
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 42: 18- 35
    • Proverbs 1: 2 - 9
    • Isaiah 4 8 : 12 - 16
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 7: 2 - 5
    • Romans 8: 1 - 11
    • St. Mark 2: 23 - 28

Fourth Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Mark 10: 1-16
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 9: 37-45
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 29: 35- 4 0
    • I Kings 8: 22-30
    • Psalms 42
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 21: 17 - 26
    • I Corinthians 1: 21-29
    • St. Luke 16: 9 -18

Fifth Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 20: 27-40
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 22: 34-44
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Leviticus 2: 1-3
    • Psalms 46
    • Isaiah 40: 27-31
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 22: 22-29
    • I Timothy 6: 13-21
    • St. Matthew 23: 1-12

Sixth Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 19: 13-26
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 10: 17-27
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 42: 29-36
    • Psalms 84
    • Isaiah 43: 16-25
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 21: 27 -40
    • I Corinthians 5: 6-13
    • St. Luke 18: 18-27

Seventh Sunday after the Festival of Holy Cross 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 12: 13-21
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 12: 48 -59
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Exodus 12: 43- 51
    • Job 23: 1-7
    • Isaiah 52: 1-15
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I Peter 2: 15 - 17
    • I Corinthians 6: 9 - 11
    • St. Matthew 5: 21 - 26

Other Services and Special Occasions

There are a number of other services, feasts of saints and specific sacraments for which Bible readings are prescribed by the Church. Even if some of these may not be applicable to you personally, e.g. the sacrament of ordination, meditating on these scripture portions in the context of the sacrament can give you some insight into the way the Church sees them, e.g. how the Church views priesthood, its authority and expectations of Christian leaders.

Memory of St. Mary for Special Feasts 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 8: 16 - 21
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 3: 31 -35
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Judges 13: 31- 35
    • Zechariah 2: 10 - 13, 4: 1- 7, 8: 3
  • Holy Qurbana
    • I John 3: 2-17
    • Hebrews 2: 14-18
    • St. Luke 1 : 26 -38

Feast of an Apostle 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 9: 35 - 10: 10
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 19: 27 - 30
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 12 : 1 - 9
    • Daniel 1: 8 - 21
    • Isaiah 43: 1 - 7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 12 - 14
    • I Corinthians 12: 28 - 13: 10
    • St. Luke 6: 12 - 23

Feast of St. Thomas 

  • Evening
    • St. John 11: 5 - 16
  • Morning
    • St. John 14 : 1 - 7
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 9: 1 - 12
    • Daniel 1: 8 -21
    • Isaiah 43: 1- 7
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 1: 12 -14
    • I Corinthians 12 : 28 -13 : 10
    • St. John 20: 19-31

Feast of a Martyr 

  • Evening
    • St. Matthew 10: 16-33
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 12: 1-12
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 4: 3-12
    • Daniel 3: 14 -30
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 23 : 11 - 25
    • Romans 8: 31- 39
    • St. Mark 8: 34-38, 13 : 9 - 13

Feast of a Saint 

  • Evening
    • St. John 15: 12 - 21, 16: 1 -3
  • Morning
    • St. Mark 10: 28 - 31
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 19: 15 - 23
    • Job 1: 12 - 22
    • Isaiah 38: 1 - 8
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 27 : 9 - 2 6
    • Hebrews 10: 33- 11: 7
    • St. Matthew 10: 34 - 42

Memory of a Saint Lady 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 10: 38-42, 8: 1-13
  • Morning
    • St. Luke 8: 1-13
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 21: 1-8, 24; 15 - 27
    • Ecclesiastes 12: 1-8
    • Isaiah 56: 1-5
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 9: 36-43
    • Romans 16: 1 - 16
    • St. Matthew 25: 1-13

Memory of Martyrs, Malpans, and Holy Fathers 

  • Evening
    • St. John 17 : 11 -26
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 25: 31-46
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Numbers 27: 15-23
    • II Kings 2: 1-12
  • Holy Qurbana
    • Acts 12: 1-17
    • Romans 3: 19 -26
    • St. Matthew 18 : 9 - 14

During God's wrath and punishment 

  • Evening
    • St. Luke 13 : 6 - 17
  • Morning
    • St. Matthew 7: 7-11
  • Before Holy Qurbana
    • Genesis 18: 17, 20- 33
    • Jonah 3 : 1- 10
  • Holy Qurbana
    • St. James 5: 7-20
    • Hebrews 12: 3-11
    • St. Mark 11: 23 -2: 13
    • St. Luke 11: 2-13

Holy Baptism 

  • Readings
    • Romans 5: 20-6: 14
    • Colossians 2: 1-12
    • St. Luke 3: 15-16
    • St. John 3: 1-8

Holy Mooron 

  • Readings
    • Genesis 28: 10-20
    • Numbers 6: 22-7: 11
    • I Samuel 16: 1-13
    • Psalms 45: 1-17
    • I Kings 1: 32-40
    • Songs 1: 2-11, 3: 6, 4: 10-15
    • II Kings 9: 1-6
    • Isaiah 61: 1-6
    • I John 2: 21-3: 1
    • II Corinthians 2: 12-17
    • St. Matthew 26: 6-13
    • St. John 12: 3-8

Holy Confession 

  • Readings
    • Exodus 20: 2-17
    • Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143
    • Deuteronomy 5: 6 - 21
    • Job 22: 22-30
    • I Corinthians 6:9-20
    • Colossians 3: 12-17
    • St. Luke 15: 1-32
    • St. John 20: 21-23
  • Holy Qurbana
  • Readings
    • Psalms 8, 15, 16, 23, 23, 29, 34, 40, 84, 103, 116, 119: 23-40,119: 97-112, 121, 139, 147, 150.

Holy Priesthood 

  • M'samrono
    • Psalms 50
    • St. Luke 10: 17 - 24
  • Qorooyo (Sub-Deacon)
    • Proverbs 1: 1-9
    • I John 2: 12-29
    • St. Luke 10: 16-25
  • Youphidakino (Sub-Deacon)
    • Isaiah 44: 1-4, 61: 1-4
    • I Timothy 3:8 - 13
    • St. Luke 10: 1 - 16
  • M'Shamshono (The Full Deacon)
    • Acts 6 : 1 - 8
    • I Timothy 3 :8- 13, : 1 -7
    • St. John 12 :24 - 26, 13; 1 -15
  • Kasheesho (Priest)
    • Acts 2: 14 - 21
    • I Timothy 1: 18-20, 3: 1-7
    • St. John 20: 19-29
  • Cor-Episcopa
    • II Timothy 2: 1-13
    • Titus 2: 1-9
    • St. John 14: 1-16
  • Dayaroyooso (Ramban)
    • Genesis 12: 1-9
    • Numbers 6: 1-9
    • Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
    • Barazeera 3: 16-21
    • Job 22: 22-30
    • I Peter 1: 13-25
    • Colossians 3: 1-17
    • St. Luke 14: 25-15: 11
  • Arkhadhayakon
    • Acts 6: 1-8
    • I Timothy 3: 8-13
    • St. John 12: 24-28
    • Newly elevated Arkhadhiyakon reads the Holy Gospel standing on the steps of the Holy Sanctury.
    • St. John 17: 3-26
    • OR
    • St. Luke 10: 1-24
  • Episcopa
    • Acts 1: 2-8, 24-26, 2: 1-4, 8 :14: 21 ,14: 23
    • I Peter 1: 13 - 16, 2:1-10 , 5: 1-4
    • I Timothy 1: 18, 3: 1- 7, 13, 4 : 6-11, 5: 17-22
    • St. Matthew 16: 13-19
    • New bishop reads the Holy Gospel sitting on the throne.
    • St. Matthew 10: 1-16

Holy Matrimony 

  • Readings
    • Ephesians 5: 21 -6: 3
    • St. Matthew 19: 1-12

The Anointing the sick 

  • Readings
    • St. James 5: 13-16
    • Romans 13: 11-14
    • St. Matthew 10: 5-10

Kantheela 

  • First Service
    • Acts 3 : 1- 10
    • St. Luke 18: 35-43
  • Second Service
    • St. James 3: 10-18
    • St. Luke 10: 25-37
  • Third Service
    • II Corinthians 12: 7-10
    • St. Mark 5: 25- 34
  • Fourth Service
    • II Corinthians 12: 7 -10
    • St. Matthew 15: 21-31
  • Fifth Service
    • Acts. 9: 32 - 35
    • Ephesians 6: 10-20
    • St. Matthew 9: 36- 10:10

Sanctification of a Church Building 

  • Readings
    • I Chronicles 29: 10-14
    • I Kings 8: 22-43
    • Isaiah 6: 1-8
    • Acts 7: 44-53
    • Hebrews 9: 1-14
    • St. Matthew 16: 13-20
    • St. John 10: 22-30

Laying the Foundation Stone of a Church building 

  • Readings
    • I Peter 2 : 1 - 10
    • Ephesians 2:11- 22
    • St. Matthew 16: 13-20

Dedication of the Holy Cross 

  • Readings
    • Galatians 6: 11-18
    • St. Matthew 10: 34-42

Mooron Sacrament 

  • Readings
    • Numbers 7: 1 - 11
    • Genesis 28 : 10 - 20
    • I Samuel 16: 1-13
    • I John 2 : 20 - 3: 1
    • II Corinthians 2 : 12 -17
    • St. Luke 7: 36-50

Blessing of the Home 

  • Readings
    • Genesis 28 : 10- 22
    • Proverbs 3: 1-9
    • Acts 10: 1-8
    • Hebrews 13: 1 - 6
    • St. Luke 19: 1-10

Funeral/Burial 

  • Men
    • Genesis 48 : 21-22, 49: 33-50
    • Psalms 34
    • I Peter 3: 8-12
    • I Corinthians 15: 33-53
    • St. John 15: 19-29
  • Women
    • Acts 9: 36-42
    • I Thessalonians 4: 13 - 42
    • St. Matthew 25: 1-13
  • Children
    • I Kings 17: 17-24
    • Acts 20: 7-12
    • I Corinthians 15: 12-19
    • St. Luke 7: 11-17
  • Bishops Priests
    • Deuteronomy 34 : 1 - 12
    • Numbers 20: 23-29
    • II Peter 3: 8-18
    • I Corinthians 15: 33 -57
    • St. Matthew 24: 45 - 25: 30