Introit • Psalms 118: 95-96
The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood Thy testimonies, O Lord: I have seen an end of all perfection; Thy command is exceeding broad. (Ps. 118: 1) Blessed are the undefiled in the way: who walk in the law of the Lord. Glory be …
Collect (Prayer)
May blessed Christina, virgin and martyr, who was ever pleasing to thee by her merit of chastity and by her extolling of Thy power, implore Thy forgiveness for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord. Through our Lord.
Epistle • Ecclesiasticus 51: 13-17
Lesson from the Book of Ecclesiasticus
O Lord my God, Thou has exalted my dwelling place upon the earth, and I have prayed for death to pass away. I called upon the Lord, the Father of my Lord, that He would not leave me in the day of my trouble, and in the time of the proud without help. I will praise Thy Name continually, and will praise it with thanksgiving, and my prayer was heard. And Thou hast saved me from destruction, and hast delivered me from the evil time. Therefore I will give thanks and praise to Thee, O Lord our God.
Gradual • Psalms 54: 6, 5
God will help her with His countenance: God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the Most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle.
Lesser Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. This is a wise virgin, and one of the number of the prudent. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matthew 13: 44-52
Continuation of the Holy Gospel According to St. Matthew.
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a treasure hiddin in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the Kingdom of Heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it
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.