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| Prophet Baruch (Feast Day - September 28) |
Verses
Prophet Baruch friend of Jeremiah,
You dance with the prophets of Christ in the heavens.
The Prophet Baruch was the disciple of the Prophet Jeremiah, and he was so beloved by Jeremiah that he called him his "breath" and "repose". Though divided in body, they were united as one soul in mutual love, for the one and only Holy Spirit united them and guided them. When Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar (587 BC), Baruch fled with Jeremiah to Egypt, but later went to Babylon.
In the book that he wrote during his captivity in Babylon, Baruch prophesied with great clarity the coming in the flesh of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. Among other things, he wrote: "This is our God, no other can be compared to Him. He has found out all the way of knowledge, and has given it to Jacob His servant, and to Israel His beloved. Afterward He showed Himself upon earth, and lived among men" (Bar. 3:35-37).
In the end he reposed in peace and delivered his soul into the hands of God. On the eve of the feast of the Nativity of Christ, his prophecy of the Incarnation is read among the Old Testament readings, though his book has been annexed to the book of the Prophet Jeremiah.
Apolytikion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Thou wast worthy of the light of prophecy and didst become a companion to Jeremiah. Thou didst foretell the self-emptying of God the Word which He wrought for the world's salvation. We who partake of this in the true Faith honour thee, O Prophet Baruch.
Kontakion in Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Like a prophetic harp thou didst sing and foretell the Redeemer's dispensation: "This is our God Who did show Himself upon earth and none other shall be compared to Him." Thus hast revealed the gate of knowledge, O Baruch, to those who worship His coming.