Religious Education
Update for Catechists
Readings, reflections, and resources for November 15–30.
November 15, 2026
The Office of Religious Education shares readings and resources for November 15 through 30.
Notable Dates
- November 16: The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew.
- November 24: The Holy Great Martyr Catherine.
- November 25: Our Holy Fathers and Hieromartyrs Clement.
- November 30: The Holy and All-Praiseworthy Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
Twenty-fifth Sunday After Pentecost
November 15, 2026
Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-6
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37
The Holy Martyrs and Confessors Gurias, Samonas, and Abibus
Philip’s Fast begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip. These forty days prepare us for the Nativity and Theophany through voluntary fasting and works of penance.
Blessed Theophylact on Luke 10:29-37
After the Saviour praised him, the lawyer’s pride and arrogance knew no bounds.
Saint John Chrysostom on Luke 10:25-37
The prideful man labours in vain; vainly does he take on virtue’s sweat and striving; he is a wretch, far from the glory and help which are from above.
Ephesians 4:1-3
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple
November 21, 2026
Saint John Chrysostom, Instruction on the Entry of the Mother of God
The Virgin, being completely assured in her faith, glorified God, ascribing the miracle not to herself, but to Him. It was God Himself, (she said), Who looked down to me, His humble handmaiden, not I who raised my gaze to Him. It was He Who showed me His mercy, not I who expected and sought it.
Twenty-sixth Sunday After Pentecost
November 22, 2026
Epistle: Ephesians 5:9-19
Gospel: Luke 12:16-21
Post-feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God; the Holy Apostle Philemon and Those with Him
Blessed Theophylact on Luke 12:16-21
Because this man has an irrational soul, it is fitting that he plans to reward himself with these things.
Saint John Chrysostom on Luke 12:16-21
How, then, can a man who is never satisfied exercise human kindness and mercy towards his fellow man?
Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Twenty-seventh Sunday After Pentecost
November 29, 2026
Epistle: Ephesians 6:10-17
Gospel: Luke 13:10-17
The Holy Martyr Paramon; the Holy Martyr Philomenus; Venerable Acacius
Blessed Theophylact on Luke 13:10-17
Satan reviled the miracle. This is how he always attacks the good.
Saint John Chrysostom on Luke 13:10-17
They could not bear the glory of the Lord, and did not wish to see anyone saved; they preferred that everyone suffer evil, rather than to be healed, and worship and glorify the Lord as God.
Ephesians 6:13
Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Patristic sources: Blessed Theophylact, The Explanation of the Holy Gospel According to Luke, Chrysostom Press, 2007. Saint John Chrysostom, The Gospel Commentary, translated by Abbot German Ciuba, Church of the Nativity of Christ, 2002.
Pylypivka (Advent) Pastoral
From the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of the United States
In order to prepare ourselves properly to meet Christ on the Feast of His Nativity, Mother Church gives us these forty days as an opportunity to renew and deepen our Christian calling and vocation. We are called to deepen our knowledge of the Word of God, to cultivate a life of personal and communal prayer, and to perform acts of charity and mercy both within the Church and in the world.
Week of Prayer for Vocations
November 21–27, 2026
Join the Church in prayer for priestly vocations and consecrated life. The week begins with the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple.
From the Old Testament
Wisdom of Solomon 5:3-8
They will speak to one another in repentance,
and in anguish of spirit they will groan, and say,
“This is the man whom we once held in derision
and made a byword of reproach, we fools!
We thought that his life was madness
and that his end was without honor.
Why has he been numbered among the sons of God?
And why is his lot among the saints?
So it was we who strayed from the way of truth,
and the light of righteousness did not shine on us,
and the sun did not rise upon us.
We took our fill of the paths of lawlessness and destruction,
and we journeyed through trackless deserts,
but the way of the Lord we have not known.
What has our arrogance profited us?”
From Christ Our Pascha
In her experience, the Church always contemplates the Father in relation to the Son and the Holy Spirit, and this Trinity (Triad) as a communion of persons. (80)
On the Spiritual Life
Saint Symeon the New Theologian, from Hymn 4
Leave the entire world and those who are in the world,
attach yourself only to blessed remorse,
weep only over your wicked deeds,
because it is they which have separated you
from the Creator of all, Christ, and from His saints.
Hymns of Divine Love, translated by G. Maloney, amended, Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, 2021.
Upcoming Events
Religious Education Workshop
November 17 at 7 p.m., online
Introducing the Psalms to Children and Beginners
Fr. Kevin Francis Bezner. Further details will come from the Office of Religious Education.
Family Scripture Day
Sunday, November 22
Twenty-sixth Sunday After Pentecost
More Resources
Help & Hope 4 Ukraine
Find help with trauma and coping skills, plus support for children and refugees. Materials and videos are available in Ukrainian and English.
Catechesis Resources from the Eparchy
Find resources for teaching the faith and for prayer at home or in your parish.
Read weekly reflections from Christ Our Pascha
Browse Word of God and Catechesis resources
Safe Environment
Find reporting guidance and forms in English and Ukrainian on the Eparchy’s website.
View Safe Environment resources and reporting contacts
Office of Religious Education
Co-Directors: Fr. Kevin Francis Bezner and Presbytera Katie Matlak
ucmcanton@gmail.com
