Daily Readings | October 26, 2026
Today’s Readings
- Gospel: John 15:17–27; 16:1–2
- Epistle: St. Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy 2:1–10
- Saint of the Day: Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, the Myrrh-Streamer
Epistle of the Day
Gospel of the Day
John 15:17–27; 16:1–2
The Lord said to His disciples: “This I command you, to love one another. If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all this they will do to you on My account, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. It is to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness to Me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with Me from the beginning. I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.”
Gospel Reflection
In this Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples that they must love one another, even when the world turns against them. He warns them that following Him will not always be easy because some people will reject or persecute them, just as they rejected and persecuted Him. Jesus reminds His disciples that they should not be surprised by these difficulties, because remaining faithful to God sometimes means facing opposition from others.
Jesus also explains that those who reject Him are rejecting the Father who sent Him. Even though He has shown them the truth through His words and miracles, some people still refuse to believe. However, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will come to guide and strengthen His followers. Through the Holy Spirit, they will have the courage to remain faithful and continue sharing God’s truth, even during difficult times.
The main message is that true faith requires love, courage, and perseverance. Jesus reminds us that following Him does not mean we will never face hardships, but that we should never allow fear or rejection to weaken our faith. We are called to love one another, trust in God’s guidance, and remain faithful to Christ no matter what challenges we face.
Saint of the Day
Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, the Myrrh-Streamer
Saint Demetrius lived in Thessalonica during the reign of Emperor Maximian, around the year 306. He came from one of the most distinguished families in Macedonia and was admired for his noble character, wisdom, kindness, and virtue. Because of his military abilities, he was appointed commander of the Roman forces in Thessaly and proconsul of Hellas. However, despite his high position and worldly honours, Demetrius valued nothing more than his faith in Jesus Christ.
At a time when Christians were being persecuted throughout the Roman Empire, Saint Demetrius openly preached the Word of God. Through his teachings and the example of his righteous life, he brought many pagans to Christianity. His peaceful nature, brotherly love, and devotion to Christ inspired those around him. When Emperor Maximian arrived in Thessalonica, he learned that Demetrius was a Christian and had been spreading the faith. Furious, the Emperor ordered him to be removed from his position and imprisoned in the basement of the nearby baths.
While Saint Demetrius was imprisoned, a scorpion approached his foot, ready to sting him. The Saint simply made the sign of the Cross, and the scorpion disappeared. Alone in his prison cell, Demetrius remained joyful, knowing that he would soon share in the Passion of Christ. Rather than fearing death, he eagerly awaited the opportunity to give his life for the Lord.
During this time, Emperor Maximian organized games and gladiatorial contests to celebrate his victories. Among the fighters was a powerful man named Lyaios, who was known for his strength and skill in combat. A young Christian named Nestor, who admired Saint Demetrius, wished to challenge him. Before entering the arena, Nestor visited Demetrius in prison and asked for his prayers and blessing. Saint Demetrius made the sign of the Cross on Nestor’s forehead and told him that he would defeat Lyaios and suffer for Christ.
Strengthened by the Saint’s prayers, Nestor entered the arena and faced the powerful gladiator. As the crowd watched, Nestor cried out, “God of Demetrius, help me!” He then defeated Lyaios, astonishing everyone present. The Emperor was enraged by the death of his champion. When he discovered that Nestor had called upon the God of Demetrius, he ordered Nestor to be executed outside the city.
Maximian also ordered his soldiers to enter the prison and kill Saint Demetrius. Without a trial, they pierced him with their lances while he was in his cell. Some Christians, including his faithful servant Lupus, were present at his martyrdom. After the soldiers departed, they reverently buried his body. Lupus took the Saint’s bloodstained tunic and royal ring, through which many miracles and healings took place. When the Emperor learned of these miracles, he ordered Lupus to be beheaded as well.
Even after his death, the grace of God continued to work through Saint Demetrius. A fragrant myrrh, possessing the power to heal, flowed from his holy relics. For this reason, he became known as the Myrrh-Streamer. Over the centuries, countless people received healing through his intercessions. Saint Demetrius became especially beloved as the protector of Thessalonica, defending the city through his prayers against invasions, disasters, and suffering.
To this day, Saint Demetrius is honoured throughout the Orthodox Church as a courageous martyr who placed his love for Christ above earthly power, wealth, and even his own life. His example reminds us to remain faithful to God in every circumstance, trusting that His grace is stronger than fear, persecution, and death.
