A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to Timothy.

Beloved, this saying is trustworthy.

Whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires the noble task.

Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable,

married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach,

not a drunker, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money.

He must manage his own household well,

keeping his children under control with perfect dignity.

For if a man does not know how to manage his own household,

how can he take care of the Church of God?

He should not be a recent convert so that he may not become conceded and thus incur the devil's punishment.

He must also have a good reputation among outsiders so that he may not fall into disgrace the devil's trap. Similarly deacons must be

dignified not deceitful not addicted to drink not greedy for sort of king holding fast to the

mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first, then, if

there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified,

not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well.

Thus, those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Word of the Lord.

Thank you to God.

I will walk with blameless heart.

I will walk with blameless heart.

Of mercy and judgment, I will sing.

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