A reading from the first book of Maccabees.

Judas and his brothers said,

Now that our enemies have been crushed,

let us go to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.

So the whole army assembled and went to Mount Zion.

Early in the morning, in the 12th, the 25th day of the ninth month, that is the month of Chislev, 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 that day in which

the Gentiles had defiled it, on that very day it was reconsecrated with songs and harps

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

heaven who had given them success. For 80 days, they celebrated

the dedication of the altar and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of deliverance

and praise. They ornamented the faucet of the temple with gold crowns and shields.

They repaired the gates of 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 and 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 of Chislev, the Word of the Lord.

We praise your glorious name, Almighty God.

We praise your glorious name, Almighty God.

Blessed may you be, O Lord, God of Israel, our Father, from eternity to eternity. We praise your glorious

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