Holy Martyr Charitina
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1 Corinthians 14:20-25; Matthew 25:1-13
O brethren, let us love the Bridegroom, let us make ready our lamps, shining out with brightness and true faith, so that, like the wise virgins at the Lord’s coming, we may arrive with Him at the marriage, for He, the Merciful, since He is God, offers to all as a gift the incorruptible crown!
You, O God, the Bridegroom of salvation, the hope of those who hymn You, grant to us who pray to You that we find, without stain, in You marriage, just like the virgins the incorruptible crown. (St. Roman the Melodist – Vol. II, Kontakion On the Ten Virgins I)
My soul, now we observe these things. There are doors; let my soul not be at the doors; let it be ready and at hand. It leaves nothing behind, just as Christ said. As He foretold, all things will happen famines and pestilence, and continuous earthquakes, and tribe upon tribe will be raised up.
Fearful things within and without, full of battles. It is not possible to be saved anywhere, for everywhere there is danger. Nowhere is there a refuge; there is flight by all men. The gate has been closed, Mercy has been sealed; for we were not chosen to be within the bridal chamber, we are crying, ‘Open.’ St. Roman the Melodist – Kontakion On the Ten Virgins II)