Introit • Ecclus. 45, 30
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince; that the dignity of priesthood should be to him forever. Ps. 131, 1. O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness. Gory be …
Collect (Prayer)
May we be assisted, O Lord, by the merits of St. Antoninus, Thy confessor and bishop, that, as we declare Thee wonderful in him, so we may glory in Thy mercy toward us. Through the same.
Commemoration of Sts. Gordian and Epimachus
Collect (Prayer)
Gant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who venerate the festival of Thy blessed martyrs Gordian and Epimachus, may be helped by their intercession with Thee. Through our Lord.
Epistle • Ecclus. 44; 45
Lesson from the Book of Wisdom.
Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God, and was found just; and in the time of wrath was made a reconciliation. There was not any found like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. Therefore by an oath the Lord made him increase among his people. He gave him the blessing of all nations, and confirmed His covenant upon his head. He acknowledged him in His blessings: He preserved for him His mercy: and he found grace before the eyes of the Lord. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him a crown of glory. He made an everlasting covenant with him and gave him a great priesthood; and made him blessed in glory. To execute the office of the priesthood and to have praise in his name, and to offer to him worthy incense for an odor of sweetness.
Alleluia, alleluia. Ps. 109, 4. Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia. This is the priest whom the Lord hath crowned. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matt. 25, 14-23
Continuation of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
[Christ warns us against hypocrisy, the fear of the world and covetousness. He admonishes all to watch.]
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: A man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five. And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two. But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord’ s money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Offertory • Ps. 88, 21-22
I have fund David my servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him: for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him. (P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.)
Secret
Graciously receive, O Lord, the sacrifices dedicated to the merits of Thy blessed martyrs, Gordian and Epimachus, and grant that they may profit for our everlasting assistance. Through our Lord.
Communion • Luke 12, 42
A faithful and wise servant, who the Lord hath set over His family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season. (P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.)
Postcommunion
We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who have partaken of heavenly nourishment, may, by the intercession of Thy holy martyrs, Gordian and Epimachus, be thereby fortified against all adverse influences. Through our Lord.