"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matt 6:19-21)

Come, let us rejoice in the Lord!  Let us make a joyful noise to God our Savior!  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all the earth.  ( Allelulia Verses #8 Psalm 95)

"Beloved apostle of Christ our God,  hasten to deliver a defenseless people.  He who allowed you to recline on His breast,  receives you as you bow before Him. Implore Him, John the Theologian,  to disperse the persistent threat from the heathens,  entreating for us peace and great mercy. "     (Troparion - Tone 2)

“Then children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people;  but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Matt 19:13-14)

Great Vespers for the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos - On Sunday, October 1, during the All Night Vigil, when the church was overflowing with those at prayer,  Saint Andrew (October 2), at the fourth hour, lifted up his eyes towards the heavens and beheld our most Holy Lady Theotokos coming through the air, resplendent with heavenly light and surrounded by an assembly of the Saints. Saint John the Baptist and the holy Apostle John the Theologian accompanied the Queen of Heaven. On bended knees the Most Holy Virgin tearfully prayed for Christians for a long time. Then, coming near the Bishop’s Throne, she continued her prayer. After completing her prayer she took her veil and spread it over the people praying in church, protecting them from enemies both visible and invisible.