Daily Readings | November 3, 2026 - Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery

Daily Readings | November 3, 2026

Holy Transfiguration Antiochian Orthodox Monastery

Today’s Readings

Gospel: Luke 11:34–41
Epistle: St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians 1:6–10
Saints of the Day: Holy Hieromartyrs Akepsimas, Joseph, and Aeithalas

Epistle of the Day

St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians 1:6–10Brethren, you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit; so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything. For they themselves report concerning us what a welcome we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Gospel of the Day

Luke 11:34–41

The Lord said, “Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is sound, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” While He was speaking, a Pharisee asked Him to dine with Him; so He went in and sat at table. The Pharisee was astonished to see that He did not first wash before dinner. And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of extortion and wickedness. You fools! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But give for alms those things which are within and behold, everything is clean for you.

Gospel Reflection

In this Gospel, Jesus teaches us that our hearts and minds must be filled with God’s light rather than darkness. He compares the eye to a lamp, explaining that what we choose to focus on and allow into our lives affects our spiritual well-being. When we seek goodness, truth, and God’s teachings, His light guides our thoughts and actions. However, when we allow sin, pride, or selfishness to influence us, we risk allowing darkness into our hearts.

Jesus then visits a Pharisee who is surprised that He does not perform the customary washing before eating. Jesus uses this moment to explain that true purity comes from within, not simply from outward appearances or religious practices. The Pharisees were concerned with appearing righteous on the outside while neglecting the condition of their hearts. Christ reminds them that God sees both our outward actions and our inner intentions, calling us to live with sincerity, humility, and compassion.

The main message of this Gospel is that God cares about the purity of our hearts, not just how we appear to others. Jesus calls us to examine our thoughts, intentions, and actions, making sure they reflect His love and truth. Through prayer, repentance, generosity, and kindness toward others, we allow God’s light to grow within us. True holiness comes from having a sincere heart and allowing our faith to guide the way we live each day.

Saint of the Day

Hieromartyrs Akepsimas, Bishop in Persia, Presbyter Joseph, and Deacon Aeithalas.

The Holy Martyrs Akepsimas, Joseph, and Aeithalas were devoted leaders of the Christian Church in Persia. Saint Akepsimas, the Bishop of Naesson, was deeply loved by his people for his holy life, humility, and tireless dedication to the Church. Alongside him served Saint Joseph, a presbyter, and Saint Aeithalas, a deacon.

During the reign of Emperor Sapor, a severe persecution began against Christian clergy. Although Bishop Akepsimas was already eighty years old, he was arrested and brought before a pagan judge in Arbela. When ordered to sacrifice to the Persian gods, he fearlessly refused and remained faithful to Christ. He was brutally beaten and imprisoned.

The following day, Saint Joseph, who was seventy years old, and Saint Aeithalas were also arrested, beaten, and imprisoned alongside him. For three years, the holy martyrs endured hunger, thirst, and terrible suffering. Despite their hardships, they never abandoned their faith in God.

When Emperor Sapor demanded that they worship the pagan gods, the three saints once again refused and boldly confessed their faith in Christ. Angered by their steadfastness, the emperor ordered Bishop Akepsimas to be beheaded, while Joseph and Aeithalas were sentenced to death by stoning.

Saint Joseph’s execution lasted several hours. Soldiers guarded his body to prevent Christians from taking it, but on the fourth night, a powerful storm struck the area. Lightning killed the guard, strong winds scattered the stones, and the saint’s body mysteriously disappeared.

Saint Aeithalas was taken to the village of Patrias, where he was stoned to death. Christians secretly buried his body, and a tree later grew upon his grave. Its fruit became known for bringing healing to those who sought help through the saint’s prayers.

Through their courage, patience, and unwavering devotion to Christ, these holy martyrs remind us to remain faithful to God even in times of suffering. Their lives demonstrate that true faith is strengthened through perseverance, prayer, and complete trust in the Lord.

Daily Readings | November 3, 2026