December

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Commemorations:

Martyr Sebastian, at Rome, and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus, Mark, Claudius, Symphorian, Victorinus, Tiburtius, and Castulus (287). St. Gatianus, first bishop of Tours (3rd c.). Martyr Eubotius, at Cyzicus (318). St. Modestus I, archbishop of Jerusalem (4th c.). St. Florus, bishop of Amisus (7th c.). St. Winebald, abbot of Heidenheim and bishop of Eichstatt (Germany) (761). St. Michael the Confessor, at Constantinople (845). St. Sebastian, abbot of Poshekhonye Monastery (Vologda) (1500). Glorification (1694) of Righteous Symeon, wonderworker of Verkhoturye (1642). New Hieromartyrs Thaddeus, archbishop of Tver (1937), and Nicholas, archbishop of Great Ustiug (1937). Repose of Schemanun Nazaria, eldress of Varatec Monastery (Romania) (1814), and Metropolitan Benjamin (Costachi) of Moldavia (1846). Slaying of Hieromonk Nestor of Zharki (Ivanovo) (1993).

The Holy Rule:

CHAPTER 63: Of the Order in the Monastery

Let all keep their order in the monastery in such wise, that the time of their conversion and the merit of their life distinguish it, or as the Abbot hath directed. Let the Abbot not disorder the flock committed to him, nor by an arbitrary use of his power dispose of anything unjustly; but let him always bear in mind that he will have to give an account to God of all his judgments and works. Hence in the order that he hath established, or that the brethren had, let them approach for the kiss of peace, for Communion, intone the psalms, and stand in choir. And in no place whatever let age determine the order or be a disadvantage; because Samuel and Daniel when mere boys judged the priests (cf 1 Sam. 3; Dan 13:44-62). Excepting those, therefore, whom, as we have said, the Abbot from higher motives hath advanced, or, for certain reasons, hath lowered, let all the rest take their place as they are converted: thus, for instance, let him who came into the monastery at the second hour of the day, know that he is younger than he who came at the first hour, whatever his age or dignity may be.