Fifth Sunday After Pentecost, +The Placing of the Precious Robe of Our Most Holy Lady and the Mother of God in the Church at Blachernae in Constantinople, July 2:

 Chrysostom on Matthew 8:28-9:1

The demons, albeit unwillingly, proclaim the invincible  power of the Saviour and the Son of God. For them to say, What have we to do with Thee?, was a sign of their rage and shamelessness; while to say, Art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?, was a mark of their fear and suffering. The demons fight, yet they

fear; they attack, yet they also tremble. Without desiring it, the demons proclaim Christ to be One Who has Power; they quake at His coming, and they fall down in obedience….

From John Chrysostom, The Gospel Commentary, translated from Slavonic into English by Abbot German Ciuba (Church of the Nativity of Christ, Old Rite, Erie, Pa.)

Blessed Theophylact on Matthew 8:28-9:1

The demons asked this so that they could drown the swine, and thus the owners would be grieved and would not welcome Christ. Christ granted the demons their request in order to show how great is their bitterness towards men, and if they had the power, and were not prevented as they are by God, they would do worse things to us than they did to the swine.

From Blessed Theophylact, The Explanation of the Holy Gospel According to Matthew, Chrysostom Press, 2007

Romans 10:1-10

For, with the heart, we believe unto justice; but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

Troparion, Tone 8

Protection of humans, ever-Virgin Mother of God* as a mighty bulwark for your city* and you gave your pure body’s robe and sash.* They remained incorrupt by your giving birth without seed.* For in you are nature and time made new.* Therefore, we pray you, give peace to your city,* and – to our souls – great mercy.