Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus,
to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, 
with the bishops and deacons:
 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
 praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
 because of your partnership for the Gospel
 from the first day until now. 
I am confident of this,
 that the one who began a good work in you
 will continue to complete it 
until the day of Christ Jesus.
(Phil 1:1-6)

The community of Philippi brought great joy to Saint Paul. He considered them partners for the Gospel. The rite of ordination concludes with a reference to this passage: “May the one who began this good work in you bring it to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.”

Today's photo shows the ancient theater of Philippi, Greece.