Friday, January 13 : Byzantine Liturgy

“The memory of the just is praised” (Pr 10,7), but thou art well pleased, O Forerunner, with the testimony of the Lord. For thou has verily been shown forth as more honored than the prophets (Mt 11,9), since thou wast counted worthy to baptize in the stream him whom they foretold. Therefore, having mightily contended and suffered for the truth, with joy thou has preached also to those in hell the good things of God made manifest in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world (1Tm 3,16; Jn 1,29) and grants us great mercy. By the will of God hast thou come forth from the womb of a barren woman; thou hast broken the bonds of thy father’s tongue (Lk 1,7.64); thou hast shown us the Sun who enlightens thee,O thou, the star of morning. In the desert hast thou preached to the people of their Creator, of the lamb that takes away the sin of the world. In thy zeal hast thou rebuked the king and thy glorious head was severed, O thou, illustrious Forerunner, truly worthy of our songs. Intercede with Christ our God that he might grant forgiveness for all their sins to those who, with heartfelt devotion, celebrate thy holy memory.

maronite readings – rosary,team