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On Bright Thursday the Gospel reading is John 3:1-15, which mentions the Pharisee Νikόdēmos who came by night to speak to Christ. The Lord told him that a man could not see the Kingdom of God unless he were born again. Νikόdēmos, taking Him much too literally, could not understand how such a thing was possible.
The Saviour then clarified His words, saying that one must be born “of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5), referring to Baptism. Νikόdēmos, however, still found it difficult to understand Him.
The Lord said, “If I have told you of earthly things, and you believe not, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things?” (John 3:12).
The reading from Acts 2:38-41 also speaks of Baptism. Saint Peter told the crowd, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you... and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
The main focus of today’s readings is on Baptism, but they also point to other things. We are to raise our minds and understanding from earthly to heavenly things and to seek the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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Saint Sabba Stratelates came from a Gothic tribe. For his bravery, he attained the high rank of military commander or “stratelates,” and he served under the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275).
From his youth, Sabba was a Christian, and he fervently followed the commands of Christ. He helped the needy and visited Christians in prison. Because of his pure and virtuous life, the saint received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking, healing the sick and casting out demons in the name of Christ.
When the emperor learned that Saint Sabba was a Christian, he demanded that he apostatise. The martyr threw down his military belt and declared that he would not forsake his faith. They beat him, burned him with torches, and threw him into a cauldron with tar, but the martyr remained unharmed.
Looking on at his torments, seventy soldiers came to believe in Christ. They were beheaded by the sword. Saint Sabba was thrown in prison. At midnight, while he was praying, Christ appeared to the martyr and shone on him the light of His Glory. The Saviour bade him not to fear, but to stand firm. Encouraged, the Martyr Sabba underwent new torture in the morning and was drowned in a river in 272.
Troparion — Tone 5
You abandoned earthly rank and honour, / and as an athlete, confessed Christ God before the false and tyrannical emperors. / For His sake, you endured much suffering, O glorious one. / Therefore, splendidly adorned with the armies of heaven, / you have been crowned with a beautiful wreath of victory / by the King who reigns over all. / As you stand before Him, O Sabba, / pray that He may save our souls.
Kontakion — Tone 4
You were shown to be an invincible athlete, most blessed Sabba, / overcoming the snares of the barbarians. / You contended with faithfulness, / conquering a multitude of the invisible enemy. / Therefore, you have woven a wreath of victory. / Most glorious one, entreat Christ for those who honour you with faith.
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