Apostol § 153

1 Corinthians 12:27–13:8
Prokeimenon, Tone 4

The Lord has shown all the wonders of His will / to the Saints who are in His land.

Verse: I keep the Lord always before me; for He is at my right hand, and I shall not be moved.

Brethren, you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way… Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Alleluia, Tone 2

Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Communion Hymn

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous! Praise befits the just!