Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

Saints, Feasts, and Readings for 09/13/2025

Saints and Feasts: Forefeast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross; The Consecration of the Church of the Holy Resurrection (Holy Sepulchre); Cornelius the Centurion & Martyr; Aristides the Philosopher; Hierotheos the Righteous of Iveron Monastery, Mount Athos

Epistle Reading: St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians 2:6-9

Brethren, among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-19

At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”