Saints Cornelius and Cyprian
Introit
Psalm 78:11-12, 10
Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before Thee, O Lord; render to our neighbours sevenfold in their bosom; revenge the blood of Thy Saints, which hath been shed. Ps. O God, the heathens are come into Thy inheritance: they have defiled Thine holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
May the feast of the blessed Martyrs and Bishops, Cornelius and Cyprian, protect us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and their august prayers commend us to Thee. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Wisdom 3:1-8
The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, and their departure was taken for misery; and their going away from us for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of Himself. As gold in the furnace He hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust He hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine; and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign forever.
Gradual
Exodus 15:11, 6
God is glorious in His Saints, wonderful in majesty, doing wonders. Thy right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength; Thy right hand hath broken the enemies.
Alleluia
Ecclesiasticus 44:14
Alleluia, alleluia. Thy Saints shall bless Thee, O Lord; they shall speak of the glory of Thy Kingdom. Alleluia.
Gospel
Luke 21:9-19
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: When you shall hear of wars and seditions, be not terrified: these things must first come to pass, but the end is not yet presently. Then He said to them: Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be great earthquakes in diverse places, and pestilences, and famines, and terrors from Heaven, and there shall be great signs. But before all these things they will lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, dragging you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. And it shall happen unto you for a testimony. Lay it up therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before how you shall answer. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to resist and gainsay. And you shall be betrayed by your parents, and brethren, and kinsmen, and friends, and some of you they will put to death. And you shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake; but a hair of your head shall not perish. In your patience you shall possess your souls.
Offertory
Psalm 67:36
God is wonderful in His saints: the God of Israel is He Who will give power and strength to His people: blessed be God. Alleluia.
Secret
Stand by us, O Lord, while we commemorate Thy saints and humbly pray: that by their merits these, Thy friends, may assist us who dare not rely on our own. Through our Lord.
Communion
Wisdom 3:4-6
And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, God hath tried them: as gold in the furnace He hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust He hath received them.
Postcommunion
Filled with the mysteries of salvation we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be helped by the prayers of those whose festival we celebrate. Through the Lord.