7th Sunday of Pascha
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 1st Council of Nicea
Acts 20: 16-18a and 28-38

A reading - from the Acts of the Holy Apostles

Brothers and sisters: In those days, Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as to not lose time in Asia for he was eager to get to Jerusalem by the feast of Pentecost if at all | poss | ible.

Paul sent word from Muletus to Ephesus, summoning the presbyters of | that | church.

When they came to him he delivered this address: “Keep watch over yourselves, and over the whole flock the Holy Spirit has given you | to | guard.

Shepherd the church of God, which he has acquired at the price of his own blood. I know that when I am gone, savage wolves will come among you who will not spare | the | flock.

From your own number, men will present themselves distorting the truth and leading astray who follow them. Be on guard, | there | fore.

Do not forget that for three years, night and day, I never ceased warning you individually even to the point | of | tears.

I commend you now to the Lord, and to that gracious word of his which can enlarge you, and give you a share among all who are consecrated | to | him.

Never did I set my heart of anyone’s silver or gold or envy the way he dressed. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have served both my needs and those of my | compa | nions.

I have always pointed out to you that it is by such hard work that you must help | the | weak.

You need to recall the words of the Lord Jesus himself, who said, ‘there is more happiness in giving than | rece | iving.’ “

After this discourse, Paul knelt down with them and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing their arms around him and | kissing | him,

for they were deeply distressed to hear that they would never see his face again. Then - they - escorted - him - to - the - ship.