On the Sunday of the Forefathers

 

Introduction

The Sunday that falls between December 11-17 is known as the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers. These are the ancestors of Christ according to the flesh, who lived before the Law and under the Law, especially the Patriarch Abraham, to whom God said, “In thy seed shall all of the nations of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3, 22:18).

Righteous Benjamin ~ The youngest son of Jacob, he was called Benoni and then Benjamin (Gen. 35:16-18). Before his death Jacob blessed him in a seemingly backhanded way, saying that “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, devouring his prey in the morning, and dividing the spoil in the evening” (Gen. 49:27). Commentators say this is not a reference to Benjamin himself, but to the warlike nature of the tribe of Benjamin.

Righteous Deborah ~ Information about the holy Prophetess and Judge Deborah may be found in the Book of Jud. 4:5-14, and also chapter 5.

Righteous Hezron ~ The Righteous Hezron is mentioned in the Old Testament genealogies: Gen. 46:12, Ruth 4:18, and 1 Chronicles 2:9 (LXX). He was the son of Perez and the father of Aram, and an ancestor of the Prophet-King David. According to the New Testament genealogies (Mat. 1:3; Lk. 3:33), Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram.

Righteous Isaac ~ The Righteous Isaac was the second of the Old Testament Patriarchs, and the son of Abraham (Gen. 17:17-22). God tested Abraham to see if he would sacrifice his son (Gen. 22:1-13), and thus Isaac was a type of Christ. He was the husband of Rebecca (Gen. 24:67), and the father of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 25:19-26).

Righteous Jacob ~ The Righteous Jacob is mentioned in the book of Gen. 25-50. He had a dream of a ladder (Gen. 28:12-17). Angels were ascending and descending the ladder, and the Lord was above the ladder (a type of the Mother of God, who united earth to Heaven when she consented to become the mother of the Messiah). Later, Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32:22-30), who appeared as a man, and Jacob prevailed. Then the Lord gave him the name Israel and blessed him. Jacob called that place Peniel (The face of God), and said, "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved."

Righteous Judith ~ Righteous Miriam ~ Prophet Nathan Prophet Nehemiah ~ Righteous Noah ~ Righteous Rebecca Righteous Sarah ~ Prophet Solomon ~ Righteous Susanna Righteous Ruth ~ Righteous Mary

Worshiping not the image made by hands, but putting on the breastplate of the unwritten essence, in the arena of fire you, thrice-blessed ones, were glorified. Standing in the midst of a flame unendurable, you called upon God, “Make haste, O Compassionate one, and hurry as the Merciful one, unto our aid, for You can do what You will.” - Kontakion

Extend Your hand, which of old the Egyptians, making battle, and the Hebrews, then embattled, had experienced. Do not forsake us, that Death, who thirsts after us, and Satan, who hates us, may drink us down. But be near us and spare our souls, as You once spared Your lads in Babylon as they ceaselessly sang Your praises, and were for You thrown into the furnace, and from thence called to You, “Make haste, O Compassionate one, and hurry as the Merciful one, unto our aid, for You can do what You will.” -Oikos