Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr

11Therefore, these men, inquiring diligently, discovered that Daniel was praying and making supplication to his God. 12And they approached and spoke to the king about the edict. “O king, did you not decree that every man who makes a request to any of the gods or men for thirty days, except to yourself, O king, would be cast into the den of lions?” To which the king replied, saying, “The sentence is true, and according to the decree of the Medes and Persians, it is not lawful to violate it.” 13Then they answered and said before the king, “Daniel, of the sons of the captivity of Judah, is not concerned about your law, nor about the decree that you have established, but three times a day he prays his supplication.” 14Now when the king had heard these words, he was greatly grieved, and, on behalf of Daniel, he set his heart to free him, and he labored even until sunset to rescue him. 15But these men, knowing the king, said to him, “You know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that every decree which the king has established may not be altered.” 16Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. And the king said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you always serve, he himself will free you.” 17And a stone was brought, and it was placed over the mouth of the den, which the king sealed with his own ring, and with the ring of his nobles, so that no one would act against Daniel. 18And the king departed into his house, and he went to bed without eating, and food was not set before him, moreover, even sleep fled from him. 19Then the king, getting himself up at first light, went quickly to the den of lions. 20And coming near to the den, he cried out with a tearful voice to Daniel and spoke to him. “Daniel, servant of the living God, your God, whom you serve always, do you believe he has prevailed to free you from the lions?” 21And Daniel, answering the king, said, “O king, live forever. 22My God has sent his angel, and he has closed the mouths of the lions, and they have not harmed me, because before him justice has been found in me, and, even before you, O king, I have committed no offense.” 23Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and he commanded that Daniel should be taken out of the den. And Daniel was taken out of the den, and no wound was found in him, because he believed in his God. 24Moreover, by order of the king, those men were brought who had accused Daniel, and they were cast into the lions’ den, they, and their sons, and their wives, and they did not reach the bottom of the den before the lions seized them and crushed all their bones. 25Then king Darius wrote to all peoples, tribes, and languages dwelling in all the land. “May peace be increased with you. 26It is hereby established by my decree that, in all my empire and my kingdom, they shall begin to tremble and fear the God of Daniel. For he is the living and eternal God forever, and his kingdom will not be destroyed, and his power will last forever. 27He is the liberator and the savior, performing signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has freed Daniel from the lions’ den.”

68Dews and frost, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

69Sleet and winter, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

70Ice and snow, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

71Nights and days, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

72Light and darkness, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

73Lightning and clouds, bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all forever.

74May the land bless the Lord: and praise and exalt him above all forever.

20Then, when you will have seen Jerusalem encircled by an army, know then that its desolation has drawn near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and those who are in its midst withdraw, and those who are in the countryside not enter into it. 22For these are the days of retribution, so that all things may be fulfilled, which have been written. 23Then woe to those who are pregnant or nursing in those days. For there will be great distress upon the land and great wrath upon this people. 24And they will fall by the edge of the sword. And they will be led away as captives into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles, until the times of the nations are fulfilled. 25And there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. And there will be, on earth, distress among the Gentiles, out of confusion at the roaring of the sea and of the waves: 26men withering away out of fear and out of apprehension over the things that will overwhelm the whole world. For the powers of the heavens will be moved. 27And then they will see the Son of man coming on a cloud, with great power and majesty. 28But when these things begin to happen, lift up your heads and look around you, because your redemption draws near.”