Commemoration of the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
Today the Church
remembers the 350 holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council who refuted the Iconoclast heresy during the reign of Empress
Irene and her son, Constantine VI. The Council decreed that the veneration
of icons was not idolatry [Exodus 20.4-5], because the honor shown to them is not directed to the wood or paint, but passes
to the prototype (the person depicted). It also upheld the possibility of
depicting Christ, who became man and took flesh at his Incarnation.
In the Gospel reading for today, the Church shows us Jesus’ compassion
triumphing over death. Jesus is passing through the city of Nain, and there
he meets a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. Moved by the sight
of the mother’s grief, he tells her not to weep; then, touching the bier, he commands the young man to rise.
The dead man sits up, and begins to speak, and Jesus restores him to his mother, and the people, seized with fear,
give glory to God.
The Epistle for this Sunday contains some general considerations on the giving of alms.
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The readings below are Sunday, October 12, 2025
Today's Epistle reading: [2 Corinthians
9.6-11]
The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is
able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in
abundance for every good work. As it is written,
"He scatters abroad, he gives
to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread
for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every
way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
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Today's Gospel reading: [Luke 7.11-16]
Soon afterward he went to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd
went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of
his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion
on her and said to her, "Do not weep.” And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said,
"Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear
seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited
his people!” And this report concerning him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
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