Theodora, Empress, c.867

The Collect:

Rite I:
O God, who didst call thy servant Theodora to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom and who didst give her the wisdom to establish unity where there had been division; Create in thy church such godly union and concord that we might proclaim the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, not only in correct theology but in right actions. All this we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Rite II:
O God, who called your servant Theodora to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom and who gave her the wisdom to establish unity where there had been division; Create in your church such godly union and concord that we might proclaim the Gospel of the Prince of Peace, not only in correct theology but in right actions. All this we ask through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

First Lesson: Colossians 1:15–20

¹⁵ He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; ¹⁶ for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹ For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, ²⁰ and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

Psalm: Psalm 133

¹ Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *
       when brethren live together in unity!
² It is like fine oil upon the head *
       that runs down upon the beard,
³ Upon the beard of Aaron, *
       and runs down upon the collar of his robe.
⁴ It is like the dew of Hermon *
       that falls upon the hills of Zion.
⁵ For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *
       life for evermore.

Gospel: John 17:20–23

²⁰ ‘I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, ²³ I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

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