The Orthodox Faith

Sunday, November 8, 2026 Julian: October 26 Tone 6 No fast; fish, wine and oil allowed 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

The Orthodox Faith

The Orthodox faith is the fullness of God’s revelation to the human race, made known in Jesus Christ, taught by his apostles, and handed down without interruption in the Orthodox Churches to this day. At its heart is the confession of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit), and of the eternal Son who became man for our salvation. This faith is not only a teaching to be learned, but a life to be lived: in the Holy Scriptures read within Holy Tradition, in the Divine Liturgy and the holy Mysteries, in prayer, fasting and love of neighbor. Its goal is our union with God, the sharing of human beings in the divine life now and forever and unto ages of ages.

New Calendar

Revised Julian, November 8

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Vigil

On November 8, the Churches honor Archangel Michael, Archangel Gabriel and all the nine ranks of the bodiless powers who serve God and guard His people.

Full life

Fasting: No fast; fish, wine and oil allowed
Also today: Synaxis of Archangel Michael and the Bodiless Powers; Synaxis of the Holy Unmercenaries
Readings: Vespers (Unmercenaries): Isaiah 43.9-14
Vespers: Joshua 5.13-15
Vespers (Unmercenaries): Wisdom of Solomon 3.1-9
Vespers: Judges 6.2, 7, 11-24
Vespers (Unmercenaries): Wisdom of Solomon 5.15-6.3
Vespers: Isaiah 14.7-20
1st Matins Gospel: Matthew 28.16-20
Epistle: Ephesians 2.4-10
Epistle (Unmercenaries): 1 Corinthians 12.27-13.8
Epistle (Angels): Hebrews 2.2-10
Gospel: Luke 8.41-56
Gospel (Unmercenaries): Matthew 10.1, 5-8
Gospel (Angels): Luke 10.16-21

Old Calendar

Julian, October 26

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Polyeleos

A Christian of Thessaloniki martyred under Maximian around 306, St Demetrius is honored as Great Martyr, Myrrh-streaming and protector of his city.

Full life

Fasting: No fast; fish, wine and oil allowed
Also today: Greatmartyr Demetrius
Readings: Vespers: Composite 16 - Isaiah 63.15-64.5, 8-9
Vespers: Jeremiah 2.2-12
Vespers: Wisdom of Solomon 4.7-15
1st Matins Gospel: Matthew 28.16-20
Epistle: Ephesians 2.4-10
Epistle (Earthquake): Hebrews 12.6-13, 25-27
Epistle (St Demetrius): 2 Timothy 2.1-10
Gospel: Luke 16.19-31
Gospel (Earthquake): Matthew 8.23-27
Gospel (St Demetrius): John 15.17-16.2

Word for the day

The saints fulfilled the word of the Lord; the Lord fulfils their word; they worked for Him—He does so for them. The Lord Himself said: " With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." This is why the Lord speedily fulfils the prayers of the Saints for us.

St John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ