Matthew 5:16
St. Tikhon
Orthodox Chapel
The Rich Man and Lazarus
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus confronts us with the danger of becoming comfortable while another person suffers at our very doorstep. The rich man enjoyed abundance, while Lazarus lay outside his gate longing for relief. Christ does not describe the rich man committing an obvious act of violence against Lazarus. His tragedy is that he had the opportunity to show mercy, yet failed to act.
After death, their circumstances are reversed. Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man experiences torment. The account is not an invitation to judge those who possess wealth. Rather, it asks how we use what God has entrusted to us—and whether prosperity has made us inattentive to our neighbor.
The rich man asks that Lazarus be sent to warn his brothers. Abraham replies that they already have Moses and the prophets. The warning is urgent: God has not left us without instruction. Scripture, the worship of the Church, and the people placed before us all call us toward repentance now.
The Apostle Paul tells the Galatians that our life is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Christian generosity is not an attempt to purchase salvation; it is the fruit of a life being transformed by Christ.
In our parish, mercy may begin quietly: a meal for someone who is ill, a visit to a lonely neighbor, help for a family in need, or patient attention to someone who is easily overlooked. Lazarus is not only a figure in a parable; he reminds us to notice the suffering person near us.
This Sunday’s Readings
Epistle: Galatians 2:16–20
Gospel: Luke 16:19–31
Read the full NKJV passages on the OCA website.
Living the Faith
Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving belong together. Prayer directs our hearts toward God; fasting trains us to resist selfish habits; almsgiving makes love tangible. The OCA teaches that generosity should be sincere, sacrificial, and free from a desire for praise.
Consider setting aside something this week—time, food, money, or attention—for a person who needs it. The point is not the size of the gift but a heart willing to love.
OCA teaching: Almsgiving · Fasting · PrayerSaints of the Week
Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius
Saints Marcian and Martyrius served as church notaries—secretaries—under Patriarch Paul the Confessor of Constantinople. Marcian was a reader, and Martyrius a subdeacon. During the Arian controversy, they were offered rewards and high office if they abandoned the Orthodox confession.
They refused. Even when threatened with suffering and death, they remained faithful to the teaching handed down by the Fathers. Their martyrdom reminds us that truth is not something to exchange for comfort, status, or personal advantage. Their service to the Church was expressed first in their daily responsibilities and finally in their courageous witness.
Read their OCA life and commemorationGreat Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki
Saint Demetrios was entrusted with a position of authority in Thessaloniki during a time of persecution. Rather than suppress Christianity, he openly confessed Christ and taught the faith. The emperor imprisoned him, but Demetrios continued to encourage others, including the young martyr Nestor.
According to his OCA life, Demetrios instructed his servant to distribute his wealth to the poor before his martyrdom. That detail connects directly with this Sunday’s Gospel: the gifts entrusted to us can become instruments of love rather than possessions to guard. Saint Demetrios was killed for his confession of Christ and is honored as the Myrrh-gusher.
Read the OCA life of St. Demetrios · Feast-day readingsRighteous Mother Olga of Alaska
Saint Olga of Kwethluk lived a life of quiet service as a wife, mother, and matushka in Alaska. She cared for her family and parish, sewed for those in need, prepared bread for the Church, and offered particular tenderness to those who suffered.
Her holiness did not depend on public recognition. It appeared in the ordinary work of compassion, hospitality, prayer, and patient love. The Church honors her as a reminder that faithful service in a home or small community can become a radiant witness to Christ.
Read the OCA life of St. Olga · Troparion and kontakionParish Life
| Sun · Oct 25 | 21st Sunday after Pentecost; Divine Liturgy and fellowship |
| Mon · Oct 26 | Great Martyr Demetrios |
| Tue · Oct 27 | Righteous Mother Olga of Alaska |
| Thu · Oct 29 | Pilgrimage in memory of Fr. Nicola Yanney: 7:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Lincoln; 10:00 a.m. Panikhida in Kearney |
| Sat · Oct 31 | Great Vespers at Living Faith |
View the chapel calendar for upcoming services and events
Great Vespers will be held at Living Faith. Those joining the Kearney pilgrimage may coordinate transportation with fellow parishioners.
Remembering Fr. Nicola Yanney
The chapel’s remembrance of Fr. Nicola Yanney offers an opportunity to give thanks for those who have faithfully served Christ and His Church. Such remembrance is more than a historical exercise: it invites us to consider how the prayers, sacrifices, and witness of earlier generations continue to shape our own parish life.
Thursday, October 29 · Pilgrimage to Kearney
7:00 a.m. — Divine Liturgy at St. John of Kronstadt Orthodox Church, Lincoln, Nebraska.
10:00 a.m. — Panikhida (memorial service) at the cemetery in Kearney, Nebraska, in remembrance of Fr. Nicola Yanney, who reposed October 29, 1918.
Parishioners wishing to participate may attend the Divine Liturgy in Lincoln and continue to Kearney for the memorial service. Please arrange transportation independently or coordinate with the chapel for any shared travel plans.
The pilgrimage will begin with Divine Liturgy in Lincoln at 7:00 a.m. and continue with the Panikhida in Kearney at 10:00 a.m.
The icon depicts St. Raphael of Brooklyn alongside Reverend Nicola Yanney, honoring the Orthodox missionary heritage of the region.
Children’s Corner
In the Gospel, the rich man passed by Lazarus without helping him. Christ teaches us to notice people who are hungry, lonely, sick, or forgotten. Even children can show real mercy by sharing, listening, praying, and offering friendship.
- Why did the rich man fail to help Lazarus?
- Who might need encouragement or kindness this week?
- What can our family do together to help someone?
At-home practice: Choose one simple act of mercy together. Pray for the person you help, and try to serve without seeking attention.
Read together: Luke 16:19–31 and OCA teaching on almsgiving.
Orthodox Teaching
Mercy as a way of life. The Church does not set prayer against practical care for others. As the OCA explains, prayer, fasting, and generosity form a unified Christian discipline. If we pray while refusing to love our neighbor, we miss the very transformation toward which prayer is directed.
St. Olga’s humble care and St. Demetrios’s generosity show that mercy takes different forms, yet springs from the same commitment to Christ. This week, let our worship continue in how we treat the people around us.
Please Remember in Your Prayers
For the sick, the lonely, the grieving, the poor, those traveling, our parish family, and all who have asked for our prayers. May the Lord grant healing, consolation, and peace.
For specific parish prayer names, use the chapel’s approved prayer list.
St. Tikhon of Moscow
Patriarch, confessor, and enlightener of North America. His life teaches steadfast faith, humility, and care for the Church amid hardship.