Saints Cosmas and Damian
Introit
Ecclesiasticus 44:14-15; Psalm 32:1
Let the people show forth the wisdom of the saints, and the church declare their praise; and their names shall live unto generation and generation. Ps. Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we who celebrate the feast day of Thy holy Martyrs, Cosmas and Damian, by their intercession may be delivered from all dangers that threaten us. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Wisdom 5:16-20
But the just shall live for evermore, and their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a kingdom of glory, and a crown of beauty at the hand of the Lord: for with His right hand He will cover them, and with His holy arm He will defend them; and His zeal will take armour, and He will arm the creature for the revenge of His enemies. He will put on justice as a breastplate, and will take true judgment instead of a helmet; He will take equity for an invincible shield.
Gradual
Psalm 33:18-19
The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto those who are troubled in heart, and the humble in spirit shall be saved.
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. This is the true brotherhood that overcometh the wickedness of the world; it hath followed Christ, holding fast to the glorious heavenly kingdom.
Gospel
Luke 6:17-23
At that time, Jesus coming down from the mountain stood in a plain place, and the company of His disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the seacoast both of Tyre and Sidon, who were come to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch Him, for virtue went out from Him, and healed all. And He, lifting up his eyes on His disciples, said, Blessed are ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice, for behold, your reward is great in Heaven.
Offertory
Psalm 5:12-13
All they that love Thy name shall glory in Thee: for Thou, O Lord, wilt bless the just: O Lord, Thou hast crowned us with the shield of Thy good will.
Secret
May the loving prayers of Thy Saints not be wanting to us, O Lord, to win us Thy gifts and ever to obtain us Thy pardon. Through our Lord.
Communion
Psalm 78:2, 11
They have given the dead bodies of Thy servants, O Lord, to be meat for the fowls of the air, the flesh of Thy saints to the beasts of the earth: according to the greatness of Thy arm take possession of the children of them that have been punished by death.
Postcommunion
May Thy people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, be protected by the privilege of participation in the heavenly banquet and by the prayer of the saints made in their behalf. Through our Lord.