Commemoration of the 72 disciples

Commemoration of the 72 disciples

July 5th is the commemoration of the 72 Disciples (Ezhupathirandu Ariyippukkar) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. The Seventy-Two Disciples are those whom the Lord chose in addition to the Twelve Apostles & sent forth to assist in the work of preaching. In Luke 10:1 we read,  "And after these things, Jesus separated from among his disciples seventy other persons, and sent them, two and two, before his face, to every place and city whither he was to go." Over time, the Apostles added 2 others to their number, who were sent out with the originally-called, to preach the Gospel for the Church. In the Acts of the Apostles & in the various Epistles we read about many of them. The 72 Disciples are symbolically represented in the design of the Censer (firmo/doopakutti). The chain of the Censer has 72 links, representing the 72 Evangelists appointed by Christ. Some of these 72 include: 1. St. James(Mor Yakub), he was the first Archbishop of Jerusalem, a martyr whom we remember in the 5th Thubden. He is the son of St.Joseph & the step-brother of our Lord. He is also the author of the Epistle of St. James in the Holy Bible. 2. St. Mark(Mor Marqos), the author of the Gospel and a disciple of St. Peter. He was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. It is at his home where Christ instituted the first Holy Qurbono with His Apostles. 3. St. Luke(Mor Lukose), the author of the Gospel and a disciple of St. Paul. He was also a physician. He wrote the first icon of St. Mary. 4. St. Stephen(Mor Stephanos), the chief among the deacons and the first martyr whom we commemorate in the 4th Thubden. Oh Holy 72 Disciples (Ezhupathirandu Ariyippukkar)! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen. The Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary: Evening: St. John 15:12-21; 16:1-3 Morning: St. Mark 10:28-31 Before Holy Qurbono: Genesis 19:15-23 Job 1:12-22 Isaiah 38:1-8 Holy Qurbono: Acts 27:9-26 Hebrews 10:33-11:7 St. Matthew 10:34-42 Tone of the Day: 8 RSoH