Daily Readings | October 31, 2026 - Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery

Daily Readings | October 31, 2026

Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery

Today’s Readings

Gospel: Luke 8:16–21
Epistle: St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 16:1–16
Saint of the Day: Holy Apostles Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus, and Aristobulus

Epistle of the Day

Epistle: St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans 16:1–16Brethren, I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreai, that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks; greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epainetos, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked hard among you. Greet Andronicos and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men of note among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatos, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulos. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissos. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaina and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, eminent in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritos, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologos, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Gospel of the Day

Gospel: Luke 8:16–21

The Lord said, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. Take heed then how you hear; for to him who has will more be given, and from him who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. Then His mother and His brothers came to Him, but they could not reach Him for the crowd. And He was told, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He said to them, “My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Gospel Reflection

In this Gospel, Jesus teaches that our faith should be visible through the way we live. He compares faith to a lamp that is meant to shine and give light to others, rather than being hidden away. Just as a lamp brightens a room, our faith should be reflected in our words, actions, and treatment of others. Jesus also reminds us that nothing remains hidden from God, encouraging us to live with honesty, humility, and a sincere heart.

Jesus then warns us to pay attention to how we listen to God’s Word. Those who receive His teachings with faith and put them into practice will continue to grow spiritually. When His mother and brothers come looking for Him, Jesus explains that those who hear the Word of God and obey it are also His family. He is not rejecting His earthly family, but showing that our relationship with God is strengthened through faith and obedience.

The main message is that true faith is not only about hearing God’s Word, but also living according to it. Jesus calls us to be a light to others through kindness, love, forgiveness, and good works. By listening carefully to His teachings and applying them in our daily lives, we grow closer to Christ and allow His light to shine through us.

Saint of the Day

Holy Apostles Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus, and Aristobulus

These six holy Apostles were among the Seventy Disciples of the Lord. They dedicated their lives to spreading the Gospel, strengthening the early Church, and guiding others toward Christ.

Saint Stachys, whom Saint Paul called his beloved, was appointed Bishop of Byzantium by Saint Andrew the Apostle. He built a church at Argyropolis, outside the city, where more than two thousand Christians gathered for worship and instruction. He faithfully cared for his spiritual flock for fifteen years, from AD 38 to 54, before peacefully departing to the Lord.

Saint Apelles, whom Saint Paul described as approved in Christ, became Bishop of Heraclea in Asia Minor. Through his preaching, he brought many people to the Christian faith and strengthened the believers entrusted to his care.

Saint Amplias, beloved of Saint Paul, and Saint Urban, his helper in Christ, were appointed bishops by Saint Andrew. Amplias served as Bishop of Odysopolis in Macedonia, while Urban became Bishop of Macedonia. Both worked tirelessly to proclaim the Gospel and bring people to Christ. Their preaching led many to abandon idolatry and embrace the true faith. Because of their devotion, they suffered many torments and were eventually put to death by idolaters and Jews.

Saint Narcissus became Bishop of Athens, where he preached the Word of Truth. He endured persecution and torture for his faith, remaining steadfast in his love for Christ until his martyrdom.

Saint Aristobulus became Bishop of Britain, where he fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel. Despite the difficulties and opposition he encountered, he continued teaching the people and spreading the message of salvation. He eventually reposed in peace.

Through their preaching, courage, and unwavering faith, these six Apostles helped establish and strengthen the early Christian Church. Their lives remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and sharing His teachings with others, even in the face of suffering and persecution.

Daily Readings | October 31, 2026