The Holy Priest-Martyr Josaphat, Archbishop of Polotsk (1623); John the Merciful, Patriarch of Alexandria (619); Nil the Faster (430); Passing into Eternal Life (1950) of Blessed Hryhoriy (Gregory) Lakota, Auxiliary Bishop of Peremyshl and Confessor
A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy.
Read
Hebrews 4:14-5:10; John 10:9-16
I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep (John 10:11).
Today is the Feast of St. Josaphat, who, as Bishop of Polotsk, lived these words of Christ in leading his flock. His love for his sheep was manifested in his desire to lead the faithful towards the one true Shepherd, Jesus Christ, through union and communion with the Catholic Church. He was ready to give his life up so that his flock would follow the path of truth rather than be led away from Christ. He is an example to all of us of constantly striving for and leading others to union with Christ, our true Shepherd, as expressed in the Troparion for his feast:
You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,** to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
To my brother priests, may we remind ourselves every day of these words of Christ and be a Shepherd like Christ to the flock entrusted to us, giving of ourselves to the people we serve.
To the laity, love, pray for and support your priest. Every day, he strives to give of himself as your shepherd and to work diligently to ensure that you, his sheep and flock, not be led astray in this world. Pray to Christ the true Shepherd to always guide and help your priest fulfil the vocation to which he has been called.
By the prayers of St. Josaphat, Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.