Saint Paul the First Hermit
Introit
Psalm 91:13-14, 2
The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus: planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Ps. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O Most High. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who dost gladden us by the annual feast of blessed Paul, Thy Confessor: mercifully grant, that we may follow the example of his life, whose heavenly birthday we celebrate. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Philippians 3:7-12
Brethren: The things that were gain to me, the same I have counted loss for Christ. Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ: and may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God, justice in faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. Not as though I has already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus.
Gradual
Psalm 91:13-14
The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus in the house of the Lord. To show forth Thy mercy in the morning, and Thy truth in the night.
Alleluia
Osee 14:6
Alleluia, alleluia. The just man shall spring as the lily: and flourish for ever before the Lord. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 11:25-30
At that time, Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones. Yea, Father; for so hath it seemed good in Thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son, but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.
Offertory
Psalm 20:2-3
In Thy strength, O Lord, the just man shall joy, and in Thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly: Thou hast given him his heart’s desire.
Secret
In memory of Thy Saints, O Lord, we offer Thee the sacrifice of praise, by which we trust to be freed from both present and future evils. Through our Lord.
Communion
Psalm 63:11
The just shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him: and all the upright in heart shall be praised.
Postcommunion
We who are refreshed by heavenly meat and drink, humbly entreat Thee, O our God, that we may be defended by the prayers of him in whose memory we have received them. Through our Lord.