November 24th, 2003, Memorial of St. Andrew Dunglock, priest, and companions, martyrs.

A reading from the first book of Maccabees. Judas and his brother said,

Now that our enemies have been crushed, let us go up to purify this sanctuary and rededicate it.

So the whole army assembled and went up to Mount Zion.

Early in the morning, on the 25th day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Kislev,

in the year 148, they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law

on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had made.

On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it,

on that very day, it was reconsecrated, with songs,

harps, flutes, and symbols. All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised

heaven who had given them success. For eight days, they celebrated the dedication of the altar, and joyfully

offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance and praise. They ornamented the façade

of the temple with gold crowns and shields. They repaired the gates and the priest's chambers

and furnished them with doors.

There was great joy among the people

now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.

Then Judas and his brothers in the entire congregation of Israel

decreed that the days of the dedication of the

altar should be observed with joy and gladness on the anniversary every year for eight days.

From the 25th day of the month, Kislev.

The Word of the Lord.

The response oral psalm. The response is, we praise your glorious name, O mighty God.

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