St. Titus the Wonderworker.  Martyrs Amphianos and Aidesios of Lycia. Martyr Polycarp of Alexandria. St. Gregory, ascetic of Nicomedia. Virgin Martyr Theodora of Palestine. St. Nicetios of Lyons.

 HR/ CHAPTER 51: Of the Brethren Who Do Not Go Very Far Away

 A brother who is sent out on any business and is expected to return to the monastery the same day, may not presume to eat outside, even though he be urgently requested to do so, unless, indeed, it is commanded him by his Abbot. If he act otherwise, let him be excommunicated.

St. George, Monk of Mt. Maleon in the Peloponnesus.  Martyrs Theodoulos, reader, and Agathopos, deacon, and those with them at Thessaloniki. St. Zosimas, Monk of Palestine. Virgin Martyr Pherboutha of Persia, her little girl, and servants. St. Theonas, Metropolitan of Thessaloniki. St. Zosimas, Abbot of Vorbozamsk. New Hieromartyr Nicetas the Albanian, of Mt. Athos. St. Joseph the Much-ailing of the Kiev Caves. Righteous Zosima who met St. Mary of Egypt. St. Poplios of Egypt, Monk. Sts. Theonas, Symeon, and Pherbinos, of Egypt. St. Plato, Abbot of the Studion

 HR/ CHAPTER 53: Of the Reception of Guests

 Let all guests who arrive be received as Christ, because He will say: "I was a stranger and you took Me in" (Mt 25:35). And let due honor be shown to all, especially to those "of the household of the faith" (Gal 6:10) and to wayfarers. When, therefore, a guest is announced, let him be met by the Superior and the brethren with every mark of charity. And let them first pray together, and then let them associate with one another in peace. This kiss of peace should not be given before a prayer hath first been said, on account of satanic deception. In the greeting let all humility be shown to the guests, whether coming or going; with the head bowed down or the whole body prostrate on the ground, let Christ be adored in them as He is also received. When the guests have been received, let them be accompanied to prayer, and after that let the Superior, or whom he shall bid, sit down with them. Let the divine law be read to the guest that he may be edified, after which let every kindness be shown him. Let the fast be broken by the Superior in deference to the guest, unless, perchance, it be a day of solemn fast, which cannot be broken.

Martyrs Claudios, Diodoros, Victor, Victorinos, Pappias, Serapion, and Nikephoros.

St. Theodora, Nun of Thessaloniki. St. Mark the Anchorite of Athens. New Martyr George of New Ephesus. St. Derfel of Llanderfel. St. Ethelburga, Queen and Abbess of Lyming, Kent. Five girl Martyrs of Nenidor of Lesbos. Repose of Blessed Theodore of Svir (1822) and Righteous Symeon Klimych (1837). Martyrs Theodora and Didymos. St. Thermos. Martyr Pompeïos. Martyrs Maximos and Terence. Martyred women and servants

 HR/ CHAPTER 53: Of the Reception of Guests (cont.)

 Let the brethren, however, keep the customary fast. Let the Abbot pour the water on the guest's hands, and let both the Abbot and the whole brotherhood wash the feet of all the guests. When they have been washed, let them say this verse: "We have received Thy mercy, O God, in the midst of Thy temple" (Ps 47[48]:10). Let the greatest care be taken, especially in the reception of the poor and travelers, because Christ is received more specially in them; whereas regard for the wealthy itself procureth them respect.

 Let the kitchen of the Abbot and the guests be apart, that the brethren may not be disturbed by the guests who arrive at uncertain times and who are never wanting in the monastery. Let two brothers who are able to fulfil this office well go into the kitchen for a year. Let help be given them as they need it, that they may serve without murmuring; and when they have not enough to do, let them go out again for work where it is commanded them. Let this course be followed, not only in this office, but in all the offices of the monastery—that whenever the brethren need help, it be given them, and that when they have nothing to do, they again obey orders. Moreover, let also a God-fearing brother have assigned to him the apartment of the guests, where there should be sufficient number of beds made up; and let the house of God be wisely managed by the wise. On no account let anyone who is not ordered to do so, associate or speak with guests; but if he meet or see them, having saluted them humbly, as we have said, and asked a blessing, let him pass on saying that he is not allowed to speak with a guest.

St. Eutychios, Patriarch of Constantinople.

St. Methodios, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Enlightener of the Slavs: St. Gregory of St. Athanasios’ Monastery on Mt. Athos, teacher of St. Gregory Palamas. 120 Martyrs of Persia. St. Platonida of Nisibis. Martyrs Jeremiah and Archilias the Presbyter. St. Gregory the Sinaite. St. Elstan, Bishop of Ramsbury. Two Martyrs of Askalon. St. Brychan, Prince of Brecon.

 HR/ CHAPTER 54: Whether a Monk Should Receive Letters or Anything Else

 Let it not be allowed at all for a monk to give or to receive letters, tokens, or gifts of any kind, either from parents or any other person, nor from each other, without the permission of the Abbot. But even if anything is sent him by his parents, let him not presume to accept it before it hath been make known to the Abbot. And if he order it to be accepted, let it be in the Abbot's power to give it to whom he pleaseth. And let not the brother to whom perchance it was sent, become sad, that "no chance be given to the devil" (Eph 4:27; 1 Tm 5:14). But whosoever shall presume to act otherwise, let him fall under the discipline of the Rule.

Holy Apostles of the Seventy: Herodion, Agabos, Asyncritos, Rufos, Phlegontos, Hermeos, and those with them.

St. Celestine, Pope of Rome. Martyr Pausilippos of Heraclea in Thrace. St. Niphont, Bishop of Novgorod. St. Rufos the Obedient of the Kiev Caves. New Martyr John Naukliros (the Skipper) in Thessaly. Monk Martyr Vadim. Repose of Righteous Helen Voronova, disciple of Elder Barsanuphios of Optina (1916).

 HR/ CHAPTER 55: Of the Clothing and the Footgear of the Brethren (cont)

 For their bedding, let a straw mattress, a blanket, a coverlet, and a pillow be sufficient. These beds must, however, be frequently examined by the Abbot, to prevent personal goods from being found. And if anything should be found with anyone that he did not receive from the Abbot, let him fall under the severest discipline. And that this vice of private ownership may be cut off by the root, let everything necessary be given by the Abbot; namely, cowl, tunic, stockings, shoes, girdle, knife, pen, needle, towel, writing tablet; that all pretence of want may be removed. In this connection, however, let the following sentence from the Acts of the Apostles always be kept in mind by the Abbot: "And distribution was made to every man according as he had need" (Acts 4:35). In this manner, therefore, let the Abbot also have regard for the infirmities of the needy, not for the bad will of the envious. Yet in all his decisions, let the Abbot think of God's retribution.

Martyr Eupsychios of Cæsarea in Cappadocia.

Martyr Badimos the Archimandrite, and his seven disciples, of Persia. Martyrs Desan Bishop, Mariabos Presbyter, Abdiesos, and 270 other Martyrs in Persia. St. Woutruide (688). Martyr Patience. St. Madrun of Cornwall

 HR/ CHAPTER 56: Of the Abbot's Table

Let the Abbot's table always be with the guests and travelers. When, however, there are no guests, let it be in his power to invite any of the brethren he desireth. Let him provide, however, that one or two of the seniors always remain with the brethren for the sake of discipline.

Martyrs Terence, Pompeios, Africanos, Maximos, Zeno, Alexander, Theodore, and 36 others beheaded at Carthage.

New Hieromartyr Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople; Prophetess Huldah. Martyrs James the Presbyter, and Aza and Abdicios Deacons, of Persia. New Martyr Demos of Smyrna. St. Milteades, Pope of Rome. Martyrs Beocca, Hethor, and companions, at Chertsey. Hieromartyr Hedda and 84 Monks with him, at Peterborough

 HR/ CHAPTER 57: Of the Artists of the Monastery

 If there be skilled workmen in the monastery, let them work at their art in all humility, if the Abbot giveth his permission. But if anyone of them should grow proud by reason of his art, in that he seemeth to confer a benefit on the monastery, let him be removed from that work and not return to it, unless after he hath humbled himself, the Abbot again ordereth him to do so. But if any of the work of the artists is to be sold, let them, through whose hands the transaction must pass, see to it, that they do not presume to practice any fraud on the monastery. Let them always be mindful of Ananias and Saphira, lest, perhaps, the death which these suffered in the body (cf Acts 5:1-11), they and all who practice any fraud in things belonging to the monastery suffer in the soul. On the other hand, as regards the prices of these things, let not the vice of avarice creep in, but let it always be given a little cheaper than it can be given by seculars, That God May Be Glorified in All Things (1 Pt 4:11).

Hieromartyr Antipas, Bishop of Pergamus, disciple of St. John the Theologian.

 St. Pharmouthios, Anchorite of Egypt. Martyrs Processos and Martinian of Rome. St. John, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis. St. James, Abbot of Zhelaznoborov, and his fellow ascetic St. James. Sts. Euthymios and Chariton, Abbots of Syanzhemsk (Vologda). St. Barsanuphios, Bishop of Tver. St. Kallinikos of Cernica, Bishop of Rimnicului in Romania. St. Guthlac, Hieromonk, of Crowland. St. Tryphaine of Cyzicus.

 HR/ CHAPTER 58: Of the Manner of Admitting Brethren

 Let easy admission not be given to one who newly cometh to change his life; but, as the Apostle saith, "Try the spirits, whether they be of God" (1 Jn 4:1). If, therefore, the newcomer keepeth on knocking, and after four or five days it is seen that he patiently beareth the harsh treatment offered him and the difficulty of admission, and that he persevereth in his request, let admission be granted him, and let him live for a few days in the apartment of the guests. But afterward let him live in the apartment of novices, and there let him meditate, eat, and sleep. Let a senior also be appointed for him, who is qualified to win souls, who will observe him with great care and see whether he really seeketh God, whether he is eager for the Work of God, obedience and humiliations. Let him be shown all the hard and rugged things through which we pass on to God.

 If he promiseth to remain steadfast, let this Rule be read to him in order after the lapse of two months, and let it be said to him: Behold the law under which thou desirest to combat. If thou canst keep it, enter; if, however, thou canst not, depart freely. If he still persevereth, then let him be taken back to the aforesaid apartment of the novices, and let him be tried again in all patience. And after the lapse of six months let the Rule be read over to him, that he may know for what purpose he entereth. And if he still remaineth firm, let the same Rule be read to him again after four months. And if, after having weighed the matter with himself he promiseth to keep everything, and to do everything that is commanded him, then let him be received into the community, knowing that he is now placed under the law of the Rule, and that from that day forward it is no longer permitted to him to wrest his neck from under the yoke of the Rule, which after so long a deliberation he was at liberty either to refuse or to accept.

St. Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parium.

 Hieromartyr Artemon, Presbyter of Laodicea in Syria. Virgin Anthusa of Constantinople. St. Athanasia, Abbess of Aegina. Martyrs Menas, David, and John of Palestine. St. Isaac the Syrian, Abbot of Spoleto. Hieromartyr Zeno, Bishop of Verona. New Martyr Akakios of Kapsokalyvia Skete on Mt. Athos. St. Basil, Bishop of Ryazan. Deposition of the belt of the Most Holy Theotokos in Constantinople. Martyrs Demes, Protionos, and those with them. Sts. Sava the Goth, Sansala, and Eutychios.

 HR/ CHAPTER 58: Of the Manner of Admitting Brethren (cont)

 Let him who is received promise in the oratory, in the presence of all, before God and His saints, stability, the conversion of morals, and obedience, in order that, if he should ever do otherwise, he may know that he will be condemned by God "Whom he mocketh." Let him make a written statement of his promise in the name of the saints whose relics are there, and of the Abbot there present. Let him write this document with his own hand; or at least, if he doth not know how to write, let another write it at his request, and let the novice make his mark, and with his own hand place it on the altar. When he hath placed it there, let the novice next begin the verse: "Uphold me, O Lord, according to Thy word and I shall live; and let me not be confounded in my expectations" (Ps 118[119]:116).

 Then let all the brotherhood repeat this verse three times, adding the Gloria Patri. The let that novice brother cast himself down at the feet of all, that they may pray for him; and from that day let him be counted in the brotherhood. If he hath any property, let him first either dispose of it to the poor or bestow it on the monastery by a formal donation, reserving nothing for himself as indeed he should know that from that day onward he will no longer have power even over his own body.

St. Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome.

Martyrs Dada, Maximos, and Kyntillianos at Dorostolum. Martyr Eleutherios of Persia. Martyr Zoilos of Rome. New Martyr Demetrios of the Peloponnesus who suffered at Tripoli. St. Martios, Abbot of Clermon (Gaul). New Hieromartyr Stephen (1933). St. Guinoch of Buchan. Martyr Theodosios

 HR/ CHAPTER 59: Of the Children of the Noble and of the Poor Who Are Offered

 If it happen that a nobleman offereth his son to God in the monastery and the boy is of tender age, let his parents execute the written promise which we have mentioned above; and with the oblation let them wrap that document and the boy's hand in the altar cloth and thus offer him. As to their property, let them bind themselves under oath in the same document that they will never give him anything themselves nor through any other person, nor in any way whatever, nor leave a chance for his owning anything; or else, if they refuse to do this and want to make an offering to the monastery as an alms for their own benefit, let them make a donation to the monastery of whatever goods they wish to give, reserving to themselves the income of it, if they so desire. And let everything be so barred that the boy remain in no uncertainty, which might deceive and ruin him (which God forbid)—a pass we have learned by experience.

 Let those who are poor act in like manner. But as to those who have nothing at all, let them simply make the declaration, and with the oblation offer their son in the presence of witnesses.

Apostles Aristarchos, Pudens, and Trophimos of the Seventy.

 Martyrs Anthony, John, and Eustathios of Vilna (Lithuania). Martyr Ardalionos the Actor. Martyr Azat the Eunuch and 1,000 Martyrs of Persia. St. Christopher the Sabbaite. Martyr Thomais of Alexandria. St. Kyriakos, Bishop of Jerusalem. St. Euthymios the Wonderworker.

 HR/ CHAPTER 60: Of Priests Who May Wish to Live in the Monastery

 If a priest asketh to be received into the monastery, let consent not be granted too readily; still, if he urgently persisteth in his request, let him know that he must keep the whole discipline of the Rule, and that nothing will be relaxed in his favor, that it may be as it is written: "Friend, whereunto art thou come" (Mt 26:25)?

 It may be granted him, however, to stand next after the Abbot, and to give the blessing, or to celebrate Mass, but only if the Abbot ordereth him to do so; but if he doth not bid him, let him not presume to do anything under whatever consideration, knowing that he is under the discipline of the Rule, and let him rather give examples of humility to all. But if there is a question of an appointment in the monastery, or any other matter, let him be ranked by the time of his entry into the monastery, and not by the place granted him in consideration of the priesthood.

 But if a cleric, moved by the same desire, wisheth to join the monastery, let him too have a middle place, provided he promiseth to keep the Rule and personal stability.

 If a monk who is a stranger, arriveth from a distant place and desireth to live in the monastery as a guest, and is satisfied with the customs he findeth there, and doth not trouble the monastery with superfluous wants, but is satisfied with what he findeth, let him be received for as long a time as he desireth. Still, if he should reasonably, with humility and charity, censure or point out anything, let the Abbot consider discreetly whether the Lord did not perhaps send him for that very purpose. If later on he desireth to declare his stability let his wish not be denied, and especially since his life could be known during his stay as a guest.

Virgin-martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia in Illyria.

Martyrs Leonidas, Charisse, Nice, Galine, Callida, Nounechia, Vasilissa, Theodora, and Irene of Corinth. St. Theodore-Vassa, Princess of Novgorod. New Martyr Michaelof Smyrna. St. Fructuosis of Brada (655). Sts. Phylikos, Bishop, Januarios, Presbyter, Fourtounatos, and Septeminos. St. Paternos, Bishop of Avranches.

 HR/ CHAPTER 61: How Stranger Monks Are to Be Received (cont)

 But if during the time that he was a guest he was found to be troublesome and disorderly, he must not only not associate with the monastic body but should even be politely requested to leave, that others may not be infected by his evil life. But if he hath not been such as deserveth to be cast forth, he should not only be admitted to join the brotherhood, if he apply, but he should even be urged to remain, that others may be taught by his example, because we serve one Lord and fight under one King everywhere. If the Abbot recognize him to be such a one he may also place him in a somewhat higher rank.

 The Abbot may, however, place not only a monk, but also those of the aforesaid grades of priests and clerics, in a higher place than that of their entry, if he seeth their lives to be such as to deserve it. But let the Abbot take care never to admit a monk of any other known monastery to residence, without the consent of his Abbot or commendatory letters, because it is written: "What thou wilt not have done to thyself, do not to another" (Tb 4:16).

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