Saint Irenaeus
Introit
Malachi 2:6
The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and in equity, and turned many away from iniquity. Ps. With them that hated peace I was peaceful, when I spake unto them, they fought against me without cause. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, Who didst vouchsafe unto blessed Irenaeus, Thy martyr and bishop; by his strenuous teaching of the truth, utterly to confute heresies, and happily to establish peace in Thy Church: unto us Thy people, grant, we beseech Thee, to be steadfast in the practice of our holy religion, and in all our days to enjoy that peace which is from Thee. Through our Lord.
Epistle
2 Timothy 3:14-17; 4:1-5
Beloved: Continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee: knowing of Whom thou hast learned them; and because from thy infancy thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation by the faith which is in Jesus Christ. All Scripture, inspired by God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, that the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work. I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, Who shall judge the living and the dead by His coming, and His kingdom: Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time when they shall not endure sound doctrine: but according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears, and will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.
Gradual
Psalm 121:8
For my brethren and companions’ sake, I spake peace concerning thee. Ps. Keep innocence and behold justice, for the prosperity of the peaceable man continues.
Alleluia
Ecclesiasticus 45:1, 9; Osee 14:6
Alleluia, alleluia. V. Stand in the multitude of the ancients that are wise, and join thyself from thy heart to their wisdom, that thou mayest hear every discourse of God. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 10:28-32
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples, Fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father Who is in Heaven. But he that shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father Who is in Heaven.
Offertory
Ecclesiasticus 24:44
I make my doctrine to shine forth to all as the morning light, and I will declare it afar off.
Secret
O God, Who suffererest not the nations that believe in Thee to be shaken by any fear, deign, we beseech Thee, to receive the prayers and sacrifices of the people consecrated to Thee, that peace, the gift of Thy loving-kindness, may render Christian countries safe from every enemy. Through our Lord.
Communion
Ecclesiasticus 24:47
See ye, that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all that seek out the truth.
Postcommunion
O God, the author and lover of peace, to know Whom is to live, and to serve Whom is to reign, protect us Thy suppliants from all assaults, that we, who trust in Thy defence, by the intercession of blessed Irenaeus, Thy martyr and bishop, may not fear the arms of any of our foes. Through our Lord.