Menaion (IX)

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THE 1st DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

T HE B E G I N N I N G O F T H E IN D IC T IO N , W HI C H IS T H E N E W Y E AR , T H E
C O M M E M O R AT IO N O F O U R V E N E R AB L E F A T H E R SY M E O N ,
AR C H I M A N D R IT E A N D ST Y L I T E , A N D HIS M O T H E R , M A R T H A
T HE S Y N A X IS O F T H E AL L - H O L Y T H E O T O K O S I N M IA SE N A
C O M M E M O R AT IO N O F T HE H O L Y M AR T Y R AIT H A L AS
C O M M E M O R AT IO N O F T HE F O R T Y H O L Y M AR T Y R E D W O M E N A N D
T HE I R T E A C H E R , T H E D E A C O N AM M O N
C O M M E M O R AT IO N O F T HE H O L Y M AR T Y R S C AL L IS T A A N D H E R
BR E T H R E N, E V O DU S A N D H E R M O G E NE S
C O M M E M O R AT IO N O F T HE R I G H T E O U S J O S H U A, SO N O F N U N
AT VESPERS
We chant "Blessed is the man ..."; but if it be Saturday we chant the full Kathisma.
At "Lord, I have cried ...", 10 stichera: 3 stichera for the Indiction, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Having prayerfully learned * the right glorious and divine teaching of Christ, *
every day let us cry out to the Creator: * Our Father, Who dwellest in the
heavens, * give us our daily bread, * overlooking our transgressions.
O Christ God, Who once on Mount Sinai * didst inscribe the tablets, * now in
the flesh in the city of Nazareth * Thou hast Thyself received the book of the
prophet to read of God, * and unrolling it Thou didst teach the people * so as to
fulfill that which was written concerning Thee.
As once in the wilderness * the bodies of the Jews who did not truly subject
themselves to Thee, the Master of all, * fell into the abyss as was fitting; * so
now with psalmody do Thou scatter * the bones of the impious and unbelieving
Hagarenes in hell, O Christ.
And these 3 stichera of the venerable one, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "O venerable father ...":
O venerable father, were it possible for thy pillar to speak, it would not cease
to hymn thy pangs, labors and lamentations. For, rather than bearing, it was
borne, like a tree watered by thy tears. The angels were amazed, men marveled,
and the demons feared thy patience, O venerable Symeon. Pray that our souls be
saved!
O venerable father, emulating thy Master through the power of the divine
Spirit, thou didst mount thy pillar as though it were a cross. He rent asunder the
handwriting of the sins of all, and thou didst put down the uprisings of the
passions. He was like a lamb, and thou wast like an immolation. He ascended the
Cross; thou, the pillar. O venerable Symeon: pray that our souls be saved!
O venerable father, having drenched thy body with tears and cleansed thy
soul, thou didst scale the heights of the virtues. Wherefore, making thy pillar a
material habitation and heavenly Sion thy noetic and heavenly city, thou didst by
thy virtues astound the angels and didst strike men with awe, and didst put the
demons to shame. O venerable Symeon: pray that our souls be saved!
And these other stichera of the saint, in Tone II:
The sacred Symeon sprang forth as good fruit from goodly stock, nurtured
from infancy more by grace than by milk. And, lifting up his body upon the pillar
of stone, and lifting his mind up to God, he fashioned a heavenly dwelling-place
with his virtues; and dancing in chorus with the divine powers, he became an
abode of Christ God, the Savior of our souls.
Thy memory and the meekness of thy heart abide forever, O venerable father
Symeon, blessed favorite of Christ, for though thou hast departed from us, O
good pastor, yet in spirit thou dost not leave us, interceding in love before God,
and joining chorus with the angels in the heavens. With them do thou pray that
our souls be saved.
By Cyprian: O all-praised father, the shrine of thy relics poureth forth
healings, and thy holy soul, united with the angels, doth rejoice as is meet.
Wherefore, O venerable one, having boldness before the Lord, and holding
chorus with the incorporeal ones in the heavens, with them do thou pray that
our souls be saved.
By Germanus: O God-bearer, thou didst love the most exalted philosophy and
wast beyond the world, dwelling above visible things, and didst show thyself to
be a divine and undefiled mirror of God. Ever united to the light, thou didst
receive the light and a most notable end, O blessed one. Pray thou in behalf of
our souls, O wise Symeon.
Glory ..., in Tone VI, by Germanus:
Grace divine doth overshadow the shrine of thy relics, O sanctified Symeon.
Wherefore, having recourse to the fragrance of the myrrh of thy miracles, we
draw forth the healing of our infirmities. Yet, O venerable father, entreat Christ
God in behalf of our souls.
Now and ever ..., of the Indiction, in the same tone: the composition of the
Byzantine:
O unoriginate Word and Son, Who art united with the Holy Spirit, Creator
and Fashioner of all things visible and invisible: bless Thou the crown of the
year, preserving the multitude of the Orthodox in peace, through the prayers of
the Theotokos and of all Thy saints.
Entrance, Prokimenon of the day, and three readings:
Two for the New Year:
THE READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me
to preach good tidings to the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken-
hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of
vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that
mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called Trees
of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. And they
shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they
shall repair the wasted cities, the desolations of many generations. And strangers
shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your
plowmen and vinedressers. But ye shall be named The priests of the Lord; men
shall call you The ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles,
and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. For your shame ye shall have double;
and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they
shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them. For I the Lord love
judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. And their seed shall be
known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people; all that see
them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath
blessed.
THE READING FROM THE BOOK OF LEVITICUS
If ye walk in my statues, and keep my commandments, and do them; then I
will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the
trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the
vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time; and ye shall eat your
bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land,
and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts
out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land. And ye shall chase
your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall
chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your
enemies shall fall before you by the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and
make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you. And
ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new. And I will set
my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk
among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. But if ye will not
hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; and if ye shall
despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do
all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto
you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague,
that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your
seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and
ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you;
and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. And I will break the pride of your
power, and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass; and your
strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither
shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and
will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you
according to your sins. I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob
you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and
your high ways shall be desolate. And if ye will not be reformed by me by these
things, but will walk contrary unto me; then will I also walk contrary unto you,
and will punish ye yet seven times for your sins.
One for St. Symeon:
THE READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For
honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured
by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted
life is old age. He pleased God, and was loved of him: so that living among
sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness
should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of
naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of
concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a
short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted
he to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and
understood it not, neither laid they up this in their minds, That his grace and
mercy is with his saints, and that he hath respect unto his chosen.
At the Aposticha, these stichera for the Indiction, in Tone I:
The composition of John the Monk:
The New Year hath dawned, summoning all to honor them that enlighten it:
Callista, Evodus and Hermogenes, the sibling sufferers; Symeon, the equal of
the angels; and Joshua, son of Nun; the seven youths of Ephesus, and the choir
of martyred women forty times radiant: sharing in whose memory, O ye that
love the feasts of the Church, let us piously cry out: bless, O Lord, the works of
Thy hands, and vouchsafe us safely to pass through the cycles of the year.
Stichos: To Thee is due praise, O God, in Sion; and unto Thee shall a vow
be rendered in Jerusalem.
O Christ our God, Who hast made all things in wisdom and hast brought
things that were not into existence: bless Thou the crown of the year and
preserve our cities unharmed; gladden all right-believing Christians with Thy
strength, granting them victory over their adversaries, and bestowing great
mercy upon the world, for the sake of the Theotokos.
In Tone II:
Stichos: We shall be filled with the good things of Thy house; holy is Thy
temple, wonderful in righteousness.
By Cyprian: Wondrous art Thou, O Lord, and wondrous are Thy works, and
Thy ways are inscrutable, for Thou art the Wisdom of God, the perfect
Hypostasis and Power, equally unoriginate and equally ever-existent: and by Thy
creative and almighty authority Thou didst ineffably enter the world through
Thy Mother who kneweth not man, seeking to benefit Thy creation, not altering
in Thy divinity, appointing the times and seasons for our salvation, O
Immutable One. Wherefore, we cry unto Thee: O good Lord, glory to Thee!
Stichos: Thou shalt bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord.
By the Damascene: O pre-eternal Word of the Father, Who created all things
in wisdom and fashioned every creature by Thine almighty word: bless Thou the
crown of the year with Thy goodness, and for the sake of the Theotokos, set
heresies at nought, for Thou art good and lovest mankind.
Glory ..., of the saint, in Tone V:
O venerable father, thou didst discover a good ladder, whereby thou didst
ascend on High as on the fiery chariot which Elijah found. Though he did not
leave the means of his ascent behind for others, yet even after death thou hast thy
pillar. O heavenly man, earthly angel, inextinguishable beacon of the world,
venerable Symeon: pray that our souls be saved!
Now and ever ..., in the same tone, by John the Monk:
O Thou that art ever King and abidest for endless ages: accept the supplication
of sinners entreating salvation, O Lover of mankind, and grant fertility unto
Thine earth, bestowing seasonable weather thereon; on behalf of Orthodox
Christians contend Thou against the godless barbarians, as once Thou didst for
David, when they came to Thine habitations and defiled the most holy place, O
Savior. And through the prayers of the Theotokos, grant Thou victories to them,
O Christ God, for Thou art the victory and boast of the Orthodox.
Troparion of the Indiction, in Tone II:
O Fashioner of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast appointed the times
and seasons: bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord,
preserving in peace Orthodox Christians and Thy city, and save us through the
prayers of the Theotokos.
Glory ..., of the venerable one, in Tone I:
Thou wast a pillar of patience, O venerable one, emulating the forefathers:
Job, in afflictions; Joseph, in temptations, and the life of the incorporeal hosts
while in the body, O Symeon our father. Entreat Christ God that our souls be
saved.
Now and ever ..., to the Theotokos, in the same tone:
Rejoice, O highly-favored Virgin Mary, haven and intercession of the human
race, for from thee was the Deliverer of the world incarnate, for thou alone art
Mother and Virgin, ever-blessed and most glorified. Entreat Christ God to grant
peace unto the whole world.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the Indiction, in Tone II:
O Fashioner of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast appointed the times
and seasons: bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord,
preserving in peace Orthodox Christians and Thy city, and save us through the
prayers of the Theotokos. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the saint, in Tone I:
Thou wast a pillar of patience, O venerable one, emulating the forefathers:
Job, in afflictions; Joseph, in temptations, and the life of the incorporeal hosts
while in the body, O Symeon our father. Entreat Christ God that our souls be
saved.
Now and ever ..., that of the Theotokos, in Tone I:
Rejoice, O highly-favored Virgin Mary, haven and intercession of the human
race, for from thee was the Deliverer of the world incarnate, for thou alone art
Mother and Virgin, ever-blessed and most glorified. Entreat Christ God to grant
peace unto the whole world.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, the Sedalion of the Indiction, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
As to the Master of all and the Bestower of blessings, before Thee do we fall
down in faith, earnestly crying aloud: Be Thou entreated in Thy lovingkindness,
O Savior, and by the prayers of her that gave Thee birth, and of all that have ever
been well-pleasing unto Thee; and in that Thou art good vouchsafe a good year to
them that honor Thee in two natures and faithfully glorify Thee.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the wisdom ...":
Taking up the Cross of the Lord, O wise one, and following after Him unto
the end, thou didst not turn thy mind back to the world, O divinely wise one.
Having slain the passions by abstinence and labors, thou didst prepare thyself as a
temple for thy Lord. Wherefore, thou hast received a reward of heavenly gifts: to
heal the afflicted and cast out evil spirits, O Symeon most venerable. Entreat
Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto them that celebrate thy holy
memory with love.
Now and ever ..., the Sedalion of the Indiction in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
As to the Master of all and the Bestower of blessings, before Thee do we fall
down in faith, earnestly crying aloud: Be Thou entreated in Thy lovingkindness,
O Savior, and by the prayers of her that gave Thee birth, and of all that have ever
been well-pleasing unto Thee; and in that Thou art good vouchsafe a good year to
them that honor Thee in two natures and faithfully glorify Thee.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the wisdom ...":
Having trained thy soul in godly manner by abstinence, labors and. prayers,
thou didst become a companion of the martyrs, O blessed one, and didst truly
receive gifts of miracles to heal the infirmities of them that faithfully honor thee.
Wherefore, thou dost expel legions of demons by the authority given thee against
them from on high, O all-blessed Symeon. Entreat Christ God, that He grant
remission of transgressions unto them that celebrate thy holy memory with love.
Glory ..., in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Thou didst faithfully enter upon the struggle of torment, O Callista, preaching
Christ our God with thy two brethren; for, nurtured with hope, thou didst truly
make of them noetic vessels of the Church of Christ. Wherefore, thou hast
joined thyself unto them in the life on High, O martyr.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Quickly accept thou our supplications, O Mistress, and bear them to thy Son
and God, O Lady most pure. Loose thou the evil circumstances which surround
them that have recourse unto thee, and crush the attacks and audacity of them
that now arm themselves against thy servants, O Virgin.
If it be a temple dedicated to the venerable Symeon, after the Polyeleos, this Sedalion
to the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the wisdom ...":
Thou didst excel in faith, O wise father, and disdaining all transitory things, by
the power of the Spirit thou didst follow Christ. With abstinence didst thou
waste thy body, O venerable one, ever looking toward the glory of Heaven.
Wherefore, thou didst find thy pillar a ladder of divine ascent, fitting thy desire,
O most sacred Symeon. Entreat Christ God to grant remission of offenses unto
them that faithfully celebrate thy holy memory.
Glory , in Tone V: Spec. Mel.: "Co-unoriginate …":
Thou didst adorn thy life with abstinence, having mortified thy body. Thou
didst in no wise heed the attacks of the enemy, O blessed father, and didst depart
unto God and everlasting life as a worthy heir. Wherefore, cease thou never to
pray that our souls receive mercy.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O all-holy Virgin, have mercy on us that have recourse to thee who are
compassionate and that entreat thy fervent aid; for, as thou art good, thou canst
save all by thy maternal entreaties, in that thou art the Mother of God Most
High, and thou dost ever beseech Him, O divinely gracious one.
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV:
Note: Prokimenon, Gospel and Sticheron of the Temple.
Then, Psalm 50.
ODE I
Canon of the Indiction, with 6 troparia, including its Irmos, which is sung twice.
The composition of John the Monk, in Tone I:
Irmos: O all ye people, let us chant a hymn of victory unto Him Who
delivered Israel from the bitter bondage of Pharaoh and led them through
the depths of the sea dryshod, for He hath been glorified.
Let us all chant a hymn of victory unto Christ, by Whom all things were
fashioned and in Whom the incomprehensible is perfected, as the hypostatic
Word begotten of God the Father, for He hath been glorified.
Let us all chant a hymn of victory unto Christ, Who through the Father's
good pleasure appeared from the Virgin and proclaimed unto us the acceptable
year of the Lord for deliverance, for He hath been glorified.
The Bestower of the law, arriving in Nazareth, taught on the Sabbath day,
laying down for the Jews the law of His ineffable coming, whereby He saveth
our race, in that He is merciful.
Theotokion: O all ye faithful, chanting, let us ever praise the all-wondrous
Maiden who shone forth Christ upon the world and hath filled all things with the
joy of everlasting life, for she hath been glorified.
Canon of the holy martyred women, with 4 troparia, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn the pangs of the steadfast martyred women", in Tone IV:
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit shall it be filled, and I
shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear,
radiantly keeping festival; and, rejoicing, I shall hymn her wonders.
Steadfastly did ye struggle against the adversary, O martyrs, at first by fasting
and then by bloody suffering. Wherefore, we faithfully honor your memory.
Wounded with the love of Him that for our sake endured the Cross and
death, the holy women followed in His steps, forgetting the weakness of their
flesh.
Pagan sacrifices and demonic idols did ye demolish with the sword of faith,
and to the temple of Heaven did ye bring yourselves, O animate vessels, most
honorable martyrs.
Theotokion: Strengthened by the grace of Him that shone forth from thy
womb, O all immaculate one, the virgin maidens fended off the three-fold wave
of torments, and, rejoicing, they followed thee.
Canon of the venerable one, the acrostic whereof is: "Accept this hymn, O most
blessed Symeon"; The composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: O all ye people, chanting a hymn of victory, let us sing unto the
Lord Who overwhelmed Pharaoh in the Red Sea, for He hath been
glorified.
O God-bearing Symeon, by thine entreaties grant the divinely conferred light
of knowledge unto me who with the vile organ of my tongue weave a hymn for
thee.
Persians, Ethiopians, Indians and Scythians, and a multitude of Arabs
acknowledged thy wisdom, O father, and glorified Christ Who is glorified in
thee.
Full of spiritual grace, being, like Jacob, David and Moses from shepherd
lands, thou wast shown to be a leader of the flocks of the Word, O blessed one.
Theotokion: O all-pure Theotokos, rejoice! O honored one, who in thy womb
didst contain the infinite God, ask that those who hymn thee be delivered from
grievous circumstances.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red
Sea for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse
blow, he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh,
thereby inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us
hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
ODE III
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: Establish me, O Christ, upon the immovable rock of Thy
commandments, and illumine me with the light of Thy countenance, for
none is holier than Thou, Who lovest mankind.
O Good One, establish Thou that which Thy right hand hath lovingly
planted on the earth, preserving Thy Church, the fertile vineyard, O Almighty
One.
O Master, God of all things, lead through this year which beginneth those
who adorn themselves with divinely beautiful spiritual works, and who hymn
Thee with faith.
O compassionate Christ, grant me a tranquil year and fill me with Thy divine
words which Thou didst reveal when Thou didst speak to the Jews oil the
Sabbath.
Theotokion: We ever glorify thee, for thou alone didst, in manner surpassing
nature, beyond human comprehension, receive grace in thy womb and didst,
without changing, give birth unto Christ God.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless have
girded themselves with power; wherefore, my heart is established in the
Lord.
Made strong by the strength of the Almighty, ye trampled down the power of
the adversary; wherefore, ye have been crowned by Christ as victors.
By the divine power of Christ the mouths of the beasts were rendered
impotent; and, honoring God, ye were delivered unharmed, O God-bearers.
Deified by looking to God, ye rejected the coldness of polytheism and
attained unto the warmth of the glory on High, O athletes.
Theotokion: Piously we proclaim thee, knowing thee to be the most true
Mother of God, O most immaculate one; for through thee hath the Creator
deigned to commune with us.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Plant Thou the fear of Thee in the hearts of Thy servants, O
Lord, and be Thou the confirmation of us who call upon Thee in truth.
Swiftly fleeing the wintry vexations of the demons, thou didst make haste
unto the salvific monastery, O Symeon, from whence thou didst receive life
which ageth not.
Rejoicing, thou didst incline thy dutiful ear to the Master Who blesseth, O
most blessed one, and didst find the blessed life.
Receiving the seed of the Word, and having watered it with thy tears, with
the blades of thy heart thou didst reap the abundant grain of the virtues.
Theotokion: Ineffably didst thou conceive the Savior and Lord Who doth
deliver from grievous circumstances us who call upon thee in truth, O Bride of
God.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by
its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church,
which before was barren, the Tree of the Cross hath now budded forth,
for her might and confirmation.
Kontakion of the Indiction, in Tone II:
O Christ our King Who livest in the highest, Creator and Maker of all things,
visible and invisible, Who hast fashioned days and nights, seasons and years:
bless Thou now the crown of the year; preserve and keep in peace Orthodox
hierarchs, this city and Thy people, O greatly Merciful One.
Sedalion of the Indiction, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
O Thou Who bestowest fruitful seasons and rains from heaven upon those on
earth, and dost now accept the supplications of Thy servants: from all want do
Thou deliver Thy city, for truly Thy com passions are evident in all Thy works.
Wherefore, bless Thou our goings out and our comings in, set aright among us
the work of our hands, and grant us forgiveness of offenses O God: For, as Thou
art mighty, Thou didst bring all things from non-existence into being.
Another Sedalion, of the venerable one, in the same tone and melody:
Having forsaken all things of the world, and whilst still bodily on earth, thou
wast a heavenly angel in spirit; for, having slain the assailing passions with thy
flesh, thou wast shown to be a favorite of the Trinity, O blessed one. Wherefore,
thou dost heal the sufferings of the infirm and by thy word dost drive away the
evil spirits by grace. O all-blessed Symeon, entreat Christ God to grant
forgiveness of offenses unto those who lovingly honor thy holy memory.
Glory ..., another Sedalion, of the holy women, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
Having finished the race and kept the faith, O reason-endowed ewe-lambs,
with faith ye brought yourselves to the Lamb and Shepherd through martyrdom.
Wherefore, magnifying Christ, O right wondrous ones, we joyously praise your
sacred memory today.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
To the path of repentance guide us who are ever inclined toward evil and
trackless places, and who anger our all-good Lord, O blessed Mary who knewest
not wedlock, thou refuge of despairing men and habitation of God.
ODE IV
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: I have considered Thy dispensation, O Almighty One, and with fear
have I glorified Thee, O Savior.
The beginning of the year do Thy people offer unto Thee, O Savior, glorifying
Thee with angelic hymns.
As Thou lovest mankind, O Christ, count those who begin the year worthy to
complete it in a manner well-pleasing unto Thee.
O only and almighty Lord, having calmed the world, grant it cycles of years.
Theotokion: Let us all now hymn the Theotokos as the haven of our souls and
our steadfast hope.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the cherubim, Jesus most divine
hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those
who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
Having endured torments and the destruction of your bodies in divers ways,
and the dismemberment and immolation of your limbs, ye have inherited the
kingdom of heaven, delighting in the tree of life, O right wondrous ones.
The hosts of heaven marveled at the struggle of the blessed virgins, for in their
womanly nature they vanquished the foe, strengthened by the power of Him
Who shone forth from a woman.
Spurning all the vanity of the world, ye cleaved unto God alone with all your
soul. Wherefore, ye endured the pangs of abstinence and suffering, O patient
brides of Christ.
Bearing the Cross about as a most mighty weapon, ye set yourselves against
regiments of the adversary and carried away the victory, with Christ Who
vanquished the world with the power of His divinity.
Theotokion: He of two natures, to Whom thou didst give birth, O all-
immaculate one, descended into thy womb like rain upon the fleece, the divinely
eloquent prophet said of old. To Him do we cry aloud: glory to Thy power, O
Christ!
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: I have heard Thy report, O Lord, and I was afraid; I considered Thy
works, and glorified Thy dominion, O Lord.
Laying the foundation of thine abstinence not on sand, but on thy most
profound labors, O most blessed one, thou didst erect an unshakable tower of
the virtues.
Causing thy body to dwell in a harsh abode, thou didst nail down thy spirit
with fear and didst find a dwelling-place of divine inheritance, O venerable one.
Thou didst subdue the hidden passions of thy body, O thou who art most
rich, and, lying in dung with worms, thou didst emit a sweet fragrance, O father.
Emulating the life creating Dead One in thy voluntary suffering, thou didst
commit thyself alive to a dark pit, as to a tomb.
Theotokion: O all-pure Mary, do thou ever entreat God Whom thou didst
bear, that He grant thy servants remission of sins.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: Waking at dawn out of the night, we hymn Thee, O Christ, Who
art consubstantial with the Father, and the Savior of our souls: Grant
peace to the world, Thou Who lovest mankind!
O Christ, Who fillest all things with goodness: do Thou grant unto Thy
servants a year of varied seasons, crowned with mildness, fruitfulness and
blessings.
Yearly recompense, a turn for the better and a state of peace do Thou show
unto us who know Thee to be Him Who became like unto men, O Word of
God.
Thou didst come to earth proclaiming from the Father the release of
captives and the recovery of the blind, and the acceptable time, O Thou that art
equally unoriginate with the Father.
Theotokion: We set our hopes and our desire on thee, O pure Theotokos.
Him Whom thou didst bear do thou render merciful unto us, O Virgin.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The impious perceive not Thy glory, O Christ, put, waking at
dawn out of the night, we hymn Thee, O Only-begotten One Who lovest
mankind, Thou Radiance of the glory of the Father's divinity.
As unblemished ewe-lambs, as acceptable sacrifices, ye brought yourselves to
the true Lamb and Shepherd, O martyrs, as offerings most rich and acceptable
immolations.
Slain in the body, ye did live in soul for Him Who slew the might of death,
O martyrs, for ye emulated His Cross, death and voluntary suffering.
One in mind, though in many bodies, though lacerated with divers wounds
and burned by fire, the divinely wise ones confessed the Lord Jesus alone.
Theotokion: O thou who alone art most immaculate, raise me up who have
fallen into the pit of temptations, and set me aright, O thou that didst bear God
the Pilot Who in His goodness first united disparate natures.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments Lord, and with Thine
upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Christ showed thee forth as a new Daniel, O Symeon; for from the den of
wild beasts he returned thee unharmed by an apparition.
Casting thyself wholly upon the Lord, thou didst lay thyself bare to storm,
cold and burning heat, and to the malice of the adversary.
Thou didst show thyself to be a new Moses and Elijah, taking food but once
during the whole forty-day fast all throughout thy life, O venerable one.
Girded about with a rope as with a cincture of gold, O venerable Symeon,
thou didst show thyself to be a traverser of the heavens with ill vine wings.
Theotokion: Ever beseech thy Son and our God, O pure Mary who knewest
not wedlock, that He send down great mercy upon us, the faithful.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon Christ, our King and Lord, was
crucified, and whereby he that beguiled mankind by the tree did fall,
beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, He that granteth
peace unto our souls.
ODE VI
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: Thou didst save the prophet from the sea monster, O Lover of
mankind; do Thou lead me up from the abyss of transgressions, I pray.
O Master, with the beginning of the year vouchsafe us to begin a life well-
pleasing unto Thee.
O compassionate Savior, show us forth who hymn Thee to be full of
spiritual days in the study of Thy law.
Theotokion: O all-pure and most immaculate Theotokos who gavest birth to
the Lord, from misfortunes deliver us who hymn thee.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, the Prophet Jonah, praying
within the sea monster, cried out: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus,
King of hosts!
Our first mother Eve, beholding him who of old drove her from paradise
through deception wounded and trampled underfoot by women, rejoiceth in
godly manner.
Diligently joining abstinence to suffering, ye have now incorruptibly united
yourselves to the Bridegroom of souls and, with joyful spirit, ye dwell in the
divine bridal chamber.
The raging and towering waves of torments were not able to sink the
martyrs' ships, for with mighty hands upon the tiller they reached the divine
harbors.
Theotokion: Beholding the fulfillment of thy words, O Mother of God,
magnify exceedingly Him Who hath magnified thee; for all generations now
truly bless thee.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O Thou Who coverest Thyself with light
as with a garment, O most merciful Christ our God.
Christ hath shown thee to be a worker of signs and wonders and an
acceptable habitation of divine activity, O blessed one.
Thy body didst thou raise up upon thy pillar as upon a cross, O Symeon.
Wherefore, thou hast been glorified with Christ Who was lifted up upon the
Cross for thy sake.
Having found the path on high, O wondrous Symeon, raise up to the heights
of heaven those who faithfully hymn thee.
Theotokion: We recognize thee as the mountain which Daniel beheld, whence
Christ, the unquarried Stone of faith, was cut.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of
the sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And,
issuing forth after three days, he foreshadowed the extraordinary
Resurrection of Christ God Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened
the world with His Rising on the third day.
Kontakion of the venerable Symeon, in Tone II:
Making of thy pillar a fiery chariot, searching the heights thou didst unite
thyself to those who are on High. Wherefore, thou wast a converser with angels,
O venerable one, praying unceasingly with them to Christ God in behalf of us
all.
Ikos: What human tongue can ever suffice to confess in praise the
unblemished life of Symeon? Yet, by the wisdom of God, I shall hymn the
suffering and struggles on earth of this mighty giant; for he was shown to be a
beacon to all men in his great patience, and hath shone forth in the angelic
choir; for, unceasingly hymning Christ with them, and having acquired purity
through abstinence, he prayeth without ceasing for us all.
ODE VII
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: The children raised together in piety, disdaining the impious
command, feared not the threat of the fire, but, standing in the midst of
the flame, they chanted: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
O ye Orthodox people who now begin the year, let us set a beginning to our
hymns to Christ Who reigneth over the everlasting Kingdom; and let us piously
chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
O Christ, Who before wast, shalt be and art the Lord: fill Thou this year with
Thy good gifts for those who hymn Thee, the Source of goodness, chanting: O
God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: As servants petitioning their Master, we set before Thee Thy
pure Mother, O Christ, that Thou mayest deliver from every evil circumstance
Thy servants who chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, Who didst save the children
of Abraham in the fire, and didst slay the Chaldeans whom Thou didst
justly hunt down: Blessed art Thou!
How insuperable is thy wisdom, O God-bearing Ammon! For, the leader of
the choir of virgins, thou didst not fear tortures, ending thy life with them; and
as a deacon and initiate of the mysteries of divine glory, thou didst chant: O all-
praised Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
As a wise bridal escort, with words of courage thou didst anoint the martyrs,
urging them to gaze upon the Bridegroom and to endure the pain of their flesh,
crying aloud: O all-praised Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
"Let us not grow slothful! Lo, the arena lieth open, ye maidens; let us stand
forth manfully! Christ stretcheth forth His hand which beareth wreaths. Let us
have no pity upon our bodies!" the valorous ones cried out in the stadium: O
all-praised Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: Blessed is the Fruit of thy blessed womb, Whom hosts of heaven
and the assemblies of men bless, and Who hath delivered us from the ancient
curse, O blessed one.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: In Babylon the pious children did not worship the golden image,
but, bedewed in the midst of the fiery furnace, they chanted a hymn,
saying: O supremely exalted God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou didst loose drought for the doubting and didst open the gates of the
rain for them; and by thy supplications thou didst restrain the quaking earth,
and didst teach the people to cry out: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
As a most magnificent beacon of the Church and a most radiant sun, O
Symeon, thou didst shine, scattering thy rays in all directions, and didst teach
the people to cry out: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
A sea of humanity gathered in the garden of thine abstinence, flowing like
water from all directions, O favorite of Christ, taught by thee to cry out: Blessed
is the God of our fathers!
Of old Christ rested in the arms of the elder Symeon, and in His invisible
power did He rest also within the tablets of thy heart, O venerable Symeon.
Wherefore, thou didst cry out: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Theotokion: O pure Virgin, it becameth Him Who without seed was incarnate
of thee to come forth, for thou wast shown to be greater than all in purity. And
crying out to Him in hymns, we say: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth
threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion.
Yet the three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the
roaring blaze; but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind
blew upon it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: Christ God, Who saved the chanting children in the furnace and
transformed the raging flames into dew, hymn ye, supremely exalting
Him for all ages!
O Christ, the honored Church offereth Thee the beginning of the year, as to
the Author of our salvation, crying: Hymn ye and supremely exalt Christ
forever!
The Creator Who hath wisely renewed all that He brought into existence, and
hath brought forth the cycles of the seasons by His will, hymn ye and supremely
exalt forever!
Let us chant unto God, Who hath brought forth all things and Who
changeth the seasons for the manifold prosperity of men: Praise and exalt Christ
supremely forever!
Theotokion: With the cycles and seasons of time, we, the assemblies of men,
hymn thee in Orthodox manner as the Theotokos, the pure Virgin Mother of
God, the salvation of all.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the
furnace, then in figure, but now in deed; and it moveth all the world to
sing to Thee: Hymn ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
In splendid robes, dyed with the blood of your martyrdom, did ye array
yourselves, having truly put off the old man corrupted by sins, chanting: O ye
works, hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
O martyrs, illumined by the outpourings of abundant light and the divine
splendors of the noetic Sun: ye passed through the night of ungodliness,
chanting with oneness of mind and soul: O ye works, hymn the Lord and exalt
Him supremely for all ages!
As ewe-lambs, as unblemished heifers, as divine turtledoves, as voluntary
holocausts and immaculate sacrifices did ye offer yourselves to the Creator, O
martyrs, chanting together: O ye works, hymn the Lord and exalt Him
supremely for all ages!
At the command of the most iniquitous tyrants ye were subjected to an
undeserved death, your limbs severed, your fingers broken, beaten without
mercy, consumed by fire, beheaded by the sword. Wherefore, with joy have ye
received the rich rewards of immortality.
Theotokion: O most honored Bride of God, who alone knewest not wedlock,
the women followed after thee, inhaling the fragrance of thy myrrh, and they
truly reign with thee, hymning Christ, the only-begotten Son Who shone forth
from thy womb, forever.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on Mount Sinai, and in the bush
revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever-virgin by fire, hymn ye and
supremely exalt for all ages!
Having divorced thyself from every attachment, yet taking pity on thy
mother's weakness, after thy death thou didst appear to her while she was yet
alive, crying: Hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely forever!
Thou didst gird up the paralyzed youth and didst command Phylarchus to
take up his bed upon his shoulders, O most sacred one, crying out: Hymn the
Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Cleansing with the suffering of Job the foulness of thy putrid flesh, thou
didst transform it into a pearl of great price, O Symeon, favorite of Christ,
glorifying Him for all ages.
Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, who received joy from the angel, who
gavest birth unto the Lord of glory, and shone forth Light upon the world: we
all hymn thee for all ages.
Katavasia: O children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God, the
Father of the Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and
transformed the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life to all,
exalt ye supremely forever!
ODE IX
Canon of the Indiction
Irmos: The bush which burnt with fire yet was not consumed showed
forth an image of thy pure birth giving. And now we pray that the furnace
of temptation which rageth against us be extinguished, that we may
unceasingly magnify thee, O Theotokos.
O Word of God, Power, true and hypostatic Wisdom, Who sustaineth and
directeth all things wisely, do Thou now peacefully order the season which hath
dawned for Thy servants.
All Thy works, O Lord: the heavens, the earth, light, and the sea, the waters
and all the springs, the sun, the moon, darkness, the stars, fire, men and beasts,
praise Thee with the angels.
Thou alone art pre-eternal, in that Thou art the Creator of the ages. O
reigning Godhead, One, indivisible, in three Persons: through the supplications
of the pure Mother of God, show forth this year as fruitful for Thine
inheritance.
Theotokion: O Savior of all, Maker, Creator, and Ruler of all creation: through
the supplications of her who gaveth birth to Thee without seed, grant peace to
Thy world, preserving Thy Church ever undisturbed.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Eve, through weakness abode under the curse of disobedience; but
thou. O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through
the offspring of thy childbearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
The most blessed ones put forth streams of healings, as from a wellspring,
upon those in need; they put an end to the pestilence of infirmities and dispel
the burning heat of the passions; and they water the hearts of those who love
God, to render them fertile with divine works.
The divine beacons Ammon, and Celsina, and with them the forty godly and
divinely wise women who suffered lawfully, have been crowned and now join
chorus with the angels. Let us bless them as is meet.
Seizing dominion over the enemy, ye were exalted, and became like unto
angels; and ye now delight freely in the tree of life in paradise, O brides of God,
and have received the wellspring of good things, praying for the world.
Theotokion: O immaculate Maiden, thou hast been shown to be a dwelling-
place of Wisdom, an animate throne and portal, surpassing the understanding of
the greatest mind. Wherefore the virgins loved thee as their queen, O Virgin,
and have followed after thee, O divine Maiden.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Thy birthgiving, O Ever-virgin, which was revealed to the law-
giver on the mountain in the fire and the bush for the salvation of us, the
faithful. we magnify with unceasing hymns.
When thou didst gain dominion over the passions through patience, O God-
bearing Symeon, Christ accepted thee as a participant in His Kingdom.
Wherefore, we honor thee with hymns.
Having been vouchsafed the grace of healing from among the inviolate
treasures of the Spirit, O God-bearing Symeon, thou dost bestow healings upon
those who celebrate thy memory.
Having trod the heavenly path on the air of the virtues, girded about with
sufferings, thou didst take flight to the tabernacles of heaven. Pray thou that our
souls be saved.
Theotokion: Thou hast appeared as a bush burning with fire yet remaining
unconsumed, O Mistress, having conceived without seed the God and Savior of
the world, Whom we unceasingly magnify.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled,
didst put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing Tree of the Cross was
planted; wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify
thee, O Theotokos.
Exapostilarion of the Indiction:
Spec. Mel.: "To the disciples ...":
O Lord and God of gods, Being of three Hypostases, unapproachable,
uncreated, almighty Creator and Ruler of all; before Thee do we all fall down,
and Thee do we entreat: blessing this beginning year, in that Thou art good, do
Thou preserve Orthodox Christians and all Thy people in peace, O
Compassionate One.
Glory ..., Exapostilarion of the venerable one, in the same melody:
Thy life, O venerable one, which shone like a radiant beacon, hath illumined
all the world with rays of miracles; for, praying for us who honor thee, O blessed
one, by thy pillar thou didst ascend unto God as by a ladder, to that place where
there is truly the ultimate fulfillment of all desires, O Symeon.
Now and ever ..., Exapostilarion of the Indiction, in the same melody:
O Maker and Ruler of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast fixed the
times and seasons: crown the cycles of the year with blessings of goodness, O
Compassionate One, preserving Thy people in peace, unharmed and whole, we
pray, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee, and of the divine
angels.
On the Praises, 4 stichera for the Indiction, the composition of John the Monk:
In Tone III: O pre-eternal Word of the Father, Who art in the image of God,
and Who, in Thine authority, hast fixed the times and seasons: Bless Thou the
crown of the year with Thy goodness, granting peace unto Thy Churches and
victories to Orthodox Christians, fertility to the earth and great mercy to us.
In Tone IV: Thy Kingdom is the Kingdom of all ages, O Christ God, and Thy
dominion continueth through all generations; for Thou hast fashioned all things
in wisdom, fixing the times and seasons for us. Wherefore, giving thanks for all
things, we cry out: Bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, and
vouchsafe us to cry aloud to Thee without condemnation: Glory to Thee, O
Lord!
By Andrew of Pyres: Thy journeys are great and wondrous journeyings, O
God. Wherefore, we magnify the power of Thy dispensation: for, being Light of
Light, Thou didst come to Thy wretched world and didst destroy the primeval
curse of ancient Adam, as Thou wast well pleased so to do, O Word; and in Thy
wisdom Thou hast appointed times and seasons for us, that we may glorify Thy
goodness, which accomplisheth all things. O Lord, glory be to Thee!
Sticheron of the holy martyrs, by Germanus, in Tone II: When by Thy Passion,
O Lord, Thou didst establish the whole world, then were the weak girded about
with power, and women stood forth manfully against the most cruel tyrant and
won a maternal victory; and they entered into the delight of paradise, unto the
glory of Thee Who wast born of women and hast saved the human race.
Glory ..., of the venerable one, in the same Tone:
The sacred Symeon sprang forth as good fruit from goodly stock, nurtured
from infancy more by grace than by milk. And lifting up his holy body upon the
pillar of stone, and lifting his mind up to God, he fashioned a heavenly dwelling-
place with his virtues; and dancing in chorus with the hosts of God, he became
an abode of Christ, the Savior of our souls.
Now and ever ..., of the Indiction, in Tone VIII:
The composition of Germanus:
O Christ, Word and God, Who hast created all things in Thine ineffable
wisdom, and hast appointed times and seasons for us: bless Thou the works of
Thy hands and with Thy power make glad all right-believing Christians, granting
them might against the barbarians, in that Thou alone art good and lovest man-
kind.
Then, the Great Doxology.
After the Trisagion: the troparion of the Indiction;
O Fashioner of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast appointed the times
and seasons: bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord,
preserving in peace Orthodox Christians and Thy city, and save us through the
prayers of the Theotokos.
Glory ..., that of the saint:
Thou wast a pillar of patience, O venerable one, emulating the forefathers:
Job, in afflictions; Joseph, in temptations, and the life of the incorporeal hosts
while in the body, O Symeon our father. Entreat Christ God that our souls be
saved.
Now and ever ..., that of the Theotokos:
Rejoice, O highly-favored Virgin Mary, haven and intercession of the human
race, for from thee was the Deliverer of the world incarnate, for thou alone art
Mother and Virgin, ever-blessed and most glorified. Entreat Christ God to grant
peace unto the whole world.
Then the litanies, dismissal and First Hour.

A T T HE H O U RS
At the First Hour, the troparion of the Indiction; Glory ..., that of the saint; Now
and ever ..., the Theotokion of the Hour. After the Trisagion, the Kontakion of the
Indiction, alternating with that of the saint for the other Hours.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes: 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of the Canon of the Indiction, and 4
from Ode VI of the Canon of the Saint.
O Good One, establish Thou that which Thy right hand hath lovingly
planted on the earth, preserving Thy Church, the fertile vineyard, O Almighty
One. (Twice)
O Master, God of all things, lead through this year which beginneth those
who adorn themselves with divinely beautiful spiritual works, and who hymn
Thee with faith.
O compassionate Christ, grant me a tranquil year and fill me with Thy divine
words which Thou didst reveal when Thou didst speak to the Jews oil the
Sabbath.
Christ hath shown thee to be a worker of signs and wonders and an
acceptable habitation of divine activity, O blessed one.
Thy body didst thou raise up upon thy pillar as upon a cross, O Symeon.
Wherefore, thou hast been glorified with Christ Who was lifted up upon the
Cross for thy sake.
Having found the path on high, O wondrous Symeon, raise up to the heights
of heaven those who faithfully hymn thee.
Theotokion: We recognize thee as the mountain which Daniel beheld, whence
Christ, the unquarried Stone of faith, was cut.
After the Entrance, the troparia as follows:
Troparion of the Indiction, in Tone II:
O Fashioner of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast appointed the times
and seasons: bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord,
preserving in peace Orthodox Christians and Thy city, and save us through the
prayers of the Theotokos.
To the Theotokos, in Tone I:
Rejoice, O highly-favored Virgin Mary, haven and intercession of the human
race, for from thee was the Deliverer of the world incarnate, for thou alone art
Mother and Virgin, ever-blessed and most glorified. Entreat Christ God to grant
peace unto the whole world.
To the Venerable One, in Tone I:
Thou wast a pillar of patience, O venerable one, emulating the forefathers:
Job, in afflictions; Joseph, in temptations, and the life of the incorporeal hosts
while in the body, O Symeon our father. Entreat Christ God that our souls be
saved.
Glory ..., Kontakion of the venerable Symeon, in Tone II:
Making of thy pillar a fiery chariot, searching the heights thou didst unite
thyself to those who are on High. Wherefore, thou wast a converser with angels,
O venerable one, praying unceasingly with them to Christ God in behalf of us
all.
Now and ever, Kontakion of the Indiction, in Tone II:
O Christ our King Who livest in the highest, Creator and Maker of all things,
visible and invisible, Who hast fashioned days and nights, seasons and years:
bless Thou now the crown of the year; preserve and keep in peace Orthodox
hierarchs, this city and Thy people, O greatly Merciful One.
But if it be a temple dedicated to the Theotokos: Now and ever ..., the Kontakion
of the temple; the Kontakion of the Indiction is moved into first position (among the
Kontakia).
Prokimenon of the Indiction, in Tone III: Great is our Lord, and great is His
strength, and of His understanding there is no measure.
Stichos: Praise ye the Lord, for a psalm is a good thing; let praise be sweet
unto our God.
And of the venerable one, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is
the death of His saints.
EPISTLE FOR THE INDICTION:
EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY, §282 [1 Tim 2:1-15]
Child Timothy: I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all
that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ
Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto
I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not),
a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray
everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner
also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which
becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn
in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp
authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then
Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression. Notwithstanding, she shall be saved in childbearing, if they
continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
EPISTLE FOR THE VENERABLE ONE:
EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS, §258 [COL. 3:12-16]
Brethren: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing
one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any:
even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on
charity, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the
word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one
another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: To Thee is due praise, O God, in Sion; and unto Thee
shall a vow be rendered in Jerusalem.
Stichos: Thou shalt bless the crown of the year with Thy goodness.
Stichos of the venerable one: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His
commandments shall he greatly delight.
FOR THE INDICTION:
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, §13 [LK. 4:16-22)]
And Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and, as His
custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for
to read. And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And
when He had opened the book, He found the place where it is written: The
Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the
gospel to the poor; He hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliv-
erance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them
that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And He closed the
book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all
them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. And He began to say
unto them, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bare Him
witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His
mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's Son?
FOR THE VENERABLE ONE:
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, §43 [MT. 11 :27-30]
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son,
but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to
whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my
yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Communion Verse for the Indiction: Thou shalt bless the crown of the year
with Thy goodness.
Communion Verse for the Saint: In everlasting remembrance shall the right-
eous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.

NOTE: If September 1st falls on a Sunday, the service to the holy women is omitted,
and is chanted when the ecclesiarch decides. The service of the Resurrection is sung,
followed by that of the Indiction and of the saint; thus:
At Little Vespers: the stichera of the Resurrection and of the Theotokos, as
usual. Troparion of the Resurrection; Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion.
At Great Vespers we sing "Blessed is the man ...", the entire kathisma. At
"Lord, I have cried ...", three stichera for the Resurrection and one of Anatolius;
three stichera for the Indiction, and three to St. Symeon; Glory ..., of the
Indiction; Now and ever ..., the Dogmatic of the tone. The Readings as above. At
Litia, the sticheron of the temple, then the Aposticha stichera for the Indiction,
printed at the end of the Praise stichera. At the Aposticha, the stichera of the
Resurrection with their proper verses; Glory ..., of the saint; Now and ever ..., of
the Indiction. At the blessing of the loaves: "Virgin Theotokos, rejoice ..."
(Twice), and the troparion of the Indiction once. And the reading from the
epistles of the Apostles.
At Matins, at "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the Resurrection (Twice);
Glory ..., of the saint; Now and ever ..., of the Indiction. After the kathismata, the
Resurrectional Sedalia and their Theotokia, and the reading from the
interpretations of the Gospel, as appointed. After the troparia on Psalm 118
("Blessed art Thou, O Lord ..."), the Hypakoi and reading. The Songs of Ascent,
Prokimenon of the tone, and "Let every breath ...". Resurrectional Gospel.
"Having beheld the Resurrection ..." and Psalm 50. Sticheron of the Resurrection.
Canon of the Resurrection, four troparia, including its Irmos; that to the
Theotokos, two troparia; that to the Indiction, four troparia; and of the saint, four
troparia. Katavasia: the first canon from the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.
After the Third Ode, the Kontakion of the Indiction, and that of the saint; the
Sedalion of the saint, (Twice); Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the Indiction. And
the reading of the life of St. Symeon. After the Sixth Ode, the Kontakion of the
Resurrection, and its Ikos; and the reading from the Prologue. At the Ninth Ode
we chant "More honorable " The Exapostilarion of the Resurrection; Glory, of
the saint; Now and ever ..., of the Indiction. At the Praises, four stichera to the
Resurrection, three for the Indiction in Tone III: "O pre-eternal Word ...", with
the verse of the Indiction; then the Idiomelon of the saint, in Tone II: "The
sacred Symeon ...", with the verse: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death
of His saints." Glory ..., the Evangelical sticheron; Now and ever ..., "Most
blessed art thou ..." The Great Doxology. After the Trisagion, the Troparion of
the Resurrection alone. Litanies, and dismissal. And the reading from the
catechetical writings of St. Theodore the Studite, and the usual departure. The
First Hour is read in the vestibule. And the final dismissal. At the Hours we say
the Troparion of the Resurrection, Glory ..., of the Indiction, Now and ever ...,
the Theotokion of the Hour. After Our Father, the Kontakion of the Indiction.
At the Third Hour, the Troparion of the Resurrection; Glory ..., of the saint.
Thus also, for the rest of the Hours, we alternate the Kontakia of the
Resurrection, the Indiction and the saint.
At the Liturgy, four of the verses for the Beatitudes from the Resurrectional
service; four for the Indiction, from Ode III of its canon; four for the saint, from
Ode VI of his canon. After the Entrance, the Troparion of the Resurrection, then
of the Indiction and of the saint; the Kontakion of the Resurrection; Glory ..., of
the saint; Now and ever ..., of the Indiction. Prokimenon, Epistle, Alleluia and
Gospel, first of the Indiction, then for Sunday (from the series), and of the saint.
The Communion verses: of the Indiction and then of the saint.
THE 2nd DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
C O M M E M O R A T I O N O F T H E H OL Y M A R T Y R M A M A S, C O M M E M O R A T I O N
O F O U R V E N E RA B L E F A T H E R J O H N T H E F A S T E R, P A T RI A R C H O F
C O NS T ANT I NO P L E
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the martyr, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
Shedding thy blood, O blessed one, * thou didst present thyself to Christ, *
the Bestower of life, * Who shed His blood for thy sake, * and Who hath made
thee to participate in His glory * and to share in His kingdom, * in that thou
didst prevail over the deceiver * and didst utterly reduce * his cruel snares to
ashes.
Thou wast a pillar of piety * set firmly upon the rock of faith, * unshaken by
temptations or misfortunes, * O blessed one, * for the great tempest and tumult
* and the waves which buffeted thee * did not cast down thine unbreakable
strength; * for thou didst desire to be adorned * with the crown of martyrdom.
Following the life-bearing steps * of our incarnate God * Who, by His
suffering on the Cross, * cast down the tyrant, O athlete, * rejoicing, thou didst
enter the arena of martyrdom, * and, lacerated with wounds, * with thy flesh, O
martyr, * thou didst wound him who boasted that he would destroy the sea, *
and thou didst cast him down to the ground.
And 3 stichera of the holy hierarch, in the same melody:
O most honored father John, * withdrawing from the tumultuous confusion
of the world, * thou didst hasten to the serenity of Christ, * O most venerable
one; * and thou wast manifestly enriched in truth * with the most rich effulgence
* of vision and divine activity, * and, made splendid by thy godly life, * didst
impart them to the faithful.
O most honored father John, * honorably adorned with vestments * like
another Aaron, * thou now beholdest the Holy of holies * beyond the second
veil. * O the ineffable brilliance of thy mind, * which passeth understanding, * O
divine adornment of hierarchs, * whom thou hast now joined in fellowship!
O most wise father John, * becoming godly * in the simplicity of thy
character, * thou standest now before God, * united with Him through a higher
unity, * deified at His continual behest, * filled with His light, * O divine and
most sacred adornment of hierarchs.
Glory ..., the composition of Byzantius, in Tone II:
At the table of God thou wast set like a newly planted olive-tree, the child of
those who walk the path of the Lord. For the sake of thy martyrdom the Lord
hath blessed thee, and thou lookest upon the good things of the heavenly Sion,
ever delighting with thy parents in divine joy. O right laudable Mamas, by thine
entreaties make us partakers thereof.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
When the unblemished ewe-lamb beheld her Lamb as a man led forth, of His
own will, to the slaughter, she said, lamenting: "dost Thou now hasten to leave
me childless who gave Thee birth, O Christ? Wherefore hast Thou done this
thing, O Deliverer of all? Yet do I hymn and glorify Thine utter goodness which
passeth understanding and recounting, O Thou Who lovest mankind!"
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos; and Glory ..., in Tone IV:
Come together, O ye faithful, and let us celebrate the memory of the martyr
Mamas, for he hath been shown to be a new Abel; for as Abel, being a shepherd
of sheep, brought a lamb as a sacrifice and was the first to receive the crown of
martyrdom, so did the glorious athlete, who presided over feeding flocks, bring
himself to Christ as a right acceptable sacrifice through martyrdom. And as he
hath boldness before the Lord, he asketh peace for the world and great mercy
for our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
Beholding Christ crucified, * Who loveth mankind, * His side pierced by the
spear, * the all-pure one wept, crying aloud: * "What is this, O my Son? * How
have the thankless people rewarded Thee * for the good things Thou didst do for
them? * And dost Thou hasten to leave me childless, O most Beloved? * I
marvel, O Compassionate One, at Thy voluntary crucifixion!"
Troparion of the martyr, in Tone IV:
In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Mamas received an imperishable crown
from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he set at nought the tyrants
and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his supplications save Thou
our souls.
Glory ..., Troparion of the hierarch, in the same tone:
The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of
meekness and teacher of temperance. Wherefore, thou didst attain the heights
through humility and riches through poverty. O father John, entreat Christ God,
that our souls be saved.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion or Stavrotheotokion.
AT MATINS
One canon from the Oktoechos, with 6 troparia;
And two for the saints, with 8 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the martyr, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a miracle, striking the sea in the
form of the Cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh
and saved Israel, who fled on foot, chanting a hymn unto God.
Traversing the heavens as an excellent martyr, filled with thrice-radiant
effulgence, O glorious one, vouchsafe divine illumination unto those who on
earth honor the precious and radiant day of thy repose.
The Word, foreknowing the nobility and perfection of thy mind in all things,
filled thee with understanding from thine earliest infancy and adorned thee in
manifold ways with the sweetness of good works, O most lauded martyr and
athlete Mamas.
Thy parents, braving danger for the inviolate Faith in time of persecution by
falsehood, were cast into prison; and there, at the command of God, they
brought thee forth, who hast broken the bonds of polytheism.
Theotokion: In generations of generations all-glorious things are said of thee
who, having contained God the Word within thy womb, remainest pure, O Mary
Theotokos. Wherefore, we all honor thee, our intercessor before God.
Canon of the holy hierarch, the composition of Germanus, in the same tone:
Irmos: Let us chant unto Christ, Who cast the tyranny of Pharaoh into the
sea and guided Israel over dry land, for He hath been glorified forever.
Let us chant unto Christ, Who shone forth in the world the wise hierarch who
is resplendent with the precepts of the kingdom, for He hath been glorified
forever.
O ye faithful, let us honor the great hierarch John, Who shone forth in the
world with the light of piety and hath dispelled the gloom of impiety.
As thou standest with the angels before the unapproachable King, O most
blessed John, thou preacher of sacred things, pray that purification be granted to
those who celebrate thy memory.
Theotokion: In that thou didst conceive the pre-eternal and unoriginate Word
of the Father and gavest birth to Him in the flesh in manner past recounting, O
most hymned one, pray thou earnestly, that we be delivered from misfortunes.
ODE III
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the
Church, establish me in the love of Thee, O summit of desire, confir-
mation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Upon the pinnacle of His Church hath Christ placed the athlete Mamas like a
radiant star, illumining the whole world with the splendors of his sufferings and
all-glorious miracles.
Ascending the mountain of true knowledge, and illumined with purity of mind
through visions, O blessed one, by the commands of God thou didst elevate the
nature of dumb beasts to rational hymnody.
Thou wast a youth comely in beauty. Wherefore, thou wast shown to be
unapproachable to those who sought iniquitously to seize thee, and thou didst
bring thyself to the Lord of all, Who Himself had gone to suffering.
Theotokion: He Who stretched out the sky and sustaineth its whole vault by
His divine nature was held in the flesh in thine embrace, O all-pure one, and
hath shown thee to be the confirmation of all the faithful.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: O Lord Who established the heavens by Thy word and founded the
earth upon many waters, establish me for the chanting of Thy
glorification.
By abstinence and steadfast prayer, O God-bearing father, thou didst ascend
to the lofty city of the virtues, where thou partakest of a torrent of sweetness.
As thou hast boldness before God, O venerable and wise hierarch John, pray
that those who celebrate thy memory with faith may be saved.
As a teacher of the dogmas of piety and a true speaker of wise words, thou
hast been crowned for thy victory over heresies, O venerable one.
Theotokion: O pure Theotokos, we all hymn thee as the heaven and throne of
God, in that Jesus Christ, the Truth, revealed Himself through thee.
Sedalion of the martyr, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
As the precious offspring of piety, by the power of the Spirit thou wast
shown to be the destroyer of impiety, O Mamas; for thou didst denounce the
falsehood of idolatry in the arena and didst right boldly proclaim that the Trinity
is to be hymned. Wherefore, cast to the wild beasts, O athlete, thou didst slay
the beast, the serpent who is the author of evil. For this cause we cry out to
thee: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who
honor thy holy memory with love.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the hierarch, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: "Of the divine Faith ...":
A divine vessel of abstinence and a fount of piety which cannot be taken
away wast thou shown to be, O blessed and venerable father John, illumining
thy life with dispassion and enriching those in need with alms. Entreat Christ
God, that He grant us great mercy.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Thou wast the divine tabernacle of the Word, O only all-pure Virgin Mother,
who dost surpass the angels in purity. With the waters of thy supplications
cleanse me who, more than all other men, am dust and have been defiled by
carnal transgressions, granting me great mercy, O pure one.
Stavrotheotokion: The unblemished ewe-lamb of the Word, the incorrupt
Virgin Mother, beholding Him Who sprang forth from her without pain
suspended upon the Cross, cried out maternally, lamenting: "Alas, O my Child!
How is it that Thou sufferest, desiring to deliver man from the indignity of the
passions?"
ODE IV
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my
God, Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father,
hast visited our poverty. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry
unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!
With wisdom and unafraid thou didst of thine own will commit thyself to
struggles; for thou didst have Christ helping thee with divine power, making thy
weakness strong and showing thee forth as a witness to His sufferings, a
partaker of splendor on high.
The most rational wild beast became tame, given thee by God as a
companion, for with divine love thou didst subdue the irrational passions and
wast shown to be adorned with a most wise intelligence, vanquishing the irra-
tionality of the enemy.
Before the tyrants' tribunal thou didst stand O blessed one, most manifestly
proclaiming the incarnation of the Word, casting down the savagery of
ungodliness and teaching all to chant with confidence: Glory to Thy power, O
Thou Who lovest mankind!
Theotokion: By the supernatural offspring of thy birthgiving, O most
immaculate Theotokos, the pangs of sin were loosed, the nature of mortals was
released from the curse, the heavens were opened for thy sake to those below,
and men join chorus with the angels.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: Mystically foreseeing Thee incarnate of the Virgin, O Word, the
prophet cried out in hymns: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
In hymns let us all praise the wise hierarch, saying: O God-bearing John, pray
thou earnestly to the Lord, that we be saved.
Having thee as a planter of the dogmas of piety and a wise hierarch, O
divinely blessed John, we praise thee with hymns and songs.
O glorious primate and sustainer, hierarch of the Lord, with songs and hymns
we, the faithful, celebrate thy sacred memory.
Theotokion: O unwedded Bride, pure and undefiled Mother of Christ God,
entreat Him without ceasing, that He save the souls of those who hymn thee.
ODE V
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-
waning? And why hath a strange light covered me, wretch that I am? But
turn me and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
Lacerated, the glorious Mamas in nowise paid heed to his body, setting aside
the grossness of corruption to be torn asunder and the garments of his skin to
be rent apart; receiving instead the vesture of incorruption.
Grateful praises didst thou chant to thy Creator when thy side was pierced
with a spear, O most blessed one, and thou didst hear a voice from heaven,
strengthening thy mind for that which is more exalted and easing the pain of thy
sufferings.
As thou lay in prison a most beautiful dove appeared to thee in an all-glorious
vision, O most blessed and much-suffering athlete, bearing thee the food of
incorruption; for thou didst pass beyond the bounds of corruption.
Theotokion: Thou wast the mediatress of the divine incarnation and of
ineffable deliverance, having given birth to Him Who was begotten of the
Father before the sun shone forth; for through thee hath the nature of those on
earth been joined to God and set upon the throne of glory.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: O Lord Who brought the ends of the earth into the light out of the
darkness of ignorance, illumine me with the dawning of Thy love for
mankind.
As a pastor thou wast anointed with the oil of piety, O divinely wise one;
wherefore, we all praise thee as a hierarch, O venerable one.
As an emulator of the apostles in pangs and vigils, O divinely wise and
glorious one, thou didst intercede for the people of the Church.
Thou didst emulate the zeal of Elijah and Moses the God-beholder, O father
manifest in sanctity, and didst put to shame the teachers of heresy.
Theotokion: Come ye, and with the angel let us all honor as Queen the
blessed one who gave birth to the King of all.
ODE VI
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are mine iniquities, and lead me
up from the abyss of evils, I pray; for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast
hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
Burning with zeal for God, O most sacred and valiant athlete, bedewed by
divine rain from heaven thou didst in nowise take heed of the burning flame.
He Who in manifest light transformed the furnace into dew for the three
youths rescued thee, O most blessed and divinely wise one, from the flame, and
all-gloriously showed thee to be mightier than the fire.
Undergoing tremendous struggles, thou didst show thyself to be most
supreme, wondrous among athletes, a martyr tried and tested. Wherefore, the
Judge of the contest vouchsafed thee greater rewards.
Theotokion: Through thy divine birthgiving, O all-pure one, we have come to
share in the divine nature; and, praising thee with ranks of the angels, we have
inherited heavenly rest in Christ.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: As Thou didst deliver the prophet from the uttermost abyss, O
Christ God, so deliver me from my sin, in that Thou lovest mankind, and
direct my life, I pray Thee.
With thy divine dogmas and wise instructions thou didst adorn the glory of
the Church, O blessed John, and didst cause heresies to vanish.
With the beauty of thy dogmas thou didst illumine all creation like a lamp of
piety, O divinely wise teacher, and with the word of God thou hast cast heresies
into darkness.
Arming thyself with thy tongue and discourse instead of a sword, O venerable
one, thou didst cut down all false doctrines and didst clearly explain the Trinity
to all.
Theotokion: O Christ God Who wast born of the Virgin and enlightenest the
world, deliver me from my transgressions, in that Thou lovest mankind, and
direct my life, I pray Thee.
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "Today the Virgin ...":
With the staff given thee by God, O holy one, thou didst shepherd thy people
in life-bearing pastures; and thou didst crush the invisible and untamed wild
beasts beneath the feet of those who hymn thee. For all who find themselves
amid misfortunes have thee as their fervent intercessor, O Mamas.
Ikos: Throughout all the world we hymn thee as an all-glorious martyr who
joinest chorus with the angels in the heavens, O Mamas, who before wast
manifestly suckled by a deer in the wilderness, and now, as a good shepherd,
dost shepherd the rich people of the Lord with a staff of power, guiding them to
a place of verdure, where the sweetness of paradise is truly to be found. For this
cause thou didst forsake the world, that all may have thee as a fervent
intercessor, O Mamas.
ODE VII
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in awe of the condescension of
God; wherefore, the youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace as in
a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
The aspect of the furnace was full of the coolness which thou didst need; for,
shut up within it for many days, O Mamas, thou wast not consumed, but didst
cry out to the Creator: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
In the midst of the flame, O martyr, thou didst have angels as companions,
dancing with thee and sharing in ineffable hymnody; and with them thou didst
cry out to the Master of all: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Issuing forth from the furnace, thou wast truly like a never-fading rose, like a
most comely bridegroom departing from a bridal chamber, consuming the
mindless, but illumining those who beheld thee, chanting: Blessed is the God of
our fathers!
Theotokion: Lo! the prophecy of the divinely eloquent one hath now been
fulfilled! For thou didst contain God the Word in thy womb, O Virgin, and
gavest birth to the Bestower of life: To Him do we all cry out: Blessed is the God
of our fathers!
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers, Who in the
beginning founded the earth and established the heavens by Thy word.
Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers, Who hast shown forth
the pious and wise hierarch as a beacon on the earth.
Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers, Who hast shown the
great John to be a true shepherd for Thy flock.
Having put down the uprisings of the flesh, O father, thou didst cry out to
Christ: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers!
Theotokion: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers, Who wast
born of the Virgin for our sake and hast delivered the world from the enemy.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the
pious ones; but seeing them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the
Creator and Deliverer: ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt
Him supremely for all ages!
Like Daniel thou didst shut the mouths of the wild beasts with a divine
invocation of the Master, O glorious one; thou didst slay a serpent, didst put the
ungodly to shame, and livest in gladness as a victor, chanting in the heavens: Ye
priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Stony of heart, the all-iniquitous ones who worshiped stones cast stones at
thee, O blessed martyr, as thou didst lift the sacred eyes of thy soul to the un-
hewn and unshakable Stone; and thou didst fervently chant: Ye priests, bless; ye
people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The Judge of the contest, extending the crown of victory from on high to
thee as victor when thou hadst passed through thy good contest, O thou who
art most rich, called thee to hasten to Him, running the honorable and sweet
course, and chanting fervently: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely
for all ages!
Theotokion: Supernaturally thou didst conceive Him Who was begotten of
the Father without mother, yet thou didst remain virgin even after giving birth,
O pure one; for in thee doth the divine Union renew nature and restore the
boundaries of existence. Wherefore, in Orthodox manner, we hymn thee
forever as the Theotokos who truly gave birth unto God.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the holy mountain and by the fire
in the bush revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever-virgin, do ye hymn
and exalt supremely for all ages!
Emulating Moses, O thrice blessed hierarch, thou didst ascend the mountain
to the darkness, receiving the noetic law of grace; wherefore, we hymn Christ
forever.
Shepherding thy people, O hierarch, thou didst drive away the falsehood of
Egypt, and, avoiding the passions of Babylon, thou didst attain the heavenly
Sion as thy dwelling-place for all ages.
Anointed with myrrh, discourse and works of piety, O most sacred one
manifest in sanctity, thou didst perform the sacred and divine services;
wherefore, thou hymnest the Trinity in one Essence for all ages.
Theotokion: The Lord Who dwelt in the Virgin's womb and, for her sake,
hast restored the old Adam in awesome and indescribable manner, hymn ye and
exalt supremely for all ages!
ODE IX
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Heaven was filled with awe, and the ends of the earth were
amazed, that God appeared to men in the flesh, and that thy womb
became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of angels
and men magnify thee, the Theotokos.
Thou didst lay down thy life for thy Deliverer and didst ardently hasten to
Him, splendidly adorned with the beauties of thy sacred struggles and wondrous
contests, O most lauded warrior, thou beacon of the whole world and ornament
of the Church.
Thou hast joined the angels, having acquired an angelic life on earth, and
with them thou dost in praise joyously chant sacred hymnody to the Trinity with
great laudation, O Mamas, deified by divine communion and enriched with
glory unsurpassed.
As thou hast boldness before God, O most blessed martyr, be thou mindful
of those who joyously celebrate this thy divine festival and praise thine
honorable and sacred suffering with pure faith; and save us from tempest,
misfortune and trials.
Theotokion: Who hath ever heard that among those on earth there was a
mother who knew not man yet gave birth to a child, and that the Child to which
she gave birth supernaturally was the unoriginate God Who is consubstantial
with the all-unoriginate Father? O awesome mystery! O the divine fellowship
whereby we have been united to God!
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Ever-virgin, which was revealed on the
mountain to the lawgiver in the fire and the bush, for the salvation of us,
the faithful, let us magnify with unceasing hymnody.
Having shown us the words of everlasting life by dispassion and faith, hope
and love, O wise John, pray thou, that our souls be saved.
We all praise thee as a hierarch who shepherded the people of the honored
Church with the staff of the Holy Spirit and drove away heresies hateful to God.
O father John of great renown, in psalms and hymns we honor thee
continually as a hierarch and beacon of the Church, and we venerate the shrine
of thy relics.
Theotokion: Rejoice, O ever-living wellspring of incorruption! Rejoice, O
most radiant cloud of the noetic Sun! Rejoice, O chariot of the full Godhead!
Rejoice, thou ark of sanctification!
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "To the disciples ...":
Living in the mountains, thou wast nourished with the milk of a doe, O
martyr Mamas; and thou didst appear in the stadium, contending most diligently;
and, having received the crown of victory, thou didst depart unto the Lord.
Theotokion: The most false and wicked enemy, who of old envied me the
divine and blessed life in paradise, caused me to be driven from Eden; but he is
slain by thy birthgiving, O Virgin.
AT LITURGY
Troparion of the martyr, in Tone IV:
In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Mamas received an imperishable crown
from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he set at nought the tyrants
and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his supplications save Thou
our souls.
Troparion of the hierarch, in the same tone:
The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of
meekness and teacher of temperance. Wherefore, thou didst attain the heights
through humility and riches through poverty. O father John, entreat Christ God,
that our souls be saved.
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone III:
With the staff given thee by God, O holy one, thou didst shepherd thy people
in life-bearing pastures; and thou didst crush the invisible and untamed wild
beasts beneath the feet of those who hymn thee. For all who find themselves
amid misfortunes have thee as their fervent intercessor, O Mamas.

Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and
shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken unto my prayer, when I make supplications unto Thee.
EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS, § 99 [ROM. 8:28-39]
Brethren: We know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did
foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that
he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did
predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and
whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things?
If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all
things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that
justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is
risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession
for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation or,
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is
written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for
the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him
that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree, and
like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be planted.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 50 [JN. 15: 1-7]


The Lord said to His disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the
husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and
every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me,
and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine;
no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He
that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without
me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and
is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are
burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
and it shall be done unto you.

Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for


the upright.
THE 3rd DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR ANTHIMUS, BISHOP OF
NICOMEDIA,
AND OF OUR VENERABLE FATHER THEOCTISTUS, FELLOW FASTER OF
EUTHYMIUS THE GREAT
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera, three for St. Anthimus, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel: "O most lauded martyrs ...":
O divinely wise and blessed one, * with the dye of thy blood* thou hast
brightened * thy sacred and divine vesture. * For piously thou hast gone from
strength to strength * and from glory to glory. * And now do thou pray * that
peace and great mercy * be given to our souls.
Thou didst offer to God * the un-bloody sacrifice, * as a most lawful priest; *
and later, as a martyr most true, * thou didst offer thyself * unto Christ with
blood, * as an acceptable sacrifice and a whole burnt offering, * O divinely
eloquent and most honored one. * Him do thou entreat in behalf of them that
hymn thee.
Legions of martyrs * didst thou lead to Christ, * O father Anthimus, *
teaching and instructing by thy doctrines and instructions, * and manifestly
presenting thyself * as an example, O divinely wise one. * With them do thou
pray, * that peace and great mercy * be given to our souls.
And three stichera for St. Theoctistus, in the same tone and melody:
O father Theoctistus, * thy radiant memory * doth gladden the assemblies of
monks * by the beauties of thy life, * the riches of thy wonders, * and the
splendors of thy gifts. * Entreat thou Christ, * that peace and great mercy * be
given to our souls.
O father Theoctistus, * the demons stood in awe * of thy patient abstinence, *
and they were set at naught * by thine unceasing supplications, a most lauded
one; * for thou didst acquire Christ as a companion. * Him do thou now
beseech, * that peace and great mercy * be given to our souls.
O father Theoctistus, * thou wast a dwelling place of God; * for, having
preserved that which is in His image, * proclaiming the truth by thy life, * thou
didst show forth the calling * of thy holy model, O most wondrous one. *
Entreat thou Christ, * that peace and great mercy * be granted to our souls.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Thou wast a most lawful priest even to thine end, O blessed Anthimus; for,
celebrating the divine and ineffable mysteries as a priest, thou didst shed thy
blood for Christ God, and didst bring thyself to Him as a right acceptable
sacrifice. Wherefore, as thou dost possess boldness before Him, earnestly pray
for them that with faith and love keep thine all-honored memory, that they who
honor it be delivered from all temptations, misfortunes and evil circumstances.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
The Virgin, standing once with the virginal disciple before the Tree at the
time of the crucifixion, weeping, cried out: "Woe is me! How is it that Thou
sufferest, O Christ, Who art the dispassion of all?"
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ..., in Tone VI:
O venerable father, word of thy corrections hath gone forth into all the earth;
wherefore, thou hast received the reward of thy labors in the heavens. Thou hast
routed legions of demons and attained unto the ranks of the angels, whose life
thou didst blamelessly emulate. As thou hast boldness before Christ God, ask
peace for our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Beholding Thee crucified, O Christ, she who gaveth birth to Thee cried out:
"What is this strange mystery that I see, O my Son? How is it that Thou diest on
the Tree, suspended in the flesh, O Bestower of life?"
Troparion, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
to the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Anthimus. Entreat Christ God, that
our souls be saved.
Glory ..., and the Troparion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
With the streams of thy tears thou didst irrigate the barren desert, and with
sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst render thy labors fruitful a
hundredfold, and becamest a beacon for the whole world, resplendent with
miracles. O Theoctistus, our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
AT MATINS
One canon from the Oktoechos, and two for the saints:
ODE I
Canon of the Hieromartyr, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn thee, the flower of pastors and martyrs," in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red
Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
Receiving a wreath of piety plaited of the dual strands of hierarchy and
martyrdom, thou art blessed by Christ, O all-glorious one.
Thy sacred minister is brought to Thee, the Chief Shepherd, like an innocent
and pure lamb, on the arms of the iniquitous.
Thou didst demolish the bastions of the heretics, O hierarch, with the
boldness of piety, preaching the uncreated Trinity.
Theotokion: O all-pure Theotokos, who in manner past nature gavest birth
unto the eternal and all-divine Word incarnate: we hymn thee.
Canon of the Venerable One, the acrostic whereof is: "I recount thy struggles, O
Theoctistus" the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: That which had been hewn down cut through the undivided, and
the sun saw land which it had not seen before; the water engulfed the cruel
enemy, and Israel traversed the impassible, and chanted the hymn: Let us
sing to the Lord, for gloriously is He glorified!
Smitten with the desire for dispassion, O wise father Theoctistus, thou didst
quell the uprisings of the flesh, aided by God. And now, entreat the Lord, that we
be filled with noetic light who chant: For gloriously hath He been glorified!
The great Euthymius, having cleaved to thee with divine love, O father
Theoctistus, abiding with thee mightily, trod the path of abstinence, with true
activity; and with thee he cried out: Let us sing unto the Lord, for gloriously hath
He been glorified!
Thou didst subjugate thy body, O all-blessed Theoctistus, enslaving the carnal
passions, for thou didst receive the effulgence of grace, and, illumined therewith,
didst cry out in godly manner: Let us sing unto the Lord, for gloriously hath He
been glorified!
Theotokion: Having thee as their hope of salvation, O Virgin Mother of God,
who gavest birth unto the Word, the all-wise ones, the beloved Euthymius and
the divine Theoctistus, shone forth upon all with divine knowledge in abstinence,
crying out to the Lord: For gloriously hath He been glorified!
ODE III
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of them that flee to Thee, O Lord; Thou
art the light of them that are in darkness, and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Having first served the Deliverer in thy sacred ministry, thou wast shown to be
a hieromartyr; and after, thou didst make of thyself a priestly sacrifice.
Thou wast not a hireling, but a shepherd most true, O venerable one, shedding
thy blood for thy flock, O beloved of God.
Thou didst tend the flock of the Master with care, O hierarch; wherefore, thou
hast made thine abode in a place of verdure.
Theotokion: By thine entreaties grant us aid, O all-pure one, repelling the
assaults of grievous circumstances.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of them that flee to Thee, O Lord; Thou
art the light of them that are in darkness, and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Thou didst mortify thy flesh with abstinence, O venerable one, and didst
enlighten thy soul with gifts of divine grace.
Thou didst direct all thy desire toward thy Master, and didst arm thyself
against the demons, O God-bearer.
Theotokion: Chanting hymns, the faster, divinely instructed, glorified thee as
the Theotokos who gaveth birth to God, O Mistress.
Sedalion of St. Anthimus, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "The angelic choir ...":
O wise one, thy blood, like that of Abel, cried out to God mystically from the
ground, O divinely wise one; for thou didst clearly preach the uncreated Trinity.
Wherefore, O Anthimus, shining forth as a shepherd, thou didst drive off the
wild beasts of the heresies, in that thou art a protector of the Faith.
Glory ..., and that-of the venerable one, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared today ...":
Chief among the fathers wast thou called, and thou wast an all-radiant
beacon to the world, O venerable father Theoctistus. Wherefore, we honor thy
memory unceasingly.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Stretching forth thine all-pure hands, O Virgin Mother, protect them that set
their hope on thee and cry out to thy Son: Grant Thou Thy mercies unto all, O
Christ!
Stavrotheotokion: Beholding thy Son uplifted on the Tree, O all-pure one, thy
maternal womb rent apart, and thou didst cry out in grief: "Woe is me! How is it
that Thou hast set, O my timeless Light?"
ODE IV
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, O Lord; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Transforming packs of wolves into lambs by thy discourse, O blessed one,
thou wast slain in thy body, and didst commit thy spirit to the Lord.
Thy sacrifice was pleasing unto the King of all as a savor sweet and most
honorable; who dost offer it in divine wisdom and who art brought as an
offering on the arms of the iniquitous.
Thou wast first anointed with the oil of the priesthood, O venerable one, and
later thou wast perfected by the blood of thy suffering, O father.
Theotokion: As Thou art without sin, O God, do Thou grant us cleansing of
the sins we have committed in ignorance, and bring peace to Thy world,
through the prayers of her who gaveth birth unto Thee.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Thou didst mount Thy steeds, Thine apostles, O Lord, and didst
take their bridles in Thy hands; and Thy chariot becameth salvation unto
them that sing with faith: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Thou wast shown to be a lover of the primal Wisdom, O all-wise one; for,
cleansed thoroughly in soul and mind, thou didst live a blameless life, crying
aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Having rid thy mind of the tumult of the passions, O glorious one, and
wisely set thy senses aright, thou didst hasten to undisturbed serenity, O father,
diligently crying out: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Shaking off earthly grief through abstinence, the divine Theoctistus, Thy
favored one, O Master, acquired heavenly hope, crying out with Euthymius:
Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Theotokion: As thou didst appear as a man from the Virgin in the world,
Thou hast granted victory to Thy venerable ones; for by Thy Cross they drove
away the demons, crying out with faith: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
ODE V
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Waking at dawn we cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our
God, and we know none other than Thee.
Thou didst offer the un-bloody sacrifice unto the Lord, and through thy
blood didst bring thyself to Him as fruit, O Anthimus.
The divine Spirit enlightened thee, O hierarch; wherefore, we celebrate thine
all-glorious memory.
Thy divine tongue dripped salvation, and the stream of thy blood dripped
spiritual joy.
Theotokion: Still thou the constant tempest of my passions, O thou who
gavest birth to the Helmsman and Lord.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Illumine us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thy lofty
arm grant us Thy peace, O Lover of mankind.
Mortify our presumption and the uprisings of our flesh, O Thou Who lovest
mankind, through the right acceptable supplications of Thy venerable one.
Thou lookest down upon us from on high, O most blessed one, and settest
aright the life of us who keep thy memory with love, O wise one.
Theotokion: The most excellent and divinely called pair who lived together
preached God Who was incarnate of the pure Virgin and hath shone forth
ineffably upon us.
ODE VI
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O Thou Who coverest Thyself with light
as with a garment, O most merciful Christ our God.
Thou didst baptize thy people with water and the Holy Ghost, as thou
thyself wast baptized; and thou wast again baptized in thy blood, O father.
Choice and precious as a branch of the vine of life, thou hast produced a
multitude of fruit for thy Master, O most blessed one.
Cease not to make entreaties to Christ for thy flock, O blessed one, setting
forth thy blood as supplication.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, we, the faithful, declare thee to be the temple and
tabernacle of God, the animate chamber and the portal of heaven.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my
grief, for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and
like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Thou didst shine forth upon them that are on earth like the sun, illumining
them with the light of purity, emitting the radiance of the virtues, and teaching
the splendors of chastity. And now, O Theoctistus, bring peace to the whole
world by thy prayers.
Having been blessed with divinely wise thought, thou didst vanquish all
things on earth, and didst prefer a heavenly inheritance, O all-blessed
Theoctistus; and now thou manifestly livest in the heavens, rejoicing.
Theotokion: O right gracious and godly ones, ye were attracted by the beauty
of the love of Christ, Who appeared in the world in the flesh of the holy and
pure Mother of God; and ye were shown to be models of the renowned life of
monks.
Kontakion, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ...":
Having lived piously amongst priests and finished the path of martyrdom,
thou didst extinguish the immolations of the idolaters, being a champion for thy
flock, O divinely wise one. Wherefore, it now honoreth thee, mystically crying
out: By thy supplications deliver us from misfortunes, O ever-memorable
Anthimus.
Ikos: Bestowing divine knowledge upon me, by thy supplications dispel the
gloom of ignorance from my heart, that I may faithfully hymn thy holy memory,
whereon the angelic choirs are divinely gladdened today, and men fittingly
crown thy head with hymns of praise as with flowers, asking to receive from
thee remission of their offenses, release from the evils of life, and to be
delivered from enemies, visible and invisible, by thy prayers, O Anthimus, our
father.
ODE VII
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judea trod
down the flame of the furnace with faith in the Trinity, singing: O God of
our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thy sacrifice was shown to be good and rich, O all-blessed Anthimus; for,
offering up the un-bloody sacrifice, thou didst offer thyself to the Master
Himself with blood, crying out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Having shepherded and been shepherded, thou didst derive wealth from
both, O father; and having safeguarded this, thou didst preserve it with the seal
of martyrdom, chanting unto Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou didst theologize concerning the nature of the Hypostases in the
Church of the faithful, and, slain by the judgment of the unjust before it, O
God-bearer, thou didst chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: For our salvation thou didst reveal Thyself incarnate of the
Virgin's womb. Wherefore, knowing Thy Mother to be the Theotokos, we cry
out in thanksgiving: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod upon the flame
and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord
God, forever!
Having cleaved to thy Master with all thy desire and with steadfast
abstinence, thou art now nourished on His splendors, crying out: Blessed art
Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Thou didst offer thy life to the Master as a divine fruit, a pleasing and
unblemished sacrifice, O thrice-blessed one, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God, forever!
Thou didst find the end of sickness and the delight which is in paradise, O
father; for, through the narrow way thou didst attain unto the plain of the
kingdom, O most wise one, blessing Christ forever.
Theotokion: Behold, the Virgin gaveth birth unto the divine Babe,
acknowledging Whom as God and Lord, the God-bearers now cry out: Blessed
art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
ODE VIII
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and
exalt ye supremely for all ages.
O ye faithful, let us be glad on the day of the commemoration of the right
glorious hieromartyr, crying out: Thee do we exalt supremely, O Christ, forever!
Beholding a hierarch adorned in seemly manner with the crown of
martyrdom, we hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely forever.
Let us honor the favorite of the Trinity, who shed his blood for His sake,
hymning and exalting the Lord supremely for all ages.
Theotokion: The unapproachable Light, Who dwelt within thee, O Virgin,
hath shown thee to be a luminous and golden lamp forever.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the
pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher power, he cried out to
the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people,
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Thy commemoration taketh place with praises, O God-bearer; for thou wast
shown to be a nurturer of righteousness, courage, wisdom and chastity, O wise
father, crying out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests,
hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
With godly praises let us honor the God-bearer as one manifestly full of
grace and enlightened thoroughly with divine splendors, who crieth out to the
Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him
supremely for all ages!
Theotokion: The divinely wise fasters who were planted in godly manner by
the virtues, yearned to philosophize with the desire for the hypostatic Wisdom
which appeared to the world through thee, O all-immaculate Maiden, Whom
the children bless, the priests hymn, and the people exalt supremely for all ages.
ODE IX
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Ever-virgin, which was shown beforehand
to the lawgiver in the burning bush for the salvation of us the faithful, let
us magnify with unceasing hymns.
Thou wast shown to be a faithful shepherd of thy sheep, and didst bring
thyself as a lamb to sacrifice to the Shepherd, and didst receive twofold glory.
Wherefore, honoring thee, we call thee blessed.
Depicting thy lineaments with abstinence in hues of piety, O all-blessed one,
thou didst show thy soul to be truly according to the image of God, O blessed
one.
Preserving thy traditions inviolate and honoring thy suffering, O father, with
unceasing hymns we piously bless the Trinity in the One Nature of the
Godhead.
Theotokion: Them that oppose Thy Church, O Christ, do Thou crush with
Thine arm for the sake of the Theotokos; and confirm the faithful Orthodox
hierarchs, that we may magnify Thee unceasingly.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Heaven is struck with awe, and the ends of the earth are amazed,
that God hath appeared to men in the flesh, and that thy womb hath
become more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the legions of men
and angels magnify thee as Theotokos.
Cleansed by the streams of thy tears, thou now delightest in the thrice-radiant
Light, O Theoctistus; standing manifestly before It and illumined thoroughly with
the rays emitted thereby, thou lookest down from on high upon us who keep thy
memory, O most blessed one.
Armed with love and hope and protected with faith, thou didst set at nought
the artifices and wiles of the enemy; and, as a crowned victor, thou now livest
with the divine choirs of the angels and the venerable, around the throne of the
King of all.
Having lived chastely, righteously and piously with men on earth, O divinely
wise faster, ye shine in the heavens with the ranks of the incorporeal ones,
delighting in the radiance of the Godhead, from whence, as victors, ye have
rightly received crowns for your struggles.
Theotokion: O ye two divine, all-radiant and sacred fathers of godly wisdom, by
your supplications ask ye that God send down peace upon the world and true
oneness of mind and faith upon the Churches, through the right acceptable
supplications of the Theotokos, O all-blessed ones.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "To the disciples ...":
O city of Nicomedia, rejoicing, bring forth today a choir for the annual
commemoration of thy good shepherd, and leap for joy, having a watchman
preserving thee who is greater than the bane of the enemy.
Theotokion:
With the apostles, entreat thy Son and Lord, O Theotokos, that He have mercy
upon all who hymn and glorify thee, who honor thee in thine icons, venerating
and kissing them lovingly, as is meet.
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ...;
The composition of Ephraim of Karyes, in Tone IV:
With the great city of Nicomedia all cities and lands celebrate today on the
commemoration of its honored citizen; for the ends of the earth clap their hands,
making merry on the present festival of the hieromartyr. And we, weaving
wreaths of hymns as flowers, cry out to him: Rejoice, O good shepherd, who laid
down thy life for thy sheep, thou sacrifice and sacrificer, priest and lamb! To thee
do we pray, together with them that suffered with thee: O Anthimus, entreat
Christ to deliver thy flock from alien wolves and to vouchsafe them to dwell with
thee in the fold of heaven.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion: Spec. Mel: "As one valiant
among the martyrs ...":
The all-pure one, * seeing Christ, the Lover of mankind, crucified, * His side
pierced with a spear, * cried out, weeping: * "What is this, O my Son? * How
have the thankless people rewarded Thee * for the good works which Thou didst
accomplish for them? * And wilt Thou leave me childless, O most Beloved? * I
marvel at Thy voluntary crucifixion, * O Compassionate One!"
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight stichera; four from the Oktoechos, and four from Ode III of
the canon of St. Anthimus:
Having first served the Deliverer in thy sacred ministry, thou wast shown to be
a hieromartyr; and after, thou didst make of thyself a priestly sacrifice.
Thou wast not a hireling, but a shepherd most true, O venerable one, shedding
thy blood for thy flock, O beloved of God.
Thou didst tend the flock of the Master with care, O hierarch; wherefore, thou
hast made thine abode in a place of verdure.
Theotokion: By thine entreaties grant us aid, O all-pure one, repelling the
assaults of grievous circumstances.
Troparion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
to the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Anthimus. Entreat Christ God, that
our souls be saved.
Troparion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
With the streams of thy tears thou didst irrigate the barren desert, and with
sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst render thy labors fruitful a
hundredfold, and becamest a beacon for the whole world, resplendent with
miracles. O Theoctistus, our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
Kontakion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
Having lived piously amongst priests and finished the path of martyrdom,
thou didst extinguish the immolations of the idolaters, being a champion for thy
flock, O divinely wise one. Wherefore, it now honoreth thee, mystically crying
out: By thy supplications deliver us from misfortunes, O ever-memorable
Anthimus.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered
unto me?
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE HEBREWS [13:7-16]
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the
word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus
Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Be not carried about with
divers and strange doctrines: for it is a good thing that the heart be established
with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been
occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve
the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the
sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore
Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered
without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing
his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is,
the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to
communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Alleluia, in Tone II: Thy priests shall be clothed in righteousness, and Thy
righteous shall rejoice.
Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments
shall he greatly delight.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN [1O:9-16].


I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep
are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf
catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a
hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my
sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the
Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he


shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 3rd DAY OF SEPTEMBER and THE 18th DAY OF MARCH
THE HOLY PASSION-BEARER EDWARD, KING OF ENGLAND
AT GREAT VESPERS:
We chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
At "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera, 4 in Tone I:
As a most fruitful vine of the new vineyard of Christ, planted in thy land in
the splendor of its enlightenment, thou didst shine forth in many virtues and
wast pleasing unto God; wherefore, with praises we call thee blessed, O
Edward, thou most pious king. (Twice)
Traveling the royal way, O holy king, adorned with the love of Christ, the
queen of the virtues, thou didst watch over the poor and wretched, and didst
visit the sick, rendering judgment and justice to thy people, O Edward of godly
piety.
Thou hast given thy precious relics, like a great treasure, unto those who
honor thy memory, O Edward. Wherefore, thou dost heal the divisions of those
who have recourse to thee, and by thine intercessions before God dost fulfill
their petitions which are of profit.
And these 4 stichera, in Tone II:
O Edward, the iniquitous Elfreda took counsel against thee, likening herself
unto Jezebel who endeavored to slay the prophets of God, and she plotted thy
murder, for she was not daunted by thy youth, nor by thy meek demeanor, nor
yet by thy piety, but benighted with bitter hatred she followed the prompting of
the devil. (Twice)
Like Judas who betrayed Christ with a kiss, so the impious queen, plotting
evils against thee and taking counsel with her retainers, doth with deceitful
intent invite thee, O king, in full knowledge that she is leading thee to the
slaughter.
What, then, didst thou acquire, O foolish woman, who wrested the throne
from thy lawful king and placed his gory crown upon the head of thine own
son? For, lo! Edward shineth forth in the kingdom of heaven, adorned with a
martyr's crown, whilst thou, repenting in sackcloth and ashes, dost sue to obtain
his pardon
Glory ..., in Tone VIII-
It is not on a hunt that thou goest forth, O most innocent king, but thou art
treacherously summoned to a council of the iniquitous; thus thou dost not
encounter the wild beast, but receivest a cruel death at the hands of bestial
rebels. Yet departing thine earthly kingdom, thou art crowned with a martyr's
crown and dost inherit the kingdom of heaven, making thine abode with the
saints and the righteous.
Now & ever ..., the Dogmatic Theotokion in the same tone.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three readings:
A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH
Thus saith the Lord: all the nations are gathered together, and princes shall
be gathered out of them. Who will declare these things, or who will declare to
you things from the beginning? Let them bring forth their witnesses, and be
justified; and let them hear, and declare the truth. Be ye My witnesses, and I too
am a witness, saith the Lord God, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye
may know, and believe, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no
other God, and after Me there shall be none. I am God; and beside Me there is
no Savior. I have declared, and have saved; I have reproached, and there was no
strange god among you. Ye are My witnesses, and I am the Lord God, even
from the beginning; and there is none that can deliver out of My hands. I will
work, and who shall turn it back? Thus saith the Lord God Who redeemeth
you, the Holy One of Israel.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no
torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their
departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction:
but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is
their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastized, they shall be
greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself.
As gold in the furnace hath He tried them and received them as a burnt
offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro
like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion
over the people, and their Lord shall reign forever. They that put their trust in
Him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with
Him: for grace and mercy is to His saints, and He hath care for His elect.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For
honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured
by number of years. But wisdom is the grey hair unto men, and an unspotted
life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among
sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness
should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of
naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of
concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a
short time, fulfilled a long time; for his soul pleased the Lord: therefore hasted
He to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and under-
stood not, neither laid they up them in their minds, that His grace and mercy is
with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.
At the Litia, the sticheron of the temple, and this sticheron of the saint, in Tone IV:
Come ye, let us make haste to the shrine of the much-healing relics of King
Edward, who was pleasing unto God, and who in the years of his youth
received a martyr's crown, that he may intercede for his people, ever standing
before the heavenly King, making unceasing supplication.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Let the impious queen lament, rending her garments and her hair, beholding
thee, unjustly slain, O Edward, and glorified by God with miracles; for thou art
vouchsafed a martyr's crown, whilst she, mindful of her great guilt, and
trembling before the impartial Judge, doth strive to cleanse her soul with
repentance.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
All who endure sorrows in this earthly life dost thou meet and comfort, O
pious Bride of God, granting relief to them, and drying every tear from their
eyes. Wherefore, help thou all who are in tribulation and suffering, granting
them speedy deliverance, for thou art the surcease of all grief.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O most glorious wonder ...":
O most glorious wonder! O providence divine! A most precious treasure,
hidden beneath the earth to preserve it from mockery, is discovered in the
fullness of time: for lot the holy relics of the martyred king are revealed as a new
and much-healing well-spring for all who with faith bow down before them and
glorify God Who is wondrous in His saints.
Stichos: I have raised up one chosen out of My people.
O wondrous solemnity! O most joyous feast! For we celebrate the most
splendid memorial of Edward the King, the merciful healer of the afflicted and
the diseased, the defender of the orphaned, the consoler of the grieving,
uprooter of irreverence and planter of piety, the bold intercessor and advocate
for our souls.
Stichos: With My oil have I anointed him. O the richness of the great
wisdom of God!
O the providence of God! The holy relics of the martyred Orthodox king are
entrusted to the Orthodox Church! Wherefore, let us now bow down with faith,
invoking the crowned passion-bearer in prayer; and let us fervently offer
thanksgiving unto Christ God Who hath given us such a treasure and doth ever
show forth His mercy upon us.
Glory ..., in Tone III:
A valiant warrior who fought against incursions of the foe, thou didst array
thyself yet more against the sinful passions; and, manifest as a glorious victor
over both, clothing thyself with humble-mindedness as with a breastplate, thou
didst render glory and honor unto Christ God.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone
In accordance with the will of the Father, through the divine Spirit thou didst
without seed conceive the Son of God Who without mother was begotten
before the ages of the Father. And for our sake thou didst give birth in the flesh
to Him Who was begotten of thee with father, and with milk didst thou nourish
the Infant. Wherefore, cease thou not to pray that our souls be delivered from
misfortune.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Celebrating the newly-established commemoration of the holy king Edward
who shone forth of old in the virtues and suffered in his innocence, and bowing
down before his precious relics, in gladness we cry out: truly wondrous art Thou
in Thy saint, O God!
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God
incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake
and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the saint Troparion, in Tone IV:
Celebrating the newly-established commemoration of the holy king Edward
who shone forth of old in the virtues and suffered in his innocence, and bowing
down before his precious relics, in gladness we cry out: truly wondrous art Thou
in Thy saint, O God! (Twice)
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God
incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake
and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VII:
Passing the time of the fast in spiritual endeavors, O Edward, thou didst
prepare thy soul for a worthy meeting with Holy Pascha, the feast of feasts. But,
deprived of thy life on earth of a sudden, thou didst glorify the resurrection of
Christ in His kingdom, joining chorus with angels and the righteous, watching
over thy people from the heavens.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace, haven and intercession for the
human race; for from thee is incarnate the Deliverer of the world, for thou
alone art Mother and Virgin, ever-blessed and most glorious. Entreat Christ
God to grant peace to all the world.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
Lo! spring hath blossomed forth on the earth, marking the end of winter; and
the celebration of the spiritual spring, the resurrection of Christ, hath shone
forth upon the world. But thy people, O king, are filled with grief, stricken by
thine untimely end. Wherefore, make haste and speedily comfort them,
revealing to them that thou dwellest in the kingdom of heaven with the risen
Master, Who hath granted them to obtain thy sacred relics as a pledge of thy
care for those who love thee; that, having recourse unto them in piety, they may
receive gifts of healing.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same tone:
O Theotokos, Bride unwedded, thou who transformed the grief of Eve into
joy: we, the faithful, praise and bow down before thee, for thou hast led us up
out of the ancient curse. Pray now unceasingly, O all-hymned one, that we be
saved.
Polyeleos, and this Magnification: We magnify thee, O holy passion-bearer
Edward the king, and we reverence thine honored sufferings, which thou
didst endure for Christ.
Selected Psalm Verses:
A: Our God is refuge and strength.
B: A helper in afflictions which mightily befall us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ...Alleluia …, glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Having endured death out of season, O blessed one, instead of the cup of
treachery thou didst receive an un-quaffed cup of joy from the hands of the
Savior. Now, therefore, delighting in the sight of Christ's most radiant
countenance at His banquet, pray that those who honor thee, may from Him
receive the kingdom of heaven.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
O Mistress, accept the prayers of thy servants, and deliver us from all want
and grief.
Then the Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall
deliver them out of them all.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, § 106 [LK. 21: 12-19]
The Lord said unto His disciples: Lo, they shall lay their hands on you, and
persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being
brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for
a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye
shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries
shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents,
and brethren, and kinsfolk’s, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be
put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there
shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
Though thou didst labor but a little while in the field of Christ, yet having
labored without sloth, thou didst receive the promised payment from the hand
of God, and didst show thyself to be a faithful steward. Wherefore, thou hast
entered into the joy of thy Lord, and hast acquired boldness before Him, ever
interceding for thy people.
Canon to the holy King Edward, the acrostic whereof is: "I hymn the memory
of the pious King Edward", in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord Who led His people through the Red
Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
Edward the king, who shone forth in piety and was glorified by God with
many miracles, let us hymn with songs of divine beauty.
Now let the land of Britain keep festival, and let the Orthodox Church be
glad, glorifying the memory of the divinely wise king.
Having endured out of season a murder unjust. thou didst acquire boldness
before God, O Edward. Wherefore, thou dost bestow healings upon those who
honor thee.
Theotokion: The ranks of angels and the choirs of the righteous, monks and
laymen, paupers and kings. together hymn the Theotokos.
ODE III
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of them that flee to thee, O Lord. Thou
art the Light of the benighted, and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Born in accordance with the providence of God, that thou mightest shine
forth in the virtues and show forth an example of piety unto thy people, thou
didst bring to a good end the short course of thy life.
To Christ, the King of all, wast thou a good and faithful servant who
increased the talent given thee by Him, O wise King Edward. Wherefore, thou
didst enter into the joy of thy Lord.
Like unto Abel who was slain in his innocence, thou didst endure unjust
murder; yet, deprived of thy transient life, thou dwellest now in the mansions of
heaven.
Theotokion: The Virgin Theotokos, Queen of heaven and boast of earthly
kings, unshaken pillar of the Church of Christ and unassailable rampart of the
kingdom of God, let us unceasingly hymn.
This Sedalion, in Tone III:
As said the preeminent Peter, in every nation he that feareth God and
worketh righteousness is accepted with Him; thus, from the ends of the earth,
the saints and the righteous have entered into the kingdom of heaven.
Wherefore, do thou also, O holy passion-bearer and king, having come from the
West, meet with the holy Boris and Gleb, who shone forth from the land of
Russia; for like thee, living righteously, they were unjustly slain out of cruel
jealousy. And now, partaking together of everlasting joys, remember us who
honor you and cry out: Truly wondrous in Thy saints art Thou, O God!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
As an uncultivated vine, O Virgin, thou hast put forth the most comely
Cluster which poureth forth the wine of salvation for us, gladdening the souls
and bodies of all. Wherefore, blessing thee as the cause of good things, with the
Angel Gabriel we ever cry out to thee: Rejoice, O greatly joyous one!
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, O Lord; I have
understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Emulating a lamb led to the slaughter, O holy Edward, thou didst not
struggle against the malefactors who slew thee, but surrendered thy soul into the
hands of God in a moment.
Celebrating thy joyous memory, we call thy wonders to mind, O Edward, for
thou dost heal the leprous, the paralyzed and those who are blind from birth, by
thy most bold supplication to Christ.
Desiring to glorify thee openly, Christ God bestowed healing power upon thy
precious relics that, beholding the miracles worked thereby, the pious people
might praise the Lord forever.
Theotokion: The divine prophets have announced thee, O Theotokos; the
apostles have proclaimed thee; the martyrs have confessed thee, and the
hymnographers and the venerable have hymned thee in songs of beauty divine.
ODE V
Irmos: Waking early, I cry unto Thee: Save me, O Lord! For Thou art our
God, and we know none other than Thee.
A divine light illumined the woman who was blind from birth when she
touched thy body, O King Edward. Wherefore, her eyes were opened, and she
glorified God and thine assistance.
Thy tomb was shown to be a well-spring of healings for all who had recourse
to it and called upon thee in prayer, O king, entreating enlightenment and
consolation.
Open thou the eyes of our hearts, O Edward who gavest light to the eyes of
the blind woman, that we may perceive God's most wise providence concerning
us, and glorify His power.
Theotokion: Let us not fall idle in our unceasing praise of her who is more
honorable than the cherubim and beyond compare more radiant than the
seraphim, gazing with the eyes of our minds upon her greatness;-and magnifying
her loving-kindness with ardent heart and love divine.
ODE VI
Irmos: As Thou didst deliver the prophet from the subterranean abyss, O
Christ God, in that Thou lovest mankind deliver me from my sins, and
direct my life, I entreat Thee.
When the impious queen learned of the uncovering of thy relics and of the
miracles which had come to pass, O Edward, she desired to fall prostrate in
repentance before them; but the power of the Lord prevented her.
With other kings, thou didst bring glory to the heavenly Jerusalem, O
Edward, laying at the feet of the Lord the twofold crown of kingship and
martyrdom, and receiving fitting honor from Him.
Thou didst escape the vile pit of destruction, rendering justice and
righteousness and feeding the wretched, claiming for thyself a throne of royal
honor, O Edward most wise and right glorious.
Theotokion: May they who do not honor thee as the Theotokos be clothed
with shame and confusion, denounced by all creation, which unceasingly doth
hymn thee.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
Celebrating the memory of the holy Edward today, and honoring his light-
bearing relics, let us radiantly weave a wreath of hymns for the twice-crowned
king and passion-bearer, crying out to him with fervor: Cease thou never to
entreat Christ God, that He establish thy homeland in the Orthodox Faith!
Ikos: Lo! the fullness of time is come! Arise, ye Christian people, and, putting
off your sackcloth, gird yourselves in gladness, heaping not ashes upon your
heads, but joining chorus in God! For, behold! the righteous Judge, Who seeth
all things, mindful of His mercies and compassions, and wishing to fill the
dried-up well-spring of piety with life-bearing streams, hath disclosed unto us
the relics of His favorite and passion-bearer, Edward the King, which for many
years lay hidden beneath the earth; for when the tempest of persecution was
raised against the saints of God by an impious king and the holy shrines were
demolished by his henchmen, they were buried in the Convent of the
Theotokos as a priceless treasure, and there they remained even until these days.
But now, through the providence and good pleasure of God, the holy relics are
once more given to the faithful, and again the light of Orthodoxy shineth forth
in the land of Britain. Wherefore, adorn thyself, O London, thou city of kings!
And all them who dwell therein, rejoice, crying out to the blessed King Edward,
whom the King of kings would fain glorify: Cease thou never to entreat Christ
God, that He establish thy homeland in the Orthodox Faith!
ODE VII
Irmos: O Lord God of our fathers, Who in the beginning founded the
earth and established the heavens by a word: blessed art Thou forever!
Having fought against the foe, and battled the passions yet more, thou wast
shown to be a victor over both; but surrendering in humility thou didst give
glory unto God, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
The ranks of the angels and the choirs of the righteous, accompanying the
holy king who is received into the kingdom of Christ, hymn God Who is
wondrous in His saints, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O God!
Departing the sin-loving world out of season, thou didst reach the heavenly
fatherland, O Edward, where thou dost pray unceasingly to the blessed God of
thy fathers in behalf of thine earthly homeland.
Theotokion: Fearing not the fiery furnace, the children who prefigured thee,
O Virgin, cried out in gratitude for thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our
fathers!
ODE VIII
Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the holy mount and Who revealed
the mystery of the Ever-virgin in the fiery bush, hymn ye and exalt
supremely for all ages!
Celebrating the memory of the divinely honored king, and marveling at the
wonders that have been wrought by his relics, rejoicing in God we cry aloud:
Hymn ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Having vanquished all the wiles of Hades and put to shame the devisings of
the impious, summoned to the heavenly kingdom thou didst chant, O holy king:
Hymn ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Bowing down before thy precious relics and calling upon thy name in prayer,
O Edward most God-loving king, we hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely
for all ages.
Theotokion: To men didst thou reveal Him upon Whom the angels dare not
gaze. Reveal to us also His ineffable mercy, that we may exalt thee supremely
for all ages.
ODE IX
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be the true
Theotokos, magnifying thee with the bodiless choirs.
Thou pourest forth healings and receivest the prayers of the faithful,
earnestly praying for those who honor thy memory. Wherefore, O Edward, in
thanksgiving we magnify thee.
Thy memory is glorious and thy rest is with the saints; for thou dost ever
stand before the throne of God. Wherefore, we magnify Christ Who gaveth
thee to His people as a new intercessor.
From the east even unto the west the Christian Faith doth reach. Wherefore,
the saints of God are glorified throughout the world.
Theotokion: Thy kinswoman Elizabeth hath taught us to cry out to thee, O
all-pure Theotokos: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is Christ, the
Fruit of thy womb, Whom we magnify unceasingly!
Exapostilarion:
Meet it was for thee, who beheld the unwaning light, to show forth thy first
miracle through light, O most blessed king; for, lo! a heavenly light illumined the
house wherein the ungodly had concealed thy body; and the eyes of the woman
blind from birth were opened, and giving thanks unto God she cried out: Won-
drous art Thou, O Lord, Who hast revealed to us Thy new favorite!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Thou coverest all the earth with thy radiant omophorion and dost embrace
the whole world with thy love, O Theotokos, and receivest the prayers and
entreaties of all who call upon thee, and dost help all before the throne of the
Son; for He hath given thee to man as an intercessor forever.
At the Praises, these stichera, in Tone II:
Thou dost abide with pious kings in the heavenly kingdom, with the fasters
and ascetics art thou praised, with the martyrs art thou glorified, and with all the
righteous art thou blessed, O glorious Edward. Twice
Earnestly do we bow down before the shrine of thy relics, celebrating the
commemoration of thine untimely demise; and mindful of the wonders worked
thereby, we ask thine aid and assistance, O Edward, thou righteous king.
O thou who with the blood of thy martyrdom didst adorn thy royal vesture
more than with purple and amethyst, and who hast received a crown of
suffering from the hand of God: thou hast reclined at the banquet of Christ
with His elect. Pray thou, O Edward, in behalf of our souls.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Lo! the time is shortened; judgment is at the gates! Lo! the souls of the slain
cry out for the justice of God: How long, O Lord, dost Thou not avenge our
blood? But they are admonished to wait with patience until the number of the
saved is fulfilled and the mystery of iniquity is revealed. Then the Judge will
come, Who will render unto each according to his deeds. And thou, O most
blessed king, shalt receive the portion of the blessed. Wherefore, entreat Christ
the Master, that we be vouchsafed a place at His right hand.
AT THE LITURGY:
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the
canon of the saint.
Born in accordance with the providence of God, that thou mightest shine
forth in the virtues and show forth an example of piety unto thy people, thou
didst bring to a good end the short course of thy life. (Twice)
To Christ, the King of all, wast thou a good and faithful servant who
increased the talent given thee by Him, O wise King Edward. Wherefore, thou
didst enter into the joy of thy Lord.
Like unto Abel who was slain in his innocence, thou didst endure unjust
murder; yet, deprived of thy transient life, thou dwellest now in the mansions of
heaven.
When the impious queen learned of the uncovering of thy relics and of the
miracles which had come to pass, O Edward, she desired to fall prostrate in
repentance before them; but the power of the Lord prevented her.
With other kings, thou didst bring glory to the heavenly Jerusalem, O
Edward, laying at the feet of the Lord the twofold crown of kingship and
martyrdom, and receiving fitting honor from Him.
Thou didst escape the vile pit of destruction, rendering justice and
righteousness and feeding the wretched, claiming for thyself a throne of royal
honor, O Edward most wise and right glorious.
Theotokion: May they who do not honor thee as the Theotokos be clothed
with shame and confusion, denounced by all creation, which unceasingly doth
hymn thee.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Celebrating the newly-established commemoration of the holy king Edward
who shone forth of old in the virtues and suffered in his innocence, and bowing
down before his precious relics, in gladness we cry out: truly wondrous art Thou
in Thy saint, O God!
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God
incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake
and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
Celebrating the memory of the holy Edward today, and honoring his light-
bearing relics, let us radiantly weave a wreath of hymns for the twice-crowned
king and passion-bearer, crying out to him with fervor: Cease thou never to
entreat Christ God, that He establish thy homeland in the Orthodox Faith!
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord,
and shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY, § 292 [II TIM. 2: 1-10]
Timothy my son: be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things
that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to
faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure
hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth
himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him
to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned,
except he strive lawfully. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker
of the fruits. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all
things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the
dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even
unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things
for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus with eternal glory.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, and like
a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of
our God shall they blossom forth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, § 63 [LK 12: 2-7]
The Lord said: there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither
hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness
shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets
shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not
afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed
hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows
sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even
the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more
value than many sparrows.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be, he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 4th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR BABYLAS, BISHOP OF
ANTIOCH THE GREAT COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY PROPHET MOSES THE
G OD - S E E R
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ..., 6 stichera: 3 for the hieromartyr, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
Having dyed thy sacred vestments * in thy blood, * thou didst enter into the
Holy of holies, * in that thou wast holy, O glorious Babylas, * ever manifestly
enjoying deification, * adorned and resplendent in martyrdom, * and showing
thyself to be an angel * through most pure communion. * Wherefore, we honor
thee * and lovingly celebrate * thy most sacred solemnity, * O right blessed one.
Fettered with irons, O venerable one, * thou didst walk without stumbling *
the path which leadeth to the city of heaven, * arrayed in honorable wounds * as
with ornaments, O Babylas most wise. * And entering it as a victor most true, *
an invincible martyr, * and a most sacred performer of sacred acts, * in a pure
manner thou dost offer up with the angels the divine hymn: * Holy, Holy, Holy
art Thou, O consubstantial Trinity!
Tending the reason-endowed flock, * O hierarch, * with the staff of
understanding, * thou didst nourish it with the verdure of faith, * didst save it
from wild beasts * and didst gladden God * Who shepherdeth thee from on high.
* Proclaiming Him before the ungodly, O blessed one, * thou wast slaughtered,
rejoicing, like an innocent lamb, * with the guileless youths, * and with them wast
offered up as a fragrant and unblemished sacrifice, * O most wondrous Babylas.
And 3 stichera for the prophet, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Called from on high ...":
Having studied the mysteries of God * and the wonders of His ineffable
beauty and glory, * O most lauded God-seer Moses, * thou didst proclaim them in
images * through shadows and indistinct forms. * Wherefore, through immaterial
things * and shadowy images * thou dost bring to us the concepts * of the primal
origin of the divine Effulgence. * Having acquired deification through the
promise and grace, * as a god, O blessed one, * thou didst triumph over Pharaoh.
* Pray thou in behalf of all who honor thee.
Having excelled in the virtues, * in a vision thou didst find thyself close to
God. * And having been amid the whirlwind and the darkness and in the midst
of the cloud, * thou wast wholly glorified. * Hence, thou didst receive the tablets
of the writing of God, * and like an angel * dost clearly shine forth with grace *
through the eyes of thy spirit * and those of thy body, * and dost cover the
blindness of false faith; * and, revealing God's revelation to the faithful, * thou
dost transmit it by thy words. * Pray thou, that we be saved.
Thou wast conversant * with the fiery and divinely wrought love of God, * O
thrice blessed Moses, * beholding Him face to face, * one upon the other. * And,
gazing upon thine own Creator, * thou didst manifestly behold His backparts in
His splendor, * learning through a crevice in the rock * of the future divine mani-
festation of the Word in the flesh. * Wherefore, like the all-wondrous pillar *
which all-gloriously went before the divinely wise people * thou goest before and
savest those who praise thee with faith.
Glory..., in Tone VI:
The Church hath acquired thy struggles as a stairway which mounteth on
high, O hieromartyr Babylas, and thou dost preserve it unharmed and un-assailed
by mighty wolves; it proclaimeth thy mighty deeds and magnifieth thee and the
children who were slain with thee for Christ, O blessed one.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
"Pondering Thy seedless conception and Thy painless nativity, I marvel
exceedingly. How is it, O my Son, that it is Thy will to die thus like a
malefactor?" the all-pure one cried out.
At the Aposticha: Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Standing before the tribunal of the tyrant and holding forth for piety, thou
didst cry out: "Behold, here am I and the children which God hath given me!"
Crowned with them in the heavens, O hieromartyr Babylas, pray thou
unceasingly, that our souls be delivered from the snares of the enemy.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Beholding the most iniquitous people who unjustly nailed Thee to the Tree,
the pure Virgin, Thy Mother, was wounded in her womb, as Symeon had
foretold, O Savior.
Troparion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood. O hieromartyr Babylas, entreat Christ God, that
our souls be saved.
And the troparion of the prophet, in Tone II
Celebrating the memory of Thy Prophet Moses, O Lord, through him do we
beseech Thee: save Thou our souls!
Or this troparion, in the same tone:
Thou didst ascend to the heights of the virtues, O Prophet Moses, for which
cause thou wast vouchsafed to behold the glory of God and didst receive the
grace-filled tablets of the law. And, bearing within thyself the lineaments of grace,
thou wast the honored boast of the prophets and the great mystery of piety.
AT MATINS
One canon from the Oktoechos, and two for the saints:
ODE I
Canon of the hieromartyr, the composition of John the Monk, in Tone VI:
Irmos: When Israel traversed the deep on foot as on dry land, beholding the
tyrant Pharaoh drowned, they cried out: Let us chant unto God a hymn of
victory!
Passing calmly over on thy blood, like Moses crossed the Red Sea, O blessed
Babylas, thou didst cry out to God the hymn of victory: Let us chant unto the
Lord, for He hath been glorified!
Thou didst overcome the desire for earthly things, submitting thy desire to the
Divine, that thou mayest live, O blessed Babylas who went forth td behold the
beauty of Christ.
As a lover of the all-divine Trinity, thou didst die, rejoicing, with the three
children, O blessed Babylas, ever guiding their souls with divine desire.
Theotokion: Having received thy Creator Who, in manner beyond
comprehension, was incarnate of thy seedless womb, O pure one, as He Himself
desired, thou wast truly shown to be the Mistress of all creatures.
Canon of the Prophet, the acrostic whereof is:
"Let Moses, the first among the prophets, be praised in discourse";
The composition of John the Monk, though the Theotokia are the work of Clement:
in Tone IV:
Irmos: Israel of old, traversing the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet,
vanquished the power of Amalek in the wilderness through Moses' arms
stretched forth in the form of the Cross.
Let Moses, the first among the prophets, be praised, for he was the first to
converse openly with God, face to face, not in indistinct images, but beholding
Him as in the guise of the flesh.
God gaveth thee to thy people Israel as a divine leader and deliverer, O God-
seer Moses, for thou didst pray to the Father, announcing thy birth through the
anointing of the promise.
Thy native virtues found thee to be a treasure of wisdom hidden by the
knowledge of God as in an ark, O God-seer Moses; wherefore thou wast reared
by the queen and divine providence.
Theotokion: Moses was stricken with fear, beholding the all-glorious vision of
old: the awesome mingling of bush and fire which prefigured the incorrupt God
Who would come forth from the Virgin Mother, and Whom, with the passing of
time, he would behold in the flesh.
ODE III
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hath exalted
the horn of Thy faithful, O Good One, and hast established us upon the
rock of Thy confession.
There is none as holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast lifted up the horn
of Thy faithful Babylas and crowned him with the crown of Thy confession.
Thy Cross was the might of the martyrs, O Lord, Who established the
children with the blessed Babylas and through them cast down the audacity of
the deceit of the ungodly.
The might of the devil hath utterly waned, O Christ; for the mighty one is
vanquished by the innocent children and the godly Babylas, and is driven away
by them in shame.
Theotokion: The wonder of thy divine birthgiving surpasseth every rank of
nature, O pure one; for thou didst supernaturally conceive God in thy womb,
and in giving birth remainest ever Virgin.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless are
girded about with power; wherefore my heart hath been made steadfast in
the Lord.
Thou wast filled exceedingly with ineffable knowledge, O God-seer, and the
Holy Spirit, through an angel, manifestly gaveth thee knowledge of events of the
past.
Splendidly bearing divine rays, thou didst astonish Egypt with divine signs,
most gloriously transforming the nature of the elements, O all-wise one.
The beauty of thy comeliness illumineth the splendid life with divine rays, O
blessed one, and draweth all to the beauty of God of which one can never have
enough.
Theotokion: Thou wast caught up in an awesome vision to behold a dread
vision, O all wise one; yet the Lord, Who was born in the flesh of the Virgin,
restrained thy voice.
Kontakion of the prophet, in Tone II:
Today the choir of the prophets rejoiceth with Moses and Aaron, for the end
of their prophecy hath found fulfillment in us: today the Cross shineth forth,
whereby Thou hast saved us. Through their supplications, O Christ God, have
mercy upon us!
Sedalion of the hieromartyr, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the divine Faith ...":
Pouring forth the confession of the Faith, thou didst extinguish the
deception of false religion, denouncing the ungodliness of idolatry; and as a
divine immolation, thou dost bedew the ends of the earth with miracles. O
venerable father, entreat Christ God, that He grant us great mercy.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the prophet, in Tone IV:
Piously acknowledging thee as among all the prophets, we, the faithful, praise
thee; for thou wast the first to behold God insofar as it is possible for man to
see Him.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Stretching forth thine all-pure hands, O Virgin Mother, protect those who
place their trust in thee and cry out to thy Son: O Christ, grant Thy mercies
unto all!
Stavrotheotokion: Beholding thy Son lifted up upon the Tree, O all-pure one,
thou didst cry out in distress, thy maternal womb rent asunder: "Woe is me!
How is it Thou hast set, O my timeless Light?"
ODE IV
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and Lord, the honored Church
chanteth in godly manner, crying out with a pure mind, keeping festival
in the Lord.
Christ is my power, my God and Lord, thou didst cry out before the tribunal,
undaunted by the threats of the tyrant, O hieromartyr Babylas, rejoicing in the
Lord.
Offering up the immaculate, awesome and un-bloody sacrifice to the Lord, in
the blood of thy martyrdom thou didst bring thyself to Him as an unblemished
holocaust, O hieromartyr Babylas.
Nurturing the young minds of the children on spiritual milk as a wise
pedagogue, O hieromartyr Babylas, thou didst guide them to perfection.
Theotokion: The mysteries of thy magnificent birth giving are truly ineffable
and unapproachable to those on earth and in heaven, O Ever-virgin Theotokos.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, lifted up upon the Cross,
the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy
power, O Lord!
When the impediment to thy speech and voice were removed by divine
providence, O God-seer, thou wast revealed as a proclaimer of the mysteries of
God by thy words and didst smite the Egyptians with plagues.
How glorious is thy calling, O God-seer! How awesome the working of thy
wonders! For God, He Who Is, appeared to thee, and, exalting thee with glory,
sent thee to Israel as its savior.
Thou didst strike down all the firstborn of Egypt, just as Christ slew the might
of the demons; for the things wrought by thee were truly an image of that which
was to come, O glorious one.
Theotokion: Moses heard the voice of God crying out from the flame in the
bush, saying: "Draw not nigh"; for the place holy in splendor prefigured Christ
Who would be born in the flesh of the pure one.
ODE V
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: With Thy divine light, O Good One, illumine the souls of those who
with love rise at dawn unto Thee, I pray, that they may know Thee, O
Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth them forth from the darkness
of sin.
Truly the hieromartyr Babylas received Thy divine grace from on high, O
Jesus, for he led young children to Thy love and the overcoming of death.
Illumined with Thy divine knowledge, O Lord, the hieromartyr Babylas taught
all to know Thee as the one God Who is Lord, and calleth us forth from darkness
and deception.
Foreordained by Thy divine election to shepherd Thy flock, O Word of God,
the hieromartyr Babylas offereth his own blood to Thee, wisely guiding all to the
path of salvation.
Theotokion: O good Mistress of the world, save those who with all their soul
confess thee to be the Theotokos; for thee do we have as an invincible
intercessor, who art the Theotokos.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Thou hast come into the world as Light, O my Lord, a holy light
which turneth from the darkness of unbelief those who confess Thee with
faith.
Thou strikest the Red Sea and makest great divisions with thy staff, O God-
seer, that therein thou mayest show forth the divine power of the Cross.
"O most lovely boldness! O pure purity of soul! For thou hast acknowledged
me beyond all others, appearing to me noetically!" the God-seer cried out to God.
Sheltered by the stone, thou didst not see the face of God, for it was hidden, O
God-seer, but didst recognize the incarnation of the Word in His back-parts.
Theotokion: Thou didst enter into the darkness with thy senses, and didst learn
ineffable things, O God-seer: that God the Savior would be born in the flesh of
the Virgin.
ODE VI
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the storm of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven, I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from
corruption, O greatly Merciful One!
Beholding the sea of life surging with the storm of deception, Babylas, the all-
glorious athlete, cried out: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful
One!
Emulating Christ, thou didst lay down thy life for thy flock, O glorious martyr
and athlete, blessed Babylas, and didst break down the walls of deception.
With his suffering the ever-memorable and all-glorious athlete Babylas wisely
rendered the unsteady minds of the children steadfast, guiding them from earth to
the life of heaven.
Theotokion: O all-pure Mistress who gavest birth to the Lord, the Helmsman
of mortals, calm thou the tumultuous and grievous turmoil of my passions and
grant tranquility to my heart.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: I shall sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church
crieth out to Thee, having been cleansed of the blood of demons by the
blood which, for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Having mustered Israel as a mighty army of God, thou didst destroy the evils
of the seven Canaanite nations, giving their land to the people for their
inheritance.
Ineffably entering the divine darkness into which God called thee, O Moses,
thou didst receive the tablets of the law which His finger inscribed, in that thou
wast His great favorite.
God appointed the God-seer Moses to listen to His voice, revealing Himself
to him, that he might show forth His dread mysteries with glory.
Theotokion: With a divine gesture the glorious Moses described thee
beforehand, O Theotokos, as the ark covered with the glory of God as with
gold, shining overall with the beams of the Spirit.
Kontakion of the hieromartyr, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "As first-fruits ...":
Illumined today, the church glorifieth thee as the preacher of piety and
confirmation of athletes, O glorious Babylas. As thou hast boldness before the
Lord, pray thou to Christ, O much suffering one, that He preserve those who
magnify and praise thee in perfect peace.
Ikos: Pondering the vanity of the world, and truly separate from the world,
thou didst emulate the sufferings of Christ and didst mortify the passions of the
flesh; and, taking up thy cross, thou didst follow after thy Creator, O martyr.
And now, abiding with Him, pray thou in behalf of those who truly honor thee,
O much suffering one.
ODE VII
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the
venerable children, and the command of God, consuming the Chaldeans,
compelled the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Beholding the youths and the wondrous Babylas as victors over deception,
the armies of heaven have cried out to Christ today, rejoicing: Blessed art Thou,
O Lord God of our fathers!
The radiant grace of the Master, descending, illumined the faithful, and the
glorious Babylas, having been crowned, commandeth those who suffer to cry
out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
The minds of the tyrants were at a loss how to help their false gods; but the
wondrous Babylas commandeth them to cry out to the All-holy Trinity: Blessed
art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Theotokion: Through thee, O Mother and Virgin, hath the radiant Light
shone forth upon the whole world; for thou gavest birth to God, the Creator of
all. Entreat Him, O most pure one, that He send down great mercy upon us, the
faithful.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, consumed more
by love of piety than by the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the
temple of Thy holiness, O Lord!
As the divine recorder of ineffable visions of God, O wise God-seer Moses,
devising by word the whole plan of the tabernacle thou didst commit its
fashioning to Bezalel the chief artisan.
When Korah dared to perform priestly ministry with thee, he was seen
carried down into Hades alive, when thou, O Moses, didst preserve the order of
sacrifice precious to God, and the kingdom and the priesthood.
When thou didst did command the army of the Hebrew people of old, O
Moses, Michael, the commander of the armies of heaven and the divine
guardian of thy body, appeared to thee; and he put to shame the author of evil
who opposed thee.
Theotokion: The divine rod of Aaron showed thee budding forth as the
loosing of the sins of all, O Theotokos; for thou wast for mortals the removal of
the dread threat of God, in that they had murmured against God.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: From the flame Thou didst pour forth dew upon the venerable
ones and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for
Thou, O Christ, doest all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do we
exalt supremely for all ages.
In the flame the youths were commanded to hymn God, the Father and
Creator, the consubstantial Son, and the divine Spirit: Let all creation bless the
Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The youths in the flame, O brethren, command that today the memory of the
hieromartyr Babylas be hymned: Bless the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him
supremely forever!
Crowned today with their elder, the young disciples of Babylas, the priest and
martyr, command that the hymn of the youths in the furnace be chanted: Bless
the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth in the flesh to God Who holdeth all things in
His hands, and didst bear Him in thine arms, O Virgin. Him do we hymn as
Lord, O ye works, and exalt supremely for all ages.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands in the pit, Daniel shut the lions' mouths;
and the youthful lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched the
power of the fire, crying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
In that thou art meek thou didst hearken, and by thy works didst truly become
the favorite of God. Wherefore, thou wast favored by the Lord more than all
other prophets, O Moses; and He abode with thee and taught thee to chant with
faith: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Manifest as an initiate of the mysteries of God, His minister, and the ruler of
Israel, O God-seer Moses, thou didst proclaim that Christ would come in the
flesh, describing His dread and divine advent by thyself; for thou wast manifestly
shown to be a faithful prophet and His animate image.
By the words of thy prophecy and through the precepts of the law, with faith
thou didst instruct the people, guiding them with signs, wonders and the
performing of miracles; for thou wast shown by God to be their leader, O God-
seer Moses. Wherefore, with great glory thou hast passed over to thy fathers.
Theotokion: No prophet heard ought before thee, O glorious God-see Moses,
thou favorite of Christ, for thou didst recount the whole dispensation of the
Virgin, describing beforehand her divine birthgiving; for in the flame of the bush
thou didst behold the visage of the Invisible One.
ODE IX
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: It is not possible for men to see God, upon Whom the ranks of the
angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, the Word
incarnate appeared unto men. And magnifying Him with the armies of
heaven, we call thee blessed.
Through the Cross God hath shown men the smooth path to the heights of
heaven. Wherefore, death is vanquished by mortals, for the young children and
the wondrous Babylas, whom we call blessed, were not afraid of it.
As Thou art light most pure, O Master Christ, cleanse my soul of the darkness
of the passions through the supplications of Thine athletes, Babylas and the
children. Celebrating their annual commemoration, we right gloriously hold
festival.
Resorting to the glorious church of the martyrs, let us draw forth healing of
our passions; for choirs of angels and the souls of all the righteous have come
thither with the heavenly Mistress and the wondrous Babylas, bestowing healings
upon all.
Theotokion: Ineffably conceiving in thy womb the Son Who shone forth
eternally from the Father, thou gavest birth to Him, O pure Mother of God. O
all-holy Virgin, entreat God Who alone loveth mankind, in behalf of thy
servants, that He save our race.
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, Who hath united two disparate
natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, without the aid of
man, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Even after thy death thou didst see the Lord, O God-seer, and not in dim
images as before thou didst in the rock; but thou didst behold Him as Christ in a
human body, illumining all with His divinity.
Mount Tabor hath achieved glory far surpassing that of Sinai, for there Moses
from among the dead and the Tishbite from the lands of the living, together with
the apostles, beheld Christ transfigured as God.
Save me by thy merciful supplication and the boldness of thy prayers, as thou
didst save Israel from misfortunes, O God-seer Moses, and save the fullness of
the Christian race from all harm, for it hymneth thee.
Theotokion: Of old, Moses described thee, O Virgin, as the golden jar, the
tablet of the law, and the divine table, manifestly indicating that God would be
born of thee. And having beheld Him in the flesh, with faith we conclude thy
hymnody.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "The heaven with stars ...":
O Babylas, thou wast shown to be both priest and sacrifice of God, offering
to Him the un-bloody sacrifice and being slain in thine own blood with the
blameless children. With them we now praise thee.
Theotokion:
Those who do not with pure faith venerate thine image and that of thy Son
and God, O Virgin, do thou cast down as impious and commit to Gehenna
AT LITURGY
Troparion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood. O hieromartyr Babylas, entreat Christ God, that
our souls be saved.
Troparion of the prophet, in Tone II
Celebrating the memory of Thy Prophet Moses, O Lord, through him do we
beseech Thee: save Thou our souls!
Or this troparion, in the same tone:
Thou didst ascend to the heights of the virtues, O Prophet Moses, for which
cause thou wast vouchsafed to behold the glory of God and didst receive the
grace-filled tablets of the law. And, bearing within thyself the lineaments of grace,
thou wast the honored boast of the prophets and the great mystery of piety.
Kontakion of the prophet, in Tone II:
Today the choir of the prophets rejoiceth with Moses and Aaron, for the end
of their prophecy hath found fulfillment in us: today the Cross shineth forth,
whereby Thou hast saved us. Through their supplications, O Christ God, have
mercy upon us!
Kontakion of the hieromartyr, in Tone VIII:
Illumined today, the church glorifieth thee as the preacher of piety and
confirmation of athletes, O glorious Babylas. As thou hast boldness before the
Lord, pray thou to Christ, O much suffering one, that He preserve those who
magnify and praise thee in perfect peace.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: In the saints that are in His earth hath the Lord
been wondrous; He hath wrought all His desires in them.
Stichos: I beheld the Lord ever before me.
EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE HEBREWS, § 330 [11: 33-40]
[These are they] who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire,
escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant
in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead
raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they
might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and
scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they
were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered
about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of
whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains,
and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report
through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing
for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He
delivered them out of all their tribulation.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, but the Lord shall deliver
them out of them all.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, § 67 [12: 32-40]
The Lord said: Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give
you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which
wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief
approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your
heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye
yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the
wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him imme-
diately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find
watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit
down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the
second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those
servants. And this know, that if the good man of the house had known what
hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his
house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man
cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the
upright.
THE 4th DAY OF SEPTEMBER AND THE 10th DAY OF DECEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIERARCH JOASAPH,
AT LITTLE VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," four stichera, in Tone I:
Let us chant a hymn of radiant festivity, O brethren, blessing the newly
manifest favorite of God and offering supplication to him, that he cleanse the
eyes of our hearts and enlighten our souls with the memory of his wonders.
O Joasaph, thou favorite of Christ, thou wast a struggler for all the virtues;
therefore, having endured tribulations on earth and received everlasting joy
from God in heaven, hearken to the entreaty of thy children, and beseech Him
to save and enlighten our souls.
O holy hierarch Joasaph, who didst love the poor and sorrowful and ever
offered up prayer for sinful people, thou thyself wast beloved of Christ. Be thou
mindful of us who honor thy struggles, and make supplication to the Lord, that
He save and enlighten our souls.
Who can count the multitude of healings which flow forth from thy
wonderworking relics, O favored one of Christ? Who will not marvel at thy
great assistance? What human heart is not moved to compunction by thy love?
Wondrously hath the word, Who enlighteneth and saveth our souls, been
glorified in thee!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
When thou didst study as a child, O venerable one, thou wast taken under
the protection of the Mistress Theotokos, as thy father was assured in a vision;
and when thou didst finish thine earthly life, another vision assured the people
that thy spirit is glorified by God. Pray thou in our behalf, O holy hierarch of
Christ, that our souls find mercy.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O Theotokos, thou art the true vine which hast budded forth for us the Fruit
of life. Thee do we beseech, O Mistress: Pray thou with the holy apostles, that
He have mercy upon our souls.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel: "O house of Ephratha ...":
O holy hierarch Joasaph, censer of unceasing prayer and most fervent
intercessor for the people: Reject us not who hymn thee, but be thou our
faithful helper.
Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments
shall he greatly delight.
Let us hymn Joasaph, the favorite of Christ, O brethren, moving him to pray
for us, that we be delivered from misfortunes and given repentance before the
end.
Stichos: Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy righteous
shall rejoice.
The praises of men are not enough for thee, O holy hierarch of Christ; for at
an early age thou wast borne witness to by the all-pure Theotokos as one
chosen of God.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
O venerable father, report of thy corrections hath gone forth into all the
earth. Wherefore, thou hast found the reward of thy labors in the heavens; thou
hast routed legions of demons and attained unto the ranks of the angels whose
life thou didst blamelessly emulate. As thou dost possess boldness before Christ
God, ask thou peace for our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Great gifts hast thou been vouchsafed, O pure Virgin Mother of God; for
thou gavest birth in the flesh unto One of the Trinity, Christ the Bestower of
life, unto the salvation of our souls.
Troparion, in Tone III:
O holy hierarch, beloved of Christ God, thou wast a rule of faith and model
of lovingkindness for men; thou didst shine forth like a beacon in vigil, fasting
and prayer, and hast been shown forth as glorified by God. Wherefore, abiding
in, incorruption in thy body, whilst standing in spirit before the throne of God,
thou pourest forth most glorious wonders. Entreat Christ God, that He
establish our homeland in Orthodoxy and piety, and save our souls.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone III:
We hymn thee who hast mediated the salvation of our race, * O Virgin
Theotokos; * for thy Son and our God, * accepting suffering on the Cross in the
flesh * He had received of thee, * hath delivered us from corruption, * in that
He is the Lover of mankind.
Or this Troparion, in Tone II:
O Joasaph, most excellent man of prayer from thy childhood, divinely elect
and holy hierarch of Christ, by thy pious life thou providest all with a rule of
faith and model of lovingkindness, and abundantly pourest forth healings upon
them that have recourse to thee with faith. Entreat Christ God, that He estab-
lish the right Faith, peace and piety in our homeland, and save our souls.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone II:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, * O
Theotokos; * for, thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, * thou art known to
be a true Mother, * having given birth unto God. * Him do thou entreat, that
our souls be saved.
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the introductory psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...,":
At "Lord, I have cried ...," eight stichera; four in Tone VIII:
Wondrous is God in His saints, Who worketh miracles among the
generations of Christians and revealeth His new chosen ones; for we now see
the favored one Joasaph glorified by Christ, illumining the Russian land with the
beauty of his virtues, and possessing great boldness, to grant peace to the whole
world and great mercy to our souls. (Twice)
The choir of Thy saints, O Lord, hath been augmented by the repose of Thy
holy hierarch Joasaph, whom the Church hymneth on earth; accept Thou his
prayers in our behalf, O Thou Who lovest mankind, as Thou hast great mercy.
As the darkness of the night doth thicken, the radiance of the stars
increaseth, and the eyes of them that are astray are lifted thereto; thus also as the
darkness of sin increaseth on earth, let us lift up our eyes, O brethren, and,
catching sight of the splendor of the virtues of the holy hierarch, let us make
haste to the heavenly homeland, whereof may the Lord, Who hath great mercy,
not deprive us sinners.
And these stichera, in Tone IV:
Rejoice, O sacred one, Joasaph, holy hierarch of God, divinely wise standard
of pastors and all-good instructor of monks! Rejoice, all-glorious healer of the
sick and merciful consoler of the sorrowful. Pray thou ever to the Lord, that we
may be emulators of thee and, having disdained all things sinful, may labor for
God alone. (Twice)
Rejoice, thou who didst oppose the passions and laborer of spiritual activity!
Rejoice, O righteous one, full of humbleness of mind, reprover of the prideful
of this world, and terrible punisher of the slothful! Cease thou never to pray to
the Lord for us, that we may be saved.
Rejoice, dweller in heaven, who regardest the earth with a merciful eye and
acceptest the supplications of them that hymn thee! Rejoice, thou who didst
ever lift thine eyes unto heaven and spurned earthly possessions! Teach us,
therefore, O holy hierarch of Christ, to acquire treasure in heaven and to behold
thy glory clearly there.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
With what hymns of praise shall we crown the holy hierarch of Christ, who
unceasingly declared the glory of the Lord and everywhere planted true piety,
the living tablet of the commandments of Christ, who gazed not upon the faces
of men, but led the souls of all to salvation? For with imperishable crowns doth
Christ our God, Who hath great mercy, crown him.
Now and ever ..., Dogmaticon, in the same tone:
Who will not call thee blessed, * O all-holy Virgin? * Who will not hymn thy
child-birth without labor? * For the only-begotten Son, who shone forth from
the Father before time, * came forth ineffably incarnate from thee, O pure
Maiden. * By nature he is God, by nature for our sakes, he hath become man *
not divided in a duality of persons, * but known without confusion in a duality
of natures. * O all-honored and all-blessed one, implore him to have mercy on
our souls.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Lessons:
READING FROM THE PROVERBS.
The memory of the righteous man calleth forth praises, and the blessing of
the Lord is upon his head. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man
that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the mer-
chandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than
rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Out of her mouth
truth proceedeth, and law and mercy she carrieth on her tongue. Hear me, then,
O children, for I will speak of excellent things; and happy is the man that will
keep unto my ways, for my paths are the paths of life, and the desire is
fashioned of the Lord. Wherefore, I entreat you and put forth my voice before
the sons of men, for I with wisdom set up everything; I have called forth
counsel, understanding and knowledge. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom,
mine is understanding and strength is mine. I love them that love me, and those
that seek me shall find grace. Understand, then, O ye simple, the cunning, and
ye uninstructed-direct your hearts unto it. Hearken unto me again, for I will
speak of honorable things, and the opening of my mouth shall be right things,
for my mouth shall speak truth and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All
the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or
perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to
them that find knowledge. For I will teach you the truth, so that your hope may
be in the Lord and ye may be filled with the Spirit.
READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON.
The mouth of the righteous droppeth wisdom, and the lips of wise men
know grace. The mouths of the wise do meditate wisdom, but righteousness
shall deliver them from death. At the death of a just man his hope perisheth not;
for a righteous son is born of life, and in his good works he taketh hold of the
fruit of righteousness. The righteous always have light, and from the Lord they
acquire grace and glory. The tongue of the wise knoweth what is good, and
wisdom resteth in their heart. The Lord loveth holy hearts, and all the blameless
are acceptable to Him in the way. The wisdom of the Lord enlighteneth the
countenance of the understanding; for she overtaketh them that desire her, and
is readily seen by them that desire her. Whoso seeketh her early shall have no
great travail; and whoso watcheth her shall quickly be without care. For she
goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, she manifesteth herself favorably
unto them in her ways. Vice shall never prevail against wisdom. For the sake
thereof I became a lover of her beauty, and sought her out from my youth; I
desired to make her my spouse, for the Master of all loved her. For she is privy
to the mysteries of the knowledge of God and a seeker of His works. Her labors
are virtues, she teacheth chastity and prudence, justice and fortitude, which are
such things as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. If a man
desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright
what is to come; she knoweth the subtleties of speeches and can expound dark
sentences; she foreseeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and
times. Unto all she is a counselor of good things, for there is immortality in her,
and glory in the communication of her words. Wherefore, I conversed with the
Lord and besought Him, and with my whole heart I said: O God of my fathers
and Lord of mercy, Who hast made all things by Thy word and ordained man
by Thy wisdom, that he should have dominion over the creatures which Thou
hast made, and that he may order the world in holiness and righteousness: Give
me wisdom which sitteth by Thy throne, and reject me not from among Thy
children, for I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid. Send her out of
Thy heaven, from Thy holy habitation and the throne of Thy glory, that being
present with me she may teach me what is well-pleasing in Thy sight. She shall
guide me to understanding and preserve me in her glory. For the thoughts of
mortal men are all miserable, and their devices are but uncertain.
READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON.
When the righteous is praised, the people will rejoice; for his memory is
immortality, because it is known with God, and with men; for his soul pleased
the Lord. Love wisdom, therefore, O men, and live; desire her, and ye shall be
instructed. For the beginning of her is love and the observation of the law.
Honor wisdom, that ye may reign forever. I will tell you, and will not hide from
you the mysteries of God, for He it is Who is the instructor of wisdom, the
director of the wise, the master of all understanding and activity. And wisdom
teacheth all understanding; for in her is a spirit understanding and holy, the
brightness of the everlasting light, and the image of the goodness of God. She
maketh friends of God, and prophets; she is more beautiful than the sun, and
above all the constellations of the stars; compared with the light, she is found
pre-eminent. She hath delivered from pain them that please her, and guided
them in right paths, given them knowledge of holy things, defended them from
their enemies, and given them a mighty struggle, that they might all know that
godliness is stronger than all; vice shall never prevail against wisdom, neither
shall judgment pass away without convicting the evil. For they said to
themselves, reasoning unrighteously: Let us oppress the righteous man, let us
not spare his holiness, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged, for our
strength shall be a law unto us; let us lie in wait for the righteous, for he is
displeasing to us, opposeth our doings, upbraideth us with our offending the
law, and denounceth to our infamy the transgressions of our training. He
professeth to have the knowledge of God, and calleth himself the child of the
Lord. He is become a reproof to our thoughts, and is grievous unto us even to
behold; for his life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion. We
are esteemed of him as counterfeits: he abstaineth from our ways as from
filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed, and maketh his
boast that God is his father. Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove
what shall happen in the end of him. For if the just man be the son of God, he
will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies. Let us examine
him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove
his patience. Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying
he shall be respected. Such things they did imagine, and were deceived: for their
own wickedness hath blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they knew
them not: neither bethought they that thou alone art God, who hast the power
of life and death, who savest in time of trouble, and deliverest from all evil: who
art compassionate and merciful, who givest grace to thy saints and opposest the
prideful with thine own arm.
At the Litia, the sticheron of the temple, and this of the hierarch, in Tone I:
It is fitting that He Who kept the virginal body of the holy hierarch intact
through everlasting incorruption be glorified; for, purified by the virtues of the
venerable one while he was yet alive, it becameth a temple of the Holy Spirit,
and after his repose it is shown to be a wellspring of miraculous gifts, marveling
whereat with compunction, let us send up supplication to the favorite of God
for the salvation of our souls.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
The Lord, Who is wondrous in His saints, was glorified in the life of the holy
hierarch Joasaph, and after his repose He worketh wonders through his
incorrupt relics, and teacheth countless people to believe and trust in the help of
heaven. Let us therefore make haste, O brethren, to seek the one thing needful,
and to cleanse our souls with repentance, invoking the aid of the holy hierarch,
and to glorify God Who is hymned in Trinity, forever.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone VI:
Christ the Lord, my Creator and Redeemer, * Who came forth from thy
womb, O all-pure one, * and clothed Himself in my nature, * hath freed Adam
from the former curse. * Wherefore, like the angel we unceasingly cry out to
thee, O all-pure one, * who art truly the Mother of God and Virgin: * Rejoice!,
O Sovereign Lady, * the intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VII:
Be ye adorned, O mansions of heaven! Throw yourselves wide, O portals of
the house of God. For, lo! the righteous soul of the holy hierarch is borne up
from the earth and given a dwelling place with the angels whom he had
emulated with his life. By his prayers, O Christ God, take pity and save our
souls.
Stichos: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart
shall be of understanding.
The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and no torment shall
touch them; thus the dead body of the righteous Joasaph remaineth untouched
by corruption and is shown to be a wellspring of grace for souls corrupted by
sins; it granteth health to the sick when they ask the prayers of the favorite of
God and have recourse with faith to his relics.
Stichos: The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom, and his
tongue shall speak of judgment.
Let us excel in piety, a brethren, for we see it crowned with everlasting glory;
let us despise pride and avarice, for the holy hierarch of Christ, spurning them,
hath received everlasting glory in heaven and on earth, and hath obtained a
treasure which cannot be taken away; wherefore, he hath acquired from God
the boldness to pray for sinful people and the grace of healings, that he may
teach the iniquitous the ways of God and turn the impious to the Lord.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Having recourse to thy protection, a Mistress, we mortals cry out to thee: a
Theotokos, our hope, deliver us from our measureless transgressions, and save
thou our souls!
Troparion, in Tone III:
O holy hierarch, beloved of Christ God, thou wast a rule of faith and model
of lovingkindness for men; thou didst shine forth like a beacon in vigil, fasting
and prayer, and hast been shown forth as glorified by God. Wherefore, abiding
in, incorruption in thy body, whilst standing in spirit before the throne of God,
thou pourest forth most glorious wonders. Entreat Christ God, that He
establish our homeland in Orthodoxy and piety, and save our souls.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone III:
We hymn thee who hast mediated the salvation of our race, * O Virgin
Theotokos; * for thy Son and our God, * accepting suffering on the Cross in the
flesh * He had received of thee, * hath delivered us from corruption, * in that
He is the Lover of mankind.
Or this Troparion, in Tone II:
O Joasaph, most excellent man of prayer from thy childhood, divinely elect
and holy hierarch of Christ, by thy pious life thou providest all with a rule of
faith and model of lovingkindness, and abundantly pourest forth healings upon
them that have recourse to thee with faith. Entreat Christ God, that He estab-
lish the right Faith, peace and piety in our homeland, and save our souls.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone II:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, * O
Theotokos; * for, thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, * thou art known to
be a true Mother, * having given birth unto God. * Him do thou entreat, that
our souls be saved.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...," the troparion of the hierarch, in Tone III:
O holy hierarch, beloved of Christ God, thou wast a rule of faith and model
of lovingkindness for men; thou didst shine forth like a beacon in vigil, fasting
and prayer, and hast been shown forth as glorified by God. Wherefore, abiding
in, incorruption in thy body, whilst standing in spirit before the throne of God,
thou pourest forth most glorious wonders. Entreat Christ God, that He
establish our homeland in Orthodoxy and piety, and save our souls. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone III:
We hymn thee who hast mediated the salvation of our race, * O Virgin
Theotokos; * for thy Son and our God, * accepting suffering on the Cross in the
flesh * He had received of thee, * hath delivered us from corruption, * in that
He is the Lover of mankind.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Let Joasaph, the holy hierarch of Christ, be magnified, and let him inherit the
everlasting kingdom prepared for him; for he served Christ faithfully, taking
care for the least of his brethren, and took the repentant into his love; and now
he prayeth for our souls. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O ye faithful, let us bless the Theotokos, the fervent aid of those in
misfortunes, our helper and reconciliation to God, by whom we have been
delivered from corruption.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
During thy life, O favored one of Christ, thou didst lay waste to thy body
with fasting and labors; wherefore, after thy death it blossomed with
incorruption and is become a wellspring of healings for the faithful. Earnestly
entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
As the most immaculate Bride of the Creator, as the Mother of the Deliverer
who knewest not man, as the dwelling place of the Most High, O most lauded
one, haste thou to deliver me, who am the polluted habitation of iniquities and
have in mind become the plaything of the demons, from their evil acts, making
me a splendid habitation of the virtues. O incorrupt receiver of the Light, dispel
the cloud of the passions, and vouchsafe unto me heavenly splendor and the
true radiance of Thy never-waning Light.
At the Polyeleos, this Magnification: We magnify thee, O holy hierarch
father Joasaph, and we honor thy holy memory; for thou dost entreat
Christ our God in our behalf.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
B: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be
of understanding.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Alleluia (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone II:
Come all ye faithful, and standing round the much-healing relics of the holy
hierarch, let us pour out our hearts in prayer, that he may remain with us in
spirit, may instruct us in good works, and teach us to vanquish the temptations
of the flesh and please God alone.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Without separating Himself from the divine Essence, the one Lord becameth
flesh in thy womb; yet in becoming man He remaineth God, and after thy
birthgiving preserved thee, His Mother, a Virgin most immaculate, as thou wast
before giving birth.
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV.
Prokimenon, in Tone I: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the
meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
"Let every breath praise the Lord."
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN [10:9-16].
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep
are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf
catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a
hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my
sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the
Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
After the Gospel, this sticheron, in Tone VI-
By unceasing prayer, instructive discourse, great lovingkindness and a
virtuous life wast thou a model for the faithful, O divinely wise Joasaph, leading
all to Christ and guiding them to the path of salvation. Deprive us not who with
faith honor thy memory, O great and holy hierarch of God, of thy chief
shepherd-ship.
Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos [the Paraklisis}, with six troparia; and
that of the holy hierarch, with eight troparia, the acrostic whereof is: "O holy
hierarch Joasaph, pray thou for the Tsar and the people." in Tone IV:
ODE I
Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou, I pray Thee,
the three parts of my. soul in the depths of dispassion, as of old Thou
didst drown the mounted captains of Pharaoh , that in the mortality of my
body, as on a timbrel, I may chant a hymn of victory.
Hymning the struggles of the holy hierarch Joasaph, let us cleanse the
thoughts of our mind, O brethren, moving him to prayer for the forgiveness of
our sins and gifts of grace-filled compunction.
Thy parents, having diligently striven to instill in thee piety from thine
infancy, O favored one of Christ, in thee acquired the worthy reward of their
labors; for from thy childhood thou wast a joy to them in thy pious demeanor.
Thy father emulated the righteous Anna, O holy hierarch; for she saw her
daughter led into the Holy of Holies, and he was vouchsafed in a vision to
behold thee crowned with hierarchical glory by the all-holy Theotokos.
I weep for myself, wretch that I am, having enslaved myself to the passions
from my youth. Have mercy on me in thine intercession, O holy hierarch, who
enslaved the passions to thy soul from thy youth and served God alone until thy
death.
Theotokion: Let us hymn the holy mountain, the transcendent chariot, the
Mother of God who remained a true virgin after giving birth.
Katavasia:
For September 4th: Tracing an upright line with his staff …
For December 10th: Christ is born, give ye glory …
ODE III
Irmos: Willingly didst Thou descend from on high to earth, O Thou Who
art more exalted than every principality, and from the uttermost depths of
Hades thou didst raise up lowly human nature; for there is none more
holy than Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Thou wast a child obedient to thy parents, O Joasaph, yet, loving God more
than them, thou didst depart from thy father's home for the sake of thy
salvation; and having received an education, thou didst confine thyself to a mo-
nastic community.
Thou didst show thyself to be a stranger to pharisaic pride, O venerable
father; and loving monastic humility from thy youth, thou didst humble thy
flesh with secret struggles and didst illumine thy soul by prayer before the
heavenly Father.
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, thou didst say to thyself, O
favorite of Christ; and when pangs wracked thy flesh thou didst add labors upon
labors for the sake of the Lord.
Having received holy obedience and been arrayed in priestly vesture, Joasaph
the favorite of Christ becameth a good instructor of children, teaching them
piety by word and life, and manifesting a mature mind in his early years.
Theotokion: O thou who knewest not wedlock, who gavest birth unto God
in the flesh, make me steadfast who am bowed down under the assaults of the
passions; for I have no helper save thee, a pure one.
Sedalion, in Tone VI:
What virtue did not find a dwelling place in thy soul? In what struggle wast
thou not a champion? For poverty of spirit, weeping for the kingdom of
heaven, meekness of demeanor, the pursuit of righteousness, lovingkindness
toward thy neighbor, and purity of heart shone forth in thy blameless life. Make
us who pray to thee to share in these gifts, and be thou an intercessor for our
souls, a Joasaph, thou chosen one of God. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O Thou Who didst call Thy Mother blessed, of Thine own will Thou didst go
to voluntary suffering, shining forth on the Cross, desiring to rescue Adam,
saying to the angels: Rejoice with Me, for I have found the lost coin! a our God
Who hast ordered all things with wisdom, glory be to Thee!
ODE IV
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine
is come upon a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm He hath saved
them that cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
I know the path which leadeth to salvation, but, woe is me, I do not
overcome my slothfulness! Wherefore, a holy hierarch, I invoke thee in prayer,
that thou mayest confirm in me the desire for salvation.
Trusting in the Lord, the Anchor of salvation, thou didst accept the abbatial
ministry; and compelled to deal with the cares of household order, yet thou
didst never cease to order thy soul for salvation. O venerable father, teach this
also to me who am exceeding vainglorious.
Adding labors upon labors, raising the Monastery of Lubensk up from
desuetude, and traveling about the land of Russia for alms, the holy hierarch
Joasaph established the Empress in piety and taught all the people of the
salvation of souls.
Possessing genuine love for the poor in his heart, Joasaph, the favorite of
Christ, exhibited paternal care for the monastery's laborers and showed his
compassion to his neighbors from the sufficiency thereof.
Theotokion: O most lauded Lady Theotokos, who hast cleansed my thought
by thy supplications, show me forth as right fruitful, O Mother of the God of
all.
ODE V
Irmos: Now I shall arise, now I shall be glorified, now I shall be exalted,
elevating the fallen human nature which I received from the Virgin to the
noetic light of My divinity! said God prophetically.
Thee do I entreat in contrition of heart, O holy hierarch of Christ; for as
during thy lifetime thou didst forgive the penitent, so also, beholding the
contrition of my heart, entreat Christ to grant forgiveness of my sins.
The hart maketh haste unto springs of water; and thou, O favored one, didst
ever direct all thy deeds and thoughts to the glory of the Church of Christ, and
thus didst adorn the monasteries of the holy hierarch Athanasius and the
venerable Sergius as much with the piety of the brethren as with the erection of
churches.
Hearken, ye people, and marvel at the humility of mind of the favorite of
God; for he beheld the holy Athanasius in a vision and when he asked,
answered him, saying: I wish thee to punish me as a sinner.
The Most High praised the young Solomon who asked not for riches, but for
wisdom from the Lord Who appeared to him, and the whole world glorifieth
him; but more wise even than him did Joasaph show himself to be, asking
punishment for his sins from the holy hierarch who appeared to him.
Theotokion: God becameth incarnate hypostatically, O pure one, united to
flesh received from thee; yet He remained immutable, being incorporeal in His
divine essence.
ODE VI
Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, within the whale the prophet
Jonah cried out, saying: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of
hosts.
Through the prayers of the venerable Sergius, and by thy labors for the glory
of the saints of God, and more through the purity of thy heart, thou wast
magnified by the Lord while yet on earth, O favorite of God, and wast invested
with the hierarchical rank unto the salvation of thy flock.
Thou didst show fiery zeal in the ordering of the Church in the region of
Belgorod, O holy hierarch Joasaph; wherefore, grant thou confirmation to the
Church and victory to our hierarchs over heresies and schisms.
Thou didst not shirk filial love whilst thou wast in the heights of the
hierarchy, and didst make a prostration to the ground to thy father, as Christ
was in thy midst; therefore, humble thou my most prideful heart, and by thy
supplications admonish me.
Thou didst remain an un-acquisitive monk on thy hierarchical throne, O holy
hierarch, increasing thy struggles of fasting and prayer, sending up good entreaty
for thyself and the people, and teaching the priests and all men the
commandments of God.
Theotokion: The incarnate Word of God, Who transcendeth all nature, didst
thou bear for us; wherefore, with lips and soul we proclaim thee the Theotokos.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Who can describe the divers struggles of thy life? Who can reckon the
multifarious mercies of God made manifest through thee? Knowing well thy
boldness before the all-pure Theotokos and our most compassionate God, in
compunction of heart we cry out to thee: Deprive us not of thy help and
assistance, O Joasaph, holy hierarch of Christ and wonderworker.
Ikos: O holy hierarch, who from thy youth wast chosen by the all-pure
Mother of God as a vessel of grace, by the piety of thy life thou wast shown to
be a truly good shepherd of the reason-endowed sheep; wherefore, thou hast re-
ceived the gift of healing from Christ our God Who loved thee. For this cause
we cry out to thee: Deprive us not of thy help and assistance, O Joasaph, holy
hierarch of Christ and wonderworker.
ODE VII
Irmos: The three youths in Babylon, having put to mockery the tyrant's
command, cried out amid the flame: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of
our fathers!
Let us marvel at the holy hierarch Joasaph , O ye people, knowing him to be
like the wonderworker Nicholas, visiting the hovels of the poor in secret, or
preparing firewood for them with his own hands, and even receiving beatings
from the gatekeeper.
Thou didst perceive the wounds of sin upon the souls of men, O holy
hierarch, and didst reprove their secret transgressions with love and
longsuffering; wherefore, by thy supplication lead us also to repentance and
correction of life, and have mercy on our souls in thine intercession.
Wretch that I am, I have likened myself to the governor who, being himself
iniquitous, showed himself to be exceeding cruel to prisoners; but as thou didst
set him aright by thine instruction, O father Joasaph, holy hierarch of Christ, so
teach me to be merciful to my neighbor and to be severe with myself.
O good warrior of the heavenly King and faithful shepherd of the flock of
Christ, make supplication for the Orthodox hierarchs and people, that, having
lived a peaceful life on earth, we may be accounted worthy of everlasting life in
heaven.
Theotokion: We all bless thee as the Mother who in thy womb conceived in
the flesh the God of all: God the Word, Who hath shone forth pre-eternally
from the Father.
ODE VIII
Irmos: O almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame
Thou didst bedew the pious youths and didst teach them to chant: Bless
and hymn the Lord, ye works!
As thou wast an emulator of that Athanasius who was beloved of thee, O
holy hierarch, thou didst strive to finish thine earthly life in the struggle of
wandering; and, foreseeing thine end, thou didst fearlessly undertake a lengthy
journey.
Taking leave of thy flock, thou didst say to the people: Ye shall not see me
alive again. Wherefore, thou didst command that a coffin be fashioned for thee
there as a token of fellowship. Teach us also to be mindful of the hour of death
and unceasingly to take care for our souls.
As great as was thy zeal for the monastic life, so great was thy love for thy
household; for thine own were not only thine according to the flesh, but in
spirit they were shown to be with thee in God. Wherefore, thou didst desire to
visit thy parents before thine end and to impart to them the blessing of God.
The abbot who struggled in asceticism near the place of thy righteous end
was informed in a vision of the hour of thy repose, and straightway becameth a
faithful witness to thy glorification by God. Show forth, then, the power of thy
prayer upon me, O favorite of Christ, and free me thereby from the tyranny of
the passions.
Theotokion: O most holy virgin, who gavest birth to God the Word in the
flesh, driving away the darkness of my soul by thy prayers, enlighten me who cry
out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
ODE IX
Irmos: Thy birthgiving was shown to be incorrupt; God came forth from
thy womb and appeared on earth as a mortal, and dwelt with men.
Wherefore, we all magnify thee as the Theotokos.
Love never faileth, saith the divine Spirit, and this truth was proclaimed in
the wonders of thy love, O holy hierarch of Christ, for from thine incorrupt
relics thou pourest forth healing upon the sick and consolation upon the
sorrowful.
From of old hath the southern borderland of Rus’ been filled with
thanksgiving for thy miracles; and in our times we have seen people hastening
thither from the remote lands of the north, and the suffering healed, rejoicing in
thine aid.
Suffering children didst thou love more than others, O holy hierarch of
Christ, increasing healing and gracious help for them and changing the sorrow
of their parents into joy.
The dead man arose on touching the bones of Elisha; and countless people
have been cured on venerating thy relics. Heal me also, who fall down before
thee, of sinful passions, and strengthen the faith of my greatly sinful soul, O
venerable father.
O Christ God, through the prayers of Joasaph thy favorite, grant peace to the
Church and prosperity to Orthodox Christians, deliverance from famine and
plague, and forgiveness of our sins.
Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth unto joy, the Fruit of thy womb
madeth him who sang aloud the hymn to thee: Rejoice! a member of the
heavenly choir.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel: "Hearken, ye women ...":
Let the radiant luminary Joasaph be hymned in the midst of the Church, as a
venerable monk and an honorable hierarch, a reprover of the foolish and a
teacher of the Faith, a physician of the ailing who workest wonders, an expeller
of demons and a most fervent intercessor for the whole world.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
The great and most glorious mystery of thy birthgiving, O divinely joyous
maiden, Mother of God and Virgin, the prophets proclaimed, the apostles
taught, the martyrs confessed, the angels hymn and men worship.
On the Praises, four stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
Venerating the relics of the holy hierarch of the Lord, * O ye faithful, * let us
cleanse ourselves of defilement of flesh and spirit, * and let us move our hearts
to compunction * with the memory of his wonders, * crying out fervently * to
Christ in repentance: * By the prayers of Thy favorite, O Lord, * set within us
the desire to emulate him. (Twice)
No one departeth from thee empty-handed, O Joasaph, holy hierarch of
God; for everyone receiveth healing of body and sanctification of souls if he
invoke thine aid with faith, and offering up repentance for his sins doth strive to
correct his life. This do thou teach us also, O holy one, and make supplication
for the salvation of our souls.
Bedewing our faces with tears of compunction, O ye faithful let us venerate
the incorrupt relics of the favored one as a river of miracles and an inexhaustible
wellspring of healings; for this most clear sign of divine power increaseth faith
in men's hearts in our age of little faith, bringeth the unbelieving to the Faith
and teacheth all to honor the holy hierarch of God.
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
O all-glorious wonder! O, the longsuffering of God for us sinners! For when
temptations have multiplied on earth and faith hath decreased exceedingly,
wondrous healings have increased through the relics of the hierarch. Behold,
therefore, ye people of Russia and all ye faithful children of the Church of
Christ, how much the prayer of a righteous man can accomplish, and how the
likeness of the wonders of old is made manifest to us today. Glory to Thee, O
Christ God, for Thou art He Who worketh wonders through the saints! Make
worthy of such grace us who have heard of and witnessed the miracles of the
holy Joasaph, deliver us from countless sins, and grant us the joy of Thy
salvation.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all
want and grief.
Great Doxology and Troparion. Dismissal.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia: four from Ode III and four from Ode VI
of the canon of the holy hierarch.
Thou wast a child obedient to thy parents, O Joasaph, yet, loving God more
than them, thou didst depart from thy father's home for the sake of thy
salvation; and having received an education, thou didst confine thyself to a mo-
nastic community.
Thou didst show thyself to be a stranger to pharisaic pride, O venerable
father; and loving monastic humility from thy youth, thou didst humble thy
flesh with secret struggles and didst illumine thy soul by prayer before the
heavenly Father.
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain, thou didst say to thyself, O
favorite of Christ; and when pangs wracked thy flesh thou didst add labors upon
labors for the sake of the Lord.
Having received holy obedience and been arrayed in priestly vesture, Joasaph
the favorite of Christ becameth a good instructor of children, teaching them
piety by word and life, and manifesting a mature mind in his early years.
Through the prayers of the venerable Sergius, and by thy labors for the glory
of the saints of God, and more through the purity of thy heart, thou wast
magnified by the Lord while yet on earth, O favorite of God, and wast invested
with the hierarchical rank unto the salvation of thy flock.
Thou didst show fiery zeal in the ordering of the Church in the region of
Belgorod, O holy hierarch Joasaph; wherefore, grant thou confirmation to the
Church and victory to our hierarchs over heresies and schisms.
Thou didst not shirk filial love whilst thou wast in the heights of the
hierarchy, and didst make a prostration to the ground to thy father, as Christ
was in thy midst; therefore, humble thou my most prideful heart, and by thy
supplications admonish me.
Theotokion: The incarnate Word of God, Who transcendeth all nature, didst
thou bear for us; wherefore, with lips and soul we proclaim thee the Theotokos.
Troparion, in Tone III:
O holy hierarch, beloved of Christ God, thou wast a rule of faith and model
of lovingkindness for men; thou didst shine forth like a beacon in vigil, fasting
and prayer, and hast been shown forth as glorified by God. Wherefore, abiding
in, incorruption in thy body, whilst standing in spirit before the throne of God,
thou pourest forth most glorious wonders. Entreat Christ God, that He
establish our homeland in Orthodoxy and piety, and save our souls.
Theotokion, in Tone III:
We hymn thee who hast mediated the salvation of our race, * O Virgin
Theotokos; * for thy Son and our God, * accepting suffering on the Cross in the
flesh * He had received of thee, * hath delivered us from corruption, * in that
He is the Lover of mankind.
Or this Troparion, in Tone II:
O Joasaph, most excellent man of prayer from thy childhood, divinely elect
and holy hierarch of Christ, by thy pious life thou providest all with a rule of
faith and model of lovingkindness, and abundantly pourest forth healings upon
them that have recourse to thee with faith. Entreat Christ God, that He estab-
lish the right Faith, peace and piety in our homeland, and save our souls.
Theotokion, in Tone II:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, * O
Theotokos; * for, thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, * thou art known to
be a true Mother, * having given birth unto God. * Him do thou entreat, that
our souls be saved.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Who can describe the divers struggles of thy life? Who can reckon the
multifarious mercies of God made manifest through thee? Knowing well thy
boldness before the all-pure Theotokos and our most compassionate God, in
compunction of heart we cry out to thee: Deprive us not of thy help and
assistance, O Joasaph, holy hierarch of Christ and wonderworker.
Prokimenon, in Tone I: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the medita-
tion of my heart shall be of understanding.
Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE HEBREWS [7:26-8:2]
For such a high priest became us, who is holy~ harmless, undefiled, separate
from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily, as
those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the
people: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh
men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was
since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the
things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a high priest, who is
set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of
the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Alleluia, in Tone II: The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom
and his tongue shall speak judgment.
Stichos: The law of God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be tripped.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN [10:9-16]
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for
the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep
are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf
catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a
hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my
sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the
Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there
shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 5th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY PROPHET ZACHARIAS & THE HOLY &
RIGHTEOUS ELIZABETH, THE PARENTS OF THE HONORABLE FORERUNNER
JOHN THE BAPTIST
AT VESPERS
We chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
At "Lord, I have cried ...", we chant 8 stichera: 4 for the prophet, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast granted a sign ...":
With the oil of anointing and holy vesture upon thyself, * O ever-memorable
Zacharias, * thou didst minister unto God like an angel, * mediating, O blessed
one, * between the Creator and His creation, * and manifestly receiving the
words of the divine Spirit. * Wherefore, we call thee blessed, * and celebrate
today thy holy festival, * glorifying the Savior. (Twice)
O divinely inspired Zacharias, * thou didst behold born of a maiden * a Babe
Who is equally unoriginate with the Father; * and unto thine own child thou dost
prophecy manifestly beforehand: * "A prophet shalt thou truly be, * preparing
His ways!" * With him we call thee blessed * and in sacred manner we celebrate
thine honored festival, * O God-bearer who art most rich.
Thou wast the living and animate temple * of the divine Spirit; * and,
ministering unto God * with a pure heart, O glorious one, * in the midst of the
temple thou wast unjustly slain, * finishing thy godly course in martyrdom, O
right-glorious one. * Wherefore, with thine own blood * thou hast entered into
the temple of heaven, * entreating cleansing for our souls.
And 4 stichera of the righteous Elizabeth, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
When thou didst call the Virgin who greeted thee * the Mother of thy Lord, *
thou didst behold in her virginal womb * Him, incarnate, Whose goings forth are
from before time began. * Pray with her, O righteous Elizabeth, * that He save
our souls. (Twice)
"Blessed is the Fruit of the Virgin's womb, * Who filleth all things!", * thou
didst exclaim, O all-blessed Elizabeth, * moved thus to say by the Spirit of God.
* Wherefore, honoring thee in hymns, * we magnify God Who is worshiped in
Trinity.
That which was said by the Lord * became reality in the Virgin, * for she gave
birth to Jesus Who saveth His people from their sins. * "He shall be the
fulfillment of those things which were said to her," * thou didst exclaim, inspired
by the Holy Spirit, O Elizabeth. * Wherefore, we crown thee with wreaths of
praise, as is meet.
Glory ..., the composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
Truly arrayed in the vestments of the priesthood of the law, thou didst serve
according to the order of Aaron; and, standing in the temple, thou didst clearly
behold the countenance of the angel, O all-blessed one. Wherefore, hymning thy
repose as is meet, O Zacharias, we all praise with songs thee who, in thine old
age, begat the glorious John. Entreat thou the merciful God for us, that we be
saved.
Now & ever ..., the Dogmatic Theotokion in the same tone:
In His love for mankind, the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt
among men; for He Who received flesh from the pure Virgin and cameth forth
from her having received human nature, is the only Son of God, two in nature
but one in hypostasis. Therefore, proclaiming Him to be perfect God and perfect
man, we confess Christ our God. Him do thou beseech, O Mother unwedded,
that our souls find mercy!
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM GENESIS
God appeared to Abraham by the oak of Mamre, as he sat by the door of his
tent at noon. And he lifted up his eyes and beheld, and lo! three men stood
before him; and having seen them, he ran to meet them from the door of his
tent, and did obeisance to the ground. And he said: "Lord, if indeed I have
found grace in Thy sight, pass not by Thy servant. Let water now be brought,
and let them wash your feet, and do ye refresh yourselves under the tree. And I
will bring bread, and ye shall eat, and after this ye shall depart on your journey,
on account of which refreshment ye have turned aside to your servant." And He
said: "So do, as thou hast said." And Abraham hasted to the tent, to Sarah, and
said to her: "Hasten, and knead three measures of fine flour, and make cakes."
And Abraham ran to the cattle, and took a young calf, tender and good, and
gave it to his servant, and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter and milk,
and the calf which he had dressed; and he set them before them, and they did
eat, and he stood by them under the tree. And He said to him: "Where is Sarah
thy wife?" And he answered and said: "Behold! in the tent." And He said: "I will
return and come to thee according to this period seasonably, and Sarah thy wife
shall have a son." And Sarah heard at the door of the tent, being behind him.
And Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in days, and the custom of women
ceased with Sarah. And Sarah laughed in herself, saying: "The thing hath not yet
happened to me, even until now, and my lord is old." And the Lord said to
Abraham: ''Why is it that Sarah hath laughed in herself, saying: 'Shall I then
indeed bear? But I am grown old.' Shall anything be impossible with the Lord?
At this time I will return to thee seasonably, and Sarah shall have a son."
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JUDGES
And there was a man of Zorah, of the tribe of Dan, and his name was
Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bore not. And an angel of the Lord
appeared to the woman, and said to her: "Behold, thou art barren and hast not
borne; yet thou shalt conceive a son. And now be very cautious, and drink no
wine nor strong drink, and eat no unclean thing; for behold! thou art with child,
and shalt bring forth a son; and there shall come no razor upon his head, for the
child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to save
Israel from the hand of the Philistines." And the woman went in and spoke to
her husband, saying: "A man of God came to me, and his appearance was as of
an angel of God, very awesome; and I did not ask him whence he was, and he
did not tell me his name. And he said to me, 'Behold! thou art with child, and
shalt bring forth a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat no
unclean thing; for the child shall be holy to God from the womb until the day of
his death'. And Manoah prayed to the Lord and said: "I pray Thee, O Lord my
Lord, concerning the man of God whom Thou sentest. Let him now come to
us once more, and teach us what we shall do to the child about to be born."
And the Lord heard the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came yet again
to the woman; and she sat in the field, and Manoah her husband was not with
her. And the woman hasted, and ran, and brought word to her husband, and
said to him: "Behold! the man who came in the other day to me hath appeared
to me." And Manoah arose and followed his wife, and came to the man, and
said to him: "Art thou the man that spoke to the woman?" And the angel said:
"I am." And Manoah said: "Now shall thy word come to pass. What shall be the
ordering of the child, and our dealings with him?" And the angel of the Lord
said to Manoah: "Of all things concerning which I spoke to the woman, she
shall beware. She shall eat of nothing that cometh of the vine yielding wine, and
let her not drink wine or strong liquor, and let her not eat anything unclean; all
things that I have charged her she shall observe." And Manoah said to the angel
of the Lord: "Let us detain thee here, and prepare before thee a kid of the
goats." And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah: "If thou shouldest detain me,
I will not eat of thy bread; and if thou wouldst offer a whole-burnt offering to
the Lord, thou shalt offer it." For Manoah knew not that it was an angel of the
Lord. And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord: ''What is thy name, that when
thy word shall come to pass, we may glorify thee?" And the angel of the Lord
said to him: "Why dost thou thus ask after my name, whereas it is wonderful?"
And Manoah took a kid of the goats and its meat offering, and offered it on the
rock to the Lord; and the angel wrought a miracle; and Manoah and his wife
were looking on. And it came to pass when the flame went up above the altar
toward heaven, that the angel of the Lord went up in the flame; and Manoah
and his wife were looking, and they fell upon their faces to the earth.
A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS
And Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and stood before the
Lord; and Eli the priest was on a seat by the threshold of the temple of the Lord.
And she was very much grieved in spirit, and prayed to the Lord, and wept
abundantly. And she vowed a vow to the Lord, saying: "O Lord God of Sabaoth,
if Thou wilt indeed look upon the humiliation of Thy handmaid, and remember
me, and give to Thy handmaid a man-child, then will I indeed dedicate him to
Thee till the day of his death; and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and
no razor shall come upon his head." And it came to pass, while she was long
praying before the Lord, that Eli the priest noticed her mouth. And she was
speaking in her heart, and her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; and Eli
accounted her a drunken woman. And the servant of Eli said to her: "How long
wilt thou be drunken? Take away thy wine from thee, and go out from the
presence of the Lord!" But Hannah answered and said: ''Nay, my lord. I live in a
hard day, and I have not drunk wine or strong drink, and I pour out my soul
before the Lord. Count not thy handmaid for a pestilent woman, for by reason
of the abundance of my importunity I have continued my prayer until now."
And Eli answered and said to her: "Go in peace: the God of Israel give thee all
thy petition, which thou hast asked of Him." And she said: "Thy handmaid hath
found favor in thine eyes." And the woman went her way, and entered into her
lodging, and ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was no more
sad. And they rose early in the morning, and worshiped the Lord, and went their
way. And Elkanah went into his house at Ramah, and knew his wife Hannah;
and the Lord remembered her, and she conceived. And it came to pass when the
time was come, that she brought forth a son, and called his name Samuel, and
said: "Because I asked him of the Lord God of Sabaoth."
At Litia, the sticheron of the temple, followed by these stichera, in Tone VI:
Seeing Jesus, John cried out: "Behold the Lamb of God!" fulfilling the
prophecy of Isaiah.
Thy son was the last of the prophets, O Elizabeth. Wherefore, the people call
thee blessed, as is meet.
Jesus, Who is the Lord of lords and Master of masters, bowed His head
beneath the right hand of thy son. Great is thy glory, O right-laudable Elizabeth!
The voice of one crying in the wilderness denounced the boastful Pharisees,
saying unto them: "O generation of vipers, bring forth fruits worthy of
repentance!" And he worshiped the Master. Of such a son art thou the mother,
O holy Elizabeth!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Keeping the commandments of God, thou didst bring forth the fruit of living
faith which dwelt within thee, O divinely wise Elizabeth. With what worthy
hymns, with what worthy praises can we, the faithful, crown thee?
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Christ the Lord, my Creator and Deliverer, Who came forth from thy womb,
O all-pure one, and robed Himself in me, hath freed Adam from the curse.
Wherefore, like the angel do we unceasingly cry out to thee, O most pure one,
who art truly the Mother of God and Virgin: "Rejoice! Rejoice, O Mistress, thou
intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!"
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I:
Thou art worthy of many praises, O divinely wise Elizabeth, who art called
righteous by the world of God, thou who walked in the commandments of the
Lord and art moved by the mercy of God.
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Walking in the commandments of the Lord, O most glorious Elizabeth, thou
didst have unfeigned love for God and unfeigned love for thy neighbor. And, lo!
the fruit of thy faith was made reality. Wherefore, holding festival, we call thee
blessed.
Stichos: Blessed is the man who feareth the Lord; in His commandments
shall he greatly rejoice.
An all-glorious fruit of the womb was given by the most compassionate God
to thee, a woman barren and past childbearing: the preacher of repentance.
Wherefore, calling thee blessed, we magnify the almighty mercy of God.
Glory ..., to the prophet, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone II:
As a pure priest thou didst enter into the holy of holies and, clad in sacred
vesture, didst blamelessly minister unto God, observing the law like Aaron and
leading the tribes of Israel like Moses, in the pure signaling of the little bells.
Wherefore, thou wast slain. But thy righteous blood hath become for us a
saving healing, and like fragrant myrrh it openeth deaf ears to the way of
everlasting life. O thrice blessed Zacharias, father of John the Baptist and
husband of Elizabeth: pray thou earnestly in behalf of our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
O new wonder greater than all the wonders of the past! For who hath ever
known a mother to give birth without having known a man, and to bear on her
arm Him Who sustaineth all creation? Yet it was the will of God to be born. O
all-pure one, who bore Him in thine arms as an infant and hast maternal
boldness before Him, cease not to pray in behalf of those who honor thee, that
He have compassion and save our souls.
Troparion of the saints, in Tone II:
Celebrating the memory of Thy righteous ones, Zacharias and Elizabeth, O
Lord, through them do we entreat Thee: Save Thou our souls!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos;
for, thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, thou art known to be a true
Mother, having given birth unto God. Him do thou entreat, that our souls be
saved.
AT MATINS
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Great is the love for mankind which the all-good God hath toward mortals,
and which He showed forth upon thee, O Elizabeth, in that it was His will, in
His ineffable goodness, that thou be with Zacharias. What thanksgiving is due
to Thee, O Merciful One! What hymns can we, Thy sinful servants, offer to
Thee, O Master? (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Through the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, Who cameth from on high,
O most immaculate one, didst thou conceive and bear Him Who hath existed
from before the beginning of time. Let creation hold festival, praising thee and
magnifying thine all-glorious birthgiving; and let her who hath borne the
Deliverer of our souls, the only blessed one, chant, made glad by spiritual joy.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Samuel was a most welcome gift to the barren Hannah, and unto thee, O
righteous Elizabeth, was the namesake of grace bestowed most joyously.
Wondrous is Thy mercy unto men, O God! Glory to Thy many compassions!
Glory to Thy lovingkindness! (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O Mother who hast not known wedlock, thy womb hath been shown to be
the cherubic throne of the unapproachable God; for thou alone art the
dwelling-place of God, having given birth unto God incarnate Who delivereth
His servants from all sins. Wherefore, meet it is to call thee blessed with heart
and lips.
Polyeleos, and this Megalynarion: We magnify you, O holy and righteous
Zacharias and Elizabeth, and we honor your holy memory; for ye entreat
Christ our God in our behalf.
Selected Psalm Verses:
A: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and wrought
redemption for His people.
B: And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His
servant David.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia ..., Glory to Thee O God! (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Blossoming forth in the statutes of God with the all-blessed Zacharias, O
most lauded Elizabeth, offshoot of the daughters of Aaron, thou wast moved
by the hand of God. Entreat the all-good Master that we sinners may also offer
the good fruit of living faith. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Thou alone art the Mother of God, thou alone art ever-virgin. O all-pure
Bride of God, in that thou gavest birth as a virgin, and remainest incorrupt.
Wherefore, the ranks of angels and men magnify thee.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV: In the saints that are in His earth hath the Lord
been wondrous; He hath wrought all His desires in them.
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE. § 2 [LK. 1: 5-25]
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named
Zechariah, of the course of Abijah: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron,
and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God,
walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And
they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; and they both were now
well stricken in years. And it came to pass that while he executed the priest's
office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the
priest's office. his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the
Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time
of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the
right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was
troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not,
Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son,
and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and
many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and
shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy
Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall
he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and
power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the
Lord. And Zechariah said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am
an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said
unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak
unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be
dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed,
because thou believest not in my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
And the people waited for Zechariah, and marveled that he tarried so long in
the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they
perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he beckoned unto them,
and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his
ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those
days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying: Thus
hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein He looked on me, to take away
my reproach among men.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone I:
That which was said by the Lord became reality in the Virgin, for she gave
birth to Jesus Who saveth His people from their sins. "He shall be the
fulfillment of those things which were said to her," thou didst exclaim, inspired
by the Holy Spirit, O Elizabeth. Wherefore, we crown thee with wreaths of
praise, as is meet.
Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos [the Paraklisis], with 6 troparia, including its
Irmos; canon of the prophet, with 4 troparia; and canon of the righteous woman,
with 4 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Prophet Zacharias, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and
escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our
Deliverer and God!
By thy mediation, O prophet, impart unto me the grace of the Spirit, to help
me praise thy memory, crying out: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!
Thy life was found to be blameless, and thou wast arrayed in the vesture of
the priesthood and the luminous splendors of prophecy, O divinely eloquent
and blessed one.
Having thy head adorned with the crown of the law, O Zacharias, thou wast
shown to be sacred, crying out: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!
Theotokion: Clad in the vestment of the full-length tunic like Aaron, thou
didst receive the Maiden who sprouted forth from the root of Jesse and bore
the Deliverer in her womb.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: To Him Who hath crushed battles with His arm, and led Israel
across the Red Sea, let us chant, as to God our Deliverer: For gloriously
hast Thou be glorified!
Thou didst have true love for God, O right loving Elizabeth, preserving His
commandments; for he truly loveth God who keepeth His commandments.
Wherefore, we magnify thee, the beloved of God, with praises.
We who are saved by grace must please God with virtues, just as Elizabeth
walked in the commandments of the Lord blamelessly, whom let us bless with
hymns, as is meet.
O God Who dost accomplish all things, Thou didst manifest Thine almighty
mercy in the blessed Elizabeth. We offer thee thanks for all Thy works.
Theotokion: Giving birth to Isaac, Sarah rejoiced; and when thou, O Virgin,
didst give birth to the Lord Jesus, it was fitting that thou rejoice yet more, O all-
pure one.
ODE III
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those who have recourse to Thee, O
Lord. Thou art the light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
When thou didst offer the incense of the covenant, O high priest, then didst
thou receive the prophetic proclamation of the Forerunner.
The priesthood anointed thee with oil to serve as priest, like Aaron.
Wherefore, thou wast counted worthy to behold an angel.
Zacharias begat John, the dawn which announced to the whole world Thee,
the noetic Sun, O Savior.
Theotokion: Set my life aright, O most pure Theotokos, thou life which filled
with light the house of Zacharias.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: My heart is established in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God;
my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies. I am glad in Thy salvation.
In the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit called thee and Zacharias righteous, O
blessed Elizabeth, saying that ye were righteous in the sight of God. The Messiah
is the truth for us from God, and therefore, by the Messiah wast thou justified.
Who will not magnify thee with hymns of praise?
Not everyone who liveth is justified in God's sight; but thou wast righteous,
O ever-memorable Elizabeth. The Lord Jesus is sanctification for all. Let each of
us praise thee as holy.
O God Who art wondrous in Thy saints, Thou wast wondrous also in the
blessed Elizabeth. We offer unto Thee, the Most Compassionate One, a hymn of
thanksgiving.
Theotokion: The barren Sarah, giving birth in her old age, was blessed to be a
mother. We are at a loss, O all-pure one, how to praise thee, Mother and Virgin,
as is meet.
Kontakion of the prophet, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "Today the Virgin ...":
Today Zacharias, the prophet and high priest of the Most High, the father of
the Forerunner, setteth the table of his memorial, feeding the faithful; for he
hath distributed the food of righteousness unto all. Wherefore, he hath reposed
as a divine initiate of the mysteries of the grace of God.
Ikos: The high priest of the law was bound by silence, receiving, with the
barren and chaste Elizabeth, the angel of the coming of Christ, the prophet and
initiate of the mysteries, by the voice of the angel. And by his nativity hath grace,
deliverance and our universal reconciliation been renewed. As a divine initiate of
the mysteries of the grace of God his preaching is the Lamb and Creator, the Re-
newer of nature, Who giveth fruit from the barren womb and is the Son of the
Virgin.
Sedalion of the prophet, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which hath been commanded ...":
Having ministered to God as a priest according to the law, O Zacharias, thou
wast shown to the whole world as a pillar of light, prophesying that Christ would
come forth from the Virgin, incarnate of the Holy Spirit, the Orient from the
heights of righteousness, Who doth illumine all the world, direct our feet to the
ways of peace, and save our race, thou didst say.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the righteous Elizabeth, in Tone IV:
When the Messiah was already incarnate, we listened to thee, His first herald,
when, with awe, thou didst say unto the divinely chosen Maiden who embraced
thee: "Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?"
Wherefore, praising thee, we cry aloud: Rejoice, thou mirror revealing the
mysteries of God to us!
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
We, thy sinful servants, saved by thee through the Son Who was born of thee,
confess thee to be our Mistress, O Theotokos; for having given birth inaccessibly
unto God Who cleanseth us of every sin by His own blood and bringeth us into
the joy of paradise, in gladness we praise thee and Him.
ODE IV
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Thy prophet, O Master, faithfully ministered unto Thee with the symbols of
the law and was counted worthy of the grace to perceive Thy truth.
Thou, the most brilliant and all-blessed one, didst receive light through
darkest light; for through the law grace hath now been added unto thee.
Announcing, the divine Gabriel, who standeth before God, revealed to thee
the voice and Forerunner of the Word, O blessed one.
Theotokion: The Fashioner of creation, Who loosed the barrenness of
Elizabeth, found thee, O Virgin, to be a pure habitation, and dwelt therein.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: With noetic eyes the Prophet Habbakuk foresaw Thy coming, O
Lord; wherefore, he cried aloud: Glory to Thy power! Glory to Thy
condescension!
As the wife of Zacharias, thou didst walk blamelessly in all the
commandments; but there were others, virgins, who possessed not the oil of the
virtues. Better is thine appellation than their virginity. Let people of every age
glorify thee!
Paul, betrothing the faithful to Christ, referred to the married as a pure virgin,
saying: I have betrothed you a pure virgin to one Husband. How much more
hath God joined to the wise virgins thee who hast walked in all His
commandments, O divinely wise Elizabeth. Wherefore, we praise thee as is meet.
Thou, O God, hast shown the blessed Zacharias and Elizabeth, who walked
in the commandments of the Lord, to be a model of how to please Thee, like
unto the pillar of fire and the cloud when Israel was journeying to the promised
land. Ineffable is Thy love for man- kind, O almighty Master!
Theotokion: The birth of Isaac removed the reproach of childlessness from
his mother and magnified her with glory; and when the Holy One was born of
thee, O all-pure Virgin and Mother, He brought thee pristine glory. Let every
mortal glorify thee!
ODE V
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Rising at dawn, we cry to Thee: O Lord, save us! For Thou art our
God, and we know none other besides Thee.
Upon thy head, O prophet, was the mitre placed which bore the impress of
the true and divine priesthood.
Creation rejoiceth in thine offspring, O high priest; for thou didst beget the
preacher of repentance.
Thou didst lead a life adorned, for with Elizabeth thou didst keep all the
commandments of the Lord.
Theotokion: Thy tongue is directed toward hymnody, O divinely eloquent
one; for thou didst behold her who knoweth not wedlock bearing a Child within
her womb.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: Grant us peace, O Lord our God. O Lord our God, take us for Thy
possession. O Lord, besides Thee we know none other; we call upon Thy
name.
To him whom God, through His angel, spake in the prophecy of Malachi,
saying: "Behold, I will send Mine angel before Thy face", didst thou, a barren
woman, give birth, O Elizabeth. We crown thee with worthy praises.
The voice of God crying in the wilderness is born of thee, O most honored
Elizabeth. Wherefore, who will not praise thee as the mouth of God?
As once from a barren rock Thou didst pour forth water for Thy people, O
God, so from the barren Elizabeth Thou hast given the preacher of repentance.
O almighty Master, most glorious are all Thy works!
Theotokion: Two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, did the barren Rachel bring
forth as fruit; and she is honored for her goodly offspring. And thou, a Virgin,
gavest birth to Him Who is one in Hypostasis but two in essence. Ineffable is
thy glory, O Mother of Emmanuel.
ODE VI
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O most merciful Christ our God, Who
wrappest Thyself in light as in a garment.
He who served the shadow of the law was shown to be a preacher of grace,
O our Savior; for he was counted worthy to behold Thine incarnation.
Adorned with words of judgment, O sacred Zacharias, thou didst receive the
ever-existing Word wearing flesh.
Thou wast shown to serve God in the temple as a right wondrous priest, O
divinely inspired initiate of the mysteries of God.
Theotokion: Thou wast recognized by the prophetess Elizabeth, O Virgin
Mother of God, bearing the unoriginate Word and Savior in thy womb.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: Like the waters of the sea am I tossed about by the waves of life, O
Thou Who lovest mankind. Wherefore, like Jonah I cry to Thee: Lead up
my life from corruption, O compassionate Lord!
When John was in thy womb, O holy Elizabeth, seeing His Savior he, the
babe, did leap. Blessed is thy womb which made manifest the babe who
recognized Jesus as his salvation.
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit against all desires, O all-blessed Elizabeth,
thou didst name thy son John. Let everyone praise thee, the instrument of the
Holy Spirit.
O God, Thou didst show forth Elizabeth's conceiving as an image of Thine
own inconceivable birthgiving from the Virgin. Glory to Thy mighty wisdom!
Theotokion: When he was born of Rachel, Benjamin caused his own mother's
death; but the Word Who was born of thee is the true life of all. Him do thou
beseech, that we who place our trust in Him may have everlasting life.
Kontakion of the Righteous Elizabeth, in Tone IV:
Like the full moon, thou didst receive the light of righteousness from the
Messiah, the noetic Sun, O Elizabeth beloved of God, and with Zacharias didst
walk in all the commandments of the Lord. Wherefore, blessing thee with
worthy hymns, we magnify the Lord, the most compassionate Light, Who
illumineth all.
Ikos: As God once inscribed His commandments upon two tablets of stone,
so hath He illumined you with His grace, O blessed Zacharias and Elizabeth; for
ye walked blamelessly in His commandments. Therefore, praising you worthily,
we magnify the Lord of all, the most compassionate Light Who illumineth all.
ODE VII
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot
and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord
God, forever!
When the voice of one crying in the wilderness came forth from the barren
woman supernaturally, he loosed the bonds of thy tongue that thou couldst cry:
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
The Forerunner, the beloved friend of the Bridegroom, was born of a barren
woman, manifestly proclaiming the birthgiving of the Virgin unto those who cry
out with faith: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
O thrice-blessed Zacharias, thou wast wholly a divine instrument of the Spirit,
and didst proclaim thy son to be a prophet, who crieth: Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God, forever!
Theotokion: Zacharias, beholding thee, recognized thee as the fulfillment of
the law, the chief object of all prophecy, O Maiden, and he cried out: Blessed is
the fruit of thy womb, O all-pure one!
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: The Chaldean furnace, kindled with fire, was bedewed by the Spirit
through the presence of God; and the children chanted: Blessed art Thou,
O God of our fathers!
O divinely wise Elizabeth, thou teachest us to give thanks unto God, saying of
thy birthgiving: "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me!" And therein thou wast a
teacher instructed by God.
He whom the angel, within the sanctuary, told Zacharias to call John, thou
didst thus name, instructed by God, when he was born of thee for all people.
Thy tongue is like unto the angels', O ever-memorable Elizabeth.
As when God, making the heavens heavy with manna, let it fall upon His
people in the wilderness, so hath He given us John, the herald of grace, through
the blessed Elizabeth. Great is Thy mercy toward men, O God!
Theotokion: Giving birth to Isaac, a prefiguration of Christ, Sarah said: "The
Lord hath made laughter for me!" But do thou, O most lauded Mother and
Virgin, who gavest birth to Him Whom Isaac prefigured and yet hast remained
Virgin, rejoice yet more.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the holy mountain and Who
revealed the mystery of the Ever-virgin to Moses through the fire in the
bush, hymn ye and exalt supremely for all ages!
Thou wast shown to be a prophet of the truth, for thou didst prepare John
the Forerunner to tread first the paths of Christ, O blessed high priest. Him do
we exalt supremely for all ages.
Giving voice in speech, thou didst bless the Master, the Lord of glory Who
hath bestowed salvation upon us, Who shone forth upon us in the flesh from
David. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.
Thou was counted worthy of great gifts, O divinely revealed one, begetting
the Forerunner, the greatest of all the prophets, who hymneth and exalteth the
Lord supremely for all ages.
Theotokion: Rejoicing, Zacharias, the high priest and preacher of God, paid
homage to the Virgin and Mother who beareth the Lord of creation. Her do we
exalt supremely for all ages.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: O Thou Who coverest Thy chambers with waters and settest the
sands as a bound for the sea: Thee doth the sun hymn; Thee doth the
moon glorify; and unto Thee doth all creation offer a hymn forever, as to
the Creator of all!
As God said of His Church: "Thou art all-comely, my beloved, and there is no
blemish in thee", so art thou also blameless, O righteous Elizabeth. In that the
Lord Jesus is the sanctification of His faithful, we magnify thee as all-comely.
The people saw thee, who didst walk in all the commandments of the Lord,
freely justified by the grace of God, O right blessed Elizabeth. Wherefore, it is
meet to glorify the mercy of God in thee.
Elizabeth was the first proclaimer of the mystery wrought in Thee, O Jesus,
when she said: "Blessed is the Fruit of the Virgin's womb, Who is Lord and
God!" Behold the working of Thy wisdom! Glory to Thy love for mankind!
Theotokion: The birth of Samuel from his barren mother did away with the
tears of her eyes and brought her joy; and the Lord born of thee is the cause of
joy for the whole world. We magnify thee unceasingly with hymns, O Virgin
Mother.
ODE IX
Canon of the Prophet
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be the true
Theotokos, magnify thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Thou wast filled with the inspiration of the Comforter and didst begin to
bless the Lord, O divinely wise initiate of the sacred mysteries, divinely blessed
one.
Perceiving the fulfillment of the archangel's words, O all-praised and divinely
eloquent one, thou didst straightway move thy tongue to blessing.
Thou wast adorned with crowns of suffering and the priesthood and with the
enlightenment of prophecy, O all-blessed Zacharias, divinely eloquent one.
Theotokion: As thou art the dwelling-place of the Light, O Virgin, illumine my
soul which hath been darkened by the passions, and by thy supplications deliver
me from the outermost darkness.
Canon of the Righteous Elizabeth
Irmos: Foreign to mothers is virginity, and strange is childbirth to virgins;
yet both were accomplished in thee, O Theotokos: Wherefore, all we, the
tribes of the world, unceasingly magnify thee.
Believing the Messiah Who had come to be thy Lord, and keeping the
commandments of the Lord, thou didst please Him well, O Elizabeth.
Wherefore, entreat the all-good Master for those who bear thy name and all who
praise thee, that their souls may be saved.
He who keepeth the commandments of God hath God promised to love and
appear to him; wherefore, thou art loved by God, O Elizabeth, who didst walk in
His commandments. Entreat the All-good One in behalf of those who bear thy
name, that they may love God and be loved by His lovingkindness.
Elizabeth, the kinswoman of Mary, gaveth birth, though barren and bereft of
children. Thou didst magnify Thy mercy with her, O God, and every good work
is from Thee. Glory to Thine ineffable compassions!
Theotokion: Sampson, shown from his youth to be strong, was the glory of his
barren mother. And in Jesus Who was born of thee is all the fullness of the
Godhead embodied. We magnify thee, who art more glorious than all the saints,
O all-pure Virgin.
Exapostilarion of the prophet:
Spec. Mel.: "O Light immutable ...":
At first, thou wast struck mute in the holy of holies, by the voice of the angel,
for the springing forth from thee of the voice of one crying in the wilderness;
and now thou art silent for his sake, slain, O Zacharias, before the holy of holies.
Glory ..., Exapostilarion of the righteous Elizabeth:
Spec. Mel.: "The heaven with stars ...":
Thou wast the glory of barren mothers, the model of virtues for sinners, O
blessed Elizabeth, keeping the commandments of the Lord. We glorify the
goodness of God made manifest in thee.
Now & ever …, Theotokion:
Having shone forth eternally, Light from Light, before the morning star, O
Word, Thou didst come forth as Light, immutably, under time, from Thy
Mother, illumining the ends of the world with radiant effulgence, as Thou art the
Light of the world.
On the Praises, 4 stichera of the righteous Elizabeth, in Tone I:
The barren and childless Elizabeth didst Thou bless with fertility, O God, that
Thou mayest reveal Thine almighty goodness. By Thy grace, have compassion
upon us, who every day are withered by sins, that we may be aright fruitful tree,
O Omnipotent One. (Twice)
The ever-memorable couple walked blamelessly in Thy commandments and
through Thy grace were righteous in Thy sight, O Compassionate One. All this
was Thy mercy, O Master. Glory to Thy compassionate lovingkindness!
God Who worketh within you that which He willed to accomplish, O right
blessed couple, made you heirs to the Kingdom in His great mercy. Glory to
Thee, O most merciful Master!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
The greatest born of women is named by eternal Wisdom and hath come forth
from thee, a barren woman, O God-loving Elizabeth. Let the faithful rejoice in
the ever-memorable one, magnifying our Benefactor!
Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
He Who is hymned by the seraphim and borne up by the cherubim chose the
womb of the pure divine Maiden as a most beautiful throne. Wherefore, we send
up to Thee this hymn of thanksgiving: Glory to Thee, O Thou Who alone lovest
mankind! Glory to Thee, O Jesus all-sweet! Glory to Thee, O all our hope! Glory
to Thee, salvation of the faithful! Glory to Thy compassionate dispensation!
Great Doxology, and the dismissal.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 for the prophet, from Ode III, and 4 for the
righteous woman, from Ode VI.
When thou didst offer the incense of the covenant, O high priest, then didst
thou receive the prophetic proclamation of the Forerunner. (Twice)
The priesthood anointed thee with oil to serve as priest, like Aaron.
Wherefore, thou wast counted worthy to behold an angel.
Zacharias begat John, the dawn which announced to the whole world Thee,
the noetic Sun, O Savior.
When John was in thy womb, O holy Elizabeth, seeing His Savior he, the
babe, did leap. Blessed is thy womb which made manifest the babe who
recognized Jesus as his salvation.
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit against all desires, O all-blessed Elizabeth,
thou didst name thy son John. Let everyone praise thee, the instrument of the
Holy Spirit.
O God, Thou didst show forth Elizabeth's conceiving as an image of Thine
own inconceivable birthgiving from the Virgin. Glory to Thy mighty wisdom!
Theotokion: When he was born of Rachel, Benjamin caused his own mother's
death; but the Word Who was born of thee is the true life of all. Him do thou
beseech, that we who place our trust in Him may have everlasting life.
Troparion of the saints, in Tone II:
Celebrating the memory of Thy righteous ones, Zacharias and Elizabeth, O
Lord, through them do we entreat Thee: Save Thou our souls!
Kontakion of the prophet, in Tone III:
Today Zacharias, the prophet and high priest of the Most High, the father of
the Forerunner, setteth the table of his memorial, feeding the faithful; for he
hath distributed the food of righteousness unto all. Wherefore, he hath reposed
as a divine initiate of the mysteries of the grace of God.
Kontakion of the Righteous Elizabeth, in Tone IV:
Like the full moon, thou didst receive the light of righteousness from the
Messiah, the noetic Sun, O Elizabeth beloved of God, and with Zacharias didst
walk in all the commandments of the Lord. Wherefore, blessing thee with
worthy hymns, we magnify the Lord, the most compassionate Light, Who
illumineth all.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall rejoice in the Lord, and
shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, §314 [HEB.6: 13-20]
For when God made promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no
greater, He sware by Himself, saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and
multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he
obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for
confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more
abundantly to show unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of His
counsel, confirmed it by an oath: that by two immutable things, in which it was
impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for
refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor
of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest for ever
after the order of Melchizedek.
Alleluia, in Tone VII: A light hath dawned for the righteous man.
Stichos: And gladness for the upright of heart.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, § 96 [MT. 23: 29-39]
And Jesus said: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye
build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and
say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers
with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnessed unto
yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up
then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye
escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and
wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of
them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the
blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zechariah son of Barachias, whom ye
slew between the temple and the altar. Verily I say unto you, all these things shall
come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the
prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have
gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her
wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say
unto you, ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that
cometh in the name of the Lord.
Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for
the upright.
THE 6th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE MIRACLE PERFORMED BY THE ARCHANGEL
MICHAEL AT COLOSSAE, WHICH IS ALSO KNOWN AS CHONAE.
COMMEMORATION OF THE MARTYR EUDOXIUS AND THOSE WITH HIM.
AT VESPERS
"At Lord, I have cried ..." , 6 stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As valiant among the martyrs ...":
O Michael, supreme commander, * shown forth as a most radiant intercessor
before the three-Sunned Godhead, * thou dost cry out, rejoicing with the
heavenly hosts: * Holy art Thou, O Father! * Holy art Thou, O co-unoriginate
Son! * Holy art Thou also, O Holy Spirit! * One glory, * one Kingdom and
nature, * one Godhead and power! (Twice)
Thine aspect is fiery, * and thy beauty wondrous, * O Michael, first among
angels, * for in thine immaterial nature * thou dost transcend the ends of the
earth, * fulfilling the commandments of the Creator of all, * known in the
power of thy might, * making thy church a wellspring of healings, * revered in
thy holy name. (Twice)
O Thou Who, as it is written, * doth make Thine angels spirits * and Thy
ministers a flame of fire: * amid the ranks of Thine archangels, O Lord, * Thou
hast shown forth as preeminent * Michael, the supreme commander, * who
doth obey Thy behest, O Word, * and with fear doth utter * the thrice-holy
hymn unto Thy glory. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone VI, the composition of the Byzantine:
Rejoice with us, all ye angelic legions, for the great supreme commander,
your superior and our intercessor, appearing most wondrously this day in his
honored temple, doth sanctify it. Wherefore, chanting as is meet, let us cry
aloud to him: Cover us with the shelter of thy wings, O Michael, thou greatest
of the archangels!
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Rejoice with us, all ye choirs of virgins, for our intercessor, mediator,
protection and great refuge doth today on her divine and honored feast comfort
the sorrowful. Wherefore, hymning her at length as is meet, let us cry aloud:
Protect us with thy divine intercession, O all-pure Mistress Theotokos!
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ..., Now and ever ...;
In Tone VIII, the composition of John the Monk:
O supreme commander, as general, champion and chief of the angels, from
all want and grief, from afflictions and grievous sins do thou free them that
hymn and beseech thee with faith, O glorious one, for thou art manifestly
immaterial, beholding the Immaterial One, illumined with the unapproachable
light of the Master's glory. For in His love for mankind He took flesh of the
Virgin for our sake, wishing to save the human race.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Supreme commander of the armies of Heaven, we, the unworthy, do ever
entreat thee, that by thy prayers thou dost ever surround us with the protection
of the wings of thine immaterial glory, preserving us that earnestly fall down
before thee and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that thou art the
leader of the hosts on high.
AT COMPLINE
Canon to the Martyr Eudoxius, chanted in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land and escaped
the evil of Egypt, the Israelites cried aloud: Let us chant unto our
Deliverer and God!
O ye that desire to proclaim the glories of the martyrs, come, let us all praise
Eudoxius, great among martyrs, holding festival with cymbals as did David.
Throughout the whole world went the impious command not to worship the
living God, but idols. But thou, O martyr, didst worship thy God, the God of
heaven.
Glory ...O martyr Eudoxius, thou glory of the pious, true to thy name, amidst
the unjust judges that wounded thee didst thou confess Christ God Who is
unoriginate.
Now and ever ...O Mother that knewest not a husband, the ranks of angels
and men unceasingly praise thee, for thou didst bear their Creator in thine arms
as a babe.
ODE III
Irmos: O Christ, Who in the beginning established the heavens in wisdom
and founded the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast upon the rock
of Thy commandments, for none is holy as Thee, O Thou that alone
lovest mankind.
Like a lamb wast thou led to the slaughter, O martyr Eudoxius, neither
protesting, nor crying out, O most blessed one, emulating the life of Christ thy
Teacher. Wherefore, thou hast received unending glory.
To them that served idols thou didst cry out, O martyr: My God liveth
forever, but your gods are the works of men's hands; falling, they cannot rise up,
for they are inanimate, graven images!
Glory ...The arts of the enemy hast thou cast down, establishing thy mind
upon the rock of the Church of Christ. Wherefore, thou didst cry out: This
corruptible life do I leave for life everlasting!
Now and ever ...God the Word, equally enthroned and everlasting with the
Father, wishing to restore the first of our race, took Adam's hypostasis of thee,
O pure one, finding thee to be the most holy of all women, O Mother of God.
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Thou didst denounce the deception of them that sought to force thee to
renounce everlasting life and to love a life of vanity.
Wounded, thou didst rejoice in the Word Who was slain in the flesh for our
sake, and thou didst cry out to thy tormentors: My sufferings are undeserved!
Glory ... The gods whom ye serve have mouths, yet cannot speak! thou didst
exclaim, O Eudoxius. Let them that fashion them be like unto them!
Now and ever ... As Thou art sinless, O Unknowable One, grant us
purification, and calm Thou the world, O God, through the prayers of her that
gaveth Thee birth.
ODE V
Irmos: Illumine us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thy lofty
arm grant us Thy peace, O Lover of mankind!
Thou art my strength! Thou didst cry out, O Eudoxius. O Christ God Who
suffered in the flesh, make me steadfast, for, lot I suffer in torment.
Thou art a treasury of entreaties, O Christ God! Disdain me not! didst thou
cry amid the tortures, O Eudoxius, stout of heart.
Glory ... Fearing neither the sword nor the fire, Eudoxius cried out to the
tormentor: Behold, I have the mighty strength of the God I serve!
Now and ever ... Heal thou the weakness of my passions, O pure one, making
me worthy of thy visitation, and by thine entreaties grant me health.
ODE VI
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions, and lead
me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou
hast heard me, O God of my salvation.
Neither the sword, nor fire shall separate me from the love of Christ; and I
hold your threats to be like the prating of children! didst thou cry out with faith
to them that sought to compel thee to sacrifice.
I fear that tormenting fire which cannot be quenched, and I desire life which
cannot be taken away! thou didst cry out to the tormentor, O Eudoxius. Behold,
O thou that woundest my body, I shall not serve thine idols!
Glory ... The gods whom thou dost worship are gold and silver. They have
mouths, but speak not; ears have they, yet hear not; legs they have, but cannot
walk. But my God is the Creator of all! thou didst exclaim.
Now and ever ... By thy prayers may we be delivered from grievous
transgressions, O pure Theotokos, and may we acquire the radiance of the Son
of God Who was ineffably incarnate of thee, O all-holy one.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Having amassed heavenly riches, thou didst scatter them, offering them to
the poor; and thy bread didst thou give unto the hungry. Wherefore, having
acquired incorruptible life, thou didst shine forth in thy confession of Christ.
Therefore, taking courage and suffering under the law, thou hast received from
God a crown for thy labors, O passion-bearer Eudoxius. Entreat Christ God,
that He grant remission of sins unto them that with love honor thy holy
memory.
ODE VIII
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the
pious ones; but seeing them saved by a greater power, he cried out to the
Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people,
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Thou didst sail across an abyss of wounds and didst attain unto the harbor of
life, O Eudoxius; and, receiving a crown of patience, with the angels thou dost
unceasingly cry: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him
supremely for all ages!
To a place of rest hath Christ brought thee out who passed through fire and
water, O blessed one; and rejoicing therein with the angels, O wise martyr,
unceasingly thou dost chant a hymn to the Trinity: Ye children, bless; ye priests,
hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Glory ... Thou didst destroy the noetic serpent with the help of the King of
heaven, O glorious one; and receiving a crown of victory and patience,
unceasingly thou dost cry out with the immaterial ones: Ye children, bless; ye
priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Now and ever … The thrice-radiant Godhead which shineth forth in a single
ray with one nature in three hypostases: the unoriginate Father, the Word of one
essence with the Father, and the consubstantial Spirit Who reigneth with them,
ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt supremely for all ages!
ODE VII
Irmos: The children that went down from Judea in Babylon once trod
down the flame of the furnace by their faith in the Trinity, saying: O God
of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Emulating the patience of the three youths, O most wise Eudoxius, thou
didst not bend thy knee to the false image, but didst cry aloud with fervent faith:
O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Acquiring the invincible aid of grace, O martyr Eudoxius, thou didst firmly
cast down the legions of the enemy, and having vanquished them thou didst cry
aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Glory ... Aflame with the love of divine desire, O martyr Eudoxius, thou didst
openly abominate transitory attachments, and, receiving thy reward, thou didst
cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Now and ever ... Our all-good God, wishing to restore him that had fallen
through deception, is incarnate and born of the Virgin and doth deify mankind.
ODE IX
Irmos: Heaven is struck with awe, and the ends of-the earth are amazed
that God hath appeared to men in the flesh, and that thy womb hath
become more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the legions of men
and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.
The armies of the angels were struck with awe, and the assemblies of men
were amazed that while possessing a corruptible and transitory nature thou didst
show the demons to be wretched and weak; and with faith thou didst cry out: I
shall serve the Trinity! Holy art Thou, O my Glory!
Blessed art thou, O martyr Eudoxius, and glorified for all generations, for in
no wise sparing thy flesh, thou didst endure torments for Christ's sake and didst
not bow down to graven images. Wherefore, the ranks of angels, clothed in the
raiment of incorruption, have crowned thee.
Glory ... By thy prayers unto God, O martyr Eudoxius, do thou rescue from
every attack of the enemy them that with faith keep the memory of thy
sufferings, that he may not boast over us; for, as a martyr, this thou art able to
do, having received a reward for thy sufferings from the Most High.
Now and ever ... O Virgin Mother of God, thou art revealed as her that gaveth
birth in the flesh unto God the Word, to Whom the Father, in that He is good,
gaveth utterance from His own heart before all the ages, and Who is now
known to be higher than all bodies, even though He hath clothed Himself in a
body.
Stichera to the martyr, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
For thy virtues thou didst receive from the Savior grace befitting thy name, O
martyr Eudoxius, and right boldly thou didst exchange thy life for the glory of
martyrdom, and joining chorus with the angels in the heavens thou hast now
been glorified as is meet.
For the severing of thy neck for the sake of thy faith thou didst crown thy
head with a heavenly crown, O most blessed Eudoxius. Wherefore, cease not in
thy prayers to Christ, that He remember us that keep thy memory, O glorious
martyr.
Spurning wealth and this transitory life, O Eudoxius, like Moses thou didst
reckon the bearing of Christ's burden a divine boast greater than the glory of the
world, O glorious one, approaching tortures and trials even to the shedding of
thy blood.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Tempest-tossed upon the deep of transgressions, and fleeing to the calm
haven of thine all-pure entreaty, I cry out to thee, O Theotokos: Stretch forth
thy mighty right hand to thy servant, and save me!
Or this Stavrotheotokion:
Standing at the Cross of thy Son and God, and beholding His longsuffering,
thou didst say, lamenting, O pure Mother: Woe is me, O my Child most sweet!
What are these things which Thou sufferest unjustly, O Word of God? Mayest
Thou save humanity!
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without the troparia to the martyrs, and this canon
to the archangel, with six troparia, the acrostic whereof is: "I hymn the first of the
bodiless intelligences," the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV:
ODE I
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and it will be filled with the Spirit, and I
shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear
radiantly keeping festival, and rejoicing shall I hymn her wonders.
O supreme commander of the armies of heaven, ever illumined with divine
splendors, enlighten my mind, that I may hymn thee, O thou who art the
confirmation of them that have recourse unto thee.
The all-unoriginate Mind showed thee, O most glorious supreme
commander, to be the general of the supra-mundane ranks, a light unto them
that are in darkness and a divine adornment of His Church.
Surpassing the heavenly intelligences in spirit, O most eminent Michael, thou
wast given to them below as a wall of defense, confirmation, a weapon which
slayeth and destroyeth the enemy.
Theotokion: O all-immaculate Virgin, thou splendor of the angels and aid of
men, help me who sail the sea and ever venture into the tempest of sin and
danger.
ODE III
Irmos: Not in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in wealth do we boast, but in
Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, for none is holy
save Thee, O Lover of mankind.
With divine might dost thou encircle all the earth, O most praised chief
among the angels, rescuing us that call upon thy divine name from the cruel
enemy.
O supreme commander of God, of aspect most divine, thou hast been a
divine herald, an undaunted intercessor for the faithful, a guide to them that are
astray and an instructor.
Thou wast a most pure mirror of the splendor of God, radiantly reflecting
the manifestation of the honored Spirit, O right wondrous Michael, first among
the angels.
Theotokion: He that by His own will wrought the immaterial intelligences
made His abode within thy divine womb as was His desire, O all-immaculate
one. The Un-seeable is seen in the flesh.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Having become, as is meet, the leader of the ranks of heaven and minister of
the glory of God, by the command of thy Creator, thou art a saving mediator,
watching over mortals with thine immaterial glory. Wherefore, we all praise thee
as is due, chanting the hymns of thy divine feast today, O supreme commander
Michael. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to them that
lovingly hymn thy divine wonders.
Glory ...; another Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "The choir of angels ...":
The choir of angels, having the divine Michael as its supreme commander,
doth with him offer unceasing hymnody unto the Holy Trinity, for the Creator
of all by His word brought the fiery ranks out of non-existence.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O all-holy Virgin, hope of Christians, with the hosts on high do thou
unceasingly entreat Him Whom thou didst bear in manner past understanding
and recounting, that He grant the remission of all our sins and correction of life
unto them that with faith and love ever glorify thee.
Or this Stavrotheotokion: The unblemished ewe-lamb, beholding her Lamb
and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, weeping, declared and maternally
exclaimed: O my Son, my God most good, how canst Thou endure Thy descent
and Thy voluntary sufferings?
ODE IV
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine
hath come on a light cloud and with His incorrupt arm hath saved them
that cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
Being Thyself the supreme Intelligence, by Thy will Thou didst create the
divine intelligences and in their midst didst set Michael as a leader illumined
with most blessed fellowship and radiant with the noetic ordinances of God.
O Michael most glorious, thou dost give utterance unto a holy hymn with the
thrones, principalities, powers, authorities and sacred dominions, saving us that
hymn thee.
We magnify the Creator and Lord of all Who, in His lovingkindness hath
given us the luminous supreme commander Michael as a safeguard most great,
an unassailable rampart and tower.
Theotokion: Of old the teacher of sacred truths noetically described the
mystery of thy birthgiving, O Virgin, beholding thee most clearly in the Spirit as
a mountain overshadowed, whence our holy God hath come forth incarnate.
ODE V
Irmos: The impious do not perceive Thy glory, O Christ, but, waking at
dawn out of the night, O Only-begotten One, we hymn Thee, the
Radiance of the Father's glory, O Lover of mankind.
O incorporeal Michael, supreme commander of the angels, thou didst appear
leading Israel of old at the command of Him Who hath come forth out of Jacob
and hath appeared unto men in the coarseness of a body.
Ever deified by immaterial splendors by partaking of the divine, and
wondrously amazed, thou dost bestow enlightening radiance upon us, O thou
that art first among the angels.
Thy divine temple is adorned with grace, for, entering therein, thou didst
show it forth as an abyss of healings and a destroyer of passions, O Michael,
first among the angels.
Theotokion: God hath shown thee to be more exalted than the noetic angels,
having made His abode in thy womb, O pure and all immaculate one. Him do
thou ever beseech, that He spare them that hymn thee.
ODE VI
Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, within the whale the prophet
Jonah cried out, saying: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of
hosts!
The multitude of the faithful rejoiceth, praising thee, O Michael, and it doth
glorify the all-holy Word Who in His goodness hath united men and angels.
Thou didst save the armies of Israel, revealing thyself and transmitting the
commands of God, O supreme commander; and thou didst cast down the
enemy and didst utterly destroy them.
Seized with fear and reverence, Joshua, son of Nun, bowed down when he
beheld, thee, O chief of the angels, asking thine honored and holy name.
Theotokion: Blessed are the people that ever bless thee, O blessed one, who
gavest birth unto the blessed God, Who, in His lovingkindness, hath deified
mortal man by an ineffable union.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
O chief commander of God, minister of glory divine, captain of the angels
and instructor of men: beg thou great mercy and that which is profitable for us,
for thou art the supreme commander of the bodiless hosts.
Ikos: In Thy Scriptures, O immortal Lover of mankind, Thou didst say that a
multitude of angels rejoiceth in heaven over one man that repenteth. Wherefore,
O Sinless One, Who alone knowest the hearts of men, amid our transgressions
we ever make bold to beseech Thee to have compassion and to send down
compunction upon us, unworthy though we be, granting us forgiveness, O
Master, in that Thou art compassionate; for the supreme commander of the
bodiless hosts doth entreat Thee in behalf of us all.
ODE VII
Irmos: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, Who saved the children
of Abraham in the fire, having slain the Chaldeans whom righteousness
justly hunted, blessed art Thou!
Beholding, Daniel saw thee, O blessed Gabriel of lightning-bright visage,
standing together with Michael, the supreme commander, who commanded
thee to cause him to understand the vision which he had seen by the banks of
the Ulai.
With faith let us shout the praises of the radiant Michael and Gabriel, chiefs
among the angels that behold God, our good comforters, intercessors and
protectors.
Being comely, most splendid and of godly aspect, in manner surpassing
understanding art thou the chief of the immaterial spirits, O most radiant
Michael; with them, therefore, pray thou in our behalf.
Theotokion: Beholding the truly ever-existent Word of the great Mind
making His abode within thee in a strange and ineffable manner, O Virgin, the
archangel Gabriel cried aloud: Rejoice, O blessed throne of the Most High!
ODE VIII
Irmos: O almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame
Thou didst bedew the pious and didst teach them to chant: Bless and
hymn the Lord, ye works!
O Michael, thou hast been shown to be a commander of the noetic and
incorporeal hosts, a saving intercessor for men, a divine servant of God,
chanting unceasingly: Bless and hymn the Lord, ye works!
O archangels Gabriel and Michael, two beacons most radiant, enlightening
creation with the splendor of the thrice-radiant Godhead: dispel ye the gloom of
the wicked.
O archangels, as good helmsmen to the harbor of the divine will bring ye
safely the ship of my soul which hath encountered a tempest of sins and is in
distress.
Theotokion: Standing before thee, the archangel, as divine adorner of the
bride, greeted thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride of God, thou glory of the angels,
salvation and defense of men!
ODE IX
Irmos: Eve, through weakness, dwelt under the curse of disobedience; but
thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast budded forth blessing upon the world
with the Offspring of thy pregnancy. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
Behold, O archangel, the resplendent magnificence of thy divine temple
which putteth forth lightning flashes of miracles through thy radiant presence,
and it doth ever dispel the darkness of infirmities with divine grace.
As a comely and beauteous pair ye minister unto them that are on earth at the
behest of the Master, O archangels, rescuing them from evil circumstances and
sending down divine illumination upon all through the Spirit of God.
Today the incorporeal and divine intelligences rejoice with us, beholding their
great and splendid supreme commander hymned by all; and with us they
lovingly keep festival, magnifying the Bestower of life.
O archangels, divine and radiant pair, Michael most honorable and Gabriel
all-glorious; interceding before the honored Trinity, deliver us that praise you
from torment and the cause of transgression.
Theotokion: Joyously we offer thee the cry of the divine Gabriel, exclaiming:
Rejoice, all-pure paradise which hath within the Tree of life, thou most glorious
palace of the Word! Rejoice, O all-immaculate Virgin!
Exapostilarion:
As of old thou didst subdue the raging flow and thundering of the river, O
glorious supreme commander, so now destroy the pride of the heathen and the
raging of the demons, that we may fittingly honor thee as is meet.
Theotokion:
The ranks of the bodiless hosts honor thy birthgiving, for thou alone hast
filled mortals with joy. Wherefore, we, the faithful, glorify thee the all-
immaculate one, singing the praises of thy glory in hymns, for thou hast shone
forth light upon them that are in darkness, like the dawn which shineth forth in
the morning.
At the Praises, these stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Keeping festival in the world like angels, let us give voice unto a hymn to God
Who sitteth upon a throne of glory: Holy art Thou, O heavenly Father! Holy art
Thou, O equally everlasting Son! Holy art Thou also, O most Holy Spirit!
(Twice)
O Michael, supreme commander, who dost thyself behold ineffable things,
who in boldness art pre-eminent among the many inhabitants of heaven,
standing before the dread throne in glory: by thy prayers save us that find our-
selves amid want, misfortune and temptations, we beseech thee!
Truly thou art first among the incorporeal angels, a minister of the divine
effulgence of God, an initiate of the mysteries of God who dost thyself behold
Him. O Michael, supreme commander, save us that each year piously honor thee
and hymn the Trinity with faith!
Glory ..., in the same tone:
Michael, the commander of the host on high, pre-eminent among the divine
ranks, hath summoned us today to his festival. He is ever with us, preserving all
from every evil circumstance wrought by the devil. Come ye, therefore, O ye that
love the feasts of the Church and love Christ, and, taking up the flowers of the
virtues, with pure thoughts and an upright conscience let us honor the assembly
of the archangels, for, standing ever before God and chanting the thrice-holy
hymn, it doth pray that our souls be saved.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-praised martyrs ...":
Beholding Christ hanging upon the Tree, the Virgin said: O my Son, a sword
hath pierced my heart and it is rent, as Simeon foretold to me of old, O Master!
But arise, I pray, and do Thou Thyself glorify Thy Mother and handmaid with
immortality!
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ..., in Tone V:
Where thy grace doth shine forth, O archangel, thence is the power of the
devil driven away, for the fallen morning star cannot endure the sight of thy
light. Wherefore, we entreat thee: by thy mediation quench thou the fiery darts
which he launcheth against us, and deliver us from his snares, O right lauded
Michael, supreme commander!
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice ...":
The ewe-lamb, once beholding her Lamb hastened to the slaughter, with
fervor followed after, crying out to Him: “Whither goest Thou, O Christ, my
Child most sweet? For what cause dost Thou run this fleeting course so swiftly?
O Jesus, most desired and sinless, most merciful Lord, grant utterance unto me,
Thy handmaid! O my Son most beloved, Compassionate One, do not pass me by
in silence, for I gave Thee birth in manner most strange!” O most compassionate
God, grant the world Thy great mercy!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia: four each from Odes III and VI of the canon to the
archangel.
With divine might dost thou encircle all the earth, O most praised chief
among the angels, rescuing us that call upon thy divine name from the cruel
enemy. (Twice)
O supreme commander of God, of aspect most divine, thou hast been a
divine herald, an undaunted intercessor for the faithful, a guide to them that are
astray and an instructor.
Thou wast a most pure mirror of the splendor of God, radiantly reflecting
the manifestation of the honored Spirit, O right wondrous Michael, first among
the angels.
The multitude of the faithful rejoiceth, praising thee, O Michael, and it doth
glorify the all-holy Word Who in His goodness hath united men and angels.
Thou didst save the armies of Israel, revealing thyself and transmitting the
commands of God, O supreme commander; and thou didst cast down the
enemy and didst utterly destroy them.
Seized with fear and reverence, Joshua, son of Nun, bowed down when he
beheld, thee, O chief of the angels, asking thine honored and holy name.
Theotokion: Blessed are the people that ever bless thee, O blessed one, who
gavest birth unto the blessed God, Who, in His lovingkindness, hath deified
mortal man by an ineffable union.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Supreme commander of the armies of Heaven, we, the unworthy, do ever
entreat thee, that by thy prayers thou dost ever surround us with the protection
of the wings of thine immaterial glory, preserving us that earnestly fall down
before thee and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that thou art the
leader of the hosts on high.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
O chief commander of God, minister of glory divine, captain of the angels
and instructor of men: beg thou great mercy and that which is profitable for us,
for thou art the supreme commander of the bodiless hosts.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV: He maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a
flame of fire.
Stichos: Bless the Lord, O my soul; O Lord my God, Thou hast been
magnified exceedingly.
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE HEBREWS [2:2-10]
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and
disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we
neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and
was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness,
both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy
Ghost, according to his own will? For unto the angels hath he not put in
subjection the world to come, whereof we speak, but one in a certain place
testified, saying; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the Son of Man,
that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou
crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy
hands: thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all
in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we
see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower
than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he
by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for
whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto
glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Alleluia, in Tone V: Praise Him, all ye His angels; praise Him, all ye His
hosts.
Stichos: For He spake, and they came to be; He commanded, and they were
created.
READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [1O:16-21]
He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and
he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy returned again
with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And
he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give
unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding, in this rejoice
not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names
are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee,
O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise
and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed
good in thy sight.
Communion Verse: He maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame
of fire.
THE 7th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
FOREFEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYR SOZON
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 for the Forefeast, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel. "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Noetic beams of universal joy * have shone forth upon the world, * heralding
Christ God, the Sun of righteousness, unto all * in thy nativity, O all-pure one. *
For thou hast been shown to be * the mediatress of true gladness and grace.
This, the glory of thy forefeast, O all-pure one, * doth proclaim unto all the
people * thy benefactions which transcend description; * for thou art now for us
the mediatress of gladness * and the cause of joy to come, * O Ever-virgin
Theotokos.
The Maiden who held God within her womb, * the pure Theotokos, * the
glory of the prophets, the daughter of David * is born today of Joachim and the
chaste Anna; * and the curse of Adam which lay upon us * is annulled by her
nativity.
And 3 stichera for the martyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
When He Who of His own will * took our weakness upon Him * strengthened
thine infirmity with power, O blessed one, * for His sake thou didst run the race
of martyrdom, rejoicing, * and with thy most beautiful feet * didst crush the
impotent enemy. * Wherefore, Jesus, Who loveth mankind, * the Savior of our
souls, * hath woven wreaths of victory for thee.
When thou wast wounded, O glorious one, * thou didst wound thine enemies
* and cast them down to the ground, * armed with the Cross * and manifestly
arrayed in invincible armor, * made steadfast by the love * of Him Who hath
translated thee to the noetic kingdoms * as an unvanquished martyr, * a heavenly
man.
Manifestly emulating * the Savior and Lord * Who for thee underwent
voluntary sufferings, O athlete Sozon, * thou didst of thine own will give thyself
over * to wounds and stripes and unbearable torments. * Wherefore, He hath
honored thee with heavenly gifts * and showed thee forth as a well-spring of
healings * for those who love thee.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., of the Forefeast, in Tone IV:
O Virgin all-holy and pure, we, the multitude of angels in heaven and the
human race on earth, bless thy most honored nativity, in that thou didst become
the Mother of Christ God, the Creator of all. Cease thou never to entreat Him,
we pray, in behalf of us who, after God, have placed our trust in thee, O most
lauded Theotokos who knewest not wedlock.
But if it be Friday evening: Glory ..., the above Doxasticon of the Forefeast; Now &
ever ..., the Dogmaticon of the current tone.
On the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O most glorious wonder ...":
O most glorious wonder! * The rod which is to bear the Flower * springeth
forth today from the righteous Joachim and Anna, * from a barren mother * and
a fruitless womb, O Mother of God Who knewest not wedlock. * Wherefore, the
council of the prophets * and the whole festive assembly of the patriarchs * re-
joice now in her nativity.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Today David doth rejoice, * Jesse now danceth, * Levi is magnified, * and the
righteous Joachim rejoiceth in spirit: * for the childlessness of Anna is loosed * by
thy nativity, O all-pure Mary, divinely joyous one. * And all of us, the assembly of
angels and men, * call blessed * thy divine womb.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Rejoice, O assembly of men! Rejoice, O temple of the Lord! * Rejoice, holy
mountain! Rejoice, divine table! * Rejoice, O lamp of the Light! * Rejoice, O
honored glory of the Orthodox! * Rejoice, O Mary, Mother of Christ God! *
Rejoice, O most immaculate one! * Rejoice, offering of the Bread divine! * Rejoice, O
tabernacle! Rejoice, O bush unburnt! * Rejoice thou hope of all!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV: the composition of Germanus:
Universal joy hath shone forth upon us from the righteous Joachim and Anna, O
most lauded Virgin who, in thine exceeding purity, becamest the animate temple of
God, and who alone art truly known to be the Theotokos. Through her prayers, O
Christ God, send peace upon the world and great mercy upon our souls.
Troparion of the martyr, in Tone IV:
In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Sozon received an imperishable crown from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he cast down the tormenters and
crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his prayers do Thou save our souls.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the forefeast, in the same tone:
Mary, the divine Maiden, is born unto us today from the root of Jesse and the
loins of David; and all things rejoice and are made new through joy. Rejoice together,
O heaven and earth! Praise her, ye lands of the gentiles! Joachim maketh glad, and
Anna holdeth festival, crying aloud: A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos,
the Nourisher of our Life!
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ", the troparion of the forefeast, (Twice);
Mary, the divine Maiden, is born unto us today from the root of Jesse and the
loins of David; and all things rejoice and are made new through joy. Rejoice together,
O heaven and earth! Praise her, ye lands of the gentiles! Joachim maketh glad, and
Anna holdeth festival, crying aloud: A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos,
the Nourisher of our Life!
Glory , that of the martyr in Tone IV:
In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Sozon received an imperishable crown from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he cast down the tormenters and
crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his prayers do Thou save our souls.
Now & ever ..., that of the forefeast, again.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: 'When the stone had been sealed ..." :
Having been born most gloriously from the womb of a barren woman, thou didst
give birth from thy virginal womb in manner transcending nature; for, revealed as a
beautiful stem, thou didst give rise to the Life of the world. Wherefore, the hosts of
heaven cry out to thee, O Theotokos: Glory to thine advent, O pure one! Glory to
thy nativity! Glory to thy virginity, O Mother who hast not known wedlock!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is co-unoriginate ...":
All those of heaven now rejoice, and the human race now keepeth festival with
them. The prophets mystically are glad; for she whom they foresaw in generations of
old in images the bush, the jar and the staff, the cloud, the portal, the throne and the
great mountain-is born today.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
ODE I
Canon of the forefeast, with 8 troparia, including its Irmos, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn the nativity of the divine Virgin", composition of Joseph, Tone IV:
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I shall
utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear, radiantly
keeping festival; and, rejoicing, I shall hymn her wonders.
Rejoicing today, let us with gladness hymn the divine nativity of the Mother of
God; for she hath given birth to the Joy of the universe which destroyeth the grief of
our first mother.
From a barren woman doth the all-pure and most immaculate Mistress issue forth
barren of sin, whom the law prefigured and the proclamations of the divine heralds of
God announced.
The temple and palace of the King didst thou become, wherein, fashioning a
habitation for Himself, the Transcendent One maketh of the faithful a dwelling-place
of the Holy Trinity.
Theotokion: The most comely wedding chamber, the most exalted throne of God,
whereon the Transcendent One seated Himself in the flesh, issueth forth from a
barren woman; and He raiseth up those who sit in the darkness of perdition to the
knowledge of the Light, by His goodness.
Canon of the martyr, with 4 troparia, the composition of Theophanes, in the same
tone:
Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet,
Israel of old conquered the might of Amalek in the wilderness through
Moses' hands stretched forth in the form of the Cross.
O all-glorious one, entreat now the Lord and Benefactor, that those who
honor thy memory today be saved from all manner of dangers, tribulations and
sorrows; and help them.
Christ hath truly shown thee forth as a most radiant star in the firmament of
the Church, O all-praised martyr, illumining the whole world with the splendors
of thy sufferings.
Having roiled the sea of impiety as a steed of the Lord, O martyr, in the
abyss of thy precious and holy blood thou didst drown all the power of the
adversary like Pharaoh.
Theotokion: By the will of the Father, through the divine Spirit, didst thou
conceive the Son of God without seed and give birth in the flesh unto Him
Who hath existence from the Father without mother and was born of thee
without a father for our sake.
ODE III
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Like a barren woman hath the Church of the gentiles given birth,
and she could scarce bear the great assembly of children come forth from
her. Let us cry out to our wondrous God: Holy art Thou, O Lord!
A fertile land is born of a barren land, bearing as fruit the Husbandman of all
good things, the life-bearing Grain Who nourisheth all by His divine gesture.
Today hath the rod of virginity sprouted forth, from whence our God, the
Gardener, doth blossom forth as a flower, cutting down the branches of
wickedness by His extreme beauty.
Lo! the mountain unquarried, which arose from a barren rock, produceth the
noetically quarried Stone, Who crusheth the falsehood of all graven idols.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: The Church doth rejoice in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art
my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!
The streams of thy blood, flowing forth like a river for Christ's sake, have
quenched the fire of the impious, O ever-hymned martyr and athlete.
The infliction of wounds didst thou patiently bear, like an impregnable tower,
O glorious one, bringing down the fortress of deception.
Like David thou didst bring low the noetic Goliath, the tyrant and his army,
with the stone of faith, O most glorious one.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, thou alone hast in manner transcending
nature shown thyself to be the mediatress of good things. Wherefore, we cry out
to thee: Rejoice!
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "The steadfast ..."
Assembling today, with a loud voice let us praise Sozon, the true and divinely
wise martyr, the skilled athlete of piety, the initiate of the mysteries of grace, the
most generous bestower of healings: for he entreateth Christ God in behalf of
us all.
Ikos: Come ye, and with hymns let us all now earnestly praise Sozon, the
great athlete who hath manifestly shone forth in the honored and divine Church
of Christ, offering worthy hymns unto him: for he truly laid low the savagery of
the idolaters, and, bestowing salvation, ever abideth with the faithful Wherefore,
drawn by love, O mortals, let us now call him blessed, honoring the precious
and glorious memory of the athlete, and crying aloud: O most blessed Sozon,
entreat Christ God in behalf of us all!
Sedalion of the martyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Saved by faith, O much-suffering Sozon, thou art become a refuge for the
tempest-tossed through the providence of Christ God; for thou pourest forth
rivers of healings upon those who honor thee, and ever drivest out sickness and
fever. Wherefore, we honor thy divine memory with faith.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the forefeast, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically ordained ...":
Let heaven rejoice and let the earth be glad! For the heaven of God is born
on earth: this divine Bride born of the promise. A barren woman nourisheth the
babe Mary, and Joachim rejoiceth in her nativity, saying: The rod is born to me,
from whence Christ, the Flower, is arisen out of the root of David! Truly this is
a most glorious wonder!
ODE IV
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine
is come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm He hath saved those
who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
The Maiden who is more exalted than the angels is born on earth, in holiness
and purity beyond compare; and she giveth birth unto Christ, the purification,
sanctification and perfect deliverance of all.
Blessed was the fruit of Anna; for she bore in her womb her who would
contain the blessed and infinite Word Who bestoweth regeneration upon all the
faithful.
Now doth the gloom of evil begin to break, for the most immaculate one, the
animate cloud of the Sun, hath shone forth from a barren womb. Her radiant
nativity do we celebrate.
As a fruitful olive-tree sprung forth from the root of Jesse, O Virgin, hath
Anna first given birth unto thee who will cause the merciful Word to spring
forth. His mercy and truth abide forever.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Beholding Thee lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of righteousness,
the Church stood in her place, cz1ring out as is meet: Glory to Thy power,
O Lord!
Set afire by the love of God, O most blessed one, with thy words thou didst
utterly consume all the tinder-like fuel of the ungodly; and, rejoicing, thou didst
cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
As a sanctified temple of the Lord, thou didst run into the temple of the
ungodly and manfully break the objects of their worship, O all-lauded athlete
and martyr.
Thy sacred temple hath been shown to be the healing of all manner of illness
for those who have recourse to it in faith and who honor thy valiant deeds
therein, O all-praised athlete Sozon.
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth unto the Lord without knowing wedlock, O
Virgin, and after thy birthgiving wast shown to be a Virgin still. Wherefore, with
unwavering faith and voices un-stilled we cry out to thee, O Mistress: Rejoice!
ODE V
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: All things are filled with awe at thy divine glory, for thou, O Virgin
who hast not known wedlock, didst have within thy womb Him Who is
God over all, and didst give birth to the timeless Son, granting peace unto
all who hymn thee.
Now is the sealed book born, which it is impossible for mortals to read by
the nature of the law, and which is kept in the dwelling-place of the Word. For
by the Spirit hath she revealed the books of the divinely eloquent.
The vine of salvation is born today, which blossomed forth the divine Cluster
of incorruption, which poureth forth sweetness; and everyone, drinking
mystically thereof, bringeth forth divine and salvific gladness as fruit.
Leap up, O men, joining chorus with the angels! As the Virgin is born today
of the barren woman, sadness cometh to an end and is transformed into joy for
those who celebrate her divine nativity.
Most manifestly did the prophet describe thee as a new and divine scroll,
whereon the Word is written by the finger of the Father, O Virgin, in His
goodness inscribing in the Book of Life all who submit to His authority.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Thou hast come into the world as a light, O my Lord: a holy light
which turneth from the gloom of ignorance those who hymn Thee with
faith.
Thou, O martyr, illumined by the light of the Trinity, didst destroy the gloom
of the ungodliness of polytheism, as an ever-radiant beacon.
Shown to be a rose of comely blossom by the flow of thy blood, O blessed
one, thou hast perfumed the world with the sweet fragrance of thy miracles.
As a noetic cluster of the vineyard of Christ, thou hast poured forth the right-
compunctionate wine of martyrdom upon those who glorify thee with faith.
Theotokion: We hold thee as an invincible weapon against the enemy, and we
have thee as the foundation and hope of our salvation, O Bride of God.
ODE VI
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Celebrating this divine and most honored festival of the Mother of
God, come, ye divinely wise, let us c1ap our hands and glorify God Who
was born of her.
Today is born the bridge which leadeth mankind to the Light, the ladder of
heaven, the most manifest mountain of God, the Virgin Theotokos, whom we
call blessed.
Anna, the shell, hath given rise to the purple which later will dye the fleece of
the King's incarnation. Her do we all hymn as is meet.
A well-spring hath now issued forth from a little drop: the most immaculate
one who, having given birth to the Abyss of salvation, causeth the boundless
streams of polytheism to cease.
Thou didst spring forth from a barren root, O ever-blessed Virgin Theotokos,
and by thy divine budding forth hast cut off the thorns of wickedness at the
root.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: I shall sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church
crieth out to Thee, cleansed of the blood of demons by the blood which,
for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Desiring to be slain as an unblemished sacrifice, for the sake of God's love,
thou didst offer thyself up on His altar. Wherefore, we piously honor thee, O all-
lauded one.
Having sailed over the deep of deception without foundering, thou didst
attain unto the haven of the kingdom on high, O blessed martyr, enjoying
everlasting calm.
The tormenter pitilessly raked thy sides with claws of iron; but thou didst
gloriously commit thy spirit in the hands of God, O ever memorable and most
blessed one.
Theotokion: O wonder more recent than all wonders! The Virgin, having
conceived in her womb, without knowing man, Him Who sustaineth all things,
did not confine Him.
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "Today the Virgin ...":
Today Mary, the Virgin and Theotokos, the boundless chamber of the
heavenly Bridegroom, is born! From a barren woman, by the counsel of God,
the chariot of the Word is rightly adorned; for she was foretold as the divine
portal and Mother of life.
Ikos: The divine Maiden Mary, whom once the prophets of God foresaw in
the Spirit, hath been given as the fruit of a barren woman. Beholding her today
leaping up in the womb of Anna, with the faithful Joachim we noetically make
haste to the appointed feast, and, standing afar off, cry aloud, saying: The
restoration of this world hath now sprouted forth from the womb of the barren
woman: the divine portal and Mother of life!
ODE VII
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: The divinely wise youths worshipped not a creation rather than the
Creator, but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they
rejoiced, chanting: Blessed art Thou, the all-hymned Lord and God of our
fathers!
Blessed are Joachim and Anna, who manifestly gave birth to the blessed and
pure Mother of God who gaveth birth to the blessed Word Who maketh all the
faithful blessed.
As a precious gift did thy parents acquire thee who conceived God, Who hath
enriched with better gifts those who cry out: O Lord and God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
More blessed than wine are thy breasts, O divinely called Anna; for with
sacred breasts thou didst nurture with milk her who gaveth suck to the all-
blessed Word, the Bestower of milk, the Nourisher of all things that breathe.
O divinely inspired David, leap up, strike thy psaltery and dance! For, lot the
ark which of old thou didst proclaim cometh forth from a barren womb,
reserved for the King and God of creation.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of
piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple
of Thy glory, O Lord!
Cast into the furnace of painful torments, O martyr, thou didst receive from
God the dew of endurance, and didst cry out in thanksgiving: Blessed art Thou
in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Possessed of a soul more luminous than any gold, thou didst in no wise desire
to sacrifice to the soulless god of beaten gold, and didst offer thyself to the Lord
as a sacrifice of sweet savor.
The great Shepherd appointed thee, His unblemished lamb, as shepherd for
the sheep of his true flock, O martyr, showing thee un-devoured by the noetic
wolves, O most lauded one.
Theotokion: Rejoice, O hallowed and divine habitation of the Most High For
through thee, O Theotokos, hath joy been given to those who cry out: Blessed
art thou among women, O most immaculate Mistress!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the
furnace: then in figure, but now in deed; and she moveth all the world to
chant to Thee: Hymn the Lord, ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all
ages!
Let us give movement to our tongue in hymnody, honoring the divine nativity
of her who, through the Spirit, made incarnate the all-divine Word; and let us cry
aloud: Hymn the Lord, ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Leap up, ye prophets of God, honoring the nativity of the Virgin; for she hath
fulfilled the prophecy of all of you, giving birth to Christ, the God of all, Who is
foretold by you. Him do ye exalt supremely for all ages!
Ye mountains, resound with gladness! O apostles and martyrs, join chorus! Ye
venerable and righteous, rejoice today in the nativity of the Mother of the Lord,
cry out: Hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The most pure Mother of the Word hath blossomed forth as a fragrant apple;
she hath appeared as a divine rose, perfumed the ends of the world today and
banished the cause of our sin. Her do we exalt supremely for all ages!
Human nature, bereft of the precious gifts of the divine Spirit, was made glad
on this day, seeing the divine Maiden born of a barren woman; and it cried out:
Hymn the Lord, ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the lions' mouths in the pit;
and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched the
power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, O ye works of the Lord!
Removing the arm of the golden idol, O wise one, thou didst distribute it
among the poor, securing for thyself the truly incalculable riches of martyrdom,
O ever-memorable one who cried out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
When the incorporeal foe wrestled with thee, thou didst cast him down with
the assistance of Christ. Wherefore, He Himself hath bestowed honors upon
thee: the ability to work miracles. To Him didst thou cry out, rejoicing: Bless the
Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Opening thy mouth, thou didst fill it with the Spirit, O most lauded Sozon,
and the mouths of those who blaspheme the Creator didst thou fill with all
manner of shame; and, rejoicing, thou didst cry out to Christ: Bless the Lord, all
ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: Among all generations, O pure Virgin, thou alone hast been
shown to be the Mother of God. Thou wast the receptacle of God, O most
immaculate one, who wast not consumed by the fire of the unapproachable
Light. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed, O Mary, Bride of God.
ODE IX
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Let every earth-born man leap for joy, enlightened by the Spirit;
and let the nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival, honoring
the sacred feast of the Mother of God, and let them cry aloud: Rejoice, O
most blessed Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin!
Lo! the holy place of God hath been shown forth! The all-glorious city of the
King hath been erected! The luminous garden of paradise hath splendidly
blossomed forth her who is the mediatress of paradise, the point of reconciliation
between God and man.
Today hath the lamp of the Light appeared, in which the pre-eternal golden
Light, having taken up His abode, illumineth those who languish in the night of
evils, destroyeth the gloom of ungodliness, and truly causeth all to share in the
day, because of their faith.
Today the earth joineth in chorus, for it hath seen the new and most comely
heaven of God born. And dwelling therein in the flesh, He raiseth men up higher
than the heavens and deifieth all in His goodness. Chanting, we magnify Him
with faith.
Joachim and Anna, the all-comely pair, have given rise to the unblemished
heifer. And the fatted Calf Who came forth from her was slain for the world,
taking upon Himself the transgressions of men and destroying the sacrifices
offered to the demons.
O Theotokos who gavest birth to the Light, illumine us who in the Spirit
celebrate thy radiant nativity, and show us to have a share of the light which is to
come; and by thy maternal supplications, O all-pure one, grant us peace and
deliverance from evils.
Canon of the Martyr
Irmos: Christ, Who united the two disparate natures, the Chief Cornerstone
uncut by human hands, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O
Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos!
Cast down to the ground, thou wast shown to be a chosen stone of Christ the
Chief Cornerstone, O martyr, destroying the fortress of deception, and making
firm the hearts of the faithful.
The Church of Christ, having now acquired thee as a stream of life, is ever
adorned with the majesty of thy sufferings and miracles, O martyr, having
quenched its thirst with thy blood as with water.
Thou didst find the kingdom of heaven to be the reward of thy struggles and
labors, O divinely wise Sozon. Joining chorus therein, O most glorious one, be
thou mindful of those who with faith keep thy sacred memory.
Theotokion: Loose thou now the chains of mine offenses, O Virgin Theotokos
who gavest birth to the Source of loving-kindness; and fill me with joy, O thou
who alone art blessed of God, that I may magnify thee as is meet.
Exapostilarion of the martyr:
Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
Armed with the weapon of thy precious Cross, O Word, Thine athlete soundly
vanquished the hosts of the adversary and put the tyrants to shame; he suffered
for Thee, O my Christ, King of all, and ever reigneth with Thee.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Exapostilarion of the forefeast:
Be renewed, O Adam, and be thou magnified, O Eve! Ye prophets, join
chorus with the apostles and the righteous! For the common joy of angels and
men hath shone forth today from the righteous Joachim and Anna: Mary the
Theotokos.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Come, ye descendants of Adam, * let us hymn the Virgin, * the all-pure Mary, *
who hath sprung forth from David * and given birth to Christ.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Let us offer praise * unto our Deliverer and Lord * Who from a barren woman
* hath given us the Theotokos, * the only Ever-virgin.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
The Mother of the King of all, * the joy of all the universe, * is born today *
from a barren womb * most gloriously.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone II:
The Queen of all, the dwelling-place of God foretold of old, the divine
habitation of the ever-existent Essence, hath come forth today from the barren
womb of the glorious Anna. Because of her Hades hath been trampled underfoot,
and Eve, the mother of us all, is led into steadfast life. Let us cry out to her as is
meet: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of the canon of the forefeast, and 4
from Ode VI of the canon of the martyr.
A fertile land is born of a barren land, bearing as fruit the Husbandman of all
good things, the life-bearing Grain Who nourisheth all by His divine gesture.
Today hath the rod of virginity sprouted forth, from whence our God, the
Gardener, doth blossom forth as a flower, cutting down the branches of
wickedness by His extreme beauty.
Lo! the mountain unquarried, which arose from a barren rock, produceth the
noetically quarried Stone, Who crusheth the falsehood of all graven idols.
Desiring to be slain as an unblemished sacrifice, for the sake of God's love,
thou didst offer thyself up on His altar. Wherefore, we piously honor thee, O all-
lauded one.
Having sailed over the deep of deception without foundering, thou didst
attain unto the haven of the kingdom on high, O blessed martyr, enjoying
everlasting calm.
The tormenter pitilessly raked thy sides with claws of iron; but thou didst
gloriously commit thy spirit in the hands of God, O ever memorable and most
blessed one.
Theotokion: O wonder more recent than all wonders! The Virgin, having
conceived in her womb, without knowing man, Him Who sustaineth all things,
did not confine Him.
Troparion of the martyr, in Tone IV:
In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Sozon received an imperishable crown from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he cast down the tormenters and
crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his prayers do Thou save our souls.
Troparion of the forefeast, in Tone IV:
Mary, the divine Maiden, is born unto us today from the root of Jesse and the
loins of David; and all things rejoice and are made new through joy. Rejoice together,
O heaven and earth! Praise her, ye lands of the gentiles! Joachim maketh glad, and
Anna holdeth festival, crying aloud: A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos,
the Nourisher of our Life!
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone II:
Assembling today, with a loud voice let us praise Sozon, the true and divinely
wise martyr, the skilled athlete of piety, the initiate of the mysteries of grace, the
most generous bestower of healings: for he entreateth Christ God in behalf of
us all.
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III:
Today Mary, the Virgin and Theotokos, the boundless chamber of the
heavenly Bridegroom, is born! From a barren woman, by the counsel of God,
the chariot of the Word is rightly adorned; for she was foretold as the divine
portal and Mother of life.

Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and
shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, § 233 [Eph. 6: 10-17]
Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole
armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand
in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt
about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the
helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and
He delivered them out of all their tribulations.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall
deliver them out of them all.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 52 [JN. 15: 17-16: 2]


The Lord spake unto His Disciples saying: These things I command you, that ye
love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated]
you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of
the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If
they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying,
they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's
sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto
them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth
me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other
man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and
my Father. But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in
their law, They hated me without a cause. But when the Comforter is come, whom I
will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from
the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been
with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not
be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that
whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 8th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
THE NATIVITY OF OUR ALL-HOLY MISTRESS, THE THEOTOKOS AND EVER-
VIRGIN MARY
AT LITTLE VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Joachim and Anna hold festival, * having given birth to the only Theotokos, the
beginning of our salvation; * and with them we also celebrate today, * blessing the
pure Virgin * who sprang forth from the root of Jesse.
Today the Theotokos hath sprung forth * from Anna as a flower, * a divinely
wrought garden, * the salvation of men; * and in His beneficence the Creator of all,
Who was born of her in manner past understanding, * washeth away all the
defilement of Adam, in that He is good.
Who is sufficiently worthy * to hymn the Virgin * who ineffably became a. babe
through Anna? * Ye mountains and hills, therefore, let sweetness fall today; * for the
pure Theotokos, the life and cleansing of all, * is nourished on milk.
She who before was as a barren land * giveth birth to fertile ground, * and, having
given forth a holy fruit from her fruitless womb, * she nurtureth her with milk. * O
awesome wonder! * The nourisher of our Life, * who received the Bread of heaven in
her womb * is nourished with milk at her mother's breasts!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
O all-holy and pure Virgin, the multitude of angels in heaven, and we, the race of
men on earth, bless thy most honored nativity, for thou hast become the Mother of
Christ God, the Creator of all. We pray thee: cease not to beseech Him in behalf of us
who have set our hope on thee, after God, O most hymned Theotokos who knewest
not wedlock.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Rejoice, O Joachim and Anna! * Rejoice, for the Virgin, * the Mediatress of joy
and salvation * is born unto us * from a barren woman!
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and Incline thine ear.
Thou alone hast been shown to be * the salvation of mortals, * having given birth
to the Word * in manner transcending discourse and nature. * Wherefore, we call thee
blessed.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Put away all grief, * O Adam and Eve; * for the Mother of Joy * springeth forth
today all-gloriously * from a barren woman.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same melody:
The temple of God, * the only Theotokos, * doth issue forth * from a barren
woman who hath not given birth; * and Adam rejoiceth, crying aloud.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from
thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who, having
annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted
us life everlasting.
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera, in Tone VI:
The composition of Sergius the Patriarch:
Today God, Who resteth on the noetic thrones, hath prepared for Himself a holy
throne on earth. He Who hath established the heavens by His wisdom hath in His
loving-kindness created an animate heaven. For the God of wonders, the Hope of the
hopeless, hath caused His Mother to spring forth as a Life-bearing plant from a
barren root. Glory to Thee, O Lord!
This is the day of the Lord! Rejoice, O ye people! For lo! the bridal-chamber of the
Light and the book of the Word of life hath issued forth from the womb, and the
portal which faceth toward the east, having been born, awaiteth the entry of the great
High Priest. She alone leadeth the one Christ into the world, for the salvation of our
souls.
Even though, by the will of God, famous barren women have produced offspring,
yet in divine majesty hath Mary outshone all who have been born; for, having been
all-gloriously born of a barren mother, she supernaturally gave birth in the flesh to the
God of all, from a womb which knew not seed. She alone is the gate of the only-
begotten Son of God; and He, passing through it, hath kept it closed, and, arranging
all things wisely in accordance with His knowledge, hath wrought salvation for all
men. (Twice)
The composition of Stephen of Jerusalem:
Today the gateway of the barren woman is opened, and the divine Virgin portal
cometh forth! Today grace beginneth to bear fruit, revealing to the world the Mother
of God, through whom those on earth are united to those in heaven, for the salvation
of our souls. (Twice)
Today is the pronouncement of universal joy! Today the winds have blown which
herald salvation, and our nature is released from barrenness! For the barren woman is
shown to be the mother of her who remaineth virgin even after giving birth to the
Creator, from whom God taketh to Himself that which is alien to Him by nature, and
Christ, the Deliverer of our souls, Who loveth mankind, doth accomplish salvation
for the lost by means of flesh.
Today barren Anna giveth birth to the divine Maiden who was chosen beforehand
out of all generations to be the dwelling-place of Christ our God, the King and
Creator of all, in fulfillment of the divine dispensation. Thereby, O ye mortals, have
we been fashioned anew and restored from corruption to life without end.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same tone:
Today God, Who resteth on the noetic thrones, hath prepared for Himself a holy
throne on earth. He Who hath established the heavens by His wisdom hath created
an animate heaven in His loving-kindness. For the God of wonders, the Hope of the
hopeless, hath caused His Mother to spring forth as a Life-bearing plant from a
barren root. Glory to Thee, O Lord!
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. 3 Readings:
A READING FROM GENESIS
Jacob went forth from the well of the oath, and departed into Haran. And he came
to a certain place, and slept there, for the sun had gone down; and he took one of the
stones of the place, and put it at his head, and lay down to sleep in that place, and
dreamed: and behold a ladder fixed on the earth, whose top reached to heaven, and
the angels of God ascended and descended on it. And the Lord stood upon it, and
said: "I am the God of thy father Abraham, and the God of Isaac. Fear not; the land
on which thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed. And thy seed (Shall be like
the sand of the earth; and it shall spread abroad to the sea, and the south, and the
north, and the east; and in thee and in thy seed shall all tribes of the earth be blessed.
And behold I am with thee to preserve thee continually in all the way wherein thou
shalt go; and I will bring thee back to this land; for I will not desert thee, until I have
done all that I have said to thee." And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and said: "The
Lord is in this place, and I knew it not." And he was afraid, and said: "How fearful is
this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!"
A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF EZEKIEL
Thus saith the Lord: "It shall come to pass from the eighth day and onward, that
the priests shall offer your wholeburnt-offerings on the altar, and your peace-
offerings; and I will accept you," saith the Lord. Then He brought me back by the
way of the outer gate of the sanctuary that faceth eastward; and it was shut. And the
Lord said to me: "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall pass
through it; for the Lord God of Israel shall enter by it, and it shall be shut. For the
Prince, He shall sit in it, to eat bread before the Lord; He shall go in by the way of the
porch of the gate, and shall go forth by the way of the same." And He brought me in
by the way of the gate that faceth northward, in front of the house: and I looked, and,
behold! the house was full of the glory of the Lord.
A READING FROM PROVERBS
Wisdom hath built a house for herself and set up seven pillars. She hath killed her
beasts; she hath mingled her wine in a bowl and prepared her table. She hath sent
forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying: "Whoso is
foolish, let him turn aside to me." And to those who want understanding, she saith:
"Come" eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have mingled for you. Leave folly,
that ye may reign forever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by
knowledge." He that reproveth evil men shall get dishonor to himself; and he that
rebuketh an ungodly man shall disgrace himself. Rebuke not evil men, lest they
should hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give an opportunity to a
wise man, and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will receive more
instruction. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of the
law is the character of a sound mind. For in this way thou shalt live long, and years of
thy life shall be added to thee.
At Litia, these stichera:
The composition of Stephen of Jerusalem, in Tone I: Today is the beginning of
our salvation, O ye people! For, lot the Virgin Mother, who was foretold from
generations of old as the receptacle of God, cometh forth to be born of a barren
woman. The flower of Jesse and the rod of his root have sprung forth. Let Adam our
forefather rejoice, and let Eve revel in jubilation! For, behold! She who was fashioned
of the rib of Adam manifestly blesseth her daughter and descendant, saying:
"Deliverance hath been born in me, for which cause I am freed of the bonds of
Hades!" Let David rejoice, striking his harp, and let him bless God: for, lot the Virgin
issueth forth from the womb of the barren woman, unto the salvation of our souls!
In Tone II: Come, all ye who love virginity, ye zealots of purity! Come, and with
love take up the praise of the Virgin: the well-spring of Life which floweth from a
hard rock, the bush which grew from barren ground, unconsumed by the immaterial
Fire, which doth purify and illumine our souls.
The composition of Anatolius the Patriarch:
What is this noise of revelers? Joachim and Anna keep festival mystically, saying:
"Rejoice with us today, O Adam and Eve!" For by their transgression was paradise
shut, but a right glorious fruit is now given unto us: Mary, the divine Maiden, who
throweth open its gates unto all.
The Queen of all who hath been foretold, the habitation of God, the divine
dwelling place of the eternal Essence, hath come forth today from the barren womb
of the glorious Anna, and by her shameless Hades hath been trampled down, and
Eve, the mother of our race, is led into everlasting life. To her do we cry out, as is
meet: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the composition of Sergius the Patriarch, in Tone VIII:
On the right excellent day of our feast let us strike the spiritual harp; for the
Mother of Life is born today of the seed of David, dispelling the darkness: the
renewal of Adam, the restoration of Eve, the Well-spring of incorruption, our release
from corruption. Because of her we have been deified and delivered from death. And
we, the faithful, cry out to her with Gabriel: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the
Lord is with thee, granting us great mercy for thy sake!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, of Germanus the Patriarch, in Tone IV:
The joy of the whole world hath shone forth upon us from the righteous Joachim
and Anna: the most laudable Virgin who, because of her surpassing purity, becometh
the animate temple of God and is known as the one true Theotokos. Through her
prayers, O Christ God, send down peace upon the world and great mercy upon our
souls.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
In accordance with the angel's prophecy, thou didst issue forth from the righteous
Joachim and Anna, as an all-pure fruit, heaven and the throne of God, a receptacle of
purity, heralding forth joy to all the world, O Virgin, mediatress of our life, removal
of the curse, bestowal of blessing. Wherefore, on the feast of thy nativity, O divinely
called Virgin, ask peace for the world and great mercy for our souls.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Today let the barren and childless Anna clap her hands with splendor, let those on
earth bear lamps, let kings leap for joy, let hierarchs be glad in blessing, and let all the
world keep festival; for, behold, the Queen, the immaculate Bride of the Father, hath
sprung forth from the root of Jesse. No longer will women bear children in grief, for
Joy hath blossomed forth and Life shall live in the world for all men. No longer will
the offerings of Joachim be rejected, for the lamentation of Anna hath been changed
to joy, and she saith: "Rejoice with me, all ye chosen Israel, for, lo! the Lord hath
given me the animate palace of His divine glory, for our common gladness and joy,
and the salvation of our souls!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the composition of Sergius the Patriarch, in Tone VIII:
Come, all ye faithful, let us make haste to the Virgin! For, lo she is born who was
foreseen before the womb as the Mother of our God, the vessel of virginity, the rod
of Aaron which sprang forth from the root of Jesse, the proclamation of the
prophets, the offspring of the righteous Joachim and Anna! She is born, and with her
the world is restored! She is born, and the Church adorneth herself in her majesty!
She is the holy temple and receptacle of the Godhead, the vessel of virginity, the
bridal chamber of the King, wherein was wrought the all-glorious and perfect mystery
of the ineffable union of the natures which have come together in Christ! And
worshipping Him, we hymn the nativity of the most immaculate Virgin.
At the blessing of the loaves, the troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from
thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who, having
annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted
us life everlasting. (Thrice)
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, thrice.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Cry aloud, O David! What hath God sworn unto thee? "That which He hath
sworn unto me," saith he, "hath already been fulfilled! He hath given me of the fruit
of my loins the Virgin, from whom Christ the Creator hath been born: the new
Adam, the King Who sitteth on my throne! And He Whose kingdom is invisible
reigneth today! A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nurturer of our
Life!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Today is Mary, the divine Maiden, born for us of the root of Jesse and the loins of
David. All things rejoice with joy and are renewed. Rejoice together, O heaven and
earth! Praise her, ye people of our native land! Joachim maketh merry, and Anna
keepeth festival, crying aloud: A barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the
nourisher of our Life!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify thee, O all-holy Virgin, we honor
thy holy parents, and we glorify thy most glorious nativity.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness.
B: How he made an oath unto the Lord, and vowed unto the God of Jacob.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia …, Glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Let heaven rejoice, and let the earth be glad! For the divine heaven, the Bride of
God, hath been born on earth according to His promise. The barren woman giveth
suck to Mary as a babe, and Joachim rejoiceth in her birth, saying: "Unto me hath
been born the staff from whence Christ shall spring forth as a flower, from the root
of David! Truly all-glorious is this wonder!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same Tone:
Be thou renewed, O Adam! Rejoice, O Eve! Make merry, O David! Be of good
cheer, O Anna, for the Mother of thy Creator is born most gloriously! All the earth
joineth chorus, renewed, and rejoiceth, clad in vesture of gladness. Let every tongue
now cry out to thee, O Mary, in chorus: Blessed is the house of David, for it
nurtureth her who nourisheth our Life!
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV:
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: I shall commemorate thy name in every generation
and generation.
Stichos: My heart hath poured forth a good word; I speak of my works to the
king.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, § 4 [LK. 1: 39-49, 56]
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city
of Judah; and entered into the house of Zechariah, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came
to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her
womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit: and she spake out with a loud
voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as
soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my
womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of
those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth
magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath re-
garded the low estate of His handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all
generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done to me great things;
and holy is His name. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to
her own house.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
This is the day of the Lord! Rejoice, O ye people! For, lot the bridal-chamber of
the Light and the book of the Word of life hath issued forth from the womb, and the
portal which faceth toward the east, having been born, awaiteth the entry of the great
High Priest. She alone leadeth the one Christ into the world, for the salvation of our
souls.
Two canons of the feast, with a total of 12 troparia, each Irmos being chanted twice
ODE I
Canon I of the Theotokos, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone II:
Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided the
sea, and guided the people whom He had led forth from Egyptian bondage,
for He hath been glorified!
Come ye faithful and rejoicing with divine spirit, let us honor with hymns the
Ever-virgin Maiden who today hath issued forth from a barren woman for the
salvation of men.
Rejoice, O pure one, Mother and handmaid of Christ God, mediatress of our
primal blessedness! All of us, the human race, glorify thee with hymns, as is meet.
Today is the bridge of life born, through which men have attained restoration after
their fall into Hades, glorifying Christ, the Bestower of life, with hymns.
Canon II of the Theotokos, the composition of Andrew of Crete, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: To Him Who hath crushed battles with His arm and led Israel across
the Red Sea, let us chant as God our Deliverer, for He hath been glorified!
Let all creation join chorus, and let David be glad, for from his tribe and seed hath
come forth the rod which beareth the Lord, the Creator of all, as a flower.
She who is holy among the saints is placed in the holy sanctuary as a babe, to be
fed by the hands of angels. Let us all, therefore, faithfully keep festival together on
her nativity.
Anna was barren and unable to give birth, yet she was not childless in God's eyes;
for, lot she hath become known by all generations as the mother of the pure Virgin,
from whom the Creator of nature hath sprung forth in the guise of a servant.
With hymns we all honor thee, the innocent ewe-lamb who hast been born of
Anna and who through thy womb brought the Lamb Christ into our nature.
Triadicon: I glorify the three Unoriginate Ones, I hymn the three Holy Ones, I
proclaim the three equally Everlasting Ones to be of a single Essence; for the one
God is glorified in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Theotokion: Who hath seen a Babe fed with milk Whom a father hath now sown?
Or where hath there been seen a Mother who is a Virgin? Truly past understanding
are both of these things, O pure Theotokos.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby inscribing
the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for
He hath been glorified.
ODE III
Canon I
Irmos: Establish us in Thee, O Lord, Who hast slain death by the Tree, and
plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
Having lived blamelessly for God, ye gave birth unto the salvation of all, O
divinely wise parents of her who gaveth birth to our Creator and God.
From a barren woman did the Lord, Who poureth forth life upon all, cause the
Virgin to come forth, in whom He was pleased to make His abode, preserving her
incorrupt even after giving birth.
Let us hymn Mary today as the Theotokos, the fruit of Anna, the intercessor and
helper of all, who gaveth birth to the life-bearing Cluster.
Canon II
Irmos: My heart is established in the Lord, and my horn is exalted in my God;
my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, and I am glad in Thy salvation.
Blessed is thy womb, O chaste Anna, for thou didst pour forth the fruit of
virginity who gaveth birth without seed to Jesus the Deliverer, the Nurturer of
creation.
O Ever-virgin, all creation calleth thee blessed who hast been born today of Anna
as the rod sprung forth from the root of Jesse, who put forth Christ as an all-pure
Bloom.
Showing thee to be more exalted than all creation, O pure Theotokos, thy Son
magnifieth thy birth from Anna and gladdeneth all today.
Triadicon: We worship Thee, O Father unoriginate in essence, we hymn Thy
timeless Son, and we honor Thy Spirit Who is equally everlasting: as God three in
Hypostases but one in Essence.
Theotokion: O pure Theotokos, who gavest birth unto the Bestower of light, the
Author of man's life, thou hast been shown to be the treasure of our life and the
portal of Light unapproachable.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which before
was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her might and
confirmation.
Sedalion, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Like a cloud of light hath the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, truly shone forth upon
us today, and she cometh forth from the righteous ones for our glory. No longer is
Adam condemned, and Eve is freed from her bonds. Wherefore, we exclaim, crying
aloud with boldness to her who alone is pure: Thy nativity announceth joy to the
whole world!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
ODE IV
Canon I
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, report of Thy dispensation, and have glorified
Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.
We hymn Thee, O Lord, Who hast given unto all, as a haven of salvation, her who
gaveth birth to Thee.
Christ hath revealed thee, O Bride of God, to all who with faith hymn thy mystery
as their boast and might.
Delivered from transgressions by thy supplications, O Mistress who knewest not
wedlock, we all bless thee with a good understanding.
Canon II
Irmos: The Prophet Habbakuk foresaw Thy coming with noetic eyes, O Lord;
wherefore, he cried aloud: God shall come out of thee a man! Glory to Thy
power! Glory to Thy condescension!
The Patriarch Jacob, clearly foreseeing the mighty works of Thy dispensation, O
Savior, cried out in the Spirit, saying mystically to Judah: "From the tender plant thou
art gone up, O my Son!", referring to Thee, O God, Who wast born of the Virgin.
Now the pure Virgin, the rod of Aaron which sprung forth from the root of
David, cometh forth from Anna, and heaven and earth and all the nations of the
gentiles mystically join chorus together with Anna and Joachim.
Let heaven now be glad; let the earth rejoice! And let Joachim and David join
chorus: the one as the father of thee who truly gavest birth to God, and the other as
thine ancestor who proclaimed thy mighty deeds, O pure one.
The whole world rejoiceth with thee today, O divinely wise Anna; for thou hast
budded forth the Mother of its Deliverer, she who from the root of David put forth
for us the rod of strength which beareth Christ as a flower.
Triadicon: I glorify God, the unoriginate Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the
consubstantial, uncreated Trinity, before Whom, the seraphim stand with reverence,
crying aloud: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God!
Theotokion: The all-unoriginate Origin receiveth a beginning from thee in the
flesh and in time, O Theotokos, and He remaineth equally the unoriginate and
incarnate Word of the Father, equally everlasting with the Spirit, maintaining His
divine dignity.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Canon I
Irmos: Having destroyed the shadowy darkness of indistinct images and
illumined the hearts of the faithful by the coming of the Truth through the
divine Maiden, O Christ, guide us by Thy light.
O ye people, let us hymn the cause of the Cause of all, Who becameth like unto us.
For the prophets, counted worthy to behold her image, rejoiced, bringing forth the
fruit of manifest salvation through her.
The sprouting of the dry rod of the priest showed forth the destiny of Israel; and
now the most glorious offspring of the barren woman most gloriously shineth forth
the splendor of those who gave rise to her.
Canon II
Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Lord our God! O Lord our God, acquire Thou
us; for we know none other God than Thee, and it is Thy name which we
name.
Thy nativity is all-pure, O immaculate Virgin, thy conception is ineffable, and thy
birthgiving unutterable, O Bride unwedded; for God hath clad Himself in all of me.
Let the angelic ranks be glad; let the descendants of Adam join chorus; for the rod
which put forth as Flower Christ alone, our Deliverer, hath been born.
Today the condemnation of Eve is lifted in thy nativity, the barrenness of Anna is
loosed, and Adam is freed from the ancient curse; for by thee have we been delivered
from corruption.
Glory to Thee Who hast glorified the barren woman today! For, according to the
promise, she gaveth birth unto the flowering rod from whence Christ, the Flower of
our life, hath budded forth.
Triadicon: Glory to Thee, O holy Father, unbegotten God! Glory to Thee, O
timeless and only-begotten Son! Glory to Thee, O Spirit divine and equally
enthroned, Who proceedest from the Father and restest in the Son!
Theotokion: Thy womb becameth the chariot of the Sun; thy purity remained
intact as before, O Virgin; for Christ the Sun appeared from thee like a Bridegroom
from a bridal chamber.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was beguiled
by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our souls!
ODE VI
Canon I
Irmos: Out of the belly of the sea monster Jonah cried out to the Lord: Lead up
my life from the abyss of Hades, I pray, that with a voice of praise I may
sacrifice to Thee, the Deliverer, in the spirit of truth.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God cried out to the Lord in grief over
their barrenness; and they gave birth to her, our common boast and salvation for
generations of generations.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God received a gift worthy of heaven
from God, for she is a chariot more highly exalted than the cherubim, the Mother of
the Word and Creator.
Canon II
Irmos: Like the waters of the sea, I am tempest-tossed by the waves of life, O
Thou Who lovest mankind; wherefore, like Jonah I cry out to Thee: Lead my
life up from corruption, O compassionate Lord!
We hymn thy holy nativity and honor thine immaculate conception, O divinely
chosen Bride and Virgin. And with us the ranks of angels and the souls of the saints
glorify thee.
Thy chaste parents placed thee, who art holy among the saints, in the temple of
the Lord, O pure one, to be raised with honor and prepared to become His Mother.
Join chorus, ye barren women and mothers! Be of good cheer and leap up, O ye
childless! For a childless and barren woman buddeth forth the Theotokos who
delivereth Eve from her birth pangs and Adam from the curse.
I hearken to David who singeth to thee: The virgins that follow after thee shall be
brought into the temple of the King. And with him I also hymn thee, the daughter of
the King.
Triadicon: In thee, O pure one, is the mystery of the Trinity hymned and glorified;
for the Father was well pleased, and the Word made His abode within thee, and the
divine Spirit overshadowed thee.
Theotokion: Thou wast a golden candlestick, O pure Theotokos, for in thy womb
the Fire made His abode: the Word from the Holy Spirit; and He becameth visible in
thee in human form.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing forth
after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of Christ God,
Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising on the
third day.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity ,O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the reproach
of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And, delivered from the
affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A barren woman giveth
birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
Ikos: The supplication of Joachim over his childlessness, together with the sighing
of Anna over her barrenness, were right acceptable to God: they entered the ears of
the Lord and brought forth life-bearing fruit for the world. For the one made
supplication on the mountain, and the other bore her reproach in the garden; and
with joy the barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life.
ODE VII
Canon I
Irmos: The bush which burnt on the mountain without being consumed and
the dew-bearing furnace of the Chaldeans manifestly prefigured thee, O Bride
of God; for, without being consumed, thou didst receive in thy material womb
the divine and immaterial Fire. Wherefore, we chant unto Him Who was born
of thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Once, the transmitter of the law was prevented from understanding thy great
mystery in material manifestations, O all-pure one, though instructed through images
to not think earthly thoughts. Wherefore, marveling at the wonder, he said: Blessed is
the God of our fathers!
In godly manner the divine choir called thee beforehand the mountain and portal
of heaven and the noetic ladder; for from thee was the Stone cut without the aid of
man's hands, and thou art the door through which passed the Lord of wonders, the
God of our fathers.
Canon II
Irmos: The Chaldean furnace, burning with fire, was bedewed by the Spirit at
the presence of God; and the children sang: O God of our Fathers, blessed art
Thou!
We celebrate and bow down with faith before thy holy nativity, O pure one,
honoring thy Son, by Whom we have now been delivered from the ancient
condemnation of Adam.
Now Anna maketh merry and, rendering praise, crieth out: Though barren, I have
given birth unto the Mother of God, for whose sake the condemnation of Eve, to
give birth in pain and grief, hath been loosed!
Adam hath been freed and Eve danceth; and they cry out to thee in spirit, O
Theotokos: Through thee have we been delivered from the primeval curse with the
appearance of Christ!
O the womb which contained the dwelling place of God! O the womb which bore
her who is more spacious than the heavens, the holy throne, the noetic ark of
sanctification!
Triadicon: We glorify-the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the unity of the
Godhead, the all-holy Trinity, indivisible, uncreated, equally everlasting and
consubstantial.
Theotokion: Most gloriously didst thou alone give birth unto God, O Virgin. By
thy nativity thou hast renewed nature, O Mary. Thou hast released Eve from the
primeval curse, O pure Theotokos.
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing-forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the three
children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze; but, in the
midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they sang: O all-
hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Canon I
Irmos: Thou didst once prefigure Thy Mother in the furnace of the children, O
Lord; for her image drew from the fire those who entered it, without being
consumed. We hymn and exalt her supremely for all ages, who through Thee
hath been made manifest today to the ends of the earth.
Now the designated tabernacle of our reconciliation to God, who is to give birth
to the Word Who hath manifested Himself to us in the coarseness of our flesh,
beginneth her existence. Him do we, who have been brought into existence by Him
out of non-existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
The reversal of Anna's barrenness hath loosed the world's lack of good things, and
hath plainly shown forth a miracle: Christ, Who hath come to mortal men. Him do
we, who have been brought into existence by Him out of non-existence, hymn and
exalt supremely for all ages.
Canon II
Irmos: O Thou that supportest Thy chambers in the waters, that hast set the
sand for a bound to the sea, and holdest all things together: the sun hymneth
Thee, the moon glorifieth Thee, and all creation doth offer up a hymn unto
Thee as Creator of all forever.
Thou, O holy God, Who wrought most glorious things through the barren womb,
Who opened the childless womb of Anna and gavest her fruit, Thou, O Son of the
Virgin, hast received flesh from her, the ever-flourishing Virgin and Theotokos.
Thou, O Lord, Who closest the abyss and openest it, Who raisest water to the
clouds and givest the rain, hast given the holy Anna to bud forth and give birth unto
the all-pure fruit, the Theotokos, out of a barren root.
O Cultivator of our thoughts, Planter of our souls, Who hast shown forth barren
earth as right fruitful, Thou hast made the holy Anna, a field which before was dry, to
become burgeoning, right fertile and fruitful, giving rise to the Theotokos, the all-
pure fruit.
Come ye all, let us gaze upon the city of God born as from a little chamber, which
issueth forth from the gate of Anna's womb, yet hath no knowledge of the entry of
intercourse, for the one God and Creator issued forth by this strange path.
Triadicon: O transcendent Trinity, unoriginate Unity, the multitude of angels
hymneth and trembleth before Thee; heaven and earth are in awe of Thee; men bless
Thee, and fire serveth Thee as a slave. Everything in creation submitteth to Thee with
fear, O holy Trinity.
Theotokion: O report most new! God becometh the Son of a woman! O seedless
birthgiving! A Mother without a husband, a begotten God! O awesome sight! O, the
strange conception of the Virgin! O ineffable nativity, truly past all understanding and
contemplation!
Katavasia: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire into
dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye supremely
forever!
ODE IX
At Ode IX we do not sing the Magnificat, we chant before the Irmos and each of the
troparia of Canon I, this refrain:
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-glorious nativity of the Mother of God!

Canon I
Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who
through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the Luminary
Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the flesh.
He Who poured forth water from the stone for the rebellious people, through the
womb of a barren woman giveth to us, the right submissive nations, the fruit of
gladness: thee, O all-pure Mother of God, whom we magnify as is meet.
Thee, O Theotokos, do we magnify, who hast removed the ancient and
precipitous condemnation: the restoration of our first mother, the cause of the
reconciliation of our race to God, the bridge to the Creator.
Before the Irmos and troparia of Canon II, we chant this refrain:
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the Virgin Mary who hath been born of the
barren woman!
Canon II
Irmos: Foreign to mothers is virginity, and strange is childbirth to virgins; yet
both were accomplished in thee, O Theotokos. Wherefore, all we, the tribes of
the earth, unceasingly magnify thee.
Thou hast received a nativity worthy of thy purity, O Mother of God; for,
according to the promise, thou wast given to the barren one as a fruit springing forth
divinely. Wherefore, all we, the peoples of the earth, unceasingly magnify thee.
I shall raise up the tabernacle of sacred David which is fallen, which was a fore-
type of thee, O pure one, through whom the dust of all men hath been fashioned into
a body for God.
We venerate thy swaddling clothes, O Theotokos. We glorify Him Who gaveth
fruit to her who before was barren, and Who most gloriously opened the womb of
her who was unable to give birth. For as God with complete authority, He doeth all
things whatsoever He desireth.
To thee, O Theotokos who wast born of Anna, do we faithfully offer up hymnody
as a gift, mothers and virgins glorifying thee as the only Mother and Virgin; and we
bow down before thee and hymn and glorify thee.
Triadicon: Strange is it for the iniquitous to glorify the unoriginate Trinity: the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the uncreated omnipotent Principle, by Whom
the whole world is held fast at the behest of His might.
Theotokion: Within thy womb, O Mother, thou didst contain One of the Trinity:
Christ the King, Whom all creation doth hymn and before Whom the ranks of
heaven tremble. Him do thou entreat, O most pure one, that our souls be saved.
As Katavasia, we chant here both Irmoi of Ode IX of the canon of the Exaltation of
the Cross:
Katavasia I: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Katavasia II: Death, which came upon our race through the eating of the tree,
hath been abolished by the Cross today; for the curse of our first mother,
which fell upon us all, hath been annulled through the Offspring of the pure
Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven magnify.
Exapostilarion:
Today the Theotokos doth issue forth like a flower from barren Anna, instilling all
the ends of the world with divine fragrance, filling all creation with joy. Hymning her,
we praise her as is meet, as the one who is more exalted than all mortals. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ...,
Be thou renewed, O Adam! Be thou magnified, O Eve! Join ye chorus with the
apostles and the righteous! For Mary the Theotokos, the common joy of angels and
men, hath shone forth today from the righteous Joachim and Anna.
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: "O wondrous miracle! ...":
O wondrous miracle! The well-spring of Life is born of the barren woman, and
grace beginneth to produce splendid fruit. Be glad, O Joachim, as thou art the father
of the Theotokos! There is none to compare with thee among mortal parents, O
God-pleaser! For the Maiden who contained God, the divine dwelling place, the all-
holy mountain, hath been given to us by thee! (Twice)
O wondrous miracle! Fruit hath shone forth from the barren woman at the behest
of the Almighty Creator of all. She hath boldly loosed the barrenness of the world. Ye
mothers, join chorus with the mother of the Theotokos, crying: O joyous one, rejoice!
The Lord is with thee, Who through thee granteth the world great mercy!
The right glorious Anna, who is shown forth as an animate pillar of chastity, a
splendid receptacle resplendent with grace, hath truly given birth to the bulwark of
virginity, the divine flower who manifestly imparteth the beauty of virginity to all the
virginal who desire the gift of virginity, and bestoweth great mercy upon all the
faithful.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VI:
This is the day of the Lord! Rejoice, O ye people! For, lot the bridal-chamber of
the Light and the book of the Word of life hath issued forth from the womb, and the
portal which faceth toward the east, having been born, awaiteth the entry of the great
High Priest. She alone leadeth the one Christ into the world, for the salvation of our
souls.
Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of Canon I of the feast, and 4 from
Ode VI of Canon II.
Having lived blamelessly for God, ye gave birth unto the salvation of all, O
divinely wise parents of her who gaveth birth to our Creator and God. (Twice)
From a barren woman did the Lord, Who poureth forth life upon all, cause the
Virgin to come forth, in whom He was pleased to make His abode, preserving her
incorrupt even after giving birth.
Let us hymn Mary today as the Theotokos, the fruit of Anna, the intercessor and
helper of all, who gaveth birth to the life-bearing Cluster.
We hymn thy holy nativity and honor thine immaculate conception, O divinely
chosen Bride and Virgin. And with us the ranks of angels and the souls of the saints
glorify thee.
Thy chaste parents placed thee, who art holy among the saints, in the temple of
the Lord, O pure one, to be raised with honor and prepared to become His Mother.
Triadicon: In thee, O pure one, is the mystery of the Trinity hymned and glorified;
for the Father was well pleased, and the Word made His abode within thee, and the
divine Spirit overshadowed thee.
Theotokion: Thou wast a golden candlestick, O pure Theotokos, for in thy womb
the Fire made His abode: the Word from the Holy Spirit; and He becameth visible in
thee in human form.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from
thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who, having
annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted
us life everlasting.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the reproach
of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And, delivered from the
affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A barren woman giveth
birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!

Prokimenon, in Tone III: The Song of the Theotokos: My soul doth magnify
the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Stichos: For He hath looked upon the lowliness of His handmaiden; for
behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS, § 240 [PHIL. 2: 5-11]
Brethren: Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no
reputation, and took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the
likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and
became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath
highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Alleluia, in Tone VIII: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, § 54 [LK. 10: 38-42; 11: 27-28]


At that time, Jesus entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named
Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat
at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving,
and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister hath left me to
serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto
her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing
is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from
her. And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman of the company
lifted up her voice, and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the
breasts which Thou hast sucked. But He said, yea, rather, blessed are they that hear
the word of God, and keep it.
Communion Verse: I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the
name of the Lord.
THE 8th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE FINDING OF THE WONDERWORKING ICON OF THE
MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS KNOWN AS THE KURSK-ROOT ICON OF THE SIGN
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm" we chant "Blessed is the man ..."
At "Lord, I have cried ...," eight stichera; five in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel: "O most glorious wonder ...":
O all-hymned Virgin, * immaculate Mother of God the Word, * angels'
astonishment, help of Christians, * be thou unto us an unassailable wall *
against the assaults of enemies, visible and invisible, * stretching forth unto thy
Son thy hands which held God, * destroying by thine almighty supplication *
the counsels of the impious, * and revealing the sign of thy mercy unto us.
O Lady Theotokos, our hope unashamed, * bowing the knee of our hearts at
this time, * we cry to thee in compunction: * The Russian land, which of old
was called thy home, * do thou snatch from the hands of the devil, * stretching
forth unto thy Son thy hands which held God, * by thy supplication *
consuming all the dominion of the enemy, * and revealing the sign of thy
mercy unto us.
O thou joy of all joys! * Most sweet consolation of them that sorrow! *
Surety of sinners! * Salvation of the faithful * Lead us to the heavenly
Kingdom, * compensating for our weakness with thine intercession; * intercede
for us before the dread judgment seat of Christ, * delivering us from everlasting
torment, * and revealing the sign of thy mercy unto us.
O wondrous tidings! * O most glorious sight! * An icon of the Theotokos
hid within a grove, * and pouring forth a spring of living water * ever flowing
to life eternal! * Wherefore, having found it, let us form a chorus, * and,
clapping our hands with gladness, let us cry: * Rejoice, O most blessed one, *
for thou hast come unto us that are poor!
Sanctified by the wood of the Cross, * the trees of the forest pay homage *
to the immaculate Mother * of Him that stretched forth His hands upon the
Tree; * for they preserved the image of thy face most pure, * that being won-
drously discovered, * the Church might be robed in its comeliness, * and the
faithful be partakers of grace divine.
And these stichera, in Tone III:
O all ye generations of the earth, bless Mary the Theotokos: Ye righteous
and sinners, form one choir for her; ye virgins, hymn the ever-Virgin, the boast
of virginity; ye mothers, praise the Mother of our Creator and God; ye elders,
bow down before he that gave flesh to the Ancient of Days; ye babes, glorify
her that holdeth the pre-eternal Infant in her arms; ye poor, magnify her that
doth possess a wealth of mercy and grace; ye kings, exalt the Queen of heaven
and earth; and kissing her precious image, let us cry out: Rejoice, O
inexhaustible joy and salvation of our souls!
O Mistress, thy most precious icon hath appeared a sign of thy good
pleasure unto us, whereat, bending down as to a life-bearing spring, we draw
forth the water of immortality, and freely receive divers healings; and wor-
shiping thee, the prototype, we cry in faith: O most holy Theotokos, save us!
O most pure Virgin: the light, joy and protection of our souls, the
estrangement from sorrows and remission of sins, the fulfillment of humble
requests and ever-flowing fount of grace art thou, O immaculate one.
Wherefore, falling down before thee, we pray: Cease not to cry to thy Son and
God for us, that being delivered by thee from misfortunes, we may obtain great
mercy from Christ the Lord.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone I:
Forming a most festive choir today, come ye, let us hymn the Virgin
Theotokos; and, kissing her most pure image, let us cry: O most holy Mistress,
deliver thine heritage from cruel enemies, and strengthen the faithful in the
doing of good, entreating thy Son and God for all.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the Day. And three Lessons:
READING FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS
And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he
lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set;
and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay
down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the
earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God
ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said,
I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land
whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; and thy seed shall be
as the dust of the earth; and thou shalt be spread abroad to the west, and to the
east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the
families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee
in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I
will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And
Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place;
and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this
is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.
READING FROM THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL
And when these days are expired, it shall be, that upon the eighth day, and
so forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings upon the altar, and your
peace offerings: and I will accept you, saith the Lord God. Then he brought me
back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the
east; and it was shut. Then said the Lord unto me; this gate shall be shut, it shall
not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord the God of
Israel hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. It is for the prince; the
prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord; he shall enter by the way
of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same. Then
brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and,
behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord: and I fell upon my
face.
READING FROM THE PROVERBS [9:1-11]
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she
hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her
table. She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the
city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth
understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine
which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of
understanding. He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he
that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest
he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a
wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in
learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge
of the Holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the
years of thy life shall be increased.
At the Litia, these stichera, in Tone I:
Come, all ye peoples of our native land, let us hasten to the temple of the
Lord; let us praise the all-hymned Mother of our God, and bow down before
her most pure image in faith, for it hath now been given to the Russian land as
a pledge of salvation. Wherefore, radiantly keeping the feast thereof, let us
unceasingly cry out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, ready help of the world, thou joy
and salvation of our souls!
Laying aside all earthly care, and forsaking the vanity of the world, let us lift
up our eyes unto the holy hill, from whence cometh our help; for lot the Queen
of heaven, standing at the right hand of her Son and God, doth pray without
ceasing. Wherefore, let us, that have been delivered from misfortune through
her intercession, be glad, saying: Rejoice, our fervent helper, thou salvation of
our souls!
In Tone II:
Let us be filled today with great joy, and giving thanks with compunction let
us cry in fear and trembling: Why is this granted to us, that the Mother of our
God hath come to us? For lo! her healing icon abideth in our midst, and we
dare to touch it, to bow down before it, to kiss it, and to offer entreaty to its
prototype, as to one that is truly with us. Wherefore, marveling at her
condescension, we cry: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, full of grace!
In Tone VII:
Come, all ye that labor and are heavy laden; come, ye that weep and mourn;
come, ye that have lacked patience; come, ye poor and afflicted! Fall down
before the icon of the all-pure Virgin, and receive ye, each according to his
need; for lo! the all-hymned Theotokos giveth all to each abundantly. She is the
healing of the infirm, the most sweet consolation of them that grieve, the
forgiveness of sinners and the salvation of all that have recourse to her in faith.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone VI:
When the fullness of time shall come; when the trumpet of the archangel
shall sound; when the thrones of judgment shall be set, and the rivers of fire
make a fearsome noise; when the dead arise and the living are caught up, and
the sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven, all the inhabitants of the
earth shall weep, and all the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Then shall the
Virgin Theotokos, the salvation of sinners and hope of the hopeless, appear,
standing at the right hand of the Judge, stretching forth her most pure hands to
her Son, mercifully bedewing her cheeks with tears, and delivering from
everlasting torment them that call upon her all-hymned name. Therefore,
brethren, let us now make haste, and delay not in approaching the Theotokos,
that she, upon whom we place all our hope, help us at that dreadful hour.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I:
Truly thou pourest forth rivers of grace from thine icon, O Theotokos! For
lo! even at the site of its discovery, a spring of healing water appeared. Thou
dost quench the spiritual thirst of all that have recourse to thee in love, dost
wash away sins, and dost grant us to draw forth joy and gladness.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
At the root of a tree was found the image of her that didst bud forth the
Tree of life. Wherefore, on the site of its appearance, a monastery was planted,
like a spiritual orchard, wherein the all-hymned name of its prototype was glo-
rified, supplications for the whole world were ceaselessly offered up, and men
worked out their salvation with fear.
Stichos: The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David, and He will not repent.
Having the warriors of heaven as aides, and the Virgin Theotokos as an
invincible commander, let us array ourselves against the enemies of our
salvation, armed with the precious Cross, crying out to the most blessed one:
Deprive us not of thy mighty assistance, for we have placed our hope on thee,
that we be not put to shame for ever.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone V:
O Virgin Theotokos, how much more powerful than the hands of Moses are
thy most pure hands, ever raised to God in our behalf? Wherefore, thou dos t
vanquish an enemy more powerful than Amalek, routing the very prince of
darkness and his minions, granting victory to them that piously war against the
passions, and showing them forth as heirs of the new promised land, wherein
righteousness doth dwell.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Having acquired thee as an unassailable rampart and a fount of miracles, we,
thy servants, set at naught armies of adversaries, O most pure Theotokos.
Wherefore, do we entreat thee: Grant peace to our native land and great mercy
to our souls!
A T M A T IN S
At "God is the Lord ...," the Troparion, in Tone IV:
Having acquired thee as an unassailable rampart and a fount of miracles, we,
thy servants, set at naught armies of adversaries, O most pure Theotokos.
Wherefore, do we entreat thee: Grant peace to our native land and great mercy
to our souls! (Thrice)
After the first Reading from the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
We are thy servants, O Theotokos, having abandoned our slavery to sin
forever and bowed our necks beneath the easy yoke of Christ. Wherefore, we
hope to obtain the freedom of the children of God by thy fervent intercession
for us, that unceasingly rejoicing in thee we may cry to thy Son and our God: O
our Savior, glory to Thee!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in the same tone:
Rejoice, thou that art robed with the sun and dost shine ineffably with glory!
Rejoice, Mother of the Almighty, that revealed to the world the pre-eternal
Word and that most gloriously crushed the head of the serpent, that by thy
birth giving freed the race of Adam from corruption! Rejoice, thou that alone
art ever-Virgin even after giving birth!
After the second Reading from the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
O ye faithful, with one voice let us hymn today her that doth bestow the
gifts of her mercy abundantly upon all in need, that taketh under her mighty
protection all that flee to her, that in her maternal love doth embrace the
wicked as well as the good. Wherefore, come, ye monks and layfolk, ye rich and
poor, and forming one choir, let the Church of heaven and of earth celebrate
together, crying out with one voice to the Theotokos, and exclaiming: Rejoice,
O thou that art full of grace, the Lord is with thee!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above Sedalion is repeated.
After the Polyeleos, this Magnification: Meet it is to magnify thee, O
Theotokos, that art more honorable than the cherubim and beyond
compare more glorious than the seraphim.
Selected Psalm verse:
A: O God, give Thy judgment to the king, and thy righteousness to the
son of the king.
Then, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
The most radiant feast of the Theotokos is at hand today, whereon the
spiritual light of the world hath shone forth in her nativity, and wherein a great
treasure hath been given to our land in the appearance of the most glorious
icon of the Theotokos, bowing down to whom with fear we now cry out:
Rejoice, O Virgin, thou salvation of the faithful!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., the above Sedalion is repeated.
The Song of Ascents, the first Antiphon of Tone IV.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: I shall commemorate thy name in every gen-
eration and generation.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
"Let every breath praise the Lord. "
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [1:39-49, 56]
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into
a city of Judah; and entered into the house of Zechariah, and saluted Elisabeth.
And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the
babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and
she spake out with aloud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and
blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of
my Lord should come to me? For, lo!, as soon as the voice of thy salutation
sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she
that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told
her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my
spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the low estate of
his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me
blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his
name. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own
house.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone II:
Rejoice now, O monastery of Kursk! Adorn thyself and dance, O Russian
land! For lo! the Queen of heaven herself with countenance most pure doth
dwell in thy midst in her grace, and poureth forth her mercies abundantly upon
the faithful. Wherefore, she doth hear from all unceasingly: Rejoice, O
Theotokos Mary, thou wonder of wonders!
The Canon to the Theotokos, in Tone IV, with six troparia, including the
Irmos; the acrostic whereof is: "I dare to offer thee praise, O Theotokos":
ODE I
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled, and I
shall utter a word unto the Queen and Mother, and shall be seen
radiantly celebrating; and joyously shall I chant of her wonders.
Disdain not my lowliness, O Theotokos, and compensate for my weakness;
sanctify my heart and mind, and open thou my lips, that I may make bold to
offer thee a hymn.
With heartfelt faith we honor thy most pure image, and bowing down before
it with compunction, as though beholding thee, the Theotokos, in very truth,
and shedding drops of tears, we cry out: Rejoice, O Mary, full of grace, blessed
Mother of God!
Emulating the angelic hosts, let us surround thine image with fear and love,
magnifying thee, the prototype, together, and calling upon thy most sweet
name: Rejoice, O all-immaculate Bride of God!
Come, O ye faithful, and let us kiss the holy icon of the Mother of God with
love, for she doth pour forth healings therefrom abundantly, and doth work
miracles beyond number for them that have recourse to it with faith and love.
Wherefore we cry out to the ever-Virgin: Rejoice!
ODE III
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou living and bounteous fountain, establish in
thy divine glory the choir of them that spiritually assemble and hymn
thee, and vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
The eyes of our mind rushing headlong in to the abyss of the ages, we see
there thine icon, O most pure one, shining more brightly than the sun with rays
of mercy, illumining thy home, the Russian land, O Theotokos. Wherefore, we
cry unto thee: Rejoice, O our protection and defense!
In its bosom the dark oak of Kursk kept the radiant wonder, the most pure
icon of the Mother of God, which had been cut in twain by the impious and
grew back together through the power of God. Wherefore, recovering it like a
great treasure, the Russian people cried out:
Whence is this, that the most blessed Mother of God cometh unto us? A
spring of living water sprang forth at the place where the image of the
Theotokos abode, refreshing the faithful with streams of healing and curing
every wound and infirmity. Wherefore, we cry aloud to her that is full of grace:
Rejoice, thou true life-bearing fount!
At the root of a tree was discovered the icon of her that ineffably gave rise
to the Tree of life and budded forth for the world the blessed Fruit. Wherefore,
now celebrating the feast of its appearance, we cry out to the all-pure one: O
all-blessed Mistress, sever our evil passions at the root, implanting in us good
habits, setting out a garden of virtues in us, and vouchsafing us to be partakers
of the life of paradise!
Sedalion, in Tone VII:
What feast is more radiant or more beautiful than the feast of the all-pure
Mother of God? And what name, apart from the name of sweetest Jesus, is
more sweet than the name of Mary? For lo! surpassing all the choirs of angels
in purity and glory, resplendent as the Mother of the Almighty, she embraceth
the whole world, saveth sinners and leadeth the righteous to the heavenly
mansions, casteth down enemies and doth crush the head of the serpent most
gloriously. Wherefore, we cry to her: Every creature doth rejoice in thee, O
thou that art full of grace! Glory to thee!
ODE IV
Irmos: Seated in glory on the throne of the Divinity, Jesus, supremely
divine, hath come on a cloud lightly and hath saved by His incorruptible
hand them that cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
Today the Church of Russia doth celebrate, adorned in godly manner with
the glory of the newly-revealed icon of the Theotokos; and chanting hymns of
godly beauty, it calleth to all the faithful, saying: Come, let us rejoice in the
Mother of our God, and let us bow down before her precious image, through
which the all-pure Virgin doth richly bestow gifts of grace upon the Christian
people that cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
O chosen of the Mother of God, venerable Father Seraphim, ever-vigilant
intercessor for the Russian land, thou seest our fervent eagerness, thou hearest
the entreaties we offer up before the most pure icon, through which, as a
grievously suffering child, thou wast granted healing. Wherefore, stand thou
with us, lifting up thy venerable hands, and cry out on our behalf to the
Theotokos, that for thy sake she be well pleased to accept our prayers.
By thy divine power thou didst confound the mad scheme of the impious
atheists to destroy thine icon, O Mistress, and didst preserve it unharmed by
any destructive action; and while the earth quaked and pillars were cast down,
thine icon but turned, averting its face from the vile deeds of men. Wherefore,
marveling at this most glorious wonder, we earnestly entreat thee: Turn not
thine all-pure face away from us, for lo! with contrite hearts we flee to thee and
weep, and cry out in compunction: Let not our wickedness prevail over thy
lovingkindness, but have mercy and save us! Thou didst preserve thy precious
icon unharmed by the hands of the evildoers and cruel atheists that trampled
down the holy things of God, and upon thy people didst thou bestow it, which
we keep as the apple of our eye. Wherefore, O Mistress, do thou ever reveal the
sign of thy mercy unto us therein.
ODE V
Irmos: All things were amazed at thy divine glory, for thou, O Virgin
unwed, didst have in thy womb the supreme God, and didst give birth to
the timeless Son, bestowing peace on all them that hymn thee.
Let us radiantly celebrate this light-bearing day, whereon a spiritual ray hath
shone forth unto the salvation of the world in the nativity of the all-pure Bride
of God, whereon also the icon of the Theotokos, like the morning star,
announcing the day of deliverance, hath appeared to the land of Russia which
languished in the darkness of misfortunes and sorrows. Wherefore, we cry to
the most blessed one: Rejoice, for thou hast lighted a beacon of hope for us
which cannot be extinguished!
Where sin increaseth, there doth the grace of God exceedingly abound.
Wherefore, O Mistress, look down upon our weakness, see our boundless
abasement, but behold also our faith, and hearken to our cry; and haste thou to
assist us that are helpless, illumining us with thy mercy.
Let us not fear the dark powers of hell, but having put on the armor of light,
let us manfully stand against them, having the all-hymned Theotokos as
commander. For lo! she doth mightily war against the enemy and doth help the
faithful that call upon her most pure name.
We confess thee in truth to be the Theotokos, and we honor the form of thy
most pure countenance in an Orthodox manner. We turn away from every sin
and vile act; we pray to be granted to do good, and, humbling our souls, we cry:
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
ODE VI
Irmos: Come, ye divinely-wise, let us clap our hands, celebrating this
divine and all-honored festival of the Mother of God; and let us glorify
God Who was born of her.
Let despondency depart from us, O brethren, and let the showers of adverse
thoughts be dispelled by the Spirit of God; for lo! the Mother of God herself
doth openly dwell amongst us, worshipped in her wonderworking icon, and
shining brighter than the sun in the miracles that proceed therefrom.
Wherefore, we cry out from the depths of our hearts: O most holy Mistress,
ever abide with us in thy grace!
When temptation doth assail us, when we fall into sorrow and pain, when
patience doth fail within us and our spirit is troubled, let us make haste to the
image of the most holy Virgin and, pouring forth tears, cry out to her from our
hearts: Stretching forth to us thy hands which held God, do thou lead us up
from the abyss of evil!
O thou that didst bear the everlasting Joy of the world, thou art the joy of
joys who hast driven away the grief of sin and dost grant our troubled souls
divine relief. Cease not thy supplications for the Christian world, for, after
God, it is through thee that each is saved and led forth from the depths of
offense.
Lo! the hordes of evil demons that besiege Christians do stand afar off,
watching, not daring to approach, fearing the glory of the icon of the
Theotokos, which burneth the vile demons, but doth mightily aid the faithful,
protecting them from all enemies.
Kontakion, in Tone VI:
Come, ye faithful, let us radiantly celebrate the wondrous appearance of the
most precious image of the Mother of God, and drawing grace therefrom, let
us cry out with compunction: Rejoice, O Theotokos, blessed Mary, Mother of
God!
Ikos: Through thee, O Theotokos, was the pre-eternal Word made flesh;
through thee have men beheld the Sun of righteousness, upon Whom the
angels dare not gaze: for in thine arms was borne Him that the cherubim bear
aloft, and by thy most pure hands was held the Almighty Creator of all. O
daughter of mortal Adam, thou wast called she that gaveth birth to God.
Wherefore, as she that alone hath maternal boldness before Him, pause not in
thy prayers for the whole world, lifting up thy God-pleasing hands to thy Son,
and inclining His love for mankind towards thy servants that cry out to thee
with thankful mouths: Rejoice, O Theotokos, blessed Mary, Mother of God!
ODE VII
Irmos: The divinely-wise did not serve a creation rather than the Creator,
but manfully trampling down the threat of the fire, they rejoiced,
chanting: O supremely-praised Lord and God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
The angels in thy service revere thee, the seraphim glorify thee in fear, O
Theotokos; and how can we that dwell on earth dare to hymn thee with our
impure lips? Yet we hope in thy mercy, and of thee unceasingly cry out to the
Master and Creator of all: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
O Christ, accept Thy most pure Mother whom Thou hast given us as a help
and who now doth fervently pray for us, that attaining unto life everlasting
through her intercessions, we may cry out with all that have obtained salvation:
Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
O Lord, that callest Thy Mother blessed, be Thou entreated through her
intercession, and may the light of Thy countenance be signed upon us, that,
rising from the sleep of sin, we may piously begin to walk towards the day,
unceasingly crying out in our hearts: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Emulating the children in Babylon, let us not bow down before the golden
image of man-pleasing and Mammon, but let us venerate the image of the
immaculate Mother of our God and, filled with heavenly joy, let us cry out to
Christ, the Benefactor of all: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
ODE VIII
Irmos: The birth giving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the
furnace-then in figure, now in deed; and it doth rouse the whole world to
chant to Thee: O all ye works, praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him
unto all ages!
With unceasing voices do the seraphim hymn thee, O ever-Virgin; the choirs
of the saints know not their fill of thy praises; all creation doth glorify thee
without ceasing. And shall we alone remain silent? Yet, daring to hope on thy
mercy, though unworthy, we glorify thee unto the ages.
All creatures shall in no wise cease to rejoice in thee, O Theotokos; for lo! as
the Apostle hath said, tongues may cease and knowledge vanish away, but love
never faileth. Wherefore, unto the ages shall they chant praises offered to thee
in love.
Tell us, O most pure one, what fitting praise can our infirmity offer thee?
With what eyes dare we gaze upon thy precious image? Yet, as thou art good,
disdain not now our hymns, and in the land of our earthly sojourn reveal to us
the form of thy most radiant countenance, that we may glorify thee unto the
ages.
Surrounding thine ever-worshipful image in fear and love, O Mistress, laying
aside all earthly cares and raising our spiritual eyes to the heavens, we taste the
sweetness of paradise aforetime, which do thou vouchsafe us to enjoy that,
obtaining everlasting life and salvation, we may joyfully hymn thee unto the
ages.
ODE IX
Irmos: Let every earthborn man leap up, enlightened by the Spirit; let the
nature of immaterial minds celebrate, honoring the sacred feast of the
Mother of God, and let it cry out: Rejoice, O most blessed Theotokos,
pure ever-Virgin!
O all-hymned Virgin, accept our hymns as thy Son did the widow's mite, and
grant us ever to offer them to thee, guiding our life in the world and granting
remission of sins, that entering the heavenly mansions through thee, we may
magnify thy lovingkindness.
Let them that do not confess thee to be the Theotokos and do not honor
thine icons be everlastingly put to shame; but let the faithful rejoice in thee. Let
the Russian land be thine abode as of old; let holy monasteries abound and
churches be beautifully adorned; and let the people be sanctified, that they may
celebrate with gladness, magnifying thee.
O Theotokos, our Queen, standing at the right hand of Christ God in the
Kingdom of heaven, establish thou a Christian kingdom on earth, setting at
naught the counsels of the impious and strengthening faith and piety, that all
that dwell on earth may magnify thee with one mind.
Have we offered thee a worthy hymn, O Mistress? Have we glorified thy
precious icon as is due? For we know that even hymns a thousand-fold do not
suffice for thy glorification, O Virgin. For if we hearken to the fervor of our
hearts, our hymns should only be beginning. What, therefore, shall we do? We
are at a loss and are in doubt. We glorify the sign of thy mercy, yet with silent
lips and heartfelt love we ever hymn and magnify thee.
Exapostilarion, in Tone III:
O Virgin Theotokos, thou most radiant sun, kindle the inextinguishable
beacon of the faith of Christ in our land by thy grace, that thereby light may be
cast upon darkness and the hearts of the faithful rejoice therein, giving thanks
to Christ, the Lover of mankind, and granting to all great mercy.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in the same tone:
By my sins have I put off the robe of baptism. How can I enter in unto the
banquet of the Lord, having no wedding garment, if thou, O Theotokos, dost
not cover me with thy mantle and utter a word to the King of glory in behalf of
me, wretch that I am? Wherefore, placing my hope on thee alone, I stretch
forth my hands to thee: Do thou hearken, protect and help me!
At the Praises, four stichera, in Tone VIII:
Bowing the knee of our hearts, and lifting up our eyes to the holy hill, let us
fall down before the face of the most pure Theotokos, confessing our
weakness, asking her all-powerful aid, and commending our life to her fervent
intercession. For we believe that she that hath wiped every tear from the face
of the earth will not reject our entreaty. (Twice)
What hymns shall we sing to thee, O Theotokos? What gifts shall we offer
thee? Thou beholdest our spiritual poverty. Yet accept thou our teardrops as a
pearl of great price, and our prayer and heartfelt sighing as incense; and turn
thou our grief into joy, for thou art the most sweet consolation of the faithful!
All things are possible for thee when thou prayest to thy Son and God, O
Mistress; and none can stand against thy maternal boldness, for there is no sin
that doth vanquish thy lovingkindness. Wherefore, we flee to thy mighty
protection, hoping on thy most powerful intercession; and, after God, we
commend ourselves, each other and all our life unto thee.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone V:
Pray thou fervently for the whole world, O Theotokos, for it needeth thine
aid, for the snares of the evil one have been spread over all the face of the
earth, the nations rage and storms of temptations have risen against the Church
of God. Wherefore, as once in Cana of Galilee, speak thou a word to thy Son,
that He transform the water of temptations and sorrows into the wine of
compunction and divine gladness.
A T L IT U R G Y
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia, four each from Odes III and VI of the
Canon.
The eyes of our mind rushing headlong in to the abyss of the ages, we see
there thine icon, O most pure one, shining more brightly than the sun with rays
of mercy, illumining thy home, the Russian land, O Theotokos. Wherefore, we
cry unto thee: Rejoice, O our protection and defense!
In its bosom the dark oak of Kursk kept the radiant wonder, the most pure
icon of the Mother of God, which had been cut in twain by the impious and
grew back together through the power of God. Wherefore, recovering it like a
great treasure, the Russian people cried out:
Whence is this, that the most blessed Mother of God cometh unto us? A
spring of living water sprang forth at the place where the image of the
Theotokos abode, refreshing the faithful with streams of healing and curing
every wound and infirmity. Wherefore, we cry aloud to her that is full of grace:
Rejoice, thou true life-bearing fount!
At the root of a tree was discovered the icon of her that ineffably gave rise
to the Tree of life and budded forth for the world the blessed Fruit. Wherefore,
now celebrating the feast of its appearance, we cry out to the all-pure one: O
all-blessed Mistress, sever our evil passions at the root, implanting in us good
habits, setting out a garden of virtues in us, and vouchsafing us to be partakers
of the life of paradise!
Let us radiantly celebrate this light-bearing day, whereon a spiritual ray hath
shone forth unto the salvation of the world in the nativity of the all-pure Bride
of God, whereon also the icon of the Theotokos, like the morning star,
announcing the day of deliverance, hath appeared to the land of Russia which
languished in the darkness of misfortunes and sorrows. Wherefore, we cry to
the most blessed one: Rejoice, for thou hast lighted a beacon of hope for us
which cannot be extinguished!
Where sin increaseth, there doth the grace of God exceedingly abound.
Wherefore, O Mistress, look down upon our weakness, see our boundless
abasement, but behold also our faith, and hearken to our cry; and haste thou to
assist us that are helpless, illumining us with thy mercy.
Let us not fear the dark powers of hell, but having put on the armor of light,
let us manfully stand against them, having the all-hymned Theotokos as
commander. For lo! she doth mightily war against the enemy and doth help the
faithful that call upon her most pure name.
We confess thee in truth to be the Theotokos, and we honor the form of thy
most pure countenance in an Orthodox manner. We turn away from every sin
and vile act; we pray to be granted to do good, and, humbling our souls, we cry:
Most holy Theotokos, save us!
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Having acquired thee as an unassailable rampart and a fount of miracles, we,
thy servants, set at naught armies of adversaries, O most pure Theotokos.
Wherefore, do we entreat thee: Grant peace to our native land and great mercy
to our souls!
Kontakion, in Tone VI:
Come, ye faithful, let us radiantly celebrate the wondrous appearance of the
most precious image of the Mother of God, and drawing grace therefrom, let
us cry out with compunction: Rejoice, O Theotokos, blessed Mary, Mother of
God!
Prokimenon, in Tone III: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit
hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Stichos: For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for
behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE HEBREWS [9:1-7]
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a
worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the
candles tick, and the table, and the showbread; which is called the sanctuary.
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all; which
had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with
gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that
budded, and the tables of the covenant; and over it the cherubim of glory
shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly . Now
when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first
tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. But into the second went the
high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for
himself, and for the errors of the people.
Alleluia, in Tone VIII: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [10:38-42; 11:27-28]
Now it came to pass, as they went, that [Jesus] entered into a certain village:
and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had
a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But
Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord,
dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore
that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou
art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful; and Mary
hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. And it
came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted
up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the
paps which thou hast sucked. But he said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that
hear the word of God, and keep it.
Communion Verse: I shall receive the cup of salvation, and call upon the
name of the Lord.
THE 9th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY & RIGHTEOUS ANCESTORS OF GOD, JOACHIM
& ANNA COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYR SEVERIAN
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the feast, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Joachim and Anna hold festival, * having shone forth the Sun * upon those
who sleep in darkness, * and with them we also celebrate today, * blessing the
pure Virgin * who sprang forth from the root of Jesse.
The Maiden who contained God, * the pure Theotokos, * the glory of the
prophets, * the daughter of David, * is born today of Joachim and the chaste
Anna; * and the curse of Adam which lay upon us * is annulled by her
birthgiving.
She who before was as a barren land * giveth birth to fertile ground, * and,
having given forth a holy fruit from her fruitless womb, * she nurtureth her with
milk. * O awesome wonder! * the nourisher of our Life, * who received the
Bread of heaven in her womb * is nourished with milk at her mother's breasts!
And 3 stichera of the righteous ones, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
Come, let us now join chorus with hymnody, * O ye who love the feasts of
the Church, * and with faith let us hold festival, * honoring the memory of
Joachim and Anna, the honored couple; * for they gave birth to the Mother of
God for us, * the pure Virgin. * Wherefore, they have passed from transitory
things over to that which is incorrupt, * to the mansions of everlasting life, *
praying that we be saved.
Today all creation is adorned with gladness, * O most hymned Theotokos, *
offering up, with oneness of mind, the annual commemoration * of thy parents,
* celebrating together * the wondrous Joachim and Anna; * for they have
become the mediators of joy, * having past hope put thee forth, * the nourisher
of our Life, * who hast caused the Light to shine forth.
Today Anna rejoiceth, leaping up in spirit, * and she is filled with joyful
gladness, * having obtained her desire, * the fertility which she had long desired;
* for she put forth the fruit of the promise and blessing, * the most immaculate
Mary * who gave birth to our God, * and given birth to the only Theotokos, the
beginning of our salvation.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the composition of Ephraim of Karyes, in Tone V:
O blessed twain; ye have surpassed all parents, in that ye gave rise to her who
transcendeth all creation. Truly blessed art thou, O Joachim, having become the
father of such a maiden! And blessed is thy womb, O Anna, for thou hast put
forth the Mother of our Life! Blessed are the breasts wherewith thou didst
nourish with milk her who nurtured Him Who sustaineth every creation! Him
do ye entreat, we beseech you, O most blessed one, that our souls find mercy!
But if this service is celebrated on Friday evening: Glory ..., the foregoing
Doxasticon of the saints; Now & ever ..., the Dogmaticon of the current tone.
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
Of a truth, the divinely wise Anna, beholding a nest of birds in a tree, was
mindful of her own barrenness, and cried aloud: "Woe is me, O Lord! I alone, a
sinner, am left bereft of fruitfulness by Thee, O Lord!" Then God, Who loveth
mankind, gave her the Virgin as fruit, the most precious of all creation.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Of a truth, the divinely wise Anna, conscious of her barren state and
childlessness, cried out to God in supplication: "Loose Thou the grievous bond
of my barrenness, that I may give birth to a child who will give birth to Thee,
the Word!" And Thou didst grant her this, O Master Christ, Bestower of life;
for her offspring gave birth to Thee, the Savior of all mankind.
Stichos: The rich among the people will entreat thy countenance.
God the Master truly hearkened to thy supplication, as He did that of Sarah
of old, when thou didst hear the voice of the angel announcing joyous tidings
unto thee: "Thou shalt give birth to the Mother of God!" And thou didst cry
out in gladness of soul: "The Master and Lord, my God and Creator, hath of a
truth lifted my reproach, for I shall give birth to the Ever-virgin!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VIII:
Joachim and Anna, the holy couple and holy mates, who from a barren
womb put forth the holy Theotokos as a staff, from whom Christ God shone
forth salvation upon the world, having been translated to the mansions of
heaven, with their all-pure Virgin daughter, join chorus with the angels, making
supplication for the world. And we, assembling with them, say, piously chanting:
O ye who were called the ancestors of Christ by the divine Maiden and all-pure
Mary, pray for our souls.
Troparion of the righteous ones, in Tone II:
Celebrating the memory of Thy righteous ones, O Lord, through them we
entreat Thee: Save Thou our souls!
Or this troparion, in Tone I:
Joachim and Anna, who were righteous in the law of grace, have for us given
birth unto a God-given babe. Wherefore, the divine Church keepeth splendid
festival today, celebrating their honored memory with gladness, glorifying God
Who hath lifted up the horn of salvation for us in the house of David.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
AT COMPLINE
Canon of the Martyr Severian, in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: Traversing the water as though it were dry land, and escaping the
evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer
and God!
Thou didst spurn the command of the ungodly to sacrifice to inanimate and
deaf idols; and Christ hath won a victory through thy mighty and valiant
martyric opposition.
The tyrant freed from bonds those who rejected Christ, yet all whom he
found worshiping Him as God he began to torture in every way; but when he
came to thee, O divinely wise one, he was put to shame.
Valiantly hastening to the tribunal, O martyr, thou didst amaze the ungodly
one; and with boldness thou didst denounce the weakness, corruption and
impotence of the pagan gods.
Theotokion: Thou alone, O Maiden, didst contain in thy womb Him Whom
the heavens cannot contain, Who as god made His abode within thee and
through thee assumed human nature.
ODE III
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those who have recourse to Thee, O
Lord, Thou art the light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Pitilessly afflicted with wounds for Christ, O wise one, thou didst rejoice; for
thou didst receive excellent reward for thy pangs.
Lacerated with cords while repeatedly flogged by the tormenters, O glorious
one, thou didst not feel it, for it was as though thou wast in another's body.
Thou didst find thy reward with Christ, O wise one, receiving the crown of
righteousness and never-ending joy.
Theotokion: Foreseeing thee of old, Solomon cried out in hymns: "Thou hast
become my dear one, wholly beautiful and immaculate!"
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, O Lord; I have
understood Thy works and have glorified Thy divinity.
Hoping to soften thy might with kindness and vanquish thee, O martyr, the
tyrant thought to shoot arrows at heaven.
"O foolish one, dost thou not sense the power of Christ which strengtheneth
me against pain and labors?" thou didst cry to the tyrant, O all-glorious one.
"If power were not given me from on high," Severian cried out to the tyrant,
''how would I have been able to endure the severing of my members, since I am
flesh?"
Theotokion: O all-holy Bride of God, grant me help by thine entreaties, that I
may be delivered from the deceiver and may glorify thee, my hope.
ODE V
Irmos: Rising at dawn, we cry to Thee: O Lord, save us! For Thou art our
God, and we know none other than Thee.
Thou wast uplifted upon a tree, O glorious one, thy body raked with iron
claws, for Him Who hath dominion over all.
"O my God," thou didst cry, "strengthen me for this struggle, that, lacerated,
I may complete this martyrdom!"
As the tyrant beheld thee untiringly enduring tortures, O glorious one, the
wretched one was filled with awe.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, my hope, intercession and protection, from the
temptations of the serpent save me by thine entreaties.
ODE VI
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O greatly merciful Christ our God, Who
clothest Thyself in light as in a garment.
The cruel one imprisoned thee in a dungeon and with starvation sought to
compel thee to deny Christ Whom Thou hadst loved from thy youth, O blessed
one.
Cast into prison, O wise one, thou didst exhort all who beheld thee not to
fall away from Christ, teaching them with boldness.
The cruel and mindless tyrant commanded that thou be beheaded with the
sword, O martyr, for not offering sacrifice to the idols; but thou didst pay him
no heed.
Theotokion: On the day of judgment, O Mistress Bride of God, cause me to
be clothed in a robe of light by thy supplications, for I hymn thee.
Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "The choir of the angels ...":
Armed with valor of soul, O divinely wise one who art most rich, thou didst
give thyself over to divers torments, afire with love for the Master. Wherefore,
thou didst denounce the savagery of the tyrants and hast received from God an
imperishable crown of victory.
ODE VII
Irmos: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers, Who founded
the earth in the beginning and established the heavens by Thy word.
With a sharp stone the ungodly one smashed thy mouth, which preached
Christ with boldness in the midst of the all-iniquitous; and having received His
glory, thou hast now joined chorus there.
Suspended aloft upon a wall, O athlete, and affixed to a hard rock by the
great wrath of the tyrant, thou didst not deny Christ, the all-glorious God of our
fathers.
O thy steadfast opposition, O blessed one! O thy fervent love for the
Creator, for which He hath adorned thee with an imperishable crown, in that
thou didst suffer well.
Theotokion: Thou art my light, O Virgin Theotokos, thou art my joy, my
protection and refuge, O blessed one; and I glorify thee who gavest birth unto
the God of our fathers.
ODE VIII
Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the armies of the angels hymn, praise
and exalt supremely for all ages.
Thou didst endure wounding to the end, O all-blessed warrior of Christ, and
didst pass over, rejoicing, to the kingdom on high.
Because of Christ thou wast not put to shame, O thou of valiant mind,
enduring divers torments; wherefore, thou hast been glorified for all ages.
As one crowned, truly dancing with the athletes around the King, remember
those who celebrate thy memory with faith.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, intercessor for Christians: rescue us from all want,
that we may hymn thee for all ages.
ODE IX
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin; we confess thee to be the true
Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Thy mangled body was buried as something holy by the hands of those who
loved thee, O blessed one, and it poureth forth streams of healing, unto the
glory of God.
O the wonder! How is it that a dead youth arose and greeted thy body on
the way as it was borne to burial, O most wondrous martyr?
Having received the eternal kingdom, O blessed one, standing in honor
before the Master, pray thou fervently in behalf of those who hymn thee.
Theotokion: The ranks of the angels were amazed, beholding thee, the Ever-
virgin, bearing the incarnate Creator of the ages.
Stichera of the martyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
Scourged with cords * for Christ's sake, O glorious one, * suspended upon a
tree, * thy flesh pitilessly lacerated with sharp blades, * when thou wast
commanded to offer sacrifice to the idols * thou didst not deny the Lord of all,
O wise one; * but with thy pangs thou didst denounce * the weakness and evil
of idolatry, * and becamest a companion of the angels.
Rejoicing, thou didst set thyself apart for the contest * as a lawful athlete, O
right wondrous one, * with valiant mind * paying no heed to the tortures, O
martyr; * and thou didst strive to emulate Christ * by thy death, O wondrous
one. * Wherefore, Jesus, Who loveth mankind, * the Savior of our souls, * hath
adorned thee with the crown of His kingdom.
Glory ..., in the same tone & melody:
Led forth as a prisoner, adorned with wounds, * thou didst admonish those
who looked on * to emulate thy character, O blessed one, * looking toward the
rewards of heaven * which impart great gladness and beauty, * in that they are
incorrupt * and last forever, * making those who abide therein * heirs in the
Spirit.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the same Tone & melody:
Today the divine wealth * of the grace of the Master * hath been poured
forth upon all the ends of the world * by the well-spring of the barren one *
which truly poureth forth gifts * and proclaimeth its origin * unto those who
honor her nativity with love * and cry aloud: * O almighty Jesus, * Thou art the
Savior of our souls!
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the saints, in Tone II:
Celebrating the memory of Thy righteous ones, O Lord, through them we
entreat Thee: Save Thou our souls!
Now & ever ..., that of the feast, once.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone Ill:
Spec. Mel.: "Today the Virgin ...":
Today the Virgin, Mary the Theotokos, the indestructible bridal-chamber of
the heavenly Bridegroom, is born of Anna, the barren woman, in accordance
with God's will, being prepared as the chariot of the Word of God; for the
Maiden was commanded from of old to become the Mother of Life.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
O David, He Who anointed thee of old promised thee that the fruit of thy
loins would occupy thy throne hath given us Mary. For thou beholdest her
sprung forth from Anna of the tribe of Judah, and thou dost rejoice, for Christ,
the Savior of all, became incarnate of her, saving our race in His boundless
goodness.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos; and that of the saints, also
with 6 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos, the composition of John, in
Tone II
Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided
the sea, and guided the people whom He had led forth from Egyptian
bondage, for He hath been glorified!
Come, ye faithful, and, rejoicing with divine spirit, let us honor with hymns
the Ever-virgin Maiden who today hath issued forth from a barren woman for
the salvation of men.
Rejoice, O pure one, Mother and handmaid of Christ God, mediatress of our
primal blessedness! All of us, the human race, glorify thee with hymns, as is
meet.
Today is the bridge of life born, through which men have attained restoration
after their fall into Hades, glorifying Christ, the Bestower of life, with hymns.
Canon of the Righteous Ones, the acrostic whereof is:
"In chastity I hymn thy parents, O most pure one", in Tone II:
Irmos: Once, the power of the Almighty drowned the whole army of
Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word destroyed pernicious sin.
All-glorious is the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified.
Shining with the splendors of the virtues O divinely wise Anna and ever-
blessed Joachim ye were vouchsafed to give birth to the lamp which emitted the
noetic Sun Who shone forth from her in the flesh.
Praying tirelessly and looking to God in every way, the God-pleasing Joachim
and the divine Anna truly gave birth to the all-pure Theotokos, who is far
greater than all creation in holiness.
Possessed of a most exalted life and splendor of life, together ye surpassed all
the parents of earth, giving birth to the incorrupt Virgin, and truly becoming
ancestor of God because of her.
Theotokion: The most blessed Joachim and glorious Anna, the authors of all
creation, gave birth to the pure, immaculate and all-pure Theotokos, receiving
her as the reward for their piety.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Establish us in Thee, O Lord, Who hast slain death by the Tree,
and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
Having lived blamelessly for God, ye gave birth unto the salvation of all, O
divinely wise parents of her who gaveth birth to our Creator and God.
From a barren woman did the Lord, Who poureth forth life upon all, cause
the Virgin to come forth, in whom He was pleased to make His abode,
preserving her incorrupt even after giving birth.
Let us hymn Mary today as the Theotokos the fruit of Anna, the intercessor
and helper of all, who gaveth birth to the life-bearing Cluster.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: Having established me on the rock of faith, thou hast enlarged my
mouth over mine enemies; for my spirit rejoiced to sing: There is none as
holy as our God, and none more righteous than Thee, O Lord.
O God-pleasing Anna, who wast barren and bereft of children, and who
besought the Creator with tears, thou wast vouchsafed to give birth to the only
blessed one, crying aloud: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord!
The godly and divinely eloquent Joachim having enriched his spouse with
divine grace: was vouchsafed to beget the mediatress of men's salvation, to
whom we cry aloud: There is none more immaculate than thee, O Mistress!
We hymn the most honored couple from whom the Virgin hath shone forth
upon us, who is more exalted than all creatures, in that she gave birth to God, to
Whom we cry aloud: There is none more holy than Thee, O Lord!
Theotokion: Escaping the reproach of barrenness, Anna gave birth to the
Theotokos who hath all-gloriously abolished the reproach of Eve; and to her do
we cry: There is none more immaculate than thee, O Mistress!
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all- pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos the nourisher of our Life!
Ikos: The supplication of Joachim over his childlessness, together with the
sighing of Anna over her barrenness, were right acceptable to God; they entered
the ears of the Lord and brought forth life-bearing fruit for the world. For the
one made supplication on the mountain, and the other bore her reproach in the
garden; and with joy the barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the
nourisher of our Life!
Sedalion of the feast, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is co-unoriginate ...":
Joachim and Anna rejoice, for they found grace with God as is meet and gave
birth to a God-pleasing fruit, the temple, the pure Virgin Mother of God, who
alone is blessed, and prayeth unceasingly that our souls be saved.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, report of Thy dispensation, and have
glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.
We hymn Thee, O Lord, Who hast given unto all, as a haven of salvation,
her who gaveth birth to Thee.
Christ hath revealed thee, O Bride of God, to all who with faith hymn thy
mystery as their boast and might.
Delivered from transgressions by thy supplications, O Mistress who knewest
not wedlock, we all bless thee with a good understanding.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: Thou hast come forth from the Virgin, not as a mediator nor as an
angel, but the Lord Himself, incarnate, and hast saved me, the whole
man. Wherefore, I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Rejoicing, the divinely wise and God-pleasing Joachim receiveth from the
barren one the virginal Virgin for whose sake the barrenness of the world hath
been abolished through birthgiving.
Joachim the most rich, the ancestor of God, now setteth before us a spiritual
banquet, for he hath begotten the Mother of God, the all-incorrupt Maiden.
Grace setteth before us her who would become the Mother of God, who
hath saved men from mortality and corruption and received the ineffably
incarnate eternal Word.
A couple hath sprung forth from the root of Jesse, from whom hath sprung
forth the staff bearing the Flower which perfumeth me, the whole man, with
the myrrh of divinity.
Theotokion: Direct my life, O Theotokos, guiding me with the divine
precepts of the Word Who became incarnate of thee; and lead me to the Light,
O Virgin Mother, Mary Bride of God.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Having destroyed the shadowy darkness of indistinct images and
illumined the hearts of the faithful by the coming of the Truth through
the divine Maiden, O Christ, guide us by Thy light.
O ye people, let us hymn the cause of the Cause of all, Who becameth like
unto us. For the prophets, counted worthy to behold her image, rejoiced,
bringing forth the fruit of manifest salvation through her.
The sprouting of the dry rod of the priest showed forth the destiny of Israel;
and now the most glorious offspring of the barren woman most gloriously
shineth forth the splendor of those who gave rise to her.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: O Christ my Savior, Thou enlightenment of those who lie in
darkness and salvation of the despairing, I rise early unto Thee, the King
of peace, illumine me with Thy radiance, for I know none other God
than Thee.
Anna and the God-pleasing Joachim, the chaste couple, shining forth a ray
of purity which hath adorned barren human nature with the divine radiance of
virginity, have given birth unto her for us.
The most lauded Anna and Joachim, the two honored chaste ones, the
divinely wise couple, have given birth to the divinely adorned throne of the
Virgin, who hath been elevated above all by the hand of God.
The divine God-seers Joachim and Anna, who lived in a divinely wise
manner, have been manifestly vouchsafed to give birth to the luminous portal
who revealed the Orient from on high, for the guidance of the lost.
The Almighty hath with His hand now cut from the stone of the barren
woman the divinely inscribed tablet of the new law, whereon the divine Word
first formed the remission of the sins of the old law.
Theotokion: Give thou the command, O Virgin Mother of God, that my
mind, which is darkened by sin, may be illumined with thy radiance, destroying
the darkness of ignorance and transgressions; for I know none other protector
than thee.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Out of the belly of the sea monster Jonah cried out to the Lord:
Lead up my life from the abyss of Hades, I pray, that with a voice of
praise I may sacrifice to Thee, the Deliverer, in the spirit of truth.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God cried out to the Lord in grief
over their barrenness; and they gave birth to her, our common boast and
salvation, for generations of generations.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God received a gift worthy of
heaven from God, for she is a chariot more highly exalted than the cherubim,
the Mother of the Word and Creator.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable
abyss of Thy lovingkindness: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Anna, the barren woman of old, having received fertile seed, was vouchsafed
to give birth to a Maiden of divine radiance who hath dominion over all
creatures.
The barren woman, hath now given birth by God's will to the Virgin Who
would with submission give birth untainted by carnal will, as God Himself
manifestly desired.
Illumined by the Spirit, Isaiah beheld the offspring of Joachim and Anna as a
new scroll, whereon the incarnate Word was written.
Theotokion: Mystery followeth mystery! For she who before was barren hath
given birth to grace: the mediatress of salvation who hath been revealed to us by
the birth of virginity.
Kontakion of the saints, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Anna now rejoiceth, having broken the bond of barrenness; and she nurtureth
the all-pure one, calling upon all to hymn the One Who through her womb hath
given unto men the only Mother who knew not man.
Ikos: Delivered by prayer from her former bonds of childlessness, Anna now
calleth upon us to celebrate this wonder with her and to offer gifts to her who
hath been born, making supplication before her with love, for once virgins ran
quickly to her, dancing and crying aloud: Behold! the restoration of all hath
arrived! Behold, Adam hath been set free! For Anna hath budded forth fruit: the
only Mother who knew not man!
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The bush which burnt on the mountain without being consumed
and the dew-bearing furnace of the Chaldeans manifestly prefigured thee,
a Bride of God; for, without being consumed, thou didst receive in thy
material womb the divine and immaterial Fire. Wherefore, we chant unto
Him Who was born of thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Once, the transmitter of the law was prevented from understanding thy great
mystery in material manifestations, O all-pure one, though instructed through
images not to think earthly thoughts. Wherefore, marveling at the wonder, he
said: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
In godly manner the divine choir called thee beforehand the mountain and
portal of heaven and the noetic ladder; for from thee was the Stone cut without
the aid of man's hands, and thou art the door through which passed the Lord of
wonders, the God of our fathers.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: The God-opposing command of the iniquitous tyrant raised up a
lofty flame; but Christ, Who is blessed and all-glorious, spread a spiritual
dew upon the youths who worshiped God.
O holy couple who put forth from the root of the divinely wise David a most
sacred staff, unto the world ye have given birth to the pure Virgin, the flower
most sacred to us, who shone forth Christ without seed.
The godly Anna, bearing the most radiant lamp of the Theotokos like a
lustrous lampstand, hath illumined the whole world with divine light and the
radiant effulgence of virginity.
O glorious grandparents of Almighty God, Who in His ineffable mercy
became incarnate of your divinely wise daughter, O ye who art most rich, ask
remission of offenses for me who now flee unto you.
Theotokion: In that ye are greater than all parents, ye gave birth to her who
hath dominion over all creatures, the all-pure Mary who gave birth to God, Who
in His great compassion robed Himself in flesh and became like unto us.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Thou didst once prefigure Thy Mother in the furnace of the
children, O Lord; for her image drew from the fire those who entered it,
without being consumed. We hymn and exalt her supremely for all ages,
who through Thee hath been made manifest today to the ends of the
earth.
Now the designated tabernacle of our reconciliation to God, who is to give
birth to the Word Who hath manifested Himself to us in the coarseness of our
flesh, beginneth her existence; Him do we, who have been brought into
existence by Him out of non-existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
The reversal of Anna's barrenness hath loosed the world's lack of good things,
and hath plainly shown forth a miracle: Christ, Who hath come to mortal men.
Him do we, who have been brought into existence by Him out of non-existence,
hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children
and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The honored Joachim and the chaste Anna, overflowing with riches, gave
birth to the Virgin Queen, who is adorned with divine glory, and whom all
creation doth hymn as the Theotokos.
By you, the friends of God, hath a staff of power been sent to us: the most
immaculate Bride, through whom we prevail over the godless foe, trampling
upon their devices.
Through you, O most sacred twain, hath a weapon been given us by the will
of God, whereby we, the faithful, are now ever splendidly adorned: the pure
Virgin Mother Who gave birth to God.
With fertility the power of God opened a barren womb, and the portal of
virginity cometh forth in splendor, through whom the Word hath come to
mortals, Who became incarnate at the ineffable words of the archangel.
Theotokion: O all-immaculate Mistress, may thine excellent and enlightened
two parents be for us the mediation of heavenly blessings through the splendors
of Him Who for our sake became incarnate of thee.
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who
through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the
Luminary Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the
flesh.
He Who poured forth water from the stone for the rebellious people, through
the womb of a barren woman giveth to us, the right submissive nations, the fruit
of gladness: thee, O all-pure Mother of God, whom we magnify as is meet.
Thee, O Theotokos, do we magnify, who hast removed the ancient and
precipitous condemnation: the restoration of our first mother, the cause of the
reconciliation of our race to God, the bridge to the Creator.
Canon of the Righteous Ones
Irmos: God the Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath appeared to
us, incarnate of the Virgin, to enlighten the benighted and to gather the
dispersed. Wherefore, we magnify the most hymned Theotokos.
O honored parents of the all-pure Virgin, most sacred ones who through
virtue are united in wisdom and in soul, pray ye that those who ardently celebrate
your all-praised and glorious memory may be saved.
Ye have destroyed the field of death, O glorious ones who radiantly gave birth
to the Mother of Life who hath broken its assault and mediated the hope of
immortal life for the sake of faith.
Joachim, entering into conjunction with Anna, like the sun with the luminous
moon, gave rise to a ray of virginity, through whom the Ray of the divine
Essence hath shone forth upon us united to the flesh hypostatically.
Having lived in chastity and piety, O blessed ones, ye have now been counted
worthy of ineffable sweetness, having received the divine revelation of Him Who
through you appeared to the world. Him do ye entreat, that our souls be saved.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast visited us ...":
She who hath abolished the curse of Eve is now born of Anna and Joachim,
barren and elderly. With the angels let us praise her in hymns as is meet, O ye
faithful.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., another Exapostilarion:
Like sun from sun and moon from moon, the most immaculate Maiden was born
of Anna and Joachim, and in her radiance she hath illumined the ends of the world.
Hymning her as is meet, we call her blessed, celebrating their honored memory.
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Leap up now, O Prophet David, * for, lo! From thy loins * hath the Virgin been
all-gloriously born, * the divine Maiden Mary, * for whose sake mortals * have divinely
found restoration from their fall.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Through grace hath the mire of mortality been removed, * and Adam and Eve, our
first parents, * have been granted life; * for the Theotokos, truly born of a barren
woman, * hath loosed the barrenness of the world.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
With the angels do we radiantly celebrate * thy most honored nativity, * O pure
Virgin Mother. * O Theotokos, cease thou never to defend * the Christians who hymn
thee!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone II:
Today the most immaculate and pure one hath issued forth from the barren
woman! Today all things rejoice in her nativity! The bonds of Adam have been
broken, and Eve hath been freed from the curse! All those in heaven are glad, and
peace is given to men! And we, glorifying her, cry aloud: Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will among men!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode I of the canon of the feast, and 4 from
Ode VI of the canon of the righteous ones.
Come, ye faithful, and, rejoicing with divine spirit, let us honor with hymns
the Ever-virgin Maiden who today hath issued forth from a barren woman for
the salvation of men. (Twice)
Rejoice, O pure one, Mother and handmaid of Christ God, mediatress of our
primal blessedness! All of us, the human race, glorify thee with hymns, as is
meet.
Today is the bridge of life born, through which men have attained restoration
after their fall into Hades, glorifying Christ, the Bestower of life, with hymns.
Anna, the barren woman of old, having received fertile seed, was vouchsafed
to give birth to a Maiden of divine radiance who hath dominion over all
creatures.
The barren woman, hath now given birth by God's will to the Virgin Who
would with submission give birth untainted by carnal will, as God Himself
manifestly desired.
Illumined by the Spirit, Isaiah beheld the offspring of Joachim and Anna as a
new scroll, whereon the incarnate Word was written.
Theotokion: Mystery followeth mystery! For she who before was barren hath
given birth to grace: the mediatress of salvation who hath been revealed to us by
the birth of virginity.
Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
Troparion of the righteous ones, in Tone II:
Celebrating the memory of Thy righteous ones, O Lord, through them we
entreat Thee: Save Thou our souls!
Or this troparion, in Tone I:
Joachim and Anna, who were righteous in the law of grace, have for us given
birth unto a God-given babe. Wherefore, the divine Church keepeth splendid
festival today, celebrating their honored memory with gladness, glorifying God
Who hath lifted up the horn of salvation for us in the house of David.
Kontakion of the saints, in Tone II:
Anna now rejoiceth, having broken the bond of barrenness; and she nurtureth
the all-pure one, calling upon all to hymn the One Who through her womb hath
given unto men the only Mother who knew not man.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all- pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos the nourisher of our Life!
Prokimenon of the feast, from henceforth until the leave-taking; in Tone III:
The Song of the Theotokos: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath
rejoiced in God my Savior.
That of the saints, in Tone IV: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of
Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of Israel
EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, § 210 [GAL. 4: 22-31]
Brethren: Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a free
woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of
the free woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the
two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage,
which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to
Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which
is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written, Rejoice, thou
barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the
desolate hath many more children than she which hath a husband. Now we,
brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born
after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Nevertheless what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for
the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So
then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Alleluia, in Tone VIII: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Alleluia, in Tone I: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and He is
their defender in time of affliction.
Stichos: The Lord shall help them and shall deliver them, and He will rescue
them from sinners and will save them because they have hoped in Him.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE, § 36 [LK. 8: 16-21]
The Lord said: No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a
vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which
enter in may see the light. For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest;
neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed
therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that
which he seemeth to have. Then came to him His mother and His brethren, and
could not come at Him for the press. And it was told Him by certain which said,
Thy mother and Thy brethren stand without, desiring to see Thee. And He
answered and said unto them, My mother and My brethren are these which hear
the word of God, and do it.
Communion Verse of the feast: I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call
upon the name of the Lord.
That of the saints: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the
upright.
THE 10th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR MOST HOLY LADY THE THEOTOKOS
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYRS MENODORA, METRODORA AND
NYMPHODORA
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera; three of the afterfeast, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
O all-glorious wonder! * How the Mother of God who tasted not of wedlock *
today springeth forth * as a rod bearing a Flower, * from a childless and barren
womb, * from the righteous Joachim and Anna! * Wherefore, the councils of the
prophets * and the whole assembly of the patriarchs rejoice * at her nativity.
Today David rejoiceth,* Jesse danceth, * Levi is magnified, * and the righteous
Joachim leapeth up in spirit; * the barrenness of Anna is manifestly loosed * by
thy nativity, O pure Mary. * O thou who tasted not of wedlock, * the company of
angels and all mortals * call thy divine womb blessed!
Rejoice, O union of the earthly! * Rejoice, temple of the Lord! * Rejoice,
unwedded Mother, who hast most gloriously loosed the barrenness of Anna *
and by thy nativity hast poured forth remission of sins upon mortals! * Rejoice, O
all-immaculate one! Rejoice, divine temple! * Rejoice, O tabernacle, * wherein our
Creator and Lord made His abode!
And three stichera of the martyrs, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
Having adorned yourselves * with vesture empurpled with your blood, * O
virgin maidens, * in your beauty ye united yourselves incorporeally * unto Christ
our comely God * Who preserveth your virginity undefiled * in the immortal
bridal chamber of incorruption, * in the mansions of heaven, * in a chamber not
made by hands, O martyrs.
In imperfect bodies, * yet with a perfect mind, * ye vanquished the ancient
serpent, * the author of evil, * with the power of the Spirit, O glorious ones, *
and showed his might to be feeble. * Wherefore, ye have received crowns of
victory, * O Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora, * ye champions of the
Trinity.
Your members twisted, * fed to the fire, * lacerated with iron claws,* hanged
upon a tree and beheaded by the sword, * ye did not deny Christ, O all-praised
athletes. * Wherefore, ye have received the crown of victory, * O Menodora,
Metrodora and Nymphodora, * ye champions of the Trinity.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone II:
What is this noise of revelers? Joachim and Anna keep festival mystically,
saying: "Rejoice with us today, O Adam and Eve!" For by their transgression was
paradise shut, but a right glorious fruit is now given unto us: Mary, the divine
Maiden, who throweth open its gates unto all.
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Let the gate of the God-receiving temple be opened, * taking in today with
glory * the temple and throne of the King * which Joachim bringeth, consecrating
her to the Lord: * her who was taken from him to be the Mother of God.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Noetic rays of universal joy * have shone forth upon the world, * proclaiming
beforehand unto all * Christ God, the Sun of glory, * in thy nativity, O all-pure
one; * for thou hast been shown to be * the mediatress of true gladness and
grace.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
This, thy most precious glory, O pure one, * proclaimeth beforehand to all
men * thy kindhearted beneficence; * for thou art the mediatress of our present
joy, * for by thy supplication thou hast been revealed to us* as the cause of joy to
come, O pure one.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone II:
The Queen of all who hath been foretold, the habitation of God, the divine
dwelling place of the eternal Essence, hath come forth today from the barren
womb of the glorious Anna, and by her shameless Hades hath been trampled
down, and Eve, the mother of our race, is led into everlasting life. To her do we
cry out, as is meet: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb!
Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
AT MATINS
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Be thou magnified, O Judah, and let David be glad! Be thou renewed, O
Adam, and let Levi be strengthened! For Christ hath been born to me through
them. Strike thy harp, a psalmist, and tell who this is who hath been born, whom
thou callest daughter. She is the nurturer of our life, the Mother of Christ God.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Be thou renewed, O Adam! Rejoice, O Eve! Make merry, O David! Be of good
cheer, O Anna, for the Mother of thy Creator is born most gloriously! All the
earth joineth chorus, renewed, and rejoiceth, clad in vesture of gladness. Let every
tongue now cry out to thee, O Mary, in chorus: Blessed is the house of David, for
it nurtureth her who nourisheth our Life!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above is repeated.
The second canon of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, with eight troparia,
including its Irmos; and that of the holy martyrs, with four troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Feast, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: To Him Who hath crushed battles with His arm and led Israel
across the Red Sea, let us chant as God our Deliverer, for He hath been
glorified!
She who is holy among the saints is placed in the holy sanctuary as a babe, to
be fed by the hands of angels. Let us all, therefore faithfully keep festival together
on her nativity.
Let all creation join chorus, and let David be glad, for from his tribe and seed
hath come forth the rod which beareth the Lord, the Creator of all, as a flower.
Anna was barren and unable to give birth, yet she was not childless in God's
eyes; for, lo! she hath become known by all generations as the mother of the pure
Virgin, from whom the Creator of nature hath sprung forth in the guise of a
servant.
With hymns we all honor thee, the innocent ewe-lamb who hast been born of
Anna and who through thy womb brought the Lamb Christ into our nature.
Triadicon: I glorify the three Unoriginate Ones, I hymn the three Holy Ones, I
proclaim the three equally Everlasting Ones to be of a single Essence; for the one
God is glorified in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Theotokion: Who hath seen a Babe fed with milk Whom a father hath now
sown? Or where hath there been seen a Mother who is a Virgin? Truly past
understanding are both of these things, O pure Theotokos.
Canon of the holy martyrs, the acrostic whereof is:
"I honor the fervent sufferings of the three sisters,";
The composition of Joseph, in Tone IV:
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I
shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear
radiantly keeping festival; and rejoicing I shall hymn her wonders.
O glorious martyrs, make supplication to the uncreated Trinity Whom ye
preached, for us who now honor your divine sufferings and corrections divinely
blessed ones.
Protected by the divine weaponry of faith, the maidens scorned the words of
the tyrant, and for the sake of the Life of all they submitted to the threefold
waves of torments and to an unjust death.
Strengthened by the omnipotent power of the Creator, the most honored
ones assumed a manly character; with their feet they trampled upon the twisted
and prideful serpent and cast him down to the ground.
Theotokion: With hymns we honor the pure Mary as an animate temple, an
incorrupt tabernacle, the portal of heaven, the divine table, the palace and throne
of the Master.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: My heart is established in the Lord, and my horn is exalted in my
God; my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies, and I am glad in Thy
salvation.
Raised in the Holy of Holies, O all-pure Virgin Theotokos, thou wast shown
to be more exalted than creation, having given birth in the flesh unto the
Creator.
Blessed is thy womb, O chaste Anna, for thou didst pour forth the fruit of
virginity who gaveth birth without seed to Jesus the Deliverer, the Nurturer of
creation.
O Ever-virgin, all creation calleth thee blessed who hast been born today of
Anna as the rod sprung forth from the root of Jesse, who put forth Christ as an
all-pure Bloom.
Showing thee to be more exalted than all creation, O pure Theotokos, thy Son
magnifieth thy birth from Anna and gladdeneth all today.
Triadicon: We worship Thee, O Father unoriginate in essence, we hymn Thy
timeless Son, and we honor Thy Spirit Who is equally everlasting: as God three
in Hypostases but one in Essence.
Theotokion: O pure Theotokos, who gavest birth unto the Bestower of light,
the Author of man's life, thou hast been shown to be the treasure of our life and
the portal of Light unapproachable.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Not in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in wealth do we boast, but in
Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, for none is holy save
Thee, O Lover of mankind.
Wounding thee cruelly, the all-iniquitous tormentor of our life, dead of mind,
sought to force thee to renounce Christ, O martyr Menodora.
The tyrant took no pity on thee who lifted thine eyes to God, O martyr, but
with an iron rod broke thy members without mercy, thus weaving for thee an
everlasting crown which will not wither away.
By your torments ye acquired treasure in the heavens and everlasting glory, O
thrice rich holy martyrs, and ye have clearly drawn nigh unto God.
Theotokion: O pure Virgin who hast appeared, drive the darkness from my
soul, burst the bonds of sin, and save me, O thou who gavest birth unto the
most Compassionate One.
Kontakion, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ...":
Clad as sisters in the Spirit, ye who contended with endurance for the Trinity
have vanquished the greatly cunning enemy; wherefore, ye have made your
abode with the five virgins in the heavenly bridal chamber, O passion-bearers,
and with the angels ye stand in unceasing gladness before the King of all.
Sedalion, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled …":
The heavenly choirs of the incorporeal hosts marveled at your great patience;
for, stripped naked, your members broken, enduring a bitter death, ye withstood
all as though it were others suffering, thus crushing the apostate serpent with
your women's bodies, O virgin brides of the Bestower of life, champions of the
Faith ..
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Sedalion of the Feast of Our Lady, in the same tone:
Today is Mary, the divine Maiden, born for us of the root of Jesse and the
loins of David, all things rejoice with joy and are renewed. Rejoice together, O
heaven and earth! Praise her, ye people of our native land! Joachim maketh
merry, and Anna keepeth festival, crying aloud: A barren woman giveth birth to
the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The Prophet Habbakuk foresaw Thy coming with noetic eyes, O
Lord; wherefore, he cried aloud: God shall come out of Thee a man!
Glory to Thy power! Glory to Thy condescension!
The Patriarch Jacob, clearly foreseeing the mighty works of Thy dispensation,
O Savior, cried out in the Spirit, saying mystically to Judah: "From the tender
plant thou art gone up, O my Son!", referring to Thee, O God, Who wast born
of the Virgin.
Now the pure Virgin, the rod of Aaron which sprung forth from the root of
David, cometh forth from Anna, and heaven and earth and all the nations of the
gentiles mystically join chorus together with Anna and Joachim.
Let heaven now be glad; let the earth rejoice! And let Joachim and David join
chorus: the one as the father of thee who truly gavest birth to God, and the
other as thine ancestor who proclaimed thy mighty deeds, O pure one.
The whole world rejoiceth with thee today, O divinely wise Anna; for thou
hast budded forth the Mother of its Deliverer, she who from the root of David
put forth for us the rod of strength which beareth Christ as a flower.
Triadicon: I glorify God, the unoriginate Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
the consubstantial, uncreated Trinity, before Whom the seraphim stand with
reverence, crying aloud: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God!
Theotokion: The all-unoriginate Origin receiveth a beginning from thee in the
flesh and in time, O Theotokos, and He remaineth equally the unoriginate and
incarnate Word of the Father, equally everlasting with the Spirit, maintaining
His divine dignity.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine
hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved them
that cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
Resplendent in the rays of the Cross, O ever-blessed Metrodora, bound to a
tree thou didst endure torture by fire, quenching the burning coal of deception
with the dew of the love of Christ.
Stretching forth thy thought towards the visions manifested to thee, and
beholding thy Bridegroom of unimaginable comeliness, O ever-blessed
Metrodora, beaten with iron rods thou didst valiantly endure the pangs of tor-
ture.
Ye have adorned yourselves and been radiantly glorified, O virgins, loving the
all-glorious Word wholly: for, wounded by His love, ye steadfastly endured the
assaults of suffering.
Theotokion: Enliven me who have been slain by the malice of the deceiver, O
all-immaculate one who gavest birth unto Life, for to thee have I fled; and as
thou art merciful, O all-immaculate one, raise me up who have fallen into the
abyss of sin.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Lord our God! O Lord our God, acquire
Thou us; for we know none other God than Thee, and it is Thy name
which we name.
Thy nativity is all-pure, O immaculate Virgin, thy conception is ineffable, and
thy birthgiving unutterable, O Bride unwedded; for God hath clad Himself in all
of me.
Let the angelic ranks be glad; let the descendants of Adam join chorus; for
the rod which put forth as Flower Christ alone, our Deliverer, hath been born.
Today the condemnation of Eve is lifted in thy nativity, the barrenness of
Anna is loosed, and Adam is freed from the ancient curse; for by thee have we
been delivered from corruption.
Glory to Thee Who hast glorified the barren woman today! For, according to
the promise, she gaveth birth unto the flowering rod from whence Christ, the
Flower of our life, hath budded forth.
Triadicon: Glory to Thee, O holy Father, unbegotten God! Glory to Thee, O
timeless and only-begotten Son! Glory to Thee, O Spirit divine and equally
enthroned, Who proceedest from the Father and restest in the Son!
Theotokion: Thy womb becameth the chariot of the Sun; thy purity remained
intact as before, O Virgin; for Christ the Sun appeared from thee like a
Bridegroom from a bridal chamber.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, a Light into the world, a holy light
which turneth from the gloom of ignorance them that hymn Thee with
faith.
Showing forth a steadfast demeanor and insuperable intent before the
tribunal, the martyrs plaited a crown of victory for themselves.
Suspended, Nymphodora, who loveth the immortal Bridegroom, now
mightily endureth laceration with iron claws.
With hymns let the divinely wise virgins be praised, the thrice-radiant lamps,
the house of three chambers, the habitations of the Trinity.
Theotokion: Acquiring thee alone as elect, comely and immaculate, the all-
divine Word is incarnate of thee, O divinely joyous one.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Like the waters of the sea, I am tempest-tossed by the waves of
life, O Thou Who lovest mankind; wherefore, like Jonah I cry out to
Thee: Lead my life up from corruption, O com passionate Lord!
Thy chaste parents placed thee, who art holy among the saints, in the temple
of the Lord, O pure one, to be raised with honor and prepared to become His
Mother.
Join chorus, ye barren women and mothers! Be of good cheer and leap up, O
ye childless! For a childless and barren woman buddeth forth the Theotokos
who delivereth Eve from her birth pangs and Adam from the curse.
I hearken to David who singeth to thee: The virgins that follow after thee
shall be brought into the temple of the King. And with him I also hymn thee,
the daughter of the King.
We hymn thy holy nativity and honor thine immaculate conception, O
divinely chosen Bride and Virgin. And with us the ranks of angels and the souls
of the saints glorify thee.
Triadicon: In thee, O pure one, is the mystery of the Trinity hymned and
glorified; for the Father was well pleased, and the Word made His abode within
thee; and the divine Spirit overshadowed thee.
Theotokion: Thou wast a golden candlestick, O pure Theotokos, for in thy
womb the Fire made His abode: the Word from the Holy Spirit; and He
becameth visible in thee in human form.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: I shall sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, to Thee
the Church crieth out, cleansed of the blood of demons by the Blood
which, for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Desiring to behold Thine inconceivable beauty, O unoriginate Word, they
who are wounded with Thy love most sweet valiantly endured the cruelty of
tortures.
The all-glorious maidens bloomed like lilies in a garden, and by the grace of
the Spirit have perfumed the Church with the fragrance of their divers torments.
Desiring the immortal Bridegroom alone, the virgin maidens manifestly
vanquished visible death, strengthened by invisible power.
Theotokion: The holy Lord Who dwelt in thy womb found thee to be more
holy and pure than all creation, O Mother of God lordly of name, O all-pure
Mistress.
Kontakion of the Feast of Our Lady, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
Ikos: The supplication of Joachim over his childlessness, together with the
sighing of Anna over her barrenness, were right acceptable to God; they entered
the ears of the Lord and brought forth life-bearing fruit for the world. For the
one made supplication on the mountain, and the other bore her reproach in the
garden; and with joy the barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the
nourisher of our Life.
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The Chaldean furnace, flaming with fire, was bedewed by the
Spirit at the presence of God; and the children sang: O God of our
Fathers, blessed art Thou!
We celebrate and bow down with faith before thy holy nativity, O pure one,
honoring thy Son, by Whom we have now been delivered from the ancient
condemnation of Adam.
Now Anna maketh merry and, rendering praise, crieth out: Though barren, I
have given birth unto the Mother of God, for whose sake the condemnation of
Eve, to give birth in pain and grief, hath been loosed!
Adam hath been freed and Eve danceth; and they cry out to thee in spirit, O
Theotokos: Through thee have we been delivered from the primeval curse with
the appearance of Christ!
O the womb which contained the dwelling place of God! O the womb which
bore her who is more spacious than the heavens, the holy throne, the noetic ark
of sanctification!
Triadicon: We glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the unity' of
the Godhead, the all-holy Trinity, indivisible, uncreated, equally everlasting and
consubstantial.
Theotokion: Most gloriously didst thou alone give birth unto God, O Virgin.
By thy nativity thou hast renewed nature, O Mary. Thou hast released Eve from
the primeval curse, O pure Theotokos.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trampled down the
flame of the furnace, crying aloud in hymns: O God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
Ye spat upon the impious tyrant who commanded you to offer sacrifice to
deaf idols, O maidens, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Illumined in mind with divine rays, O most laudable ones, ye darkened the
gloom of the idols, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Neither the severing of their limbs, nor persecution, nor tribulation were in
any wise able to separate Christ from the martyrs, who cried out: Blessed art
Thou, O God of our fathers!
Theotokion: In manner transcending nature, thou, O Virgin, wast vouchsafed
to give birth through thy womb to the Creator Who fashioned mortals who
chant with faith: Blessed art Thou, O God!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Thou that supportest Thy chambers in the waters, that hast set
the sand for a bound to the sea, and holdest all things together: the sun
hymneth Thee, the moon glorifieth Thee, and all creation doth offer up a
hymn unto Thee as Creator of all forever.
Thou, O holy God, Who wrought most glorious things through the barren
womb, Who opened the childless womb of Anna and gavest her fruit, Thou, O
Son of the Virgin, hast received flesh from her, the ever-flourishing Virgin and
Theotokos.
Thou, O Lord, Who closest the abyss and openest it, Who raisest water to
the clouds and givest the rain, hast given the holy Anna to bud forth and give
birth unto the all-pure fruit, the Theotokos, out of a barren root.
O Cultivator of our thoughts, Planter of our souls, Who hast shown forth
barren earth as right fruitful, Thou hast made the holy Anna, a field which
before was dry, to become burgeoning, right fertile and fruitful, giving rise to
the Theotokos, the all-pure fruit.
Come ye all, let us gaze upon the city of God born as from a little chamber,
which issueth forth from the gate of Anna's womb, yet hath no knowledge of
the entry of intercourse, for the one God and Creator issued forth by this
strange path.
Triadicon: O transcendent Trinity, unoriginate Unity, the multitude of angels
hymneth and trembleth before Thee; heaven and earth are in awe of Thee; men
bless Thee, and fire serveth Thee as a slave. Everything in creation submitteth
to Thee with fear, O holy Trinity.
Theotokion: O report most new! God be cometh the Son of a woman! O
seedless birthgiving! A Mother without a husband, a begotten God! O awesome
sight! O, the strange conception of the Virgin! O ineffable nativity, truly past all
understanding and contemplation!
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame
Thou didst bedew the pious ones and didst teach them to chant: Bless
and hymn the Lord, all ye works!
Sharpened by the love of the Creator, ye dulled the stings of the serpents,
having taken up manly struggles in your female bodies; and ye have been
crowned with heavenly wreaths.
Locked together in the midst of the contest, the divinely wise maidens
vanquished invisible and incorporeal foes with their flesh, crying aloud: Bless the
Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Strengthened by God the Savior, made powerful by Christ Jesus, ye destroyed
the feeble might of the enemy, chanting: Bless the Lord, every work of the Lord!
Covered with the embroidery of the wounds of your torments and adorned
with comeliness, O right wondrous maidens, ye have received the kingdom on
high, reigning with Christ Jesus.
Theotokion: As the undefiled dwelling place of God, thou didst receive Him
incarnate, known in two natures, O Maiden. To Him do we chant: Bless the
Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Foreign to mothers is virginity, and strange is childbirth to virgins;
yet both were accomplished in thee, O Theotokos: Wherefore, all we, the
tribes of the earth, unceasingly magnify thee.
Thou hast received a nativity worthy of thy purity, O Mother of God; for,
according to the promise, thou wast given to the barren one as a fruit springing
forth divinely. Wherefore, all we, the peoples of the earth, unceasingly magnify
thee.
I shall raise up the tabernacle of sacred David which is fallen, which was a
fore-type of thee, O pure one, through whom the dust of all men hath been
fashioned into a body for God.
We venerate thy swaddling clothes, O Theotokos. We glorify Him Who
gaveth fruit to her who before was barren, and Who most gloriously opened the
womb of her who was unable to give birth: For as God with complete authority,
He doeth all things whatsoever He desireth.
To thee, O Theotokos, who was born of Anna, we faithfully offer hymnody
as a gift, glorifying, O ye mothers, the Mother, and ye, O virgins, the one Virgin;
and we bow down before thee and hymn and glorify thee.
Triadicon: Strange is it for the iniquitous to glorify the unoriginate Trinity: the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the uncreated omnipotent Principle, by
Whom the whole world is held fast at the behest of His might.
Theotokion: Within thy womb, O Mother, thou didst contain one of the
Trinity: Christ the King, Whom all creation doth hymn and before Whom the
ranks of heaven tremble. Him do thou entreat, O most pure one, that our souls
be saved.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Christ, Who united the two disparate natures, the chief Cornerstone
uncut by human hands, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O
Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Desiring to see the beauty of the Bridegroom, O God-bearers, as the ultimate
gesture to Him ye received immortality in your mortal bodies. Wherefore, ye are
worthily called blessed.
O unblemished ewe-lambs, ye found yourselves among tormentors as among
savage wolves; and overcoming their bestiality, ye offered yourselves to Christ as
a right acceptable sacrifice.
A wreath of divine glory which fadeth not away have ye woven together, O
virgins, and as martyrs ye have been vouchsafed to receive the truly unshakable
kingdom with the martyrs.
O honored virgins, as ye have boldness before the Master, pray ye that they
that keep your memory with love receive the glory of which ye have been
counted worthy and the exultation ye have received.
Theotokion: Take pity on me, O Christ, when Thou comest to judge the world
with glory. Dispel the gloom of my passions, through the prayers of her that
gaveth birth to Thee and of Thine honored martyrs, in that Thou art good and
greatly merciful.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "O Light immutable ...":
She, from whom the noetic Sun hath come forth in the flesh, hath illumined
the world today, shining forth from the womb of a barren woman. Wherefore,
leaping up, we cry out: Rejoice, O Mary, thou deliverance of our forefathers!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above is repeated.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
The only Theotokos, * the dwelling place of God, * cometh forth * from a
barren and childless mother; * and Adam, restored, rejoiceth.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Today is joy born * of Anna, * heralding to the world * the abolition of the curse.
* Rejoice ye all!
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Rejoice, O Joachim * and divinely wise Anna, * for she hath given birth * to the
joy and gladness of the world * and the mediatress of salvation.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone IV:
The joy of the whole world hath shone forth upon us from the righteous Joachim
and Anna: the most laudable Virgin who, because of her surpassing purity, becometh
the animate temple of God and is known as the one true Theotokos. Through her
prayers, O Christ God, send down peace upon the world and great mercy upon our
souls.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia, from Odes IV and V of the canons of the feast
of Our Lady.
The Patriarch Jacob, clearly foreseeing the mighty works of Thy dispensation,
O Savior, cried out in the Spirit, saying mystically to Judah: "From the tender
plant thou art gone up, O my Son!", referring to Thee, O God, Who wast born
of the Virgin.
Now the pure Virgin, the rod of Aaron which sprung forth from the root of
David, cometh forth from Anna, and heaven and earth and all the nations of the
gentiles mystically join chorus together with Anna and Joachim.
Let heaven now be glad; let the earth rejoice! And let Joachim and David join
chorus: the one as the father of thee who truly gavest birth to God, and the
other as thine ancestor who proclaimed thy mighty deeds, O pure one.
The whole world rejoiceth with thee today, O divinely wise Anna; for thou
hast budded forth the Mother of its Deliverer, she who from the root of David
put forth for us the rod of strength which beareth Christ as a flower.
Thy nativity is all-pure, O immaculate Virgin, thy conception is ineffable, and
thy birthgiving unutterable, O Bride unwedded; for God hath clad Himself in all
of me.
Let the angelic ranks be glad; let the descendants of Adam join chorus; for
the rod which put forth as Flower Christ alone, our Deliverer, hath been born.
Triadicon: Glory to Thee, O holy Father, unbegotten God! Glory to Thee, O
timeless and only-begotten Son! Glory to Thee, O Spirit divine and equally
enthroned, Who proceedest from the Father and restest in the Son!
Theotokion: Thy womb becameth the chariot of the Sun; thy purity remained
intact as before, O Virgin; for Christ the Sun appeared from thee like a
Bridegroom from a bridal chamber.
Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
Kontakion of the Martyrs, in Tone IV:
Clad as sisters in the Spirit, ye who contended with endurance for the Trinity
have vanquished the greatly cunning enemy; wherefore, ye have made your
abode with the five virgins in the heavenly bridal chamber, O passion-bearers,
and with the angels ye stand in unceasing gladness before the King of all.
Kontakion of the Feast of Our Lady, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
Prokimenon of the martyrs, in Tone IV: In the saints that are in His earth
hath the Lord been wondrous; He hath wrought all His desires in them.
Stichos: I beheld the Lord ever before me, for He is at my right hand, that I
might not be shaken.
EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, §233 [6: 10-17]
Brethren: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breast-
plate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of
peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Alleluia of the martyrs, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard
them, and He delivered them out of all their tribulations.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall
deliver them out of them all.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, §63 [12: 2-12]
The Lord said: "There is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither
hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness
shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets
shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. And I say unto you my friends, Be not
afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed
hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows
sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even
the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more
value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me be-
fore men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But
he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And
whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:
but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and
powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall
say: For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Communion verse of the martyrs: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise
is meet for the upright.
THE 11th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE ALL-HOLY THEOTOKOS
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE MOTHER THEODORA OF ALEXANDRIA
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR AUTONOMUS
(These commemorations are moved to this day due to the apodosis of the Nativity on the day following)
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 for the venerable one, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
In a woman's body * but in the guise of a man, * thou didst undertake manly
struggles, * living in the midst of men, * causing the passions to wither, * and
utterly restraining the raging of lust * by fasting and constant supplications, a
Theodora, * and by thy divine and never-ceasing * contemplation of God.
The sun, setting beneath the earth, * never saw thee sin; * and the Lord, Who
knoweth men's hearts and seeth things hidden, * knew thee to be untiring * and
illumined the eyes of thy heart * with the light of repentance. * Wherefore, thou
didst diligently strive to please Him * through painful abstinence * and the
perfection of the virtues.
In nowise understanding * the ways of the enemy's thoughts, * thou didst
love the child * whom thou didst not beget * and didst nurture him with paternal
kindness, * O Theodora, * enduring with true piety of mind * the undeserved
abuse and censure of men. * Wherefore, we celebrate thine honored solemnity.
And 3 stichera of the hieromartyr, in the same Tone & melody:
Shining with the virtues, * adorned with piety, * thou wast a godly hierarch, *
and didst pass over the world like the brilliant sun, * sowing the preaching of the
Faith everywhere * and cutting down falsehood * with the scythe of thy tongue,
* O divinely wise hierarch Autonomus, * thou great preacher.
Thou didst not hesitate to endure * painful sufferings, manly struggles, *
wounds and sores; * for, buried under a multitude of stones, * O Autonomus, *
thou didst make them into * a stairway and ladder, * ascending thereby to God
as one crowned; * and thou didst join the armies of the incorporeal ones, *
praying for the world.
Thou didst make thy vesture bright * through the blood of thy martyrdom *
and the grace of the divine Spirit; * and in sacred manner * didst enter into the
holy of holies on high, * where Jesus, our Forerunner, entered in, * receiving
from God a crown of victory * with all who died by shedding their blood in
martyrdom, * O Autonomus.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the same Tone:
In accordance with the angel's prophecy, thou didst issue forth from the
righteous Joachim and Anna, as an all-pure fruit, heaven and the throne of God,
a receptacle of purity, heralding forth joy to all the world, O Virgin, mediatress
of our life, removal of the curse, bestowal of blessing. Wherefore, on the feast
of thy nativity, O divinely called Virgin, ask peace for the world and great mercy
for our souls.
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Thou didst weep tears from the depths of thy soul, * lamenting thy
childlessness, * desiring children; * yet thou hast given birth to a babe * who is
the boast of our whole race.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
With voices of hymnody let us honor * the honored nativity * of the most
holy Virgin, * because of whom * the world hath been renewed.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Rejoice, O wise prophets, * ye divinely eloquent ones; * for the Virgin is born,
* through whom the Salvation of the world * will be given birth.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
Today let the barren and childless Anna clap her hands with splendor, let
those on earth bear lamps, let kings leap for joy, let hierarchs be glad in blessing,
and let us hold festival; for, behold, the Queen, the immaculate Bride of the
Father, hath sprung forth from the root of Jesse. No longer will women bear
children in grief, for Joy hath blossomed forth and Life shall live in the world for
all men. No longer will the offerings of Joachim be rejected, for the lamentation
of Anna hath been changed to joy, and she saith: "Rejoice with me, all ye chosen
Israel, for, lo! the Lord hath given me the animate palace of His divine glory, for
our common gladness and joy, and the salvation of our souls!"
Troparion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
In thee, O mother, that which was created according to the image of God was
manifestly saved; for, accepting thy cross, thou didst follow after Christ; and,
praying, thou didst learn to disdain the flesh, for thou didst transcend it, and to
take care of thy soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore, thy soul doth rejoice with the
angels, O venerable Theodora.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and, having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and, having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting. (Twice)
Glory ..., the troparion of the venerable one; in Tone VIII:
In thee, O mother, that which was created according to the image of God was
manifestly saved; for, accepting thy cross, thou didst follow after Christ; and,
praying, thou didst learn to disdain the flesh, for thou didst transcend it, and to
take care of thy soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore, thy soul doth rejoice with the
angels, O venerable Theodora.
Now & ever ..., the troparion of the feast, again.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "When the stone had been sealed ...":
Having been all-gloriously born of a barren womb, thou didst give birth from
thy virginal womb in manner past nature; for, manifest as a comely stock, thou
didst put forth Life upon the world. Wherefore, the hosts of heaven cry out to
thee, O Theotokos: Glory to thine issuing forth, O pure one! Glory to thy
nativity! Glory to thy virginity, O Mother who knewest not wedlock!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared ...":
Beams of the universal joy of thy nativity have shone forth upon the land, O
Mary, Virgin Mother, and have illumined the minds of those who hymn thee with
love.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos;
The composition of John, in Tone II:
Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided
the sea, and guided the people whom He had led forth from Egyptian
bondage, for He hath been glorified!
Come, ye faithful, and, rejoicing with divine spirit, let us honor with hymns the
Ever-virgin Maiden who today hath issued forth from a barren woman for the
salvation of men.
Rejoice, O pure one, Mother and handmaid of Christ God, mediatress of our
primal blessedness! All of us, the human race, glorify thee with hymns, as is meet.
Today is the bridge of life born, through which men have attained restoration
after their fall into Hades, glorifying Christ, the Bestower of life, with hymns.
Canon of the venerable one, with 4 troparia, in Tone IV:
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I will
utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear, keeping
splendid festival, and, rejoicing, I will hymn her wonders.
With Thy praise, O Lord, fill thou my mouth which singeth of thy greatly
hymned glory and honoreth the pangs of Theodora, who pleased thee with the
splendor of her life.
Today hath thy sacred solemnity shone forth more brightly than the sun,
illumining souls which are in darkness and ever dispelling the darkness of the
demons, O right wondrous one.
Thy sin was manifestly recorded, as the Gospel hath said, O most honorable
one; but, striving diligently, thou didst blot it out with the sweat of thine
abstinence and the streams of thy tears.
Theotokion: With hymns let us honor the pure Mary as the animate bridal-
chamber, the incorrupt tabernacle, the portal of heaven, the divine table, the
palace and throne of the Master.
Canon of the Hieromartyr, the acrostic whereof is:
"Thou hast finished the lawful race, O divinely wise one", in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and
escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant to our
Deliverer and God!
Nourished on the laws of the Creator from childhood, thou didst grow in the
law of virtue to the heights of piety; wherefore, thou didst suffer lawfully, O
father.
Thou didst arm thy thought with the sword of patience and courage, O wise
one, arraying thyself for the battle against deception and vanquishing it utterly.
Shown forth as an instructor of the laws of piety and a preacher of the
dogmas of truth, O father Autonomus, thou didst catechize all creation, as did
the apostles.
Theotokion: Acknowledging God Who revealed Himself on earth as
incarnate, and having been deified by Him through grace, O Virgin, we hymn
thee, delighting in spiritual gifts.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Establish us in Thee, O Lord, Who hast slain death by the Tree,
and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
Having lived blamelessly for God, ye gave birth unto the salvation of all, O
divinely wise parents of her who gaveth birth to our Creator and God.
From a barren woman did the Lord, Who poureth forth life upon all, cause
the Virgin to come forth, in whom He was pleased to make His abode,
preserving her incorrupt even after giving birth.
Let us hymn Mary today as the Theotokos, the fruit of Anna, the intercessor
and helper of all, who gaveth birth to the life-bearing Cluster.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou living and abundant fountain, in thy divine
glory establish those who hymn thee and spiritually form themselves into
a choir, and vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Clad in men's garments, thou didst wisely hasten with diligence to join the
assembly of monastics, O honored one, entering the fray against the princes of
the wicked ruler of this world.
Thou didst manfully transform thy womanly weakness, O venerable one,
truly showing thyself to be a precious gift, pleasing to God, by thy new name
and guise, and by thy works.
In thy mortal body thou didst show forth a life like unto that of the
incorporeal ones, O glorious Theodora, holding firmly to genuine abstinence,
unceasing vigilance and constant prayer.
Theotokion: The tempest of sin and the turmoil of unseemly thoughts buffet
me, O most immaculate one. Take pity and extend to me a helping hand, in that
thou art merciful; that, saved, I may magnify thee.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those who have recourse unto Thee,
O Lord. Thou art the light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn
Thee.
With the down-pouring of thy words thou didst drown the mire of the
passions of ungodliness, O hierarch, and didst give drink to the faithful.
Thou wast a teacher and minister of Christ, O venerable one, and didst share
and partake of His divine sufferings.
With the sword of thy preaching thou didst make steadfast those who heeded
thee well, O venerable one, and didst preserve those who strove to avoid
perdition.
Theotokion: An all-wondrous report hath been heard in heaven and on earth;
for thou gavest birth ineffably to the Creator of all that is, O Theotokos.
Kontakion of the venerable one, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Laying waste to thy body through fasting, thou didst entreat the Creator with
vigils of prayer because of thy sin, that, receiving full forgiveness, thou might also
receive remission, having come to know the path of repentance.
And the Kontakion of the hieromartyr, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Thou didst blamelessly perform the divine mysteries, O all-wise and divinely
blessed one, and didst become a pleasing sacrifice; for thou didst drain the cup of
Christ, O all-glorious one, beacon of the whole world, who prayest unceasingly in
behalf of us all.
Sedalion, in Tone V: Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is equally unoriginate ...":
Having manfully endured feats of abstinence, thou didst cast down him of
great guile, living thy life piously with men, O Theodora. And now thou hast
passed over to God, praying for all who celebrate thy holy repose in sacred
manner.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Christ bestowed upon thee a twofold crown of incorruption, in that thou art
both martyr and honored hierarch, O most blessed Autonomus; for thou didst
offer the un-bloody sacrifice to Him and didst truly emulate His divine suffering.
And thou hast found delight in His sweetness which never groweth stale, O
blessed one.
Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is equally unoriginate ...":
Joachim and Anna rejoice, for they found grace with God as is meet and gave
birth to a God-pleasing fruit, the temple, the pure Virgin Mother of God, who
alone is blessed, and prayeth unceasingly that our souls be saved.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, report of Thy dispensation, and have glorified
Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.
We hymn Thee, O Lord, Who hast given unto all, as a haven of salvation, her
who gaveth birth to Thee.
Christ hath revealed thee, O Theotokos, to all who with faith hymn thy
mystery as their boast and might.
Delivered from transgressions by thy supplications, O Mistress who knewest
not wedlock, we all bless thee with a good understanding.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The Prophet Habbakuk, perceiving the unfathomable counsel of
God, the incarnation through the Virgin, cried out: Glory to Thy power, O
Lord!
Thou didst boldly subject thyself to fasting for many days, like one of the
incorporeal ones, O glorious one, but Christ strengthened thy weakness with His
almighty power and nourished thee with divine grace.
"Behold my lowliness and tears; behold my sorrow! And lighten the heavy
burden of my sin!" Theodora cried out to Him Who alone is able to save.
Drowning with the torrents of thy tears him who had deceitfully ensnared thee
in his trap, protected by divine grace in thy safe haven thou didst vanquish him
who hunteth men's souls with his net.
Theotokion: O most wondrous Mother of God, shine upon me a ray of
repentance, dispel the darkness of my boundless evil deeds, and drive wicked
thoughts away from my heart, O Virgin.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Having the Lord as thy mighty ally in the divine battle, O father, thou didst
vanquish the ancient enemy of mortals by thy struggles.
Having descended into the depths of the hidden things of God in a vision, O
father, thou didst draw forth therefrom His ineffable mysteries.
When thou didst utter the words, O wise one, the temples of the idolaters
collapsed and the shrines of their deception were reduced to ashes by the fire at
thy command.
The flame of thy teachings bore thee up to an exalted life, O wise one,
revealing thee to the ends of the earth as a true guide to God.
Theotokion: With thy supplications wash clean those who have been defiled
by the passions, O Theotokos, and vouchsafe that we may hymn thy nativity
with pure thoughts.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Having destroyed the shadowy darkness of in distinct images and
illumined the hearts of the faithful by the coming of the Truth through
the divine Maiden, O Christ, guide us by Thy light.
O ye people, let us hymn the cause of the Cause of all, Who becameth like
unto us: For the prophets, counted worthy to behold her image, rejoiced,
bringing forth the fruit of manifest salvation through her.
The sprouting of the dry rod of the priest showed forth the destiny of Israel;
and now the most glorious offspring of the barren woman most gloriously
shineth forth the splendor of those who gave rise to her.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: All things are filled with awe of thy divine glory; for thou, O Virgin
who knewest not wedlock, didst contain within thy womb Him Who is
God over all, and gavest birth to the timeless Son, bestowing peace upon
all who hymn thee.
The ranks of the incorporeal ones were astonished, beholding thee in a body
of clay, emulating their life and honorable ways, and vanquishing the enemy
who before had seduced thee with falsehood, O Theodora.
God tamed the savagery of the wild beasts for thee, giving thee the grace of
healing. And he who by thy hand was rescued from being devoured by a wild
beast, and whose wounds thou didst heal, proclaimeth this, O glorious one.
With perfect mind thou didst nurture the babe, enduring cruel slander, giving
thanks to the Benefactor Who gaveth thee strength and hath made thee
wondrous, O most lauded Theodora.
Theotokion: Thou art the might and confirmation of my feeble heart, O
Virgin who knewest not wedlock, thou impregnable rampart against the face of
the enemy, who savest me from all evils, vanquishing the hordes of the cruel
enemy.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine
upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
The noetic Light shone thee forth who hast the words of life, O Autonomus,
and hath revealed thee as a beacon to all the ends of the earth.
Unsheathing the word of God like a sword, thou didst cut down the array of
false wisdom, O father Autonomus.
Thou didst empty the quiver of the enemy of all its arrows, and didst show
those who opposed thee to have armed themselves in vain, O blessed
Autonomus.
Theotokion: New and all-glorious things have come to pass, O most honored
one; for through thee hath God appeared on earth in the flesh and mortals have
been deified.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Out of the belly of the sea monster Jonah cried out to the Lord:
Lead up my life from the abyss of Hades, I pray, that with a voice of
praise I may sacrifice to Thee, the Deliverer, in the spirit of truth.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God cried out to the Lord in grief
over their barrenness; and they gave birth to her, our common boast and
salvation for generations of generations.
The divinely wise parents of the Mother of God received a gift worthy of
heaven from God, for she is a chariot more highly exalted than the cherubim,
the Mother of the Word and Creator.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Celebrating this divine and most honored festival of the Mother of
God, come, ye divinely wise, let us clap our hands and glorify God Who
was born of her.
Offering up an ever-flowing fountain of tears, afflicting thyself and groaning,
with thanksgiving thou didst endure the monks' censure and shunning of thee,
O divinely blessed one.
Taking thy sustenance from the sea, nurtured on wondrous plants, and
dwelling with wild beasts in the wilderness, thou didst make thine abode in
heaven, O right wondrous one.
Thou didst endure the burning of the day, and didst bear the frigid cold of
night, warmed by the grace of the divine Spirit; wherefore, thou dost enjoy the
blessedness of heaven.
Theotokion: In hymns let us glorify the Virgin Theotokos, the divine jar, the
table which bore the Bread of life, the untilled field, the holy mountain.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are mine iniquities; and lead me up
from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast
hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
The power of the Comforter strengthened thee as before it had the disciples,
and it provided thee with a fiery tongue, O Autonomus, to enlighten mortal men
and burn up ungodliness with fire.
Childlike in spiritual wisdom, O venerable father, in the weakness of thy
bodily nature thou didst mightily accept struggles which were beyond nature, for
thy preaching and unflagging labors.
Thou didst set the head of the enemy, which was lifted up against his Creator,
under the feet of the pious, arming them against his words with faith and grace.
Theotokion: Our Creator and Fashioner, desiring to heal broken nature
through thee, O Theotokos, gave thee as a divine cure to those who have
recourse to thee in their infirmities.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
Ikos: The supplication of Joachim over his childlessness, together with the
sighing of Anna over her barrenness, were right acceptable to God: they entered
the ears of the Lord and brought forth life-bearing fruit for the world. For the
one made supplication on the mountain, and the other bore her reproach in the
garden; and with joy the barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the
nourisher of our Life!
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The bush which burnt on the mountain without being consumed
and the dew-bearing furnace of the Chaldeans manifestly prefigured thee,
O Bride of God; for, without being consumed, thou didst receive in thy
material womb the divine and immaterial Fire. Wherefore, we chant unto
Him Who was born of thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Once, the transmitter of the law was prevented from understanding thy great
mystery in material manifestations, O all-pure one, though instructed through
images not to think earthly thoughts. Wherefore, marveling at the wonder, he
said: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
In godly manner the divine choir called thee beforehand the mountain and
portal of heaven and the noetic ladder; for from thee was the Stone cut without
the aid of man's hands, and thou art the door through which passed the Lord of
wonders, the God of our fathers.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The divinely wise youths did not worship a creation rather than the
Creator, but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they
rejoiced, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O all-hymned Lord God of our
fathers, worthy!
The most crafty enemy afflicted thee with unbearable wounds, appearing to
thee in illusions of thine imagination; but thou didst cast down his vain savagery,
chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou didst fill the dry cisterns with water through thy supplications, O
glorious one, manifestly working miracles, and magnifying God Who glorifieth
thee. To Him do we cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
In thy great boldness be thou ever mindful of those who celebrate thy
memory, entreating the most compassionate God, to Whom we cry: O God of
our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: O Virgin Queen who gavest birth to Christ the King, taking pity,
save me who am whirled about by the passions; make me steadfast by faith, and
guide me to the path of salvation, O salvation of the faithful.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The children who went down from Judea once, in Babylon
trampled the flame of the furnace underfoot by their faith in the Trinity,
chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Joining into one chorus of piety those illumined by the Faith through thy
words, O father Autonomus, thou didst teach them to cry out unceasingly: O
God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
With unflagging courage thou didst shake asunder the precepts established in
the souls of the unbelieving and impious, O wise martyr, and didst topple them
from their foundations, establishing grace in the hearts of the faithful.
The oil of thy priestly anointing was mingled with divine suffering, O father
Autonomus us, for thy blood showed thee forth as a radiant hierarch for those
who cry out with faith: Blessed art Thou, O Christ!
Theotokion: He Who, as Creator and God, fashioned man out of earth, now
reneweth that which had become corrupt, taking it upon Himself through thee,
O Mother of God; and He counteth us worthy of mystical adoption, O pure
one.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Thou didst once prefigure Thy Mother in the furnace of the
children, O Lord; for her image drew from the fire those who entered it,
without being consumed. We hymn and exalt her supremely for all ages,
who through Thee hath been made manifest today to the ends of the
earth.
Now the designated tabernacle of our reconciliation to God, who is to give
birth to the Word Who hath manifested Himself to us in the coarseness of our
flesh, beginneth her existence. Him do we, who have been brought into
existence by Him out of non-existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
The reversal of Anna's barrenness hath loosed the world's lack of good
things, and hath plainly shown forth a miracle: Christ, Who hath come to mortal
men. Him do we, who have been brought into existence by Him out of non-
existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the
furnace - then in figure, but now in deed - and moveth the whole world to
chant to Thee: Hymn the Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for
all ages!
His mind illumined with purity, thine abbot was caught up and beheld the
good things which the Lord prepared for thee, O Theodora: the radiant garden
of paradise and the ineffable bridal-chamber, wherein thy Bridegroom, the
Judge of the contest, hath made a dwelling for thee.
The choirs of the angels, martyrs and the venerable, preparing for thy soul,
bore it up to the mansions of heaven, to the place where those who rejoice find
rest there, wherein is the dwelling-place of those who cry out and exalt Christ
supremely forever.
A multitude of monastics, having assembled, faithfully buried thy blessed
body; for, beholding all-wondrous things, they acknowledged thine excellent
qualities: for, though a woman, thou wast pleased to dwell bodily in the midst of
men, protected by the hand of the Almighty, O divinely wise Theodora.
Achieving endurance through all-night vigils of supplication, thou didst
extinguish the uprisings of the passions, didst sleep the sleep of the righteous,
and hast passed over to the never-waning Light, crying out: Hymn the Lord, ye
works, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Theotokion: Women followed in thy train, O all-pure Bride of God, Maiden
who knewest not wedlock, inhaling thy sweet-smelling Myrrh: the only-begotten
Son Who shone forth from thy womb; and they truly reign with thee, hymning
Christ forever.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the armies of angels hymn, praise ye
and supremely exalt for all ages!
When Christ strengthened thee, O divinely wise one, the might of the tyrants
did fall; for by thy spirit it was stricken with fear.
Showing forth strength in thy works of piety, O most blessed one, with
courage of mind thou didst denounce the foulness of falsehood.
The rivers of thy miracles which flowed forth, O father, revealed thee as an abyss
of healings which poureth forth grace in the world.
Theotokion: Thy grace, O Virgin, hath truly been glorified on earth in signs; for
strange was the wonder of thy birthgiving.
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who
through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the Luminary
Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the flesh.
He Who poured forth water from the stone for the rebellious people, through the
womb of a barren woman giveth to us, the right submissive nations, the fruit of
gladness - thee, O all-pure Mother of God, whom we magnify as is meet.
Thee, O Theotokos, do we magnify, who hast removed the ancient and
precipitous condemnation: the restoration of our first mother, the cause of the
reconciliation of our race to God, the bridge to the Creator.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Let everyone born of earth leap up, enlightened by the Spirit; and let
the nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival, honoring the sacred
solemnity of the Mother of God; and let it cry out: Rejoice, O most blessed
Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin.
Thou didst depart from the world like a star, O all-praised one, and hast shone
forth in the life of heaven, having left us the virtues of thy life and thy corrections,
like rays of light, illumining the hearts of all who celebrate thy memory with faith.
The gates of heaven were opened with splendor, admitting thee, O ever-
memorable Theodora; and the Church of the first-born now hath thy sacred soul,
which danceth with the elect, where the sounds are the sounds of those who keep
festival and the never-waning light.
Thou hast found the reward for thy pangs, for thou didst hope for heavenly
honor; thou caused desire to cease, for thou didst find its Source, and dost delight in
good things, manifestly and purely beholding thy Bridegroom, O Theodora, as the
angels have been vouchsafed to see Him.
As thou hast boldness in prayer, O ever-memorable honorable and right glorious
Theodora, beg thou that He send down release from vexations, deliverance from the
passions and correction of life upon those who praise thee and celebrate thine
honored memory.
Theotokion: Save me, O pure one who gavest birth to the most compassionate
Savior; take pity on thy servant and guide me to the path of repentance; drive far
away the wiles of the evil one, and deliver me from his pursuit, O Theotokos, helper
of the faithful.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we truly confess thee to be the
Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Soaring up to the heights of piety, borne up by the virtues, O father Autonomus,
thou didst hasten to Christ through suffering.
Mingling thy pangs with tears, O divinely wise one, thou didst produce fruits
which cannot be taken away: fruits of joy, glory and the sweetness which is in Christ
Jesus.
Lawfully granted crowns and divine gifts, O hierarch Autonomus, thou dost make
us steadfast through the laws of God by thy supplications.
Theotokion: O Virgin, thou gavest birth to Life and Incorruption: Him Who hath
made victors over death, who magnify thee as the true Theotokos.
Exapostilarion of the feast: Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit in the holy place ...":
From Anna, a barren and elderly woman, hath life and light shone forth: the most
immaculate Maiden, the portal of the East, who ineffably shone forth light upon the
ends of the earth. Forming a choir, let us bless her as one exalted far above all
mortals.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of the heaven ...":
Today the Theotokos hath sprung forth * from Anna as a flower, * a divinely
wrought garden, * the salvation of men; * and in His beneficence the Creator of all,
Who was born of her in manner past understanding, * washeth away all the
defilement of Adam, in that He is good.
Stichos: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear.
Who is sufficiently worthy * to hymn the Virgin * who ineffably became a babe
through Anna? * Ye mountains and hills, therefore, let sweetness fall today; * for the
pure Theotokos, the life and cleansing of all, * is nourished on milk.
Stichos: The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
The barren woman who before was childless * giveth birth to the only Theotokos,
the life of all. * Human nature is filled with gladness * and now rejoiceth, * glorifying
the true Mother * of Jesus, the one Lord and Deliverer.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VIII:
On the right excellent day of our feast let us strike the spiritual harp; for the
Mother of Life is born today of the seed of David, dispelling the darkness: the
renewal of Adam, the restoration of Eve, the Well-spring of incorruption, our release
from corruption. Because of her we have been deified and delivered from death. And
we, the faithful, cry out to her with Gabriel: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the
Lord is with thee, granting us great mercy for thy sake!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia, from Odes VII and VIII of the canons of the feast.
Once, the transmitter of the law was prevented from understanding thy great
mystery in material manifestations, O all-pure one, though instructed through
images not to think earthly thoughts. Wherefore, marveling at the wonder, he
said: Blessed is the God of our fathers! (Twice)
In godly manner the divine choir called thee beforehand the mountain and
portal of heaven and the noetic ladder; for from thee was the Stone cut without
the aid of man's hands, and thou art the door through which passed the Lord of
wonders, the God of our fathers. (Twice)
Now the designated tabernacle of our reconciliation to God, who is to give
birth to the Word Who hath manifested Himself to us in the coarseness of our
flesh, beginneth her existence. Him do we, who have been brought into
existence by Him out of non-existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.
(Twice)
The reversal of Anna's barrenness hath loosed the world's lack of good
things, and hath plainly shown forth a miracle: Christ, Who hath come to mortal
men. Him do we, who have been brought into existence by Him out of non-
existence, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages. (Twice)
Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for
from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who,
having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and, having abolished death,
hath granted us life everlasting.
Troparion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
In thee, O mother, that which was created according to the image of God was
manifestly saved; for, accepting thy cross, thou didst follow after Christ; and,
praying, thou didst learn to disdain the flesh, for thou didst transcend it, and to
take care of thy soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore, thy soul doth rejoice with the
angels, O venerable Theodora.
Kontakion of the venerable one, in Tone II:
Laying waste to thy body through fasting, thou didst entreat the Creator with
vigils of prayer because of thy sin, that, receiving full forgiveness, thou might also
receive remission, having come to know the path of repentance.
Kontakion of the hieromartyr, in Tone II:
Thou didst blamelessly perform the divine mysteries, O all-wise and divinely
blessed one, and didst become a pleasing sacrifice; for thou didst drain the cup of
Christ, O all-glorious one, beacon of the whole world, who prayest unceasingly in
behalf of us all.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
In thy holy nativity, O all-pure one, Joachim and Anna are freed from the
reproach of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from mortal corruption. And,
delivered from the affliction of sin, thy people celebrate it, crying out to thee: A
barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life!
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of
Israel.
EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, § 208 [3: 23-29]
Brethren: But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the
faith which should afterward be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come,
we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in
Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on
Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither
male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's then are ye
Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Alleluia, in Tone I: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was
attentive unto me, and He hearkened unto my supplication.
Stichos: And He brought me up out of the pit of misery, and from the mire of
clay.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 28 [8: 3-11]
At that time, the scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman taken in adultery;
and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was
taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such
should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might
have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the
ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted
up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let. him first cast a
stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which
heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at
the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the
midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto
her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said,
No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no
more.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 13th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY
RESURRECTION OF CHRIST OUR GOD
FOREFEAST OF THE ELEVATION OF THE PRECIOUS & LIFE-CREATING CROSS
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR CORNELIUS THE CENTURION
AT VESPERS
The usual Kathisma; On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the dedication:
In Tone VI:
In goodly fashion doth the old law mandate that dedications be honored, and
all the more should the new law also be honored with dedications; for the islands
are made new for God, as saith Isaiah, by which we should understand the
Churches now built by the nations, which receive a firm foundation from God.
Wherefore, let us spiritually celebrate these present festivities.
Be ye made new, O brethren, and, having put away the old man, live ye in
newness of life, bridling all things from whence death cometh; let us chastise all
our members, hating every evil fruit of the tree, and keeping this carefully in
mind, let us avoid our ancient errors, that man may thus be restored. Therefore,
the day of dedication is honored.
The composition of Anatolius: Thou didst set up Thy Church as a tower of
strength, O Christ, Thou pre-eternal Word, for Thou didst found it upon the
rock of the Faith. Wherefore, it abideth unshakable forever, having Thee Who,
for its sake, immutably became man in latter times. Wherefore, giving thanks, we
hymn Thee, saying: Thou art our King from before time began, and forever, and
still yet: Glory be to Thee!
And 3 stichera of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
Beholding thy good works * and thy divine supplications, * O Cornelius, *
Christ sent a holy angel unto thee * to enlighten thee wholly, * and the foremost
of the sacred apostles, * who renewed thee with water and the Spirit * with all thy
household, O right glorious one, * teaching thee sublime things through the
grace of the Spirit.
Anointed with the oil of the priesthood, * thou didst hasten to announce to all
lands * the preaching of salvation, * uprooting the thorns of falsehood, O
divinely wise one, * and planting the true doctrine in men's souls through the
Spirit. * Wherefore, in gladness, O Cornelius, * we bless thee * as a God-pleasing
hierarch * and an invincible martyr.
Following the character of thy goodness, * the foolish were shown to be wise;
* and, having died and taken up thine abode in the grace * according to the law of
nature, * thou makest it a well-spring of many wonders, * O wise Cornelius, *
healing the sick * and dispelling evil spirits through the Holy Spirit, * O divinely
inspired one.
Glory ..., of the Dedication, the composition of John the monk, in Tone VI:
Celebrating the memory of the dedication, O Lord, and glorifying Thee, the
Bestower of holiness, we pray: Let the senses of our souls be hallowed through
the supplications of the glorious passion-bearers, O Good and Almighty One.
Now & ever ..., of the forefeast, in the same tone:
Today hath the Tree appeared! Today hath the Jewish race perished! Today is
the Faith made manifest by faithful sovereigns! Adam hath recovered from his
fall because of the Tree, and again, through the Tree, have the demons come to
tremble. O Lord Almighty, glory be to Thee!
But if it be Friday evening: Now & ever ..., the Dogmaticon of the current tone.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM THE THIRD BOOK OF KINGS
Solomon stood up in front of the altar before all the congregation of Israel;
and he spread out his hands toward heaven: and he said: "O Lord God of Israel,
there is no God like Thee in heaven above and on the earth beneath. If the
heaven and the heaven of heavens will not suffice Thee, how much less even
this house which I have built to Thy name? Yet, O Lord God of Israel, Thou
shalt look upon my petition, to hear the prayer which Thy servant doth pray to
Thee in Thy presence this day, that Thine eyes may be open to this house day
and night, even toward the place of which Thou didst say: 'My name shall be
there, to hear the prayer which My servant prayeth at this place day and night.'
And Thou shalt hearken unto the prayer of Thy servant, and of Thy people
Israel, which they shall pray toward this place; and Thou shalt hear in Thy
dwelling-place in heaven, and Thou shalt do and be gracious."
A READING FROM PROVERBS
God by wisdom founded the earth, and by prudence He prepared the
heavens. By understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped
water. My son, let them not pass from thee, but keep my counsel and under-
standing: that thy soul may live, and that there may be grace round thy neck; and
it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to thy bones: that thou mayest go
confidently in peace in all thy ways, and that thy foot may not stumble. For if
thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly. And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm
coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men. For the Lord
shall be over all thy ways, and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved.
Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have power to
help him. Say not, Come back another time, tomorrow I will give; while thou art
able to do him good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth.
Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting thee. Be not
ready to quarrel with a man without cause, lest he do thee some harm. Procure
not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways. For every
transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither doth he sit among the righteous.
The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just
are blessed. The Lord resisteth the proud; but He giveth grace to the humble.
A READING FROM PROVERBS
Wisdom hath built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars. She hath
killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine in a bowl, and prepared her table.
She hath sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast,
saying: "Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me!" And to those who lack
understanding she saith: "Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have
mingled for you!" Leave folly, that ye may reign forever; and seek wisdom, and
improve understanding by knowledge. He that reproveth evil men shall get
dishonor to himself; and he that rebuketh an ungodly man shall disgrace
himself. Rebuke not evil men, lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and
he will love thee. Give an opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser:
instruct a just man, and he will receive more instruction. The fear of the Lord is
the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding: for to
know the law is the character of a sound mind. For in this way thou shalt live
long, and years of thy life shall be added to thee.
At the Aposticha, stichera of the forefeast, in Tone V:
Rejoice, O life-bearing Cross, invincible victory of piety, gate of paradise,
confirmation of the faithful, rampart of the Church, whereby corruption hath
been destroyed and abolished, and the power of death hath been trampled
down, and we have been raised up from earth to the heavens, O invincible
weapon, opponent of the demons, glory of the martyrs, true adornment of the
venerable, haven of salvation, grant the world great mercy.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet;
for it is holy.
Rejoice, O Cross of the Lord, whereby mankind hath been released from the
curse, thou ensign of joy, who in thine exaltation drivest away the enemy, O
most honored one, our helper, dominion of kings, might of the righteous,
splendor of priests, who, when traced, dost deliver from evils, staff of power,
whereby we are shepherded, weapon of peace around whom the angels stand in
fear, divine glory of Christ, Who granteth the world great mercy!
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Rejoice, a guide of the blind, physician of the ailing, resurrection of all the
dead, who hast lifted us up who have fallen into corruption, O precious Cross,
whereby the curse hath been annulled and incorruption hath blossomed forth,
and we mortals have been deified, and the devil hath been utterly cast down!
Beholding thee today uplifted in the arms of the hierarch, we exalt Him Who
was lifted up upon thee, and we bow down before thee, richly drawing forth
great mercy.
Glory ..., of the Dedication, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone II:
Celebrating the dedication of the most sacred temple of Thy resurrection, we
glorify Thee, O Lord, Who hast sanctified it and perfected it with Thine all-
perfect grace, Who art adorned therein by the faithful with sanctifying, mystic
and sacred sacrifices, receivest un-bloody and all-pure sacrifices from the hands
of Thy servants, and bestowest great mercy and cleansing from sins upon those
who rightly make offering.
Now & ever ..., of the forefeast, in the same tone:
The Cross of the Bestower of life, a divine treasure hidden in the ground, was
shown in the heavens to the pious emperor and noetically revealeth an
inscription of victory of the enemy. And joyfully hastening in godly manner with
faith and love to see it on high, he zealously lifted it from the bosom of the
earth, for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our souls.
Troparion of the Dedication, in Tone IV:
Thou didst show forth the beauty of the holy dwelling-place of Thy glory here
below, O Lord, like the splendor of the firmament on high. Establish it for all
ages, and through the Theotokos accept the supplications we unceasingly offer
unto Thee therein, O Thou life and resurrection of all.
Glory ..., Troparion of the hieromartyr, in the same tone:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Cornelius, entreat Christ God,
that our souls be saved.
Now & ever ..., Troparion of the forefeast, in the same tone:
O Lord, we offer unto Thee in supplication the life-creating Cross of Thy
goodness, which Thou hast bestowed upon us, unworthy though we are. Save
Thou all Orthodox Christians, and this Thy city, which entreateth Thee through
the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the dedication, in Tone IV:
Thou didst show forth the beauty of the holy dwelling-place of Thy glory here
below, O Lord, like the splendor of the firmament on high. Establish it for all
ages, and through the Theotokos accept the supplications we unceasingly offer
unto Thee therein, O Thou life and resurrection of all. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Cornelius, entreat Christ God,
that our souls be saved.
Now & ever ..., that of the forefeast, in Tone IV:
O Lord, we offer unto Thee in supplication the life-creating Cross of Thy
goodness, which Thou hast bestowed upon us, unworthy though we are. Save
Thou all Orthodox Christians, and this Thy city, which entreateth Thee through
the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Christ hath enlightened all by His advent and hath restored the world by His
divine Spirit, and the souls of men are made new again; for a house hath now
been raised up to the glory of the Lord, where Christ our God reneweth the
hearts of the faithful, unto the, salvation of men.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
O ye faithful, the festive day of the dedication hath overtaken us, decreeing
that all the chosen of Christ be renewed, and that with radiant countenance they
faithfully chant hymns from the depths of their hearts unto the Master, as the
Deliverer Who reneweth us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Three canons: that of the Dedication, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos; that of the
forefeast, with 4 troparia; and that of the hieromartyr, with 4 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Dedication, the composition of John the monk, in Tone IV:
Irmos: Israel of old, traversing the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet,
vanquished the power of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms
outstretched in the form of the Cross.
O Christ Who of old guided Israel the chosen by a pillar, Thou didst plant the
Church in Sion through the laver of baptism; and it crieth aloud: Let us chant a
hymn to our God!
Today the coming of Thine unapproachable glory hath fashioned a heaven,
the temple planted for Thee on earth; and therein we chant together a hymn to
our God.
The Church is not adorned with the law, O Lord, nor by the outstretched
hands of servants, but, boasting in the grace of the Cross, it singeth to Thee: Let
us chant a hymn to our God!
Theotokion: At the will of the Father thou didst conceive without seed the Son
of God through the divine Spirit, and gavest birth in the flesh to Him Who was
begotten of the Father without mother and came forth from thee without father
for our sake.
Canon of the forefeast, the acrostic whereof is the [Greek] alphabet (excluding the
Theotokia), the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV:
Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou the three parts
of my soul in the depths of dispassion, as Thou didst drown the mighty
captains, I pray, that in the mortality of my body, as upon a timbrel, I may
chant a hymn of victory.
Be glad, O heaven, and rejoice, O earth! For the all-holy Cross cometh forth,
sanctifying with grace us who venerate it as a well-spring of holiness and the
cause of all deification.
O all-holy Cross, strengthen us who bow down before thee with faith, that we
may piously tread the path of heaven, that, avoiding the pitfalls of the adversary,
we may come to share in divine glory.
O most precious Cross, as we are acknowledged by the Creator through thee,
we ever embrace thee with heart and soul, gazing upon thee as thou liest before
us; and we are enlightened in mind, glorifying the Word, Who accomplisheth all
things.
Theotokion: O most immaculate Theotokos, preserve thou the city of God the
King of all, the God-pleasing and precious treasure, thy portion, which ever
praiseth thee and honoreth thy birthgiving with faith.
Canon of the hieromartyr, the acrostic whereof is: "I hymn the glory of thy wonders,
O blessed one", the composition of Joseph, in Tone V:
Irmos: Christ, Who doth crush battles with His upraised arm, shook horse
and rider into the Red Sea, and saved Israel, who chanteth a hymn of
victory.
By thy supplications, O divinely blessed hierarch, enlighten those who
celebrate this thy splendid and divine repose, thine all-radiant memory and
sacred festival.
Even before the mysteries of initiation were performed upon thee, thou wast
shown to exercise thyself in almsgiving and prayer, O wise and most blessed
Cornelius, seeking the Lord of all with upright mind.
When the preeminent of the apostles taught thee at the behest of the Master,
O blessed one, thou didst manifestly learn the laws of the Savior Who, in the
excess of His goodness, had united Himself to the flesh.
Theotokion: Thou settest the hearts of the faithful on fire, that they may ever
glorify thee with never-ending love, O Mistress Theotokos; for thou art the glory
of men, having given birth to the Lord of glory, O pure one.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red
Sea for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse
blow, he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
ODE III
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: The Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my
strength, O Lord, my refuge and confirmation!
O Christ, by the Spirit Thou hast sanctified Thy Church on earth, anointing it
today with the oil of Thy gladness.
O Good One, Thou hast revealed today the tabernacle, made of men's hands,
of Thy glory, which passeth understanding, a well-built dwelling-place.
Having Thee as an immovable foundation, O Christ, the Church is crowned
with Thy Cross as with a royal diadem.
Theotokion: Thou alone on earth, O Mother of God, art the mediatress of
good things which transcend nature; wherefore, we offer to thee the cry: Rejoice!
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Not in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in riches do we boast, but in
Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father; for none is more
holy than Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Glorified and enlightened by thy precious embrace, O all-glorious Cross of the
Lord, with faith we glorify thee, who art the glory of Christ.
Arriving in gladness, O ye faithful, let us draw forth the ever-living waters of
the Cross as from a pure well-spring; and, saved, let us praise God.
In that He is life, Jesus died, hanging upon the Tree of the Cross; and
embracing it now with faith, we drive away the passions, the mediators of death.
Theotokion: Having manifested thyself, O pure Virgin, dispel the darkness of
my soul, crush thou the members of sin, and save me, O thou who gavest birth
to the most Compassionate One.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: O Christ Who by Thy command planted the earth upon nothing
and suspended its burden unsupported: Establish Thy Church upon the
immovable rock of Thy commandments, O Good One Who alone lovest
mankind.
Thou and all thy household received the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit and
all the grace of God through the divine mouth and by the arrival of the
preeminent apostle of God, who declared the doctrines of salvation unto you.
Exalted in the virtues like a cedar of lofty stature, O blessed hierarch
Cornelius, thou hast put forth for us fragrant fruits: the gift of doctrines, the
grace of miracles and the working of healings.
Having been vouchsafed the greatest of splendor, O Cornelius, with the
preeminent apostle and many other thou didst make haste to preach the divine
proclamation everywhere; and we, enlightened thereby, have been delivered from
the darkness of ignorance.
Theotokion: Thou wast the radiant habitation of purity, bearing the incarnate
Bestower of light, Who in His love for mankind manifested Himself as a man
like unto us and destroyed corruption, O all-pure Virgin Bride of God, thou
incorrupt restoration of men.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by
its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church,
which before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for
her might and confirmation.
Kontakion of the dedication, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared ...":
The Church hath been shown to be a heaven of great splendor, which
enlighteneth all the faithful; and, standing therein, we cry aloud: Establish this
house, O Lord!
Sedalion of the dedication, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was commanded ...":
Christ showed forth the tabernacle of witness; the godly Moses set it up on
earth; and Solomon dedicated the temple with sacrifices; and we, hastening to
the new Jerusalem with faith, like David utter divine hymnody unto Him Who
was crucified for our sake, asking forgiveness for all things wherein we have
sinned.
Glory ..., Sedalion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared ...":
The Church received thee as the holy first-fruits from among the gentiles; and
thou enlightenest it with thy virtuous deeds, O divinely wise Cornelius, initiate of
sacred mysteries.
Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the forefeast, in the same tone:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Moses stretched out his arms to heaven on high, prefiguring the Cross, the
divine weapon of the faithful, to which Christ nailed our sins. Wherefore, the
enemy wept, his senses wounded painfully, and said: "This spear of wood hath
pierced my heart! Christ releaseth all from the bonds of hell!"
ODE IV
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, uplifted upon the Cross,
the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy
power, O Lord!
The Church is sprinkled not with the sacrifices of dumb beasts, but with the
precious and life-bearing blood which flowed from Thy side; and it crieth out in
splendor: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
The beloved habitations of the Lord cry out together to those who desire
plainly to see the glory of His countenance: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Portraying the anointing of Thy chosen people, the Church is anointed today
with costly ointments, invisibly receiving the divine grace of the Spirit.
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth without knowing wedlock, O Virgin, and even
after giving birth thou wast shown to be virginal still; wherefore, with never-
ceasing voices and unwavering love we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O Mistress!
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Out of love for Thine image, O Compassionate One, thou didst
stand upon Thy Cross, and the nations melted away; for Thou art my
might and boast, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
The Cross of the Lord, which is worshiped by the faithful, is seen to be as
bright as the sun; and as we kiss it our souls are enlightened.
God the Lord hath appeared incarnate, uplifted upon the Tree; and He
enlighteneth those who bow down before it, ever delivering them from evils.
Grant cleansing from offenses, O Word of God, unto those who today bow
down with faith before Thy precious Cross, which lieth before us.
Theotokion: Without abandoning the bosom of the Father, the Word
descended into thy womb as a babe, O Maiden, desiring to restore me who lie
subject to corruption.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Prophetically perceiving Thy divine abasement, O Christ,
Habbakuk cried out to Thee with trembling: Thou hast come to save
Thine anointed, for the salvation of Thy people!
Receiving the grace of the Spirit, O all-praised Cornelius, thou didst pass over
the earth like a radiant sun, dispelling the darkness of idolatry.
Issuing forth like a great river, thou waterest the whole face of the earth with
divine teachings, choking the tares of polytheism, O Cornelius.
Having died to all the world, O most blessed Cornelius, thou didst announce
to all those dead through the passions the divine resurrection of Him Who was
slain for our sake.
Theotokion: O pure Virgin, thou didst supernaturally become the precious
dwelling-place of the Wisdom of the Father, by Whom we have now been
delivered from the malice of the crafty one.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world, a holy light
turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.
On Sinai of old Thou didst show to Moses the God-seer a tabernacle not
made by men's hands, O Christ, prefiguring Thy Church.
O Lord, thou didst build a tabernacle on the earth, and by Thy power Thou
dost join the ranks of heaven to the choirs of men.
O Lord, we know Thee to be the Source of life. And arriving, O holy Christ,
Thou didst proclaim peace to Thy Church.
Theotokion: We wield thee against the enemy as a mighty weapon, O Bride of
God, for we have acquired thee as our dominion and the hope of our salvation.
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Send down Thine enlightenment upon us, O good Lord, and free
us from the darkness of transgressions, granting us Thy peace.
Against the corrupting passions strengthen us who honor and venerate thee,
O precious Cross, most holy ensign of the holy Passion.
O ye faithful, illumined today in heart and soul with goodly sights, let us
approach and bow down before the sacred and divine Tree.
Moses of old, in sweetening the waters of Marah, prefigured thee with a tree,
O precious Cross, for thou hast exuded the sweetness of salvation for men.
Theotokion: O all-pure Maiden, pray thou for us to Christ Who was clad in
material flesh through thy precious blood and hath renewed mortals.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: O Thou Who dost clothe Thyself in light as in a garment, I rise early
and cry unto Thee: Enlighten my benighted soul, O Christ, in that Thou
alone art compassionate.
Cleaving wholly to the Almighty, even when subjected to violence by vile and
murderous men thou didst not offer worship to deaf idols, O initiate of sacred
mysteries.
In supplications thou didst call upon the invisible God Most High, O
Cornelius, and, causing great wonder, didst demolish the temple of the
abominable idols.
Keeping the commandments of the Almighty, thou didst endure imprisonment
and didst loose the foolish from the bonds of false belief, O divinely wise one.
Theotokion: Rain down upon me remission of sins, O all-pure one, and visit
me who am afflicted and buffeted by the perils of life and the passions of the
flesh.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was
beguiled by thee when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace
unto our souls!
ODE VI
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church
crieth out to Thee, having been cleansed of the blood of demons by the
blood which, for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Christ the King desired the beauty of the Church He now hath chosen, and
hath shown her to be the mother of the gentiles, who out of slaves have been
made sons by the Spirit.
The hordes of the malicious demons tremble before the Church of Christ
which is marked with the sign of the image of the Cross and covered with the
overshadowing of the Spirit.
Having Christ, and not sand, as its foundation, the Church of the nations is
crowned with unapproachable beauty and adorned with a royal diadem.
Theotokion: O wonder more recent than all other wonders! The Virgin hath
without knowing man conceived in her womb Him Who sustaineth all things, yet
hath not confined Him.
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: I have fallen into the depths of the sea, and the tempest of my
manifold sins hath engulfed me; but as Thou art God, lead up my life from
the abyss, O greatly Merciful One.
The Creator, His side pierced while He hung suspended upon thee of His own
will, O Cross, poured forth blood and water, whereby we who kiss thee with faith
have been edified.
O life-giving Tree of the Lord, thou wellspring of immortality and deliverance
of the whole world, save us who venerate thee as our saving protector.
Thou hast been shown to us as a mighty weapon, whereby in sacred manner
we kiss thee with uprightness of soul and overpower all the assaults of the
adversary, O divine Cross.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, thou wast the holy temple of Him Who resteth in
the saints; wherefore, illumine us who hymn thee with faith, O Virgin Mother.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: O Master Christ, still thou the sea of the passions which rageth with
the storm of spiritual corruption, and lead me up from corruption, in that
Thou art compassionate.
While offering up thy supplications in purity, thou didst manifestly behold the
angel of God, who taught thee the exalted things of salvation.
Enlightened by the Spirit, thou wast shown to be a light-giving star illumining
the ends of the earth with radiant splendors, O Cornelius, initiate of sacred
mysteries.
O blessed one who before wast benighted by falsehood, having recognized the
Lord of glory thou didst obtain sight through thy supplication, and didst receive
divine cleansing for thy whole household.
Theotokion: The Lord of glory became incarnate of thy virginal blood in a way
that He alone knoweth, O most hymned one, saving us by His goodness.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of
the sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And,
issuing forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent
resurrection of Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened
the world by His rising on the third day.
Another Kontakion of the Dedication, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "The steadfast ...":
Grant inner enlightenment and spiritual renewal of heart unto those who
with faith celebrate the sacred dedication of the temple of Thy house, which it
was Thy good pleasure to have built unto Thy divine name, O Thou Who art
glorious in the saints.
Ikos: The most wise Solomon of old, celebrating the memorial of the
dedication, brought dumb beasts as whole-burnt offerings and sacrifices to
God; and now, when truth and grace have come to earth, He Who offered
Himself as sacrifice for our salvation hath abolished the sacrifices, in that He
loveth mankind. He Who alone is glorious in the saints hath sanctified the
church and shown it to be unshakable.
ODE VII
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of
piety rather than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple
of Thy glory, O Lord!
Of old the flame of the furnace was shown to be dew-bearing; and now
spiritual anointing with oil doth sanctify those who cry out: Blessed art Thou in
the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
In this new tabernacle, as in the God-receiving furnace, all of us who are of
the spiritual Israel cry out, bedewed: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy
glory, O Lord!
O ye who are wounded with most sweet divine desire, come ye, let us join
ourselves to Christ the Bridegroom in this bridal-chamber, crying: Blessed art
Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O word!
Theotokion: Rejoice, O divine and hallowed abode of the Most High! For
through thee, O Theotokos, hath joy been given to those who cry: Blessed art
thou among women, O most immaculate Mistress!
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: In Babylon, the three youths, treating the tyrant's decree as folly,
cried out amid the flame: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Of old, O precious Cross, Jacob prefigured thee in blessing the children of
Joseph; but we, bowing down now, honor thee, drawing forth enlightenment.
The sayings of the divine prophets have now received their fulfillment, O
most sacred Cross; for the Lord of all hath been lifted up upon thee, delivering
all from corruption.
Embracing thee now with heart and mouth, O most precious Cross, we ever
draw forth sanctity, health and salvation of soul and body.
Theotokion: O blessed Virgin, pray thou for us who entreat thee, for we all
place our hope in thee and cry out to thee: O Mistress, disdain not thy flock!
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers quenched the flame and
bedewed the youths who chanted together: Blessed art Thou, O God!
Thou wast the first-fruits of the gentiles, O Cornelius; for thou wast the first
to receive holy baptism and the grace of the Spirit, like the divinely eloquent
ones before thee.
Performing most magnificent miracles through divine grace, thou didst draw
to the Faith those who from of old were steeped in false knowledge, teaching
them to chant: Blessed art Thou, O God!
Hidden in the earth and protected by a bush, O wise one, thou wast revealed
by the words of God, pouring forth the grace of miracles and driving away
infirmities.
O Cornelius, thou wast shown to be the sweet-sounding harp of the
doctrines of salvation, making sweet the souls of all, and chanting: Blessed art
Thou, O God!
Triadicon: Let us all glorify the Unity in three Hypostases: the all-unoriginate
Father, the consubstantial Son, and the Holy Spirit, chanting: Blessed art Thou,
O God!
Theotokion: O most immaculate Virgin, thou hast been shown to have deified
human nature by thy divine birthgiving; wherefore, as is meet we, the faithful,
glorify thee.
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth
threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet
the three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring
blaze; but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon
it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel closed the mouths of the lions in
the den; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched
the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Today Thy Church hath been adorned like a bride with a noetic robe woven
on high of divine grace, O Lord, and she summoneth her people to chant in
gladness: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Today Christ, the second Adam, hath shown forth a noetic garden of
paradise, this new tabernacle which, instead of the tree of know ledge, offereth
the life-bearing weapon of the Cross unto those who chant: Bless the Lord, all ye
works of the Lord!
Triadicon: Worshiping Thee, the unoriginate Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit, the one Godhead, perfect, unoriginate, indivisible, consubstantial,
unconfused, in three Hypostases, we chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the
Lord!
Theotokion: Thou, O all-pure Virgin, alone among all generations hast been
shown to be the Mother of God; thou wast the dwelling place of the Godhead,
O most immaculate one, who wast not consumed by the fire of Light
unapproachable. Wherefore, we all bless thee, O Mary Bride of God.
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending, thou didst bedew the
pious ones in the midst of the flame, and didst teach them to chant: Bless
and hymn the Lord, all ye works!
Let us bow down before the Cross of the Lord, the unbroken weapon of
salvation, the ready help of the faithful, our mighty defense, which now lieth
before us all.
Prefiguring thee, the most precious Cross, Moses lifted a brazen serpent up
high on a pole to oppose the serpents, as it is written, and by thee we are
delivered from the deception of the noetic serpents.
Thou art the enlightenment of our souls, O light-giving and most precious
Cross; for, embracing thee, with thy divine power we cut down the princes and
powers of darkness.
Theotokion: We honor the pure Virgin who, for our salvation, gave birth
supernaturally to the unoriginate and uncreated Word, crying out in hymnody:
We bless thy birthgiving, O Virgin!
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Forming a universal chorus in the furnace, the youths chanted to
Thee, the Accomplisher of all: Hymn the Lord, all ye works, and exalt
Him supremely for all ages!
With uprightness of mind thou didst speak of the one God Who appeared on
earth from among the spiritual beings; wherefore, O God-bearer thou becamest
the honored first-fruits of the gentiles and the receptacle of the Spirit.
With the burning ember of thy fiery words, O blessed one, thou didst burn up
the tinder of vainglory; wherefore, thou hast passed over to the never-waning
Light, illumining all who hymn thee with love.
O divinely wise Cornelius, the Word Who calleth all things into being out of
nothingness was to thee thy portion and lot, thy help and deliverer, thy might
and boast, thy light and guide.
Triadicon: O holy Father, holy Word, most holy and uncreated Spirit,
indivisible Trinity: save those who with love hymn Thy dominion, kingdom and
majesty.
Theotokion: Pour forth upon us thy mercies in abundance, O holy Maiden,
and ask for us the forgiveness of all our transgressions, whether committed in
knowledge or in ignorance, and those which we made through inattention.
Katavasia: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the
Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed
the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
ODE IX
Canon of the Dedication
Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who uniteth
two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O
Virgin; wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
O Come ye with a pure heart and, gazing with wakeful spiritual eyes upon the
beauty of the Church, the daughter of the King, which outshineth gold in luster,
let us magnify her.
Rejoice and be glad, O bride of the great King, radiantly beholding the beauty
of thy Bridegroom, crying out with thy people: We magnify Thee, O Bestower
of life!
O Savior, grant Thy Church excellence from on high, for it acknowledgeth
none other than Thee who of old laid down thy life for her; and she is great in
this knowledge.
Theotokion: Rejoice, O joyous Bride of the great King; for through thee, O
pure one, have we been delivered from the curse of Eve, and we have found life
in thy birthgiving, O unwedded one.
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Thy birthgiving was shown to be incorrupt: God issued forth from
thy womb, appeared on earth wearing flesh and dwelt with men.
Wherefore, we all magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Suspended upon thee, Christ truly raised up that which had fallen into the
depths of perdition, O Cross of the Lord; wherefore, we now bow down before
thee with love, and honor and glorify thee.
Let us purify our souls and hearts with good works alone, and, beholding the
saving Tree which lieth in our midst, with divine wisdom let us bow down
before it with faith and love.
Like the great sun thou dost illumine those in darkness with thy brilliance,
and drivest away the demons, O most beautiful Cross; wherefore, we cry out:
Illumine all who bow down before thee with faith!
Theotokion: Illumine me with divine light, O Virgin, thou receptacle of the
Light, truly dispelling the darkness of my passions and the most profound night
of pleasures, O most holy Theotokos.
Canon of the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Dance, O Isaiah! The Virgin conceived in her womb and hath
given birth to a Son, Emmanuel, Who is both God and man. Orient is His
name; and, magnifying Him, we call the Virgin blessed.
The Church summoneth all to a sacred festival, thine honored memorial, O
preacher of Christ; for thou wast shown to be standing with the holy disciples
and as one who is likened to them, inherited the Holy Spirit.
Thou wast adorned with dogmas of piety as a sacred priest, and didst emulate
the divine servants of God; and thou dost ever pour forth rivers of healing,
driving away the sickness of men, O roost sacred Cornelius.
Adorned with the robe of salvation which the incarnate Christ wove, thou
now goest about the kingdom on high with all joy, gazing in purity upon the
incomprehensible beauty of the Bridegroom, O right glorious one.
Theotokion: Ask enlightenment for us, O thou who gavest birth to the Light
Who shone forth from Light, and drive far from me the darkness of pleasures
and temptations, O all-pure Mistress, our intercessor unashamed.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Exapostilarion of the Dedication:
Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit in the sanctuary ...":
The most wondrous and most precious and holy Church, which Thou didst
redeem by Thine all-pure blood, O good Word, renew by the Spirit, and adorn it
with most divine rays, glorifying it with glory by those who celebrate the
dedication of thy temple as is meet.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Exapostilarion of the forefeast, in the same melody:
With light-giving splendors the Cross of the Lord summoneth to its elevation
all who with divine love stand before it. Come ye all, and with joy, love, fear and
faith let us kiss it and glorify the one Creator and Master!
On the Praises, 6 stichera of the Dedication: 3 in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign":
Today the divine, sacred, honored and light-bearing house * of the
resurrection of Christ * is splendidly consecrated, * and His sepulcher giveth
divine life unto the world; * a well-spring of immortality gusheth forth, * pouring
forth streams of miracles, * and, overflowing with the waters of grace, * it
granteth healings * unto those who hymn it with faith.
Shining forth from on high, * a radiant beam hath shone forth, * illumining all;
* wherefore, with faith let us all honor * the resurrection of Christ the Creator *
and in hymns let us celebrate * the life-bearing and divine festival of the
dedication, * and let us be jubilant in psalms, * that we may find the Savior and
Lord to be merciful to us.
Desiring to see beforehand the holy scepter of the Cross * borne aloft in the
midst of the earth, * let us purify our souls in advance, * and being illumined with
light, * let us render our thoughts radiant, * and, shining with divine power let us
hymn Christ * Who imparteth His holiness through the precious Tree * unto
those who cry out with faith * and fervently hymn Him.
And 3 stichera:
The composition of John the Monk, in Tone I: Be thou renewed, be thou
restored, O new Jerusalem! For thy light hath come, and the glory of the Lord
hath shone upon thee! This house hath the Father built! This house hath the Son
established! This house hath the Holy Spirit restored, Who illumineth, maketh
firm and doth sanctify our souls!
The composition of Anatolius: Solomon of old, in consecrating the temple,
offered up sacrifices and wholeburnt offerings of dumb beasts, O Lord. But
since Thou, O Savior, wast well pleased to abolish the prefiguring that the truth
might be known, the generations of men offer un-bloody sacrifices to Thy glory;
for Thou dost sanctify all things through the Holy Spirit, O Thou Who hast
dominion over all.
The composition of John the Monk, in Tone IV: The Church of the nations is
renewed today through the precious and life-bearing blood which flowed from
the all-pure and incorrupt side of Christ our God, Who was incarnate of the holy
Virgin. Wherefore, assembling, ye choirs of the faithful, let us glorify the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one Godhead Who sustaineth all things.
Glory ..., in Tone III:
Arise unto thyself, O man! Be thou new instead of old! And celebrate the
restoration of the soul while yet thou hast life, that the path of all life may be
restored to thee; for the old hath passed away, and, lo! all things are new!
Transformed by a change for the good, offer this to the feast as fruit. Thus is
man made new, and thus is the day of the dedication honored.
Now & ever ..., of the forefeast, the composition of John the Monk
In Tone III: O Christ our God, Who for the common resurrection of the
human race didst accept voluntary crucifixion, and by the pen of the Cross didst
stain Thy fingers with blood as with ink of royal purple, and in Thy love for
mankind didst as King affix Thy signature to the document of our remission:
Disdain us not who are in distress and again are far from Thee, but have pity
upon Thy people who find themselves in evil circumstances, O Long-suffering
One. Arise Thou, and do battle with those who fight against us, in that Thou art
almighty.
Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes: 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of the
Dedication.
O Christ, by the Spirit Thou hast sanctified Thy Church on earth, anointing it
today with the oil of Thy gladness. (Twice)
O Good One, Thou hast revealed today the tabernacle, made of men's hands,
of Thy glory, which passeth understanding, a well-built dwelling-place.
Having Thee as an immovable foundation, O Christ, the Church is crowned
with Thy Cross as with a royal diadem.
Christ the King desired the beauty of the Church He now hath chosen, and
hath shown her to be the mother of the gentiles, who out of slaves have been
made sons by the Spirit.
The hordes of the malicious demons tremble before the Church of Christ
which is marked with the sign of the image of the Cross and covered with the
overshadowing of the Spirit.
Having Christ, and not sand, as its foundation, the Church of the nations is
crowned with unapproachable beauty and adorned with a royal diadem.
Theotokion: O wonder more recent than all other wonders! The Virgin hath
without knowing man conceived in her womb Him Who sustaineth all things, yet
hath not confined Him.
Troparion of the Dedication, in Tone IV:
Thou didst show forth the beauty of the holy dwelling-place of Thy glory here
below, O Lord, like the splendor of the firmament on high. Establish it for all
ages, and through the Theotokos accept the supplications we unceasingly offer
unto Thee therein, O Thou life and resurrection of all.
Troparion of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Cornelius, entreat Christ God,
that our souls be saved.
Troparion of the forefeast, in Tone IV:
O Lord, we offer unto Thee in supplication the life-creating Cross of Thy
goodness, which Thou hast bestowed upon us, unworthy though we are. Save
Thou all Orthodox Christians, and this Thy city, which entreateth Thee through
the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Kontakion of the Dedication, in Tone II:
Grant inner enlightenment and spiritual renewal of heart unto those who
with faith celebrate the sacred dedication of the temple of Thy house, which it
was Thy good pleasure to have built unto Thy divine name, O Thou Who art
glorious in the saints.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto
length of days.
Stichos: The Lord is King, He is clothed with majesty.
EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, §307 [HEB. 3: 1-4]
Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and
High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, Who was faithful to Him Who
appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this Man was
counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He Who built the house
hath more honor than the house. For every house is built by some man, but He
Who hath built all things is God.
Alleluia, in Tone II: His foundations are in the holy mountains.
Stichos: Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, § 67 [MT. 16: 13-18]
At that time, when Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his
disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some
say that thou art John the Baptist, some Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the
prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? and Simon Peter answered
and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said
unto him, blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah for flesh and blood hath not revealed it
unto thee, but my Father Who is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it.
Communion Verse: O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house, and the
place where Thy glory dwelleth.
THE 14th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
THE UNIVERSAL EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS & LIFE-CREATING CROSS
AT LITTLE VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
The Cross is uplifted, and the demons are, driven away; * the thief openeth
the gates of Eden, * death is slain * and hath now been shown to be desolate; *
Christ is magnified. * Wherefore, be glad, all ye earthborn, * for the curse hath
been lifted! (Twice)
Come, all ye who love God, * and beholding the precious Cross uplifted, * let
us magnify it together * and give glory to the one. Deliverer and God, crying
aloud: * O Thou who wast crucified on the wood of the Cross, * disdain not us
that pray to Thee!
Moses of old, changing bitterness into sweetness, * delivered Israel, *
inscribing the image of the Cross beforehand; * and all of us, the faithful, * ever
mystically making the sign thereof in our hearts in godly manner, * are saved by
its might.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VI:
Today is put forth from the impenetrable bosom of the earth the shoot of
life, and it announceth the Resurrection of Christ Who was nailed thereto; and,
lifted up by priestly hands, it proclaimeth His ascension to Heaven, whereby our
nature, which was bound to the earth by the fall, doth now dwell in the heavens.
Wherefore, in thanksgiving we cry out: O Lord Who wast lifted up thereon and
thereby raised us up with Thyself: vouchsafe us Thy heavenly joys, as Thou art
the Lover of mankind.
Prokimenon of the day. ''Vouchsafe, O Lord ..."
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Like a bride * is the Church splendidly adorned * with the water of grace *
and Thy Blood, O Word, * hymning the glory of the Cross.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Raising aloft the spear and the Cross, * the nails and all else * wherewith the
life-bearing body of Christ * was pierced, * let us worship them.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
When Moses * conquered Amalek, * keeping his arms raised aloft, * he
prefigured the all-pure suffering of Christ * in the form of the Cross.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VI:
Today the Tree hath appeared! Today the Jewish race hath perished! Today
the Faith is made manifest by faithful, hierarchs. Adam fell because of a tree, but
the demons are made to tremble again by the Tree; O almighty Lord, glory to
Thee!
Troparion, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.

After the dismissal of Little Vespers, the ecclesiarch, the priest, deacon and para-
ecclesiarch enter the vestry, escorted with lighted lamps, and the priest and deacon
array themselves in their vestments. The deacon censeth the precious Cross, and
saith: Bless, master! Priest: Blessed is our God ...Then: Trisagion through Our
Father Troparion of the Cross; Glory ..., Now & ever : Kontakion of the Cross. The
priest taketh the Cross on its tray and placeth it upon his head, and beareth it into the
sanctuary, preceded by two candle-bearers bearing lighted candles. And he setteth the
Cross on the altar-table, in the place usually occupied by the Gospel-book, the
Gospel-book being removed to the High Place. And a lamp is set to burn before the
precious Cross throughout the night.

Be It Known: If this feast fall on a Sunday, its hymns completely replace and
supersede those of the Oktoechos, with the sole exception of "Having beheld the
resurrection of Christ ..."
AT GREAT VESPERS
If it be Saturday evening, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the entire Kathisma;
but if it be Sunday evening, we chant only the first antiphon thereof. On any other
day we do not chant "Blessed is the man ...", but chant "Lord, I have cried ..." after
the Introductory Psalm and Great Ektenia.
On "Lord, I have cried ...",8 stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set aside ...":
Raised on high, * the Cross exhorteth all creation * to hymn the all-pure
Passion * of Him that was lifted up thereon. * For thereon having slain him that
slew us, * in that He is merciful, * He gave life unto the dead,* and in the exceed-
ing greatness of His goodness * He hath made them beautiful and vouchsafed
them to live in the heavens. * Wherefore, rejoicing, * we exalt His name, * and
magnify His extreme condescension. (Thrice)
Moses prefigured Thee, * stretching forth his arms on high, * and vanquished
the tyrant Amalek, * O precious Cross, boast of the faithful, * confirmation of
sufferers, * savior of all the venerable. * Wherefore, creation, * beholding thee
lifted up, is gladdened, * and keepeth festival, glorifying Christ, * Who through
thee hath gathered the dispersed * in His extreme goodness. (Thrice)
O most precious Cross, * who art today exalted, * and about whom the ranks
of angels stand in gladness, * by divine command thou dost uplift all * who for
the stealing of the fruit were driven out and were sunk in death. * Wherefore, we,
the faithful, * venerating thee with hearts and lips, * derive from thee sancti-
fication, * crying out: Exalt ye Christ, the all-good God, * and worship His divine
footstool. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone II:
Come, all ye nations, let us worship the blessed Tree whereby everlasting
righteousness hath come to be; for he who by the tree deceived our forefather
Adam, is himself deceived by the Cross, and he who by tyranny held fast the royal
house, falleth, cast down by a strange fall. By the Blood of God the venom of the
serpent is washed away, and the curse of the just condemnation was lifted by the
Righteous One when He was condemned by an unjust sentence; for it was fitting
that the tree be healed by a Tree, and that, by the sufferings of the Dispassionate
One on the Tree, the sufferings of the condemned be loosed. Glory, O Christ our
King, to Thy wise dispensation toward us, whereby Thou hast saved all, in that
Thou ad good and lovest mankind.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day.
N.B.: If this feast fall on Saturday, on Friday evening, instead of the Prokimenon
of the day, we chant the Great Prokimenon:
Great Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Our God is in heaven and on earth; all
things whatsoever He hath willed, He hath done.
Stichos: When Israel went out of Egypt, and the house of Jacob from
among a barbarous people.
Stichos: The sea beheld and fled, Jordan turned back.
Stichos: What aileth thee, O sea, that thou fleddest? And thou Jordan, that
thou didst turn back?
Three Readings:
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF EXODUS
Moses brought up the children of Israel from the Red Sea, and brought them
into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found
no water to drink. And they came to Marah, and could not drink of Marah, for it
was bitter; therefore he named the name of that place, Bitterness. And the people
murmured against Moses, saying: "What shall we drink?" And Moses cried to the
Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree, and he cast it into the water, and the water
was sweetened. There He established to him ordinances and judgments, and there
He proved him, and said: "If thou wilt indeed hear the voice of the Lord thy
God, and do things pleasing before Him, and wilt hearken to His commands, and
keep all His ordinances, no disease which I have brought upon the Egyptians will
I bring upon thee, for I am the Lord thy God, Who healeth thee." And they came
to Elim, and there were there twelve fountains of water, and seventy stems of
palm trees; and they encamped there by the waters. And they departed from
Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of
Sin, which is between Elim and Sin.
A READING FROM PROVERBS
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; nor faint when thou art
rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth, He rebuketh, and scourgeth every
son whom He receiveth. Blessed is the man who hath found wisdom, and the
mortal who knoweth prudence. For it is better to traffic for her, than for
treasures of gold and silver. And she is more valuable than precious stones: no
evil thing shall resist her; she is well known to all who approach her, and no
precious thing is equal to her in value. For length of existence and years of life
are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory: out of her mouth
proceedeth righteousness, and she carrieth law and mercy upon her tongue. Her
ways are good ways, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to all who
lay hold upon her; and she is a secure help to all who stay themselves on her, as
on the Lord.
A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH
Thus saith the Lord: Thy gates shall be opened continually, O Jerusalem; they
shall not be shut day nor night; to bring in to thee the power of the gentiles, and
their kings as captives. For the nations and the kings which will not serve thee
shall perish; and those nations shall be made utterly desolate. And the glory of
Lebanon shall come to thee, with the cypress, and pine, and cedar together, to
glorify My holy place. And the sons of those who afflicted thee, and of those
who provoked thee, shall come to thee in fear; and thou shalt be called Sion, the
city of the Holy One of Israel. Because thou hast become desolate and hated,
and there was no helper, therefore I will make thee a perpetual gladness, a joy of
many generations. And thou shalt suck the milk of the gentiles, and shalt eat the
wealth of kings; and shalt know that I am the Lord Who saveth thee and
delivereth thee, the God of Israel.
At Litia, these stichera:
The composition of Andrew of Jerusalem, in Tone I: Today the holy words of
David have received their fulfillment; for, lo! we manifestly worship the footstool
of Thine all-pure feet, O most Compassionate One, and cry out to Thee, placing
our trust in the shelter of Thy wings: Let the light of Thy countenance be shined
upon us! Exalt Thou the horn of Thine Orthodox people through the elevation
of Thy Cross, O greatly merciful Christ!
Elevated today, the Tree of life, which was planted in the place of the skull,
whereon the pre-eternal King wrought salvation in the midst of the earth,
sanctifieth the ends of the earth; and the temple of the Resurrection is renewed.
The angels rejoice in heaven, and men make merry on earth, crying like David
and saying: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet, for
it is holy, granting great mercy to the world!
Prefiguring Thy Cross, O Christ, in giving his blessing to his grandsons, the
Patriarch Jacob crossed his hands over their heads. And raising it aloft today, O
Savior, we cry out: Grant victory to all Orthodox Christians over their
adversaries, as Thou gavest the victory to Constantine.
The composition of Theophanes, in Tone II: The divine treasure which is
hidden in the ground, the Cross of the Bestower of life, was shown in the
heavens to the pious emperor and noetically displayeth an inscription of victory
over his enemies. And rejoicing therein with faith and love, in godly manner he
hastened to ascend to a visible height and with zeal drew it forth from the
bosom of the earth, for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our
souls.
The composition of Cyprian: When the hands of the Patriarch Jacob were
crossed at the blessing of Joseph's children, the sign of Thy Cross was revealed
beforehand, and we, holding it as our steadfast protector, do mightily drive away
the hordes of the demons and cast down the pride of Belial in that which
vanquisheth the most pernicious power of the most malicious Amalek. With
right honorable mind, O ye faithful, we bear it forth to Thy goodness, uplifted
now for the cleansing of sins, and cry out with a loud voice: Have mercy, O
Lord! O Good One Who wast incarnate of the Virgin, have pity on the wise
creation of Thy hands!
The composition of the Emperor Leo: Thou art my mighty protection, O
tripartite Cross of Christ! Sanctify me by thy power, that I may bow down with
faith and love, and glorify thee.
In Tone IV: Let us clap our hands today for the victory which is praised with
hymns, and with radiant countenance and tongue let us openly cry: O Christ,
Who for our sake didst deign to be tried, to be spat upon and scourged and
arrayed in a purple robe, and Who ascended the Cross; Whom beholding, the
sun and the moon hid their light, and the earth trembled with fear, and the veil
of the temple was rent in twain: Do Thou now grant us Thine honored Cross as
a preserver and protector, and a dispeller of the demons; that, kissing it, we may
all cry out to it: Save us by thy power, O Cross! Sanctify us by Thy radiance, O
precious Cross! And fortify us by thine exaltation, for thou hast been given to us
as the light and salvation of our souls.
The composition of Anatolius: O Cross, thou didst show forth thine image
beforehand, radiant with the light of the stars, to the great and pious emperor as
a token of victory. And his mother Helena, finding thee, revealed thee to the
world. Today we, the choirs of the faithful, elevating thee, cry out: “illumine us
with thy splendor, O life-bearing Cross! Sanctify us with thy might, O most
precious Cross! And establish us in thine elevation, O thou who art lifted up
against the array of the enemy!”
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the composition of Anatolius, in the same Tone:
Moses, prefiguring the activity of the precious Cross, O Christ, vanquished
Amalek his adversary in the wilderness of Sinai; for when he stretched out his
arms, forming the image of the Cross, he strengthened the people. And now
these events have found their fulfillment in us: today the Cross is elevated and
the demons flee; today all creation is freed from corruption, for gifts have shone
forth upon us because of the Cross. Wherefore, rejoicing, we all fall down before
it, saying: Glory to Thee, O Lord, for Thy works are magnified!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone V:
Rejoice, thou Life-bearing Cross, invincible victory of piety, door to paradise,
confirmation of the faithful, rampart of the Church, whereby corruption hath
been utterly destroyed, the dominion of death trampled down, and we have been
lifted up from earth to them that are in Heaven, invincible weapon, contender
against the demons, glory of the martyrs, true adornment of the venerable, haven
of salvation, which grantest the world great mercy.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Rejoice, thou Cross of the Lord, whereby mankind hath been loosed from the
curse, all-honorable standard of joy which disperseth the enemy with thine
exaltation, our helper, might of kings, Strength of the righteous, splendor of
priests; which, when traced, doth deliver from misfortune, staff of power
whereby we are tended, weapon of peace which the angels surround with fear,
divine glory of Christ Who granteth the world great mercy.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Rejoice, thou guide of the blind, physician of the ailing, resurrection of all the
dead, which hast raised us up who had fallen into corruption, O precious Cross,
whereby the curse was annulled and incorruption budded forth, and the earthly
have been deified, and the devil utterly cast down! Beholding thee raised on high
today in the hands of the high priest, we exalt Him that was exalted in thy midst,
and bow down before thee, plenteously drawing forth from thee great mercy.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
That which Moses prefigured with his body of old cast down and vanquished
Amalek; and David the psalmist, crying out, hath commanded us to bow down
before Thy footstool, Thy precious Cross, O Christ God. Today we sinners also
do homage with our unworthy lips to Thee Whose will it was to be nailed
thereto; and, chanting, we pray: O Lord, vouchsafe that with the thief we may
receive Thy kingdom!
At the blessing of the loaves, the troparion of the Cross, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Thrice)
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the Cross, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Thrice)
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:
No sooner was the tree of Thy Cross planted, O Christ our Lord, than the
foundations of death were shaken. That which Hades swallowed greedily it spewed
forth, trembling. Thou hast revealed to us Thy salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify
Thee. O Son of God, have mercy upon us!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "When the stone had been sealed ...":
We bow down before the tree of Thy Cross, O Thou Who lovest mankind, for
Thou wast nailed thereto, O Life of all. Thou didst Open paradise to the thief who
approached Thee with faith, O Savior, and he was vouchsafed sweetness for
confessing Thee: "Remember me, O Lord!" Accept us like him, for we cry: We have
all sinned! Disdain us not, for Thou art compassionate!
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VI:
Today the words of the prophet have been fulfilled! For, behold! we bow down
before the place where Thy feet stood, O Lord, and, receiving the Tree of salvation,
we have achieved liberation from sinful passions through the supplications of the
Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Of old, Joshua, the son of Nun, mystically prefigured the image of the Cross when
he stretched forth his arms in the form of the Cross, O my Savior; and the sun stood
still until he had cast down all the enemy which was opposed to Thee, O God. And
now Thou hast raised with Thee the whole world, which saw Thee set upon the
Cross, destroying the might of death.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify Thee, O Christ, Bestower of life,
and we honor Thy holy Cross, whereby Thou hast saved us from slavery to the
enemy.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Judge them, O God, that do me injustice; war against them that war against
me.
B: Take hold of weapon and shield, and arise unto my help.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia ..., Glory to Thee, our God. (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Of old, in paradise, a tree stripped me naked, the enemy bringing about mortality
through eating; but the tree of the Cross, bearing for men the vesture of life, hath
been planted in the ground, and the whole world hath been filled with all manner of
joy. Beholding it uplifted, O ye people, let us cry out to God together: Fill Thou Thy
house with glory!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of
our God.
Stichos: O sing unto the Lord a new song, for the Lord hath wrought
wondrous things.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN, §42 [JN 12:28-36]
The Lord said: "Father, glorify Thy name." Then came there a voice from
heaven saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people
therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said an angel
spake to him. Jesus answered and said, this voice came not because of me, but
for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this
world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
Me. This He said, signifying what death He should die. The people answered
Him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest
Thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man? Then Jesus
said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the
light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not
whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the
children of light.
Then, "Having beheld the resurrection of Christ ..."
And after Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
O Cross of Christ, hope of Christians, guide of the lost, haven of the tempest-
tossed, victory amid battles, confirmation of the whole world, physician of the ill,
resurrection of the dead: Have mercy upon us!
Canon of the Cross, the Irmos chanted twice,
the troparia repeated to make up 12 in number.
ODE I
Canon of the Cross, the acrostic whereof is: "Having arrayed myself in the Cross, I
give utterance to hymnody"; The composition of Cosmas of Maiuma, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image
of Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms,
he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let
us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the
sinister bane therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been
glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red
Sea for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse
blow, he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
ODE III
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by
its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church,
which before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for
her might and confirmation.
Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Rejoicing in thee, O thrice blessed and life-bestowing Cross, the people
celebrate together with the immaterial choirs, the ranks of hierarchs reverently
hymn thee, multitudes of monastics and fasters bow down before thee in
adoration, and we all glorify Christ Who was crucified on thee.
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery-of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in
this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery-of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was
beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace
unto our souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the nether world are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was
crucified, and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He
was beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth
peace unto our souls!
ODE VI
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of
the sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Kontakion of the Cross, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Ikos: He that was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Gross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our salvation,
the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
ODE VII
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when, the dew-bearing wind blew upon it,
they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff, revealing
beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the kingdom,
for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out with faith:
O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth
threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet
the three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring
blaze; but, in the midst of the fire, when, the dew-bearing wind blew upon
it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your hands
the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the body of
God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of God,
glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And having
received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of victory, for
thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad forever.
Katavasia: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the
Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed
the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
We do not sing the Magnificat before Ode IX, but chant instead the refrain:
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
Then we chant the Irmos of Canon I: "O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise
…" The second choir likewise chanteth the refrain and the Irmos. The refrain is
chanted before each of the 6 troparia of Canon I.
ODE IX
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which untilled did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning - Christ Who was stretched out upon
the Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Then the refrain of Canon II: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-
creating Cross of the Lord!
And the Irmos of Canon II: "Death, which came upon our race ..." The second choir
likewise chanteth the refrain and the Irmos. The refrain is chanted before each of the
6 troparia of Canon II.
Canon II
Irmos: Death, which came upon our race through the eating of the tree
hath been abolished by the Cross today; for the curse of our first mother,
which fell upon us all, hath been annulled through the Offspring of the
pure Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven magnify.
The refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of
the Lord!
Thou didst not permit the murderous bitterness of the tree still to remain, O
Lord, for thou didst utterly destroy it by the Cross. Wherefore, by a tree Thou
didst once sweeten the bitterness of the waters of Marah, prefiguring the activity
of the Cross, which all the hosts of heaven magnify.
The refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of
the Lord!
Those who are continually sunk in the darkness of our forefather, Thou hast
raised up by the Cross today, O Lord; for though our nature was brought low
through deceit and great lack of restraint, the light of Thy Cross hath again
guided all of us aright, which we, the faithful magnify.
The refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of
the Lord!
That Thou mightest show forth to the world the image of the Cross
venerated among all, O Lord, Thou didst trace its outline in the heavens, in that
it is all-glorious, radiant with boundless light: the invincible weapon for the
emperor. Wherefore, all the hosts of heaven magnify Thee.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which untilled did
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "When the disciples ...":
The Cross is the guardian of the whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the
Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings! The Cross is the confirmation of
the faithful! The Cross is the glory of the angels and the wounding of the
demons! (Twice)
Glory, Now & ever ..., Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women":
Today is the Cross raised on high, and the world is sanctified; for He that
sitteth with the Father and the Holy Spirit stretched out his arms thereon. It hath
brought the whole world to the knowledge of Thee, O Christ. Therefore, to
them that hope in Thee do Thou vouchsafe divine glory.
On the Praises, 4, in Tone VIII:
O all-glorious wonder! * the Life-bearing Tree, * the all-holy Cross * is
revealed today, lifted up on high. * All the ends of the earth glorify it, * and the
hordes of the demons are affrighted. * O what a gift hath been given to mortals! *
Thereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, * in that Thou alone art compassionate.
(Twice)
O all-glorious wonder! * The Cross which bore the Most High * like a cluster
of grapes full of life * is seen today lifted up from the earth. * Thereby have we
all been drawn to God, * and death hath been utterly slain. * O the all-precious
Tree * whereby we have received the food of immortality in Eden, * glorifying
Christ!
O all-glorious wonder! * The length and height of the Cross * is equal to
heaven! * For it sanctifieth all things with grace divine. * In it are the barbarian
nations vanquished. * In it are the scepters of kings made firm. * O divine ladder,
* whereby we ascend to the heavens, * exalting Christ the Lord in hymns!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the Tone VI:
Today the Cross of the Lord cometh forth; and the faithful receive it with
desire, and they derive healings of soul and body, and every pang. Let us
venerate it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of our sins;
and with joy, because of the salvation which is granted to the world by Christ
God, Who hath great mercy, and Who was nailed to it.
The Great Doxology is chanted quietly and melodiously. The priest, having put on
full sacerdotal vestments, entereth the holy sanctuary bearing the censer, the deacon
preceding him with a lamp; and the priest censeth the holy table and the precious
Cross, and, lifting the precious Cross with its tray to his head, he departeth the
sanctuary through the northern door, preceded by servers bearing two lamps and the
censer, and cometh before the royal doors, where he standeth, awaiting the conclu-
sion of the Trisagion.
When the Trisagion cometh to an end, the priest intoneth: "Wisdom! Stand
aright!" And the singers chant the troparion:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Thrice)
Then the priest leaveth his place before the royal doors, bearing the precious Cross
on his head, and goeth to the analogion which has been placed, adorned, in the center
of the church, and setteth the precious Cross thereon. And he maketh a prostration
before the precious Cross thrice, chanting softly:
Before Thy Cross we bow down, O Master, and Thy holy resurrection do we
glorify! (Thrice)
And the choirs also chant this hymn aloud, thrice. Then all venerate the precious
Cross, bowing down before it one by one, while the following stichera are chanted-
In Tone II: Come, ye faithful, let us bow down before the life-creating Tree,
whereon of His own will Christ, the King of glory, stretching forth His hands,
hath raised us up to our former blessed state, of which the enemy of old
deprived us through pleasure, causing us to be driven out of paradise by God!
Come, ye faithful, let us bow down before that by which we have been
vouchsafed to crush the heads of the invisible foe! Come, all ye peoples of our
fatherland, let us honor the Cross of the Lord with hymns, crying: Rejoice, O
Cross, thou perfect deliverance of fallen Adam; for in thee do most faithful
rulers boast, for through thy power are the Moslem hordes mightily subjected!
And now, venerating with fear thee upon whom God was nailed, we Christians
render glory, saying: O Lord Who wast nailed thereto, have mercy upon us, in
that Thou art good and lovest mankind!
In Tone V: Come, ye people, and, beholding the all-glorious wonder, let us
worship the power of the Cross; for a tree brought about death in paradise, but
this tree hath caused life to blossom forth, for the sinless Lord was nailed to it.
Receiving incorruption therefrom, O all ye nations, let us cry: O Thou Who hast
abolished death by the Cross and freed us, glory to Thee!
The words of Thy prophets, Isaiah and David, are fulfilled, O God, which
said: All nations will come, O Lord, and bow down before Thee. For, behold the
people who have been filled with Thy grace in Thy courts in Jerusalem, O Good
One. O Thou Who didst endure the Cross for us and hast imparted life through
Thy resurrection, preserve and save us!
The four comers of the world are sanctified today as the four parts of Thy
Cross are elevated, O Christ our God; and the horn of all Orthodox hierarchs is
exalted with it. Wherefore, we crush the horns of our enemies. Great art Thou,
O Lord, and wondrous art Thou in Thy works! Glory be to Thee!
The voices of the prophets foretold the holy Tree whereby Adam was loosed
from the ancient curse of death, and creation raiseth a cry to that which today is
exalted, begging great mercy of God. O Master, Who alone art boundless in
lovingkindness: be Thou our cleansing and save our souls!
In Tone VIII: O God, the words of Moses Thy prophet have been fulfilled,
who said: "Ye shall see your life hanging before your eyes!" Today the Cross is
exalted, and the world is freed from deception. Today the resurrection of Christ
is renewed, and the ends of the earth rejoice, offering music to Thee on cymbals,
like David, and saying: "Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O
God: the Cross and resurrection! For their sake Thou hast saved us, O Good
One Who lovest mankind! O Almighty Lord, glory be to Thee!"
Today the Master of creation and Lord of glory is nailed to the Cross, and His
side is pierced by a spear. Of gall and vinegar doth He partake, Who is the
Sweetness of the Church. He is invested with a crown of thorns, and He Who
covereth the sky with clouds is arrayed in garments of mockery. He is smitten
with a hand of clay Who fashioned man with His own hands, and He is beaten
about the shoulders Who arrayeth heaven with clouds. My Deliverer and God
deigneth to be spat upon and wounded, mocked and buffeted, and endureth all
things for the sake of me, who am condemned, that He might save the world
from deception, in that He is compassionate.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same tone:
Today He Who is intangible in essence becometh tangible to me and
undergoeth suffering, freeing me from the passions. He Who granteth light to
the blind is spat upon by the mouths of the iniquitous, and giveth his shoulders
over to stripes for those who have been made captive. And the pure Virgin
Mother, seeing Him upon the Cross, cried aloud in pain: "Woe is me, O my
Child! What is this that Thou hast done? Thou Who art comely in beauty beyond
all men dost show Thyself to be bereft of breath and sight, lacking in appearance
and beauty. Woe is me, O my Light! I cannot look upon Thee asleep. I am
wounded within, and a cruel sword passeth through my heart! I hymn Thy
sufferings, I worship Thy loving-kindness. O Long-suffering One, glory be to
Thee!
Then, the litanies: Have mercy upon us, O God ..., and Let us complete our
morning prayer ... Deacon: Wisdom! And the priest intoneth the dismissal. First
Hour.
AT LITURGY
ANTIPHON I
Stichos: O God, my God, attend to me; why hast Thou forsaken me?
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
Stichos: Far from my salvation are the words of my transgressions.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
Stichos: My God, I will cry by day, and wilt Thou not hearken? and by night,
and it shall not be unto folly for me.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
Stichos: But as for Thee, Thou dwellest in the sanctuary, O Praise of Israel.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ...,
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.
ANTIPHON II
Stichos: O God, why hast Thou cast us off unto the end?
Refrain: O Son of God Who wast crucified in the flesh, save us who chant unto
Thee: Alleluia!
Stichos: Remember Thy congregation which Thou hast purchased from the
beginning.
Refrain: O Son of God Who wast crucified in the flesh, save us who chant unto
Thee: Alleluia!
Stichos: This Mount Sion wherein Thou hast dwelt.
Refrain: O Son of God Who wast crucified in the flesh, save us who chant unto
Thee: Alleluia!
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Refrain: O Son of God Who wast crucified in the flesh, save us who chant unto
Thee: Alleluia!
Glory …, Now & ever ...,
O Only-begotten Son and Word of God, Who art immortal, Yet didst deign
for our salvation To be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary,
And without change didst become man, and wast crucified, O Christ God,
trampling down death by death, Thou Who art One of the Trinity, glorified with
the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
AND BOTH CHOIRS JOIN TOGETHER TO CHANT
ANTIPHON III
Stichos: The Lord is King, let the peoples rage.
Then the troparion, chanted in full each time
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Stichos: The Lord is King, let the peoples rage; He sitteth on the cherubim,
let the earth be shaken.
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Stichos: The Lord is great in Sion, and He is high above all peoples.
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Stichos: Worship the Lord in His holy court.
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Then, the Entrance. And the deacon saith:
Wisdom! Stand aright!
And we chant the Entrance Verse:
Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet, for it is
holy.
Then, the troparion, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Kontakion, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy power
Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they have as
an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Instead of the Trisagion, we chant:
Before Thy Cross we bow down, O Master, and Thy holy resurrection do we
glorify!
Prokimenon, in Tone VI: Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine
inheritance.
Stichos: Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry; O my God, be not silent unto me.
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, §125 [1 COR. 1: 18-24]
Brethren: The preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but
unto us which are saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy
the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the pru-
dent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the
Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ
crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but
unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God,
and the wisdom of God.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou hast
purchased from the beginning.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, §60 [IN. 19: 6-11, 13-20, 25-28,30-35]
At that time, the high priests and elders took council against Jesus to put Him
to death. And they delivered Him to Pilate saying: "Away with Him! away with
Him! Crucify Him!" Pilate said unto them: "Take ye Him, and crucify Him: for I
find no fault in Him. The Jews answered him: "We have a law, and by our law
He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God." When Pilate
therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; and went again into the
judgment hall, and said unto Jesus: "Whence art Thou?" But Jesus gave him no
answer. Then said Pilate unto Him: "Speakest Thou not unto me? Knowest
Thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee?"
Jesus answered: "Thou couldst have no power at all against Me, except it were
given thee from above." When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought
Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the
Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the
Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he said unto the Jews: "Behold your
King!" But they cried out: "Away with Him! Away with Him! Crucify Him!"
Pilate said unto them: "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered:
''We have no king but Caesar." Then delivered he Him therefore unto them to be
crucified. And they took Jesus, and led Him away. And He bearing His Cross
went forth into a place called the place of the skull, which is called in Hebrew
‘Golgotha’: where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, on either side,
and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the Cross. And the
writing was: "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews". This title then read many
of the Jews; for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it
was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Now there stood by the Cross of
Jesus His Mother, and His Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleo ph as, and
Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His Mother, and the disciple
standing by, whom He loved, He said unto His Mother: "Woman, behold thy
son!" Then said He to the disciple: "Behold thy Mother!" And from that hour
that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all
things were now accomplished, bowed His head, and gave up the ghost. The
Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain
upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was a high day,)
besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken
away. Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other
who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that He was
dead already, they broke not His legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced
His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bore
record, and his record is true.
Communion Verse: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath been
signed upon us.
THE 15th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
THE AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS OF THE LORD
THE COMMEMORATION OF
THE HOLY GREATMARTYR NICETAS
N.B.: Should the commemoration fall on the Sunday after the Exaltation of the
Precious Cross, see notes at the end of the service for special directions.
At "Lord, I have cried ...", six stichera: three for the feast, and three for the saint.
The stichera to the Cross, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice, thou Life-bearing Cross ...":
Rejoice, thou Life-bearing Cross, invincible victory of piety, door to paradise,
confirmation of the faithful, rampart of the Church, whereby corruption hath
been utterly destroyed, the dominion of death trampled down, and we have
been lifted up from earth to them that are in Heaven, invincible weapon,
contender against the demons, glory of the martyrs, true adornment of the
venerable, haven of salvation, which grantest the world great mercy.
Rejoice, thou Cross of the Lord, whereby mankind hath been loosed from
the curse, all-honorable standard of joy which disperseth the enemy in thine
exaltation, our helper, might of kings, strength of the righteous, splendor of
priests, which, when traced, doth deliver from misfortune, staff of power
whereby we are tended, weapon of peace which the angels surround with fear,
divine glory of Christ Who granteth the world great mercy.
Rejoice, thou guide of the blind, physician of the ailing, resurrection of all the
dead, which hast raised us up who had fallen into corruption, O precious Cross,
whereby the curse was annulled and incorruption budded forth, and the earthly
have been deified, and the devil utterly cast down! Beholding thee raised on high
today in the hands of the high priest, we exalt Him that was exalted in thy midst,
and bow down before thee, plenteously drawing forth from thee great mercy.
These stichera to the saint, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of Heaven ....":
Arrayed in the armor of piety, * thou wast shown to be a champion of Christ,
the King of all, * O passion-bearer Nicetas, * as was almighty Gideon of old, *
setting at nought legions of aliens * by thy noble boldness.
That which is alien didst thou enslave * by thine all-powerful faith in Christ, *
O divinely wise martyr who didst endure suffering. * Wherefore, thou didst turn
the barbarians * to the Creator and Master of all, O wise one, * and they glorify
Him piously.
Thou, the first-fruits of the barbarians, O martyr, * dying for the Trinity, *
didst bring glory to Christ, * and wast shown to be a divinely eloquent sufferer.
* Wherefore, thou hast manifestly received a crown, * and dost shine with
splendor in the world like a beacon, * O right glorious one.
Glory ..., to the saint, in Tone VI: the composition of Theophanes:
We know thee as a lamp unto the martyrs, O Nicetas, sufferer for Christ, for,
having forsaken the glory of earthly rank and despised the godlessness of thy
father, thou didst shatter his gods, didst triumphantly put the barbarians to
shame, didst undergo martyrdom for confessing Christ, and wast a warrior of
the God of Heaven. Entreat thou the Benefactor of all in our behalf, that He
take pity and save our souls.
Now and ever ..., of the feast, in the same tone:
The voices of the prophets foretold the holy Tree whereby Adam was loosed
from the ancient curse of death, and creation raiseth a cry to that which today is
exalted, begging great mercy of God. O Master, Who alone art boundless in
lovingkindness: be Thou our cleansing and save our souls!
Entrance; the Great Prokimenon
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Our God is in Heaven and on earth; all things
whatsoever He hath willed, He hath done.
Stichos: When Israel went out of Egypt, and the house of Jacob from
among a barbarous people, Judaea became His sanctuary.
Stichos: The sea beheld and fled, Jordan turned back.
Stichos: What aileth thee, O sea, that thou fleddest? And thou, O Jordan,
that thou didst turn back?
Then, the Ektenia: "Let us all say ...",
But if it fall on Sunday, we chant the Prokimenon of the day: "The Lord is King
...", and the Great Prokimenon we chant on the eve of the feast.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
Raised on high, * the Cross exhorteth all creation * to hymn the all-pure
Passion * of Him that was lifted up thereon. * For thereon having slain him that
slew us, * in that He is merciful, * He gave life unto the dead, * and in the exceed-
ing greatness of His goodness * He hath made them beautiful and vouchsafed
them to live in the heavens. * Wherefore, rejoicing, * we exalt His name, * and
magnify His extreme condescension.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet;
for He is holy.
Moses prefigured Thee, * stretching forth his arms on high, * and vanquished
the tyrant Amalek, * O precious Cross, boast of the faithful, * confirmation of
sufferers, * savior of all the venerable. * Wherefore, creation, * beholding thee
lifted up, is gladdened, * and keepeth festival, glorifying Christ, * Who through
thee hath gathered the dispersed * in His extreme goodness.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
O most precious Cross, * who art today exalted, * and about whom the ranks
of angels stand in gladness, * by divine command thou dost uplift all * who for
the stealing of the fruit were driven out and were sunk in death. * Wherefore, we,
the faithful, * venerating thee with hearts and lips, * derive from thee sancti-
fication, * crying out: Exalt ye Christ, the all-good God, * and worship His divine
footstool.
Glory ..., of the saint, in Tone VIII:
Thou didst show thyself to be the namesake of victory, O most honored
martyr Nicetas; proclaiming Christ our God amid thy struggle, thou didst confess
Him before kings and tormentors. Wherefore, cease thou never in thy prayers to
Him that alone loveth mankind, in behalf of the world, for Christ-loving kings,
and for all that faithfully keep thy memory, that he deliver them from all wrath.
Now and ever ..., for the feast, in the same tone
O God, the cry of the prophet Moses hath been fulfilled, who cried: Behold
your life which is raised up before your eyes! Today the Cross is uplifted, and the
world is freed from deception. Today the Resurrection of Christ is renewed, and
the ends of the earth rejoice, offering a hymn to Thee, and saying like David:
Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O God, and the Cross and
Resurrection, for whose sake Thou hast saved us, Thou good Lover of Mankind.
O Almighty Lord, glory to Thee!
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Taking up the Cross of Christ ardently, as it were a sword, thou didst make
haste to do battle with the enemy, and, suffering for Christ, thou didst at last
commit thy sacred soul to the Lord, and hence thou hast been vouchsafed to
receive from Him gifts of healing, O great-martyr Nicetas. Entreat Christ God
that our souls be saved.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., the Troparion to the Cross in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...," the Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Twice)
Glory ..., of the saint, in Tone IV:
Taking up the Cross of Christ ardently, as it were a sword, thou didst make
haste to do battle with the enemy, and, suffering for Christ, thou didst at last
commit thy sacred soul to the Lord, and hence thou hast been vouchsafed to
receive from Him gifts of healing, O great-martyr Nicetas. Entreat Christ God
that our souls be saved.
Now and ever ..., of the feast again.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Full of lovingkindness ...":
When Thou wast crucified, O Christ Master, the dominion and might of death
were overthrown, and all the tyranny of the enemy was trampled down, and they
that died of old through the tree of disobedience were given life by the Tree of
the Cross. Wherefore, we hymn Thy sufferings.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., the above is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "The beauty of thy virginity ....":
Thou didst will to suffer death and the Cross, fixing it in the midst of
creation; when it was Thy good pleasure that Thy body be nailed, the sun hid its
rays. Beholding these things, the thief on the cross hymned thee, crying out:
Remember me, O Lord! And, believing, he received paradise.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., the above is repeated.
Two canons: the canon for the Elevation of the Cross, with six troparia counting the
Irmos, and the canon of the saint, with six troparia.
ODE I
The Canon of the feast, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
Of old, Moses prefigured in himself an image of Christ's most pure
sufferings, standing between the priests; for, forming a cross with his
outstretched arms, he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the destroyer
Amalek. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over
the sinister bane therein: Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath
been glorified!
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
The Canon of the Saint, in Tone IV, the composition of Theophanes, the Acrostic
whereof is: "I hymn Nicetas, the namesake of victory."
Irmos: Israel of old, traversing the depths of the Red Sea dryshod,
vanquished the power of Amalek in the wilderness through the arms of
Moses stretched forth in the sign of the Cross.
Having slain the arrogance of my flesh, illumine thou my mind with the
radiance of enlightenment, that I may hymn thy victory, O Nicetas, who, as a
most eminent victor, dost entreat Christ.
Putting aside the poison which cometh from the passions, thou didst mightily
endure wounds and in suffering didst clothe thyself in a precious robe, dyed
with thine own blood.
Having been nailed to the Tree for us, Thou didst show the path of suffering
to be new and wondrous, for Thou, O Master, wast the Source of the strength
and confession of the martyrs.
Theotokion: The portal of Thy condescension towards us do we mystically
call her that supernaturally shone Thee forth, the East, the Sun and Light, the
Lover of mankind, Who art of two natures.
ODE III
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the Tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation of us all.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, crying aloud, O Christ: Thou art my
strength, O Lord, my refuge and confirmation!
With steadfastness of soul didst thou endure the threats of the tormentors, O
glorious martyr of Christ, aided by power divine.
O all-praised martyr of Christ, enduring the scattering of thy flesh and the
dismemberment of thy limbs, thou didst obtain thy soul.
The assembly of Christ's martyrs rejoice in thee, beholding thy memory
celebrated today.
Theotokion: O Mary, pure and honored abode of virginity: heal thou the
wounds of my heart.
The Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Ikos: He that was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and that heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he unto the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both
read and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save
only in the Cross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions.
Let us all then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord: for this Wood is our
salvation, the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Sedalion of the saint, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou that wast lifted up ....":
Showing thyself to be an invincible warrior, thou didst overcome the cunning
of the barbarians and, having suffered, O glorious one, thou didst most mightily
enslave hosts of invisible foes. Wherefore, thou didst receive a crown of victory.
O blessed Nicetas, cease thou never to pray for us that hymn thee with faith.
(Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the feast, in the same tone:
Stretching forth his hands aloft to the heavens, Moses prefigured the Cross,
the divine weapon of the faithful, to which Christ nailed our sins. Wherefore, the
enemy wept pathetically, his senses wracked with pain; and he said: The spear of
the Tree hath pierced me in the midst of my heart! Christ hath released all from
the bonds of hell!
ODE IV
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions, and proceeding
in this fashion to the Tabernacle of the Witness, they were glorified in the cross-
like formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: The Church, beholding Thee lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of
righteousness, stood in its place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy
power, O Lord!
Redeemed by the Blood of the Master, the sufferer Nicetas doth offer his
blood to Christ, rejoicing. Wherefore, slaughtered, he cried out: Glory to Thee,
O my God!
Aflame with love for the Master, O martyr, thou didst trample down the flame
of idolatry and all the might of the demons, crying unto the Creator: Glory to
Thy power, O Lord!
Delighting in the sight of the Lord and reveling in the radiance thereof, the
martyr knew not suffering, but, rejoicing, cried out: Glory to Thy power, O
Lord!
Theotokion: The all-pure Virgin, O Christ, the animate heaven of Thee, the
King of kings, which is adorned with a different radiance, is now glorified as the
Theotokos.
ODE V
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon Christ, our King and Lord, was
crucified, and whereby he that beguiled mankind by the tree did fall,
beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, He that granteth
peace unto our souls.
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched, the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread Cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, He that granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld fear when the sign of the Cross is
traced in the air in which they live, wherefore the generations of the earthborn
and the heavenly bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: Thou hast come, a Light to the world, O my Lord, a holy Light
which bringeth forth from the gloom of unbelief them that hymn Thee.
O all-praised Nicetas, who can recount the crowns of thine ordeals, which
Christ gave thee who suffered for Him?
Having completed their struggles upon the earth, the martyrs have received
from Thee, O Bestower of life, a heavenly reward in the highest.
Now dost thou shine forth like a beacon, O all-praised Nicetas. Thou art
become a light of secondary radiance, standing gloriously before the great Light.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, thou didst give birth unto the timeless Light
Who became subject to time for us that are in the darkness of this life, and thou
hast illumined the whole world thereby.
ODE VI
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the supra-mundane Resurrection
of Christ God Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world with
His Rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his hands, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed thereon in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the Law
of the Scripture which was written with shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-
destroying disease of deception.
Diving Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people that hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
Law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God shall surpass them.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: I shall sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, to Thee
the Church crieth out, cleansed of the blood of demons by the Blood
which, for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Desiring the beauties of the Creator, O glorious one, and receiving
illumination therefrom, thou didst take wing, O martyr, and, scorning death,
didst draw nigh unto Him.
O martyr Nicetas, preferring with chaste thought those things which are
inexhaustible to receiving transitory things, with gladness thou didst submit thy
body to tortures.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, finding thee alone to be an apple amid a grove,
a lily most pure and a lily of the valley, the noetic Bridegroom dwelt within thee.
Kontakion of the Saint, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the heights ...":
Having cut down the dominion of deception by thy resistance, and received a
crown of victory in thy sufferings, thou dost rejoice with the angel, O Nicetas,
namesake of victory, unceasingly praying with them to Christ God in behalf of
us all
Ikos: Having set the knowledge of Thee in my soul, cleanse Thou my mind
and show me forth as a keeper of Thy commandments, O Savior, that I may be
able to conquer the divers rebellions of my passions, receiving the honor of the
victory of dispassion, through the prayers of Thy mighty martyr and passion-
bearer Nicetas, O Lover of mankind: For Thou Thyself hast called us to
remember on the day of his commemoration him that doth unceasingly pray for
us all.
ODE VII
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they
sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain talent
as a corruption to the whole race. But we, the earthborn, gaining utterance
through the Tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed
art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
Kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for them that cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, consumed by the
love of piety rather than by the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the
temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
O martyr, who art now illumined with unapproachable radiance, with thy
radiance enlighten them that now sing thy feast, crying: Blessed art Thou, O my
Lord and God!
The angelic forces were astounded at thy courage, O blessed one, beholding
thee patiently suffering and saying: Blessed art Thou, O Lord and God of all!
Theotokion: With the choir on high the incorporeal Gabriel cried out to thee
in gladness: Rejoice, O pure Virgin! Blessed art thou among women, O all-
immaculate Mistress!
ODE VIII
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: O children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God, the Father
of the Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the
fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life to all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of Heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched with the
Blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those of earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye earthborn stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your
hands the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the
Body of God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of
God, glorifying Him forever.
O ye faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And
having received from God the precious Cross, the victorious weapon, rejoice
therein, for thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad
forever.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel closed the mouths of the lions in
the pit; and the youthful lovers of piety, girt about with virtue, quenched
the power of the fire, crying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
O invincible martyr, thou didst bring thyself as a sacrifice whole and
acceptable, and wast a savory whole-burnt offering to thy Master, Who was
crucified for our sake; and with gladness didst thou cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye
works of the Lord!
As thou wast lawfully a divine contender, thou didst worthily receive an
imperishable crown of victory from the life-bearing right hand of God, before
which thou now dost stand, chanting: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Boundless was thy love of Christ, and pierced by many wounds and variously
gored, thou didst mingle thy blood with His. And now, as an emulator of Him,
thou dost reign with Him, crying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: O pure and all-immaculate Theotokos, who didst give birth to
Christ Who alone is most pure, thou hast clearly washed away the defilement of
our nature, and art more highly exalted than the cherubim and seraphim, who
cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
ODE IX
Canon to the Cross
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, didst
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing Tree of the Cross was planted;
wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
Let all the trees of the forest rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him that planted them in the beginning - Christ Who was stretched upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath arisen, the chief horn for all the divinely wise - the Cross,
whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken. Wherefore,
worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Canon to the Saint
Irmos: Christ, the Cornerstone, Who hath united two disparate natures,
was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in
gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
My whole self do I offer thee, O divinely blessed Nicetas, that I may find thee
to be an intercessor before the Master who can save me from every evil
circumstance, and a mediator of divine salvation.
Thou wast truly a witness to the truth, O passion-bearer, and now dost stand,
rejoicing, before precious Truth personified, boldly accepting the reward for thy
struggles.
Arriving at the calm harbor, thou didst rest from thy pains, and, a crown-
bearer, thou dost rejoice in paradise with the martyrs of Christ. Wherefore, thee
do we all now fittingly glorify as glorified by God.
Theotokion: In a manner beyond the laws of nature, O pure and blessed one,
thou gavest birth unto the Lawgiver Who in His lovingkindness immutably
became flesh and is known in two natures.
Exapostilarion of the saint: Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ....":
Defending himself with the weapon of Thy precious Cross, Thy sufferer, O
Word, mightily vanquished the powers of the adversary, and put the tormentors
to shame, and suffered for Thee; and with Thee, O my Christ, King of all, doth
Nicetas reign. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the feast: in the same melody:
Today is the Cross raised on high, and the world is sanctified; for He that
sitteth with the Father and the Holy Spirit stretched out his arms thereon. It hath
brought the whole world to the knowledge of Thee, O Christ. Therefore, to
them that hope in Thee do Thou vouchsafe divine glory.
At the Aposticha, these stichera in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ....":
Today is exalted * the Cross of Christ, * the life-bearing Tree, * whereon He
was nailed in the flesh.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet;
for He is holy.
Rejoice, divine preservation * of the faithful, * unassailable rampart, * thou
Cross of the Lord, * whereby we are exalted above the earth.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Come ye, in gladness * let us all venerate * the life-bearing Tree * whereon
was stretched * Christ our deliverance.
Glory ..., of the saint, in Tone VI:
Today the whole world rejoiceth in the suffering of the passion-bearer, and
the Church of Christ, adorned with flowers, crieth out to thee, O martyr of
Christ: O favorite of Christ and most fervent intercessor, cease thou never to
pray for thy servants!
Now and ever ..., in the same tone:
Today is put forth from the impenetrable bosom of the earth the shoot of life,
and it announceth the Resurrection of Christ Who was nailed thereto; and, lifted
up by priestly hands, it proclaimeth His ascension to Heaven, whereby our nature,
which was bound to the earth by the fall, doth now dwell in the heavens.
Wherefore, in thanksgiving we cry out: O Lord Who wast lifted up thereon and
thereby raised us up with Thyself: vouchsafe us Thy heavenly joys, as Thou art
the Lover of mankind.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes: four troparia from Ode I of the canon to the Cross, and four
troparia from Ode VI of the canon to the saint.
Having slain the arrogance of my flesh, illumine thou my mind with the
radiance of enlightenment, that I may hymn thy victory, O Nicetas, who, as a
most eminent victor, dost entreat Christ. (Twice)
Putting aside the poison which cometh from the passions, thou didst mightily
endure wounds and in suffering didst clothe thyself in a precious robe, dyed
with thine own blood.
Having been nailed to the Tree for us, Thou didst show the path of suffering
to be new and wondrous, for Thou, O Master, wast the Source of the strength
and confession of the martyrs.
Desiring the beauties of the Creator, O glorious one, and receiving
illumination therefrom, thou didst take wing, O martyr, and, scorning death,
didst draw nigh unto Him.
O martyr Nicetas, preferring with chaste thought those things which are
inexhaustible to receiving transitory things, with gladness thou didst submit thy
body to tortures.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, finding thee alone to be an apple amid a grove,
a lily most pure and a lily of the valley, the noetic Bridegroom dwelt within thee.

At the Entrance, we end the hymn "O come let us worship ..." with the words: "O
Son of God Who wast crucified in the flesh, save us that chant unto Thee: Alleluia."
And we sing thus until the Leave-taking.

Troparion to the Cross in Tone I:


Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the Martyr, in Tone IV:
Taking up the Cross of Christ ardently, as it were a sword, thou didst make
haste to do battle with the enemy, and, suffering for Christ, thou didst at last
commit thy sacred soul to the Lord, and hence thou hast been vouchsafed to
receive from Him gifts of healing, O great-martyr Nicetas. Entreat Christ God
that our souls be saved.
The Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the Saint, in Tone II:
Having cut down the dominion of deception by thy resistance, and received a
crown of victory in thy sufferings, thou dost rejoice with the angel, O Nicetas,
namesake of victory, unceasingly praying with them to Christ God. in behalf of
us all
Prokimenon of the feast in Tone VI (also until the Leave-taking): Save O Lord,
Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.
And of the saint, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord,
and shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY, §292 [II Tim. 2:1-10]
Timothy my child: be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things
that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs
of [this] life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a
man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. The
husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Consider what I say;
and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the
seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer
trouble, as an evil doer, [even] unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Alleluia of the feast, in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou hast
purchased from the beginning
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree, and
like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, §36 [Matt. 10:16-22]
The Lord spake unto His disciples saying: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the
midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware
of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their
synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a
testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no
thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what
ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh
in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child:
and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to
death. And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that endureth to
the end shall be saved.
Communion verse of the feast, (also until the Leave-taking): The light of Thy
countenance, O Lord, hath been signed upon us.,
And of the saint: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.

NOTES CONCERNING THE ORDER OF SERVICES ON THE SUNDAY


AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS
Be it known: Should the post-feast of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross fall
on a Sunday and the saint of the day have four or six troparia prescribed for his
canon, the service is taken thus:
On Saturday at Little Vespers: The stichera of the Resurrection and of the
Theotokos, as usual. The troparion of the Resurrection; Glory ..., Now and ever
..., its Theotokion.
At Great Vespers: After the usual Kathisma, at "Lord, I have cried ...," we sing:
3 stichera of the Resurrection; 1 of Anatolius; 3 of the feast (as printed under the
date in question), and 3 of the saint of the day. If the saint have 6 stichera
prescribed for his feast, or Polyeleos, we sing 3 stichera of the Resurrection, 3 of
the feast, and 4 of the saint. Glory ..., of the saint; Now and ever ..., the principal
Theotokion (Dogmatic) of the Tone. At Litia, we sing the stichera of the feast
printed for the Aposticha stichera under the date in question; Glory ..., Now and
ever ..., of the feast, printed as the Glory sticheron at the end of the Matins
Aposticha. If the saint have a Glory sticheron of his own, then we sing Glory ...,
of the saint; Now and ever ..., of the feast. At the Aposticha, the stichera of the
Resurrection. Glory , of the saint (if there be one), Now and ever , of the feast. If
the saint does not have a Glory sticheron, then we sing Glory..., Now and ever ...,
of the feast. At the Blessing of the Loaves, the troparion: ''Virgin Theotokos,
rejoice ...," (Twice); and the troparion of the feast, once.
At Matins: At "God is the Lord ...," the troparion of the Resurrection, (Twice);
Glory ..., of the saint, if there be one; Now and ever ..., of the feast. If the saint
have no troparion, then we sing: Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the feast. After the
readings of the Psalter, the Sedalions of the Resurrection with their Theotokia.
Then the reading from the Gospel Interpreted, as appointed for the Sunday after
the Exaltation. Then the 17th Kathisma and its troparia, and the Hypacoi of the
tone. And the reading from the Gospel Interpreted for the appropriate Sunday
after Pentecost. If the saint have Polyeleos, after the two Kathismata, we sing the
Polyeleos for the saint, and after the Polyeleos, the troparia: "The assembly of
angels ...." Then, the Hypacoi of the tone, and then all the Sedalions of the saint.
And a reading. The Song of Ascent and the Prokimenon of the tone. "Let every
breath ...." The Gospel of the Resurrection, the sticheron of the Resurrection,
etc. The canon of the Resurrection, with four troparia, including its Irmos; the
canon of the Theotokos, with two troparia; the canon of the Cross, with four
troparia; and of the saint, with four. Katavasia of the feast. If the saint's feast be
of Polyeleos rank, or of doxology rank, we sing: the canon of the. Resurrection,
with four troparia, including the Irmos; of the feast, four troparia; and of the
saint, with six troparia. After the third ode, the Kontakion of the feast, and of
the saint, if there be one; and the Ikos and Sedalion of the saint. Glory ..., Now
and ever ..., of the feast. And a reading. After the sixth ode, the Kontakion of
the Resurrection, and its ikos, and the reading from the Prologue. At the ninth
ode, we chant the Hymn of the Theotokos; and after the ninth ode, the
Exapostilarion of the Resurrection; Glory ..., of the saint, if there be one; if not,
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the feast. At the Praises, four stichera to the
Resurrection; then four stichera to the saint, if there be such: three from the end
of Matins, and the Glory ...verse, and we utilize the saint's verses. If the saint
does not have stichera on the Praises, we sing: 4 stichera to the Resurrection,
and 4 to the feast, using the Matins Aposticha stichera under the date in
question, with the verses of the feast. Glory, the Evangelical sticheron; Now
and ever, "Most blessed art thou ...." The Great Doxology, and after the
Trisagion, the Resurrection troparion only. The Ektenias and dismissal. Then,
the usual reading from the catecheses of St. Theodore the Studite and the
departure to the vestibule.
At The Hours: The First Hour is read at the end of Matins. At the First
Hour, the troparion of the Resurrection, Glory ..., of the feast, Now and ever ...,
the Theotokion of the tone. After Our Father, the Kontakion of the feast.
Likewise, in the rest of the Hours, we alternate the Kontakia of the feast,
Resurrection and the saint, if the latter be of Polyeleos rank.
At Liturgy: On the Beatitudes, six verses from the tone, and the appointed
ode from the canon of the feast, 4 verses. If the saint have an ode prescribed
from his canon, then: 4 to the Resurrection, 4 from the appointed ode of the
festal canon, and 4 to the saint, from Ode VI of his canon. After the Entrance,
troparia of the Resurrection and the feast, then of the temple and the saint, if
there be one; Glory ..., the Kontakion of the saint; Now and ever ..., that of the
feast. If the saint does not have a troparion or a Kontakion, then: Glory ..., the
Kontakion of the Resurrection; Now and ever ..., of the feast. The Prokimenon,
Epistle and Gospel of the Sunday after the Exaltation, then of the saint, if there
be one prescribed; if not, that of the usual cycle. The Prokimenon of the tone is
omitted. Communion verses: Praise the Lord from the heavens ..., and that of
the saint; if the saint does not have one prescribed, that of the feast.
THE 16th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY GREAT-MARTYR EUPHEMIA THE MOST
PRAISED
AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the feast, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign...":
Today, Thy precious Cross * hath shone forth radiantly like the sun, O Savior
Christ, * set up and elevated * on the all-glorious place of the skull, * on Thine all-
holy mountain, * showing forth most manifestly * that it is thereby, O
Omnipotent One, * that Thou hast raised our nature up to the heavens, * in that
Thou lovest mankind.
Today, O Unapproachable One, * the heavens have declared Thy glory unto
men; * for the image of the Cross, * shining forth in radiance * with
unapproachable light, * hath denounced the savage and cruel nature * of those
who slew God. * Wherefore, we glorify Thy loving dispensation, * O almighty
Jesus, Savior of our souls.
By stretching forth his arms * Moses vanquished Amalek, * prefiguring the
image of the Cross; * and we now, bowing down before the tree of the Cross, *
trample the wiles and machinations of the enemy underfoot, * having Christ as
our champion, * Who was lifted up upon it in the flesh, * slew the serpent * and
saved man.
And 3 stichera of the Great-martyr, in the same tone:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ..." :
Having adorned thy soul * with the beauties of virginity * and the blood of
martyrdom, O glorious martyr, * thou wast betrothed to the Creator * Who hath
truly preserved thee incorrupt for ages; * and for this thou joinest chorus * with
choirs of the archangels and angels, * the apostles, prophets and martyrs, * O most
praised one.
Bound to wheels of torture, * rent asunder by wild beasts, * and thy mind
having been sharpened * with fire and water by the divine Spirit, * thou didst
manfully choke the princes of darkness * with the torrents of thy blood, * and
didst hasten to the noetic bridal-chambers, * offering thy suffering * to thy
Bridegroom as a dowry, O virgin.
Though thou hast died, thou livest forever, O martyr, * and hast poured forth
torrents of blood * unto the praise of the Lord, * watering the faithful * and
illumining them with understanding, * but drowning the unbelieving enemy
therein. * Wherefore, the divine scroll of the dogmas of the Church * was
entrusted to thee, * which thou preservest and holdest for ever.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
O most glorious Euphemia, who flourished in the virtues and wast illumined
in mind, pouring myrrh into the hearts of the faithful, shining forth from the East
like a radiant star, and, through the coming of the Holy Spirit, assembling the
council of the divine fathers: Cease thou never to pray to the Lord for us, that our
souls be saved.
Now & ever ..., of the Cross, in the same tone:
The four corners of the world are sanctified today as the four parts of Thy
Cross are elevated, O Christ our God; and the horn of all Orthodox hierarchs is
exalted with it. Wherefore, we crush the horns of our enemies. Great art Thou, O
Lord, and wondrous art Thou in Thy works! Glory be to Thee!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
We bow down before the place * where the feet of Christ stood, * exalting the
thrice blessed Cross * whereon was shed the blood of the Master * Who hath
poured forth resurrection upon the world.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God; and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Having mortified the passions of flesh and spirit, * O ye divinely wise, * let us
make haste to elevate ourselves above earthly things * to the resting-place of
heaven, * through the exaltation of the Cross, * having crucified ourselves with
Christ the Master.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
An ever-flowing well-spring hath manifestly issued forth * from the divine
side of the Savior, * watering the souls of those who with faith * worship His
divine sufferings, * His Cross and resurrection.
Glory ..., of the Great-martyr, the composition of Byzantius, in Tone VIII:
Let every tongue be moved to the goodly praise of Euphemia the most
lauded, and let us all - every generation, every age, youths and virgins, crown the
virgin martyr of Christ with praises; for, having lawfully shown manly courage
and cast aside feminine weakness, she brought low the tyrannous foe with the
pangs of her suffering, and having been adorned with a divine crown, she
entreateth her Bridegroom and God, that He grant us great mercy.
Now & ever ..., of the Cross, the composition of John the Monk, in the same tone:
That which Moses prefigured with his body of old cast down and vanquished
Amalek; and David the psalmist, crying out, hath commanded us to bow down
before Thy footstool, Thy precious Cross, O Christ God. Today we sinners also
do homage with our unworthy lips to Thee Whose will it was to be nailed
thereto; and, chanting, we pray: O Lord, vouchsafe that with the thief we may
receive Thy kingdom!
Troparion of the Great-martyr, in Tone IV:
Thy martyr Euphemia, O Jesus, crieth out with a loud voice: "I love Thee, O
my Bridegroom, and, seeking Thee, I suffer; I am crucified and buried in Thy
baptism; I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; and I die for Thee,
that I may live with Thee. Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice, who offer
myself to Thee with love!" Through her supplications save Thou our souls, in
that Thou art merciful.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the Great-martyr, in Tone IV:
Thy martyr Euphemia, O Jesus, crieth out with a loud voice: "I love Thee, O
my Bridegroom, and, seeking Thee, I suffer; I am crucified and buried in Thy
baptism; I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; and I die for Thee,
that I may live with Thee. Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice, who offer
myself to Thee with love!" Through her supplications save Thou our souls, in
that Thou art merciful.
Now & ever ..., that of the feast, once.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "Awed by the beauty of thy virginity ...":
Thou didst will to suffer death and the Cross, fixing it in the midst of
creation; when it was Thy good pleasure that Thy body be nailed, the sun hid its
rays. Beholding these things, the thief on the cross hymned thee, crying out:
Remember me, O Lord! And, believing, he received paradise.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "The hope of the world ...":
Lifted up on the tree of the Cross in thy great mercy, and pierced in the side
by a spear, O Savior, Thou didst rend asunder the grievous document of men's
sins, in that Thou art God Almighty. Wherefore, we piously hymn Thine
ineffable dispensation, O Word.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos; and that of the great-martyr,
with 6 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, the acrostic whereof is, "Setting my hope on the Cross, I give
utterance to hymnody", the composition of Cosmas of Maiuma, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image
of Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms,
he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let
us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the
sinister bane therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been
glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the great-martyr, the acrostic whereof is, "I praise the most praised
maiden", the composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord Who led His people across the Red Sea,
for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
By her miracles the most praised maiden draweth the armies of heavenly
beings and the choirs of mortals to her hymnody.
Having spurned heritage and the splendor which cometh from wealth, the
honored Euphemia acquired Christ in their stead.
The Master of all, desiring the beauty of thy most comely heart, O most
praised one, hath vouchsafed thee the mansions of heaven.
Theotokion: O all-pure Theotokos, we hymn thee who supernaturally gavest
birth to the incarnate, eternal and all-divine Word.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those who have recourse to Thee, O
Lord, Thou art the light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Thou didst appear before the tribunal, bearing thy soul manfully, and didst
vanquish the cowardly enemy, O most praised one.
There was neither blemish in thy beauty nor wrinkle in thy soul; and Christ
received thee as His bride in the bridal-chambers of incorruption.
Heal thou the wounds of my soul, O most praised martyr of Christ, and by
thy supplications still thou the tempest of my life.
Theotokion: Thee have all of us Christians acquired as our refuge and bulwark,
and thee do we glorify without ceasing, O unwedded one.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden
by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries.
May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Ikos: He who was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Cross of the Lord,-whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our salvation,
the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace!
Sedalion of the great-martyr, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
With the streams of thy blood thou dost ever make a deluge for the ungodly,
O most praised martyr of Christ; and ever watering the noetic meadows with
showers of grace, thou dost produce the grain of faith therein. Wherefore, even
after thy repose thou hast most gloriously been shown to be a cloud pouring
forth a witness to Life. O all-praised passion-bearer, entreat Christ God, that He
grant remission of transgressions unto those who honor thy holy memory with
love. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in the same tone-
In the midst of Eden a tree budded forth death, and in the midst of all the
world a tree budded forth life; for they who were incorrupt became corrupt on
tasting the former, but they who have received the latter have inherited
incorruption. For, as God, Thou savest the human race through Thy Cross.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp m four divisions; and preceding
in this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Having made thyself an undistorted reflection of divine understandings, O
martyr, thou didst shine forth as an exceedingly magnificent beacon among
athletes.
Thou didst not offer sacrifices to the dark demon, O invincible martyr, for
thou didst long to receive life-bearing death for thy piety.
Bearing a body without pain with the passion-bearers, O immaculate one,
thou didst remain insensible to thy wounds through love of divine love.
As thy countenance suffered patiently, O martyr, it was splendidly adorned
with wounds and darkened the thoughts of the enemy with the lightning of the
divine Spirit.
Theotokion: As Thou art sinless, O God, grant us purification from our
ignorance, and grant peace to the world through the supplications of her who
gave Thee birth.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall beguiled by
thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our
souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword
which guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim
withdrew, when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: Rising at dawn, we cry to Thee: O Lord, save us! For Thou art our
God, and we know none other than Thee.
Recognizing that which is opposed to the day and to peace, thou didst not
wish to love the warlike demon.
Thinking to weaken thy divine strength, O martyr, the most evil one showed
daring in his wiles.
Grant me enlightenment and peace, O most praised one, quelling my greatly
vexing turmoil by thy prayers.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, we hymn thee who art a Virgin even after giving
birth; for the world thou gavest birth to God the Word.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O greatly merciful Christ our God, Who
clothest Thyself in light as in a garment.
Bearing manly wisdom of soul in thy womanly flesh, O glorious one, thou
didst pay no heed to the beasts in the waters.
Without sustaining harm, thou didst vanquish the pride of the tyrants in the
waters, O invincible martyr, abiding with the beasts like Jonah.
Hearkening to thy supplications, the Lord delivered thee from the corruption
of the beasts, as He did Daniel from the pit, O most praised one.
Theotokion: O thou who at the word of the archangel gavest birth to the
Word in the flesh, deliver our souls from the snares of the enemy, we pray.
Kontakion of the Great-martyr, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ...":
Thou didst struggle well in thy contest, and after death dost sanctify us with
streams of miracles, O most praised one. Wherefore, we hymn thy holy repose,
having recourse to thy divine temple with faith, that we may be delivered from
spiritual afflictions, and may draw forth the grace of miracles.
Ikos: The temple of the most praised one hath been shown to be paradise,
having in its midst a garden of immortality, her precious body; and those who
gather the right flourishing fruits thereof are quickly sanctified. For, beholding,
they marvel how a dead body sheddeth blood like one that is alive, perfuming all.
Wherefore, come ye with haste, with me the lowly one, and let us be purified of
all defilement; and, venerating it, let us draw forth the grace of miracles.
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they
sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to
the hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed
art Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: Once, in Babylon the children who went down from Judea
trampled the flame of the furnace underfoot by their faith in the Trinity,
chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Past understanding was the goodly courage of the divine martyr shown to be;
for the Creator of all causeth creation to submit to those who cry out amid
sufferings: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The frivolous and prating mouths of the tyrants did the maiden close, and the
pride of the all-iniquitous ones did she put down through the divine Spirit,
chanting in godly fashion: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Of old the three venerable youths, setting the furnace afire, consumed it, and
now the divinely wise one, hymning the Trinity, hath pursued servants who
hymn the God of our fathers, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O God!
The Bridegroom, mystically coming to His most pure bride in the furnace,
with the dew of the Spirit and at the will of the Father preserved her as she sang:
O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: As Thou didst desire to arrange our salvation, O Savior, thou
madest Thine abode within the Virgin's womb, and hast shown her to be the
intercessor for the world. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your
hands the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the
body of God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of
God, glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And
having received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of
victory, for thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad
forever.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: The King of heaven Whom the angelic armies hymn, praise ye and
supremely exalt for all ages!
The most blessed among women, having won the grace of the Most High as
her reward, hymned Christ, praising Him for all ages.
Fortified by thought of her Bridegroom and by immaterial love, thou gavest
thy body over to death, and livest for all ages.
Having armed herself with the Holy Spirit against falsehood as against a wild
beast, the martyr hath received her reward for all ages.
Thou didst not receive the death which corrupteth the soul, O pure and
immaculate one, but by the bite of the wild beast didst right boldly exchange it
for life which never groweth old.
Theotokion: Thou dost fend off the assaults of temptations and the attacks of
the passions, O Virgin; wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning-Christ Who was stretched out upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Canon of the Great-martyr
Irmos: Thee, the Mother of God Most High, who knewest not wedlock,
thee who in manner past understanding didst truly give birth to God at the
word of the archangel, who art more exalted than the all-pure hosts, do we
magnify with unceasing glorifications.
The flow of thy life's blood, O most praised martyr, is a token of the
incorrupt life given thee; for thou hast been revealed as a treasury continually full
of healings for those who draw forth from it with faith.
Death touched thee through the law of nature, O divinely wise one, for thou
didst dispassionately array thyself in life-bearing mortality, and as thou didst lay
down thy most honored and animate body, thou livest incorruptibly, and the
streams of thy blood bear witness thereto.
Crowned with the laws of suffering, O martyr Euphemia who preached
Christ, the scroll of the pious and precious dogmas entrusted to thee by the
council thou showest forth, holding it in thy hands like a living pillar of
Orthodoxy.
Theotokion: O Virgin Mother, thou Bride who knewest not wedlock, vessel of
sweet fragrance, we magnify thee as the true and immaculate cloud of divine
light who received the Rain of heaven in thy womb.
Exapostilarion:
Having endured death for the living God, thou remainest alive, O most
praised Euphemia; and holding in thy grasp His scroll, thou wast a rampart of
defense for the Orthodox who celebrate thine honored, divine and most sacred
memory with faith. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Exapostilarion of the Cross:
With splendors of bright radiance and divine desire the Cross of the Lord,
which lieth before us, doth summon all to its elevation. Come ye all, and with
joy, love and fear let us kiss it with faith and glorify the one Creator and Master!
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone III:
Beholding the athlete's victory accomplished with divine wisdom for our
God, Who is wondrous in His counsels, O ye faithful, let us chant hymnody of
thanksgiving; for in her womanly nature the goodly martyr vanquished the
invisible might of the power of the adversary, perfecting her godly power in
weakness. Through her supplications, save Thou our souls. (Twice)
Mingling the cup of truth with the blood of her martyrdom, and offering it
ever to the Church, with the voice of wisdom the most praised martyr of Christ
summoneth the fosterlings of the Church therein, saying: "Draw forth the drink
which beareth witness to the resurrection, which driveth away unbelievers,
washeth away the passions and preserveth the souls of the pious who cry out to
the Savior: O Thou Who hast given us to drink of the torrent of the Spirit's
sweetness, save Thou our souls!"
O ye whose souls have been sealed with the blood of Christ for the day of
deliverance, with gladness of spirit let us draw forth, as the prophet saith, the
holy blood which floweth forth for us from the well-spring of the martyr,
betokening the life:-bearing sufferings of the Savior and everlasting glory. And
let us cry out to Him: O Lord Who art glorious in Thy saints, through the
supplications of Thy most praised passion-bearer, save Thou our souls!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
At the right hand of the Savior stood the virgin, passion-bearer and martyr
Euphemia, arrayed in the virtues, invincible, adorned with the oil of purity and
the blood of martyrdom; and she crieth out to Him, joyfully holding a lamp in
her hand: "I have hastened to the sweet fragrance of Thy myrrh, O Christ God,
for I have been wounded with love of Thee! Depart not from me, O my
heavenly Bridegroom!" Through her supplications send down Thy mercies upon
us, O almighty Savior.
Now & ever ..., of the Cross, in the same tone:
Today the Cross of the Lord cometh forth; and the faithful receive it with
desire, and they derive healings of soul and body, and every pang. Let us
venerate it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of our sins;
and with joy, because of the salvation which is granted to the world by Christ
God, Who hath great mercy, and Who was nailed to it.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
With mystic hymnody * together let us hymn * the Cross of the Lord, whereon
the Savior was crucified, * the Resurrection of all.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God; and worship the footstool of His feet, for
it is holy.
Come, ye multitudes of monastics, * and, having assembled, * in godly manner let
us hymn * the life-bearing Tree * whereon Christ was stretched out.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
O ye faithful, let us glorify * the Cross of the Lord, * whereon the blood of the
Master * was poured forth * for the deliverance of all.
Glory ..., the composition of Byzantius, in Tone I:
Today, O most praised one, the choirs of the fathers, assembling for the sake of
Christ, offer thee the scroll of the Orthodox Faith, and receiving it into thine honored
hands, thou preservest it forever. Wherefore, we, the choirs of men, assembling,
honor thy suffering, crying out in piety: Rejoice, O most praised one who
transformed thy womanly nature into manly prowess! Rejoice, O most praised one
who hast preserved inviolate the Orthodox Faith handed down by the fathers!
Rejoice, O thou who prayest for our souls!
Now & ever ..., the composition of Andrew of Jerusalem, in the same tone:
Today the holy words of David have received their fulfillment; for, lo! we
manifestly worship the footstool of Thine all-pure feet, O most Compassionate One,
and cry out to Thee, placing our trust in the shelter of Thy wings: Let the light of Thy
countenance be shined upon us! Exalt Thou the horn of Thine Orthodox people
through the elevation of Thy Cross, O greatly merciful Christ!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of the canon of the feast, and 4 from
Ode VI of the canon of the martyr.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation. (Twice)
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings. (Twice)
Bearing manly wisdom of soul in thy womanly flesh, O glorious one, thou
didst pay no heed to the beasts in the waters.
Without sustaining harm, thou didst vanquish the pride of the tyrants in the
waters, O invincible martyr, abiding with the beasts like Jonah.
Hearkening to thy supplications, the Lord delivered thee from the corruption
of the beasts, as He did Daniel from the pit, O most praised one.
Theotokion: O thou who at the word of the archangel gavest birth to the
Word in the flesh, deliver our souls from the snares of the enemy, we pray.
Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the Great-martyr, in Tone IV:
Thy martyr Euphemia, O Jesus, crieth out with a loud voice: "I love Thee, O
my Bridegroom, and, seeking Thee, I suffer; I am crucified and buried in Thy
baptism; I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; and I die for Thee,
that I may live with Thee. Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice, who offer
myself to Thee with love!" Through her supplications save Thou our souls, in
that Thou art merciful.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden
by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries.
May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the Great-martyr, in Tone IV:
Thou didst struggle well in thy contest, and after death dost sanctify us with
streams of miracles, O most praised one. Wherefore, we hymn thy holy repose,
having recourse to thy divine temple with faith, that we may be delivered from
spiritual afflictions, and may draw forth the grace of miracles.
Prokimenon of the feast, in Tone VI: Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless
Thine inheritance.
Prokimenon of the saint, in Tone IV: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God
of Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of
Israel.
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, §181 [II COR. 6:1-10]
Brethren: We, as workers together with Christ, beseech you also that ye receive not
the grace of God in vain. (For He saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in
the day of salvation have I succored thee: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not
blamed: but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much pa-
tience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tu-
mults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of
truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on
the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet
true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened,
and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Alleluia of the feast, in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou
hast purchased from the beginning.
Alleluia of the saint, in Tone VI: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He was attentive unto me
Stichos: And He brought me up out of the pit of misery, and out of the mire of
clay.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, §33 [LK 7:36-5O]
At that time, one of the Pharisees desired Jesus that he would eat with him. And he
went down into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And behold, a woman in
the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's
house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him
weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of
her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the
Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if
he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that
toucheth him; for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have
somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain
creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other
fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me,
therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I
suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast
rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou
this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet:
but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of her
head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman, since the time I came in, hath not
ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman
hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which
are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the
same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat
at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins
also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Communion Verse of the feast: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord,
hath been signed upon us.
Communion Verse of the saint: In everlasting remembrance shall the righ-
teous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 17TH DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS OF THE LORD
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYRS SOPHIA & HER THREE DAUGHTERS:
FAITH (VERA), HOPE (NADJEZHDA) AND CHARITY (LYUBOV)
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ..., 6 stichera; three for the Feast, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
The Cross is uplifted, and the demons are driven away; * the thief openeth
the gates of Eden, * death is slain * and hath now been shown to be desolate; *
Christ is magnified. * Wherefore, be glad, all ye earthborn, * for the curse hath
been lifted!
Come, all ye who love God, * and beholding the precious Cross uplifted, * let
us magnify it together * and give glory to the one Deliverer and God, crying
aloud: * O Thou Who wast crucified on the wood of the Cross, * disdain not us
that pray to Thee!
Moses of old, changing bitterness into sweetness, * delivered Israel, *
inscribing the image of the Cross beforehand; * and all of us, the faithful, * ever
mystically making the sign thereof in our hearts in godly manner, * are saved by
its might.
And three stichera of the Martyrs, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given us a sign ...":
The virgin maidens, * bound by the law of nature * and manifestly
strengthened by the love of the Creator, * with faith loosed * the bonds of
deception; * and, becoming manly, * they broke the feeble enemy underfoot *
and have been radiantly adorned with the crown of victory; * and, rejoicing, they
have made their abode in the heavenly bridal chamber.
The most laudable Faith * and the glorious Charity, * and the divinely wise
Hope, * showing themselves to be the namesakes * of the virtues most splendid,
* as athletes cast down the evil one, * who with cunning had deceived our first
mother; * and having become deified, they have received mansions in paradise,
* praying for us all.
Faith, Hope and Charity, * the offspring of Sophia, * seeking with faith the
beauty * of the most comely Bridegroom, * united themselves to Him, * having
adorned themselves with divine wounds; * and they disdained the fire, the
multifarious torments * and an ignominious death. * For their sake, O Lord,
free us from evils.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the feast, in Tone I:
Elevated today, the Tree of life, which was planted in the place of the skull,
whereon the pre-eternal King wrought salvation in the midst of the earth,
sanctifieth the ends of the earth; and the temple of the Resurrection is renewed.
The angels rejoice in heaven, and men make merry on earth, crying like David
and saying: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy, granting great mercy to the world!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Like, a bride * is the Church splendidly adorned * with the water of grace *
and Thy Blood, O Word, * hymning the glory of the Cross.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Raising aloft the spear and the Cross, * the nails and all else * wherewith the
life-bearing body of Christ * was pierced, * let us worship them.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
When Moses * conquered Amalek, * keeping his arms raised aloft, * he
prefigured the all-pure suffering of Christ * in the form of the Cross.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone I:
Prefiguring Thy Cross, O Christ, in giving his blessing to his grandsons, the
Patriarch Jacob crossed his hands over their heads. And raising it aloft today, O
Savior, we cry out: Grant victory to all Orthodox Christians over their
adversaries, as Thou gavest the victory to Constantine.
Troparion of St Sophia and her Three Daughters, in Tone 5:
Thou didst blossom in the courts of the Lord * as a fruitful olive tree, * O holy
Martyr Sophia; * in thy contest thou didst offer to Christ * the sweet fruit of thy
womb, * Love, Hope and Faith. * With them, intercede for us all.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Troparion of the Feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant unto the faithful
victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy
commonwealth.
AT MATINS
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel: "O compassionate one...":
When Thou wast crucified, O Master Christ, the might and strength of death
were destroyed, and all the tyranny of the enemy was trampled underfoot. And
we who of old were slain by the crime of eating of the tree, have been restored to
life by the tree of the Cross. Wherefore, we glorify Thy sufferings.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Rejoicing in thee, O thrice blessed and life-bestowing Cross, the people
celebrate together with the immaterial choirs, the ranks of hierarchs reverently
hymn thee, multitudes of monastics and fasters bow down before thee in
adoration, and we all glorify Christ Who was crucified on thee.
Glory ..., Now and ever, and the above is repeated.
Canon of the Feast, with eight troparia, including its Irmos; and that of the martyrs,
with four troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Feast, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea for
Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
Of old, Moses prefigured in himself the image of Christ's most pure sufferings,
standing between the priests; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms, he
raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let us
hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the Cross,
he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the sinister
bane therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been glorified!
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified!
Canon of the Martyrs, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn the children of Sophia, who are manifest as exceeding splendid,":
The composition of Theophanes, in Tone I:
Irmos: Thy victorious right arm hath in godly manner been glorified in
strength; for as almighty, O Immortal One, it shattered the adversary,
fashioning anew the path of the deep for the Israelites.
O Master Christ, grant me the effulgence of Thy transcendent and ineffable
wisdom, that I may hymn Thy magnificent and right glorious martyrs, the
offspring of Sophia.
Thy name was manifestly adorned by thy manner of life, O divinely wise and
glorious Sophia; for, illumined with the grace of wisdom, thou didst spend thy
whole life in desiring wisdom.
Thy most blessed fruit, adorned with the number of the all-divine Trinity,
struggled like athletes for Him, O most wise Sophia, thou namesake of the
divine Wisdom.
The three virgin maidens, Faith, Hope and glorious Charity, having cleansed
body and soul with the virtues, were brought in martyrdom to Thee, O Christ,
the noetic Bridegroom.
Theotokion: He Who made His abode as God in thy womb, O all-pure one,
Who took upon Him my whole form and was seen before in the form of God,
hath renewed all. Wherefore, all we, the faithful, glorify thee as the Theotokos.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hardhearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O Thou Who alone hast known the weakness of human nature,
having mercifully formed Thyself therein, Thou dost gird me about with
power from on high, that I may chant to Thee: Holy is the living temple
of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!
Hearkening to the voice of Christ calling them to a life devoid of death and
suffering, the crowned virgin martyrs followed Thee, crying out to Thee, O
Holy One: O Thou Who lovest mankind, holy is the animate temple of Thy
pure glory!
As He promised, Christ gave you strength as ye stood before the tribunal as
martyrs; and He filled you with divinely inspired wisdom and showed you forth
as radiant, O victorious martyrs, resplendent in the grace of virginity.
Ye dulled the greatly arrogant mind of the enemy and cast down his pride,
contending with great wisdom; and with the streams of your blood ye drowned
him who of old boasted that he would destroy the sea.
Filled to abundance with the exalted wisdom of Christ, with elect and sage
wisdom the three daughters of Sophia put to shame the savagery of the
torturers and their unbearable cruelty, giving utterance to divine teachings.
Theotokion: In holy manner thou gavest birth to Christ, the Holy of Holies,
the holy tabernacle of sanctity, Who resteth in the saints; and to Him do we cry
out: Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Thou Who lovest
mankind!
Kontakion of the Martyrs, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
Faith, Hope and Charity, revealed as most sacred branches of the honored
Sophia, through grace made foolish the wisdom of the Hellenes; and having
suffered and been shown to be victorious, they were crowned with an
incorruptible crown by Christ the Master of all.
Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel: "The choir of the angels ...":
O reason-endowed ewe-lambs of the Lamb and Shepherd, ye were given over
to cruel torments and have been shown to be equal in honor with the angels.
Wherefore, in gladness of heart we all celebrate your sacred memory, O divinely
wise maidens.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., of the Feast, in the same tone, and melody:
Once the weapon of the Cross was revealed to the pious Emperor
Constantine in time of battle as invincible victory over the enemy, for the sake
of his faith; before it the adverse powers tremble, for it hath become the salva-
tion of the faithful and the boast of Paul.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding
in this fashion the Tabernacle of the Witness, they were glorified in the cross-
like formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Habbakuk, gazing with the eyes of foresight upon thee, the
mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, prophesied that the Holy
One of Israel would come forth from thee unto our salvation and
restoration.
Strengthened by divine grace, the right victorious Faith, Charity and Hope
manfully put to shame the threats of the tyrant; and burnt by the fire, the most
wise ones were led to Christ the Bridegroom.
Protected by the armor of the Cross, the holy Faith, Charity and Hope were
able to endure the wounds of their torturers with fortitude, opposing sin most
mightily even to the shedding of their blood.
Faith, Charity and Hope, the three radiant lamps of the wisdom of the
Trinity, illumined and manifestly shining, enlighten the Church most splendidly,
for our salvation and defense.
Theotokion: O most lauded Theotokos, thou holy of holies, from thee shone
forth the Deliverer, the expectation of the nations and the salvation of the
faithful, the Lord and Bestower of life, unto the salvation of us that hymn thee.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon Christ the King and Lord was
crucified, and whereby he that beguiled mankind by the tree did fall,
beguiled by Thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, He that granteth
peace unto our souls.
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched, the whirling sword
which guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim
withdrew, when Christ was nailed to thee, He that granteth peace unto our
souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld fear when the sign of the Cross is
traced in the air in which they live, and the generations of the earthborn and
the heavenly bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ, Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O Christ, Who hast enlightened the ends of the world with the
radiance of Thy coming and hast illumined them with Thy Cross: with
the light of Thy divine knowledge enlighten the hearts of them that
hymn Thee in Orthodox manner.
The three God-bearing virgins, bound by faith and nature, endured tortures
with patience of will, and they put to shame the audacious one, uttering
mysteries of wisdom which are in God.
Our first mother rejoiceth, seeing the deceiver, who of old drove her from
Eden, vanquished by Hope, Faith and Charity, the divinely wise women born
of Sophia.
Wounded by Thy love and Thy divine ardor, O Christ, the honored maidens
avoided the venomous flattery of the tyrant and willingly endured the wounds
of tortures.
Theotokion: Beholding thee, the hosts of heaven rejoice, and with them the
assemblies of men make merry; for they have been united by thy nativity, O
Virgin Theotokos, which we glorify as is meet.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent Resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world with
His Rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up
when he crossed his hands, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross;
for God Who was nailed thereon in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of
the law of the Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the
soul-destroying disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands crosswise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people that hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life--
bearing image; for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The uttermost abyss hath surrounded us, and there is none to
deliver us. We are accounted as lambs: for the slaughter. Save Thy
people, O our God, for Thou art the strength and correction of the weak!
Rejoicing, O Master, the three honored and laudable maidens, equal in
number to the Trinity, placed their hope in Thine all-pure hands.
Resplendent with the beauties of virginity, they adorned themselves with the
wounds of martyrdom, and have received from on high a twofold crown from
Christ, the most compassionate Bestower of life.
Into the temple of Thee, Who reignest over all, were the precious treasures
of virginity brought, O Master, to share in Thy kingdom; for Thou art their light
and gladness.
Theotokion: The forefathers of our race rejoice in thee, O all-pure Virgin,
receiving Eden through thee which they had lost through their transgression;
for thou wast pure before giving birth and art pure even after thy birthgiving.
Kontakion of the Feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Ikos: He that was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Cross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our
salvation, the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it,
they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we, the earthborn, gaining utterance
through the Tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably; for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to
the hapless thief, who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for them that cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O Theotokos, we, the faithful, perceive thee to be a noetic furnace;
for, as the supremely Exalted One saved the three children, in thy womb
the praised and most glorious God of our fathers wholly renewed the
world.
Manifestly illumined with the thrice radiant grace of unity, the virgins
destroyed the utter darkness of the demons, theologizing concerning the Light
in three Hypostases, and chanting: Praised and all-glorious is the God of our
fathers!
Possessing mansions in the heavens, O light-bearing souls, with gladness ye
now join chorus with the angels, gazing upon eternal glory and saying: Praised
and all-glorious is the God of our fathers!
Showing steadfast opposition like the three youths, the maidens manfully
trampled upon the fire; for, being equal in number with them, the God-bearing
virgins acquired the same understanding of the praised and all-glorious God of
our fathers.
Theotokion: O pure one, thou givest remission of transgressions unto them
that hymn thee with faith, delivering them from temptations and every evil
circumstance; for we have now acquired thee as a refuge, O Bride of God, in
that thou didst bear the praised God of our fathers in thine arms.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God, the Father
of the Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the
fire in to dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life to all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched with the
Blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye earthborn stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your
hands the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the
Body of God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of
God, glorifying Him forever.
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And
having received from God the precious Cross, rejoice therein, the victorious
weapon, for thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad
forever.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The children of Israel in the furnace, shining more brightly than
gold in a crucible in the beauty of their piety, said: Bless the Lord, all ye
works of the Lord; hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The divinely radiant virgins Faith, Hope and Charity, were more lustrous
than gold in the beauty of their piety, saying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the
Lord; hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The virgins who are radiant and were manifestly splendid amid their torment
let us hymn, O ye faithful, saying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord;
hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The shrines of the athletes ever pour forth a stream of healing abundantly,
copiously and richly upon them that with faith cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye
works of the Lord; hymn and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Theotokion: Holy ground wast thou, O pure one, giving birth to the life-
bearing Ear of grain: Christ, the Mediator of everlasting life, to Whom we all cry
out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord; hymn and exalt Him supremely for
all ages!
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, didst
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted;
wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him that planted them in the beginning - Christ Who wast stretched upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath arisen, the chief horn for all the divinely wise - the Cross,
whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken. Wherefore,
worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The bush aflame with fire, yet unconsumed, showed forth an
image of thy pure birthgiving; and now we pray thee to extinguish the
furnace of temptations which rageth against us, that we may unceasingly
magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Filled with thrice-radiant light, and delighting now in the divine radiance, O ye
who are equal in number to the virtues and bear their names: love, hope and
faith, make us steadfast by hope, love and faith.
Let the might of heaven now subdue the tempest of heresy which besetteth
us, O invincible athletes. We entreat you, O good virgins: pray ye unceasingly,
that God grant oneness of mind to the faithful.
Having passed through the night of this life, O most wise ones, ye have
reached the unwaning day, making merry as martyrs and boasting in grace as
virgins, being counted worthy of the divine and incorruptible kingdom.
Theotokion: O how hath the Virgin given birth unto the eternal and hypostatic
Word, the effulgence of the hypostasis of the Father, our Benefactor and Lord,
Who becameth incarnate of her, whom we magnify as is meet.
Exapostilarion of the Feast:
The Cross is the preservation of the whole world; the Cross is the adornment
of the Church; the Cross is the might of kings; the Cross is the confirmation of
the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the wounding of demons!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., and the above is repeated.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel: "On the third day ...":
We bow down before the place * where the feet of Christ stood, * exalting the
thrice blessed Cross * whereon the Blood of the Master poured forth, * Who
hath poured forth resurrection upon the world.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Having mortified the passions of the flesh and spirit, and having crucified
ourselves with Christ the Master, * O ye divinely wise, let us strive to elevate
ourselves, * through the elevation of the Cross, * to the rest of heaven.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
A life-bearing wellspring hath manifestly welled forth * from the divine side of
the Savior, * giving drink to the souls * of them that with faith worship * His
divine Passion, Cross and Resurrection.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone II:
Come, all ye nations, let us worship the blessed Tree whereby everlasting
righteousness hath come to be; for he who by the tree deceived our forefather
Adam, is himself deceived by the Cross, and he who by tyranny heldeth fast the
royal house, falleth, cast down by a strange fall. By the Blood of God the venom
of the serpent is washed away, and the curse of the just condemnation was lifted
by the Righteous One when He was condemned by an unjust sentence; for it was
fitting that the tree be healed by a Tree, and that, by the sufferings of the
Dispassionate One on the Tree, the sufferings of the condemned be loosed.
Glory, O Christ our King, to Thy wise dispensation toward us; whereby Thou
hast saved all, in that Thou art good and lovest mankind.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, six troparia, from Ode VI of the canon of the Feast.
Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the sea
monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing forth after
three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent Resurrection of Christ God,
Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world with His Rising on the
third day. (Twice)
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up
when he crossed his hands, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross;
for God Who was nailed thereon in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of
the law of the Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the
soul-destroying disease of deception. (Twice)
Divine Israel, laying his hands crosswise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people that hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life--
bearing image; for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them. (Twice)
Troparion of the Feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant unto the faithful
victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy
commonwealth.
Troparion of the Martyrs, in Tone 5:
Thou didst blossom in the courts of the Lord * as a fruitful olive tree, * O holy
Martyr Sophia; * in thy contest thou didst offer to Christ * the sweet fruit of thy
womb, * Charity, Hope and Faith. * With them, intercede for us all.
Kontakion of the Feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the Martyrs, in Tone I:
Faith, Hope and Charity, revealed as most sacred branches of the honored
Sophia, through grace made foolish the wisdom of the Hellenes; and having
suffered and been shown to be victorious, they were crowned with an
incorruptible crown by Christ the Master of all.
Prokimenon of the feast, in Tone VI: Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless
Thine inheritance.
The Prokimenon of the saints, in Tone IV: Wondrous is God in His saints, *
the God of Israel.
The Stichos: In the Congregations bless ye God, the Lord, from the wellsprings
of Israel.
THE 2ND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS [2 COR. 6:1-10]
Brethren: We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive
not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and
in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry
be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much
patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in
tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of
truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on
the left, By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet
true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened,
and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as
having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Alleluia of the feast, in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou
hast purchased from the beginning.
Alleluia of the saints, Tone I: I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive
unto me, * and hearkened unto my supplication.
Stichos: And he brought me out of the pit of misery, out of the mire of clay.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK: [MK. 5:24-34]
At that time, Jesus went: and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a
certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many
things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered,
but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and
touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in [her] body
that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that
virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my
clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee,
and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had
done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in
her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her,
Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Communion Verse of the feast: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord,
hath been signed upon us.
Communion Verse of the saints: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous, praise is
meet for the upright
THE 18th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE FATHER EUMENIUS, BISHOP OF
GORTYNA, THE WONDERWORKER
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the after-feast, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
When Thou wast lifted up upon the Cross, O Master, * Thou didst raise up
with Thyself the whole fallen nature of Adam; * wherefore, lifting up Thine all-
pure Cross * with the strength of Thee, the Most High, * O Thou Who lovest
mankind, * we make entreaty, crying out: * As Thou art our merciful God, * O
Most High, * save those who venerate the honorable, luminous and divine *
exaltation of Thy Cross.
Gazing now upon Thy footstool * where Thine all-pure feet stood, * and
chanting psalms, O Master, * we honor with love today Thine all-precious Cross,
* and elevating it with piety * we beseech Thee, crying aloud: * Having sanctified
all by Thy divine Cross, O Most High, * show us forth as partakers * of Thine
ineffable compassion and grace.
We bow down before Thine all-holy Cross, O Christ, * as before. an
invincible trophy, * an impregnable shield, * and a divine scepter, * for thereby
hath the world been saved, * and for it doth Adam dance. * Offering praise in
hymns, we, the assemblies of the earthborn, honor it, * and, performing its
divine elevation, * we ask purification.
And 3 stichera of the saint, in the same tone & melody:
Cleansing thy body and soul * of the passions, * thou didst become a
dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit * and didst adorn thyself * with the anointing of
priests. * Thou wast an excellent intercessor, O Eumenius, * a converser with the
holy angels, * an heir to the glory of the Lord, * and prayest for those who praise
thee.
Thine all-glorious life, * illuminated by the virtues * and shining forth with the
splendors of miracles, * made thee right glorious to the ends of the earth, O
most blessed one, * a steadfast beacon, * one who shareth the abode of the
saints, * a hierarch who is a citizen of the holy city, * a fellow-citizen with the
angels, * O right glorious wonderworker.
Assembling, let us honor aloud * the hierarch Eumenius, * the adornment of
Crete, * bishop of Gortyna, * unshakable foundation of the Church, * who is
magnificent in miracles, * all-glorious in many powers, * and hath enlightened
hearts which are in darkness.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone II:
The divine treasure which is hidden in the ground, the Cross of the Bestower
of life, was shown in the heavens to the pious emperor and noetically displayeth
an inscription of victory over his enemies. And rejoicing therein with faith and
love, in godly manner he hastened to ascend to a visible height and with zeal
drew it forth from the bosom of the earth, for the deliverance of the world and
the salvation of our souls.
On the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: O house of Ephratha ...":
Today, the Cross of Christ, * the life-bearing Tree * on which He was
crucified in the flesh, * is borne aloft, * summoning all
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Rejoice, O divine defense of the faithful, * unassailable rampart, * Thou Cross
of the Lord, * whereby we have been lifted up * from the earth.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Come ye all, * and with gladness let us kiss * the life-bearing Tree * whereon
Christ our deliverance * was stretched out.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
Moses, prefiguring the activity of the precious Cross, O Christ, vanquished
Amalek his adversary in the wilderness of Sinai; for when he stretched out his
arms, forming the image of the Cross, he strengthened the people. And now
these events have found their fulfillment in us: today the Cross is elevated and
the demons flee; today all creation is freed from corruption, for gifts have shone
forth upon us because of the Cross. Wherefore, rejoicing, we all fall down
before it, saying: Glory to Thee, O Lord, for Thy works are magnified!
Troparion of St Eumenius, in Tone IV:
We have thee as a friend and helper, * O gracious advocate Eumenius: * for
thou didst flow with compassion * and dost pour healing upon the Church. *
Protect those who honor thee.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, thrice.
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Stretching forth his hands toward the heights of heaven, Moses prefigured
the Cross, the divine weapon of the faithful, to which Christ nailed our sins.
Wherefore, the enemy wept, suffering pain in his senses, and he said: "A
wooden shaft hath pierced me through my heart: Christ releaseth all from the
bonds of Hades!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "O hope of the world ...":
Lifted up on the tree of the Cross in thy great mercy, and pierced in the side
by a spear, O Savior, Thou didst rend asunder the grievous document of men's
sins, in that Thou art God Almighty. Wherefore, we piously hymn Thine
ineffable dispensation, O Word.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, with 8 troparia, including its Irmos, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image
of Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms,
he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let
us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over
the sinister bane therein: Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been
glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the Saint, the acrostic whereof is:
"By thy supplications, O blessed one, render Christ well-disposed to me":
The composition of Joseph, in Tone II:
Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided
the sea and guided the people whom He had led forth from the bondage
of Egypt, in that He is glorious.
In that Christ hearkeneth to thy godly prayers, O divinely wise Eumenius,
render Him kindly disposed toward those who praise thee with love, O blessed
one.
Enamored from thy youth of humility, which accomplisheth lofty things, O
venerable one, thou didst lay low the serpent and wast manifestly enriched with
the gift of healing.
Thou wast the particular instrument of the Spirit, through much fasting
causing the wisdom of the flesh to become subject to thy soul, enslaving that
which is worse to that which is higher.
Theotokion: The prophecies concerning thee have now been fulfilled, O
Mistress Theotokos; for they spake with clarion voice of Him Whom thou didst
contain within thy womb, Who cloth exist in two perfect natures.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: Establish us within Thee, O Lord Who slew sin by the Tree, and
plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
Like a bee thou didst diligently make the rounds of the noetic flowers, O
hierarch, gathering sweet honey and laying it upon the honeycombs of thy heart.
Having made thy life and discourse pure by the salt of God, O glorious
Eumenius, thou showest forth thy perfect grace and splendor.
Adorned with the virtues, thou didst ascend on high and didst mount to the
throne of the Most High, anointed with the myrrh of the divine Spirit; and thou
art known to be the sweet fragrance of Christ.
Theotokion: O Mary, thou golden censer, drive away the fetid stench of my
passions, and render me unshaken by the assaults of the deceitful adversary.
Kontakion of the saint, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Illumined with divine light, thou dost enlighten us who hymn thine honored,
glorious and holy repose with love, O most blessed and holy hierarch, father
Eumenius, unceasingly praying for us all.
Sedalion of the saint, in Tone V: Spec. Mel.:
"The Word Who with the Father is unoriginate ...":
Resplendent with Orthodox doctrines, O father Eumenius, thou didst set at
nought all dark heresies; and having been shown to be a performer of miracles,
thou didst become famous everywhere through the providence of God.
Wherefore, with faith we honor thee as a hierarch and peer of the angels.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in the same tone & melody:
Enduring the Cross on the counsel of Thy will, thou hast freed men from
corruption, O Savior. And we, the faithful, hymn and worship Thee, in that
Thou hast enlightened us with the power of the Cross; and we all bless Thee as
the Lord and Bestower of life, O Compassionate One Who lovest mankind.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in
this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, report of Thy dispensation, and have
glorified Thee Who alone lovest mankind.
Thou wast a dwelling-place of the Spirit, O hierarch, sojourning in the
temples of God and adorning thyself with precious doctrines.
As a hierarch pleasing to God and prelate of Gortyna, O wise father, thou
didst emit beams of miracles.
The great gaping maw of the serpent who assailed thee didst thou set afire
with the rays of thy prayers, O most sacred one.
Theotokion: Of old, sacred voices proclaimed the profundity of thy
birthgiving, O pure one, and we have now beheld the fulfillment thereof.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall, beguiled by
thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our
souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the
light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.
Thou didst possess understanding, haying calmed thy mind and soul which
were beset by the passions; wherefore, thou dost pacify the disputes of those
who reigned piously and submitted well to thee.
Having gained the ear of kings, O faithful one, thou didst end their long-
standing enmity, which engendereth destruction, and they came to love fraternal
oneness of mind, O divinely wise Eumenius.
Arriving like a luminary, thou didst illumine Rome, working miracles and
manifestly summoning those who were sunk in the abyss of the passions to the
calm haven of healing, O blessed one.
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth to the pre-eternal Son as a little Babe, Who
existeth in two activities of will, both man and God, O most immaculate one.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable
abyss of Thy lovingkindness: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Having Christ in thy heart as an active and inexhaustible treasure, O
Eumenius, thou didst transform into gold the clay which the king gave to thee.
Thou hast sat upon a lofty seat, O father, sending down upon the Church
words of peace from on high; and it now boasteth in thy summons.
Un-sodden by sin, thou didst sail through the greatly painful storm of life and
didst attain unto the havens where the assembly of the venerable rejoiceth.
Theotokion: The heavenly Rain descended upon thee, O Ever-virgin, and,
watering the stony soil with the waters of the knowledge of God, He hath
shown it to be greatly fertile.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God;
gladden by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all
adversaries. May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Ikos: He who was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Cross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our
salvation, the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace!
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it,
they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought
death to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of
that which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it
to the hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: When the golden image was worshiped on the plain of Dura, Thy
three youths spurned the ungodly command; and, cast into the midst of
the fire, bedewed they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Besting deadly thoughts by zeal of soul, O venerable Eumenius, in profound
old age thou didst make a journey to benefit those who with faith accepted thee
as a sower of sacred and precious doctrines.
Having enjoyed thy goodly deeds, O father Eumenius, Rome sent thee to the
Thebaid as a lovely gift which it did not want. There thou didst restrain the
affliction of drought by the rain of thy precious prayers, O venerable one.
Feeding at the breasts of abstinence, thou didst suck forth the milk of purity
and didst reach the measure of maturity, attaining the heights of the virtues and
shining forth more brightly than the sun with divine signs, upon those held fast
by the night of the passions.
Theotokion: Thy womb was the habitation of the immaterial Light Who set
ungodliness at nought with the splendors of divine knowledge, O all-pure
Maiden Bride of God. To thee do we cry out, chanting: Blessed is the Fruit of
thy womb!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your
hands the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the
body of God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of
God, glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And
having received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of
victory, for thereby, tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad
forever.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children
and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and
exalt Him supremely for all ages.
Having vanquished the enemy and finished the good race, in the most
profound old age thou didst pass on to thy fathers, like a ripe grain of wheat,
receiving thine end in a strange land.
The children of the Thebaid, in nowise mindful of thy good works,
generously dispatched thy sacred relics, which they held, to thy homeland and
flock; and at their return they poured forth the grace of miracles.
Before, Raxus once held the precious and much-suffering body of Cyril, O
wise one, and now it likewise hideth thine, thou having joined those who lived
in the same wisdom, whom the heavenly homeland holdeth forever.
Theotokion: The most sacred and honorable choir of the prophets wrote of
thee beforehand as the ark, the unquarried mountain, the staff, and the portal
through which the Most High passed, as is known, leaving thee shut again, O
Virgin.
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning - Christ Who was stretched out upon
the Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise -
the Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and
King, in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies,
radiant with boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of
heaven magnify Thee.
Canon of the Saint
Irmos: God the Word Who in His ineffable wisdom came from God, and
was ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake, that He might
renew Adam, who had grievously fallen into corruption through eating, in
oneness of mind let us magnify with hymns, O ye faithful.
As a hierarch of Christ thou didst pass wondrously from power to power, O
father, where the most sacred choirs, with all the heavenly hosts, minister unto
the worshipful Trinity in fear, O most blessed Eumenius.
Quell thou the present tempest which assaileth thy homeland, moving the
Godhead to mercy by thy supplications, O blessed one; stem the invasion of
barbarians which oppresseth us, a trial brought by the devil, which impelleth us
toward the abyss of destruction, O ever-memorable Eumenius.
Thy most sacred memory summoneth venerable pastors and pious people,
bearing sanctification for all; and with the splendors of the grace with abideth in
thee doth it richly illumine us who celebrate it, O most lauded Eumenius.
Theotokion: Thou dost bear Him Who beareth all things in His divine power,
and dost feed at thy breast Him Who nourisheth every creature, O most pure
one. The wonder of thee, which passeth understanding, amazeth angels and
men, who ever hymn and bless thee with love.
Exapostilarion:
With splendors of bright radiance and divine desire the Cross of the Lord,
which lieth before us, doth summon all to its elevation. Come ye all, and with
joy, love and fear let us kiss it with faith and glorify the one Creator and Master!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated .
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
With mystic hymns * let us hymn together * the Cross of the Lord, * on which
the Savior, the Resurrection of all, * was crucified.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Come, ye multitudes of monastics, * and, assembling, let us hymn * in manner
divine * the life-bearing Tree, * whereon Christ was stretched out.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
O ye faithful, let us glorify * the Cross of the Lord, * whereon the blood of the
Master * was poured forth * unto the deliverance of all.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
O Cross, thou didst show forth thine image beforehand, radiant with the light
of the stars, to the great and pious emperor as a token of victory. And his mother
Helena, finding thee, revealed thee to the world. Today we, the choirs of the
faithful, elevating thee, cry out: Illumine us with thy splendor, O life-bearing
Cross! Sanctify us with thy might, O most precious Cross! And establish us in
thine elevation, O thou who art lifted up against the array of the enemy!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 6 troparia: from Odes V and VI of the canon of the feast.
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of .incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception. (Twice)
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life--
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Troparion of St Eumenius, in Tone IV:
We have thee as a friend and helper, * O gracious advocate Eumenius: * for thou
didst flow with compassion * and dost pour healing upon the Church. * Protect those
who honor thee.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Kontakion of the saint, in Tone II:
Illumined with divine light, thou dost enlighten us who hymn thine honored,
glorious and holy repose with love, O most blessed and holy hierarch, father
Eumenius, unceasingly praying for us all.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God;
gladden by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all
adversaries. May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
THE 19th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE PRECIOUS CROSS
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYRS TROPHIMUS, SABBATIUS &
DORYMEDON
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 for the feast, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
The most holy Cross, * the invincible trophy, * cometh forth today, revealed
from the earth * like a hidden treasure, * enriching the whole world * with the
rays of its universal goodness. * Wherefore, we glorify the all-good economy * of
Christ our God * Who deigned to be crucified thereon.
Of old, the Cross, depicted * by Moses, the faithful beholder and favorite of
God, * the divine prophet, * routed the hordes of the aliens; * and now, depicted
in the divine elevation * at the hands of the sacred ministers, * it dispelleth the
hordes of the demons * and the assemblies of the Jews, * and is the reproof of
the audacity of the ungodly.
Thy Cross, O our Savior, * is the invincible might of Christians, * whereby
multitudes of alien nations * are vanquished, * and the peace of Thy Church, O
Christ * is bestowed upon those who render goodly glory. * Venerating it now, *
we entreat Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind: * Count us worthy of a portion
with Thy saints.
And 3 stichera of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy martyrs ...":
Desiring to take pleasure in inexhaustible food, O martyr Trophimus, thou
didst strive with the pangs of thy body and didst pass over from corruption to
incorruption, rejoicing and adorned with thy martyric witness. Wherefore, by thy
supplications entreat great mercy for all.
The glorious Sabbatius, having endured many torments, hath now been
vouchsafed to celebrate with great joy in the courts of heaven. Receiving honors
for his struggles, he is numbered among the assemblies of the angels. By his
supplications, O Christ, grant Thy people great mercy.
Setting at nought the counsel of the ungodly, thou didst make thy mind
steadfast with divine counsels, O Dorymedon; and thou didst manfully enter
upon the trials of tortures, receiving trophies of honor. And thou reignest ever
with Christ, praying for us all.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone IV:
Let us clap our hands today for the victory which is praised with hymns, and
with radiant countenance and tongue let us openly cry: O Christ, Who for our
sake didst deign to be tried, to be spat upon and scourged and arrayed in a purple
robe, and Who ascended the Cross; Whom beholding, the sun and the moon hid
their light, and the earth trembled with fear, and the veil of the temple was rent
in twain: Do Thou now grant us Thine honored Cross as a preserver and
protector, and a dispeller of the demons; that, kissing it, we may all cry out to it:
Save us by thy power, O Cross! Sanctify us by Thy radiance, O precious Cross!
And fortify us by thine exaltation, for thou hast been given to us as the light and
salvation of our souls.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
The Cross is raised up, and the demons are driven away; * the thief openeth
the gates of Eden; * death is slain, and now is shown to be void; * and Christ is
magnified. * Wherefore, all mortals are glad, * for the curse hath been annulled.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Come, all ye who love God, * and, beholding the precious Cross uplifted, * let
us magnify together, and give glory * to the one Deliverer and God, crying aloud:
* O Thou Who wast crucified on the tree of the Cross, * disdain not those who
entreat Thee.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Moses, of old, sweetening bitterness, * delivered Israel, * prefigured the Cross
in image; * and all of us, the faithful, * depicting it ever in our hearts * in godly
manner and mystically, * are saved by its might.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone V:
The words of Thy prophets, Isaiah and David, are fulfilled, O God, which
said: All nations will come, O Lord, and bow down before Thee. For, behold the
people who have been filled with Thy grace in Thy courts in Jerusalem, O Good
One. O Thou Who didst endure the Cross for us and hast imparted life through
Thy resurrection, preserve and save us!
Troparion of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
God Who is praised in Trinity hath glorified a trinity of martyrs: Trophimus,
Sabbatius and Dorymedon. For, believing in Him, they cast down the enemy. By
their supplications, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Twice)
Glory , the troparion of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
God Who is praised in Trinity hath glorified a trinity of martyrs: Trophimus,
Sabbatius and Dorymedon. For, believing in Him, they cast down the enemy. By
their supplications, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Now & ever, the troparion of the feast, again.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VII:
Bowing down before Thee, O Christ God, in the pine, cedar and cypress, the
Church crieth out to Thee: Granting victory over heresy to our hierarchs through
the Theotokos, have mercy upon us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Shining forth like a light, Thy Cross, O Lord, driveth away legions of the
demons and illumineth the faithful who chant: The Cross is the boast of the
world!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
Canon of the feast, 8 troparia, including its Irmos; and that of the martyrs, with 4
troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea for
Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses prefigured in himself the image of Christ's most pure sufferings,
standing between the priests; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms, he
raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let us
hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the Cross,
he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the sinister
bane therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the Martyrs, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn the thrice-radiant splendor of the martyrs":
The composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a wonder, striking the sea in the
form of a cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh, and
saved Israel who fled on foot chanting a hymn unto God.
O martyrs of Christ of great renown, illumined with the all-radiant lightning-
flashes of the Spirit, dispel the clouds from my soul, enlighten my mind, and open
my lips for hymnody, that I may praise you.
With steadfastness of mind did ye oppose the vain-minded one who sought to
force you to render alien worship to his gods, O martyrs, and ye brought
yourselves to the King of all as perfect sacrifices through divers torments.
Strength was given you by almighty God to cast down all the strength of the
serpent, O honored great-martyrs, warriors of the Trinity, right wondrous
Sabbatius and godly Dorymedon and Trophimus.
Theotokion: Splendidly illumined with thy radiant and flowing grace, O only
divinely joyous portal of the Light, the valiant martyrs passed through the
uttermost darkness of unbearable sufferings, chanting hymns unto thee.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: O Christ, Who in the beginning established the heavens with
knowledge and founded the earth upon the waters: establish me upon the
rock of Thy commandments, for none is holy save Thee, Who alone lovest
mankind.
With most beautiful resolve and a firm conscience, ye proceeded to the trial of
martyrdom; and, lacerated exceedingly and afflicted with wounds, ye remained
immovable in your invincible resolve.
Having dyed most sacred purple robes in the outpourings of your blood, O
valiant warriors, ye now stand before the immortal King and Lord, unceasingly
making supplication for us.
Subjected to tortures, lacerated bodily in divers ways, cruelly bound, and cast
to the wild beasts, ye did not deny Christ, O most glorious warriors, holy great-
martyrs.
Theotokion: Submitting to the laws of the Master Who became incarnate of
thee, O most immaculate Maiden, the valiant athletes conquered the iniquitous
ones, having as their helper thee who dost save 'our souls.
Kontakion of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "As the first-fruits ...":
As the foundation of athletes and confirmation of piety the Church doth
honor and glorify thy luminous suffering, O right wise and glorious Trophimus,
ever-hymned and blessed athlete. With those who suffered with thee ask
cleansing for those who hymn thee, in that thou art invincible.
Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
Having manfully endured the pain of martyrdom, ye have now passed over
together to a life without pain, O glorious Dorymedon, Trophimus and
Sabbatius. Wherefore, the Church of Christ, celebrating your sacred memory,
rejoiceth today in godly manner.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the Cross, in the same tone:
Having heaven as Thy throne on high, in that Thou art God, and bearing the
earth as Thy footstool, O Christ our Savior, Thou hast shown us the Cross as the
footstool of Thy feet. Before it do we all bow down like David, and, having it as
a protector and helper, we faithfully glorify Thee.
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in
this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my
God, Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father,
hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry
unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!
Illumined by the endurance of tortures, ye were suspended upon a tree, O
martyrs; and, your sides raked with iron claws, O glorious ones, in the
nakedness of your bodies ye were invested with divine incorruption, and stand
ever before the throne of the Trinity.
Wounded for Christ, O martyr Trophimus, thou didst take delight in intense
pain, looking to the divine rewards of heaven and inexhaustible sweetness. And
now, having completed thy race, thou hast been counted worthy thereof, as
food for the Master.
Enduring torments in thy youth, O Sabbatius, rejoicing, thou didst surrender
thy soul into the hands of God, and hast come to rest well in the mansions of
heaven, having vanquished the accursed one who was expelled therefrom; and
thou hast received the honors of victory.
Theotokion: The company of the three martyrs, calling upon thee as the pure
palace of the King, O all-pure Virgin, destroyed the temples of the demons and
have passed over to the temple of glory on high, ever honoring thee in praises.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall, beguiled by
thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our
souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword
which guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim
withdrew, when Christ was nailed to thee, He Who granteth peace unto our
souls.
The adverse powers of the netherworld are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light
unwaning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I
am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments,
I pray.
Having withdrawn from bodily love, O most lauded ones, through all
manner of pangs and wounds ye achieved union with the most compassionate
God, Who loved you with mercy and hath slain the passions with your
sufferings.
Thy steps were directed to the paths of martyrdom, O most wise martyr
Trophimus; and made beautiful therein, shod with sandals pierced with nails,
thou didst crush the head and sting of Belial.
Giving voice to divine speech, O much-suffering Trophimus, thou didst put
the tyrant to shame; and, thy feet flowing with blood, thou didst sanctify the
earth. And joyfully thou dost pass over to paradise, asking salvation for us.
Theotokion: The mighty warriors, calling for help upon the holy Virgin, the
divinely joyous and most immaculate one, with steadfast wisdom passed
through the oppression of tortures and the violence of wounding.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world with
His rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up
when he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross;
for God Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law
of the Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-
destroying disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elders a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life--
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are mine iniquities, and lead me
up from the depths of evils, I pray; for unto Thee have I cried, and Thou
hast hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
Sailing peacefully over the abyss of torments with the piloting of the Spirit, O
right glorious athletes, in sacred manner ye reached the tranquil harbor of
salvation.
Seeing thy members falling to the ground, O Trophimus, and having vinegar
poured into thy nostrils, thou didst greatly receive the sweet fragrance of the
love of Christ.
As a counselor of the justifications of Christ, thou didst utterly reject the
counsels of the ungodly foe, O martyr Dorymedon, and, wounded, didst give
thyself over to tortures.
Theotokion: Enlivened by the power which doth emanate from Thee, O
Christ, Thine athletes suffered lawfully, hymning Thy pure Mother who gaveth
birth to Thee ineffably.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God;
gladden by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all
adversaries. May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Ikos: He who was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Cross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our
salvation, the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it,
they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to
the hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in awe of the condescension of
God; wherefore, the youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace as in
a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Made beauteous in every way by thy gestures to God, O blessed Dorymedon,
thou didst endure mightily, seared with heated goads, thy sides unjustly
lacerated.
Desiring to behold the ineffable glory of God, O Trophimus, thou wast
blinded in thine eyes by heated irons, and didst cry out to the Lord in
thanksgiving: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Enflamed with love for the worshipful Trinity, the three completed the'
greatest of struggles and now rejoice with the myriads of heaven. With them be
thou mindful of us, ever asking that we be released from our transgressions.
Theotokion: As the Mistress who is more pure than all creation thou didst
receive the Word Who was ineffably born of thee. And, loving Him, the valiant
martyrs endured multitudes of torments.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God, the
Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed
the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched with
the Blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on
earth. Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the
world is accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your
hands the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the
body of God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of
God, glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And
having received from God the precious Cross, rejoice therein, the weapon of
victory, for thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad
forever.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the
pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a greater power, he cried out
to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye
people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Having struggled against wounds with your naked bodies, ye received the
adornment of incorruption, having clad the eternal enemy in shame, O
crowned ones; and having passed over to the places of God's rest, ye cry out:
Ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Driven along on foot, the witnesses to Christ's sufferings were bound to
trees and endured laceration with valiant resolve; and with the streams of their
blood they drowned legions’ of the evil demons, chanting in godly manner: Ye
priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Let Trophimus be praised, let Sabbatius be glorified, and let Dorymedon be
magnified today: the unshakeable pillars, the ramparts of the faithful, and the
splendid beacons of the Church, which they honorably illumine with the rays of
their magnificent struggles, for all ages.
Theotokion: O all-pure Virgin, thou gavest birth unto Christ our God as a
little babe, Who is understood to be one in essence with the Father and the
Spirit. And the valiant martyrs, confessing Him, suffered in sacred manner.
With them the people, tribes and nations bless thee with faith for all ages, O
most holy one.
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, didst
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning - Christ Who was stretched out upon
the Tree. Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee,
O Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise -
the Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshipping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Heaven is stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth are amazed
that God hath appeared to men in the flesh, and that thy womb hath
become more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the legions of men
and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.
With the might of the Creator of all ye restrained the raging of the wild beasts
and remained unharmed by them, O martyrs, despite their constant assaults.
Wherefore, ye have been enrolled in the flock of the martyrs and ever pray in our
behalf.
Most gloriously beheaded with the sword ye offered yourselves as sacrifices
for the mystical altar; and ye now dwell most joyously in the habitations of the
firstborn, beholding the glory of God and receiving the fruits of your pangs and
honors for your suffering.
Assembling together, come, ye faithful, and let us praise Dorymedon,
Sabbatius and the glorious Trophimus, the mighty witnesses to the truth, the
grapes of the noetic Vine, from whence the wine of gladness poureth forth upon
us through the grace of God.
The most festive memorial of the wise athletes, shining forth today, doth truly
illumine all more brightly than the rays of the sun, dispelling the darkness of the
passions and the clouds of despondency. Through their supplications, O Christ,
grant Thy mercies unto us all.
Theotokion: He Who kept thee a virgin, truly shining forth from thy womb as
the never-waning Sun, O Virgin, most manifestly illumined the athletes who
struggled with endurance; and with them do thou entreat Him, that He have pity
upon us who piously magnify thee.
Exapostilarion of the feast:
The Cross is the preservation of the whole world; the Cross is the adornment
of the Church; the Cross is the might of kings; the Cross is the confirmation of
the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the wounding of demons.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., the foregoing is repeated.
On the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
We bow down before the place * where the feet of Christ stood, * exalting the
thrice-blessed Cross * whereon was shed the blood of the Master * Who hath
poured forth resurrection upon the world.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Having mortified the passions of the flesh and spirit, * having crucified
yourselves with Christ the Master, * O ye divinely wise, let us strive to elevate
ourselves, * through the elevation of the Cross, * to the rest of heaven.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
A life-bearing well-spring hath manifestly welled forth * from the divine side
of the Savior, * giving drink to the souls * of those who with faith worship * His
divine Passion, Cross and Resurrection.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone V:
The words of Thy prophets, Isaiah and David, are fulfilled, O God, which
said: All nations will come, O Lord, and bow down before Thee. For, behold the
people who have been filled with grace in Thy courts in Jerusalem, O Good
One. O Thou Who didst endure the Cross for us and hast imparted life through
Thy resurrection, preserve and save us!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 6 troparia from Ode VII of the canon of the feast.
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
(Twice)
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to
the hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers,
blessed art Thou! (Twice)
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff,
revealing beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the
kingdom, for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out
with faith: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou! (Twice)
Troparion of the feast, in Tone:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
God Who is praised in Trinity hath glorified a trinity of martyrs: Trophimus,
Sabbatius and Dorymedon. For, believing in Him, they cast down the enemy. By
their supplications, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly upon the Cross, bestow Thy
compassions upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God;
gladden by Thy power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all
adversaries. May they have as an ally the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the martyrs, in Tone VIII:
As the foundation of athletes and confirmation of piety the Church doth
honor and glorify thy luminous suffering, O right wise and glorious Trophimus,
ever-hymned and blessed athlete. With those who suffered with thee ask
cleansing for those who hymn thee, in that thou art invincible.
THE 19th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY PASSION-BEARER, THE PIOUS PRINCE IGOR
OF CHERNIGOV,
WHO RECEIVED THE NAME GEORGE IN THE MONASTIC TONSURE
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera: 3 of the feast; in Tone VI:
Raised on high, * the Cross exhorteth all creation * to hymn the all-pure
Passion * of Him that was lifted up thereon. * For thereon having slain him that
slew us, * in that He is merciful, * He gave life unto the dead, * and in the exceed-
ing greatness of His goodness * He hath made them beautiful and vouchsafed
them to live in the heavens. * Wherefore, rejoicing, * we exalt His name, * and
magnify His extreme condescension.
Moses prefigured Thee, * stretching forth his arms on high, * and vanquished
the tyrant Amalek, * O precious Cross, boast of the faithful, * confirmation of
sufferers, * savior of all the venerable. * Wherefore, creation, * beholding thee
lifted up, is gladdened, * and keepeth festival, glorifying Christ, * Who through
thee hath gathered the dispersed * in His extreme goodness.
O most precious Cross, * who art today exalted, * and about whom the ranks
of angels stand in gladness, * by divine command thou dost uplift all * who for
the stealing of the fruit were driven out and were sunk in death. * Wherefore, we,
the faithful, * venerating thee with hearts and lips, * derive from thee sancti-
fication, * crying out: Exalt ye Christ, the all-good God, * and worship His divine
footstool.
And 5 of the saint, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
When of thine own will thou didst forsake thine earthly kingdom, and didst
desire to labor for the Lord in monasticism, then the enemy of the human race
inflicted many and cruel tribulations upon thee; yet, firm as adamant, thou wast
not shaken thereby, but didst manfully endure them all. And now thou standest
before Christ, praying for those who honor thy memory. (Twice)
When thou didst commit thyself to the Monastery of Saint Theodore, and
there gavest thyself over to monastic obedience, then the enemy of the human
race incited lawless people against thee, who unjustly dragged thee forth to
slaughter thee like an innocent lamb, though thou hadst done no wrong to
anyone. But thou didst pray unto the Lord, emulating the first martyr of Christ,
and crying out with him: "O Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!" (Twice)
When thou wast praying on thy knees before the image of the all-pure one, thy
murderers, like wild beasts, fell upon thee with rage; and thou gavest thyself over
into their hands without complaint, accepting great suffering and torment from
them with patience, and didst commit thy righteous soul to the Lord.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
The city of Chernigov, which preserveth thy holy and much-suffering body in
the Church of the Savior, rejoiceth today and crieth out to thee with love: O
passion-bearer Prince Igor, entreat Christ God, that He preserve our land in
peace profound, and that He protect this city and save us all.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone II:
Come, all ye nations, let us worship the blessed Tree whereby everlasting
righteousness hath come to be; for he who by the tree deceived our forefather
Adam, is himself deceived by the Cross, and he who by tyranny held fast the royal
house, falleth, cast down by a strange fall. By the Blood of God the venom of the
serpent is washed away, and the curse of the just condemnation was lifted by the
Righteous One when He was condemned by an unjust sentence; for it was fitting
that the tree be healed by a Tree, and that, by the sufferings of the Dispassionate
One on the Tree, the sufferings of the condemned be loosed. Glory, O Christ our
King, to Thy wise dispensation toward us, whereby Thou hast saved all, in that
Thou ad good and lovest mankind.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH
Thus saith the Lord: All the nations are gathered together, and princes shall be
gathered out of them. Who will declare these things? or who will declare to you
things from the beginning? Let them bring forth their witnesses, and be justified;
and let them hear, and declare the truth. Be ye My witnesses, and I too am a
witness, saith the Lord God, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may
know, and believe, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no other
God, and after Me there shall be none. I am God; and beside Me there is no
Savior. I have declared, and have saved; I have reproached, and there was no
strange god among you. Ye are My witnesses, and I am the Lord God, even from
the beginning; and there is none that can deliver out of My hands: I will work,
and who shall turn it back? Thus saith the Lord God Who redeemeth you, the
Holy One of Israel.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment
touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is
taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in
peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of
immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for
God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace
hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of
their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord
shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him: for grace and mercy is to His
saints, and He hath care for His elect.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For
honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured
by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life
is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among sinners
he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should
alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of
naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of
concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a
short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted He
to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and understood
not, neither laid they up this in their minds: that His grace and mercy is with His
saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Blessed art thou, O city of Kiev, * and holy are thy streets * which drank the
precious blood * of the passion-bearing Prince Igor, * who there was unjustly
slain.
Stichos: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm-tree, and like a cedar in
Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Rejoice, O city of Chernigov! * Be glad, O holy house of the Savior! * For ye
guard a priceless treasure: * the holy relics of the passion-bearer Igor, * who
prayeth unceasingly in behalf of our souls.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
Suffering steadfastly * and manfully enduring tribulations, * thou didst behold
the Lord face to face, * Who adorneth thee with the crown of martyrdom * and
hath caused thee to dwell in the mansions of heaven.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Come, all ye who love the martyrs, let us glorify the glorious Igor, the passion-
bearer of Christ; for he hath crushed the head of the serpent, and with his blood
hath sanctified the earth. And he hath passed over from that which is on earth to
the eternal habitations, and received honors for his struggles from the hand of the
Almighty; and he asketh that cleansing and great mercy be granted to our souls.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone VIII:
That which Moses prefigured with his body of old cast down and vanquished
Amalek; and David the psalmist, crying out, hath commanded us to bow down
before Thy footstool, Thy precious Cross, O Christ God. Today we sinners also
do homage with our unworthy lips to Thee Whose will it was to be nailed thereto;
and, chanting, we pray: O Lord, vouchsafe that with the thief we may receive Thy
kingdom!
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Illumined by divine baptism, enlightened by the splendors of the Holy Spirit,
thou didst take the Gospel of Christ into thy heart, fulfilling the word of the Son
of God by thy deeds, O right-believing Prince Igor. Entreat our all-good Savior,
that He grant us peace and mercy, and the salvation of the souls of us who
cherish thine honored memory.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Glory ..., that of the saint, in Tone IV:
Illumined by divine baptism, enlightened by the splendors of the Holy Spirit,
thou didst take the Gospel of Christ into thy heart, fulfilling the word of the Son
of God by thy deeds, O right-believing Prince Igor. Entreat our all-good Savior,
that He grant us peace and mercy, and the salvation of the souls of us who
cherish thine honored memory.
Now & ever ..., that of the feast.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:
Forsaking an earthly kingdom of thine own will, O passion-bearer, thou didst
desire the glory which is in heaven, and didst endure pangs and a violent death;
wherefore, we celebrate thy most holy memory today, offering praise unto Christ,
O all-blessed Igor.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone I:
No sooner was the tree of Thy Cross planted, O Christ our Lord, than the
foundations of death were shaken. That which Hades swallowed greedily it
spewed forth, trembling. Thou hast revealed to us Thy salvation, O Holy One,
and we glorify Thee. O Son of God, have mercy upon us!
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Completing the race of truth, thou didst vanquish all the might of the
tyrannous, and hast received a crown from the hand of the Almighty, O most
blessed Igor; and thou hast been shown to be a companion of the angels.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone VI:
Today the words of the prophet have been fulfilled! For, behold! we bow
down before the place where Thy feet stood, O Lord, and, receiving the Tree of
salvation, we have achieved liberation from sinful passions through the sup-
plications of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify thee, O holy passion-bearer
Prince Igor, and we reverence thine honored sufferings, which thou didst
endure for Christ.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Our God is refuge and strength.
B: A helper in afflictions which mightily befall us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ...Alleluia …, glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
With multifarious tortures the cruel tormenters subjected thy much-suffering
body to wicked execution, O divinely wise Prince Igor; yet thou didst endure all
these things as though it were another who was suffering, awaiting future reward
and immortal life.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Of old, Joshua, the son of Nun, mystically prefigured the image of the Cross
when he stretched forth his arms in the form of the Cross, O my Savior; and the
sun stood still until he had cast down all the enemy which was opposed to Thee,
O God. And now Thou hast raised with Thee the whole world, which saw Thee
set upon the Cross, destroying the might of death.
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV:
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm-tree,
and like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, § 36 [MT. 10: 16-22]
The Lord said to His disciples: ''Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst
of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of
men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in
their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My
sake, for a testimony against them and the gentiles. But when they deliver you up,
take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same
hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father
which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and
the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause
them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but
he that endureth to the end shall be saved."
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
The city of Chernigov, which preserveth thy holy and much-suffering body in
the Church of the Savior, rejoiceth today and crieth out to thee with love: O
passion-bearer Prince Igor, entreat Christ God, that He preserve our land in
peace profound, that He protect this city and save us all.
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos; and that of the passion-
bearer, with 8 troparia, in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image
of Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms,
he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let
us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the
sinister nuisance therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been
glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped
the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer
and God!
Forsaking the miry water of ungodliness, thou didst hasten to the water of
purification, O holy Igor. Cleanse thou our hearts, that in purity we may hymn
thy sufferings.
Washed with the water of baptism, thou wast delivered from the ancestral sin
and didst unite thyself unto Christ, the pure Master. Unite us also unto Him by
thy supplications.
Emulating Him Who drowned the wicked serpent in the waters, thou didst
drown the power of the enemy in the blood of thy martyrdom, O passion-bearer.
Entreat thou the Savior, that we also may be delivered therefrom.
Theotokion: Grant me the purifying water of tears, O all-pure one, and having
cleansed me of the mire of iniquities, present me pure to thy Son and God, O
Theotokos.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red
Sea for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse
blow, he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
ODE III
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church:
establish me in Thy love, O summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful,
Who alone lovest mankind.
Giving thy whole life to the Fashioner of the vault of heaven, thou didst love
Him utterly. Vouchsafe that, by thy supplications, O passion-bearer, we also may
love the Lord until the end of our days.
Desiring the heavenly life, thou didst reject all things in thine earthly life.
Vouchsafe, O holy one, that by thy supplications we may be counted worthy of
the life of heaven.
Desiring the heavenly bridal-chamber, thou didst preserve the purity of thy
virginity; and now thou joinest chorus with the virginal in the bridal-chambers of
heaven.
Theotokion: In giving birth to the Creator of heaven, O most hymned
Theotokos, thou wast shown to be more spacious than the heavens. Turning me
away from the broad path of destruction, guide me to the heavenly way, I pray.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by
its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church,
which before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for
her might and confirmation.
Kontakion of the Cross, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Sedalion of the saint, in Tone II:
Enlightened by the splendors of the virtues, and adorned with the light of
martyrdom, O allwise one, thou shinest forth steadily, more brightly than the sun,
and truly illuminest those who celebrate thy radiant memory with faith. O all-
glorious passion-bearer Igor, save us by thy supplications.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Like a cloud of light hath the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, truly shone forth upon
us today, and she cometh forth from the righteous ones for our glory. No longer is
Adam condemned, and Eve is freed from her bonds. Wherefore, we exclaim, crying
aloud with boldness to her who alone is pure: Thy nativity announceth joy to the
whole world!
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery-of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in
this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Hearing the heavens declare the glory of God, O Igor, thou didst desire to
glorify God on earth. Vouchsafe His glory also unto us.
Hearing that thine enemies had risen up against thee, thou wast not daunted
by their savagery, but didst meekly give thyself over into their vile hands, crying
out to the Lord: "Lay not this sin to their charge!"
Hearing the threats of thine enemies, and enduring torments at their hands,
thou didst remain unshaken. Make me unshaken in the virtues.
Theotokion: Hearken, O all-pure Mistress, to mine entreaty, and deliver me
from evils; and count me worthy to hear the voice which summoneth the blessed
to the kingdom.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery-of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was
beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace
unto our souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the nether world are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine
upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Illumining the path of thy life with the light of divine knowledge, thou didst
love Christ the Lord with all thy soul, O passion-bearer. Vouchsafe that I also
may be an emulator of thee therein.
The faithful were enlightened, beholding thee valiantly enduring unbearable
torments. Vouchsafe that I also may have such endurance, O athlete.
Enlighten me, O splendid martyr Igor, who am benighted by the darkness of
sin, and cause me to be illumined with never-waning light, I pray thee.
Theotokion: In giving birth to the true Light, O Theotokos, thou hast
enlightened our darkened nature; wherefore, having enlightened me with Light,
free me from the dark foe.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was
crucified, and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He
was beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth
peace unto our souls!
ODE VI
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my
grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and
like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Hearkening to thy suffering entreaty, O Igor, Christ gave thee the strength and
power to bear thy sufferings. By thy supplications vouchsafe that I too may be
steadfast amid the sufferings of life.
Having strengthened thyself with prayer before the image of the all-pure one,
thou didst go forth to thine enemies who were seeking thee; and like an innocent
lamb thou didst suffer at their hands, unjustly slain.
Everyone who bringeth supplication unto thee with faith, O athlete, quickly
receiveth the healing of the sufferings of their souls and bodies. Grant this also
richly unto us, we pray.
Theotokion: Accept thou our prayer, O all-pure one, and with thine
omnipotent supplication beseech God Who was born of thee, Who loveth
mankind, that He deliver us from enemies, visible and invisible, from sins and all
torments.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of
the sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing
forth after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of
Christ God, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His
rising on the third day.
Kontakion, in Tone VI:
Thou didst exchange the glory of an earthly princedom for the humble habit
of a monk, and, ending thine earthly life in martyrdom, thou now rejoiceth in the
heavens, earnestly praying for those who honor thee, O Igor, boast of athletes.
Ikos: Thou didst stain thy princely diadem with thy blood, O divinely wise
passion-bearer Igor; and, taking the Cross in thy hand instead of a scepter, thou
wast shown to be a victor. And didst offer thyself to the Master as an unblem-
ished sacrifice; for like an innocent lamb thou wast slain by thine own subjects.
And now, rejoicing, thou standest before the Holy Trinity. Pray thou that our
souls be saved.
ODE VII
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when, the dew-bearing wind blew upon it,
they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff, revealing
beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the kingdom,
for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out with faith:
O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot
and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord
God, forever!
The Angel Who preserved the Hebrew children unconsumed by the fire
strengthened thee in thy suffering, O Igor, and thou didst chant: Blessed art
Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Considering torments to be like childish games, thou didst not spare thy body,
but, manfully enduring sufferings, thou didst chant: Blessed art Thou, O Lord
God, forever!
Emulating the tortured children, O Igor, I also praise Christ, Who gave thee
strength. Strengthening me for the contest of the virtues, vouchsafe that I may
chant with thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Theotokion: I marvel at thine Offspring, Who hath preserved thee a virgin
even after giving birth, O Theotokos. Show forth as wondrous the mercy of thy
Son upon men that, treated compassionately by thee, I may chant: Blessed art
Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth
threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet
the three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring
blaze; but, in the midst of the fire, when, the dew-bearing wind blew upon
it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your hands
the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the body of
God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of God,
glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And having
received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of victory, for
thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad forever.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: Becoming vanquishers of the tyrant and the flame by Thy grace,
taking exceeding care to keep Thy commandments, the children cried out:
Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Thou wast shown to be a victor over the enemies who tormented thee, O
glorious Igor; for, suffering long and cruel tortures, thou didst unceasingly cry
aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
By thy courage thou didst vanquish all the machinations of the tyrant, O
glorious passion-bearer Igor; wherefore, entreat Christ the Master, we beseech
thee, that He grant victory over the enemy to all the faithful, who chant: Bless the
Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Thou wast shown to be victorious over the cruel-hearted murderers, O
glorious Igor; for they have been cast down into the flames of hell by heavenly
fire, while thou hast ascended into heaven, where thou chantest now with the
angels: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: O all-pure one, conquer the enemies, visible and invisible, who
strive to bring us down; and deliver me from all the passions, that I may solemnly
chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Katavasia: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the
Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed
the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
ODE IX
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which untilled did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning-Christ Who was stretched out upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Canon of the passion-bearer:
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we who confess thee to be in truth the
Theotokos, magnify thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Truly confessing God, O passion-bearer, thou hast inherited a dwelling-place
in heaven. Vouchsafe that we also may eternally magnify Christ with thee.
In thee, O blessed Igor, hath truly been fulfilled the prophecy of Christ: "He
who endureth to the end shall be saved." For with all the saved thou dost now
eternally magnify Christ.
No one who truly hath recourse unto thee departeth without thy grace, O
passion-bearer. Fill me also therewith, that I may magnify thee.
Theotokion: Thou didst truly give birth to the true God in the flesh, O
Theotokos. Move Him to mercy for us on the day of judgment, that we may
unceasingly magnify thee with Him.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which untilled did
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Exapostilarion of the saint:
Like the radiant sun hath thy memorial now shone forth, O passion-bearer,
filling all the faithful with gladness; and they cry out to thee in supplication: Pray
thou earnestly, that we be saved.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Exapostilarion of the feast
Spec. Mel.: "When the disciples ...":
The Cross is the guardian of the whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the
Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings! The Cross is the confirmation of
the faithful! The Cross is the glory of the angels and the wounding of the
demons!
On the Praises, 6 stichera: 3 of the feast; in Tone VIII:
O all-glorious wonder! * the Life-bearing Tree, * the all-holy Cross * is
revealed today, lifted up on high. * All the ends of the earth glorify it, * and the
hordes of the demons are affrighted. * O what a gift hath been given to mortals!
* Thereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, * in that Thou alone art
compassionate.
O all-glorious wonder! * The Cross which bore the Most High * like a cluster
of grapes full of life * is seen today lifted up from the earth. * Thereby have we
all been drawn to God, * and death hath been utterly slain. * O the all-precious
Tree * whereby we have received the food of immortality in Eden, * glorifying
Christ!
O all-glorious wonder! * The length and height of the Cross * is equal to
heaven! * For it sanctifieth all things with grace divine. * In it the barbarian
nations are vanquished. * In it the scepters of kings are made firm. * O divine
ladder, * whereby we ascend to the heavens, * exalting Christ the Lord in hymns!
And 3 of the saint, in Tone VIII:
Rejoice, O Igor, passion-bearer of Christ, for thou didst consider the glory of
this world as but nought, and at the eleventh hour of thy life thou didst serve the
Lord well in monasticism. And thou standest now with the martyrs and the
venerable before the throne of God, earnestly praying in behalf of our souls.
(Twice)
Rejoice, O Igor, passion-bearer of Christ, boast of the city of Chernigov, and
sacred adornment of the whole land of Russia, O thou who didst shed thine
innocent blood! Pray thou earnestly in behalf of our souls!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Today the glorious city of Chernigov is enlightened with the rays of the
passion-bearer, and the holy house of the Savior, adorned, crieth out to thee, O
favorite of Christ: Cease thou never to pray for all who celebrate thy holy
memory with love!
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the Tone VI:
Today the Cross of the Lord cometh forth; and the faithful receive it with
desire, and they derive healings of soul and body, and every pang. Let us
venerate it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of our sins;
and with joy, because of the salvation which is granted to the world by Christ
God, Who hath great mercy, and Who was nailed to it.

Great Doxology, Troparia, Litanies, First Hour.


AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from the appointed ode of the canon of the feast,
and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of the saint.
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
(Twice)
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff, revealing
beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the kingdom,
for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out with faith:
O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Hearkening to thy suffering entreaty, O Igor, Christ gave thee the strength and
power to bear thy sufferings. By thy supplications vouchsafe that I too may be
steadfast amid the sufferings of life.
Having strengthened thyself with prayer before the image of the all-pure one,
thou didst go forth to thine enemies who were seeking thee; and like an innocent
lamb thou didst suffer at their hands, unjustly slain.
Everyone who bringeth supplication unto thee with faith, O athlete, quickly
receiveth the healing of the sufferings of their souls and bodies. Grant this also
richly unto us, we pray.
Theotokion: Accept thou our prayer, O all-pure one, and with thine
omnipotent supplication beseech God Who was born of thee, Who loveth
mankind, that He deliver us from enemies, visible and invisible, from sins and all
torments.
Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the Saint, in Tone IV:
Illumined by divine baptism, enlightened by the splendors of the Holy Spirit,
thou didst take the Gospel of Christ into thy heart, fulfilling the word of the Son
of God by thy deeds, O right-believing Prince Igor. Entreat our all-good Savior,
that He grant us peace and mercy, and the salvation of the souls of us who
cherish thine honored memory.
Kontakion of the Cross, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the Saint, in Tone VI:
Thou didst exchange the glory of an earthly princedom for the humble habit
of a monk, and, ending thine earthly life in martyrdom, thou now rejoiceth in the
heavens, earnestly praying for those who honor thee, O Igor, boast of athletes.
Prokimenon of the feast, in Tone III: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my
spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Prokimenon of the saint, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in
the Lord, and shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, § 17 [ACTS 6: 8-15; 7: 1-5,47-60]
In those days, Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the
synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the
wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, who said:
"We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God."
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon
him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses,
who said: "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy
place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And
all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been
the face of an angel. Then said the high priest: "Are these things so?" And he
said: ''Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; the God of glory appeared unto our
father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and
said unto him: 'Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into
the land which I shall shew thee.' Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans,
and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed
him into this- land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in
it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: Solomon built him a house. Howbeit the
most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet:
"Heaven is my throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?
saith the Lord": or "What is the place of My rest? Hath not my hand made all
these things?" Ye stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always
resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have
not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain those who showed before of the
coming of the Just One; of Whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not
kept it." When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up
steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right
hand of God, and said: ''Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God!" Then they cried out with a loud voice, and
stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the
city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's
feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and
saying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!" And when he had said this, he
fell asleep.
Alleluia of the feast, in Tone VIII: Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline
thine ear.
And that of the saint, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a
palm-tree, and like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 52 [JN. 15: 17-16: 2]
The Lord said to His disciples: "These things I command you, that ye love one
another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye
were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you: The servant is not greater than his lord.
If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My
saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My
name's sake, because they know not Him Who sent me. If I had not come and
spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
He that hateth me hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the
works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both
seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word
might be fulfilled that is written in their law: They hated Me without a cause. But
when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even
the Spirit of truth, Who proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of Me. And
ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall
put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you
will think that he doeth God service."
Communion Verse of the feast: I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call
upon the name of the Lord.
Communion Verse of the saint: In everlasting remembrance shall the
righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 20th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
AFTERFEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS,
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY GREATMARTYR EUSTATHIUS & THOSE WITH
HIM
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 of the Cross, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
Today Thy precious Cross * hath shone forth radiantly like the sun, O Savior
Christ, * set up and elevated * on the all-glorious place of the skull, * on Thine
all-holy mountain, * showing forth most manifestly * that it is thereby, O
Omnipotent One, * that Thou hast raised our nature up to the heavens, * in that
Thou, lovest mankind.
Today, O Unapproachable One, * the heavens have declared Thy glory unto
men; * for the image of the Cross, * shining forth in radiance * with
unapproachable light, * hath denounced the savage and cruel nature'" of those
who slew God. * Wherefore, we glorify Thy loving dispensation, * O almighty
Jesus, Savior of our souls.
By stretching forth his arms * Moses vanquished Amalek, * prefiguring the
image of the Cross; * and we now, bowing down before the tree of the Cross, *
trample the wiles and machinations of the enemy underfoot, * having Christ as
our champion, * Who was lifted up upon it in the flesh, * slew the serpent * and
saved man.
And 3 stichera of the Great-martyr, in the same tone & melody:
Thy calling was from on high, * and not from men, O Eustathius; * for Christ,
Who loveth mankind, * Himself appeared to thee * and ensnared thee, O blessed
one, * in the nets of faith, * washing away thy sins * with thy baptism and the
trials of life, * and, as Master, He extendeth patience to thee * and showeth thee
to be a victor renowned.
Rejoicing, O Eustathius, * in thy youth thou didst receive instruction in the
virtues, * and, bereft of thy children and thy spouse, * thou didst valiantly endure
captivity, * suffering ignominious slavery. * But thy courage in battle * made thee
loving * and rendered thee radiant, * O ever-memorable one.
Thou didst offer thyself to God as divine incense * rendered most fragrant in
the fire, * a beautiful holocaust, * a right acceptable sacrifice, * a living and most
perfect offering, * fruitful with all thy household. * Wherefore, the mansions of
heaven and the armies of the saints * have now received thee and thine, * O right
wondrous Eustathius.
Glory ..., of the martyrs, the composition of Ephraim of Karyes, in Tone II:
Eustathius setteth himself before us as a second Job in life, sufferings and
struggles, a model of the virtues and a tower of patience truly surpassing Job in
that virtue with his spouse and children, faithful in life and unshaken amid trials,
a victor amid sufferings. Him do we set forth in supplication before Christ, that
He grant unto our souls enlightenment and cleansing of transgressions.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, the composition of Cyprian, in the same tone:
When the hands of the Patriarch Jacob were crossed at the blessing of
Joseph's children, the sign of Thy Cross was revealed beforehand, and we,
holding it as our steadfast protector, do mightily drive away the hordes of the
demons and cast down the pride of Belial in that which vanquisheth the most
pernicious power of the most malicious Amalek. With right honorable mind, O
ye faithful, we bear it forth to Thy goodness, uplifted now for the cleansing of
sins, and cry out with a loud voice: Have mercy, O Lord! O Good One Who
wast incarnate of the Virgin, have pity on the wise creation of Thy hands!
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
With Thy divinely created water * and Thy blood, O Word * is the Church
splendidly adorned * like a bride, * and it hymneth the glory of the Cross.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God; and worship the footstool of His feet,
for it is holy.
Lifting high the spear and the Cross, * the nails and the other things *
wherewith the life-bearing body of Christ * was pierced, * let us bow down
before them.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
When, lifting up his arms * in the form of the Cross, * Moses vanquished
Amalek, * he portrayed * the all-pure suffering of Christ.
Glory ..., of the martyr, the composition of Ephraim of Karyes, in Tone VI:
O thou who art as firm as adamant in soul, how can we praise thee as is meet?
For, deprived of thy spouse, thou didst transcend nature, possessions and
children, and didst utter the blessed and ever-memorable cry of Job: "The Lord
hath given, and the Lord hath taken away! As the Lord hath willed, so hath it
been!" But God whom thou didst love and Whom thou didst fervently desire
again gave thee most cherished things, O thou who took thought beforehand
concerning those who suffered with thee. And having reached the end of divers
torments with them, receiving them as thy fellow supplicants, O blessed
Eustathius, patient of soul, pray thou, that we be delivered from our iniquities.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the same tone:
O Cross of Christ, hope of Christians, guide of the lost, haven of the tempest-
tossed, victory amid battles, confirmation of the whole world, physician of the ill,
resurrection of the dead: Have mercy upon us!
Troparion of the martyrs, in Tone IV:
In their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they set at nought their torments,
and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. Through their supplications save
Thou our souls.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the martyrs, in Tone IV:
In their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they set at nought their torments,
and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. Through their supplications save
Thou our souls.
Now & ever ..., that of the feast, once.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
Stretching forth his arms toward the heights of heaven, Moses prefigured the
Cross, the divine weapon of the faithful, to which Christ nailed men's sins.
Wherefore, the enemy wept, suffering, and said, his senses wracked with pain: "A
wooden spear hath been thrust into my heart! Christ releaseth all from the bonds
of hell!"
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "He arose from the dead ...":
In the midst of Eden a tree put forth death, but in the midst of all the earth a
tree caused life to bud forth; for those who tasted of the former had been
incorrupt but became corrupt, but those who received the latter have inherited
incorruption. For as God Thou savest the human race by the Cross.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The foregoing is repeated.
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos;
And that of the martyrs, with 6 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea
for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image
of Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms,
he raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let
us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the
Cross, he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the
sinister bane therein: Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been
glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the martyrs, the acrostic whereof is:
"Praise be to the namesake of goodly estate";
The composition of Theophanes, in Tone IV:
Irmos: Israel of old, having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with
dryshod feet, vanquished the power of Amalek in the wilderness, through
Mosses’ arms upraised in the form of the Cross.
Subduing the uprising of my passions by thine entreaties, O martyr of Christ,
by thy discourse dispose me to praise well the sacred celebration of thy struggles,
O most blessed one.
Thy name was not given thee by men, O most excellent one, but from the
heavens, for Christ called thee as before He had called Paul, appearing like a hart
and freeing thee from venomous serpents.
Full of heavenly wisdom, O martyr, crowned with all thy household thou
didst most piously prefer the delight of heaven to corruptible riches and
pleasures.
Theotokion: God, the Creator of all, found thee to be more pure than all
creation, O most pure one, and, intending to take the form of man in the flesh
through thee, He was well-pleased to become incarnate.
ODE III
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my
strength, O Lord, my refuge and confirmation.
Deprived of, thy children and wife, thou didst mightily endure the threefold
billows of perils, O glorious Eustathius, martyr of Christ.
Thy children, saved by God from the depredations of wild beasts, O
Eustathius martyr of Christ, vanquished the noetic beasts.
Passing over life as though it were a river, O glorious one, by thy trials thou
didst preserve the divine aspect of thy soul unshaken.
Theotokion: Come, ye faithful, and with songs of joy let us hymn the pure and
honored habitation of purity and virginity.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Ikos: He that was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard
unspeakable and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what
writeth he to the Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read
and come to understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in
the Cross of the Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all
then firmly hold this boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our salvation,
the invincible trophy, the weapon of peace.
Sedalion of the Great-martyr, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Above the hart thou didst see the image of the Cross, and thereon the image
of Jesus; and falling prostrate thou didst marvel at this vision and camest, with
all thy household, to divine baptism; and becoming poor, thou wast shown to
be like a second Job. Wherefore, deprived of spouse and sons, thou didst cry
aloud: "The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away!" O Eustathius,
commander of warriors, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins
unto those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the Cross, in the same tone & melody:
The honored one removed the Cross of the Savior, which had been hidden
in the earth, she filleth the fullness of the world with joy, and in the divine
temple proclaimeth that it is to be elevated in the Spirit, and beareth it as a scep-
ter into the royal chambers. Wherefore, Helena cried out to her son: "Reach out,
O wise master, and take in thy hands dominion and victory, and teach the
nations to worship the Cross and the sufferings of Christ in piety!"
ODE IV
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert,
showing forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through
the power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and
baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in
this fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like
formation of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the
heavens declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, uplifted upon the
Cross, the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to
Thy power, O Lord!
Thou wast protected against the tyranny of the enemy by the hand of God,
and thy spouse, preserving her chastity, cried out: glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Placed in peril and subjected to divers trials, O Eustathius, martyr of Christ,
thou didst hasten to the arena to bear witness, crying out to thy Master: Glory
to Thy power, O Lord!
Guided by the precepts of the Master, O ever-memorable and glorious
Eustathius, thou and thy wife and children were shown to be adorned with the
blood of martyrdom.
Theotokion: Without knowing wedlock, O Virgin, thou gavest birth, and even
after birthgiving thou wast shown to be virgin still. Wherefore, with unceasing
voices we cry "Rejoice!" to thee, O Mistress, with steadfast faith.
ODE V
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was
crucified, and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He
was beguiled by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth
peace unto our souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword
which guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim
withdrew, when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the nether world are stricken with fear when the sign
of the Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the
earthborn and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace
unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption
unto the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for
Christ Who was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world, a holy light
turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.
Thou didst show thyself to be like Job; for, blameless and pious, thou wast
found to be sailing through life with long-suffering. (Twice)
Who can hymn the pangs which thou didst endure, O blessed martyr,
deprived of spouse and children?
Theotokion: O Mother of God, who gavest birth to the all-good Word Who is
the Benefactor of all: heal thou the affliction of my soul.
ODE VI
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in the belly of the sea
monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion, and issuing forth
after three days, he foreshadow6d the transcendent resurrection of Christ
Cud, Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising
on the third day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when
he crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God
Who was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the
Scripture which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying
disease of deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young,
revealed that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the
law. Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-
bearing image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people
of Christ God surpass them.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church
crieth out to Thee, having been cleansed of the blood of demons by the
blood which, for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Thou didst desire Christ Who had appeared to Thee, O glorious one, and didst
unite thyself to Him with love; for thou wast shown to be adorned, clad in the
purple robe of thy blood. (Twice)
Thou didst make haste to follow the divine steps of Christ, and, crowned with
all thy household, O martyr, wast most perfectly shown to share in His sufferings
and kingdom.
Theotokion: Using now the words of Gabriel, O most immaculate Virgin, we
cry out: Rejoice, O only blessed Mother! Rejoice, O thou who didst have within
thee the Sun of righteousness!
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Manifestly emulating the sufferings of Christ, and having drained His cup with
fervor, O Eustathius, thou wast a partaker and fellow heir of glory, receiving
divine remission from on high from the God of all Himself.
Ikos: Grant me the gift of hymnody, O Lord my God, that I may now hymn
and speak of the struggles of Thine athlete, that in good order I may praise
Eustathius, who was valiant in sufferings, who was ever the victor in battle
against the enemy, who was great in piety, and hath shone forth among the choir
of the martyrs. For with them he singeth unceasingly to thee with the angels, O
most Wise One, receiving divine remission from on high.
ODE VII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they
sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff, revealing
beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the kingdom,
for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out with faith:
O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, consumed by love
of piety rather than by the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple
of Thy glory, O Lord!
Imprisoned within a brazen bull glowing red with heat, as in a furnace, O
martyrs of Christ, ye cried out in thanksgiving: Blessed art Thou in the temple of
Thy glory, O Lord! (Twice)
United by the law of love and nature, O right glorious martyrs, suffering ye
showed forth a single endurance, chanting: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy
glory, O Lord!
Theotokion: Thou alone art truly more exalted than the heavens of God from
all ages; for thou gavest birth ineffably to their Creator, O most pure Mistress
Theotokos.
ODE VIII
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your hands
the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the body of
God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of God,
glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And having
received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of victory, for
thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad forever.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the mouths of the lions in
the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched
the power of the fire, crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
The choir of true witnesses, united in splendor by the laws of nature and the
word of the Faith, let us all now piously praise as lovers of piety; and with faith let
us sing: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Ye were beautifully united, O honored one, having been separated before by
providence most great; and having dyed the purple robe of betrothal in your
blood, ye hasten ardently to the heavenly bridal chamber, crying: Bless the Lord,
all ye works of the Lord!
O blessed Eustathius, thou didst offer to God the fruit of thy loins and thy
spouse who rejoiced; for thou didst receive them as partakers of suffering by
nature, chanting to Christ: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: Thou wast a rod of the root of Jesse, O Virgin, who didst cause
the almighty Lord to blossom forth, Who perfumeth us and imparteth his sweet
fragrance unto all who cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
ODE IX
Canon of the Feast
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning - Christ Who was stretched out upon
the Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Canon of the Martyrs
Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who united
two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O
Virgin; wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
With gladness thou didst pass wholly over to the light of the Trinity and now
rejoicest with the angelic army, O martyr Eustathius. With them pray thou
unceasingly, that all who hymn thee be saved.
Thy struggles and divers tribulations on earth have now won for thee gladness
in the heavens with the righteous. And enjoying it, O glorious one, vouchsafe it
also unto those who hymn thee.
I offer myself wholly unto thee with fervor, O martyr Eustathius, that I may
be enriched by thee, mine intercessor before the Master and mediator of divine
salvation, who art able to help me out of every evil circumstance.
Theotokion: Confessing thee to be the Theotokos, O Virgin Mother, we all
earnestly entreat thee, who without knowing man gavest birth to the Savior, the
Bestower of life, that through thy supplications we may be delivered from all
sorrow.
Exapostilarion of the martyr:
Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit in the sanctuary ...":
With thy divinely wise children and thy most blessed wife thou hast received
the glory of immortality and never-ending life, O blessed Eustathius, having
abandoned the pleasures of the world. Wherefore, with love we celebrate thy
most sacred and divine memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Exapostilarion of the feast:
Placing our hope on thee, O Theotokos, we win a most perfect victory of
twofold foes, having the Cross of thy Son as our weapon and trophy, our shield,
sword, spear and arrow against Belial.
On the Praises, 4 stichera of the martyrs, the composition of Andrew Pyrrhus:
In Tone IV: Who will not bless thine all· blessed character, O Eustathius? For
thou didst valiantly undergo assault by the enemy, the author of evil, yet didst
not despair at the loss of thy spouse and children, but didst cry out Job's cry of
thanksgiving: ''Naked came I forth from my mother's womb; and naked shall I
depart to the only Creator, the Savior of our souls!" (Twice)
In Tone VI: As a habitation of the incorrupt Offspring of Mary, O martyr,
abiding unceasingly in immaterial light, thou dost render the uncreated Trinity
right merciful unto us.
In Tone VIII: Entering into the impenetrable cloud and uniting thyself to the
Sun of righteousness Who appeared noetically from on high and having come in
contact with the image of God through a living creature, thou becamest an
inspired image, O most blessed Eustathius. Wherefore, having been enlightened
by water and the Spirit and washed by thine activity and the blood of martyrdom,
thou hast been vouchsafed to join chorus with the assemblies of the angels in
heaven, wherein do thou also unite us to Christ our God and Savior.
Glory ..., the composition of Germanus, in the same tone:
Having resigned thy military commission in a kingdom here below when our
Savior appeared to thee in an image above a wild creature, thou, together with
thy wife and children, dost now join chorus with the inhabitants of heaven, O
most blessed Eustathius. Wherefore, we entreat thee: Beseech the Lord in behalf
of our souls!
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the same tone:
That which Moses prefigured with his body of old cast down and vanquished
Amalek; and David the psalmist, crying out, hath commanded us to bow down
before Thy footstool, Thy precious Cross, O Christ God. Today we sinners also
do homage with our unworthy lips to Thee Whose will it was to be nailed
thereto; and, chanting, we pray: O Lord, vouchsafe that with the thief we may
receive Thy kingdom!
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "O house of Ephratha ...":
Today is exalted * the Cross of Christ, * the life-bearing Tree, * whereon He
was nailed in the flesh.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet;
for He is holy.
Rejoice, divine preservation * of the faithful, * unassailable rampart, * thou
Cross of the Lord, * whereby we are exalted above the earth.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Come ye, in gladness * let us all venerate * the life-bearing Tree * whereon
was stretched * Christ our deliverance.
Glory ..., of the martyr, in Tone VIII:
Having like Paul received thy calling not from men, O martyr Eustathius, and
growing in God through thy trust in the Cross, thou didst manfully put to shame
the ungodliness of the tyrants and the cruelty of tortures. Wherefore, even before
shedding thy blood thou didst oppose sin, fighting against the invisible foe, and
thou prayest unceasingly to God the King, that He grant peace unto all the world
and great mercy to our souls.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the same tone:
O God, the cry of the prophet Moses hath been fulfilled, who cried: Behold
your life which is raised up before your eyes! Today the Cross is uplifted, and the
world is freed from deception. Today the Resurrection of Christ is renewed, and
the ends of the earth rejoice, offering a hymn to Thee, and saying like David:
Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O God, and the Cross and
Resurrection, for whose sake Thou hast saved us, Thou good Lover of Mankind.
O Almighty Lord, glory to Thee!
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia; 4 from Ode VIII of the canon of the feast, and 4 from
Ode VI of the canon of the martyrs.
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever! (Twice)
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your hands
the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the body of
God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of God,
glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And having
received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of victory, for
thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad forever.
Thou didst desire Christ Who had appeared to Thee, O glorious one, and didst
unite thyself to Him with love; for thou wast shown to be adorned, clad in the
purple robe of thy blood. (Twice)
Thou didst make haste to follow the divine steps of Christ, and, crowned with
all thy household, O martyr, wast most perfectly shown to share in His sufferings
and kingdom.
Theotokion: Using now the words of Gabriel, O most immaculate Virgin, we
cry out: Rejoice, O only blessed Mother! Rejoice, O thou who didst have within
thee the Sun of righteousness!
Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou
preserve Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the martyrs, in Tone IV:
In their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they set at nought their torments,
and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. Through their supplications save
Thou our souls.
Kontakion of the feast, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions
upon the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy
power Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they
have as an ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the martyr, in Tone II:
Manifestly emulating the sufferings of Christ, and having drained His cup with
fervor, O Eustathius, thou wast a partaker and fellow heir of glory, receiving
divine remission from on high from the God of all Himself.
Prokimenon of the feast, in Tone VI: Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless
Thine inheritance.
Prokimenon of the saint, in Tone IV: In the saints that are in His earth hath
the Lord been wondrous; He hath wrought all His desires in them.
Stichos: I beheld the Lord ever before me, for He is at my right hand, that I
might not be shaken.
EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, §233 [6: 10-17]
Brethren: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel O1 peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Alleluia of the feast, in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou
hast purchased from the beginning.
Alleluia of the saint, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard
them, and He delivered them out of all their tribulations.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall
deliver them out of them all.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, §1O6 [LK.21:12-19]
The Lord said to His disciples: Beware of men. They shall lay their hands on
you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons,
being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you
for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye
shall answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries
shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents,
and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be
put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall
not a hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.
Communion Verse of the feast: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord,
hath been signed upon us.
Communion Verse of the saint: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is
meet for the upright.
THE 21st DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, DEMETRIUS,
METROPOLITAN OF ROSTOV, THE WONDERWORKER
THE LEAVETAKING OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
AT LITTLE VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried … ", 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
As thou wast faithful in a little, O Demetrius, the Lord set thee over many; and
thou hast entered into the joy of thy Lord, where, standing before Him, thou
prayest in behalf of our souls. (Twice)
Thou didst dedicate thy childhood to learning, thy youth to the struggles of
monasticism, and thy manhood to the benefit of all; wherefore we all now honor
thee among the saints. (Twice)
Glory ..., in the same tone
As thou didst forsake the world and all the beautiful things of the world, so
didst thou forsake thy rule over the brethren, and didst make thine abode again in
Kiev, nigh unto the cave, from whence by thy labors thou didst produce for us
the pearl of the lives of the saints.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone VI:
Today is put forth from the impenetrable bosom of the earth the shoot of life,
and it announceth the Resurrection of Christ Who was nailed thereto; and, lifted
up by priestly hands, it proclaimeth His ascension to Heaven, whereby our nature,
which was bound to the earth by the fall, doth now dwell in the heavens.
Wherefore, in thanksgiving we cry out: O Lord Who wast lifted up thereon and
thereby raised us up with Thyself: vouchsafe us Thy heavenly joys, as Thou art
the Lover of mankind.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VIII:
Come, ye children of the Church of Russia, let us bless our teacher, who
instructed us during his lifetime and edifieth us after his death, for he is honored
as the good shepherd of our souls.
Stichos: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of heart shall be
of understanding.
The great hierarch Demetrius, the divinely inspired instrument of the most
Holy Spirit, the denouncer of vain-minded schisms, who poureth forth a stream
of the grace of God from his much-healing relics, doth unceasingly mediate and
pray to God for our souls.
Stichos: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm-tree, and like a cedar in
Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Hearkening to the voice of the Lord calling thee to Himself, O Demetrius,
thou wast prepared for thy departure from this life. Thou didst not slumber in the
evening or at midnight, at daybreak or in the morning, waiting for the Lord to
come to thee, until, meeting Him, thou didst enter unto Him in everlasting joy;
and there, standing before Him, thou prayest that He grant us a life of holiness
and a Christian end.
Glory ..., in Tone II:
Rejoice, O Demetrius, thou boast of hierarchs, glory of priests, rule of monks
and confirmation of the Church.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone VI:
Today the Tree hath appeared! Today the Jewish race hath perished! Today the
Faith is made manifest by faithful hierarchs. Adam fell because of a tree, but the
demons are made to tremble again by the Tree. O almighty Lord, glory to Thee!
After "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart ...";
The troparion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
O lover of Orthodoxy and uprooter of schism, healer of Russia and new
advocate before God: by thy writings thou didst heal the minds of the foolish. O
blessed Demetrius, thou harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls may
be saved.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve
Thy commonwealth.
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera: 4 of the feast, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...'':
Raised on high, * the Cross exhorteth all creation * to hymn the all-pure
Passion * of Him that was lifted up thereon. * For thereon having slain him that
slew us, * in that He is merciful, * He gave life unto the dead, * and in the exceed-
ing greatness of His goodness * He hath made them beautiful and vouchsafed
them to live in the heavens. * Wherefore, rejoicing, * we exalt His name, * and
magnify His extreme condescension. (Twice)
Moses prefigured Thee, * stretching forth his arms on high, * and vanquished
the tyrant Amalek, * O precious Cross, boast of the faithful, * confirmation of
sufferers, * savior of all the venerable. * Wherefore, creation, * beholding thee
lifted up, is gladdened, and keepeth festival, glorifying Christ, * Who through thee
hath gathered the dispersed * in His extreme goodness.
O most precious Cross, * who art today exalted, lie and about whom the ranks
of angels stand in gladness, * by divine command thou dost uplift all * who for
the stealing of the fruit were driven out and were sunk in death. * Wherefore, we,
the faithful, * venerating thee with hearts and lips, * derive from thee sancti-
fication, and cry aloud: Exalt ye Christ, the all-good God, * and worship His
divine footstool.
And 4 stichera of the saint:
In the same tone: On earth, O holy Demetrius, thou didst strive to make that
which is more base subject to that which is higher, and to enslave the flesh to the
spirit; wherefore, thou didst receive the arch pastoral staff, wherewith thou didst
shepherd well those who were right submissive, and didst drive far away the
disobedient. And now thou standest in the heavens as a priest, joining chorus
with the angels.
During thy lifetime, O holy hierarch Demetrius, thou didst gird thy loins with
love, and, putting trust in Christ on thy feet as shoes, thou didst adorn the lamp
of faith with the oil of good works; wherefore, thou hast entered into the bridal-
chamber of heaven with the wise, where, standing before Christ the Master, do
thou pray that, when the cry cometh at midnight, we may be ready to go forth to
meet Him.
In Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
Having adorned thy soul with the virtues, and finished the race of this
transitory life in the fear of God, thou hast found grace before God, O holy
Demetrius; and, standing now before the throne of the Lord, pray thou that our
souls be saved.
O good shepherd, fervent emulator of the Good Shepherd, the Son of God:
hearken to us sinners, who call thine unceasing mediation to our aid, and entreat
the most merciful God in our behalf, that we may escape all evils and perils, and
may receive eternal blessedness, O holy hierarch Demetrius, that with thee we
may glorify and hymn the Holy Trinity.
Glory ..., in the same tone:
With praises let us bless the holy hierarch Demetrius, the great bishop, the
Chrysostom of Russia, who, having been made a chosen vessel of the most Holy
Spirit, hath been shown to be a member of the choir of the friends of God! And
he prayeth that peace and length of days be granted to all Orthodox Christians,
victory and triumph over their enemies, might to their native lands, and great
mercy to the world.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone II:
Come, all ye nations, let us worship the blessed Tree whereby everlasting
righteousness hath come to be; for he who by the tree deceived our forefather
Adam, is himself deceived by the Cross, and he who by tyranny heldeth fast the
royal house, falleth, cast down by a strange fall. By the Blood of God the venom
of the serpent is washed away, and the curse of the just condemnation was lifted
by the Righteous One when He was condemned by an unjust sentence; for it was
fitting that the tree be healed by a Tree, and that, by the sufferings of the
Dispassionate One on the Tree, the sufferings of the condemned be loosed.
Glory, O Christ our King, to Thy wise dispensation toward us, whereby Thou
hast saved all, in that Thou art good and lovest mankind.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM PROVERBS
The memory of the just is praised, and the blessing of the Lord is upon his
head. Blessed is the man who hath found wisdom, and the mortal who knoweth
prudence. For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver.
And she is more valuable than precious stones: no precious thing is equal to her
in value. For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her
left hand are wealth and glory: out of her mouth righteousness proceedeth, and
she carrieth law and mercy upon her tongue. Hearken to me, O children, for I
will speak solemn truths. Blessed is the man who shall keep my ways; for my
outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favor from the Lord.
Ye, O men, do I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men. I, wisdom, have
built up; upon counsel, knowledge and understanding have I called. Counsel and
safety are mine; prudence is mine, and strength is mine. I love those that love
me; they that seek me shall find grace. O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye
that are untaught, imbibe knowledge. Hearken unto me again; for I will speak
solemn truths. For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomina-
tion before me. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing
in them wrong or perverse. They are all evident to those that understand, and
right to those that find knowledge. For I will instruct you in truth, that your hope
may be in the Lord, and ye may be filled with the Spirit.
A READING FROM PROVERBS
The mouth of the righteous droppeth wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust
shall perish. The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is
perverse. False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is
acceptable unto Him. Wherever pride entereth, there will also disgrace, but the
mouth of the humble doth meditate wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall
guide them, but the overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them. Possessions
shall not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death.
When a just man dieth, he leaveth regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is
speedy and causeth joy. Righteousness traceth out blameless paths: but
ungodliness encountereth unjust dealing. The righteousness of upright men
delivereth them: but transgressors are caught in their own destruction. At the
death of a just man his hope doth not perish: but the boast of the ungodly
perisheth. A righteous man escapeth from a snare, and the ungodly man is
delivered up in his place. In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare for citizens: but
the understanding of righteous men is prosperous. In the prosperity of righteous
men a city prospereth, but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation. At
the blessing of the upright a city shall be exalted, but by the mouths of ungodly
men it is overthrown. A man void of understanding sneereth at his fellow
citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.
READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON.
When the righteous is praised, the people will rejoice; for his memory is
immortality, because it is known with God, and with men; for his soul pleased
the Lord. Love wisdom, therefore, O men, and live; desire her, and ye shall be
instructed. For the beginning of her is love and the observation of the law.
Honor wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore. I will tell you, and will not hide
from you the mysteries of God, for he it is who is the instructor of wisdom, the
director of the wise, the master of all understanding and activity. And wisdom
teacheth all understanding; for in her is a spirit understanding and holy, the
brightness of the everlasting light, and the image of the goodness of God. She
maketh friends of God, and prophets; she is more beautiful than the sun, and
above all the constellations of the stars; compared with the light, she is found
pre-eminent. She hath delivered from pain them that please her, and guided
them in right paths, given them knowledge of holy things, defended them from
their enemies, and given them a mighty struggle, that they might all know that
godliness is stronger than all; vice shall never prevail against wisdom, neither
shall judgment pass away without convicting the evil. For they said to
themselves, reasoning unrighteously: Let us oppress the righteous man, let us not
spare his holiness, neither need we be ashamed of the ancient gray hairs of the
aged, for our strength shall be a law unto us; let us lie in wait for the righteous,
for he is displeasing to us, opposeth our doings, upbraideth us with our offending
the law, and denounceth to our infamy the transgressions of our training. He
professeth to have the knowledge of God, and calleth himself the child of the Lord.
He is become a reproof to our thoughts, and is grievous even for us to behold; for his
life is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion. We are accounted by him
as a mockery and he avoideth our ways as filth, and pronounceth the end of the just
to be blessed. Let us see if his words be true; let us test what things happen to him.
Let us examine him with mockery and torture, that we may know his meekness and
prove his forbearance. Let us condemn him with a shameful death, for by his own
words shall he be visited. Such things did they imagine, and were deceived; for their
own wickedness blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not;
neither bethought they that Thou alone art God, who hast the power of lIfe and
death, savest in time of tribulation and deliverest from all evil; who art compassionate
and merciful, givest grace to Thy saints and opposest the prideful with Thine own
arm.
At Litia, these stichera of the saint, in Tone VI:
Come, ye councils of the Orthodox, let us hymn the holy hierarch who hath
guided us to the knowledge of God by his teaching, the all wondrous well-spring of
wonders, the all-radiant beacon of the Church, the all-wise teacher of Rostov, the all-
beauteous adornment of all Russia; for he delivereth us from all evil temptations and
misfortunes, and prayeth for our souls.
Thou didst tend the flock of the reason endowed sheep of Christ well on the
pasture of piety, O hierarch; wherefore, forsake not the children of thy Church after
thy repose, but visit them; and, standing with the hierarchs before the Holy Trinity,
pray that all be saved who with love honor the uncovering of thy precious relics, O
all-praised Demetrius.
The Lord hath glorified thee with signs and wonders, O holy hierarch Demetrius'
for thou drivest away evil spirits, healest the' passions and enlightenest the souls of
the faithful who have recourse to thy holy tomb O converser with the angels, peer of
the apostles, champion of Orthodoxy, who art equally enthroned with the hierarchs.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
The city hath been sanctified! The nations have been blessed! The Church of the
firstborn joineth chorus in the spirit, O hierarch Demetrius, and the people cry out at
the uncovering of thy precious relics: Thou art our confirmation, and in thee do we
boast! Pray thou, that all who ever glorify the uncovering of thy holy relics with love
may be saved.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in Tone IV:
Moses, prefiguring the activity of the precious Cross, O Christ, vanquished
Amalek his adversary in the wilderness of Sinai; for when he stretched out his arms,
forming the image of the Cross, he strengthened the people. And now these events
have found their fulfillment in us: today the Cross is elevated and the demons flee,
today all creation is freed from corruption, for gifts have shone forth upon us because
of the Cross. Wherefore, rejoicing, we all fall down before it, saying: Glory to Thee,
O Lord, for Thy works are magnified!
At the Aposticha, these stichera of the feast, in Tone V1:
Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice ...":
Rejoice, thou Life-bearing Cross, invincible victory of piety, door to paradise,
confirmation of the faithful, rampart of the Church, whereby corruption hath been
utterly destroyed, the dominion of death trampled down, and we have been lifted up
from earth to them that are in Heaven, invincible weapon, contender against the
demons, glory of the martyrs, true adornment of the venerable, haven of salvation,
which grantest the world great mercy.
Stichos: Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet, for it
is holy.
Rejoice, thou Cross of the Lord, whereby mankind hath been loosed from the
curse, all-honorable standard of joy which disperseth the enemy in thine exaltation,
our helper, might of kings, strength of the righteous, splendor of priests, which, when
traced, doth deliver from misfortune, staff of power whereby we are tended, weapon
of peace which the angels surround with fear, divine glory of Christ Who granteth the
world great mercy.
Stichos: God is our King before the ages; He hath wrought salvation in the
midst of the earth.
Rejoice, thou guide of the blind, physician of the ailing, resurrection of all the
dead, which hast raised us up who had fallen into corruption, O precious Cross,
whereby the curse was annulled and incorruption budded forth, and the earthly
have been deified, and the devil utterly cast down! Beholding thee raised on high
today in the hands of the high priest, we exalt Him that was exalted in thy midst,
and bow down before thee, plenteously drawing forth from thee great mercy.
Glory ..., of the saint, in Tone IV:
Let us rejoice, ye councils of Russia, rendering praise and blessing to
Demetrius, the wonderworker of Rostov; for he labored greatly for us in the
writing of spiritually profitable books, whereby those who have wandered from
the true path of piety are directed to the Truth, and the hearts of the Orthodox
are made steadfast in the right Faith. To him let us cry aloud: O allwise teacher,
entreat Christ, that instructed by thy doctrine, we may receive everlasting life.
Now & ever ..., the composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
That which Moses prefigured with his body of old cast down and vanquished
Amalek; and David the psalmist, crying out, hath commanded us to bow down
before Thy footstool, Thy precious Cross, O Christ God. Today we sinners also
do homage with our unworthy lips to Thee Whose will it was to be nailed thereto;
and, chanting, we pray: O Lord, vouchsafe that with the thief we may receive Thy
kingdom!
At the blessing of the loaves, the troparion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
O lover of Orthodoxy and uprooter of schism, healer of Russia and new
advocate before God, by thy writings thou didst heal the minds of the foolish. O
blessed Demetrius, thou harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls may
be saved. (Twice)
And the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve
Thy commonwealth. (Once)
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve
Thy commonwealth. (Twice)
Glory ..., that of the saint, in Tone VIII:
O lover of Orthodoxy and uprooter of schism, healer of Russia and new
advocate before God, by thy writings thou didst heal the minds of the foolish. O
blessed Demetrius, thou harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls may
be saved.
Now & ever ..., that of the feast;
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion of the feast, in Tone VI:
No sooner was the tree of Thy Cross planted, O Christ our Lord, than the
foundations of death were shaken. That which Hades swallowed greedily it
spewed forth, trembling. Thou hast revealed to us Thy salvation, O Holy One,
and we glorify Thee. O Son of God, have mercy upon us!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "When the stone had been sealed ...":
We bow down before the tree of Thy Cross, O Thou Who lovest mankind, for
Thou wast nailed thereto, O Life of all. Thou didst open paradise to the thief who
approached Thee with faith, O Savior, and he was vouchsafed sweetness for
confessing Thee: "Remember me, O Lord!" Accept us like him, for we cry: We
have all sinned! Disdain us not, for Thou art compassionate!
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VI:
Today the words of the prophet have been fulfilled! For, behold! we bow
down before the place where Thy feet stood, O Lord, and, receiving the Tree of
salvation, we have achieved liberation from sinful passions through the sup-
plications of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Of old, Joshua, the son of Nun, mystically prefigured the image of the Cross
when he stretched forth his arms in the form of the Cross, O my Savior; and the
sun stood still until he had cast down all the enemy which was opposed to Thee,
O God. And now Thou hast raised with Thee the whole world, which saw Thee
set upon the Cross, destroying the might of death.
Polyeleos, and this Magnification: We magnify thee, O holy hierarch father
Demetrius, and we honor thy holy memory; for thou entreatest Christ God for
us.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
B: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of
understanding.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia ..., (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VII:
Like a palm-tree hast thou blossomed forth from the earth in incorruption, and
like the cedar in Lebanon hast thou been multiplied in miracles; thou hast been
exalted in revelation, standing like a city upon a mountaintop, and like a lamp hast
shone forth in thy memory as from under a bushel. And all of us, beholding the
things fulfilled in. thee, glorify Him Who hath so magnified thee among His saints. As
thou hast boldness before Christ the Lord, pray thou, O Demetrius manifest in
holiness, that He save and enlighten our souls.
Glory ..., in the same tone:
Thou didst shine forth in thy virtuous life, O holy hierarch Demetrius, adorning
thy ways with· beauty, abstinence and lovingkindness, and adorning the Church of
Christ with thy golden-worded teachings. Wherefore, standing before the throne of
the Almighty, O ever-memorable one, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of
sins unto those who with love celebrate thy most honored memory.
Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "That which was mystically commanded ...":
Of old, in paradise, a tree stripped me naked, the enemy bringing about mortality
through eating; but the tree of the Cross, bearing for men the vesture of life, hath
been planted in the ground, and the whole world hath been filled with all manner of
joy. Beholding it uplifted, O ye people, let us cry out to God together: Fill Thou Thy
house with glory!
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of
my heart shall be of understanding.
Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 35 [JN. 10: 1-8]
The Lord said to the Jews that came to Him: "Verily, verily, I say unto you: He
that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the
same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of
the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his
own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep,
he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a
stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice
of strangers." This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what
things they were which He spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again:
''Verily, verily, I say unto you: I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came
before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them."
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
O holy hierarch Demetrius, thou good and faithful servant, who increased the
talant entrusted to thee by thy Master: grace hath poured forth in thy lips, for
with thy teachings thou hast adorned the Church, hast made plain the truth of
Orthodoxy, and hast put the thoughts of the schismatics to shame. Wherefore,
after thy departure, as during thy lifetime, strive thou that, convinced by thy
miracles, the vain-minded may come to their senses and with us glorify God in
three Hypostases.
ODE I
Canon of the feast, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos, in Tone VIII:
Irmos: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red Sea for
Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow, he
brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Of old, Moses, standing between the priests, prefigured in himself the image of
Christ's most pure sufferings; for, forming a cross with his outstretched arms, he
raised up victory, vanquishing the might of the tyrant Amalek. Wherefore, let us
hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Upon a pole did Moses set the cure of the deadly and venomous sting of the
serpents, and the deliverance therefrom; for to the tree, in the image of the Cross,
he bound a serpent which crawleth upon the ground, triumphing over the sinister
bane therein. Wherefore, let us hymn Christ God, for He hath been glorified.
The sky showed forth the victory of the Cross to the divinely wise Emperor
Constantine, the pious ruler; and therein the audacity of the hostile foe was cast
down, delusion was destroyed and the divine Faith spread to the ends of the
earth. Wherefore let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
Canon of the saint, with 8 troparia, in Tone VI:
Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing
the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a
hymn of victory!
Standing before the Holy Trinity with the angelic ranks, O great hierarch
Demetrius, pray for us sinners, that we may receive the remission of our sins.
Having enslaved thy body to thy spirit by all manner of asceticism and
abstinence, and achieved incorruption in the body, imparting a healing power to
its essential clay, O holy father, teach us also not to serve mammon.
Tending the flock entrusted to thee by Christ, the Chief Shepherd, and driving
the soul-destroying wolves away from the fold by thy divinely inspired teachings,
O holy hierarch Demetrius, look down now and see that vain minded schisms in
nowise disturb the tranquility of the Church. And entreat God Who loveth
mankind, that we may all, with one mouth and one heart, praise His
lovingkindness.
Theotokion: Understanding thee to be chosen and most pure, O most
immaculate one, the Son of God became thy Son, and hath made children
through grace those who honor thee as the Theotokos.
Katavasia: Tracing an upright line with his staff, Moses divided the Red
Sea for Israel which was traveling on foot; and striking it a transverse blow,
he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, thereby
inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, let us hymn
Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.
ODE III
Irmos: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by its
budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
The rough stone, struck, put forth water for a disobedient and hard-hearted
people, and showed forth the mystery of the divinely elect Church, whereof the
Cross is the might and confirmation.
When Christ's all-pure side was pierced by the spear, blood and water flowed
therefrom, renewing the covenant and washing sin away, for the Cross is the
boast of the faithful, the might and confirmation of kings.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the
horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee,
O Good One.
Established firmly upon the rock of the Faith of Christ, thou wast firm in the
confession of Orthodoxy, and didst unceasingly denounce the ungodly.
Thou didst not cease to call out for the lost sheep of the flock of Christ, reproving,
entreating and counseling them, even though not all heeded thy voice.
The children of the Church who had remained unshaken within the bosom thereof
didst thou encourage; and we, attending to thy teachings with sweetness, cry aloud:
There is none more holy than our God!
Theotokion: O pure and most immaculate one, thou gavest birth unto Him Who
delivereth men from disobedience and by His blood hath washed away the ancestral
sin of Adam.
Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is taken to be an image of the mystery, for by
its budding forth it chose one priest over others; and for the Church, which
before was barren, the tree of the Cross hath now budded forth, for her
might and confirmation.
Kontakion of the Cross, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions upon
the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy power
Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they have as an
ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Ikos: He that was caught up to the third heaven of paradise and heard unspeakable
and divine words which the human tongue cannot utter, what writeth he to the
Galatians, which, as lovers of the Scriptures, ye have both read and come to
understand? God forbid, saith he, that I should glory, save only in the Cross of the
Lord, whereon having suffered He slew the passions. Let us all then firmly hold this
boast, the Cross of the Lord; for this Wood is our salvation, the invincible trophy, the
weapon of peace.
Sedalion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
Emulating the holiness of the fathers of old, when thou wast eight years of age
thou didst dedicate thy life to the service of God; wherefore, thou becamest a great
monk, priest, teacher, and hierarch, and now a wonderworker and advocate for our
souls.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Sedalion of the feast, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
Rejoicing in thee, O thrice blessed and life-bestowing Cross, the people celebrate
together with the immaterial choirs, the ranks of hierarchs reverently hymn thee,-
multitudes of monastics and fasters bow down before thee in adoration, and we all
glorify Christ Who was crucified on thee.
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Of old, Moses transformed with a tree the bitter springs in the desert, showing
forth the conversion of the gentiles to piety through the Cross.
Jordan, having hidden in its depths an axe-head, gave it forth again through the
power of a stick, signifying the cutting off of deception by the Cross and baptism.
In a sacred manner did the people encamp in four divisions; and preceding in this
fashion the tabernacle of the witness, they were glorified in the cross-like formation
of their ranks.
Wondrously stretched forth, the Cross emitted rays like the sun's, and the heavens
declared the glory of our God.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth
sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the
Lord.
Nurtured from childhood in goodly learning, thou didst not turn the acuity of thy
mind to vain-minded ideas, O holy hierarch Demetrius, but to the edification and
confirmation of the Orthodox, and to the reproof and chastisement of the inveterate.
Wherefore, thou wast shown to be a worthy successor of the throne of the apostles.
The healing shrine of thy relics poureth forth inexhaustible healing, and those who
have recourse unto them with faith find deliverance from evils.
For the love which thou didst cherish for Christ and the saints thou hast been
glorified with the gift of miracles and healings; wherefore, we bow down before thee
and beseech thee as a favorite and friend of God, that thou reo member us in thy
holy prayers before Him.
Theotokion: Entreat God Who loveth mankind for us, O all-holy Mistress, that
He remember not our iniquities, but that He rather deal with us according to His
mercy.
Katavasia: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
ODE V
Irmos: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified, and
whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was beguiled by
thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our souls!
O ever-hymned Tree, whereon Christ was stretched: the whirling sword which
guarded Eden stood in awe of thee, O Cross, and the dread cherubim withdrew,
when Christ was nailed to thee, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
The adverse powers of the nether world are stricken with fear when the sign of the
Cross is traced in the air in which they live, as are the generations of the earthborn
and the heavenly, who bend the knee to Christ, Who granteth peace unto our souls.
Having shone forth a divine light and revealed itself in rays of incorruption unto
the benighted gentiles astray in error, the divine Cross acquireth them for Christ Who
was nailed thereto, and granteth peace unto our souls.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at
dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to
be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.
O holy hierarch of Christ, preserve thy homeland un-assailed by the enemy, and
grant victory and triumph over its adversaries to our civil authorities.
O Demetrius, favorite of God, protect us from all the machinations of the wicked
devil, that we may traverse the path of this life without stumbling, in fulfillment of the
commandments of God.
O father Demetrius, burn away the darkness of sin from the eyes of our souls, and
enlighten us with the knowledge of the will of God, that we may finish our race well
in the light of His commandments.
Theotokion: O immaculate Virgin who gayest birth to the true Light, shine upon
us the light of divine knowledge, for our salvation.
Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, whereon the King and Lord was crucified,
and whereby he who beguiled mankind by the tree did fall! He was beguiled
by thee, when God was nailed in the flesh, Who granteth peace unto our souls!
ODE VI
Irmos: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in. the belly of the sea
monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing forth after
three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of Christ God, Who
was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising on the third
day.
Bent with age and weighted down with infirmity, Jacob drew himself up when he
crossed his arms, showing forth the power of the life-bearing Cross; for God Who
was nailed in the flesh hath set aright the obsolescence of the law of the Scripture
which was written in shadows, and hath dispelled the soul-destroying disease of
deception.
Divine Israel, laying his hands cross-wise upon the heads of the young, revealed
that the people who hath the honor of being the elder is a slave to the law.
Wherefore, when suspected of erring in so doing, he did not alter the life-bearing
image, for, he said, protected by the Cross, the newly established people of Christ
God surpass them.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O
greatly Merciful One!
With the eye of thy compassion look upon the billows of sin which assail us, O
holy hierarch of Christ, and guide our voyage to the calm haven of the lovingkindness
of God.
O father Demetrius, be thou for us a good helmsman, and leave us not to perish in
our sins, but as thou thyself wast tempted therein as a man, help us who are tempted,
O holy Demetrius, and be thou a helper and mediator for us before the greatly
merciful God, that He lead our life up from corruption.
Theotokion: With mouth and heart we magnify thee, the Mother of God. Do
thou, who hast reconciled the whole human race with God, deprive us not of thine
aid.
Katavasia: Stretching forth his arms in the form of a cross in. the belly of the
sea monster, Jonah clearly prefigured the saving Passion. And, issuing forth
after three days, he foreshadowed the transcendent resurrection of Christ God,
Who was nailed in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising on the
third day.
Kontakion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
Let us bless Demetrius, the golden-worded teacher, the star of Russia, who
shone forth from Kiev, and through Novgorod and Seversky reached Rostov,
and hath illumined the whole land with his teachings and miracles; for he wrote
down for all those things which are for our edification, that, like Paul, he might
win all for Christ, and save our souls through the right Faith.
Ikos: It becometh the righteous in heaven who rejoice over the repentant, and
us sinners on earth, to rejoice over thee, O righteous Demetrius; for we have
acquired thee as a new advocate before God for us. And blessing Him with fitting
praises, in joy we cry out thus: Rejoice, O boast of Rostov and praise of all
Russia!
ODE VII
Irmos: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth threats
and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet the
three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring blaze;
but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon it, they
sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The first man, tasting of the tree, made his abode in corruption; for, having
condemned himself by an inglorious rejection of life, he imparted a certain taint
as a corruption to the whole race. But we mortals, gaining utterance through the
tree of the Cross, cry out: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Disobedience violated the commandment of God, and the tree brought death
to man by its being partaken of unseasonably, for, for the preservation of that
which is most precious, the tree of life was forbidden; but God disclosed it to the
hapless thief who cried out rightly: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art
Thou!
Israel, foreseeing things to come, laid hold of the tip of Joseph's staff, revealing
beforehand that the most glorious Cross would seize the power of the kingdom,
for it is the victorious boast of kings and a light for those who cry out with faith:
O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious
youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldeans,
prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our
fathers!
For the sake of the humility of Christ, thou wast shown to be a model of
humility, O holy Demetrius. Grant that I may cry out, not in pride, hut in
humility: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Through abstinence thou didst make thy body subject to thy spirit, O holy
hierarch Demetrius. Grant that I may live in abstinence, that I may cry aloud with
undefiled lips: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
By thy teachings, O father Demetrius, thou directest our thoughts; and,
emulating thee, we chant unto God: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Theotokion: O all-pure Virgin, Thou didst conceive the unoriginate God in thy
womb, Whom we hymn, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Katavasia: The mad command of the impious tyrant, breathing forth
threats and blasphemy hateful to God, cast the people into confusion. Yet
the three children feared not the fury of the wild beasts, nor the roaring
blaze; but, in the midst of the fire, when the dew-bearing wind blew upon
it, they sang: O all-hymned God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Irmos: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the Father
and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed the fire
into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
O hosts of heaven, chant ye to the exalted Tree which was drenched in the
blood of God the Word incarnate, celebrating the restoration of those on earth.
Ye people, worship the Cross of Christ, whereby the resurrection of the world is
accomplished forever!
O ye mortal stewards of grace, in sacred manner raise on high with your hands
the Cross whereon Christ God stood and the spear which pierced the body of
God the Word, that all the nations may see the salvation which is of God,
glorifying Him forever!
O faithful Christian kings, forechosen by divine decree, be ye glad! And having
received from God the precious Cross, rejoice in it, the weapon of victory, for
thereby tribes of warriors seeking courage are scattered abroad forever.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones,
and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou,
O Christ, dost do all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt su-
premely for all ages!
Thou art our good teacher, O father Demetrius, crying out to all who heed thy
teaching: Exalt Christ supremely forever!
O divinely wise hierarch, most blessed Demetrius, by thy supplication and thy
philanthropic love for us entreat God Who loveth mankind in our behalf, for we
exalt Him supremely for all ages.
Thou didst overturn the wickedly harmful reasoning of the vain-minded, O
holy Demetrius, and didst instruct the faithful to remain steadfast in the true
Faith, crying out: Exalt Christ supremely forever!
Theotokion: O Virgin, we piously hymn thy supernatural and wondrous
birthgiving, exalting Christ supremely forever.
Katavasia: O children equal in number to the Trinity: bless ye God, the
Father and Creator; hymn ye the Word Who came down and transformed
the fire into dew; and the all-holy Spirit, Who giveth life unto all, exalt ye
supremely forever!
We do not sing the Magnificat before ODE IX, but chant instead the refrain of the
feast:
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
Then we chant the Irmos of Canon I: "O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise ..."
The second choir likewise chanteth the refrain and the Irmos. The refrain is chanted
before each of the 6 troparia of Canon I.
ODE IX
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did put
forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning-Christ Who was stretched out upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Then the refrain of Canon II:
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of the
Lord!
And the Irmos of Canon II: "Death, which came upon our race ..." The second choir
likewise chanteth the refrain and the Irmos.
The refrain is chanted before each of the 6 troparia of Canon II.
Canon II
Irmos: Death, which came upon our race through the eating of the tree,
hath been abolished by the Cross today; for the curse of our first mother,
which fell upon us all, hath been annulled through the Offspring of the
pure Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven magnify.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of the
Lord!
Thou didst not permit the murderous bitterness of the tree still to remain, O
Lord, for thou didst utterly destroy it by the Cross. Wherefore, by a tree Thou
didst once sweeten the bitterness of the waters of Marah, prefiguring the activity
of the Cross, which all the hosts of heaven magnify.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of the
Lord!
Those who are continually sunk in the darkness of our forefather, Thou hast
raised up by the Cross today, O Lord; for though our nature was brought low
through deceit and great lack of restraint, the light of Thy Cross hath again guided
all of us aright, which we, the faithful, magnify.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of the
Lord!
That Thou mightest show forth to the world the image of the Cross venerated
among all, O Lord, Thou didst trace its outline in the heavens, in that it is all-
glorious, radiant with boundless light: the invincible weapon for the emperor.
Wherefore, all the hosts of heaven magnify Thee.
Canon of the Holy Hierarch
Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of
angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word
appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of
heaven, we call thee blessed.
Enjoying the everlasting life for which thou didst diligently struggle, O father, pray
thou that we also may attain unto it.
Even though thou hast passed from us to the heavens, O holy hierarch Demetrius,
yet dost thou abide in spirit with those who call upon thee, teaching and
strengthening them, that they may tread the path of the saving commandments of
God.
Thou hast been shown to be a most radiant beacon of piety, a most excellent
rhetor, and the adornment of Orthodox hierarchs. Wherefore, as is meet, we magnify
thee with heartfelt love.
Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, with the holy hierarch Demetrius beseech God,
the Lover of mankind, Whom thou didst bear, that He save our souls.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the all-honored Cross of the Lord!
Katavasia I: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical paradise, which, untilled, did
put forth Christ, by Whom the life-bearing tree of the Cross was planted.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee.
Refrain: Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-creating Cross of the
Lord!
Katavasia II: Death, which came upon our race through the eating of the
tree, hath been abolished by the Cross today; for the curse of our first
mother, which fell upon us all, hath been annulled through the Offspring
of the pure Mother of God, whom all the hosts of heaven magnify.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "When the disciples ...":
The Cross is the guardian of the whole world! The Cross is the beauty of the
Church! The Cross is the dominion of kings! The Cross is the confirmation of the
faithful! The Cross is the glory of the angels and the wounding of the demons!
(Twice)
Glory ...Exapostilarion of the saint:
O our God, Who settest the bounds of the nations according to the number of
Thine angels, and assemblest Thy Church from the scattered children of Adam, Thou
dost therein multiply Thy saints like the stars in heaven, among which the memory of
Thy holy hierarch Demetrius hath shone forth. For his sake enlighten souls darkened
by schismatic vain-mindedness, that together we may cry out to Thee the threefold
hymn: Alleluia!
Now & ever ...another Exapostilarion of the feast:
Spec. Mel.: "Hearken ye women ...":
Today is the Cross raised on high, and the world is sanctified; for He that sitteth
with the Father and the Holy Spirit stretched out his arms thereon. It hath brought
the whole world to the knowledge of Thee, O Christ. Therefore, to them that hope in
Thee do Thou vouchsafe divine glory.
On the Praises, 6 stichera: 3 of the feast, in Tone VIII:
O all-glorious wonder! * the Life-bearing Tree, * the all-holy Cross * is revealed
today lifted up on high. * All the ends of the earth glorify it, * and the hordes of the
demons are affrighted. * O what a gift hath been given to mortals! * Thereby, O
Christ, save Thou our souls, * in that Thou alone art compassionate.
O All-glorious wonder! * The Cross which bore the Most High * like a cluster of
grapes full of life * is seen today lifted up from the earth. * Thereby have we all been
drawn to God, * and death hath been utterly slain. * O the all-precious Tree *
whereby we have received the food of immortality in Eden, * glorifying Christ!
O all-glorious wonder! * The length and height of the Cross * is equal to heaven! *
For it sanctifieth all things with grace divine. * In it are the barbarian nations
vanquished. * In it are the scepters of kings made firm. * O divine ladder, * whereby
we ascend to the heavens, * exalting Christ the Lord in hymns!
And 3 of the saint, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
From thy youth thou didst wholly take upon thyself the search for wisdom and the
fear of God, which having found thou didst not hide in the earth, like the slothful
servant; but teaching and laboring for Him Who gave thee the talant, thou didst
increase it an hundredfold, and becamest a great merchant, elucidating the Old and
New Testaments, and disclosing the depths of the meaning of the divinely written
books: and thou hast taught us also to conduct such goodly trade. Wherefore, O
Demetrius, thou good and faithful servant of God, for such treasures which thou hast
revealed unto us thou hast entered into the joy of thy Lord. (Twice)
Thou didst bind thy holy mind to the obedience of faith, that thou mightest adorn
it with good works; hence thou hast been shown to be a skillful husbandman of the
vineyard of Christ. For every branch which produced not fruit thou didst cut off by
the fear of the Lord, and therein thou didst preserve piety alone, which thou didst
hedge round about with the dogmas of the Church, and which thou didst strengthen
within by the tower of Orthodoxy, wholly filling the wine-vats thereof with thy
teachings. Wherefore, O holy Demetrius who loved the works of faith, visit now the
vineyard which the right hand of the Most High hath planted, that it may produce the
grapes of salvation.
Glory ..., of the saint, in the same tone:
Sing unto the Lord a new song, O Russia! Praise thy God, O city of Rostov! For
the Most High hath been well-pleased to give us the new wonderworker Demetrius,
to whom witness is borne by all and by the truth itself. And honoring his memory
among the saints, let us, elders and the young, praise and magnify our God, Who hath
granted His favored one to shine forth upon us in holy incorruption and the working
of miracles.
Now & ever ..., of the feast, in the Tone VI:
Today the Cross of the Lord cometh forth; and the faithful receive it with desire,
and they derive healings of soul and body, and every pang. Let us venerate it with joy
and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of our sins; and with joy, because of
the salvation which is granted to the world by Christ God, Who hath great mercy, and
Who was nailed to it.
Great Doxology, Troparion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
O lover of Orthodoxy and uprooter of schism, healer of Russia and new
advocate before God, by thy writings thou didst heal the minds of the foolish. O
blessed Demetrius, thou harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls may
be saved.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., that of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve
Thy commonwealth.
Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode IX of the canon of the feast; and 4 from
Ode VI of the canon of the saint.
Let all the trees of the forests rejoice, for their nature hath been sanctified by
Him Who planted them in the beginning-Christ Who was stretched out upon the
Tree. Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
A sacred horn hath been lifted up, the chief horn for all the divinely wise: the
Cross, whereby all the horns of the sinful are noetically broken asunder.
Wherefore, worshiping it as it is now raised aloft, we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
That Thou mayest show the Cross to the world, O worshipful Lord and King,
in the sight of all Thou didst form its all-glorious image in the skies, radiant with
boundless light, an invincible weapon. Wherefore, all the powers of heaven
magnify Thee.
Thou didst not permit the murderous bitterness of the tree still to remain, O
Lord, for thou didst utterly destroy it by the Cross. Wherefore, by a tree Thou
didst once sweeten the bitterness of the waters of Marah, prefiguring the activity
of the Cross, which all the hosts of heaven magnify.
With the eye of thy compassion look upon the billows of sin which assail us, O
holy hierarch of Christ, and guide our voyage to the calm haven of the lovingkindness
of God.
O father Demetrius, be thou for us a good helmsman, and leave us not to perish in
our sins, but as thou thyself wast tempted therein as a man, help us who are tempted,
O holy Demetrius, and be thou a helper and mediator for us before the greatly
merciful God, that He lead our life up from corruption.
Theotokion: With mouth and heart we magnify thee, the Mother of God. Do
thou, who hast reconciled the whole human race with God, deprive us not of thine
aid.
Troparion of the feast, in Tone I:
Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant now unto the
faithful victory over adversaries, by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve
Thy commonwealth.
Troparion of the saint, in Tone VIII:
O lover of Orthodoxy and uprooter of schism, healer of Russia and new
advocate before God, by thy writings thou didst heal the minds of the foolish. O
blessed Demetrius, thou harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls may
be saved.
Kontakion of the Cross, in Tone IV:
O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy compassions upon
the new community called after Thee, O Christ God; gladden by Thy power
Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over all adversaries. May they have as an
ally the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Kontakion of the saint, in Tone VIII::
Let us bless Demetrius, the golden-worded teacher, the star of Russia, who
shone forth from Kiev, and through Novgorod and Seversky reached Rostov,
and hath illumined the whole land with his teachings and miracles; for he wrote
down for all those things which are for our edification, that, like Paul, he might
win all for Christ, and save our souls through the right Faith.

Prokimenon of the feast in Tone VI: Save O Lord, Thy people, and bless
Thine inheritance.
Prokimenon of the saint, in Tone I: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the
meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.

EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, § 318 [HEB. 7: 27-8: 2]


Brethren: Such a High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate
from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those
high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for
this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests
which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the
Son, Who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken this
is the sum: we have such a High Priest, Who is set on the right hand of the throne of
the Majesty in the heavens; a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Alleluia of the feast in Tone IV: Remember Thy congregation which Thou
hast purchased from the beginning.
Alleluia of the saint, in Tone II: The mouth of the righteous shall meditate
wisdom, and his tongue shall speak of judgment.
Stichos: The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be tripped.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 36 (JN. 10: 9-16)


The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him: "1 am the door: by Me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh
not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth,
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and
know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I
the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall
be one fold, and one Shepherd."
Communion verse of the feast: The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, hath
been signed upon us.
Communion verse of the saint: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous
be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 22nd DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR PHOCAS, BISHOP OF SINOPE
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY APOSTLE CODRATUS,
Whose Feast is transferred to this Day from the 21st of September because of the
Apodosis of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross.
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera; three to the Apostle, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Called from on high ...":
O glorious Codratus, as a sacred hierarch, as a divine preacher, as a divinely
chosen witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a co-heir of the ineffable glory
which is to be revealed, thou didst most wisely preach the sacred Gospel, O
most sacred one, and with light hast guided them that are in the darkness of
ignorance. Wherefore, joyously keeping festival, we honor thy most sacred and
holy memory, O blessed God-bearer.
Having most gloriously been taught divine things, like the sun didst thou
traverse the earth in the lightning flashes of thy preaching, O initiate of the
sacred mysteries, and didst enlighten the souls of them that were in darkness,
and thus didst drive away the prince of darkness and his terrible demons, who
could not endure the radiance, or the divine grace, or the all-accomplishing
activity of the Spirit which dwelt within thee, O sacred hierarch Codratus,
blessed intercessor for them that praise thee.
Strengthened by thy confession of God, adorned with the beauties of
wounds, driven from thine Athenian flock by wicked men, O most blessed one,
like a saving spring didst thou water the earth and didst show forth as fertile
hearts that before were frozen by the darkness of vanity, in that thou art an
apostle and a disciple of Christ, O sacred hierarch Codratus most true, thou
supplicant in behalf of them that praise thee.
And three stichera to the Hieromartyr, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Having cast down the vanity of idols by thy sacred discourse, thou didst
make steadfast unstable hearts by faith and didst guide them to life, O hierarch,
and having suffered under the law, thou didst become a martyr of the Lord, O
Phocas.
Having dyed thy sacred vesture in the blood of thy sacred body, O most
sacred father, thou didst truly receive from Christ a twofold crown, most
blessed one, and with the angels dost thou hold chorus in the heavens, praying
that we be saved.
Thou dost illumine the whole world with the rays of thy miracles, O father;
thou dost ever help them that are at sea, and dost dispel the carnal weakness of
every soul, having received grace from the Lord, O divinely blessed martyr
Phocas.
Glory ..., in Tone IV, the composition of Cyprian the Studite:
From thy childhood thou didst love the Lord, O most blessed Phocas, wise
hieromartyr, for, taking the weapon of the Cross upon thy shoulders, thou didst
unwaveringly travel the path of salvation, and by Him wast thou shown to be
one that dwelleth with the angels, an opponent of the demons, and a most
radiant intercessor for the world.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion; or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel: "Called from on high ...":
O Mother, beholding Me hanging upon the Tree, thy Son and God, Who
fixed the earth immovably upon the waters and fashioned all creation, do not
lament Me, for I shall arise and be glorified, and with might shall I lay waste to
the kingdom of hell; I shall destroy its power, and its prisoners shall I deliver
from the wickedness thereof, in that I am compassionate; and I shall lead them
to My Father, for I am the Lover of mankind.
The Aposticha stichera from the Oktoechos.
Troparion of the Apostle, in Tone III:
O holy apostle Codratus, entreat thou the merciful God, that He grant to our
souls remission of sins.
Glory ..., that of the Hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Phocas. Entreat Christ God that
our souls be saved.
AT MATINS
One canon from the Oktoechos, and two for the saints.
ODE I
Canon to the Apostle, in Tone II, the acrostic whereof is: "For thee do I weave
praise, O great Codratus ":
Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a song to Christ God, Who divided
the sea and guided the people whom He had led forth from the bondage of
Egypt, for He hath been glorified.
Bearing thy crown and standing before the King of hosts, entreat Him to
enlighten them that radiantly celebrate this thy memorial, O blessed apostle.
Building on the foundation of the faith, O thou fullness of the pious, with thy
teachings most mighty thou didst overthrow all the falsehood of idolatry.
Ministering the sacred Gospel with thy most sacred words, thou didst
consecrate souls to thy Creator through faith and the strength of the Spirit, O
ever-memorable Codratus.
Theotokion: The Fashioner of creation, born in the flesh of a Maiden that hath
not known wedlock, after her birth-giving preserved her a Virgin as she was
before giving birth, as He was well-pleased so to do.
Canon to the Hieromartyr, in Tone IV, the acrostic whereof is:
"May God grant me the gift of hymning thee, O Phocas," the composition of Joseph:
Irmos: Israel of old, having traversed the depths of the Red Sea dryshod,
conquered the power of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses' arms
outstretched to form a cross.
Enlighten thou with the luminous rays of the Spirit the soul of me who today
propose to hymn thy divine memory, O glorious one, who art shown to be a
pastor and a beholder of the Ruler of all.
Thou didst splendidly enrich the godly glory of the martyrs, adorning thyself
with pastoral beauty and dyeing thy vesture in the blood of thy sacred suffering,
O divinely blessed one.
Making thy thought firm with hopes of that which is better, a most wise one,
thou didst utterly paralyze him that is mighty in wickedness, and, a victor most
renowned, thou didst ascend with haste to the heavens, O Phocas.
Theotokion: O pure one, the proscription of our ancestors hath been
rescinded, for thou givest birth unto the pre-eternal God, Who revealeth Himself
as a little Babe and truly fashioneth all the essence of humanity anew.
ODE III
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: Establish us within Thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree,
and plant Thou the fear of Thee in the hearts of us that hymn Thee.
Working awesome wonders, O Codratus, thou didst lead unbelievers to the
divine faith, as a God-pleasing apostle, an honored hierarch, O most sacred one.
With divine teachings didst thou enlighten many, for thou didst show thyself
to be a servant of the Light, illumining the ends of the earth with divine radiance,
O sacred hierarch Codratus.
For thy flock wast thou a mediator of the greatest of blessings, rescuing it
from the darkness of unbelief and enlightening it with displays of most glorious
miracles.
Theotokion: Unbearable Fire dwelt within thee without consuming thy womb,
O Theotokos, and hath burned up our passions and reduced the filth of
deception to ashes.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my
strength, O Lord, my refuge and confirmation.
Accomplishing healings through the evocation of Christ, O venerable one,
thou didst save a city and people from the deceit of the enemy by the grace of
God.
Being a temple of God, thou didst cast down temples of idols, O martyr,
possessed of the all accomplishing power of a helper and fellow worker.
O Phocas, an army of angels and the infinite light of God became visible when
the Lord glorified thee before the judges' seats.
Theotokion: Taking flesh of thee, God united Himself to men in His loving-
kindness, and annulled the curse, O thou that alone art the all-blessed Mistress.
Kontakion of the Hieromartyr, in Tone VI:
As a hierarch that offered sacrifice, O father, thou didst ultimately offer
thyself as a living sacrifice, bearing witness under the law concerning Christ
God, strengthened by angels, assenting to death, O thou that art with them that
cry to thee: Come thou with us, O Phocas, and no one shall be against us!
Ikos: O ye that desire to live in the heavens, treading pleasure underfoot on
earth, let us cleanse our lips and purify our tongues for hymnody and praise,
that we may fittingly fashion such for the hierarch Phocas; for, having arrived
at the gates of heaven, he obtained entrance without hindrance to that which is
beyond, and doth behold the Desired One, Who is glorified by the angels.
Hence, he is able to move to compassion Him that alone is compassionate, that
He grant us healing of spiritual infirmities, in that he bore witness concerning
Him. Therefore, let us sing to him and cry out: Come thou with us, O Phocas,
and no one shall be against us!
Sedalion of the Apostle, in Tone III:
Spec. Mel.: "The beauty of thy virginity ...":
O Codratus, thou didst preach the all-unoriginate Word, Who was incarnate
in manner surpassing understanding, Him that is more comely in beauty than
the children of men. Thus, as a godly hierarch, thou didst enlighten them that
are in darkness, becoming light to the gentiles. Wherefore, keeping thy
luminous festival in faith, we hymn thee.
Glory ..., to the Hieromartyr, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy grave, O Savior ...":
Thou hast been sacredly glorified as a martyr and pastor, and, having
empurpled thy priestly vesture with blood, thou now dost stand before the
Lord. Wherefore, today the Church of God doth celebrate thy most glorious
memory, O most blessed Phocas.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O all-holy Virgin, thou hope of Christians, God, to Whom thou gavest birth
in manner transcending comprehension and recounting, do thou unceasingly
entreat, with the hosts on high, that He grant remission of sins and correction
of life unto all of us, that ever glorify thee with faith and love.
Or this Stavrotheotokion: O Christ, the all-immaculate Mother, beholding
Thee stretched out dead upon the Cross, cried out: O my Son, Who art co-
unoriginate with the Father and the Holy Spirit, what is this unutterable
dispensation, whereby Thou hast saved the work of Thine all-pure hands, O
Compassionate One?
ODE IV
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: I have heard report, O Lord, of Thy dispensation, and have
glorified Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.
Working in the field of the heart with the sickle of thy words, thou hast cut
down all the thorns of malice.
Thy tomb gusheth forth gifts of healing upon all of us that praise thee, O
sacred Codratus.
Mercifully inclining thine ear, O sacred Codratus, thou dost rescue from
odious misfortunes them that entreat thee.
Illumining with the lamps of thy words them that were benighted in
deception, thou didst consume all the underbrush of deceit.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, the Creator was incarnate of thy pure blood and
hath renewed all that had been subject to corruption.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The Church, beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, lifted up
upon the Cross, stood in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy
power, O Lord!
On the summit of the Church hath the Master set thee, O Phocas, as a most
radiant star which enlighteneth all hearts with the rays of thy sufferings and
wonders, O most sacred one.
Confessing the Master's incarnation before the tyrant's tribunal, O martyred
passion-bearer, thou didst splendidly put to shame the idols of the Hellenes and
the godlessness of polytheism.
The sea of deception harrowed by the storm of polytheism didst thou
traverse with divine guidance, O glorious one; and thou hast become a haven
most calm for all that sail.
Theotokion: O blessed Virgin, who knewest not wedlock, boast of hierarchs
and crown of all passion-bearers: from misfortunes and sorrows do thou deliver
them that hymn thee.
ODE V
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the
light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.
The most pure God, finding thy pure soul and abode of His glory, through
thee cleanseth souls which have been defiled by grievous falls into sins.
The wise Hellenes, compelled by thy wise dogmas, were prevailed upon, O
blessed one, to confess Christ the Creator, the Wisdom and Power of the
unoriginate Father.
Sacredly proclaiming the Radiance which cometh down from the Father of
lights upon men, O Codratus, thou didst enlighten the people to honor and
glorify the indivisible Trinity.
Theotokion: Thou didst give birth without seed to a Son Who was incarnate
for us in two natures and Who was born timelessly of the Father before all ages,
O pure one, for He alone is supreme.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, a Light into the world, a holy
Light which turneth from the gloom of ignorance them that hymn Thee
with faith.
Thou didst manifestly trip the steps of the enemy, directing thine own feet to
the paths of divine desire, O most sacred one.
Thy much suffering body, pierced with wounds, tore off the members of
godlessness with divine strength, O divinely blessed Phocas.
As a wholeburnt offering didst thou bring thyself to God Who offered
Himself up for our sake and hath put an end to the bloody sacrifices of idolatry,
O all-praised one.
Theotokion: O Mistress, the Wisdom of God fashioned a temple for Himself
of thy pure blood, for so He was well-pleased to do.
ODE VI
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable
abyss of Thy loving-kindness: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Thou wast a lofty heaven proclaiming the saving glory of God, in that thou
wast a divine hierarch and a glorious apostle, O Codratus.
Preaching the one unoriginate Being and the one dominion of the Godhead,
O Codratus most wise, thou didst destroy the dark madness of polytheism.
O blessed and most sacred one, thy body which now, under the law of
nature, lieth in the tomb, worketh most glorious things in manner transcending
nature, O ever-memorable Codratus.
Theotokion: He that stretched out heaven according to His will hath shown
thee to be another heaven, one on earth, O Mistress Theotokos, and through
thee He hath enlightened them that are in darkness.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: I shall sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, to Thee the
Church crieth out, cleansed of the blood of demons by the Blood which,
for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Thou didst dry up the sea of godlessness, O most wise one, gushing forth
venerable teaching as a wellspring of life; and now thou dost wash away all the
stench of the passions with showers of miracles.
Despitefully used, thou wast broken and dismembered upon a tree, O sacred
hierarch, but a voice strengthening thee from on high didst thou hear, O much-
suffering martyr.
Having emulated the sufferings of the Passionless One, O Phocas, thou dost
heal divers sufferings and dost deliver them that sail through storm and wave by
thy divine prayers unto God.
Theotokion: Like a shower was the saving Word poured forth in thine
incorrupt womb, O most holy Maiden, and with power divine He hath dried up
the streams of wickedness.
Kontakion of the Apostle, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "As first fruits ...":
As an honored and sacred hierarch and a most steadfast sufferer doth the
world offer to Thee the Apostle Codratus, O Lord, and with hymns it doth
honor his precious memory, ever entreating that remission of transgressions
thus be given unto them that hymn him, O Compassionate One.
Ikos: Let us honor the wise hierarch as a faithful pastor and teacher, for in
the meadow of suffering he hath put forth a most sacred rose and perfumed us,
the faithful, having filled the whole world with the radiance of healing and
enlightenment, with rays of miracles and virtuous works, for God hath made
him wondrous for all that honor his precious memory with hymns, in that He is
compassionate.
ODE VII
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy
three children despised the godless command, and, cast into the midst of
the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Having elevated thy mind to the First Good, thou didst become a temple of
the Trinity most divine in appearance, and by thy most exalted teachings thou
hast raised up them that are in the abyss of misery and that cry: Blessed art
Thou, O God of our fathers!
Having demolished the temples of idols with the levers of thy prayers, thou
didst raise up temples of God through the divine Spirit, O most sacred father,
and didst lead in multitudes of the saved who cried: Blessed art Thou, O God of
our fathers!
Being fiery, as thou didst ever have within thy heart the divine fire of the
Spirit, O most wise one, thou hast been seen to be a torch consuming all the
underbrush of deception and enlightening them that cry out: Blessed art Thou,
O God of our fathers!
Theotokion: Delivered by thee from the curse of our first parents, O divinely
joyous one, we know thee to be the cause of good, in that thou didst give birth
to the Word, the Cause of all, in manner surpassing all understanding and
wonder; and we cry out to thee, O most pure and blessed one, who bore God in
the flesh.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, consumed with
love of piety more than by the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the
temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Thou didst not fear the fury of the tormentors, O glorious one, but,
presiding over thy reason-endowed flock, thou didst offer thyself as a lamb to
Christ, the Chief Shepherd, O Phocas, who art glorified in martyrdom.
Thou wast tried like gold in a crucible, O martyr, cast into the midst of fiery
lime, yet in no wise consumed, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord my God, in
the temple of Thy glory!
With a divine dew, divine love, which consumed thy heart, preserved
unconsumed in the fire thee that burnest up the filth of godlessness, O glorious
hierarch.
Theotokion: O all-pure Maiden, who by thy birth-giving hast renewed all
humanity, in that thou art good, renew the putrid house of my soul with
examples of repentance.
ODE VIII
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew
children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye
works, and supremely exalt for all ages!
Having the pillars of thy soul founded upon the noetic Stone, thou didst
cause the enemies of the Lord to stumble, O blessed Codratus, and thou didst
make steadfast all that hymn and supremely exalt Christ for all ages.
Having a heart and soul adorned with the virtues, thou hast adorned souls
with the word of thy teaching, delivering all from the chaos of all idolatrous
madness, O divinely eloquent Codratus.
As a disciple of Jesus, as a radiant apostle, as a brilliant lightning flash of the
Bun of righteousness, O Codratus, sanctify them that keep thy holy memory.
Theotokion: With most sacred voices the most sacred prophets of God clearly
foretold thee as the future Mother of Him that ruleth all things, O most pure
one. Him do we bless for all ages.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the mouths of the lions in
the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched
the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Grace was poured forth into thy mouth, O Phocas; wherefore thou didst
convert peoples led astray by the counsel of the serpent, and, as a true
shepherd, thou didst lead to Christ them that cried out: Bless the Lord, all ye
works of the Lord!
The assembly of the faithful hath thee, O wise one, as an ever-vigilant
intercessor that calmest the raging waves of the sea, that subduest temptations
and deliverest from every grievous circumstance us that cry out: Bless the Lord,
O ye works of the Lord!
Thy temple doth ever pour forth streams of healing upon them that are in
need thereof, revealing itself as a haven undisturbed by waves, which driveth
away the passions from them that honor thee, O martyr, and cry out to Christ:
Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
That we may honor thy precious memory by keeping festival, O Phocas, do
thou most earnestly entreat the all-good Lord, that He grant deliverance from
vexations to us that cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: Objects of the Law prefigured thee, O all-pure one, the ark of
the covenant and the jar which contained the manna, the divine table, and,
furthermore, the candlestick of shining gold, which bore the Light of revelation
for the gentiles, Who illumineth the ends of the earth with the knowledge of
God.
ODE IX
Canon to the Apostle
Irmos: O ye faithful, let us with hymns magnify in oneness of mind the
Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew
Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption and Who was ineffably
incarnate for our sake of the holy Virgin.
Adorned in mind, thou dost stand before the comely Master as a hierarch
ever most splendid and pleasing to God, as a divine apostle, truly begging peace
for the world with all the apostles, O Codratus.
Magnesia, possessing the shrine of thy relics as a divine tabernacle, O
Codratus, lovingly draweth forth there from every benefit; and the heavenly
mansions, possessing thy soul, rejoice with all the saints.
Thy radiant day, thy light-bearing memorial, thy truly illustrious feast, hath
dawned like the sun upon all, and we faithfully celebrate it, O Codratus" asking
that through thy prayers we find remission of sins and great mercy.
Theotokion: Take pity on me, O Lord, take pity on me, when Thou wilt judge
me, and condemn me not to the fire, neither reprove me in Thy wrath, thus art
Thou entreated, O Christ, by the Virgin that bore Thee, and the multitude of
the apostles, martyrs and prophets.
Canon to the Hieromartyr
Irmos: Christ, the Cornerstone, Who hath united two disparate natures,
was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in
gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Come ye all, and with divine and sacred utterances let us celebrate most
sacredly the most sacred memory of the sacred pastor who prayeth to God, the
Benefactor, for us.
Thou didst show thyself to be consumed with zeal for the Master, O martyr,
when thou wast put into the fiery bath, wherein, in gladness, thou didst
surrender thy soul into the hands of God, O martyr.
The choirs of hierarchs, the assemblies of martyrs, the company of sacred
apostles and the souls of all the righteous, having thee in their midst, O martyr
Phocas, rejoice.
Thy memory hath spread throughout the world, illumining the souls of them
that with faith praise thy feats and struggles, and thy manifold sufferings, O
right wondrous pastor and martyr.
Theotokion: O pure one, enlighten thou my soul which hath been darkened
by sin, and by thy mediation deliver me from the everlasting flame of darkness,
that, rejoicing, I may praise thy magnificence.
Exapostilarion of the Apostle:
Spec. Mel.: "In spirit in the holy place ...":
Turning the course of thy beauteous feet, O Apostle Codratus, thou didst
ascend, rejoicing, to the heavenly path; and standing before the Trinity, thou
dost behold the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Father. Wherefore, with faith we
celebrate thy most sacred and divine memory.
Glory ..., of the Hieromartyr:
Spec. Mel.: "Heaven with stars ...":
O divinely wise father, thou didst show thyself to be the glory of hierarchs, a
defender of the poor and a pillar of the virtues. Wherefore, remember us that hymn
thee, O Phocas.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Thee do all we sinners have as an intercessor, O most holy Virgin. By thy maternal
supplications hast thou rendered thy Son easily reconciled unto us.
AT LITURGY
Troparion of the Apostle, in Tone III:
O holy apostle Codratus, entreat thou the merciful God, that He grant to our
souls remission of sins.
Troparion of the Hieromartyr, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Phocas. Entreat Christ God that
our souls be saved.
Kontakion of the Hieromartyr, in Tone VI:
As a hierarch that offered sacrifice, O father, thou didst ultimately offer
thyself as a living sacrifice, bearing witness under the law concerning Christ
God, strengthened by angels, assenting to death, O thou that art with them that
cry to thee: Come thou with us, O Phocas, and no one shall be against us!
Kontakion of the Apostle, in Tone VIII:
As an honored and sacred hierarch and a most steadfast sufferer doth the
world offer to Thee the Apostle Codratus, O Lord, and with hymns it doth
honor his precious memory, ever entreating that remission of transgressions
thus be given unto them that hymn him, O Compassionate One.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto
me?
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE HEBREWS [4:14-5:3]
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus
the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted
like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. For every high
priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that
he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: who can have compassion on the
ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed
with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself,
to offer for sins.
Alleluia, in Tone II: Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy
righteous shall rejoice.
Stichos: For the Lord hath elected Sion, He hath chosen her to be a habitation
for Himself.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN [10:9-16]
I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and
out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth
the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and
scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for
the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As
the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the
sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 1st SATURDAY FOLLOWING THE APODOSIS OF THE EXALTATION
OF THE CROSS, IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
(SATURDAY ON OR AFTER 22 SEPTEMBER)
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE FATHERS WHOSE
INCORRUPT RELICS LIE IN THE NEAR CAVES OF KIEV
AT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set aside ...":
Joining chorus to a harp playing spiritual hymns, we summon all the
assemblies of those who love the feasts of the Church to praise the company of
the industrious and God-bearing fathers; and we set as its foundation His great
and wondrous Anthony and the divinely wise Theodosius, through whose
prayers and those of all the fathers of the Caves we entreat Thy love for
mankind, O Christ, Thou King of all: Grant grace to Thy people, and in memory
of them save the souls of those who praise Thee with faith. (Twice)
With songs let us all reverently hymn Anthony of the Caves, the chief among
the fathers, the head of their whole assembly, and the God-bearing Barlaam, the
diligent emulator of his virtues, the radiant beam; and let us honor them together
with praises, and cry out with a voice of joy, saying: O our most blessed and
venerable fathers, beseech Christ God, that those who celebrate your memory
with love may receive mercy. (Twice)
Rejoice, O right fertile land of Rus’, who hast nurtured citizens of the
Jerusalem on high! Sing forth with a voice of gladsome celebration! And thou, O
rich mountain of the Caves, who hast gathered warriors for the King of heaven
and shown them to be mighty men of spiritual desires: speak now unto them,
saying: O God-bearing fathers, with the light of your grace enkindle the noetic
lamps, the souls of those who honor your assembly with love. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
Who can describe the powers of the Lord? What tongue of mortal men can
recount your wondrous life, O our God-bearing fathers of the Caves: how ye
endured sufferings, and what struggles ye undertook, laying waste to your flesh
by vigils, fasting and tears, crushing the pride of the enemy by prayers and
humility? And having shone forth like angels in your mortal bodies, ye have
made your abode in the mansions of heaven; wherefore, visit today those who
with praises hymn you, the honorable company of fasters in God, and entreat
Christ God, that we may receive great mercy.
Now & ever ..., Dogmaticon, in the same tone:
In His love for mankind, the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt
among men; for He Who received flesh from the pure Virgin and cameth forth
from her having received human nature, is the only Son of God, two in nature
but not hypostasis. Therefore, proclaiming Him to be truly perfect God and
perfect man, we confess Christ our God. Him do thou beseech, O Mother
unwedded, that our souls find mercy!
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. 3 Readings.:
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God and there shall no torment
touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is
taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in
peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of
immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for
God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace
hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of
their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord
shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him: for grace and mercy is to
His saints, and He hath care for His elect.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the
care of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious
kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand
shall He cover them, and with His arm shall He protect them. He shall take to
Him His jealousy for complete amour, and make the creature His weapon for the
revenge of His enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true
judgment for an invincible shield. His severe wrath shall He sharpen for a sword,
and the world shall fight with Him against the unwise. Then shall the right-
aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow,
shall they be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage
against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind shall
stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall
lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the
mighty. Hear, therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of
the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude
of nations. For power is given you by the Lord, and sovereignty from the Most
High.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For
honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured
by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life
is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among
sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness
should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of
naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of
concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a
short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted
He to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and
understood not, neither laid they up this in their minds: that His grace and mercy
is with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
Come, ye people, and with hymns let us go forth to greet as valiant warriors
of Christ the foremost choir of the God-bearing fathers who were the first to
shine forth in the Caves. For, lo! they come to us with all speed from the noetic
Sion, bearing abundant grace from their full treasury, and they bestow it upon
those who venerate their council with honor.
Stichos: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He delivered
them out of all their tribulations.
Gathering today in this holy temple, O ye people, bearing lamps, greet ye the
assembly of monks, which hath illumined the honored heaven like noetic stars in
a reasonable firmament; and lift up your voices with cries of entreaty, saying: O
God-bearing and all-blessed ones, pray ye for those who hymn your company
with love.
Stichos: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O ye righteous.
In gladness come together with us today, O ye choirs of Christ-loving people,
and, weaving wreaths of praise and calling each by name, greet the assembly of
God-bearing fathers who in the Cave shone forth in fasting; for they illumine
with the beams of their grace the souls of those who magnify them with love and
celebrate their memorial with faith.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
When the King of everlasting glory planted His Cross like a spear, the legion
of ascetics assembled, and the regiment of venerable fathers of godly fame stood
on the Mount of the Caves, wielding their weapons invincibly against the foe,
whereby they utterly defeated the hordes of the demons; and having arrived in
the mansions of heaven, they have received crowns of victory from Christ God
our Savior, and pray unceasingly in behalf of our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
O Theotokos, thou art the true vine who hast budded forth for us the Fruit of
life. Thee do we entreat, O Mistress: with the holy apostles pray that our souls
find mercy.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
The great Anthony, the pillar of fire and radiant sun who shone forth on the
Mount of the Caves, do we bring before Thee, O Christ, with the whole council
of God-bearing fathers, to make supplication. For their sake we pray: Grant
grace to their monastery and great mercy to our souls.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the saints, in Tone IV:
The great Anthony, the pillar of fire and radiant sun who shone forth on the
Mount of the Caves, do we bring before Thee, O Christ, with the whole council
of God-bearing fathers, to make supplication. For their sake we pray: Grant
grace to their monastery and great mercy to our souls. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared ...":
With many tribulations ye traversed the path of this life, and, having reached
the goal of your noetic desire, ye have made your abode in the bridal-chamber of
divine glory. And, rejoicing now with the King and God of all, pray ye, that we
also may share in your gladness who honor your company, O most blessed
fathers.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
By thy supplications, O joyous one, mediate and ask for our souls a multitude
of compassions and cleansing of transgressions for all who hymn thee, the pure
Mother and Virgin.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone III:
Having heard of the wedding of the Lamb in the bridal-chamber of heaven,
when the summons of the King Most High went out to all, ye forsook all earthly
attachments, O God-bearing fathers; and having purified your garments with
streams of tears, ye entered, clean, into the banquet of Christ God. Before the
doors are closed and entry thereto is denied, pray ye, that we also, entering in
with repentance, may partake of it with you.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Ever beholding the wedding-chamber adorned with everlasting glory, we
desire to enter therein; yet lacking wedding garments, we are ashamed. Let us not
be bound by the angels and cast out, O Virgin Mary, but as thou art the vesture
of boldness for the naked, adorn us and lead us into the kingdom of Christ.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify you, O our venerable fathers
of the Caves, and we honor your holy memory; for ye entreat Christ God
in our behalf.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive unto
me, and He hearkened unto my supplication.
B: He set my feet upon a rock, and He ordered my steps aright.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia …, Glory to Thee, O God! (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Following the call of your Lord, and taking the Cross in your hands like a
staff, ye were undaunted by the fear which lay in wait in the darkness, but passed
through it with trust to the calm haven; and having found the reward of your
struggles, ye rejoice in unapproachable light. Wherefore, we honor you, O most
blessed fathers, as ones who ever entreat Christ God that He grant remission of
offenses unto those who with love celebrate your holy memory.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Having thee, O Virgin Bride of God, who alone among women art blessed, as
the boast and adornment of virgins, an invincible ally in battle, the confirmation
of the afflicted and speedy visitation of the grieving, we fall down today in thy
temple and offer thee our entreaties, that thou beseech Christ God to grant
remission of offenses unto those who piously worship thine all-holy birthgiving.
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of
Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of
Israel.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW [4:25-5:12]
At that time, there followed Jesus great multitudes of people from Galilee, and
from Decapolis, and from, Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his
disciples came unto him: and he opened his mouth, and taught them saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their~ is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are
they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall
inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which
are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad:
for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VIII:
Who can describe the powers of the Lord? What tongue of mortal men can
recount your wondrous life, O our God-bearing fathers of the Caves: how ye
endured sufferings, and what struggles ye undertook, laying waste to your flesh
by vigils, fasting and tears, crushing the pride of the enemy by prayers and
humility? And having shone forth like angels in your mortal bodies, ye have
made your abode in the mansions of heaven; wherefore, visit today those who
with praises hymn you, the honorable company of fasters in God, and entreat
Christ God, that we may receive great mercy.
Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos [the Paraclysis], with 6 troparia,
including the Irmos; and of the venerable fathers, with 8 troparia, in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: O ye people, let us send up a hymn unto our wondrous God, Who
freed Israel from bondage, singing and crying out a hymn of victory unto
Thee Who alone art Master.
In memory of Thy venerable ones, O my Christ, grant me help "from on high
and teach me, making me wise by Thy holy Paraclete, that I may offer laudation
in hymnody to Thee, the only Master.
The council of the God-bearing fathers hath assembled in God. O ye people,
come venerate them, bearing with you animate sacrifices. For, lo! they summon
us to offer glory to the King of all, the only Master.
The East and the land of Russia brought them forth, and the Mount of the
Caves caused them to grow like divinely planted trees. Embracing them, O ye
people, make ye haste to venerate them, and let us offer hymnody to the, Master.
Thou art a noetic Garden of Paradise, O holy Mount of the Caves, who hast
produced many spiritual trees, the blessed fathers whom no one is able to honor
fittingly. For all of them together we offer praise and hymnody to the one
Master.
The great Anthony, the right fruitful tree, the olive branch brought to the
Mount of the Caves from Athos, whose fruits make glad our souls, offereth
hymnody to Thee, O Christ, the Master of all.
Full of faith and piety, the gilder of the church founded by God, and Nicon
who adorned it with icons, shone forth as great luminaries, and, honoring them,
we offer hymnody to Thee, O Christ, the Master of all.
Glory ..., Rendering glory to Thee, O all-holy Trinity, we bring before thee as
our advocate the wondrous Barlaam, Who spurned the glory of his noble birth,
who said: "For Thy sake I consider my glory in this world to be but dust, that in
the next I may find glory with Thee, the Master of all."
Now & ever ..., O thou who by thy birthgiving hast led the human race back
to its primal nobility, lead me, who have been disgraced by the treachery of the
demons, to noetic glory, that I may sing to thee continually: Rejoice, O pure
Mother of God, thou glory of the Orthodox!
ODE III
Irmos: None is as holy as the Lord, and none is as righteous as our God,
Whom all creation doth hymn, singing: None is righteous save Thee, O
Lord!
Even though there is no beauteous hymnody on my tips, yet do I offer such
as I have to thee, O God-bearing Ephraim; for, having withdrawn from service
to an earthly prince, thou didst serve the King of heaven, and hast received thy
reward from the hand of the Lord.
I honor Isaiah who is excellent in the gift of miracles, and I hymn him as the
recipient of the diocese of Rostov, praying that he might join me, the lost sheep,
to the flock of the Most High Shepherd, and lead me into His fold by his
supplications.
I praise the blessed Damian, the adornment of pries ts and healers; for,
burning with love for all, he healed many with oil and prayer. By his treatment
heal me also, O Master Who lovest mankind.
Meet it is to honor thee with praises, O Jeremiah, for thou wast honored from
on high with the gift of clairvoyance and didst penetrate the secrets of men
through the revelation of God. Remember me, who am in the oblivion of
countless sins, O blessed one, and be thou my guide to repentance.
O Matthew, who clearly beheld the entry of the demons, and corrects those
who give cause for the assaults of the passions, as one who perceiveth my error
by noetic eyes, guide me aright, that I may magnify thee continually, O venerable
one.
O Simon, good shepherd and lamp of Suzdal, and thou, O Nicetas the
Recluse, as lovers of the Great Lavra and zealots of monastic correction, by your
instruction set me aright who have fallen, O fathers.
Glory ..., In this life the venerable ones preserved Thy glory in their souls, O
Holy Trinity; wherefore, they have been vouchsafed everlasting glory by Thee.
May we also not be deprived thereof, for we set the council thereof before Thee
today to make supplication.
Now & ever ..., As thou art the ineffable gladness of the venerable, make me a
partaker of their joy, and deprive me not of the glory of the saints, for through
God all things are possible for thee, and thou doest whatsoever thou desirest, O
Mary Bride of God.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
I make bold to honor the council of the God-bearing fathers, the noetic stars
illumining the land of Rus’; but as I have a soul benighted by the passions, my
mind is at a loss. Dispel the darkness of inconstant thought, that with honor I
may chant a hymn to you, O all-blessed fathers.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Rejoice, O Mother of the never-setting star, O ray of the mystical Dawn! For
through thee have we come to behold the Light, the true Sun of righteousness,
and illumined by His rays, we hymn thee continually, O divinely blessed Maiden.
ODE IV
Irmos: O Word, with divine vision the prophet perceived Thee Who wast
to become incarnate of the Theotokos alone, the mountain overshadowed;
and with fear he glorified Thy power.
According to Thy divine foreknowledge, the God-bearing fathers shone forth
from the mountain like beacons upon the earth and illumined the land of Russia
with the splendor of their life; and we, marveling at it, glorify Thy power, O
Christ.
We are astonished that, though in the flesh, they emulated the angels,
undertaking a feat beyond their nature; for giving wings to their souls in love for
God, they preferred nothing in the world to it: wherefore, they received Thy
power in the weakness of their flesh, O Christ.
Stephen was mighty in fasting, and Anastasius had boldness before God; for
in their entreaty they received all things. And honoring their industry, I glorify
Thy power, O my Christ.
Thy venerable Isaacius, who was deceived by darkness disguised as light, yet
himself deceived the darkness by the light of correction, so that the children of
darkness are now afraid of his name, prayeth that we be delivered from such
temptation, that we may ever glorify Thy power.
I make bold to honor the struggles of Elijah of Murom, the invincible warrior,
who had on his hand the wound of a sword; yet the love for Thee which he had
in his heart, O Christ, inflicted a much deeper wound upon him, for which he
was crowned, glorifying Thy power.
We glorify the might of Nicon amid temptation for he endured much at the
hands of the infidels; yet far greater humility and salvation did he acquire
through endurance. Through his supplications may we also be saved and glorify
Thine omnipotent power, O Christ.
Glory ..., We glorify the Godhead of three Hypostases in one Essence-the
Father, the Son and the all-holy Spirit; and we hymn Thee, the one God, and,
falling down in worship at the memorial of our venerable fathers, we glorify Thy
power.
Now & ever ..., Setting my hope on thee, I am in nowise affrighted by the
assaults of the demons; and having acquired boldness through thee, I stand
against the horrors of Satan, knowing that thou art the thunder which terrifies
the enemy, O Mistress.
ODE V
Irmos: Delivering me from the darkness of the passions, O Christ,
vouchsafe that out of the deep night my spirit may rise at dawn in the
light of the day of Thy precepts, I pray.
Putting aside the gloom of the passions and harmful lust, through patience
Thy venerable ones hastened to the contest, O Lord; wherefore, they have been
illumined with grace by Thee, walking in the light of Thy precepts, O Savior.
Let us glorify the memory of Titus the priest, who by humility trampled the
wrathful demon underfoot, and Laurence the Recluse, who had boldness against
evil spirits; for they kept Thy commandments and are glorified in Thy light, O
Savior.
Even though I make bold to praise Sisoes who shone forth in asceticism, yet
am I unable to bless him as is meet; wherefore, I flee to Thee alone. O Savior, by
Thy gifts grant me the power to praise Thy favored one.
Theophilus, excellent in wonders, is hymned, for yet in this life he astonished
many by his working of miracles; and he hath now received the yet greater gift to
aid others, in that he kept Thy commandments, O Savior.
We honor Basil and Theodore with the martyrs, for accused by a demon, they
were put to torture by the prince though they were innocent; and the one met his
end by being shot with arrows, while the other reposed amid fire and smoke. Yet
they are glorified together in Thy kingdom, O Savior.
Prochorus is praised in his wonder-working and labors; for feeding like a bird
on unsown weeds, and to others he gave splendid bread made from pig-weed,
transforming ashes into salt; and marveling a this working of miracles, we glorify
Thee, O Savior.
Glory ..., Led by the Spirit, John, who shone forth in fasting, was called the
child of the most High; for he found nourishment in the word of God more
than in food. Wherefore, he passed through this life easily, as though on wings,
receiving Thy power from Thee, O Savior.
Now & ever ..., Having all thy glory within thee, O daughter of the King, thou
standest, arrayed and all-adorned, before the throne of the Trinity; and receiving
therefrom radiance which surpasseth that of the sun, thou lookest upon us with
beams of thy goodness, that we may continually hymn thy power, O Virgin
Mother.
ODE VI
Irmos: O Thou Who lovest mankind, accept me, who am held fast by
many sins, and who fall down before Thy compassion; and save me, as
Thou didst the prophet, O Lord.
Constrained am I by love to praise your council, O God-bearing fathers; for
ye have been praised by God and man, in that ye spurned the glory of this world
in this life, that ye might fulfill the commandments of Christ.
What tongue can describe the glory which ye acquired by your manifold
labors and perfected by grace, O venerable ones, and the signs which reveal your
wondrous benefactions and healings? Thereby disdain us not who are weak, that
we may fulfill the commandments of Christ.
O most wondrous Agapitos, who bestowest abundant miracles, and ye, O
venerable Helladius and Abramius: as ye have great boldness before the Master
of all, disdain not your servants, but pray ye, that we be delivered from the
assaults of the enemy and ever do the will of God.
O John of great love, who showed forth love for thy brother even after death
by the movement of thy body, and thou, O Theophilus, who washed away
defilement with tears of glorification: inseparable now as ye were then, pray ye
together to God, that we might have true love for Him and unfeigned love for
our neighbor.
O Damian, who with the wonder-worker Sabbas didst heal bodily sufferings
by prayers and oil, disdain us not who are afflicted with sufferings Of soul, but
with the curative gift of your supplications heal the wounds of our hearts, that
we may offer up prayers pleasing to God.
O obedient Nectarius, with Sergius who shared your character: as ye placed
your souls beneath the yoke of obedience to Christ, through your supplication
bend our stubbornness beneath the yoke of Jesus Who was obedient, that we
may diligently fulfill His commandments.
Glory ..., Mercurius the pastor, the glory of the city of Smolensk, who tended
well the sheep of the Shepherd of shepherds, burned in spirit to be inseparable
from the choir of the venerable fathers of the Caves; wherefore, after his death
he arrived miraculously on a raft: he resteth bodily in the holy cave, but in soul
he rejoiceth with the venerable ones in everlasting glory.
Now & ever ..., Having gained no access to the habitation of the venerable by
my works, I flee to thee, O Mistress Theotokos, for thou art the portal of heaven
and the ladder which the prophet beheld. Wherefore, by thy grace grant me
ascent in my heart, and open unto me the gates of thy mercy.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Come, ye people, and spiritually beholding with noetic eyes the choir of
ascetics assembled, let us honor them with praises, and bowing down before
their relics let us offer them gifts of love; for they are our mediators before God,
the intercessors for our souls.
Ikos: Who alone can praise Thy saints, O Good One? I reckon that they have
multiplied more than the sands of the shore. But do Thou, O Master Christ,
Who counteth the multitude of the stars, and callest them all by their names,
accept the supplications of all of them in our behalf, and show forth Thy
compassions upon Thy people. For we know that they have great boldness
before Thy majesty, and they mediate before Thee, for they ever pray for our
souls.
ODE VII
Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers, Who bedewed the children
in the furnace and preserved her who gave Thee birth a Virgin after
birthgiving!
O divinely beauteous choir of the fathers of the Caves, help me to offer up
the hymn of the youths, that by your guidance I may chant dispassionately with
the Christ-loving people: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O much-suffering Pimen, thou didst not only pass this life in pain with
thanksgiving, but by thy supplication gavest relief to others amid their pangs. As
thou art now in repose devoid of pain, release me from pain that I may chant:
Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O righteous Eustathius, thou wast rightly a worker of pure gold and silver,
seven times purified, and from thence thou didst pass to the working of noetic
virtues. And having adorned thy soul therewith, thou didst set it forth as pure as
gold, and chantest: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O glorious Nestor, who by thy writing hast set forth for us the most
wondrous times and eras of the Church and the virtues of the fathers of ancient
times, and wast an earnest lover of their works, blessing thee now with them, we
chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
O Eustratius, adornment of martyrs, thou wast shown to be another
charioteer like Elijah; for as he was taken up into heaven, so didst thou also enter
the same celestial gates on a chariot of fire when a voice summoned thee from
majestic glory, where thou chantest with a cry of joy: Blessed is the God of our
fathers!
O blessed fathers Helladius and Luke the steward, glorious in well-bestowed
miracles, as good doers of the commandments of the Master ye have now
received your reward from the Torrent of sweetness, and ye joyfully chant:
Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Glory ..., The all-holy Spirit hearkeneth to our spirit, O God-bearing fathers,
for ye are the children of God and fellow heirs with Christ: ye labor for Him and
with Him are glorified, chanting: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Now & ever ..., The Holy Spirit carne upon thee, and the power of the Most
High, overshadowing thee, showed thee to be a Mother pure even after
birthgiving; and delivered thereby from slavery to the alien one, all generations
call thee blessed, for the blessed God of our fathers hath blessed thee.
ODE VIII
Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the holy mountain, and by the fire
in the bush revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever-virgin, hymn ye and
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
O God-bearing fathers, ye have spread forth rays of grace and illumined the
whole land of Russia with miracles; wherefore, we hymn the Lord Who revealed
you as great luminaries on the holy mount of the Caves, and we exalt Him
supremely forever.
It is not the great and stormy sea, but the holy cave which revealeth your
relics like precious pearls, O favored ones of God; and with outpourings of
miracles ye enrich all who have recourse to you with faith and with praises exalt
the Lord supremely forever.
Matthew, the foreseer of things to come, and John who shineth more brightly
than all others in great suffering, with Moses, the mirror of purity, by miracles
are revealed, like precious stones hidden in the cave, to those who approach
them with faith and with praises exalt the Lord supremely forever.
Let Ephraim the eunuch, the wise turtledove who brought the olive-branch of
the Studite Typicon to the holy monastery, and Arethas who is adorned with the
ways of the elders, be glorified with the clairvoyant Jeremiah: for they have
taught all to glorify the Lord forever.
Mark the grave-digger hath been shown to be a model for the industrious, a
guide for the penitent, and a resurrector of the dead; for they listened to his
words with fear, as they were the roaring of a lion; and his voice now terrifieth
the demons, for he liveth with the Lord forever.
Gregory, not of Caesarea, but from the Lavra of the Caves, hath been shown
to be a wonderworker, who by his prayers held fast and immovable the thieves
whom he caught stealing his vegetables, and who was slain by being drowned in
the river, now rejoiceth with the venerable Sergius in the water of peace, hymn-
ing the Lord forever.
We bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord: Glory to Erasmus,
who adorned the church of the Caves with icons, and to Onesimus, the
namesake of goodly profit, to whose company we add the wondrous Matthew,
who possessed the gift of prophecy. In these three is the name of the Trinity
glorified for all ages.
Now & ever ..., Whoso desireth not to glorify thee forever, O pure Virgin, is
the enemy of his own salvation; for thy glory is spread forth upon all who glorify
thee, unto their salvation! O Mary Bride of God.
ODE IX
Irmos: Thy birthgiving, O Ever-virgin, which was revealed to the law-
giver On the mountain in the fire and the bush, for the salvation of us, the
faithful, do we magnify with unceasing hymnody.
In a dark cave on the holy mountain did ye establish your abode, O all-blessed
fathers; and ye made of it a divine garden of paradise, and adorned it with virtues
and miracles, as with right fertile trees, from which those who approach with
faith receive the fruits of healing and magnify you with praises.
Spyridon, the lily of innocence, and Nicodemus the namesake of victory, the
two bakers of bread for the Eucharist, who made pure loaves as a gift for God,
also made of themselves a sacrifice of sweet savor; and with them we number
also Anatolius, glorifying them all.
O Alypius of angelic wisdom, and Gregory of Byzantium, ye most skillful
iconographers, with the pigments of your good deeds correct our untutored
work, that, standing in splendor before Christ, we may magnify you with glory.
Pimen, the fragrant blossom of ascetics, and Ephraim the priest, are goodly
olive-trees; and the faithful, having been anointed by the gift of their grace, give
thanks and continually magnify with glorifications the Creator of all.
Onuphrius, the lover of silence, and Isaiah, the turtle-dove who loveth the
wilderness, with the blessed Sylvester, are a three-stranded sling against the
demons, who are driven away by them; for, having utterly set at nought the
assaults of the passions, they have received the gift to help others. Wherefore,
they are magnified by all.
Four princes of Russia are hymned: Vladimir the equal of the apostles, with
the divinely wise Boris and Gleb, and with them also Nicholas Svyatosha - on
whom, as on a noetic chariot, God rested. Wherefore, they are magnified by all.
Glory ..., Glory to the radiant martyr Barbara, to Euphrosynia of Polotsk, the
splendor of virgins, and to Juliana, who bestoweth healing, the oil of grace, upon
the infirm! O Holy Trinity, for the sake of these three virgins save all who
magnify Thee with worship.
Now & ever ..., Rejoice, O all-holy Virgin, thou glory of the saints! Rejoice, O
ark for those who desire to find salvation amid this most tempestuous life!
Rejoice, O rock giving drink to those who thirst for everlasting good things! This
salutation do we all offer thee, magnifying thee with hymns.
Exapostilarion:
With songs we hymn the hierarchs of the Russian land: Michael, the first of
them, with Hilarion, Peter, Alexis and Jonah, Photius and Cyprian, Ephraim,
Nicholas and Nicetas, the hieromartyr Macarius, Leontius and Symeon; and we
appoint the whole company of pastors to make supplication. For their sake, O
Christ, save Thou our souls.
Theotokion: O true Mother of the unblemished and most high Lamb, I am a
sheep of thy holy fold, yet have wandered away through vain works into vile
iniquities. Guide me, I pray, and save my soul from the noetic wolves.
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
With single-minded soul and hearts reasoning as one did ye agree, O all-
blessed fathers, and, rejecting all passionate attachments to the world, and taking
up your cross, in obedience to the words of the Lord, by voluntary poverty ye
followed after Christ God, Who impoverished Himself for our sake. By Him
have ye now been enriched in heaven with treasures of incorruption, which do ye
send down also upon us, that we may be enriched, and through your mediation
may receive great mercy from the Master of all. (Twice)
Rejoice, O choir of divinely assembled fathers, for, living the angelic life with
oneness of soul in this world, ye established your abode in a dark cave, and
having attached yourselves to God through many labors, ye received adoption
from him. Falling down before you, we pray: as ye stand before the Merciful
One, mercifully regard us, and by your mediation move Christ, Who loveth
mankind, to mercy, that we may find the forgiveness of sins and may receive
mercy on the day of judgment.
A day hath dawned more radiantly than the sun: the most festive memorial of
the God· bearing fathers; and it illumineth the assembly of those who love the
feasts of the Church with rays of the grace of multifarious miracles. Wherefore,
O most blessed ones, we hasten to you with faith and fall down before your
relics, entreating your speedy visitation amid our needs. Disdain not our plea, but
as ye have boldness before the Master, ask for us great mercy.
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
With love do we bring you gifts of hymnody and great honors, O our all-
blessed fathers of the Caves, saying: Rejoice, adornment of the Russian land!
Rejoice, mighty warriors of the heavenly King! Rejoice, radiant stars of the noetic
firmament! Rejoice, citizens of Sion on high! Rejoice, flowers of paradise laden
with perfume! Rejoice, our allies amid tribulations, mediators of salvation! As ye
have boldness before the Master, earnestly pray in behalf of our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Mistress, accept the entreaties of thy servants, and deliver us from all want
and grief.
Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the
canon of the venerable fathers.
Even though there is no beauteous hymnody on my tips, yet do I offer such
as I have to thee, O God-bearing Ephraim; for, having withdrawn from service
to an earthly prince, thou didst serve the King of heaven, and hast received thy
reward from the hand of the Lord.
I honor Isaiah who is excellent in the gift of miracles, and I hymn him as the
recipient of the diocese of Rostov, praying that he might join me, the lost sheep,
to the flock of the Most High Shepherd, and lead me into His fold by his
supplications.
I praise the blessed Damian, the adornment of pries ts and healers; for,
burning with love for all, he healed many with oil and prayer. By his treatment
heal me also, O Master Who lovest mankind.
Meet it is to honor thee with praises, O Jeremiah, for thou wast honored from
on high with the gift of clairvoyance and didst penetrate the secrets of men
through the revelation of God. Remember me, who am in the oblivion of
countless sins, O blessed one, and be thou my guide to repentance.
Constrained am I by love to praise your council, O God-bearing fathers; for
ye have been praised by God and man, in that ye spurned the glory of this world
in this life, that ye might fulfill the commandments of Christ.
What tongue can describe the glory which ye acquired by your manifold
labors and perfected by grace, O venerable ones, and the signs which reveal your
wondrous benefactions and healings? Thereby disdain us not who are weak, that
we may fulfill the commandments of Christ.
Glory ..., Mercurius the pastor, the glory of the city of Smolensk, who tended
well the sheep of the Shepherd of shepherds, burned in spirit to be inseparable
from the choir of the venerable fathers of the Caves; wherefore, after his death
he arrived miraculously on a raft: he resteth bodily in the holy cave, but in soul
he rejoiceth with the venerable ones in everlasting glory.
Now & ever ..., Having gained no access to the habitation of the venerable by
my works, I flee to thee, O Mistress Theotokos, for thou art the portal of heaven
and the ladder which the prophet beheld. Wherefore, by thy grace grant me
ascent in my heart, and open unto me the gates of thy mercy.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
The great Anthony, the pillar of fire and radiant sun who shone forth on the
Mount of the Caves, do we bring before Thee, O Christ, with the whole council
of God-bearing fathers, to make supplication. For their sake we pray: Grant
grace to their monastery and great mercy to our souls.
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Come, ye people, and spiritually beholding with noetic eyes the choir of
ascetics assembled, let us honor them with praises, and bowing down before
their relics let us offer them gifts of love; for they are our mediators before God,
the intercessors for our souls.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered
unto me?
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, §176 [II COR. 4: 6-15]
Brethren: God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath
shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of Uf!. We are troubled on
every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted,
but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body
the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in
our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that
the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death
worketh in us, but life in you. We, having the same spirit of faith, according as it
is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore
speak; knowing that He which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by
Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the
abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of
God.
Alleluia, in Tone VI: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His
commandments shall he greatly delight.
Stichos: His seed shall be mighty upon the earth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW, §43 [MATT 11:27-30]
The Lord said to His disciples: All things are delivered unto me of my Father:
and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the
Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto
me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find
rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for
the upright.
THE 22nd DAY OF SEPTEMBER AND THE 10th DAY OF OCTOBER
SERVICE TO THE TWENTY-SIX MARTYRED MONKS OF ZOGRAPHOU
AT LITTLE VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 4 stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Called from on high ...":
Illumined heart and soul by grace divine, O blessed fathers, having accepted in
mind that transitory things are vanity, with goodly courage ye forsook the world
and came lovingly to the Monastery of Zographou; and having exercised
yourselves in the struggles of asceticism, ye received the crown of confession,
steadfastly denouncing the Latin-minded transgressors from the tower, and being
burned alive by them, O venerable martyrs. Twice
Established firmly upon the rock of the Faith like towers, O most venerable
ones, denouncing from the tower the enemies of the Faith as heretical, ye
endured cruel and painful death by fire, and offered yourselves to Jesus as
wholeburnt sacrifices, filling the celestial beings with sweet savor. Wherefore, we
celebrate your memory with love, O saints who, praying, offer entreaty in behalf
of those who ever honor you.
Let Thomas the abbot and Parthenius, the glorious Barsanuphius and Cyril,
Simon, Micah and Sabbas, Job, Cosmas and Hilarion, Cyprian and Menas, Joseph
and James, Paul and Sergius now be honored with divine hymns as is meet,
together with Anthony, the godly Joannicius and the glorious Euthymius,
Martinian and Dometian, with the four others whose memory we now venerate.
Glory ..., Idiomelon, in the same tone:
Your life hath been truly shown to be blessed, and your death honorable; for
having for piety's sake treated your lives as of no account, like the three youths ye
were surrounded by material fire. And now your lot is with the saints, where ye
have made your abode in the eternal mansions. Pray ye for our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Thee have we obtained as a rampart, O all-pure Theotokos, a right calm
harbor and confirmation. Wherefore, I who am tempest-tossed in this life
beseech thee: Pilot me and save me!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Together let us praise the divinely elect twenty and six, the protectors of the
Monastery of Zographou, the steadfast venerable athletes, the demolishers of
falsehood and champions of Orthodoxy.
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Wielding divine discourse like a spiritual sword, O thrice-blessed ones, ye
severed the heads of the Latin-minded enemies; and, utterly consumed, ye offered
up sweet savor unto the Lord.
Stichos: We went through fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into
refreshment.
Abiding with the angelic choirs, and standing before the throne of the Master,
O God-bearers, with them do ye earnestly make entreaty, that those who honor
your memory may be saved from misfortunes.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., in the same tone & melody:
O Trinity infinite in power, Unity in three Hypostases: through the
supplications of Thy steadfast athletes and of the only Ever-virgin Theotokos,
save us who hymn Thee.
Troparion, in Tone I:
Having honorably passed your life in asceticism at the Monastery of
Zographou, O venerable regiment, ye twenty-six valiant fathers, ye offered
yourselves as sacrifices to God in the fire with the steadfast resolve of piety.
Wherefore, ye have received a twofold wreath from the Lord God, sending up
glory unto Him Who hath crowned you.
Glory ..., Another troparion, in Tone IV:
Rendering honor today as is meet, O venerable martyrs, we offer up praise at
your annual feast, for it is the cause of good things for us; and celebrating the all-
night vigil we chant: O proclaimers of the Spirit, faithful servants of the Trinity,
pray ye fervently to the Lord in our behalf!
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera: 4 in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
O ye assemblies of those who love the feasts of the Church, and ye company
of monastics, rejoicing, let us celebrate the feast of the venerable passion-bearers,
and let us send up hymnody to Christ Who strengthened them to denounce the
mindlessness of the cruel Emperor Michael and Beccus the Patriarch, who raged
insanely in heresy against the flock of the Mother of God.
With divine hymns let us honor the most honored favorites of the all-pure
Mother of God, twenty-six in number, the light-bearing trees of the Monastery of
Zographou, its most fragrant roses and honored guardians, who denounced the
deception of the heretics and, tried by fire, were shown to be most pure.
As is meet, let the all-glorious Thomas and the godly Parthenius, Simon,
Barsanuphius and Job, Cyril, Micah and Sabbas, James, Cosmas, Hilarion and
Dometian, Menas, Paul, Sergius and Anthony, Martinian and Joannicius, with the
other eight, be praised with hymns.
O ye twenty-six steadfast venerable athletes, divine regiment of the King of all:
undaunted by the fire, and crowned by God most gloriously, ye join chorus in the
bridal-chambers of heaven, and protect from all misfortunes the all-glorious
Monastery of Zographou, which doth celebrate your holy memory, having
acquired you as its foremost guardians.
And 4 stichera in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: "With what crowns of praise ...":
With what hymns of laudation shall we praise today the venerable martyrs, the
twenty-six confessors, as champions of piety? For some were leaders of the
Monastery of Zographou, and others, having labored with the others, suffered
with them. The Lord hath crowned them, Who hath great mercy.
With what spiritual words shall we praise the twenty-six venerable and God-
bearing martyrs, dying martyrs' deaths, consumed by fire in the tower: Thomas,
who was the abbot of the Monastery of Zographou, Job, Barsanuphius, James,
Sabbas, Parthenius, Cosmas [and the rest, who denounced the falsehood of the
minions of the pope and have received heavenly crowns, as is meet, from the
hand of God?
With what gladsome songs shall we hymn the choir of the venerable ones who
were gathered together by grace into a single company of faith: the steadfast
ramparts of the Faith, the champions and servants of the Trinity, the luminaries
enlightening the whole world, the pillars of the Church, whom the Trinity hath
crowned with wreaths of glory, as proclaimers of the Spirit and denouncers of
those who waged war against the Spirit?
Setting at nought every threat of the heretics, ye denounced their rank
falsehood, taking your stand upon the tower, O ye twenty-six steadfast fathers,
confessing that the Spirit proceedeth from the Father, as the Savior saith, O wise
ones; and receiving a blessed end through fire, O glorious crown-bearers, ye have
gone up into the heavens, where ye now pray for all.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Come ye today, and, forming a spiritual choir with the Monastery of
Zographou, let us piously hold festival, and gloriously honor the venerable
triumph of the twenty-six, saying: Rejoice, divinely assembled regiment who
feared not the roaring fire and consumed the tinder of the heretics! Rejoice, ye
who in the midst of the fire, like the youths in Babylon, reduced the error of the
pope to ashes and proclaimed the equality of honor of the Persons of the Trinity!
Rejoice, ye who clearly explained the divine Spirit, O teachers of pure Orthodoxy!
Angels arrayed in white crowned your heads, and the faithful have been
gladdened, established firmly upon the foundation of the Truth. O valiant
warriors of Christ, intercessors for the Monastery of Zographou and its vigilant
guardians: pray ye for us who celebrate your memory.
Now & ever ..., Dogmatic Theotokion, in the same tone:
Who doth not call thee blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn thine
all-pure birthgiving? For the only-begotten Son Who shone forth timelessly from
the Father, came forth, ineffably incarnate, from thee, the pure one; and being
God by nature, He becameth man for our sake, not divided into two Persons, but
known in two natures without confusion. Him do thou beseech, O pure and most
blessed one, that our souls find mercy!
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH
Thus saith the Lord: all the nations are gathered together, and princes shall be
gathered out of them. Who will declare these things, or who will declare to you
things from the beginning? Let them bring forth their witnesses, and be justified;
and let them hear, and declare the truth. Be ye My witnesses, and I too am a
witness, saith the Lord God, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may
know, and believe, and understand that I am He; before Me there was no other
God, and after Me there shall be none. I am God; and beside Me there is no
Savior. I have declared, and have saved; I have reproached, and there was no
strange god among you. Ye are My witnesses, and I am the Lord God, even from
the beginning; and there is none that can deliver out of My hands. I will work,
and who shall turn it back? Thus saith the Lord God Who redeemeth you, the
Holy One of Israel.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment
touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is
taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in
peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of
immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for
God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace
hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of
their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord
shall reign forever. They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him: for grace and mercy is to His
saints, and He hath care for His elect.
READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the
care of them is with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious
kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand
shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them. He shall take to him
his jealousy for complete armor, and make the creature his weapon for the
revenge of his enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true
judgment instead of an helmet. He shall take holiness for an invincible shield. His
severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him
against the unwise. Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from
the clouds, as from a well-drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark. And hailstones
full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall
rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind
shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity
shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill-dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the
mighty. Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of
the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude
of nations. For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest,
who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.
At Litia, these stichera:
In Tone I: Today the Church of Christ is glad, resplendent in grace, and the
famed Monastery of Zographou faithfully holdeth festival in glorious memory of
the twenty-six venerable fathers who suffered: for, patient of soul, they laid down
their lives for piety, their bodies utterly consumed by fire, that they might pre-
serve the Faith committed to them by the fathers of the Church. Wherefore,
having denounced the most wicked falsehood of the minions of the pope, they
became most worthy comforters of their monastery, confirming the faithful to
abide in piety; and illumining their monastery, they pray for our souls.
O venerable fathers, having yearned for the angelic life, ye shone forth in
asceticism on Mount Athos, and, dwelling in the sacred Monastery of Zographou
in a manner transcending the ways of men, ye unceasingly offered up hymns to
the Master. But the enemy who hateth the good, the emperor of ill repute and the
eunuch of the Latin-minded opponents of the Spirit, rose up against you, striving
to weaken your might; yet, manfully opposing them, ye did not submit to
deception, accepting death by fire. And Christ, accepting your pangs, hath given
you rest in the mansions of heaven. Wherefore, in that ye possess boldness before
Him, be ye mindful of us who with faith and love celebrate your memory.
In Tone II: Who doth not glorify, who doth not fittingly praise the opposition
of the valiant venerable athletes to innovation? And who doth not bless the
emulators of the martyrs, the single-minded fathers, who cut off heresy at the
root and planted piety, the guides of the lost, our leaders and protectors, who, as
is meet, have received in the heavens the reward for their struggles, in that they
suffered together for Christ, and who render glory in gladness, joining chorus
before God in endless jubilation, asking remission of sins for those who with love
celebrate their sacred suffering?
In Tone III: Having lived an angelic life on earth, O thrice-blessed fathers, ye
have shone forth like the sun upon the ends of the earth; for having elevated your
minds above earthly attachments, ye soared aloft with divine love; and having first
offered to Christ the sweat of your ascetic endeavors like myrrh, afterwards, when
ye were tortured by the innovators, ye were shown to be higher in purity than any
gold, in that ye were lovers of piety and ones who opposed the heretics. Be ye
mindful also of us who with love celebrate your honored festival.
Glory ..., in Tone IV:
Come, all ye choirs of monastics, and let us hasten to the memorial of the
wondrous fathers; for their splendid virtues and martyric death have shone forth
like the sun in heaven and on earth, where the ever-memorable shine forth as
ones who have confirmed the dogmas of the fathers by their fearless opposition,
and, having put off corruption through the fire, have soared aloft to God,
receiving rewards for their sufferings. And now, standing with the incorporeal
beings before the unapproachable throne, they send up endless hymnody to the
Trinity, unceasingly praying for our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Preserve thy servants from all misfortunes, O blessed Theotokos, that we may
all glorify thee, the hope of our souls.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone V: Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice ...":
Rejoice, O divine regiment of the Monastery of Zographou, victorious
company, pillars of piety, and steadfast, unyielding and undaunted contenders
against the enemy; who, taking your stand upon the tower, did most boldly
condemn the falsehood of the Latins, of Michael, the vainglorious emperor of
Byzantium, and with him the mindless Beccus, denouncing them all exceedingly,
in that they had cast the flock of Christ to the lions. Wherefore, entreat ye the
Savior, that He grant us great mercy.
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Rejoice, ye victorious multitude who prevailed in the sacred battle and have
joyfully received a crown from the Lord! And now, gazing upon the ineffable
glory of the blessed, deified by communion with God, emulating the singing of
the immaterial seraphim, and offering up spontaneous entreaty for the world, in
that ye made yourselves temples of the Holy Spirit, ye behold the mysteries of the
exalted wisdom of God. Beseech Christ, that He send down great mercy upon
our souls.
Stichos: Sing unto the Lord a new song; His praise is in the Church of the
saints.
Rejoice, O Thomas, pastor of the honored Monastery of Zographou, O
Barsanuphius, Cyril, Micah, Simon and Sabbas, Hilarion and Job, Martinian and
James, Cosmas and Anthony, Joseph and Euthymius, Menas and Paul, Joannicius
and Sergius, Dometian, Parthenius and Cyprian, and the other James, with four
others: ye twenty-six valiant and glorious venerable martyrs! Praising you as is
meet, we pray that ye will offer supplication in our behalf.
Glory ..., in Tone V:
Today the Church of Christ is glad, adorned by the goodly valor of the
venerable martyrs, and it summoneth all who struggle in stillness and the
common life, saying: Come, rejoice ye all with me, O chosen Israel, for the Lord
hath made my glory resplendent, exposing the blasphemy of the heretics against
the all-holy Spirit, for these venerable athletes, standing upon the summit of the
tower, boldly denounced it. Wherefore let us cry to them in thanksgiving: As ye
have boldness before Christ Who hath glorified you, O saints, cease ye never to
pray for your monastery, wherein ye took up your ascetic struggles and finished
the course of martyrdom, that He grant it peace and save our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
We bless thee, O Virgin Theotokos, and we, the faithful, glorify thee as is
meet, thou unassailable city, impregnable rampart, steadfast intercession and
refuge of our souls.
At the blessing of the loaves, the troparion of the martyrs, in Tone I:
Having honorably passed through life by asceticism in the Monastery of
Zographou, O venerable regiment, ye twenty-six valiant fathers, ye offered
yourselves as sacrifices to God in the fire, with the steadfast resolve of piety.
Wherefore, ye have received a twofold wreath from the Lord God, sending up
glory unto Him Who hath crowned you.
Then the other troparion, in Tone IV:
Rendering honor today as is meet, O venerable martyrs, we offer up praise at
your annual feast, for us it is the cause of good things; and celebrating the all-
night vigil we chant: O proclaimers of the Spirit, faithful servants of the Trinity,
pray ye fervently to the Lord in our behalf!
And "Virgin Theotokos, rejoice! ...", once.
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the first Troparion, in Tone I:
Having honorably passed your life in asceticism at the Monastery of
Zographou, O venerable regiment, ye twenty-six valiant fathers, ye offered
yourselves as sacrifices to God in the fire with the steadfast resolve of piety.
Wherefore, ye have received a twofold wreath from the Lord God, sending up
glory unto Him Who hath crowned you. (Twice)
Glory ..., Another troparion, in Tone IV:
Rendering honor today as is meet, O venerable martyrs, we offer up praise at
your annual feast, for it is the cause of good things for us; and celebrating the all-
night vigil we chant: O proclaimers of the Spirit, faithful servants of the Trinity,
pray ye fervently to the Lord in our behalf!
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, these Sedalia, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
With veneration let us honor the martyrs of Christ, the venerable fathers, as
our tireless intercessors and preservers; for having courageously denounced the
falsehood of the Latin-minded, they were accounted well worthy of a godly end.
Glory ..., O wise ones, ye have been shown to be radiant stars of the Church of
Christ, illumining it with the beams of your teachings and the splendors of your
sufferings; for ye made plain the doctrines of the fathers. Wherefore, with faith
we celebrate your sacred memory today.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion: Thou wast a true virgin before giving birth, O
Virgin; thou wast a true virgin in giving birth, O Virgin; and after giving birth
thou didst remain a virgin, O Ever-virgin. Wherefore, I beseech thee, in that thou
art the Virgin Mother: Strengthen me, O Virgin Maiden, that I may be virginal in
soul and body.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, these Sedalia, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
The army of the angels truly marveled at the courage of the wise fathers who
suffered venerably: how, standing upon the tower, they denounced the iniquitous
emperor, the cruel Beccus and the cardinals, and valiantly endured being reduced
to ashes, as though it were someone else who was suffering. Wherefore, Christ
hath crowned them with never-fading wreaths.
Glory ..., The steadfastness of your courage doth amaze every mind, O
venerable athletes of Christ, ye adornment of the Monastery of Zographou, who
with valor of mind vanquished the minions of the pope, who reviled the arro-
gance and vain counsels, and in goodly fashion formed a divine regiment;
wherefore, celebrating your sacred memory, we have you as fervent intercessors,
O most lauded ones.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion: O Theotokos, thou alone art the joy of the angels,
the adornment of the incorporeal ones, the salvation of men and the effulgence
of the faithful. Wherefore, we bless thee with faith, honoring thee as the divine
Maiden, O pure one. From all need deliver thou thy servants, O blessed Bride of
God, vouchsafing them the eternal good things of heaven.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify you, O holy and venerable
martyrs of Zographou, and we reverence your honored sufferings, which ye
endured for Christ.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Our God is refuge and strength.
B: A helper in afflictions which mightily befall us.
Glory ..., Now & ever ...Alleluia …, glory to Thee, O God. (Thrice)
After the· Polyeleos, these Sedalia, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared today ...":
Let the brilliant diamonds of Orthodoxy, who were patiently tried in the
temporal fire, be praised today, for they were proclaimers of the Trinity.
Glory ..., Today the Monastery of Zographou doth celebrate the honored
solemnity of its venerable martyrs; for they proclaimed the divine dogmas of
Orthodoxy.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion: O invincible intercessor for the oppressed and
fervent aid of those who trust in thee: Deliver me from misfortunes, for thou art
the helper of all.
Song of ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV.
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered
unto me?
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, § 24 [LK. 6: 17-23]
At that time, Jesus stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a
great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast
of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; and
those who were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole
multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed
them all. And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said: "Blessed be ye
poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye who hunger now: for ye
shall be filled. Blessed are ye who weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye,
when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company,
and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in
heaven."
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone II:
Loving that which is incorrupt and abiding, instead of that which is corrupt
and transitory, and honoring the things of heaven over those of earth, O
venerable fathers who suffered: From barbarian invasions, and from the assaults
and incursions of brigands deliver those who honor you, we pray, that we may
ever honor your most honorable memory.
Canon of supplication to the all-holy Theotokos [the Paraclysis], with 6 troparia,
including the Irmos, and two canons of the venerable martyrs, with 8 troparia.
ODE I
Canon I of the venerable martyrs, the acrostic whereof is "I praise the beauteous
regiment of the venerable ones", the composition of James, in Tone I:
Irmos: Christ is born, give ye glory! Christ cometh from heaven, meet ye
Him! Christ is on earth, be ye exalted! O all the earth, sing ye unto the
Lord, and chant with gladness, ye people, for He hath been glorified!
Rejoicing, the monks of the Monastery of Zographou celebrate the festival of
the honored venerable martyrs today, and earnestly entreat the Lord, that,
through their supplications, we all may be vouchsafed the joy of heaven.
Through communion ye became sons of God, O steadfast venerable athletes,
and having denounced the vile falsehood of the heresy of the Latins and been
reduced to ashes by the fire, ye have been crowned by Christ with a twofold
wreath.
Confessing with steadfastness of mind the Spirit Who proceedeth from the
Father, as the Savior said, ye denounced and put the papists W shame as
innovators, O wise ones.
Theotokion: We honor as the cause of our correction the true Mother of God,
the mountain of God from whence was cut the Chief Cornerstone Who bringeth
into ineffable unity those who before were separated.
Canon II of the venerable martyrs, in Tone IV:
Irmos: I will open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I shall
utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear, keeping
splendid festival; and, rejoicing, I will hymn her wonders.
Intending to praise the godly company of the venerable athletes of Christ, even
though my lips are defiled, I beseech Thee, O Savior: Grant me discourse and
grace, that I may fashion laudation for them.
Let us praise today the assembly of the twenty-six venerable athletes, the
steadfast diamonds who denounced the ungodliness of the Latins and endured an
unjust death.
Let Thomas, the most excellent shepherd, be honored today as is meet, and let
the godly James and Barsanuphius, Simon, Cyril, Menas and Cyprian be praised,
with all the others.
Theotokion: Knowing thee to be the wellspring of the never-waning Light, O
most hymned Mistress, we pray: With thy beams dispel the darkness from our
souls and bodies, and vouchsafe that we may behold Him.
ODE III
Canon I
Irmos: To Christ God, the Son Who was begotten of the Father without
corruption before time began, and in latter times without seed became
incarnate of the Virgin, let us cry aloud: O Lord Who liftest up our horn,
holy art Thou!
With divine hymns let the godly company of the sacred and venerable martyrs
of the Monastery of Zographou be praised; for with a twofold wreath have they
been crowned, as fasters and thrice-blessed and steadfast athletes.
With the firmest intent did Micah and Simon bravely contend, together with
Hilarion and Cyril, Euthymius and the rest of the twenty-six; and praising their
memory today in hymns of joy, we glorify the Lord.
Showing forth a single patient endurance amid a multiplicity of bodies, the
venerable fathers who suffered in the Monastery of Zographou put the cruel
Latins to shame, and their heads were crowned with wreaths of victory.
Theotokion: Ineffable is the manner of thy conceiving and giving birth, O
Virgin Theotokos; for thou didst conceive the Son of God Whom all things
cannot contain; and having given birth to Him without seed, thou remainest
Ever-virgin.
Canon II
Irmos: O Theotokos, thou living and abundant fountain: in thy divine
glory establish those who hymn thee and spiritually form themselves into a
choir; and vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
The divine choir of the venerable ones amazed the angels, enduring fiery
conflagration in the tower; and they put the demons to shame. And the faithful
have joyously praised their mighty deeds.
Christ hath glorified you greatly in heaven and on earth, O most honored
fathers, as ones who first exercised yourselves in asceticism, and later suffered.
Wherefore, we honor your right-renowned memory.
Let the steadfast Paul and Sabbas be hymned, with Sergius, Simon and
Dometian, and all the rest, for they denounced the mindlessness of the Latins.
Theotokion: Dispelling the most profound gloom of the passions, O pure
Mistress, vouchsafe that those who fall down before thee with love, abstinence
and earnest supplication may behold the beams of thy light.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Taking the Cross of Christ upon your shoulders, O ye twenty-six blessed
fathers, ye cleaved unto Him through ascetic endeavor; wherefore the enemy,
hating your virtuous life, raised up against you the savage Latins, striving to
weaken the steadfastness of your asceticism. Yet his machinations were set at
nought when ye suffered most excellently. Pray ye to Christ God, that remission
of transgressions be granted unto those who with love celebrate your holy
memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Thou wast the chariot which David beheld shining like the sun, the couch of
Solomon spread overall with royal purple, the divinely inscribed scroll of Isaiah,
the animate tabernacle of Moses, the adamantine rampart of Amos, the golden
lampstand of Zachariah, the mountain of Daniel, the golden tablet of Habbakuk,
and the transcendent object of the prophets' speech. Pray thou to thy Son and
God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who reverently bow
down before thy divine image.
ODE IV
Canon I
Irmos: A rod from the root of Jesse and blossom therefrom, O Christ, Thou
didst spring forth from the Virgin; from the mountain overshadowed and
densely wooded hast Thou come, incarnate of her who knew not man, O
Thou praised and immaterial God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Having by asceticism trod the path which leadeth to life, the twenty-six fathers
of the Monastery of Zographou have received goodly renown for their suffering,
having manfully denounced the deception of the mindless Michael.
Forsaking corrupt glory and food, O fathers, ye struggled in the Monastery of
Zographou, and steadfastly opposed the papists who strove to force you to
embrace false Latin concepts of God; and ye offered yourselves unto God as
sacrifices consumed by fire.
Be thou hymned with sacred words, O most sacred Thomas, abbot of the
Monastery of Zographou, and all with thee, who on the summit of the tower put
to shame the Latin-minded foe and the ungodly Beccus, as ones who introduced
the evil traditions of innovation.
Theotokion: We know thee to be the portal which is more spacious than the
heavens and the throne more exalted than the seraphim, O most pure one; for
thou didst contain Him Whom nought can contain, in that He is God, and thou
bearest in thine arms as a babe Him Who hath placed our nature upon the throne
of the Father.
Canon II
Irmos: Perceiving the inscrutable counsel of God,-the Incarnation of Thee,
the Most High, from the Virgin-the Prophet Habbakuk cried aloud: Glory
to Thy power, O Lord!
Let us be glad in spirit, celebrating the right notable memorial of the venerable
athletes, the honored instructors of the Monastery of Zographou, for by thy
supplications are we delivered from evils.
O divine Monastery of Zographou, adorn thyself now with thy twenty-six
sacred offspring, the venerable athletes, who from the heights of the tower put to
shame the ungodliness of the minions of the pope.
Strengthened by courage and grace, the regiment of the venerable set at nought
the wiles of the incorporeal foe and cast down the blasphemy of the papists
which is full of impiety.
Theotokion: O pure and unwedded Mother of God, preserve thy flock
unharmed by all evil and the wicked intent of the cruel ones; for thee do we, thy
servants, have as our deliverance amid evil circumstances.
ODE V
Canon I
Irmos: As God of peace and Father of compassion, Thou didst send Thine
Angel of Great Counsel, Who granteth us peace. Therefore, guided to the
light of knowledge divine, and waking at dawn out of the night, we glorify
Thee, Who lovest mankind.
With the power of the dogmas ye first cut down the heresy of the Latins, O
wise ones; and were then immolated by them with fire. And having offered
yourselves up fervently as sacrifices to the Lord, ye now join chorus with the
angelic choirs, O ever-memorable ones.
Thou didst tend thy flock in holiness, O blessed Thomas, most excellent
pastor of the Monastery of Zographou, and didst suffer with thy godly disciples
at the hands of the Latin-minded, tried by fire like gold in the crucible; and ye
now join chorus with the angels.
Showing yourselves to be zealots for the Lord, O all-wise and most venerable
ones, on the pinnacle of the tower ye denounced those who spake falsehoods,
shutting their mouths most wisely with your explanation of the Scriptures.
Wherefore, we all celebrate your memory today.
Theotokion: O Virgin, the Word of God, Who is with the Father in manner
transcending understanding, was well pleased to become immutably incarnate of
thy pure blood. Him do we, in Orthodox manner, understand to be of a single
hypostasis, in two natures, actions and wills.
Canon II
Irmos: All things are filled with awe at thy divine glory; for thou, O Virgin
who hast not known wedlock, didst contain within thy womb Him Who is
God over all, and gavest birth to the timeless Son, granting peace unto all
who hymn thee.
Recognizing that the beauty of life is corrupt and quickly fading, O venerable
fathers, ye were wounded with the love of Christ; and now, O blessed ones, ye
delight in ineffable joy in the divine habitations.
Truly, the light of divine grace hath now shone forth! Truly, the incorrupt food
of the Manna which poureth forth life is set before us today: the splendid
memorial of our godly intercessors. Ye who desire it, eat ye your fill!
By your death amid transitory fire ye purchased immortal renown, O glorious
and all-wise merchants, trading that which is of lesser worth for that which is
greater. Wherefore, ye now rejoice with the venerable and the martyrs.
Theotokion: O radiant lamp of the primal Light, illumine my darkened soul
with thy light, that I may again behold the foremost Light Who issued forth from
thee, and hath illumined us and thee, mine enlightener: for such is the nature of
light.
ODE VI
Canon I
Irmos: The sea monster thrust forth, like a babe from the womb, Jonah,
whom it had swallowed; and the Word, Who dwelt within the Virgin and
took flesh of her, issued forth, preserving her incorrupt. He kept her who
gave Him birth unharmed, for He Himself was not subject to corruption.
Today hath dawned for us as a day of joy, radiantly illumining the right
renowned feast of the twenty-six venerable ones; and it noetically gladdeneth the
souls and hearts of all with the grace of the Spirit, Whom we praise in right fitting
hymns.
That ye might receive everlasting life in the heavens, O all-wise ones, ye gave
your bodies over to temporal fire, denouncing the heresy of the Latins.
Wherefore, rejoicing today, we celebrate your festival.
O ever-memorable choir of the honored and venerable ones, we honor you
with faith, and with faith do we chant, crying: Deliver now from all sorrow,
tribulation and affliction those who honor you, that we may reverently celebrate
your festival in hymns.
Theotokion: The choirs of celestial intelligences and the assembly of all the
saints honor thee, O Mistress; for thou gavest flesh to the incorporeal Word of
God, of Whom the angels stand in awe, and thou becamest the Mother of God,
who by thy birthgiving hast alone broken down the middle-wall of ancient
enmity.
Canon II
Irmos: Celebrating this divine and most honored festival of the Mother of
God, come, ye divinely wise, let us clap our hands and glorify God Who
was born of her.
Having suffered, O ye twenty-six most venerable fathers, ye have received
honors for your labors, and Christ, the Bestower of crowns, hath adorned you
with gifts of grace.
Those things which eye cannot see nor ear hear, and which the mind of man
cannot comprehend, as is written, have ye been vouchsafed in your portion in the
heavens, O most glorious ones.
Celebrating a solemn festival, let us praise today the guardians, intercessors and
protectors of the Monastery of Zographou, the twenty-six venerable martyrs.
Celebrating your right notable memorial, O venerable martyrs, we beseech you
today: Preserve your monastery and those who struggle in it as monks, and
deliver it from tribulations.
Theotokion: As ye possess divers gifts, O fathers, deliver us from divers perils,
and joining Cosmas and the heavenly Mistress as our advocates, preserve your
flock.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Let us praise the twenty-six sacred and venerable athletes, the intercessors and
protectors of Zographou, who cast down the pride of the Latins, endured fiery
immolation and were crowned as is meet; and let us cry: Rejoice, O venerable
sufferers!
Ikos: The angels· were amazed, looking down from heaven upon the ungodly
assault of the Latins, how they burned in the fire the venerable ones who, for
piety's sake, chose to die in piety. And having cast down the pride of the tyrants,
they hear from us such things as these: Rejoice, O choir of venerable athletes;
rejoice, steadfast regiment of those who suffered greatly. Rejoice, ye venerable
ones, twenty-six in number; rejoice, O Thomas and the other martyrs! Rejoice,
godly Barsanuphius and steadfast Micah; rejoice, Dometian, Menas and the
radiant Paul! Rejoice with Anthony, O Euthymius and Hilarion; rejoice with
Parthenius, O Simon and Joseph! Rejoice, ye two James’s, together with
Joannicius; rejoice, O Martinian, with Cosmas and Sergius! Rejoice, O glorious
Cyprian, Cyril, Job and Sabbas; rejoice, O four glorious and radiant passion-
bearers! Rejoice, O venerable sufferers!
ODE VII
Canon I
Irmos: The children raised together in piety, disdaining the ungodly
command, feared not the threat of the fire, but, standing in the midst of
the flame, they chanted: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Your divine and joyous memorial hath dawned today, O venerable sufferers,
gladdening and sanctifying all who honor your struggles and sufferings, and who
chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Consumed by the fire, ye burned up falsehood opposed to God, O venerable
martyrs of Christ, denouncing the abominable addition of the Latins concerning
the Spirit, and chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The valiant venerable athletes spurned all things in the world, their bodies and
all riches, for the sake of the life which is to come; and having died with Christ,
they now reign in unapproachable and never-waning light.
Theotokion: Hearken now unto the hymnody of supplication which all of us
chant, O Theotokos and Ever-virgin, rescuing from cruel circumstances those
who with love cry aloud unto the Lord: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon II
Irmos: The divinely wise youths worshipped not a creation rather than the
Creator, but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they
rejoice, chanting: Blessed art Thou, the all-hymned God of our fathers!
Let the venerable ones be fittingly praised who loved God as much as, they
were able, who studied His divine law and fulfilled it by their suffering, showing
forth their love for the Lord.
Let those in heaven now clap their hands with those on earth! Let the angels
be glad with humanity! For the heavenly men and earthly angels, the fathers of
heavenly wisdom who suffered valiantly, are celebrated!
Blessed are your struggles and battles, O fathers, whereby ye showed
yourselves to be receptacles of the Spirit like the angels, and having suffered for
right-mindedness, ye are honored forever.
Theotokion: O Lady and Mistress, we pray thee: Quickly free from the
grievous darkness of sin those who piously hymn thee as the Theotokos, and
vouchsafe that those who have been enlightened by thee may have a share of joy.
ODE VIII
Canon I
Irmos: The dew-bearing furnace presented an image of a supernatural
wonder, for it did not consume the young men whom it had received, as
the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin's womb which it had
entered. Wherefore, chanting, let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord
and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Now doth the sacred Monastery of Zographou boast, O God-bearers, and,
adorning itself, it delighteth in your miracles and is crowned by your sufferings
and struggles; for ye put the minions of the pope to shame, opposing them with
Orthodox dogmas, hymning Christ forever.
With songs let the sacred Thomas, the abbot of the Monastery of Zographou,
be hymned, together with Barsanuphius and Hilarion, Cosmas and Sergius,
Euthymius and Menas, James, Job and Joannicius, and with them the rest of their
honored company, twenty-six in number, who hymn the Lord and exalt Him
supremely forever.
Save Thy servants, O King great in might, O only compassionate God, moved
now by the manifold entreaties of Thy venerable athletes, twenty-six in number.
With them do Thou also accept us who cry: Let all creation bless the Lord and
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Theotokion: Like a table thou didst hold the Bread of life Who nourisheth all
beneath His all-accomplishing overshadowing, O Maiden, and thou dost feed
Him at thy breast as a babe. And hymning Him as God, and thee as the
Theotokos, we declare: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely
for all ages!
Canon II
Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the
furnace-then in figure, but now in deed-and it moveth all the world to
chant to Thee: Hymn ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Having been shown to be chosen and precious vessels, with splendor ye
received effulgence from on high, and truly hastened with joy to the mansions of
heaven, illumined by the grace of the divine Trinity, Whom ye hymn in songs for
all ages.
Having each completed the same course, O venerable fathers who suffered, in
the heavens ye have received from Christ the very crowns prepared for the
righteous. And rejoicing with the angelic choirs, O blessed Thomas and his
companions, be ye mindful of those who praise you.
Triadicon: Hymning the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the thrice-radiant,
indivisible and uncreated Godhead, the only sovereign Ruler and King, with
unfailing love we cry out with all the armies of heaven: Holy! Holy! Holy!
Theotokion: With thee, O Theotokos, may the twenty-six fathers be honored
with hymns, for with dogmas and discourses they proclaimed thee to be the pure
Theotokos, O Virgin, who didst ineffably give birth in the flesh unto God, Who
deified human nature in thy womb.
ODE IX
Canon I
Irmos: The radiant cloud upon which the unoriginate Master of all
descended from heaven; like rain upon the fleece, and of whom He was
incarnate, becoming man for our sake, let us all magnify as the pure
Mother of God.
Reverently following the fathers, and having lived in holiness upon the earth,
ye steadfastly vanquished the evil one by ascetic struggle in the Monastery of
Zographou, and suffered for piety; wherefore, we now praise you.
Receiving now this meager hymnody from our impure mouths, earnestly
remember us to the one Master, O steadfast and venerable athletes, that we may
obtain remission of transgressions and may honor your memory with splendor.
Shining forth clearly, like the great sun, your memory illumineth the world; and
celebrating it with reverence, we honor you as the guardians and wardens of the
Monastery of Zographou, O venerable fathers who suffered.
Theotokion: The bush prefigured thine all-glorious wonder, O Virgin; for thou
didst receive in thy womb the truly unbearable Fire, bearing Christ, the Sun of
righteousness, yet remaining unconsumed. Wherefore, we ever bless thee.
Canon II
Irmos: Let every mortal leap for joy, enlightened by the Spirit; and let the
nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival, honoring the sacred
feast of the Mother of God, and let them cry aloud: Rejoice, O most
blessed Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin!
Dwelling in noetic light, O wise ones, accept the hymnody which we offer you,
for the sake of the great debt we owe you. And we ask that remission of the
penalty for our transgressions be given, through your supplications, unto us who
honor you as is meet.
In latter days, O venerable sufferers, God set you as unshakable towers of your
monastery, against the implacable foe; and He hath made your most precious
bones to be a stumbling-block for those opposed to Him, ever strengthening the
Orthodox Faith, O glorious ones.
Still ye the tempest of the cruel barbarians which assaileth us, O most
venerable ones; cause schisms within the Holy Church to cease; grant remission
of transgressions unto those who hymn you; and preserve your monastery
unharmed by every grievous circumstance.
O Most High God-Father, Son and Spirit - O Trinity equal in honor: through
the supplications of Thy venerable ones, preserve the sacred Monastery of
Zographou from all opposition, and grant unto Thy flock a peaceful state,
unshakable and unbroken.
Theotokion: Thou hast truly been shown to be the receptacle of the Spirit, O
Mistress; for in thy womb thou didst contain God, Whom neither heaven nor
earth can in anywise contain. By thy supplications and those of the venerable
ones, do thou move Him to take pity upon all of us who hymn thee.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
With splendor let us praise today the intercessors for the Monastery of
Zographou, the venerable fathers who suffered, casting down the falsehood of
the Latins, the preachers of the Orthodox Faith who, consumed by the fire,
offered themselves to the Trinity as divine wholeburnt sacrifices.
Glory ..., The sacred Monastery of Zographou hath acquired you as
intercessors and guardians, O most wise ones; wherefore, with splendor we
celebrate your right renowned memory, honoring you with hymns: for, having
glorified the Lord, ye are now honored with the angels, as is meet.
Now & ever ..., O Queen of all, Bride of God, divine Mistress, Mother of the
King, flower of virginity, splendor of the angels, adornment of the celestial
beings, great refuge of sinners: we hymn thee, O all-holy one, as the savior of the
world.
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Come, ye faithful, and assembling with the choirs of the unwedded, with
hymns let us praise the valiant warriors of Christ, the beacons of Orthodoxy, the
steadfast twenty-six venerable athletes, crying out to them with faith: Entreat the
Savior in our behalf!
Having shaken off earthly cares, a fathers, struggling in the Monastery of
Zographou, ye suffered valiantly at the hands of the cruel and perverse; and as
preservers of the Traditions of the fathers ye have received twofold crowns.
Standing upon the tower with joyful hearts and steadfast resolve, ye denounced
the falsehood of the cruel Latin-minded ones; and consumed by the fire, O
venerable ones, ye offered yourselves up to the Master as acceptable wholeburnt
sacrifices, and are magnified.
O twenty-six valiant warriors of Christ, from all harm, and from enemies
visible and invisible, preserve those who with faith celebrate your memory; and
vouchsafe unto them the kingdom of heaven, O venerable ones.
Glory ..., Idiomelon, in the same tone:
With what words shall we offer hymnody unto you, O venerable fathers who
suffered? With what hymns of laudation shall we praise you? For even a multitude
of mouths will not suffice for this, let alone one which is lacking in skill. And
even though they are not worthy of you, yet hearken unto these things which we
sing: Rejoice, champions of Orthodoxy, vessels of virtue, confirmation of
monastics and foundation of your monastery! Rejoice, expellers of demons,
opponents of heretics, famed guides for the lost, most honored habitations of the
Trinity! Rejoice, bowls overflowing with sweet-smelling myrrh, ever-flowing
rivers of fragrance, bulwark of the Holy Mountain, heirs of eternal good things!
Pray ye for us who with love celebrate your most honored memory!
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone IV:
Deliver us from our needs, O Mother of Christ God, who gavest birth unto
the Creator of all, that we all may cry out to thee: Rejoice, O thou that alone art
the intercession for our souls!
Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III & 4 from Ode VI of the martyrs'
canon.
With divine hymns let the godly company of the sacred and venerable martyrs
of the Monastery of Zographou be praised; for with a twofold wreath have they
been crowned, as fasters and thrice-blessed and steadfast athletes. (Twice)
With the firmest intent did Micah and Simon bravely contend, together with
Hilarion and Cyril, Euthymius and the rest of the twenty-six; and praising their
memory today in hymns of joy, we glorify the Lord.
Showing forth a single patient endurance amid a multiplicity of bodies, the
venerable fathers who suffered in the Monastery of Zographou put the cruel
Latins to shame, and their heads were crowned with wreaths of victory.
Having suffered, O ye twenty-six most venerable fathers, ye have received
honors for your labors, and Christ, the Bestower of crowns, hath adorned you
with gifts of grace.
Those things which eye cannot see nor ear hear, and which the mind of man
cannot comprehend, as is written, have ye been vouchsafed in your portion in the
heavens, O most glorious ones.
Celebrating a solemn festival, let us praise today the guardians, intercessors and
protectors of the Monastery of Zographou, the twenty-six venerable martyrs.
Theotokion: As ye possess divers gifts, O fathers, deliver us from divers perils,
and joining Cosmas and the heavenly Mistress as our advocates, preserve your
flock.
Troparion, in Tone I:
Having honorably passed your life in asceticism at the Monastery of
Zographou, O venerable regiment, ye twenty-six valiant fathers, ye offered
yourselves as sacrifices to God in the fire with the steadfast resolve of piety.
Wherefore, ye have received a twofold wreath from the Lord God, sending up
glory unto Him Who hath crowned you.
Another troparion, in Tone IV:
Rendering honor today as is meet, O venerable martyrs, we offer up praise at
your annual feast, for it is the cause of good things for us; and celebrating the all-
night vigil we chant: O proclaimers of the Spirit, faithful servants of the Trinity,
pray ye fervently to the Lord in our behalf!
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man,-hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Let us praise the twenty-six sacred and venerable athletes, the intercessors and
protectors of Zographou, who cast down the pride of the Latins, endured fiery
immolation and were crowned as is meet; and let us cry: Rejoice, O venerable
sufferers!
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: In the saints that are in His earth hath the Lord
been wondrous; He hath wrought all His desires in them.
Stichos: I beheld the Lord ever before me, for He is at my right hand, that I
might not be shaken.
EPISTLE TO THE EPHESIANS, §233 [6: 10-17]
Brethren: Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the
whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the
breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the
gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He
delivered them out of all their tribulations.
Stichos: Many are the tribulations of the righteous, and the Lord shall
deliver them out of them all.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW §36 [10:16-22]
The Lord said to His disciples: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst
of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of
men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in
their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake,
for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take
no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour
what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which
speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the
father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause
them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but
he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for
the upright.
A PRAYER TO THE VENERABLE MARTYRS OF ZOGRAPHOU
O our holy and blessed fathers, ye who in your great love for us, your
unworthy children, were consumed in the flames: Forget us not, but send up
fervent prayers to God for us and for them that have mercy on us, and for the
sanctification" glorification, and well-being of your holy monastery of
Zographou, of this monastery (city, etc.) and for every city. Ye that stand even
now before the throne of our Lord and God Jesus Christ, the Fashioner of all
creation, and partake of the glory, the beauty, and the very sight of Him:
Remember us, your children who keep your memory, and entreat His ineffable
goodness to take pity on our weakness and wretchedness; to overlook all our sins,
voluntary and involuntary; to implant in us godly fear of Him; to strengthen us
with His grace in the fulfillment of our monastic (baptismal) vows, and in the
performance of His holy and life-creating commandments and precepts; to
quench His righteous anger which hath fallen upon us; to disperse the dark and
gloomy cloud of sorrows which casteth its shadow upon our monastery (city); to
protect, aid and deliver us who dwell therein, and all Orthodox Christians in every
place from all enemies visible and invisible, from every evil, misfortune and dan-
ger that cometh upon us, expected or unforeseen; to preserve us in peace,
tranquility and serenity; to grant us every prosperity and abundance; that
protected by your fervent prayers and mighty intercession and assistance, and
deliverest from every misfortune and temptation, overflowing with every good
work, amid peace, tranquility and plenty, we may radiantly celebrate your annual
commemoration, glorifying the Lord Who hath glorified you with crowns of
glory, which we, your lowly children, also request of you, O our right-blessed
fathers; that passing the boundaries of this life in good repentance and God-
pleasing endeavor, we may be vouchsafed to be with you. And even though our
forgiveness is a great thing, yet do we trust in the goodness and the ineffable love
for mankind of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ Himself: to Whom be
honor, glory and worship, with His unoriginate Father and His all-holy, good and
life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE 23rd DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE CONCEPTION
OF THE HONORABLE GLORIOUS PROPHET,
FORERUNNER AND BAPTIST JOHN
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel: "Called from on high ...":
While the godly Zechariah was officiating as priest * within the most divine
temple, * offering up the petitions of the people * to the most compassionate
Benefactor, * he beheld O most divine angel, who cried out to him: * "Thy
supplication and entreaty hath been heard! * Be of good cheer, O elder, and
disbelieve not; * for thou shalt have a child, * the Forerunner of God, * the
greatest of all born of women, * who, with the power of Elijah, * will go before
Christ!" (Twice)
"Strange dost thou appear to me * in aspect and discourse; * strange also in thy
words and proclamations," * Zechariah objected. * "For I have come to ask for
the salvation of the people, * not for the reception of a child, * as thou dost state.
* I find thee contrary to my requests * and am minded to place no credence in
thee. * For how can such a thing as that of which thou speakest come to pass? *
For Elisabeth is barren, * and I, as thou knowest, am an elderly man." (Twice)
''Why believest thou not my words, O Zechariah? * Why sayest thou that I
offer thee false tidings? * I am the archangel of God; * and those things which I
am commanded, * these do I relate to thee, standing here before thee. * But
inasmuch as thou hast not believed, * and hast not faith, * thou shalt be deaf and
mute * until thou shalt see the divine fulfillment of my words. * And when
Elisabeth will give birth for thee * unto the voice of the Word, the great
Forerunner, who will illumine the nation, * thou shalt bless the God of Israel!"
(Twice)
Glory ..., the composition of the Byzantine, in Tone VI:
Today hath John the Forerunner, the fruit of prayer, sprung forth in a barren
womb. Make merry, O desert, and join chorus with mankind; for, lo! the preacher
of repentance cometh forth to be incarnate in his mother's womb. Come, O ye
who love the feasts of the Church, and, rejoicing in his glorious conception, let us
form a choir, crying out: O thou who art the greatest born of woman, cease not
to make supplication in behalf of them that celebrate thy divine conception, that
we may find cleansing of our sins and great mercy.
Now and ever ..., the Dogmaticon, in the same tone.
Who will not call thee blessed, * O all-holy Virgin? * Who will not hymn thy
child-birth without labor? * For the only-begotten Son, who shone forth from the
Father before time, * came forth ineffably incarnate from thee, O pure Maiden. *
By nature he is God, by nature for our sakes, he hath become man * not divided
in a duality of persons, * but known without confusion in a duality of natures. *
O all-honored and all-blessed one, implore him to have mercy on our souls.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel: "Having set aside all ...":
When the sacred prophet * reverently entered the Holy of Holies, * a holy
angel, standing before the saint, * as it is written, announced, saying; * "Thy
supplication hath been heard, * and the barrenness of Elisabeth is now loosed; *
and she will bear thee a son, O elder: * John the Forerunner, * the beacon of the
Sun, * the greatest of the prophets, * the voice of the Word * Who will shine
forth from the divine Virgin Maiden!"
Stichos: And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High.
"Tell me more plainly * why I should believe this," * the most blessed elder
said again to the angel; * "As thou seest, I am full of days, * and Elisabeth is
barren. * How, then, dost thou declare unto me * words which are beyond
nature? * I am amazed, and now think that thou in no wise speakest the truth. *
Depart from me, O man! * For I am asking deliverance for the people, * and not
to receive a child, * a thing hard to accept!"
Stichos: That we might serve Him in holiness and righteousness before Him
all the days of our life.
"I am the archangel of the Almighty! * Gabriel is my name, the incorporeal one
said to the elder. * "And now be thou mute, * and learn silence, * for not
believing what I have said; but when thy spouse will give birth for thee * unto the
clarion of the Word, * thou shalt cry out most plainly, * the Spirit enlightening thy
tongue * O child Thou shalt be called the prophet of the Most High, * who by
grace shalt make ready His path, * as is His good pleasure!'"
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Thou didst come forth from a barren womb as an angel, O Baptist; from thine
earliest childhood thou didst make thine abode in the wilderness, and hast shown
thyself to be the seal of all the prophets; for Him Whom they foresaw many times
and proclaimed in indistinct images, wast thou counted worthy to baptize in the
Jordan; and thou didst hear the voice of the Father from heaven, bearing witness
to His Sonship; and thou didst see the Spirit in the form of a dove, drawing down
the voice upon the One Who was being baptized. O thou who art the greatest of
all the prophets: cease not to pray in behalf of us who faithfully celebrate thy
memory.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
No one who hath recourse unto thee departeth from thee ashamed, O Virgin
Theotokos; but he asketh grace and receiveth a gift in answer to his profitable
petition.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Make merry, O barren woman, who before wast unable to bear a child! For, lo!
thou hast manifestly conceived the lamp of the Sun, who will enlighten all the
world, which suffereth from blindness. Dance thou, O Zechariah, crying out with
boldness: He who will be born is the prophet of the Most High!
AT COMPLINE
After the Trisagion, the Kontakion of the Forerunner.
AT MATINS
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is co-unoriginate ...":
Elisabeth hath been freed from barrenness; and the Virgin hath remained a
virgin, even when she conceived in her womb at the cry of Gabriel. Yet John the
Forerunner leapeth up in his mother's womb, foreknowing his God and Master,
Who had become incarnate for our salvation within the Virgin's womb. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
Rejoice, O holy and divinely trodden mountain! Rejoice, animate and unburnt
bush! Rejoice, thou only bridge from the world to God, leading mortals to life
eternal! Rejoice, unblemished maiden who, without man, gavest birth unto the
Salvation of our souls!
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Go thou quickly before ...":
The dove that loveth the wilderness, the sacred Forerunner, who preached
repentance and showed Christ to have become man, the intercessor for all
sinners, hath been born, ever helping all who are tempest-tossed. By his
supplications, O Christ, save Thou Thy world.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O thou who alone gavest birth to the Creator of all, who alone hast adorned
mankind: by thy birth-giving, O all-pure one, deliver me from the snares of false
Belial; set me upon the rock of Christ's will, earnestly entreating Him to Whom
thou hast given flesh.
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without the martyria; and the canon of the
Forerunner, with six troparia, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone VI:
ODE I
Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing
the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a
hymn of victory!
O offspring of the barren woman: uproot thou the barren thoughts of my
barren soul, as I begin to praise thy holy conception in thy mother's womb.
The sacred Zechariah, entering the temple, beheld the divine angel, who
manifestly proclaimed to him: O priest, in thine old age thou shalt receive a son,
the Forerunner.
The great Forerunner, the radiant beacon of the Sun of glory, is conceived to
shine forth in his mother's womb, by whom the darkness of the passions is rent
asunder and the bonds of barrenness are loosed.
Theotokion: Perceiving the Master borne in thy womb, O all-pure Theotokos,
John, as His Forerunner, manifestly leapt for joy in his mother's womb.
ODE III
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted
the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of
Thee, O Good One.
Today the barren one conceiveth the sacred fruit, who in later times will cut
down all the barrenness of souls with grace, the noetic axe.
Having been struck dumb within the temple, the great Zechariah receiveth the
yoke of the Word by an awesome announcement, and radiantly doth magnify the
compassionate Lord.
The glorious Forerunner, who hath shown the faithful the firm path of
repentance, by divine counsel surpassing hope hath at the angel's command
sprung forth in his mother's womb.
Theotokion: As he who was born of the barren woman perceived Christ borne
in the Virgin's womb, he leapt up, heralding the Joy which had come into the
world to deliver all from grief.
Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Joseph marveled ...":
From heaven Gabriel came down and stood before the sacred Zechariah as he
was censing in the temple; and he said unto him: "In thine old age thou shalt
bear a right glorious fruit, and the former sterility of Elisabeth shall now
straightway be loosed, and the barren one shall give birth. And having conceived,
she shall bear the Forerunner and herald of Jesus." By their entreaties, O Savior
of the world, save Thou our souls. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
O pure and all-immaculate one who knewest not wedlock, thou who alone
hast given birth in time to the timeless Son and Word of God: with the holy and
honorable apostles, martyrs and prophets, and the venerable, do thou beseech
Him to grant us cleansing and great mercy.
ODE IV
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church
doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival
in the Lord.
O blessed Forerunner, the voice of the angel proclaimed thee in sacred
manner to the priest as the herald of the coming of Christ, who wast to spring
forth from a barren womb.
O barren one, who before wast childless and hadst not given birth, be thou
now glad, for most gloriously art thou bringing forth as fruit the Baptist and
Forerunner, O right wondrous Elisabeth.
O Forerunner, with the axe of thy prayer cut down the thorns of my passions
and remove the stumbling block of mine evil thoughts; and by thy virtues render
my mind fertile, O most blessed one.
Theotokion: The womb of the Virgin held Thee Who holdest all things, O
Christ; and when the Baptist, borne in his mother's womb, worshipped Thee, he
rejoiced, leaping up.
ODE V
Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of them that with love rise
at dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of
God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.
To the prophet who entered the sanctuary and was offering up to the Creator
the services of the Law, the holy angel appeared, announcing the divine
conception of the Forerunner.
"How can this happen to me, for I am an old man, as thou seest, and I have a
barren wife?" Zechariah said to the archangel. "Thou dost utter to me words
which are contrary to nature!"
"Look at Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and behold how she brought forth
Isaac in her old age, O man; and believe thou those things which have been
justly spoken," the great angel exhorted the elder.
Theotokion: "Blessed art thou among women, O thou who art full of the joy
of God," Elisabeth manifestly cried to thee when she knew thee to be her who
would give birth without having known man, her who alone would remain
incorrupt after giving birth.
ODE VI
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from
corruption, O greatly Merciful One!
"My thoughts are filled with doubt, and I shall not believe thy words," the
priest said to the archangel, "for I am asking for the salvation of the people, not
for the fruit of my loins."
"The Creator of nature, the King of angels, hath been well pleased that thou
give birth unto the herald of His own coming," the ministering angel replied;
"Do not disbelieve my words, O man!"
"Fiery is thine aspect, awesome thy visage, and wondrous thy discourse,"
said Zechariah to the servant of God; "yet will I not believe thee who utterest
strange words to me which surpass nature!"
Theotokion: In the dark abode of the womb, the lamp of the Sun offered
worship and leapt up, rejoicing, recognizing the One concealed in the cloud of
His Mother's womb.
Kontakion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "The choir of the angels ...":
Rejoice with splendor, O great Zechariah and most glorious Elisabeth, his
spouse, in conceiving John the Forerunner as is meet, whom the archangel
announced, rejoicing. O ye men, let us right worthily honor him as the initiate
of the mystery of grace.
Ikos: Let us open the hallowed Gospel which the sacred and wondrous Luke
hath recorded for us, and let us behold the radiant and honorable conception
of the Forerunner. For he saith that, as the righteous elder Zechariah entered
into the Holy of Holies to cense when it was his turn so to do, Gabriel stood
before him, proclaiming and saying: "O priest, in thine old age thou shalt have
a son, the prophet and Forerunner, the voice and herald, the ever-radiant
beacon and initiate of the mysteries of grace!"
ODE VII
Irmos: The Angel made the furnace pour forth dew upon the pious
children, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldeans,
prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our
fathers!
"Since thou dost not believe my words, receive thou most manifest
muteness; and when thou shalt see the voice of the Word born, receive again
thy voice, crying out: 'Blessed art Thou, O God of Israel!'"
As radiant as the sun, Zechariah, cleaving unto Elisabeth, the moon, begat
the light-bearing beacon of the Light, which shineth upon us who are cruelly
held fast in the darkness of the passions.
Using leaps instead of words, the great Forerunner worshipped Thee in the
Virgin's womb, O Christ Jesus, while he himself was borne in the womb of
Elisabeth. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: Elisabeth, the moon, bearing within herself a star, the divine
Forerunner, bowed down before Mary, the radiant cloud, was bearing Christ,
the Sun, Who had taken flesh of her for our salvation.
ODE VIII
Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable
ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water;
for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do
we exalt supremely for all ages!
The friend of the Bridegroom is prepared; the voice of the Word receiveth
his beginning; the great warrior of the King of all is now nourished in the
womb of the barren one.
A husbandman hath come forth to tend barren hearts; an axe is already
forged to fell the passions; an honorable bullock is nurtured on abstinence: the
great Forerunner. Be glad, O ye people!
Break thou the stoniness of my mind, O Forerunner, as of old thou didst
loose the bonds of the barren; and cause me to increase the fruits of repentance
and to live forever.
Theotokion: As Elisabeth beheld thee pregnant, O Maiden, she rejoiced in
godly manner, while within her babe leapt as he recognized his Master.
ODE IX
Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of
angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word
appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of
heaven, we call thee blessed.
Now having thrown wide the gate of the barren one, the great and divine
Forerunner of Christ taketh up his abode within his mother's womb, as within
royal chambers, that he may issue forth as a warrior, preparing the way for the
King of all.
Dance thou, O prophet of God and elder, for thou shalt bring forth a son,
than whom none greater shall arise among men: John, the Forerunner of the
Lord! Leap up, O Elisabeth! Rejoice, all the earth, offering praise to God, the
Creator of all!
O prophet and Forerunner of the Lord, remember us now who praise thee in
faith, delivering us from spiritual passions. Save us from misfortunes, guiding us
in godly manner along the path to heaven, O ever-blessed one.
Theotokion: Sensing herself loosed of the bonds of barrenness and bearing the
Forerunner of Him Who dwelt within thy womb, Elisabeth manifestly
acknowledged thee to be the pure Mother, O pure Virgin Mary, full of the joy
of God.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel: "With the disciples ...":
The glorious conception of the Forerunner heralds the King Who is to be
born of the Virgin; for he is born of Elisabeth, barren and childless, and the
great Zechariah, elder and priest. Through their prayers and those of the
Theotokos and of John, Thy Baptist, O Lord, save and take pity on all. (Twice)
Theotokion: By the counsel of the Father hath the pre-eternal Son in truth
wrought great things through thee; for without pain thou gavest birth to
immortal Life and hast remained as thou wast before giving birth, escaping the
pangs of motherhood; and thou hast remained a virgin even after childbirth, O
Virgin.
On the Praises, four stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Creation rejoiceth in thy conception, * O prophet and Forerunner, * John the
Baptist, * for thy divine birth * doth foretoken the nativity of the Master for us. *
Wherefore, together, * we on earth do praise thee as is meet.
The angel, finding the conception of the barren * to be a wondrous witness, *
citeth it to Mary, * offering it to her as confirmation. * Wherefore, we praise the
barren Elisabeth, * Zechariah, her spouse, and John.
The divinely wrought lamp of the everlasting Light, * the friend of the
Bridegroom, * the great luminary of the glory of the Sun, * the living voice of the
Word of God, * the Forerunner of the coming of the Lord, * is now conceived
at the angel's announcement.
O Forerunner, thou art manifestly known * to be the divine altar of the sweet-
smelling incense of Christ, * stationed at His right hand, * pouring forth the
fragrance of the knowledge of Him * prefigured by the angels and saints standing
* at His right hand.
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., in Tone VI:
Elisabeth conceived the Forerunner of grace, and the Virgin conceived the
Lord of glory. When both mothers embraced in greeting, the babe of the one
leapt up, for the servant within her was praising his Master. Marveling, the
mother of the Forerunner began to cry out: ''Why is this granted to me, that the
Mother of my Lord should come tome?" May He that hath great mercy save His
despairing people.
Great Doxology. Troparion of the saint:
Make merry, O barren woman, who before wast unable to bear a child! For, lo!
thou hast manifestly conceived the lamp of the Sun, who will enlighten all the
world, which suffereth from blindness. Dance thou, O Zechariah, crying out with
boldness: He who will be born is the prophet of the Most High!
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
The Ektenias, and the rest.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia, from Odes III and VI of the canon of the
Forerunner.
Today the barren one conceiveth the sacred fruit, who in later times will cut
down all the barrenness of souls with grace, the noetic axe. (Twice)
Having been struck dumb within the temple, the great Zechariah receiveth the
yoke of the Word by an awesome announcement, and radiantly doth magnify the
compassionate Lord.
The glorious Forerunner, who hath shown the faithful the firm path of
repentance, by divine counsel surpassing hope hath at the angel's command
sprung forth in his mother's womb.
"My thoughts are filled with doubt, and I shall not believe thy words," the
priest said to the archangel, "for I am asking for the salvation of the people, not
for the fruit of my loins."
"The Creator of nature, the King of angels, hath been well pleased that thou
give birth unto the herald of His own coming," the ministering angel replied;
"Do not disbelieve my words, O man!"
"Fiery is thine aspect, awesome thy visage, and wondrous thy discourse,"
said Zechariah to the servant of God; "yet will I not believe thee who utterest
strange words to me which surpass nature!"
Theotokion: In the dark abode of the womb, the lamp of the Sun offered
worship and leapt up, rejoicing, recognizing the One concealed in the cloud of
His Mother's womb.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Make merry, O barren woman, who before wast unable to bear a child! For, lo!
thou hast manifestly conceived the lamp of the Sun, who will enlighten all the
world, which suffereth from blindness. Dance thou, O Zechariah, crying out with
boldness: He who will be born is the prophet of the Most High!
Kontakion, in Tone I:
Rejoice with splendor, O great Zechariah and most glorious Elisabeth, his
spouse, in conceiving John the Forerunner as is meet, whom the archangel
announced, rejoicing. O ye men, let us right worthily honor him as the initiate
of the mystery of grace.
Prokimenon: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in
Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE GALATIANS [4:22-2].
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the
other by a free woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the
flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise. Which things are an allegory:
for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth
to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and
answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But
Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written,
Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest
not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath a husband.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree,
and like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of
our God shall they blossom forth.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [1:5-25]
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named
Zechariah, of the course of Abijah: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron,
and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God,
walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And
they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren; and they both were now
well stricken in years. And it came to pass, that, while he executed the priest's
office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the
priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the
Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time
of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the
right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was
troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not,
Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son,
and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and
many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and
shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall, be filled with the Holy
Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And many of the children of Israel shall
he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and
power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the
Lord. And Zechariah said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am
an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answering said
unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to
speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt
be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be
performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in
their season. And the people waited for Zechariah, and marveled that he tarried
so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them:
and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he beckoned
unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the
days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And
after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months,
saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me,
to take away my reproach among men.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 24th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY PROTOMARTYR AND EQUAL OF THE
APOSTLES THECLA
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O Lord, even though at the tribunal …":
O Lord, * though Thecla was added to the windows of Thy love, * yet,
standing noetically in the highest before Thy throne, * she marveled at Thine
incomparable majesty * which hath been manifested in Thy love for mankind, *
that Thou mayest save our souls. (Twice)
O Lord, * though Thecla was involuntarily separated from her teacher Paul, *
yet during her suffering, stripped of her garments, * she had Thee abiding with
her, * and was covered with Thy glory; * and crowned by Thy hand, she
defendeth our souls. (Twice)
O Lord, * though Thecla made haste to the bound Apostle Paul, * yet she
rejected the bond of attachment to earthly things, * and with the chain of the
might of Thy love * she bound herself fast to Thee, * the Savior of our souls.
O Lord, * though Thy pure protomartyr * was committed to the fire, * yet she
was not consumed therein, having Thee as a cooler of the flames; * and,
preserved by the hand of Thee, * the Savior of our souls, * she remained
unconsumed amid many wild beasts.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
In thine athletic struggles thou didst trample the enemy underfoot, O most
blessed Thecla, and having set at naught his wiles as a struggler, thou didst flee
from Thamyris and betroth thyself to Christ thy true Lover. O converser with
Paul and fellow sufferer with Stephen, as thou among women hast boldness, O
protomartyr of Christ, by thy supplications deliver from misfortunes them that
keep thine all-festive memory.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
As Symeon said, O most holy Mistress, * a sword pierced thy heart, * when
thou beheldest * the ineffable Word Who shone forth from thee * as one
condemned among malefactors, * lifted up on the Cross, * partaking of vinegar
and gall, * His side pierced with a spear, His hands and feet nailed; * and thou
didst cry out with lamentation, * exclaiming maternally: * ''What is this new
mystery, * O my sweet Child?"
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ..., the composition of
Anatolius, in Tone VIII:
The assault of the lions didst thou trample down, and thou didst put
Thamyris to shame, O much suffering protomartyr; and thou didst follow after
thy Bridegroom, crying out: I have fled to the fragrance of Thy myrrh, O Christ!
Wherefore, seeking out Paul, thou didst receive a gift from heaven and wast
given a crown by God, the Judge of the contest; and thou prayest unceasingly,
that forgiveness of sins be given to them that with faith keep thy sacred memory.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
''What is this sight which I see, * which mine eyes behold, O Master? * Thou
Who upholdest all creation * hast been suspended on a tree; * and, slain, Thou
givest life unto all!" * the Theotokos said, weeping, when she saw the God and
man * Who had shone forth from her ineffably, hanging upon the Cross.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Taught by the words of Paul, O Thecla, bride of God, and confirmed through
faith by Peter, O divinely called one, thou wast shown to be the protomartyr and
first sufferer among women. Thou didst enter the flame as it were a place
abloom with flowers, and the wild beasts and bulls stood in awe of thee, for thou
didst arm thyself with the Cross. Wherefore, O most lauded one, entreat Christ,
that our souls be saved.
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without their
martyrica; and the canon of the protomartyr, with six troparia, the acrostic whereof is:
"Let the protomartyr be divinely glorified":
The composition of John the Monk, in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord Who led His people across the Red
Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
The sound of the tongue is unable to recount the most glorious sufferings of
the protomartyr, for it falleth short of fitting praise.
The all-prideful superstition of the tyrant ceased, for in Christ women have
piously prevailed like men against him.
Instructed in the Gospel by thine ineffable words, O most blessed Paul, the
virgin betrothed herself to Christ.
Theotokion: The Virgin gaveth birth unto Thee, O Christ, the life-bearing
Cluster of grapes, Who pourest forth the sweetness of universal salvation.
ODE III
Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of them that flee to Thee, O Lord; Thou
art the Light of them that are in darkness, and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
O thy love which passeth understanding, O most honored one, whereby,
having united thyself in the Spirit, thou didst bind thyself to Paul in Christ!
The mind was unable to wound thee who wast wounded with the desire of
the Spirit, O delight of mortals.
Having rejected all fleshly attachments, thou wast not softened by the
conversations of thy mother, O most laudable athlete.
Theotokion: Thou wast the correction of our first mother Eve, O Theotokos,
having given birth unto the Author of life for the world.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "As first-fruits ...":
In the beauty of thy virginity thou didst shine forth, and thou wast adorned
with the crown of martyrdom; as one all-glorious, O virgin, thou didst entrust
thyself to the Apostle Paul, and didst transform the flame of the fire into dew;
and by thy supplication, O thou who wast the first among women to suffer,
thou didst quell the raging of the bull.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Transforming thy womanhood into manliness through the virtues and the
love of Christ, by both thou becamest a dwelling place of God; for, having
diminished the gloom of the passions by fasting, by martyrdom, thou wast
shown to be the boast of suffering. Wherefore, thou shinest forth with twofold
radiance upon the world like a beacon, illumining all with rays of the Spirit, O
most lauded protomartyr, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of
transgressions unto them that with love honor thy holy memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
All we, the generations of men, bless thee as the Virgin who, alone among
women, gavest birth without seed to God in the flesh; for the fire of the
Godhead made its abode within thee, and thou gavest suck unto the Creator
and Lord as a babe. Wherefore, as is meet, we, the race of angels and men,
glorify thy most holy birthgiving; and together we cry out to thee: Entreat Christ
God, that He grant remission of transgressions to them that hymn thy glory as
is meet.
Stavrotheotokion: The ewe-lamb, beholding the Lamb, Shepherd and
Deliverer upon the Cross, exclaimed, weeping, and, bitterly lamenting, cried out:
"The world rejoiceth, receiving deliverance through Thee; but my womb is in
pain, beholding the crucifixion which Thou endurest in the loving-kindness of
Thy mercy! O longsuffering Lord, abyss and inexhaustible wellspring of mercy:
have mercy, and grant remission of transgressions unto them that hymn Thy di-
vine sufferings!"
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation, O Lord; I have
considered Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Paul, as the arranger of marriage, joined thee, O most honored Thecla, who
hadst been betrothed to Thamyris, to the heavenly Bridegroom, as one
undefiled.
Thou wast brought to the love of piety by the words of Paul, O martyr, and
didst spurn the words of Thamyris as foolishness.
By the sprinkling of the divine Blood hath the race of Adam been blessed;
and Eve rejoiceth, seeing the deceitful serpent brought down by women.
Loving piety, the protomartyr cast away all the beautiful things of life: riches,
family, beauty, and the pleasures of a betrothed.
Theotokion: All we, the enlightened, know thee to be the Theotokos, O most
pure one; for thou, O Ever-virgin, gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness.
ODE V
Irmos: Waking at dawn we cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord! for Thou art our
God, and we know none other than Thee.
With most grievous suffering thou didst struggle in the arena, O most blessed
Thecla, and wast counted worthy of honors.
The wicked serpent hath been laid waste, for the virgin learned obedience by
divine sufferings.
By divine boldness hath thy shame been overcome, for the fire at the heart of
the Trinity set thee aflame.
Theotokion: O Mary, unwedded Theotokos, make vain the hopes of our
enemies and gladden them that hymn thee.
ODE VI
Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my
grief, for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and
like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Having fortified the weakness of her nature with the might of the Cross, and
repudiated youthful adornment by divine love, at night the maiden took courage
and ran forth, seeking the fragrant teachings of Him Who was her Desired One.
With love, of her own will, the right glorious protomartyr Thecla
supernaturally left her bridal chambers to dwell in a dungeon with malefactors;
for her desire for the Creator overcame her desire for habitations.
Drinking in the words of Paul in prison as in a divine meadow, the martyr
kissed the chains of her divine teacher; and she grew and truly brought forth
most comely fruit for the Master.
Theotokion: Choosing thee from among the beautiful valleys of the world as a
rose, a most comely lily, a sweet-scented fragrance, O Maiden, the Creator made
His abode within thy womb; and, having been born, He hath filled all things with
a sweet savor.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Having wounded thy heart with the love of Christ, O good virgin, thou didst
spurn a transient betrothed as of no account; and didst brave the fire and shut
the mouths of the wild beasts. And, saved from them, O Thecla, first among
women to suffer, thou didst take care to seek out Paul.
Ikos: Having learned the path of truth from Paul, thou didst follow after him
without wavering, O all-glorious one, and having abandoned thine own people as
strangers, with manly mind and in manly guise thou didst follow a stranger.
Wherefore, the Master hath shown thee forth as the first to suffer among
women contenders in the world, wherein thou didst remain, O Thecla, first
among women to suffer, going about the ends thereof in search of Paul.
ODE VII
Irmos: The children that went down from Judea in Babylon once trod
down the flame of the furnace by their faith in the Trinity, saying: O God
of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Like a prisoner thou wast bound to Paul with unbreakable bonds by love, O
most blessed one, piously crying out with faith and chanting with him: O God of
our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou didst stand with Paul before the unjust tribunal, O good virgin, and
moved by love of the Master, thou didst cry out in awe, rejecting what was
unseemly: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou gavest thy body over to the furnace for divine love, O martyr, and by
the power of Him Whom thou didst desire thou didst remain unconsumed,
crying out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
The storm cloud, dousing the flame with rain and hail, rightly consumed the
mindless ones and saved the martyr, who chanted thy hymn: O God of our
fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: A rod sprung forth from the root of Jesse wast thou, O all-
blessed one, putting forth the Fruit of salvation for them that with faith cry out
to thy Son: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Irmos: The King of heaven Who all the hosts of angels hymn, praise ye
and exalt supremely for all ages.
Strange was thy thought; for thou, O virgin martyr, madest thine abode in a
grave as in Eden, hymning Christ forever.
Unable to endure that the magnificence and splendor of the beauty of thy
virginity be dimmed, thou didst will to die and to live forever.
Having united thyself to Christ the life-creating and supernatural
Bridegroom, O protomartyr, thou wast pleased that wild beasts be the
preservers of thy virginity.
Having shed thy garment of corruption, O beautifully clad runner of Christ,
thou didst pass onto the life which ageth not, forever.
Theotokion: In manner transcending nature thou gavest birth unto God the
Word, the Creator and Savior, O Virgin; wherefore, we honor thee, O pure
one, forever.
ODE IX
Irmos: With unceasing glorification we magnify thee, the Mother of the
Most High, who knewest not wedlock, who didst truly give birth unto
God the Word in manner which passeth understanding, and art more
highly exalted than the powers more pure.
Who doth not marvel at thine invincibility, O protomartyr? For, having
subdued the passions, the noetic beasts, to thy soul, thou wast not afraid of the
unrestrained assaults of wild beasts, but remained incorrupt in their midst.
At the command of God, the hard and impassible rock split apart for thee,
O God-bearing martyr who wast sealed by the laver of regeneration as a
blessed bride, and it received thee like a chamber as thou fleddest.
Heal thou the wounds of my soul, O protomartyr; grant peace to the world,
bestowing victories over heresies and schisms to all true Orthodox hierarchs,
and bring peace to the Churches by thy prayers.
Theotokion: With unceasing hymns all we, the faithful, glorify thee, the all-
glorious and most holy Theotokos, and we hymn thee as her who gaveth birth
unto the Lord of all, unto the salvation of them that praise thee.
Exapostilarion:
Let us praise Thecla, the equal of the apostles and first woman to suffer, the
glory of women, the instructor of athletes, who opened for all the way of
martyrdom.
Theotokion: With thy mighty protection preserve all of us, thy servants,
unharmed by the assaults of the enemies, O pure one; for thee alone have we
acquired as a refuge in our needs.
On the Praises, four stichera, the composition of Anatolius, two in Tone II:
Having Christ God as thy Bridegroom in the heavens, O Thecla first to
suffer, thou didst reject a transitory betrothed and bridegroom; for, wisely
paying no heed to the blandishments of thy mother, thou didst follow Paul,
taking the sign of the Cross upon thy shoulders, and didst not fear the fire. The
savagery of the wild beasts thou didst transform into meekness. Thou didst slay
Phocas by the immersion of holy baptism in Christ. Yet, O thou who didst
valiantly shine forth divinely in sufferings, cease not to entreat Christ
unceasingly in behalf of them that with faith keep thy most precious memory.
Having offered thyself for the bidding of the Almighty, and forsaken earthly
love, strengthened as the protomartyr of Christ, thou didst array thyself in the
light of everlasting life, discovering the entrance to the blessed bridal chamber
of eternal life wherein the flock of women rest. With them pray thou for our
souls, O Thecla, equal of the apostles.
And two in Tone IV: Form a choir, O ye who love the martyrs, for the time
of struggles is come, the annual commemoration of the protomartyr, which ex-
horteth all to the glorification of God. For Thecla, first martyr among women,
having finished the course of suffering, hath been shown to be the first crown-
bearer, who prayeth with boldness in behalf of our souls.
Thy superhuman suffering, O protomartyr of Christ, not only astonished the
nations of men, but also amazed the savage beasts. Flames were not considered
flames by thee, O good virgin Thecla, for the sake of Christ thy Bridegroom; and,
suffering for His sake, thou didst rejoice. And, cut off from the world, mayest
thou receive the blessedness of heaven, praying with boldness in behalf of our
souls.
Glory ..., the composition of Anatolius, in Tone I:
The struggle of the contest lieth before us, let us join chorus, O people, and
look upon the most glorious things accomplished therein: for the good virgin
Thecla, the bride of God, the unblemished ewe-lamb, presenteth herself for
sacrifice, following Christ God Who sacrificed Himself for our sake. Wherefore,
with faith in the Trinity she destroyed ungodliness, and, dancing with the angels,
she beseecheth the Savior to save our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "O most lauded martyrs ...":
As she beheld Christ hanging on the Tree, * the Virgin said: * "A sword hath
pierced my heart * and rendeth it, O my Son and Master, * as of old Symeon
foretold to me. * Yet arise Thou, O Immortal One, * and with Thyself glorify
Thy Mother and handmaid, I pray!"
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos, and Glory ..., the composition of
Anatolius, in Tone II:
Come, ye who love the martyrs, and in hymns let us honor the protomartyr
Thecla, the boast of women; for with the power of the Cross she trampled down
the adverse foe, and, receiving the victory, hath been crowned as is meet.
Wherefore, the much suffering one prayeth that they that keep her memory with
faith and love be delivered from misfortunes and the judgment to come.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
Many pangs didst thou endure at the crucifixion of thy Son and God, O all-
pure one, groaning, weeping and crying aloud: ''Woe is me, O my Child most
sweet! How is it that Thou didst suffer unjustly, desiring to deliver those born on
earth of Adam?" Wherefore, O most pure Virgin, we entreat thee with faith:
render Him merciful unto us.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, eight troparia: four from the Oktoechos, and four: from Ode
III of the canon of the protomartyr.
O thy love which passeth understanding, O most honored one, whereby,
having united thyself in the Spirit, thou didst bind thyself to Paul in Christ!
The mind was unable to wound thee who wast wounded with the desire of
the Spirit, O delight of mortals.
Having rejected all fleshly attachments, thou wast not softened by the
conversations of thy mother, O most laudable athlete.
Theotokion: Thou wast the correction of our first mother Eve, O Theotokos,
having given birth unto the Author of life for the world.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Taught by the words of Paul, O Thecla, bride of God, and confirmed through
faith by Peter, O divinely called one, thou wast shown to be the protomartyr and
first sufferer among women. Thou didst enter the flame as it were a place
abloom with flowers, and the wild beasts and bulls stood in awe of thee, for thou
didst arm thyself with the Cross. Wherefore, O most lauded one, entreat Christ,
that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
In the beauty of thy virginity thou didst shine forth, and thou wast adorned
with the crown of martyrdom; as one all-glorious, O virgin, thou didst entrust
thyself to the Apostle Paul, and didst transform the flame of the fire into dew;
and by thy supplication, O thou who wast the first among women to suffer,
thou didst quell the raging of the bull.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Having wounded thy heart with the love of Christ, O good virgin, thou didst
spurn a transient betrothed as of no account; and didst brave the fire and shut
the mouths of the wild beasts. And, saved from them, O Thecla, first among
women to suffer, thou didst take care to seek out Paul.
Prokimenon: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the wellsprings of
Israel.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY [3:10-15]
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at
Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all
the Lord delivered me: Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast
been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child
thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salva-
tion through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Alleluia, in Tone I: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He
was attentive unto me, and He hearkened unto my supplication.
Stichos: And He brought me out of the pit of misery, and from the mire of
clay.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW [25:1-13].
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took
their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise,
and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil
with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the
bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry
made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those
virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give
us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so;
lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and
buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they
that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he
answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore; for
ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
Communion Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, 0 ye righteous; praise is meet for
the upright.
THE 25th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR FATHER AMONGST THE SAINTS, SERGIUS THE
WONDERWORKER OF RADONEZH
AT GREAT VESPERS:
At “O Lord, I have cried”, the Stichera, in Tone VI:
Forsaking the tumult of the world O Saint, * and taking up thy Cross, * thou didst
follow Christ, leaving the world to dwell in the wilderness * without any thought of
looking back. * Uprooting the passions of the soul by frequent vigils and prayers, *
and mortifying the subtleties of the flesh, * thou wast found worthy of the grace to
heal all manner of infirmities. * O thou fellow converser with the angels, * thou who
dwellest with the saints, * do thou, O Saint Sergius, beseech the Lord * that our souls
be granted great mercy.
O holy Father, who can tell of thy labors and thy pains? * or what tongue can
rightly speak of thy eremitic life, * thy vigils and thy strict abstinence from food, * thy
sleeping upon the cold earth, * the purity of thy soul and body, * the complete silence
of thy lips and mind, * thy true humility and unceasing prayers * thy discerning
Judgment, * the poverty of thine apparel * and thy never failing remembrance of
death? * O Sergius, our Father, * pray that our souls be saved.
O holy Father Sergius, * thou hast been shown forth as a physician of both our
souls and bodies, * gushing forth streams of healing to the ailing; * and adorned with
the gift of prophecy, * thou didst speak of future things as though they were in the
present, * by thy prayer thou didst arm the Prince such that he conquered the
barbarians * those who boasted that they would destroy thy Fatherland, * but their
own bodies fell dead near hell, as was meet, * through a plague from God that struck
them down, * as narrated of old in the psalms, O Saint Sergius. (Ps. 105:29:50)
O Divinely-wise Sergius, * having forsaken temporal glory thou didst appear living
in the wilderness and the hills, * and thou, O blessed one, wast made a pure dwelling-
place of the Holy Trinity, * by whose strength thou didst raise up holy Churches, *
and created an enclosure for the salvation of those living the monastic life; * and
Christ our God Whom thou hast longed for from thy youth, * found a dwelling
within thee. * O Saint Sergius entreat Him * that our souls be saved.
Other stichera to the Saint, in Tone II:
Enduring with fortitude the things of the present, * and rejoicing over those of
the future, * thou, O Saint Sergius, didst instruct all saying: * 'If we now strive as if
unrewarded * we remain with the hope of eternal life; * our afflictions here are
grievous but paradise is sweet; * our labors here are painful but the undertaking is
everlasting. * Be not slothful then, O ye that fast! * Let us bear a little here, that we
may be crowned there with wreaths of incorruption * by Christ our God and the
Savior of our souls.
Looking upon afflictions as pleasure, * walking along the straight and narrow path,
* thou, O most blessed Sergius, spake unto thy disciples saying: * 'Be not afraid of
the contest of abstinence, * that we may escape the fearful torments of Gehenna; *
let our hands be folded, that they may be stretched out towards God, * and let our
feet be established to stand before Him in prayer. * Let us not spare the corruptible
nature, * let us give ourselves up willingly to the fight, * that we may be crowned with
wreaths of triumph by Christ our God.
Setting aside corruptible clothes, * thou didst go about in winter as in summer *
without warm clothing, O patient Sergius, saying: * 'For the paradise that we have
lost we shall now put away soft raiment; * as we once clothed ourselves in sin
through transgression, * let us now for the sake of incorruptible garments strip
ourselves, * let us pay no heed, O brethren, to the passing winter, * let us mortify the
flesh * that we may be clothed with crowns of triumph by Christ our God.'
Glory…, Tone VI:
O thou who Preserved within thee the original image untainted, * and who, by
fasting, set thy mind as master over the pernicious passions, * thou didst ascend as
far as man is able unto heights of the divine likeness; * for having manfully restrained
thy human nature, * taking care to subdue the weaker unto the higher * thou didst
subject the flesh to the spirit. * Wherefore thou appearest as the summit of those
living the monastic life, * O thou inhabitant of the wilderness, * teacher of those who
have recourse to thee for spiritual profit, * thou far-famed example of virtue; * And
now, in the heavens, no longer 'seeing through a glass, darkly' * thou, O Father
Sergius clearly beholdeth the Holy Trinity, * do thou ever entreat God, on behalf of
those who in faith and love honor thee.
Now & ever…, Theotokion:
If the Celebration is not a Resurrection Service, sing the following Dogmatic of Tone
VI, (If the service is a Resurrection service sing the Dogmatic of the Tone for that
service):
Who will not call thee blessed, * O all-holy Virgin? * Who will not hymn thy child-
birth without labor? * For the only-begotten Son, who shone forth from the Father
before time, * came forth ineffably incarnate from thee, O pure Maiden. * By nature
he is God, by nature for our sakes, he hath become man * not divided in a duality of
persons, * but known without confusion in a duality of natures. * O all-honored and
all-blessed one, implore him to have mercy on our souls.
Entrance, The Prokimenon of the day, the three Readings:
THE READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
The memory of the just is praised, and the blessing of the Lord is upon his head.
Blessed is the man who hath found wisdom, and the mortal who knoweth prudence.
For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver. And she is
more valuable than precious sTones: no precious thing is equal to her in value. For
length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are
wealth and glory: out of her mouth righteousness proceedeth, and she carrieth law
and mercy upon her tongue. Hearken to me, O children, for I will speak solemn
truths. Blessed is the man who shall keep my ways; for my outgoings are the
outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favor from the Lord. Ye, O men, do I
exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men. I, wisdom, have built up; upon
counsel, knowledge and understanding have I called. Counsel and safety are mine;
prudence is mine, and strength is mine. I love those that love me; they that seek me
shall find grace. O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe
knowledge. Hearken unto me again; for I will speak solemn truths. For my throat
shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my
mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse. They are all
evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge. For I will
instruct you in truth, that your hope may be in the Lord, and ye may be filled with the
Spirit.
THE READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS:
The mouth of the righteous droppeth wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall
perish. The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.
False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable
unto Him. Wherever pride entereth, there will also disgrace: but the mouth of the
humble doth meditate wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the
overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them. Possessions shall not profit in the day of
wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death. When a just man dieth, he leaveth
regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy and causeth joy. Righteousness
traceth out blameless paths: but ungodliness encountereth unjust dealing. The
righteousness of upright men delivereth them: but transgressors are caught in their
own destruction. At the death of a just man his hope doth not perish: but the boast
of the ungodly perisheth. A righteous man escapeth from a snare, and the ungodly
man is delivered up in his place. In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare for citizens:
but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous. In the prosperity of righteous
men a city prospereth, but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation. At the
blessing of the upright a city shall be exalted, but by the mouths of ungodly men it is
overthrown. A man void of understanding sneereth at his fellow citizens: but a
sensible man is quiet.
THE READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hands of God, and there shall no torment
touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die, and their departure is
taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction, but they are in
peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of
immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded, for
God proved them and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace hath
He tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their
visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They
shall judge the nations and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign
for ever. They that put their trust in Him shall understand the truth; and such as be
faithful in love shall abide with Him; for grace and mercy is to His saints and
visitation for His elect.
At the Litiya, the Stichera, in Tone VI:
Come, O ye who love to celebrate the feasts * and ye also, O company of monks,
* gathered together by faith let us honor today Sergius, * the true Pastor, who
followed with gladness in the footsteps of his Master, * whose way was narrow and
whose life was free from passion, * and let us cry aloud with faith: * O all-blessed one
who lived with the saints, * thou boast of them that fast, * pray to the Lord for us
that our souls be saved.
O Sergius, saint and bearer of God, * for the sake of the love of Christ thou didst
forsake all, * and left the world for the wilderness, * and in no way wast thou afraid
of the cunning of the invisible enemies. * For although they often descended upon
thee showing their wrath with gnashing of teeth, * by thy prayers thou didst make
them, like smoke, vanish without a trace. * O thou undefiled soul and Icon of
steadfast patience! * Pray Christ without ceasing that our souls be saved.
The all-holy and great Church of Russia, * with Orthodox princes, monks and
simple people, * watered by the streams flowing from the Gospel Sources, *
spiritually rejoices on the occasion of this great feast; * and standing round the
healing relics of the good pastor and teacher * we kiss them with love and we weave
as with flowers songs and praises saying: * Rejoice! O blessed Sergius, heavenly man,
and earthly angel, dwelling place of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice! for thou hast led many
on the path of salvation: Rejoice! thou boast and confirmation of the truly believing
people, Saint Sergius most acceptable to God, bright light of thy Fatherland and
pleader for our souls
Glory…, in Tone VI:
O thou who Preserved within thee the original image untainted, * and who by
fasting set thy mind as master over the pernicious passions, * thou didst ascend as far
as man is able unto heights of the divine likeness; * for having manfully restrained thy
human nature, * taking care to subdue the weaker unto the higher * thou didst
subject the flesh to the spirit. * Wherefore thou appearest as the summit of those
living the monastic life, * O thou inhabitant of the wilderness, * teacher of those who
have recourse to thee for spiritual profit, * thou far-famed example of virtue; * And
now, in the heavens, no longer 'seeing through a glass, darkly' * thou, O Father
Sergius clearly beholdeth the Holy Trinity, * do thou ever entreat God, on behalf of
those who in faith and love honor thee.
Now & ever…, in the same Tone:
Christ the Lord, my Creator and Redeemer, * Who came forth from thy womb, O
all-pure one, * and clothed Himself in my nature, * hath freed Adam from the former
curse. * Wherefore, like the angel we unceasingly cry out to thee, O all-pure one, *
who art truly the Mother of God and Virgin: * Rejoice!, O Sovereign Lady, * the
intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!
At the Aposticha, the Stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: “O Purest Virgin, Thou Joy of the Heavenly Hosts”:
O God-bearing Father, * the bright sun of thy feast is upon us, * lighting up those
coming to thee with faith * and immortality sheds its fragrance around us. * And
incorruption gushes forth for our souls from thy holy body, * O Saint Sergius,
intercessor for our souls.
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
With the bridles of abstinence * thou hast conquered the sensual passions of the
body, * O Wonderworking Sergius, * and on earth thou hast shown zeal for things
outside the flesh, * and hast subjected to the spirit all fleshly desire. * Therefore now
dwelling in the courts of heaven do thou pray for our souls.
Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in His
commandments.
Having laid the foundation of virtue, * O blessed Sergius, * thou hast put off the
old Adam with his lusts and passions*and put on Christ Who is the Truth. *
Therefore hast thou, O Saint, disposed of many armies of the enemy * and shown
thyself a guide of monks, * do thou pray that our souls be saved.
Glory…, Tone VIII:
We honor thee as a teacher of monastics, * O Sergius our Father, * for from thee
we have truly learned to walk the upon the straight and narrow path. * Blessed art
thou who labored for Christ and laid to waste the might of the enemy; * O friend of
the Angels and companion of the holy and just ones, * do thou, with them, ever
intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.
Now & ever…, in the same Tone:
O unwedded Virgin! * thou who ineffably conceived God in the flesh, * Mother
of God Most High: * accept the supplications of thy servants, O all-immaculate one,
* granting unto all cleansing of transgressions; * and, accepting now our
supplications, * pray thou that we all be saved.
Troparion to the saint, in Tone IV:
As a virtuous ascetic athlete, and true warrior of Christ our God * fighting fiercely
the good fight against the passions during this earthly life, * laboring in song, vigil
and fasting thou wast an example to thy disciples. * Wherefore, the Holy Spirit made
His abode in thee * Whose activity adorned thee with radiant beauty: * Since thou
hast great boldness towards the Holy Trinity * remember thy flock wisely gathered by
thee * and forget not as thou didst promise to visit thy children, O holy Father
Sergius
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from all ages * and unknown to the ranks of Angels, * hath
been revealed to those on earth through thee, O Theotokos: * God being made flesh
in a union without confusion, * and willingly accepting the Cross for us * hath
through it raised the first-formed man, * and thus saved our souls from death.
AT MATINS
At God is the Lord, the same Troparion & Theotokion.
After the 1st Kathisma, the Sedalion, Tone VI:
Revealed as wholly sanctified and a true God-bearer, * who, having despised the
glitter of the world with its wealth, * and all visible good things in so far as they are
but fleeting, * followed Christ in humility and poverty. * Gathering a multitude of
monks, thou didst enlighten them with the doctrines of pure Orthodoxy. *
Wherefore, before thine end thou didst receive eternal grace, * and lying in the tomb,
thou, O divinely blessed Sergius * hast remained without corruption. * Do thou pray
Christ our God * to grant remission of sins unto those who honor thy holy memory.
(Twice).
Glory…, Now & ever…, Theotokion :
As the all-immaculate Bride of the Creator, * and Mother of the Redeemer, and as
one who knew not wedlock, * all men sing of thee, * who hath received the
Comforter, * make haste to deliver me the abode of evil, * who hath become the
plaything of evil-spirits, * deliver me that I may become a bright abode of virtues. *
O Thou who incorruptibly givest light, * vanquish the cloud of passions * and by
Thy prayers make me worthy to partake of heavenly things * and of the Light that
knows no evening.
After the 2nd Kathisma, the Sedalion, in Tone III:
Possessed of a wisdom rising towards God on high, * thou, O Father, didst
forsake all earthly things, * and through many pains made thy life radiant yet simple,
* wherefore thou hast been shown forth as a dwelling-place of the divine virtues, *
drawing near to the Lord in prayers and supplications. * Do thou ever pray to God
that our souls be saved. (Twice).
Glory..., Now & ever..., Theotokion :
As a vineyard never husbanded, * O Virgin, thou hast brought forth Christ, * the
fairest vine which pours forth unto us redeeming wine, * making both soul and body
glad. * Wherefore as thou art the cause of good things we ever bless Thee * and with
the angel cry to Thee: * Rejoice! Thou who hast found favor..
After Praise ye the name of the Lord.
The Megalynarion : We bless thee, O Venerable Father Sergius, and we honor thy
holy memory, Instructor of monks, and converser with the angels.
The selected Psalm: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.
After the Polyeleos, the Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
O most blessed Saint, * when thy mind had winged its way unto its divine Desire,
* thou didst forsake all the wisdom that draws one downwards, * and leaving all to
dwell in the wilderness * thou didst issue forth like fragrant lilies the fair flowers of
thy virtues, * and uprooting the thorns of the passions thou didst plant therein the
fruitful seedlings of thy labors. * Wherefore thou didst reap a boundless wealth in
heaven. * O Saint Sergius pray to Christ our God * that those who honor with love
thy holy memory * be granted the remission of their sins. (Twice).
Glory…, Now & ever…, Theotokion:
In Thee, O Full of grace, * doth all creation rejoice, * the ranks of Angels and the
race of mankind; * O all-hallowed Temple and spiritual Paradise, * boast of Virgins. *
For from thee God became incarnate * and He who is our God before the ages
became a child. * He hath made thy womb a throne and rendered it wider than the
heavens. * In thee, O Full of grace, doth all creation rejoice; * glory be to thee.
If not a Resurrection Service, Sing the following for the Graduals.
The 1st Antiphon of the IV Tone :
From my youth * do many passions war against me; * but do Thou Thyself
defend * and save me, O my Savior.
Ye haters of Zion * shall be shamed by the Lord; * for like grass, by the fire * shall
ye be withered.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, * Now & ever and
ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In the Holy Spirit, * every soul is quickened, * and, through cleansing, is exalted *
and made radiant by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Prokimenon in Tone 6: Precious in the sight of the Lord * is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that he hath rendered unto me?
Let every breath.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATHEW [MT. 11, 27-30]
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but
the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and [he] to
whomsoever the Son will reveal [him]. Come unto me, all [ye] that labor and are
heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I
am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is]
easy, and my burden is light.

After the 50th Psalm, the Sticheron, in Tone VI:


We honor Sergius the Great, * an Angel on earth, and man of God in heaven, *
comely adornment of the world, * food for good men and virtuous boast of them
that fast. * For planted in the house of the Lord, he rightly flowered as a cedar in the
wilderness, * making the flock of Christ's reasonable sheep increase in sanctity and
truth.
A Canon to the Theotokos with 6 Troparia including the Irmos; and two Canons to
the Saint with 8 Troparia:
ODE I
The Canon to the Theotokos. Tone VI:
Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their
pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of
victory.
Refrain: Most holy Theotokos save us.
Eve who partook in the garden of the forbidden food brought about the curse:
but thou who art pure hast done away with it by giving birth to Christ, the firstborn
of the blessing.
As a pearl coming forth from a divine lightning, thou dost give birth to Christ. Do
thou who art pure drive out by the light of thy radiance the darkness of my passions
and the confusion of my sins.
Jacob foresaw with the secret eyes of the mind the expectation of the nations,
God incarnate of thee who has delivered us by thine intercessions.
O Thou who art all-pure, since the rulers of the tribe of Judah have failed, thy Son
and God passed through thy womb and as a Divine Leader now truly reigns over the
ends of the earth,
The 1st Canon to St. Sergius. Tone VIII:
Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in
the figure of a Cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while
it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they marched on foot, * singing a
song unto God.
Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.
Emulating Christ who humbled Himself for our sakes, even taking the form of a
servant, thou didst love humility and, mortifying the soul, destroyed the passions. By
copious vigil and prayer, thou hast ascended the mountain of freedom from passion,
O Sergius full of riches.
Adorning thy soul with streams of tears as a lamp is adorned with light, thou hast
offered up thyself as another Isaac, O Saint, and hast sacrificed thine heart unto God.
O most blessed Sergius, who from thy mother's womb hast shown thyself by thy
threefold cry to be a servant of the Trinity and who, illuminated by the light of the
threefold Sun, dashed the armies of devils like unto one destroying a spider's web!
Theotokion: Thou hast given birth outside the laws of nature to the Giver of the
law. He Who was both God and man. As He is good, do thou who art all undefiled
entreat Him to look away from or iniquities as we for ever cry aloud: ‘Let us sing to
the Lord for He hath greatly been glorified’
The 2nd Canon to St. Sergius. Tone I:
Irmos: Thy triumphant right hand, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been
glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it broke
into pieces the enemy, * and hath made a strange new way for the Israelites
through the deep.
Refrain: O holy Father Sergius pray to God for us.
Thou, O Saint, hast by thy love of Christ been established, and hast appeared as a
stream abundantly watering the whole earth with the word of thy teachings, O
Sergius, divinely blessed. Therefore we with love bless thy memory.
At a divine command, a blessing came forth from thine hand; for by thy prayer, O
Saint Sergius, thou didst make water gush forth from the dry earth, and we who now
draw thereof receive unfailing healing.
From thy youth up thou wast entirely dedicated to God, drawing near Him by thy
virtues, for leaving behind the corruptible things that are of this earth, thou hast
acquired heavenly riches.
Theotokion: Rejoice O Fount of grace. Rejoice! O Ladder and heavenly Gate,
Rejoice! Candlestick and vessel of gold, the unhewn mountain, O thou who hast
borne for the world Christ the Giver of Life.
Katavasia: I shall open my mouth * and the Spirit will inspire it, * and I shall
utter the words of my song unto the Queen and Mother: * I shall be seen
radiantly keeping feast * and joyfully praising her wonders.

ODE III
The Canon to the Theotokos:
Irmos: There is none holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the
horn of The faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of
Thy confession..
Refrain: Most Holy Theotokos save us
O all-pure Theotokos , He who alone is good, past all telling, took my corruptible
mortal flesh from thy womb and making it incorruptible He united it eternally to
Himself.

O Virgin, beholding God incarnate of thee, the choirs of angels were struck with
fear and they honor thee with unceasing hymns as Mother of God.
Daniel, the Prophet, was struck with fear as he saw thee, O living Mountain from
whom the STone was cut without the hand of man and He destroyed with force the
temples of devils.
Neither speech nor the tongue of man can give thee worthy praise: for Christ the
Giver of life was pleased without seed to take flesh of thee, who art all-pure.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou who in
the beginning established the heavens with understanding * and established
the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy but Thou, O only lover of
mankind.
In thyself, as an example of good things to thy disciples, thou hast drawn to
salvation many souls who, separated from worldly passions, found their comfort in
the joy of paradise.
O blessed Saint, thou hast flowered like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God,
anointing with oil the souls of those who sing thy praises with love, O Sergius, and
who cry aloud to Christ with faith: 'There is none holy save Thee, Who lovest
mankind.'
O blessed Saint, by watchful vigils thou didst put to sleep the soul-corrupting
passions: and therefore, O Divinely-wise Sergius, hast thou ascended to dwell in the
heavenly chambers, having received the grace of healing.
Theotokion: O Theotokos , thou appearest higher the cherubim and seraphim, for
Thou art undefiled, and thou alone hast received in thy womb the uncontainable
God. Wherefore we the faithful bless thee, who art pure, in song.
The 2nd Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of mortals * and in compassion took
their form; * gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: *
Holy is the living temple of Thy ineffable glory, O lover of mankind!
O blessed one, despising corruptible fame thou hast been deemed worthy of
inheriting incorruptible and divine glory; for trampling underfoot all the beauty of
this world thou rejoicest, with the angels on high, in the glory of God.
Renewing the earth of thine heart, O Saint, with the plough of prayer, thou hast
shown thyself to be the comely corn of the Word and thou hast reached the
dwelling-place of the Light that never sets.
Honored with the rays of the Holy Spirit, thou hast been adorned with a life that
bears light unfailing in thy gifts to those that ask, receiving with love those in the
monastic state, O Saint and Father.

Theotokion: A flower that never fades sprang forth from thee, O Pure one,
making all mankind fragrant with the divine myrrh of His own nature. He who is like
the Father without beginning, became subject to time from thee, O Virgin all-
undefiled.
Katavasia: O Mother of God, * Thou living and plentiful fount, * give strength
to those united in spiritual fellowship, * who sing hymns of praise to thee: *
and in thy divine glory, vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Sedalion, in Tone IV:
O most blessed Sergius, * truly forsaking corruptible things that pass, * thou hast
followed Christ with all thy soul, * and hast thou lived in pain and toil and great
abstinence * as if having no flesh. * Pray to Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Glory…, Now & ever…,
O Theotokos thou art far higher than the cherubim and the seraphim, * for thou
wast shown to be more spacious than the heavens and the earth, * more than visible
and invisible creation * excelling them all by the admixture no vessel can contain; *
for He Whom the spans of heaven cannot contain, * O Pure one, was encompassed
within Thy womb. * Pray Him that Thy servants may be saved.
ODE IV
The Canon to the Theotokos:
Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely
sings, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.
O all-pure Lady, we who are saved by thee sing Thy praises and reverently
extolling thee we cry aloud: Blessed art thou, O ever-Virgin, who hast given birth to
God.
Thou, O Virgin, hast borne the Light that never sets, He who shines in the flesh
for those who lie in the darkness of this life; and thou also, O ever-Virgin, pourest
forth Joy for those who sing thy praises.
Through thee, O all-holy one, grace flowered and the law ceased, for thou who art
pure, hast borne the Lord Who hath granted us remission of sins, O ever-Virgin.
The eating of the tree showed me as one dead, however ,when the Tree of life
appeared from thee, O all-pure one, He raised me and made me an heir of the
sweetness of paradise.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my
God and Thou art my joy, * Thou who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy
Father, visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Abakum I cry to
Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’
O Father, thou art a temple of the all-holy Spirit, a river full of living waters, an
unshaken foundation of the Church, the confirmation of those living the monastic
life, wherefore O Father Sergius, thou art rightly called a wonderment.

O glorious Sergius thou, as also did the Prophet David, anointed thy bed each day
with streams of tears, until thou didst dry up completely the depth of passion;
wherefore we reverence thine ever honored and holy memory.
O Saint Sergius, it was vouchsafed unto thee to see Christ face to face, not
'through a glass darkly', but with the glass truly abolished; and this also parted thee
from this world sending thee aloft to thy beloved Desire.
Theotokion: By the prayers of her that bore Thee, grant us O God, as Thou alone
art without sin, the cleansing of our transgressions committed in ignorance and grant
unto Thy world peace.
The 2nd Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: Abbakum with foreseeing eyes * perceived thee as a mountain
overshadowed by the grace of God, * from which, he foretold, * the Holy one
of Israel would come, * for our salvation and refashioning.
O wise and most blessed Sergius, enlightened by bright beams of divine light, thou
didst receive with rejoicing the Joy of heaven, since thou hast truly been bread most
pure for thy Creator, thou dost cry aloud unto Him: Glory to Thy strength, O Thou
Who lovest mankind.
Passing through the mire of soul-destroying passions thou didst Cross into the
depths of silence, wherefore thou wast granted to raise up a dying boy before the
ending of the union of his body and soul, making his mother glad beyond all hope.
Therefore, struck with wonder thou didst cry aloud to the Creator: Glory to Thy
strength, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
O wise and glorious Saint, having raised on high the understanding of the soul and
kept thy feelings under guidance, thou didst announce to those on earth the holy
tidings of godliness that point the way to heaven.
Theotokion: The Archangel came from heaven bringing great Joy to thee, who art
pure, speaking good tidings and saying: O all-pure Virgin, God made flesh shall come
forth from thee for the salvation of those who sing thy praises with love. Glory to
Thy strength, O Savior of mankind.
Katavasia: He Who sitteth in glory * upon the throne of the Godhead, * Jesus
the true God is come in a swift cloud. * And with His sinless hands He hath
saved those who cry: * Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
ODE V
The Canon to the Theotokos:
Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of
those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O
Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalls us from the darkness of sin.
Shining brightly with purity. Thou, O Lady, hast been a divine Dwelling for the
Master, for thou alone hast been shown forth as the Theotokos , bearing Him as a
Babe in thine arms.
Thy most fair soul clothed in spiritual beauty. Thou, O Pure one, hast been shown
forth as the Bride of God sealed with virginity and illumining the world with the light
of thy purity.
Let the company of the devout who do not plainly proclaim thee as the pure
Theotokos, weep. For thou hast appeared to us as the Gateway of the divine Light
that chases away the darkness of transgressions.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: O Light that never sets, * why hast Thou rejected me from Thy
presence, * and why has the alien darkness surrounded me, the coward that I
am? * But do Thou I implore Thee direct my ways * and turn me back
towards the light of Thy commandments.
O wise Saint, thou didst dwell without wavering in acts of asceticism and up unto
thine own departure these practices thou didst thus firmly adhere to, whereby
incorruptible bliss hath plainly been vouchsafed unto thee.
Possessed of a mind sharpened to listen to God, thou didst subdue the soul-
destroying passions and reaped fruitful sheaves, feeding those who praise thee, O
Sergius, Saint and Father.
Bright has been thy life, O Saint Sergius, and known unto all the ends of the earth,
filled with divine beauty, with prayer and fasting and love towards Christ Who loveth
mankind.
Theotokion: Having thee as wall, and watched over by thy protection, we bless
thee exulting in thy divine glory: For thou, O all-pure one, pourest forth gladness and
rejoicing upon our souls.
The 2nd Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace * and the Father of mercies, * Who hast
sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel * granting us peace, * so are we
guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night we
glorify Thee, * O Only Lover of mankind.
Thou didst plainly put off the old man, O Father, and didst turn away from him
with his sinful passions as from a garment defiled, rather thou didst put on the new
man who is in the likeness of Christ, O Saint full of honor.
By thine exalted way of life, equaling that of the angels, thou hast torn the bonds
of passion and having received from on high the gift of working wonders, do thou,
O Sergius, ask for the cleansing of our sins.
Theotokion: By thy childbirth, O Virgin, thou hast done away with the curse of
Eve, mother of us all, by making the blessing of Christ shine upon the world.
Therefore, praising thee with both tongue and heart, and acknowledging thee to be in
truth the Theotokos , we magnify thee.
Katavasia: The whole world was amazed at thy divine glory: * for thou, O
Virgin who hast not known wedlock, * hast held in thy womb the God of all, *
and hast given birth to an eternal Son, * who rewards with salvation all who
sing thy praises.
ODE VI
The Canon to the Theotokos:
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging the flood of temptations, * I run to
calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O Most
Merciful One.
Moses, great among the Prophets, wrote beforehand concerning thee calling thee
the Ark and Table, the Candlestick and Jar, thus indicating in prefigurings the
Incarnation of the Most High that was to take place from thee, O Mother and Virgin.
Death is put to death, and the corruption of Adam's condemnation is abolished by
the Fruit of Thy womb, O Lady, for thou hast given birth to life, delivering from
corruption those that sing thy praises.
The law failed and the shadow passed for, past mind and thought, O Virgin,
whom all men sing, grace appeared coming from thee, by the birth of our God and
Savior.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: Cleanse me O Savior, * for my iniquities are many; * and bring me up,
I beg Thee, from the depths of evils * for unto Thee have I cried * harken
unto me, O God of my salvation.
Pray the Redeemer without ceasing to grant the remission of sins unto those who
celebrate thy holy memorial, O blessed Father, that they may receive the heavenly
Kingdom, where the voices of those that keep festival make all men glad.
Made strong in Christ, thou, O Sergius, hast torn to pieces with thy steadfast mind
all the craftiness of the evil one as though it were a web and thou hast shown thyself,
O Sergius, to the world as a most radiant light.
Shining with the divine light, and now living with the angels in heaven, do thou
ever remember those who honor thy memorial with faith, O Saint Sergius of memory
eternal.
Theotokion: In truth thou hast raised on high the fallen nature of man, for thou
hast borne in thy womb without seed, O Mother of God, Him Who unchanged is the
visible Son, the divine image of the Father and His equal.

The 2nd Canon to the Saint:


Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe
from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh,
* came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject
to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.
O Father, thou dost mercifully shine from on high upon us, thy flock, giving our
Fatherland victory by thy prayers and raising up the horn of the Orthodox; although
it be small, receive from us this prayer offered to thee.
To thee has been given the gift of healing diverse diseases and from Christ hast
thou power over unclean spirits, and thou hast received from Him Who reigns over
all, crowns of victory.
Theotokion: Taught by God the whole choir of Prophets proclaimed beforehand
the untold mystery of the divine conceiving of the Word that was to take place from
thee, O Mother and Virgin: for thou hast verily borne the true and Original Light.
Katavasia: As we celebrate this sacred and solemn feast of the Theotokos , *
let us come, clapping our hands, * O people of the Lord, * and give glory to
God who was born of her.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Smitten with the love of Christ thou, O Saint, * hast followed Him without
looking back, * hating all the pleasures of the flesh * and shining like the sun upon
the land of thy birth: * wherefore Christ hath enriched thee with the gift of working
miracles. * Remember us who honor thy radiant memory that we may call to thee: *
Rejoice! O Sergius thou Divinely-wise one.
Ikos: Having heard the sound of the Gospel, thou didst set aside, O Father, all the
wisdom of the flesh, and counted as dust wealth and glory, fighting against the
passions as one without flesh, thou hast been vouchsafed the honor of standing with
the choir of bodiless angels. Receiving the gift of understanding which thou dost
grant to those who sing unto thee thusly: Rejoice! O Sergius, saint and bearer of God;
thou heavenly man and earthly angel: Rejoice! thou dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit;
Rejoice! thou who by prayer hast received a gift bestowed by God; Rejoice! For
before thy birth, thou didst cry out glorifying the Holy Trinity Who glorified thee in
this life and after death. Rejoice! Pillar of chastity by whom every passion hath been
vanquished. Rejoice! For from thine early childhood thou didst follow Christ.
Rejoice! Intercessor for the salvation of those that run to thee; Rejoice! pride of the
land of thy birth. Rejoice! thou who adorned with prophecy foretold the future as
though it were today. Rejoice! for by thy prayers the adversaries are conquered.
Rejoice! pride and confirmation of truly believing people. Through thy prayers keep
us unharmed by the enemy that we may cry to thee: Rejoice! O Sergius, Divinely-wise
one.

ODE VII
The Canon to the Theotokos:
Irmos: An Angel made the furnace throw dew on the holy Children. * But the
command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to
cry: * Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
The furnace burnt not the three children, who prefigured thy birth-giving: for the
Fire of the Godhead descended and dwelt in thee without burning thee, and taught
all to cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
As was foretold, the ends of the earth call thee blessed, O Mother all-undefiled,
and enlightened by thy radiant brightness and by grace, they singing cry aloud:
blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
The all-evil serpent dug his pernicious teeth into me but thy Son, O Theotokos ,
broke them and gave me strength to cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our
Fathers.
O Only woman to be so divinely blessed, thou art the cleansing place of human
nature; for bearing in thine arms God Who sits upon the shoulders of the cherubim,
thou dost cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: The fire in Babylon once stood in awe of God’s descent. * And so the
Youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyful steps as in a meadow, * sang,
‘Blessed art Thou the God of our Fathers!’
In the furnace of flaming temptations divine grace bedewed thee, O Saint, and it
showed thee to be full of light in thy desire for the Trinity, and crying aloud: Blessed
art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
O glorious Sergius, despising the world, thou didst live as an Angel on earth and
thereby vouchsafed a place in the angelic choir. Wherefore we venerate thee with
faith, O thou who art worthy to be called a wonderment.
O Saint, wise in God, traveling unto the calm haven, thou didst shun the sea-
wanderings of this world, being a saving pilot for those sailing the rough seas of this
life and who cry aloud: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
Theotokion: O Virgin, a rod has sprung forth from the root of Jesse, an all-
blessed Fruit, that bears a Flower of salvation for those who cry aloud with faith to
thy Son: blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers.
The 2nd Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: We the faithful recognize thee, * O Theotokos , * as a spiritual furnace;
for as He, * the highly exalted One, * saved the three Youths, * so He hath
wholly refashioned me, fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O God of our Fathers,
who art praised and glorified above all.

O most blessed Saint, wise in God, by divine command thou hast shown thyself
on earth to be a second heaven, and living in the flesh like an angel, thou hast raised
up thy rational flock.
Having thee who art blessed, as a mighty supplicant before God, a comforter for
those in affliction, a defender and advocate and mediator of Godliness, we thy
children, O Saint Sergius, are saved from all distress.
Theotokion: Rejoice! O pure Daughter of Adam; for the Shepherd verily clothing
Himself in the full man that I am, proceeded from thee. He, the God of our Fathers
Who is blessed and exalted above all for His boundless mercy.
Katavasia: The Holy Children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire, *
refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator, * and they sang in
Joy: * 'Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.'
ODE VIII
The Canon to the Theotokos .
Irmos: An Angel made the furnace throw dew on the holy Children. * But the
command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to
cry: * Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers
Thy Son, having illumined Thee with the light of the Spirit, clothed Thee like a
Queen in a gold vestment and set Thee, O all Pure, at His right hand. And we exalt
Him above all for ever.
He who by His desire alone set up the world, took flesh from Thine all-pure
womb, wishing to edify this same on high And we exalt Him above all for ever,
O All-pure Virgin, plainly shining with the radiance of virginity. Thou wast the
divine habitation of the Word for His union with myself as man. Therefore we praise
Thee for ever.
Thou wast prefigured as a golden candlestick, receiving past telling the Light no
man can approach and Who enlightens everything by the knowledge of Himself.
Therefore we praise thee who art pure, for ever.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat
fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they
had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and
Redeemer, * ‘O ye Youths bless, O ye priests praise, * O ye people, highly
exalt Him unto all the ages’.
O most blessed Sergius, thy light bearing feast hath filled with joy and spiritual
gladness, with fragrance and enlightenment, those who have thee as their defender
and as their rule of monastics.
Thou didst ascend upwards to God with unceasing prayer and from there
enlightened by the radiance of the threefold sun, established a stronghold of struggle
against the enemy. Thou didst lead companies of monks towards a new life, crying
aloud to Christ: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him, O ye priests, O ye people exalt
Him above all for ever.
O Sergius, strong in fasting, never slothful in prayer, on earth thou didst shown
patience in temptation, crying: bless Him, O ye children, praise Him O ye priests, O
ye people exalt Him above all for ever.
Theotokion: O all-pure Mother of our God, cleanse the sinful sores and
temptations of my soul steeping them in the waters that flow in copious streams
from the side of thine Offspring: for I cry unto thee and take refuge in thee, and call
upon thee, who art full of the grace of God.
The 2nd Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a
wonder past nature, * for burning not the Children whom it had received, * so
the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin's womb into which it had
descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the
Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Earnestly singing, we entreat thee: pray, O Saint, for the truly believing people,
that they be granted victory over adversaries, that the Church be granted majesty and
that the world be granted peace.
The grace of the Holy Spirit, descended and dwelt within thee making thee an
exorcist of evil spirits and showing thee to be a guide of monks, who cry aloud: let all
creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.
Shining from afar with the light of the threefold Sun, do thou, O holy Father,
grant unto those who sing thy praises in memory of thee, light and salvation, and
unto the world peace, as they sing: let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above
all for ever.
Theotokion: The Word Who was rich and Who is glorified by the songs of angels,
made Himself poor; choosing thee, for His Mother, thou blessed excellence of Jacob.
Therefore as we praise Him, we sing: let all the creation praise the Lord and exalt
Him above all for ever.
Katavasia: The offspring of the Theotokos * saved the Holy Children in the
furnace. * He who was then prefigured hath since been born on earth, * and
He gathers together all the creation to sing: * O all ye works of the Lord, bless
ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever.

ODE IX
The Canon to the Theotokos .
Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God * upon Whom the orders of
Angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O pure one, * did the Word
Incarnate become man * and with Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and
thee we call blessed.
A star, bright with the light of the Godhead shone forth from Jacob for those held
in darkness; for Christ, the Word of God, was made flesh from thee, O all-Pure one.
And enlightened by Him we join with the angelic host blessing thee.
Made strong by thy strength and grace, I have devised with my whole heart a song
for thee, do thou accept it, O pure Virgin, giving in exchange from thine
incorruptible treasures thy grace full of manifold light, O thou who art divinely
blessed.
Thou hast clearly shown thyself O Virgin as a loom of the Godhead with which
the Word wove a bodily garment making my form godlike, and having put it on, He
saved all those who magnify thee in purity of heart.
O all-pure Theotokos , resurrection has now been granted unto the dead by thy
Childbirth past all telling and past all speech. For Life putting on the outward
covering of the flesh from thee hath shone forth for all and clearly destroyed the
rejection of death.
The 1st Canon to the Saint:
Irmos: Heaven stood amazed and the ends of the earth astounded: * for God
hath appeared to mankind in bodily form, * and thy womb hath become far
wider than the heavens. * Wherefore, O Theotokos , * the ranks of Angels and
of humans magnify thee.
Thou, filled with the manifestation of spiritual radiance, hast appeared as a lamp
lighting front afar, and shining the light of reason upon us, thou hast shown thyself
to be the habitation of the most divine Trinity.
Christ gave thee, wise Sergius, to the land of Russia, a great teacher indeed who
directed the land of his birth in the right direction, pouring forth teachings sweeter
than honey from which as from a vessel we faithful draw.
Having conquered the soul-destroying passions, thou, as a true shepherd, hast
tended the reasonable flock of Christ, ever reading it with the grace of the Spirit as
with flowers from paradise.
Theotokion: O thou who hast found favor, we sing thy praises in psalms and with
voices that are never still we cry aloud: Thou hast poured forth joy for all.

The 2nd Canon to the Saint:


Irmos: The Bush, burning but not consumed, prefigured Thy pure
conception, O Theotokos. Therefore we now entreat Thee: quench the raging
furnace of the temptations that beset us, that we may unceasingly magnify
Thee.
Enlightened by the love of Christ and shining with virtues, thou didst not defile
the beauty of thy soul and thus departed to the Father at a ripe old age, where thou
now standest with the angels before God.
Cleanse our transgressions, O Word, and enlighten the eyes of our heart, enabling
us to see in purity from the outpouring of Thy divine light Thy brightness, by the
prayers of Saint Sergius, that we may all magnify Thee.
Theotokion: O strange is thy wonder, for thou, O Virgin Theotokos , hast
appeared ineffably giving birth to God the Word, mystery before all ages and
generation hidden in God Who made all things
Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth, * radiant with light, in spirit leap
for joy, * and let the order of the angelic powers celebrate and honor the holy
feast of the Theotokos, * and let them cry aloud: * Rejoice! Pure and blessed
Ever-Virgin, who gavest birth to God.
Expostilarion.
Thou hast flourished, O Father, as the fig tree of David, * and hast appeared as
the dwelling-place of the All-Holy Spirit, * Who showed thee forth to the inhabited
earth as glorious. * Do thou O Saint Sergius, pray Christ without ceasing * for us
who venerate with faith thine all-honored memory.
Glory..., Now & ever…, Theotokion :
We ever bless thee in song, O Virgin, * for thou O Theotokos hast, * given birth
to One of the Trinity, * and didst bear in thy divine arms the most plenteous Word, *
unchangeable and immutable.
With Lauds, the Stichera, Tone VI:
When the call of God descended upon thee, * O thou full of riches, * then didst
thou subject to the spirit all the wisdom of the flesh, * having strengthened thyself
with the pains of fasting, * and like gold purified in the forge, * thou appearest a
most radiant receptacle of the Holy Spirit. * Gathering together a multitude of
monastics, * thou, with thine instructions, didst elevate them unto the pinnacle of
virtues, * as with a ladder leading into heaven. * Remember us, who honor thy sacred
memory, * and ever supplicate that our souls may be saved. (Twice)
Today shines forth thy most illustrious and all-festive memory, * O most glorious
Sergius * which calleth together a multitude of the assemblies of fasters * and the
choirs of monastics, * both truly Angels and men, * unto the praise of Christ, our
God adored in the Trinity. * Wherefore, approaching the sacred shrine of thy relics, *
we abundantly receive the gifts of healing * and glorify Christ, the Savior of our
souls, * Who hath crowned thee.
O most blessed God-bearer, Father Sergius * As did the Prophet of old, * thou
hast covered the earth with thy tears * and never gave sleep unto thine eyes * nor
even allowed thine eyelids to close in slumber * thus manifesting the yearning of thy
heart after Christ, * Whom thou didst exceedingly love; * wherefore, thou wast an
example unto all monastics * elevating the understanding of every virtue; *
wherefore, we also bless thee, * magnifying Him Who hath glorified thee.
Glory…, in Tone II:
O holy Father! * Having from thy childhood fervently studied virtue, * thou wast
revealed as an organ of the Holy Spirit, * and having obtained from Him the gift of
working miracles, * thou didst admonish thy people to shun the sweet things of life. *
Being now most clearly illumined with the divine light, * enlighten also our thoughts,
O our Father Sergius.
Now & ever..., Theotokion:
All my trust I place in thee, * O Mother of God, * do thou preserve me * under
thy shelter.
The Doxology :
If the service be with the Great Doxology, but not a Resurrection service, the
Troparion is sung after the Doxology :
Troparion, in Tone IV:
As a virtuous ascetic athlete, and true warrior of Christ our God * fighting fiercely
the good fight against the passions during this earthly life, * laboring in song, vigil
and fasting thou wast an example to thy disciples.* Wherefore, the Holy Spirit made
His abode in thee * Whose activity adorned thee with radiant beauty: * Since thou
hast great boldness towards the Holy Trinity* remember thy flock wisely gathered by
thee * and forget not as thou didst promise to visit thy children, O holy Father
Sergius.
The Dismissal :

AT THE LITURGY
Typika and Beatitudes.
In thyself, as an example of good things to thy disciples, thou hast drawn many
souls to salvation who, separated from worIdly passions, found their comfort in the
joy of paradise.
O blessed Saint, thou hast flowered like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God,
anointing with oil the souls of those who sing thy praises with love, O Sergius, and
who cry aloud to Christ with faith: 'There is none holy save Thee, Who lovest
mankind.'
O blessed Saint, by watchful vigils thou didst put to sleep the soul-corrupting
passions: and therefore, O Divinely-wise Sergius, hast thou ascended to dwell in the
heavenly chambers, having received the grace of healing.
O blessed one, despising corruptible fame thou hast been deemed worthy of
inheriting incorruptible and divine glory; for trampling underfoot all the beauty of
this world thou rejoicest, with the angels on high, in the glory of God.
O Venerable Sergius, pray the Redeemer without ceasing to grant the remission of
sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memorial, O blessed Father, that they may
receive the heavenly Kingdom, where the voices of those that keep festival make all
men glad.
Made strong in Christ, thou, O Sergius, hast torn to pieces with thy steadfast mind
all the craftiness of the evil one as though it were a web and thou hast shown thyself,
O Sergius, to the world as a most radiant light.
Shining with the divine light, and now living with the angels in heaven, do thou
ever remember those who honor thy memorial with faith, O Saint Sergius of memory
eternal.
O Father, thou dost mercifully shine from on high upon us, thy flock, giving our
Fatherland victory by thy prayers and raising up the horn of the Orthodox; although
it be small, receive from us this prayer offered to thee.
Troparion, Tone 4:
As a virtuous ascetic athlete, and true warrior of Christ our God * fighting fiercely
the good fight against the passions during this earthly life, * laboring in song, vigil
and fasting thou wast an example to thy disciples.* Wherefore, the Holy Spirit made
His abode in thee * Whose activity adorned thee with radiant beauty: * Since thou
hast great boldness towards the Holy Trinity* remember thy flock wisely gathered by
thee * and forget not as thou didst promise to visit thy children, O holy Father
Sergius.

Kontakion, Tone 8:
Smitten with the love of Christ thou, O Saint, * hast followed Him without
looking back, * hating all the pleasures of the flesh * and shining like the sun upon
the land of thy birth: * wherefore Christ hath enriched thee with the gift of working
miracles. * Remember us who honor thy radiant memory that we may call to thee: *
Rejoice! O Sergius thou Divinely-wise one.
The Prokeimenon Tone VI: Precious in the sight of the Lord * is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that he hath rendered unto me?

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL UNTO THE GALATIONS [GAL. 5: 22-26, 6:1-2]


Brethren: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that
are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the
Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking
one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye
which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ.
Alleluia, Tone VI: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, in His commandments
shall he greatly delight.
Stichos : His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright
shall be blessed.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [LK. 6: 17-23]


At that time, Jesus came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the
company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and
Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to
be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they
were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out
of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said,
Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now:
for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye,
when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and
shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice
ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in the heavens.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be, he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 25th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE MOTHER EUPHROSYNE
AT VESPERS
On "Lord I have cried ..., 3 stichera from the Oktoechos, and 3 for the venerable one,
in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "O venerable father ...":
O right wondrous and venerable mother Euphrosyne, desiring gladness, thou
didst tread the path which bringeth it; for thou didst trade riches for great
poverty, a betrothed in the flesh for One Who liveth eternally, corruptible food
for abstinence, rest for the pangs of ascetic endeavor, that which is in the world
for the life of heaven, which thou hast received with the wise virgins, keeping
thy lamp continually alight, and vouchsafed the bridal-chamber as a virgin, in
that thou art the bride of Christ, O most lauded one.
Quenching the thirst of thy mind with the streams of thy tears, through
fasting thou didst produce the fruits of virtue, and as a most comely vine thou
hast given rise to beautiful grapes, O honored one. Manifestly delighting our
spiritual senses with the divine juice thereof, we take true delight in thy likeness
and rejoice with divine gladness, putting aside the drunkenness of sin, and
crying out to thee, O most honored one: Ever entreat Christ, that He grant
unity of mind, peace and great mercy to the whole world.
O strange vision difficult for nature to accept! How didst thou hide from the
ancient seducer of Eve and his cruel machinations, dwelling in the midst of men
with perfect mind? How didst thou pass through the fire without being
consumed? How didst thou conceal thy womanly weakness, strengthened by the
divine power of Him Who took our weakness upon Himself and shone forth
from the Maiden who kneweth not wedlock? Him do thou beseech, joining
chorus with the angels, that He grant unity of mind, peace and great mercy to
the whole world.
Glory ..., the composition of the Studite, in Tone II:
As the bride of Christ, thou didst preserve the pure treasure of thy purity
unsullied by men, O most blessed Euphrosyne; for having caused the beat1ty of
thy body to wither away through feats of fasting, thou didst adorn thy soul with
the goodly countenance of grace; for, having manifestly concealed thy
womanhood under the guise of a man, thou didst hide from the pursuit of
Belial, living an angelic life. Ask peace for those who praise thee with love, in
that thou art the namesake of gladness, O divinely blessed one.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
When thou didst behold hanging upon the Tree the most ripe Cluster, Whom
thou didst bear as a babe in thy womb without being cultivated, thou didst
exclaim, lamenting and crying aloud: "O my Child and Benefactor, through Thy
divine consolations pour forth the sweetness whereby all the drunkenness of the
passions is made sober, for the sake of me who gave Thee birth, in that Thou
art compassionate".
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos; and, Glory ..., in Tone V:
Come, all ye who love virginity and are zealots of purity! Come, ye phalanx of
monks and choir of venerable women, and together let us all chant to the all-
blessed Euphrosyne with faith: Rejoice, thou who in a woman's body didst
contend manfully! Rejoice, thou who didst put the enemy to shame by chastity
and didst love Christ! Rejoice, precious stone, namesake of gladness! O
venerable mother, cease thou never to pray for those who honor thy memory.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
When of old she beheld her Lamb * lifted up upon the Cross, * the
unblemished ewe-lamb, the immaculate Mistress, * exclaimed maternally * and,
marveling, cried out: * "What is this new sight most strange, * O my sweet Child?
* How is it that the people, bereft of grace, * are betraying Thee to the tribunal of
Pilate * and condemning Thee, the Life of all, to death? * Yet I hymn Thine
ineffable Condescension, O Word!"
Troparion, in Tone VIII:
In thee, O Mother, that which was created according to the image of God was
manifestly saved; for, accepting thy cross, thou didst follow after Christ; and,
praying, thou didst learn to disdain the flesh, for thou didst transcend it, and to
care for thy soul as a thing immortal. Wherefore, thy soul rejoiceth with the
angels, O venerable Euphrosyne.
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, and that of the venerable one, with 4 troparia, the
acrostic whereof is: "With fitting hymns of gladness do I sing of thee", the
composition of Joseph, in Tone V:
ODE I
Irmos: Crushing battles with His upraised arm, Christ hath shaken horse
and rider into the Red Sea and saved Israel, who chanteth a hymn of
victory.
With the light of thy prayers, O most honored one, thou namesake of divine
gladness, illumine me who hymn thy holy and truly right laudable memory today
with hymns of beauty divine.
Loving the divine beauty of Christ alone, and set afire by His immaterial
comeliness, thou didst disdain the beauty of thy body, O glorious one, passing
thy time in divine visions.
As a bride adorned with the beauties of the virtues, thou didst betroth thyself
truly to Christ Who is comely in beauty, forsaking thy transitory betrothed and
all thy beauty of life, O Euphrosyne.
Theotokion: All desire, sweetness and life shone forth from thee in His
exceeding great goodness, O most immaculate Virgin. Him do thou entreat, that
He save those who unceasingly call thee blessed.
ODE III
Irmos: O Christ Who founded the weighty earth upon nothingness by Thy
command and suspended it unsupported, establish Thy Church upon the
immovable rock of Thy commandments, O Good One Who alone lovest
mankind.
Having undertaken great struggles, thou didst cast down the machinations of
the enemy and vanquish the hordes of the demons; and thou didst emulate the
angels, learning immortality in thy mortal body, O mother.
Thy life maketh the hearts of monastics glad, O Euphrosyne, who art our
confirmation and guide to the saving commandments, the ways of incorruption
and the uttermost bounds of the love of the Creator.
Thy radiant and right glorious memory illumineth the divine assemblies of the
faithful, delighteth the choirs of the venerable and maketh glad the angels. And
thou makest thine abode with them, O Euphrosyne, emulating their angelic life.
Theotokion: The cruel waves of the passions beset me, the abyss of the evil
demons encompasseth me, and the maelstrom of sin whirleth my heart about. O
Theotokos, make me steadfast who praise thee in a pure manner.
Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is equally unoriginate ...":
Having fortified thy womanly weakness with celestial hopes, with unwavering
intent thou didst make thine abode in the midst of men, O divinely inspired
Euphrosyne, subjecting the deceiver of Eve to thy piety in thy vigils and
instructions. Wherefore, we bless thee with faith.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Having acquired thee as our haven and rampart, our refuge, hope and
protection, and our fervent intercessor, we, the faithful, have recourse to thee
and cry out earnestly, exclaiming with faith: Have mercy, O Theotokos, upon
those who place their trust in thee, and deliver us from transgressions.
Stavrotheotokion: Thy Mother, O Christ, beholding Thee suspended willingly
upon the Cross between two thieves, said, her maternal womb rent asunder: "O
my sinless Son, how is it that thou hast been unjustly suspended upon the Cross
as a malefactor, Who desirest to revive the human race, in that Thou art all-
good?"
ODE IV
Irmos: Prophetically perceiving thy divine abasement, O Christ,
Habbakuk cried out to Thee in trembling: Thou hast come to save Thine
anointed ones, unto the salvation of Thy people!
Neither the love of thy father nor that of thy transitory bridegroom hindered
thee, the bridal attendant of souls, from hearkening to the heavenly Father and
treading the path of salvation.
Like a date-palm thou didst blossom forth with divine wisdom in the
sweetness of righteousness, and like a cedar planted by the streams of
abstinence, O divinely wise one, thou didst increase the fruits of the virtues.
With the fire of abstinence thou didst reduce to ashes the fuel of the
passions, and, set aflame by the burning ember of the love of the Lord, thou
didst emit rays of miracles.
Through the power and grace of Him Who was born of the Virgin, O
Euphrosyne, the ancient foe of Eve is seen to lie, broken, before thy beautiful
feet.
Theotokion: O most immaculate Theotokos, who art compassionate, have
pity on mine all-wretched soul which hath been cruelly benighted by the
passions of sin and groaneth.
ODE V
Irmos: O Thou Who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment, I rise
early and cry out to Thee: Illumine my darkened soul, O Christ, in that
Thou alone art compassionate.
Thou wast seen among men, glowing with the splendor of thy divine acts like
an emerald, showing forth manly feats and gladdening the Lord.
Pouring forth tears, thou wast made fragrant as with perfumes, wast
magnified like myrrh of great price, and didst offer thyself to God as an
incorrupt virgin.
Thou didst offer all thy desire unto God, desiring Him, seeking after Him,
and following His saving laws, O virgin.
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth to Him Who shone forth timelessly from the
unoriginate Father before time began, and He became a little Child, O pure
Bride of God. Entreat Him in behalf of the world.
ODE VI
Irmos: Still Thou the sea of the passions, which rageth with a soul-
destroying tempest, O Master Christ, and lead me up from corruption, in
that Thou art compassionate.
As one pure and blameless, as one beautiful and all-comely, thou didst
betroth thyself to the Word and Bridegroom, Who keepeth thee incorrupt
forever.
Seeking after the Creator with groaning and tears, O right wondrous one,
thou wast vouchsafed a vision of Him, as one chosen with the elect.
Thou hast been shown to be an image of abstinence and an animate model
of chastity for the faithful who praise thy sacred memory, O Euphrosyne.
Theotokion: O most pure one, in manner past understanding thou gavest
birth to the Timeless One, and in manner past recounting didst bear the Creator
Who delivereth from corruption all who hymn thee as the Theotokos.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest ...":
Desiring to receive a higher life, thou didst zealously forsake the pleasure of
life here below, and didst mingle with men, O most comely one. For, for the
sake of Christ thy Bridegroom, thou didst spurn a transitory betrothed.
Ikos: Making our souls glad with gladness and joy, let us straightway rise up
to hear a most strange tale: for this account surpasseth and amazeth every mind.
For a woman, sojourning in the midst of men, hath vanquished Belial and
trampled the fire of the passions underfoot, being in nowise burned thereby.
For, desiring Christ, the undefiled one spurned a transitory betrothed.
ODE VII
Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our father quenched the flame and
bedewed the youths, who chant together: Blessed art Thou, O God!
The Light shone upon thee, His spouse, O glorious Euphrosyne, for thou
didst possess an upright mind, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O God!
Possessing the Cross as a staff of strength for thee, thou didst pass unharmed
through the gaping maws of the demons, O venerable one, chanting: Blessed art
Thou, O God!
O venerable one, thou didst make thy heart a dwelling-place of the Holy
Spirit Who strengthened thee and showed thee to be more powerful than the evil
spirits.
Theotokion: O most immaculate one, thou gavest birth to the incorporeal God
Who was clad in flesh and delivereth us who chant with fear: Blessed art Thou, O
God!
ODE VIII
Irmos: The youths in the furnace, forming a universal choir for Thee, our
Benefactor, chanted: Hymn the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely
for all ages!
Thou didst rid thyself of the mire of the passions, O maiden, emulating the
immaterial life of the angels; and with them thou dost chant: Hymn the Lord and
exalt Him supremely for all ages!
The Preserver of life giveth thee life, for thou didst follow in His footsteps,
desiring His divine beauty. And thou dost abide with Him for all ages.
Thou hast truly been lifted up to the mansions of everlasting life, receiving thy
desire: Him Whom thou didst love, O virgin, delighting in the tree of life and exalting
Christ supremely forever.
Theotokion: Thou, O ever all-glorious Virgin, whom God loved and chose, wast
shown to be wholly elect, wholly adorned. Wherefore, we ever hymn thee as the
Theotokos.
ODE IX
Irmos: Dance, O Isaiah! The Virgin is with Child, and hath given birth to a
Son: Emmanuel! Orient is His name; and, magnifying Him, we call the Virgin
blessed.
The assembly of monastics praiseth thy sacred solemnity, celebrating thy divinely
splendid memory; and the choir of nuns rejoiceth, for thou, O right wondrous Euph-
rosyne, wast shown to be the splendor of all.
Thou wast like an honorable dedication of the heavenly Church. Like a lily thou
didst blossom forth in the vales of God. Like a sweet-smelling rose, like precious
myrrh, thou didst offer thyself to the King of all, O most blessed Euphrosyne.
Thou wast adorned with the splendid ornaments of thy virtues and wast led to the
noetic bridle-chamber, O pure one, and now dost gaze upon the incomprehensible
beauty of Christ and dost receive most perfect deification.
Thy holy memory sanctifieth the faithful today, pouring forth enlightenment and
holiness. Thereon we beseech thee as the chosen bride of Christ: By thy supplications
ever save us, O Euphrosyne.
Theotokion: With the light of thy countenance, O noetic portal of the Light,
illumine me who lie in the darkness of the passions, that the night of death may not
overtake me, cutting me down in despair of salvation, O pure Mistress.
Exapostilarion:
Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit in the holy place ...":
Hiding from the dishonor of the prince, as a virgin in body and soul thou didst
wisely show him to be mindless; and thou wast manly in understanding and faith, O
venerable Euphrosyne, adornment of virgins and ornament of nuns.
Theotokion: Shine forth upon me the daylight of gladness, for thou, O pure one,
art the light and life of those in darkness; for, as the Mistress of all, who art able to
accomplish what thou desirest, deliver us all from misfortunes, sorrows and the
snares of the alien.
THE 26th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE REPOSE OF THE HOLY APOSTLE & EVANGELIST
JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN
AT LITTLE VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 4 stichera, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...":
Come, ye faithful, and with divine hymns let us crown today the glorious John the
beloved, the abyss of wisdom and recorder of Orthodox dogmas; for he hath
thundered forth: In the beginning was the Word. Hence, the ever-memorable one
hath been shown forth as having a voice of thunder, shining forth glad tidings for the
world with great wisdom. (Twice)
Truly thou hast been shown to be a true friend and great intimate of Christ the
Teacher; for, reclining against His breast, thou didst draw forth from thence the
dogmas of wisdom, wherewith as a divine herald of God thou dost enrich all the
world round about. Wherefore, the comely Church of Christ, cherishing these things,
rejoiceth in gladness.
Rejoice truly, O theologian! Rejoice, beloved son of the Mother of the Lord! For,
standing before the Cross of Christ, thou didst hear the voice of the Master, Who
cried out to thee: "Behold now thy Mother!" Hence, as is meet, we all bless thee as
the great and beloved apostle of Christ.
Glory ..., in Tone II:
Come, O ye faithful, and let us bless the ever-memorable John, the foremost of
the apostles, the clarion of theology, the spiritual general who hath subdued all the
world under God, and who hath now passed from the earth, yet doth continue to
remain with the earth, who liveth and awaiteth the awesome second coming of the
Master. O beloved intimate of Christ and initiate of His mysteries, beg thou that we
who celebrate thy memory with love may greet it uncondemned.
Now & ever ...,: Theotokion:
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "O most lauded martyrs ...":
O glorious theologian, * with thy divine teachings * and the manifestations of thy
miracles * thou hast driven away all the darkness of falsehood * and hast enlightened
the people, * that they might know the true Faith. * Pray thou now, * that peace and
great mercy * be granted to our souls.
Stichos. Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto
the ends of the world
O most wise John, * faithful beloved friend of Christ, * delivering me from love
for the flesh, * by thy divine entreaties * and works of piety * cause me to cleave unto
the Master of all * And pray thou, that He grant me * remission of transgressions *
and great mercy.
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaimeth
the work of His hands.
O most sacred beholder of God, * from sufferings and tribulations, * from
afflictions and sorrows * deliver those who praise thee, * who honor thee with love, *
who ever hasten to thee * and have recourse to thy divine protection; * and make
thou supplication, * that peace and great mercy * be granted to our souls.
Glory ..., in Tone II:
O virgin theologian, beloved disciple of the Savior, by thy supplications save us
from all harm, we pray, for we are thy flock.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
All my hope do I place in thee, O Mother of God. Keep me beneath the shelter of
thy wings.
Troparion, in Tone II:
O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people. He
Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in
supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of the
nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The Resurrectional Theotokion:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos; for,
thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, thou art known to be a true Mother, having
given birth unto God. Him, do thou entreat, that our souls be saved.
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first Antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 8 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
The beholder of ineffable revelations * and recounter of the highest mysteries
of God, * the son of Zebedee, * who set down in writing the Gospel of Christ, *
hath taught us to theologize * concerning the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. (Thrice)
The harp of heavenly songs played by God, * the recorder of mysteries, * the
divinely eloquent mouth, * doth beautifully chant the hymn of hymns; * for,
moving his lips as though they were strings, * and using his tongue as a plectrum,
* he prayeth that we be saved. (Thrice)
Proclaiming with thy thunderous tongue * the hidden word of divine wisdom,
* O beloved of God, * thou ever criest out, continually moving thy lips: * In the
beginning was the Word! * And thou instructest every man in the knowledge of
God. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone II:
O ye of the race of man, let us offer goodly praise as is meet to the beloved
and virginal John, the sun of thunder, the foundation of the words of God, the
author of theology, the first preacher of the truth of the dogmas of the wisdom
of God; for having the divine continually within him, he said: In the beginning
was the Word, Who is inseparable from the Father and of the same essence with
the Father, revealing to us through himself the Orthodoxy of the Holy Trinity.
And he hath likewise shown us that He createth with the Father and beareth life
and the light of truth. O awesome wonder! O uttermost wisdom! For, full of
love, he was also filled with theology through glory, honor and faith, as a
founder of our pure Faith. Wherefore, we shall receive everlasting blessings on
the day of judgment.
Now & ever ..., Dogmatic Theotokion, in the same tone:
The shadow of the law passed away when grace arrived; for, as the bush
wrapped in flame did not burn, so the Virgin gaveth birth and yet remained a
Virgin. In place of the pillar of fire, the Sun of righteousness hath shone forth.
Instead of Moses , Christ is come, the Salvation of our souls.
Entrance, Prokimenon of the day, 3 Readings:
A READING FROM THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JOHN [I JN. 3: 21-4: 6]
Beloved: if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments,
and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment,
that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one
another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments
dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by
the Spirit which he hath given us. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the
spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into
the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of
antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it
in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because
greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world:
therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God:
he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.
A READING FROM THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JOHN [I JN. 4: 11-16]
Beloved: if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath
seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is
perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he
hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent
the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the
Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and
believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him.
A READING FROM THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JOHN [I JN. 4: 2O-5: 5]
Beloved: If a man saith: "I Love God,"" and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for
he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God Whom
he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who
loveth God love his brother also. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is
born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is
begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we
love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we
keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous. For
whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that
overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but
he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
At Litia, the sticheron of the temple, and these stichera of the apostle, in Tone I:
The composition of Germanus: Rivers of theology poured forth from thine
honored mouth, O apostle, and the Church of God, watered thereby, doth
worship the consubstantial Trinity in Orthodoxy. Pray now to the Trinity, O
theologian John, that our souls be made steadfast and saved.
The composition of Andrew Pyrrhus: The garden of purity hath emitted for us
the myrrh of sweet fragrance on this present feast, that we may cry out to him: O
Apostle John, who reclined against the Master's breast, who hast rained down
discourse upon the world and preserved the Virgin as the apple of thine eye,
beseech Christ, that He grant us great mercy.
O disciple of the Savior, virgin and theologian, when Christ God was crucified
He committed the Virgin Theotokos to thy care, in that thou art virginal; and
thou didst preserve her as the apple of thine eye. Wherefore, pray thou, that our
souls be saved.
As an eyewitness to ineffable mysteries, thou didst cry out, exclaiming: "In the
beginning the pre-eternal Word was with God, and He was God!", O Apostle
John, intimate and faithful friend of Christ, sweetness of the Trinity, unshakable
confirmation of Ephesus and Patmos, our help. Pray thou, O most blessed
theologian, that the people who ever celebrate thy memory with faith be delivered
from wicked enemies, material and noetic.
Glory ..., in Tone IV:
Reclining against the breast of Christ the Teacher at the Lord's supper, O
beloved disciple, thou didst thereby come to know ineffable things, and hast
thundered forth thy heavenly voice unto all, saying; "In the beginning was the
Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" - Christ God, the
Savior of our souls the Light of truth Who enlighteneth every man who cometh
into the world.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The Son Who with the Father and the Spirit is glorified by the cherubim in the
highest. Desiring to restore the first-created man, He ineffably emptied Himself
into thy womb, O most hymned Theotokos; and, shining forth from thee, He
hath illumined the whole world with His divinity, delivering it from the madness
of idolatry. And, deifying mankind in Himself, Christ God, the Savior of our
souls, hath led it up to the heavens.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Called from on high ...":
Theologizing concerning the Son of the Most High * Who with the Father is
equally everlasting *' and of the same essence, * immutable Light from Light, * the
impress of the hypostasis of the Father, * Who shone forth timelessly and
dispassionately from Him, * the Creator and Lord of all the ages, * Christ our
God, * thou didst preach to the world, O beloved, * as the One Who brought
light forth out of darkness. * Him do thou entreat, * that He save and enlighten
our souls.
Stichos: Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto
the ends of the world.
Receiving the light of the Comforter, * and, illumined therewith, thou didst
theologize * and didst proclaim unto all, O beloved, * that He proceedeth from
the Father * and through the Son is revealed to mankind, * equal in honor, equally
enthroned and of the same essence * with the unoriginate Father and God the
Word. * Wherefore, we honor thee in hymns * as the foundation of the divine
Faith, * which do thou preserve unshaken * through thy supplications to the
Lord.
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
proclaimeth the work of His hands.
Having ascended to the summit of theology, * thou didst learn the ineffable
mysteries of God: * the single essence of the Godhead, * His single glory, *
kingdom and dominion, * ever distinct in three Hypostases, * yet essentially
indivisible and united in unconfused divine unity. * And, rendering glory, O
theologian, * thou didst preach the indivisible Trinity. * Him do thou entreat, *
that He save and enlighten our souls.
Glory ..., the composition of John the monk, in Tone VI:
O apostle of Christ, evangelist and theologian, as an initiate of ineffable
mysteries thou hast thundered forth upon us the ineffable doctrines of wisdom,
explaining to the faithful that He was in the beginning, and discounting that
there was a time when He did not exist, thus rejecting the words of the heretics.
And as thou wast shown to be the beloved intimate and friend of Christ, like
the eloquent Isaiah and Moses the God-seer, pray thou earnestly for our souls,
in that thou hast boldness before God.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Christ the Lord, my Creator and Deliverer, Who came forth from thy womb,
O all-pure one, and robed Himself in me, hath freed Adam from the curse.
Wherefore, like the angel do we unceasingly cry out to thee, O most pure one,
who art truly the Mother of God and Virgin: Rejoice! Rejoice, O Mistress, thou
intercession, protection and salvation for our souls!
After the Blessing of the Loaves, the Troparion of the apostle, in Tone II:
O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people.
He Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in
supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of
the nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy. (Twice)
And "Virgin Theotokos, rejoice! ...", (Once)
AT MATINS
At "God is the Lord ... ", the troparion of the apostle, in Tone II:
O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people.
He Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in
supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of
the nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos;
for, thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, thou art known to be a true
Mother, having given birth unto God. Him do thou entreat, that our souls be
saved.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ... ":
Thou wast called the son of the thunder of God, to deafen the ears of the
ungodly, O most wise one, while most sweetly trumpeting forth the incarnation
of the Word into upright hearts; and as a true friend thou didst recline against
the breast of Christ, from whence thou didst draw forth the revelation of
understanding; and thou didst preach unto all Him Who is equally unoriginate
with the Father. O Apostle John, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of
transgressions unto those who celebrate thy holy memory with love. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb without being
consumed, O Mother of God, thou gavest birth for the world unto Him Who
sustaineth the world, and didst hold in thine embrace Him Who holdeth all
things, the Nurturer of all, the Fashioner of creation. Wherefore, I entreat thee,
O most holy Virgin, and glorify thee with faith, that I be delivered from
transgressions; and on the day of judgment, when I shall stand before the face
of my Creator, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin Mistress, for all things
whatsoever thou desirest thou canst do, O most hymned one.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Abandoning thy fishing of the deep, with the rod of the Cross thou didst
manifestly draw all the nations to the Faith like fish, for as Christ said to thee,
thou wast shown to be a fisher of men, bringing them to piety; wherefore, thou
didst sow the understanding of the Word throughout Patmos, and didst win
Ephesus over with thy discourses, O theologian and apostle. Entreat Christ
God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who with love
celebrate thy holy memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O all-pure Virgin Mother of God, heal thou the cruel sufferings of my soul, I
pray, and grant me the forgiveness of the transgressions which I have mindlessly
committed, defiling my soul and body, wretch that I am. Woe is me! What shall
I do at that hour when the angels shall separate my soul from my passion-ridden
body? Be thou then my helper and most fervent intercessor, for thee do I, thy
servant, have as my hope.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify thee, O holy apostle and
evangelist John the theologian, and we honor the pangs and labors
whereby thou didst struggle in the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaimeth
the work of His hands.
B: The heavens shall confess Thy wonders, O Lord.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia ..., Glory to Thee, O God! (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Reclining against the breast of Jesus, thou received boldness, asking, as a
disciple: "Who is Thy betrayer, Lord?" And since thou wast exceedingly
beloved, O most praised one, He manifestly indicated the traitor to thee with a
sop of bread. Wherefore, as an initiate of ineffable mysteries, thou teachest the
incarnation of the Word to the ends of the earth. O apostle and theologian,
entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who
celebrate thy holy memory with love. Twice
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion
Let us hymn the portal of heaven, the ark, the most holy mountain, the
radiant cloud, the bush unburnt, the noetic garden of paradise, the restoration
of Eve, the great treasure of the whole world, for in her hath salvation and the
remission of the ancient offenses been wrought for the world. Wherefore, we
cry out to her: Pray thou to thy Son, that He grant remission of offenses unto
those who piously worship thy most holy birthgiving.
Hymn of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth,
and their words unto the ends of the world.
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
proclaimeth the work of His hands.
Let every breath praise the Lord.
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN §67 [21 :15-25]
At that time, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after He had risen from
the dead, and saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more
than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He
saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon,
son of Jona, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I
love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time,
Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him
the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all
things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, when thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and
walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch
forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou
wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God.
And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, follow me. Then Peter,
turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned
on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter
seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do ? Jesus saith un to
him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then
went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die:
yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I
come, what is that to thee? This is the disciple which testifieth of these things,
and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are
also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written
everyone, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that
should be written. Amen.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone II:
O virgin theologian, beloved disciple of the Savior, by thy supplications save
us from all harm, we pray, for we are thy flock.
Canon of the Theotokos, with 6 troparia, including the Irmos; and two canons of the
evangelist, with 8 troparia.
ODE I
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Once, almighty power overthrew the whole army of Pharaoh in the
deep, and the incarnate Word destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the
Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified!
Choosing thee as one beautiful, all-comely and immaculate among women,
God made His abode within thine immaculate womb. Him do thou beseech, O
most immaculate one, that He deliver all who hymn thee from the reproach of
sins.
As saith the psalm, thou didst stand as Queen at the right hand of the King
Who shone forth from thy womb. Him do thou beseech, O most immaculate
Bride of God, that He show me as standing on His right side on the day of
retribution.
O thou who gavest birth to the Rain of heaven, thou hast renewed all of
human nature which hath withered utterly away through all manner of unseemly
deeds, but pray thou, O Bride of God, and show forth as fertile the dry furrow
of my soul.
Slain by the tree of knowledge, O pure one, we have been restored to
everlasting life by the Tree of life, Christ God, Who, through thee, O
Theotokos, blossomed forth in manner past understanding. Him do thou
entreat with bodiless powers, that our souls be saved.
Canon I of the apostle, the acrostic whereof is:
"With Christian beauty I hymn the son of thunder", the composition of Theophanes,
in Tone II:
Irmos: Once, almighty power overthrew the whole army of Pharaoh in the
deep, and the incarnate Word destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the
Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified!
Having received the kingdom of heaven which thou didst preach, O blessed
one, and as a converser with the Word of heaven, by thy supplications preserve
those who believe in thine honored preaching and theology.
Exhibiting a mighty mind, thou didst spurn all things on earth and the bonds
of nature, O most wise one, and abiding noetically and spiritually with the Word
thou hast freed from irrationality those who live senselessly.
Receiving most theologically an understanding of heavenly things, thou didst
preach God the Word; and, proclaiming the glad tidings, thou didst teach: In the
beginning was the Word, and the Word was with His Father, and the Word was
God!
Theotokion: The choir of divine maidens hymn thee most divinely, O
Mistress Theotokos, who art comely among women and art adorned with the
beauties of divinity; for in manner past recounting thou gavest birth to the
Word and Benefactor.
Canon II of the apostle, the acrostic whereof is: "I bear entreaties to the divine initiate
of the mysteries", the composition of Joseph, in Tone VI:
Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot as though it were dry land, and seeing
the tyrant Pharaoh engulfed, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant a hymn of
victory unto God!
Illumined in mind, thou didst penetrate the depths of the Spirit, O theologian,
and hast manifestly told us of the awesome begetting, crying out: In the
beginning was the Word of God!
Crushed beneath a multitude of temptations and sufferings, tribulations and
grievous assaults, we flee with faith to thee. O theologian, be thou a helper to thy
servants!
Healing the cruel sufferings of our souls thou art unto us an excellent
physician, O wise one, deliver us from everlasting condemnation and fire
through thy mediation.
Theotokion: O pure one who didst conceive God Who became man for our
sake, entreat Him, that on the day of judgment He take pity upon us who have
committed many sins against Him.
Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I
shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear
radiantly keeping festival; and rejoicing I shall hymn her wonders.
ODE III
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The desert, the barren Church of the nations, blossomed like a lily
at Thy coming, O Lord, and therein hath my heart been established.
Issuing forth from thy womb, O most immaculate one, the Creator clothed
Himself in me, a man, granting the vesture of incorruption unto one stripped
naked by many unseemly deeds.
O Mistress, thou gavest birth to God, the all-honored Word, Him do thou
earnestly beseech, that He have pity on my lowly soul, which is downcast
because of the indignities of pleasures.
O all-pure one, heal thou the wounds of my soul and my lowly heart, which
hath been poisoned by the venom of the serpent, cure thou with the medicine of
thine activity.
As thou hast boldness before thy Son, in that thou art His Mother, O
Mistress, ask thou help for the oppressed people, and cast down the arrogance of
the iniquitous.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: The desert, the barren Church of the nations, blossomed like a lily
at Thy coming, O Lord, and therein hath my heart been established.
With the tongue of thy theology thou didst reveal the mystery of the Trinity
which passeth understanding, O divinely blessed John; and therein hath my heart
been established.
Thy tongue became the scribe's pen of the most Holy Spirit, recording thy
precious and divine Gospel with godly script.
Reclining against the Well-spring of wisdom with divinely wise boldness, O
most wise one, thou didst draw forth an abyss of wisdom; and thou becamest
His godly herald.
Theotokion: We honor thee as the only Virgin Mother who hast been for us
the mediatress of salvation, delivering the world by thy supplications.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hath exalted
the horn of Thy faithful, O Good One, and hast established us upon the
rock of Thy confession.
Conversing with the Word with radiant and pure mind, O thrice-blessed
theologian, thou wast taught mysteries by Him which manifestly transcend
human speech; and thou hast enlightened all creation.
Deliver me from the cruel bonds of sin, O thrice-blessed one, binding me
with love to God the Master, Whom thou didst fervently love, for thou hast
been called His theologian.
Thou hast been given to us as a defender, a mediator and deliverer, an
intercessor before the Lord, a worker of miracles and a source of healings, O
theologian. Wherefore, we honor thee.
Theotokion: When the Word Who was ineffably incarnate of thee was lifted
up upon the tree of the Cross, O Theotokos, He entrusted thee, as a Virgin
Maiden, to the virginal disciple.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou living and abundant fountain, in thy divine
glory establish those who hymn thee and spiritually form themselves into
a choir, and vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Having reclined against the breast of Wisdom and learned an understanding
of things, thou didst thunder forth divinely: "In the beginning was the Word!",
being the first to record the unoriginate begetting; and thou hast proclaimed to
all the incarnation of the Word. Wherefore, fishing for the nations, using thy
tongue as a net, thou teachest the ends of the earth by the grace of the Spirit, and
dost enlighten them with miracles. O theologian and apostle, entreat Christ God,
that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love celebrate thy holy
memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Having fallen in to perils of great complexity through enemies visible and
invisible, beset by the tempest of my countless offenses, I flee to the haven of
thy goodness as to my fervent help and protection, O pure one. Wherefore, pray
thou earnestly to Him Who became incarnate of thee without seed, in behalf of
thy servants, O all-pure one, ever beseeching Him to grant remission of offenses
unto those who hymn thy glory as is meet.
ODE IV
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, not as a mediator or an
angel, but the Lord Himself, incarnate, and hast saved me, the whole
man. Wherefore, I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Rain down drops of compunction upon me, O Mistress, removing the
burning heat from my heart, and driving away my grief and the assaults of
vexation.
Disdain me not, O all-pure one, who have been pierced with the sword of
sweetness and lie in my wounds, but heal me with the spear and blood of thy
crucified Son, our God.
O thou who hast been enriched by dominion over every created thing, count
me worthy of divine grace who have been reduced to grievous beggary, that I
may magnify thee as my good intercessor, O most immaculate one.
Christ, the effulgence of the Father, shone forth from thy womb, O Maiden
who tasted not of wedlock, and, crucified, hath illumined the world and
destroyed the darkness of the demons.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, not as a mediator or an
angel, but the Lord Himself, incarnate, and hast saved me, the whole
man. Wherefore, I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Having taught thee most excellently the mysteries of His divinity and
instructed thee in His ineffable dispensation for man, as is meet the Word
showed thee forth as His theologian.
Thou didst acquire a godly mind and a virginal body, O glorious one, and
becamest the living and animate temple and most sacred dwelling-place of the
most hymned Trinity.
O blessed virgin apostle, thou wast honored in being appointed the son of the
all-pure Virgin, and wast shown to be the brother of Him Who chose thee and
made of thee His disciple and theologian.
Theotokion: Healing the ancient crime of Eve, the All-divine One made His
abode in thee, the most immaculate and all-pure one, to restore me, a fallen man.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and Lord, the honored Church
chanted in godly manner, crying aloud with a pure mind, keeping festival
in the Lord.
With the Word, as with drops of rain, thou didst water the whole earth, O
glorious one, and didst piously dry up the turbid waters of impiety; wherefore,
we honor thee.
With strength and might, O most wise one, gird thou my soul, which hath
been paralyzed by many assaults by unclean enemies, and hath recourse to thy
protection, I pray.
As thou art the temple of the divine Spirit, O theologian, by thy mediation
show forth as temples of God those who present themselves with faith in thy
divine temple.
Theotokion: Let us hymn the divine temple of God, and, deified and delivered
from evils, let us all manifestly bless the holy Virgin.
Katavasia: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most
divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved
them that cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
ODE V
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Thou wast the Mediator between God and men, O Christ God; for
through Thee, O Master, have we been brought forth from the night of
ignorance unto Thy Father, the Author of light.
O all-pure one who gavest birth to the Path of light, guide me now to the
straight path, who have irrationally fallen among trackless wastes and defiles.
Mindlessly estranging myself from the understanding of God, I have
prodigally squandered my substance in a far land, straying through the passions;
but return and save me through thy consolations, O pure Virgin.
With thy life-giving waters drench me, thy servant, who am burning with the
flame of sins and am set afire by the assaults of the demons, O all-pure Virgin
Mother.
Behold! in manner past recounting, O all-pure Theotokos, thou didst contain
Christ God in thy womb, as Isaiah proclaimed beforehand, and thou gavest birth
to Him supernaturally, O Theotokos.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: Thou wast the Mediator between God and men, O Christ God; for
through Thee, O Master, have we been brought forth from the night of
ignorance unto Thy Father, the Author of light.
Through grace thou wast shown to be a heavenly mind, O theologian,
becoming wholly light through drawing nigh unto the Origin of light, deified by
the pure sight of Him.
Thou didst preach thy Gospel with pure mind, holy lips and an all-pure mouth,
O divinely inspired one, and thou hast set forth universal salvation before all the
faithful
Living with Christ from thy childhood, instructed in theology and having
learned the glory of the Trinity which transcendeth nature, thou becamest an
instrument of grace set forth by Him.
Theotokion: Mindful of thy words, we now call thee blessed; for through thee,
O most immaculate one, we have truly received ineffable blessedness and life
which groweth not old.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: With Thy divine light, O Good One, illumine the souls of those who
rise at dawn unto Thee, I pray, that they may know Thee, O Word of God,
to be the true God Who taketh away the darkness of sin.
Thou didst shine forth like the dawn upon those on earth, manifestly
proclaiming to the world the noetic Orient Who hath come in the flesh and
destroyed the darkness of polytheism.
With thy sacred theology thou hast given drink to every soul, O sacred herald
and apostle; wherefore, I cry to thee: Water my whole heart, which hath been
withered by sins.
I have been wounded by the darts of the enemy. By thine intercession, O wise
one, heal me wholly, I pray, and guide to the path of God me who have ever gone
astray in iniquities.
Theotokion: When thou didst stand with the beloved disciple at the Cross of
thy Son, O most immaculate one, thou didst sigh, weeping, and didst marvel at
His surpassing sympathy for men.
Katavasia: All things are filled with awe of thy divine glory; for thou, O
Virgin who knewest not wedlock, didst contain within thy womb Him
Who is God over all, and gavest birth to the timeless Son, bestowing
peace upon all who hymn thee.
ODE VI
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable
abyss of Thy lovingkindness: lead me up from corruption, O God!
O Mistress, show me not to be a joy to the demons at the coming judgment,
but lifting thy gaze kindly upon me, entreat the Judge, thy Son.
By my wicked and iniquitous thoughts and acts I have angered Thee, O Lord.
Yet do I bring Thy Mother before Thee to intercede. Taking pity, save me!
In that thou gavest birth to the Judge, the God of all, O most hymned
Mistress, from condemnation deliver me, who have condemned myself through
my transgressions.
Entreat Jesus the Savior, to Whom thou didst supernaturally give birth in the
flesh, O all-pure Virgin Mother, that thy servants be delivered from tribulations.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable
abyss of Thy loving-kindness: lead me up from corruption, O God!
Jesus, my God and Lord, accepting thy purity and most perfect holiness,
received thee as His brother, O theologian.
Having crowned thy life with holiness, and trusting therein, O glorious one,
thou didst recline against the breast of Wisdom, and didst draw forth grace there-
from.
The great and divine radiance of thy theology hath enlightened the whole
world, O glorious one, and hath illumined it with the light of the threefold Sun.
Theotokion: He Who stretched forth heaven, O pure Mother of God, hath
stretched thee forth as another, earthly heaven, and, shining forth from thee, hath
revealed Himself.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the storm of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from
corruption, O greatly Merciful One!
Thy tongue of theology was truly like a writer's pen, inscribing on the tablets
of our hearts true understanding and the law which is truly new, O theologian.
O glorious one who, like a most excellent husbandman, hast caused the
offshoots of impiety to wither at the root, plant thou the fear of God in my soul,
the blossoming fruitfulness of the virtues.
He Who had most manifestly issued forth from the Virgin called thee her son.
With her make thou entreaty, that those who do that which is well-pleasing unto
Him become children of God by adoption, O ever all-memorable one.
Theotokion: Through thee, O most immaculate one, God appeared to men in
the likeness of the flesh. Him do thou ever entreat, that He slay the pernicious
wisdom of our flesh, O most pure one.
Katavasia: Celebrating this divine and most honored festival of the Mother
of God, come, ye divinely wise, let us clap our hands and glorify God
Who was born of her.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Who can recount thy mighty works, O virgin apostle? For thou pourest out
miracles and dost cause healings to flow forth; and thou prayest for our souls, in
that thou art a theologian and the friend of Christ.
Ikos: It is a bold and unattainable thing to study the heights of heaven and to
plumb the depths of the sea; for as it is impossible to calculate the number of the
stars and the sands of the shore, so is it impossible to speak sufficiently of the
theologian, whom Christ loved and hath crowned with so many crowns. For,
reclining against His breast, he ate with Him at the mystical supper, in that he is a
theologian and friend of Christ.
ODE VII
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The God-opposing command of the iniquitous tyrant raised up a
lofty flame, but Christ, Who is blessed and all-glorious, spread a spiritual
dew over the pious youths.
As thou art my strength and song, my salvation and steadfast aid, and an
invincible rampart, O Mistress, do battle with the demons who make war upon
me and ever seek to slay me.
Having given flesh to God, O Virgin, thou hast deified mankind by thy
virginal blood. Wherefore, I beseech thee: By thy supplications deliver me, who
have been defiled by the passions and ruined by the wiles of the enemy.
The furnace prefigured thy birthgiving, O most immaculate one; for it did not
consume the youths, just as the unbearable Fire did not consume thy womb.
Wherefore, we beseech thee: Deliver thy servants from everlasting fire.
Thou alone didst show forth thy conceiving as all-pure and thy birth-giving as
incorrupt, remaining a virgin; for thou didst conceive God Who is over all and
Who became man, O pure one, thou salvation and deliverance of the faithful.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: The God-opposing command of the iniquitous tyrant raised up a
lofty flame, but Christ, Who is blessed and all-glorious, spread a spiritual
dew over the pious youths.
Shining with divine effulgence, thou didst manifestly theologize concerning
the Holy Spirit Who proceedeth from the unoriginate Father and resteth
inseparably in the Son, in that He is consubstantial with them.
In thee, O blessed one, Christ, the all-glorious Sun of righteousness appointed
His dwelling, Who hath made thee an ever-moving heaven, and is proclaimed by
the tongue of thy theology.
The power of thy words hath sent forth a divine sound, O most blessed and
right wondrous one, and thy universal Gospel hath embraced the whole earth
with the magnificence of thy dogmas.
Theotokion: Thou alone didst show forth thy conceiving as all-pure and thy
birthgiving as incorrupt, remaining a virgin; for thou didst conceive God Who is
over all and Who became man, O pure one, thou salvation and deliverance of
the faithful.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: The Angel made the furnace to put forth dew for the pious youths,
and the command of God, consuming the Chaldeans, prevailed upon the
tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Let us hymn the theologian, the thunder which hath resounded to all the ends
of the earth, whereby every ear is truly caught up from the earth, and Christ, the
Creator of all, is magnified.
The manifest splendor of thy house illumineth every mind; and, ever
assembling therein, we hymn the Creator of all in godly manner, and praise thee
with faith, who art our intercessor.
We know thee to be a star of radiant light, O disciple of Christ, and we pray
that we will be enlightened by thy luminous radiance, and delivered from the
darkness of the passions and all manner of perils by thy mediation.
Theotokion: O most immaculate one, we bless thee who gavest birth to the
blessed Lord, Who with divine blessings hath annulled the curse on human
nature, and hath renewed us, who have grown old through corruption.
Katavasia: The divinely wise youths did not worship a creation rather than
the Creator, but, manfully trampling the threat of the fire underfoot, they
rejoiced, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O all-hymned Lord God of our
fathers, worthy!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the furnace divided its activity at the command
of God, for it consumed the Chaldeans, but bedewed the faithful, who
chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Be zealous for the good, avoiding what is evil, by care for godly works, O my
soul, having the Mother of God praying for thee, the unashamed intercessor for
all, who is merciful and loveth mankind.
Thou hast released mankind from the bonds of the ancient condemnation, O
Theotokos. Wherefore, I pray to thee: Loose every evil bond of my heart, O all-
pure one, binding me with the divine love of the Creator.
Having given birth to the Effulgence of the Father's glory, O Theotokos,
illumine my heart, which is weighed down by the disgrace of transgressions; and
show me forth as a partaker of everlasting glory, that I may glorify thee with love.
The Most High, the true Sun of righteousness, hath appeared to us incarnate
of thee, O Theotokos, illumining all things with the rays of His divinity. To Him
do we chant hymns.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the furnace divided its activity at the command
of God, for it consumed the Chaldeans, but bedewed the faithful, who
chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Issuing forth like dazzling lightning, thou wast revealed to the whole world in
the radiance of purity and the brilliance of virginity, O beloved of Christ God,
illumining the world with the dogmas of piety.
Having purified body, soul and mind, thou didst proclaim the glad tidings of
the heavenly Gospel of Christ; and, dwelling with the angels in the heavens, thou
now criest out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Thou wast a pillar of light, a divine oblation of the heavenly temple, a throne
of perception, a receptacle of wisdom and an instrument of theology, chanting:
Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: That Thou mightest annul the primal curse and the ancient
condemnation of our first mother to death, O Word of God, thou wast born of
the Virgin Mother of God, granting indestructible immortality unto all.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: From the flame Thou didst pour forth dew upon the venerable ones,
and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou,
O Christ, doest all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt su-
premely for all ages.
Thou didst bring forth goodly abundance through the speech of thy tongue, O
blessed one, and thou didst bring to life those dead through evil, who accepted
thy sacred preaching. Wherefore, we honor thee as an initiate of ineffable
mysteries.
Thy house, O apostle, hath been shown to be another divine garden of
paradise, gladdening the souls of all with miracles, as with flowers, and dispelling
the fetor of the passions.
O God, my God, hearken unto me and deliver me from the enemies who
assail me every day and crush my lowly heart, for I have Thy divine disciple
praying to Thee.
Theotokion: O divinely joyous one, beseech Jesus the Savior, Who was
incarnate of thy pure blood, that He take pity on us, thy servants, and rescue us
from everlasting torment.
Katavasia: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in
the furnace-then in figure, but now in deed-and moveth the whole world
to chant to Thee: Hymn the Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely
for all ages!
ODE IX
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: God the Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath appeared to
us, incarnate of the Virgin, to enlighten the benighted and to gather the
dispersed. Wherefore, we magnify the most hymned Theotokos.
Tasting of the forbidden fruit of the tree, Adam bitterly found death through
the tree; but thy Son, Who was nailed to the Tree, O all-pure one, hath poured
forth the sweetness of immortality. Wherefore, we honor thee.
Thou art a Queen, having in manner past recounting given birth to Christ the
King and Lord Who hath destroyed the kingdom of Hades Him do thou
earnestly entreat, O Maiden, that He count those who honor thee worthy of the
heavenly on high.
O Mistress, in that thou gavest birth to the Good One, and art thyself good,
make my lowly heart good, which hath been vexed by inundations of pleasures,
and open unto me the doors of goodness, that I may repent.
He Who was lifted up, dead, upon the Cross hath slain the serpent thereby;
wherefore, I cry out to Thee: Have mercy on my soul, which hath been slain by
wicked deeds, O Word, and bring it to life through the supplications of her who
gave Thee birth.
Canon I of the Apostle
Irmos: God the Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath appeared to
us, incarnate of the Virgin, to enlighten the benighted and to gather the
dispersed. Wherefore, we magnify the most hymned Theotokos.
Thou hast now been counted worthy to behold the Torrent of sweetness, the
River of peace and the Well-spring of immortality, not in indistinct images, but
face to face; and, watered thereby, thou dost now enjoy deification.
Thou didst ask Christ for a throne on earth, but He gave thee His breast
instead; and, reclining against it, thou wast enriched with a steadfast, abiding and
goodly seat, O theologian, thou adornment of the apostles.
Thou didst burn up the ungodliness of pagan wisdom, O wise one,
proclaiming: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was truly God, through Whom all things came into being, visible and
invisible!"
Theotokion: Amid the night of life thou wast found to be like the break of
dawn, O most pure Mother of God, shining forth with rays of virginity and
revealing to us the Orient of the noetic Sun of righteousness.
Canon II of the Apostle
Irmos: It is not possible for men to see God, upon Whom the ranks of the
angels dare not gaze; yet through thee, O most pure one, the Word
appeared, incarnate, to men; and, magnifying Him with the armies of
heaven, we call thee blessed.
As the Lord of times and seasons, the Deliverer hung upon the Cross at
noontime, He entrusted the Ever-virgin to thee, O blessed one, in that thou art
virginal, granting immutable glory to those who magnify thee.
Dwelling with the hosts of God on high, and giving utterance with them to
divine hymnody, O apostle of Christ, by thine honored mediations save those
who chant and hymn the All-good One in thy holy house.
From all misfortunes save us who entreat thee with faith, O blessed
theologian, directing our steps to the Lord through the Spirit and guiding us to
the path of peace by the commandments of the Almighty.
Theotokion: With splendor we offer a cry of thanksgiving to thee, the Mother
of God, and we cry aloud: Rejoice, O most exalted throne of God! Rejoice,
cloud of the Light! Rejoice garden of paradise, whereby we have been
vouchsafed the sweetness of paradise!
Katavasia: Let everyone born of earth leap up, enlightened by the Spirit; and
let the nature of the incorporeal intelligences keep festival, honoring the sacred
solemnity of the Mother of God; and let it cry out: Rejoice, O most blessed
Theotokos, pure Ever-virgin.
Exapostilarion:
Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit ...":
O blessed virgin theologian, the Word chose thee as one virginal in soul and
body, and showed thee to be a wondrous recorder and servant of His divinity;
and when thou didst pass away from the earth, thou didst not die but livest in
God, remaining immortal.
Glory ..., another Exapostilarion:
Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
As a son of thunder thou didst proclaim theology to men, saying: "In the
beginning was the Word", O Apostle John; for, reclining against the breast of thy
Master with faith and drawing forth there-from streams of theology, thou
waterest all creation.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Standing before the Cross of thy Son and God with the virginal disciple, the
most pure one heard the Creator say: "Behold thy son!" And He said to the
disciple: "Behold thy Mother!" With him we all hymn thee, O Virgin Theotokos.
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
Illumined with the beauties * of purity and virginity, * O blessed John most
wise, * of all the disciples * thou wast the one most loved * with the abundant
ardor of the love of Christ * by the Word Who seeth all things * and judgeth the
whole world * with the scales of justice, * O divinely blessed one.
With spiritual songs let us now praise * the most honored John * as the
servant of Christ, * the flowering of virginity, * the pleasing habitation of
precious virtues, * the instrument of wisdom, * the temple of the Spirit, * the
light-bearing mouth of grace, * the most radiant eye of the Church.
Reclining against the breast of Christ, * thou didst draw forth wisdom, * O
most excellent John, * and hast irrigated the world * with the waters of theology,
* and dried up the sea of ungodliness * with knowledge of the Trinity, * guiding
us to our heavenly inheritance * like an animate pillar and cloud.
O blessed evangelist, * son of thunder, * proclaiming the glad tidings, thou
hast revealed to the world * the well-spring of blessings, * the unshakable
kingdom, * life everlasting and indescribable joy, * the delight of divine vision, *
the plentiful gifts of Christ, * and understanding which transcendeth the mind of
man.
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
O evangelist John, peer of the angels, virgin theologian instructed by God, in
Orthodox manner thou didst preach to the world the all-pure side which poured
forth blood and water, whereby we obtain life everlasting for our souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone
O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all
want and grief.
Great Doxology. After the Trisagion prayers,
The Troparion of the apostle; in Tone II:
O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people. He
Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in
supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of the
nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., The Resurrectional Theotokion:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos; for,
thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, thou art known to be a true Mother, having
given birth unto God. Him, do thou entreat, that our souls he saved.
Theotokion. Litanies. Dismissal.

The following anointing, at the discretion of the Presbyter, may take place
whenever there are feasts of major saints whose services merit the holding of vigil.

We chant whichever Idiomelon sticheron of the saint the ecclesiarch desireth. And
the priest goeth forth with the· censer, preceded by a candle-bearer, and censeth the
icon of the saint on the analogion; and when he hath set aside the censer, he standeth
to the right of the analogion. Then the superior approacheth the analogion and
maketh two prostrations, and kisseth the icon; and after he has venerated it, he
maketh another prostration and, taking the wand reserved for such use, he anointeth
himself with holy oil from the lamp, making the sign of the Cross therewith on his
forehead. And the faithful likewise venerate the icon of the saint. The superior
anointeth the priest and the faithful with the oil. After the anointing with holy oil, the
First Hour is chanted. At the First Hour, the Troparion and Kontakion of the saint
are read. Then cometh the final dismissal.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of the first canon of the apostle, and 4
from Ode VI of the second canon of the apostle.
With the tongue of thy theology thou didst reveal the mystery of the Trinity
which passeth understanding, O divinely blessed John; and therein hath my heart
been established. (Twice)
Thy tongue became the scribe's pen of the most Holy Spirit, recording thy
precious and divine Gospel with godly script.
Reclining against the Well-spring of wisdom with divinely wise boldness, O
most wise one, thou didst draw forth an abyss of wisdom; and thou becamest
His godly herald.
Thy tongue of theology was truly like a writer's pen, inscribing on the tablets
of our hearts true understanding and the law which is truly new, O theologian.
O glorious one who, like a most excellent husbandman, hast caused the
offshoots of impiety to wither at the root, plant thou the fear of God in my soul,
the blossoming fruitfulness of the virtues.
He Who had most manifestly issued forth from the Virgin called thee her son.
With her make thou entreaty, that those who do that which is well-pleasing unto
Him become children of God by adoption, O ever all-memorable one.
Theotokion: Through thee, O most immaculate one, God appeared to men in
the likeness of the flesh. Him do thou ever entreat, that He slay the pernicious
wisdom of our flesh, O most pure one.
After the entrance, the troparion of the temple, if such be dedicated to either the
Lord or the Theotokos, then that of the apostle. (The troparion and Kontakion of the
temple, if it be dedicated to a saint, are not chanted.) Then, Glory , the Kontakion of
the apostle; Now & ever, the Kontakion of the temple, if dedicated to the Theotokos.
But if the temple be not dedicated to the Theotokos, then Now & ever ...: the
Kontakion of the temple, if it be dedicated to Christ. But if the temple is dedicated
neither to Christ nor to the Theotokos, the hymns are chanted as follows: Troparion
of the apostle, Glory ..., Kontakion of the apostle; Now & ever ...: O intercession for
Christians unashamed ...
Troparion, in Tone II:
O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people. He
Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in
supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of the
nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy.
The Theotokion, in Tone II:
All of thy most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos; for,
thy purity sealed and thy virginity intact, thou art known to be a true Mother, having
given birth unto God. Him, do thou entreat, that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Who can recount thy mighty works, O virgin apostle? For thou pourest out
miracles and dost cause healings to flow forth; and thou prayest for our souls, in
that thou art a theologian and the friend of Christ.
Prokimenon, in Tone VIII: Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth,
and their words unto the ends of the world.
Stichos: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament
proclaimeth the work of His hands.
A READING FROM THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF JOHN, §73, [1 IN. 4: 12-19]
Beloved: No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God
dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in
him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and
do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Whosoever
shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and
he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love
made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is,
so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear;
because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love
him, because he first loved us.
Alleluia, in Tone I: The heavens shall confess Thy wonders, O Lord, and
Thy truth in the congregation of saints.
Stichos: God is glorified in the council of the saints.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, §61 [IN. 19: 25-27, 21: 24-25]
At that time, there stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother, and His Mother's
sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore
saw His Mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith to His
Mother: ''Woman, behold thy son!" Then saith He to the disciple: "Behold thy
Mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. This is
the disciple who testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know
that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did,
the which, if they should be written every one, 1 suppose that even the world
itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen
Communion Verse: Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their
words unto the ends of the world.
THE 27th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY MARTYR CALLISTRATUS & HIS COMPANIONS
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...": these stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...":
O martyred athlete Callistratus, * thy mind illumined * by the light of piety, *
thou didst unwaveringly tread the path * which leadeth to heavenly blessedness,
* having vanquished all the wiles of the adversary. * Wherefore, we praise thee, *
honoring thy sacred memory, * O most blessed one.
O divinely wise martyr Callistratus, * enriched by the word of life, * thou didst
guide unto life * those who before were dead in accursedness through ignorance;
* and, dying with zeal, O glorious one, * for the resurrection of us all, * they are
most truly believed to dwell in Christ. * With them remember us * to the all-
good Lord.
O sacred martyr Gymnasius, * beheaded by the sword, * thou didst truly
drown the Pharaoh of falsehood * in the torrent of thy blood; * and now thou
pourest forth healings upon all * who have recourse to thy temple with faith, *
and therein praise thy struggles, * and celebrate thine honored memory, * O
blessed one.
Glory ..., the composition of Byzantius, in Tone IV:
Before Thy precious Cross, death was terrifying to men; but after Thy
glorious Passion, man was terrifying to death. Thus was the athlete able to
abolish all the power of the enemy: Through his supplications save our souls, O
Christ.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ... ":
As she beheld Thee, the Lamb and Shepherd, * upon the Tree, * the ewe-lamb
who gave Thee birth lamented * and exclaimed to Thee maternally: * "O my Son
most desired, * how is it that Thou art suspended upon the Tree of the Cross, O
Long-suffering One? * How is it that Thy hands and feet, O Word, * have been
pierced with nails by the iniquitous, * and Thou hast shed Thy blood, O
Master?"
Troparion, in Tone IV:
In their sufferings, O Lord, Thy martyrs received imperishable crowns from
Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, they set at nought the tyrants and
crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By their supplications save Thou our
souls.
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, with 8 troparia; and that of the martyrs, with 4
troparia, the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII:
ODE I
Irmos: O ye people, let us send up a hymn to our wondrous God Who freed
Israel from slavery, chanting a song of victory and crying aloud: We sing
to Thee, our only Master!
Walking the path of suffering without faltering, for the lost thou becamest a
path leading to places of divine repose, O blessed one; wherefore, having
assembled, we praise thee with faith, O Callistratus.
Shining forth like a most radiant star, thou hast illumined the Church of
Christ with the light of divine knowledge; and driving away the darkness of
ignorance, O martyr, thou didst topple the ruined houses of falsehood.
Patiently enduring every trial, O Callistratus, thou didst not refuse to die for
the Life of all; wherefore, rejoicing, thou hast passed over to immortal rest, and
thou dwellest with the angelic choirs.
The sacred Gymnasius was shown to be an ember burning with the fire of the
divine Spirit; and he hath utterly consumed the dross of falsehood, and bedeweth
with miracles those burning with the heat of the passions.
Theotokion: Alone among women, thou didst supernaturally give birth to One
of the Trinity, O most immaculate one, not having known man; wherefore, we
glorify thee and Him Who was born of thee in manner transcending all cause
and recounting.
ODE III
Irmos: O Lord Who established the heavens by Thy word and founded the
earth upon many waters: make me steadfast to sing Thy glorification.
Refusing to offer any sacrifice unto graven deities, thou didst offer thyself as
a pure sacrifice to the God of all Who was sacrificed for us, O martyred athlete
Callistratus.
Arrayed in a purple robe dyed with thy truly sacred blood, O blessed martyr,
thou standest, crowned, before the King of ages.
The enemy was shown to be stripped naked by the divine glory of thee and
the athletes who with thee were clothed from on high, O valiant minded martyr
Gymnasius.
Theotokion: Earnestly make supplication to thy Son, O Virgin, that He save
us from the coming tribulations and from everlasting torment.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast appeared ...":
The Church, making every effort today, doth offer up mystic praise for those
who suffered for her, O holy and divine martyrs, right victorious and most wise.
Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is equally unoriginate ...":
O ye faithful, let us praise the sufferings of Callistratus, let us hymn the pangs
of Gymnasius, and with love let us bless those who suffered patiently with
them; and let us cry out to them: O warriors of piety, ask that we be given peace
and great mercy.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
O all-immaculate one, quickly heal the greatly painful sufferings of my soul
and the afflictions of my flesh, and set the wanderings of my mind and my
thoughts at peace. Vouchsafe O Theotokos, that I may offer pure supplications
to the King of all, and ask remission of transgressions.
Stavrotheotokion: Beholding Thee hanging of Thine own will upon the Cross
between the thieves, O Christ, Thy Mother said, her womb rent with pain: "O
my sinless Son, how is it that Thou hast been unjustly crucified on the Cross as
a malefactor, desiring to bring life to the human race, in that Thou art all-good?"
ODE IV
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have
understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Arming thyself against the persecutor like a most excellent commander, O
martyr, thou didst lure to divine life those made captive of old, and didst
capture them.
With the showers of thy words thou hast watered men's hearts, and thou
didst guide them to the water of everlasting life, O right wondrous athlete of the
Lord.
The ever-memorable Callistratus is slaughtered like a lamb, his most zealous
soldiers having been slain like lambs before him.
Like a vine, O martyr Gymnasius, through the account of thy suffering thou
didst produce ripe grapes, pouring forth the wine of piety.
Theotokion: O Maiden, cleanse thou my heart which hath been defiled by the
passions, and make it a receptacle of pure and divine radiance.
ODE V
Irmos: O Lord Who through divine knowledge hast brought the ends of
the earth into the light out of the night of ignorance, illumine me with the
dawning of Thy love for mankind.
Loving Christ our God most ardently, O martyr, thou didst suffer, and hast
destroyed the feeble strength of the enemy.
Thou wast shown to be the leader of divine recruits, O martyr Callistratus,
and, rejoicing, hast enlisted in the armies of the angels.
Adorned with the glory of the splendor of martyrdom, O Gymnasius,
rejoicing, thou hast now passed over to the splendors of the angels.
Theotokion: Thou wast shown to be the east of the Sun of righteousness, O
most immaculate one. Him do thou entreat, that He save those who glorify thee
in purity.
ODE VI
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are mine iniquities; and lead me
up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast
hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
Thou didst break the jaws of invisible lions, O wise one, and didst show those
who were devoured by the enemy to be partakers of immaterial sweetness, O
martyr Callistratus.
Delivering a beautiful and divine discourse concerning God, O all-glorious
Callistratus, thou didst show as divine those who before had wretchedly
worshiped inanimate gods, and didst suffer with them.
Bowing your necks before Christ, O martyrs, ye accepted slaughter and
offered yourselves to God as perfect sacrifices; and ye have adorned the Church
of the firstborn.
Theotokion: Sanctify my mind and illumine my heart, O pure Mother of God,
and deliver me from the evils which beset me, that I may glorify thee, O Ever-
virgin Theotokos.
Kontakion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up on the Cross ... ":
Having endured multifarious wounds and manifestly received crowns from
God, pray to Christ for us who celebrate your most festive memorial, O great
Callistratus and ye blessed ones who suffered with him, that He may grant peace
to His flock and people; for He is the confirmation of the faithful.
Ikos: Gazing upon the shrine of thy relics, O Callistratus, I hymn and magnify
the pangs and sufferings which thou didst suffer. Wherefore, I beseech thee:
Render Christ, the Judge of thy contest, merciful to me, that by grace He grant
me utterance with divine words, that I may be able to praise thy struggles; for no
man is able to recount thy mighty deeds: how thou didst manfully enter the
tribunal, denouncing the creeping thoughts of the tyrants. Christ is the
confirmation of the faithful!
ODE VII
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children who went down from Judea
trampled the flame of the furnace underfoot by their faith in the Trinity,
chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Made lustrous as gold by the fire of torments, thou wast shown to be a
symbol of the sufferings of Christ, O glorious one, and hast now been laid up in
the treasury of God, crying: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Strengthened by sufferings, thou didst show thyself to be a heaven-forged
sword, O Callistratus, cutting down hordes of invisible demons and crying out:
O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Thou wast revealed as strong against impiety with the might of the Trinity, O
Callistratus; and, illumined with the effulgence thereof, thou now criest out: O
God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Loving Christ with steadfast mind, O divinely inspired martyr Gymnasius,
thou wast slain with all thy fellow zealots, chanting in thanksgiving: O God of
our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Theotokion: O divinely joyous one, entreat Him Who was incarnate of thee in
manner past understanding and recounting, that we be saved who honor thee
with love and cry out together: O God of .our fathers, blessed art Thou!
ODE VIII
Irmos: The divinely eloquent youths in the furnace, trampling the flame
and the fire underfoot, chanted: Bless the Lord, O ye works of the Lord!
Uprooting the thorns of falsehood, thou didst show thyself to be a most
comely garden of paradise, O martyr, producing fruits of piety through divine
grace.
Looking to the expectations to come in perfect hope, thou didst set thyself
apart for struggles, and, emerging triumphant, thou wast lawfully crowned, O
Callistratus.
Acquiring the healing of thy temple, O glorious Gymnasius, those who
piously have recourse to it are delivered from evils, praising thee with faith.
Theotokion: In that thou art more exalted than all creatures, O divinely joyous
and most immaculate Maiden, make my mind exalted above the temptations of
the deceiver.
ODE IX
Irmos: Every ear was in awe to hear of the ineffable condescension of God:
how, of His own will, the Most High abased Himself, even to assume the
flesh, becoming man through the Virgin's womb. Wherefore, O ye
faithful, we magnify the all-pure Theotokos.
The shrine of thy relics poureth forth healing upon all in need, O martyr
Callistratus: it truly halteth illnesses difficult to cure, and dispelleth the darkness
of evil spirits through the activity, power and grace of the Spirit.
Bound one to another by grace, O martyrs of Christ, ye were shown to be like
a divinely fashioned chain leading up on high and sanctifying the earth with the
shedding of your blood. Wherefore, we faithfully celebrate your memory in
gladness.
With those who suffered with thee thou hast manifestly received an
imperishable crown, everlasting glory and gladness, never-ending joy and the
heavenly kingdom, O divinely wise Callistratus. With them remember us to the
Lord.
Shining forth today more brightly than the sun, the divine memory of the wise
Callistratus, Gymnasius and those who suffered with them illumineth the ends of
the earth with radiant brilliance. Through their supplications, O Christ, free us
from condemnation.
Theotokion: With gladsome mind we cry out to thee with the voice of Gabriel:
Rejoice, O joy of the faithful! Rejoice, O golden lampstand, table, mountain and
noetic gate! Rejoice, O divine chariot of Christ the King! Rejoice, O most blessed
one, thou loosing of the curse!
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
O the wonder! How have those who are clay by nature been shown to be
golden? For neither fire,: nor the sword, nor the teeth of wild beasts, nor
tortures, nor wounds destroyed them; and, having cast down the incorporeal one
with their flesh, they pray for us to the Lord.
Theotokion: Rejoice, O palace of God! Rejoice, O mountain densely wooded!
Rejoice, O divine table! Rejoice, bush unburnt! Rejoice, throne of glory! Rejoice,
golden jar! Rejoice, most radiant lamp! Rejoice, O Mary, Virgin Mother, thou
light cloud!
THE 28th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE FATHER CHARITON THE CONFESSOR
AT VESPERS
We chant "Blessed is the man …": the first antiphon.
At "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast granted a sign ...":
By abstinence and through fervent prayer * thou didst cause the passions of
thy body to wither up, * and with torrents of tears * thou didst drown the
deceitful serpent, O blessed one; * and thou wast well-pleasing in great measure
unto God, * O venerable Chariton. * Wherefore, Jesus, Who loveth mankind,
the Savior of our souls, * hath adorned thee with heavenly gifts. (Twice)
With the sweat of thy struggle * thou didst quench the burning ember of the
passions, O right wondrous one, * thyself partaking of fire through thy wounds
and pangs; * and thou didst confess the condescension of the incarnate Word *
before the iniquitous tyrants, * and wast a witness for Him, * bedight with the
wounds * of thy many and varied torments, * O God-bearing Chariton who art
most rich. (Twice)
Fleeing, thou didst withdraw * into the desert places and the mountains, *
preserving thy soul undefiled, * and wast shown to be a habitation of the
Trinity, O most sacred and blessed Chariton; * by the power thereof * thou
didst found sacred houses, O blessed one, * and monasteries for the edification
in salvation of monastics * who honor thy holy memory, * O ever-memorable
one. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone IV, the composition of John the Monk:
O God-bearing Chariton, even after death thou livest in Christ in the
heavens, for Whose sake thou didst crucify thyself to the world; for, being
above the flesh and the world, thou didst truly live, transcending visible things.
Yet thou didst not live for thyself alone, but Christ our God dwelt within thee.
Him do thou entreat, that our souls be saved.
Now & ever ..., the Dogmaticon in the same tone:
The Prophet David, the forefather of God, for thy sake gaveth voice
beforehand in psalmody concerning thee, unto Him Who in thee accomplished
mighty works: the Queen stood at Thy right hand. For God Whose good plea-
sure it was to become incarnate of thee without father showed thee, His
Mother, to be the mediatress of life, that He might renew His image which had
become corrupt through the passions; and having found the sheep which had
strayed among the mountains and become lost, He taketh it upon His
shoulders and bringeth it to His Father; and Christ, Who is possessed of great
and rich mercy, in accordance with His will, uniteth it with the hosts of heaven,
and saveth the world, O Theotokos.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the
care of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious
kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord's hand: for with his right hand
shall He cover them, and with His arm shall He protect them. He shall take to
Him His jealousy for complete armor, and make the creature His weapon for
the revenge of His enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and
true judgment for an invincible shield. His severe wrath shall He sharpen for a
sword, and the world shall fight with Him against the unwise. Then shall the
right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn
bow, shall they be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage
against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind shall
stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity
shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of
the mighty. Hear, therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be
judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in
the multitude of nations. For power is given you by the Lord, and sovereignty
from the Most High.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no
torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their
departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction:
but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is
their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, thou shall be
greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself.
As gold in the furnace hath He tried them and received them as a burnt
offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro
like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion
over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that put their trust in
Him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with
Him: for grace and mercy is to His saints, and He hath care for His elect.
A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For
honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured
by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted
life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among
sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness
should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of
naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of
concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a
short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted
He to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and under-
stood not, neither laid they up this in their minds: that His grace and mercy is
with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.
On the Aposticha, these stichera of the venerable one, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-praised martyrs ...":
O all-praised Chariton, * thou didst layout thy life * with care for the virtues;
* for they who submit to thy teachings * praise Christ * in hymnody and the
Orthodox Faith. * Standing before them, * pray thou that they be made firm *
in the peace of the divine Spirit.
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
O divinely inspired Chariton, * thy life doth appear to men * as equal to that
of the angels; * and thy confession was offered up * as a sacrifice of sweet savor
* and goodly incense, to the heavens. * And now, pray thou, * that peace and
great mercy * be granted to our souls.
Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, in His commandments
shall he greatly delight.
O Chariton who art most rich, * thou wast a conqueror of the passions *
and didst vanquish the robbers. * And while joining chorus with the crowned
ones, O blessed one, * be thou mindful of us * who celebrate thy memory. *
Pray thou now unto Christ, * that He grant our souls * peace and great mercy.
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
We honor thee, O Chariton our father, the instructor of a multitude of
monks; for we have truly learned to walk aright in thy steps. Blessed art thou
who, having labored for Christ, didst denounce the power of the enemy. O
converser with angels, companion of the venerable and of the righteous: with
them entreat the Lord, that our souls find mercy.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O unwedded Virgin who ineffably conceived God in the flesh, Mother of
God Most High, accept the entreaties of thy servants, O most immaculate one,
granting unto all cleansing of transgressions; and, accepting now our
supplications, pray thou that we all be saved.
Troparion, in Tone VIII:
With the streams of thy tears thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the
desert, and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst bring forth the fruit
of thy labors a hundredfold; and thou wast a beacon for the whole world, shining
with miracles. O Chariton our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone VIII:
O Good One, Who for our sake wast born of the Virgin and, having endured
crucifixion, cast down death by death, and as God revealed the resurrection:
disdain not that which Thou hast fashioned with Thine own hand. Show forth
Thy love for mankind, O Merciful One; accept the Theotokos who gaveth Thee
birth and prayeth for us; and save Thy despairing people, O our Savior!
AT MATINS
Troparion of the venerable one, in Tone VIII:
With the streams of thy tears thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the
desert, and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst bring forth the fruit
of thy labors a hundredfold; and thou wast a beacon for the whole world, shining
with miracles. O Chariton our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
(Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in Tone VIII:
O Good One, Who for our sake wast born of the Virgin and, having endured
crucifixion, cast down death by death, and as God revealed the resurrection:
disdain not that which Thou hast fashioned with Thine own hand. Show forth
Thy love for mankind, O Merciful One; accept the Theotokos who gaveth Thee
birth and prayeth for us; and save Thy despairing people, O our Savior!
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ...":
Having disdained the enjoyment of things earthly and corruptible, thou didst
follow after Christ, and didst come to love the inhabitants of the desert more than the
beauty of the world and passing delight. Hence, thou wast vouchsafed to bear witness
and hast joined the choirs of fasters. With them pray that thy servants be saved.
(Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
He Who sitteth upon the throne of the cherubim and abideth in the bosom of the
Father, sitteth in thy womb as upon His own throne, O Mistress; for, incarnate, God
truly reigneth over all nations; and we chant to Him now with understanding. Him do
thou entreat, that thy servants be saved.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Emulating the ways of John the Baptist and the virtues and fasting of Elijah the
Tishbite, thou didst live incorporeally, glorifying the unoriginate Trinity with the
angels and vanquishing the assaults of the brigands with thy valor. Wherefore, thou
didst struggle mightily in thy contest, worshiping the divine incarnation of Christ and
His divinity, O blessed Chariton. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins
unto those who honor thy holy memory with love. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
All of us, the generations of men, call thee blessed who, alone among women,
didst as Virgin give birth unto God in the flesh without seed; for the fire of the
Godhead made Its abode within thee, and thou dost nourish the Creator and Lord as
a babe. Wherefore, we, the race of angels and men, glorify thy most holy nativity as is
meet, and together cry out to thee: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of
transgressions unto those who hymn thy glory as is meet.
Polyeleos, and this Magnification: We bless thee, O venerable father Chariton,
and we honor thy holy memory, thou instructor of monastics and converser
with the angels.
Selected Psalm Verses:
A: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive unto me,
and He hearkened unto my supplication.
B: He set my feet upon a rock, and He ordered my steps aright.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia…, Glory to Thee, O God! (Thrice)
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ... ":
Having disdained the enjoyment of things earthly and corruptible, thou didst
follow after Christ, and didst come to love the inhabitants of the desert more than the
beauty of this world and passing delights. Hence, thou wast vouchsafed to bear
witness and hast joined the choirs of fasters. With them pray that thy servants be
saved.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
After God it is to thy divine protection that I, the lowly, flee, O Theotokos; and,
falling down, I pray: Have mercy, O all-pure one, for my sins have gone over my
head, and I fear and tremble before the torments. O pure Mistress, make supplication
to thy Son, that He deliver me therefrom!
Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto
me?
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, § 10 [MT. 4: 25 - 5: 13]
At that time: there followed Jesus great multitudes of people from Galilee, and
[from] Decapolis, and [from] Jerusalem, and [from] Judaea, and [from] beyond
Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set,
his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed [are] they
that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit
the earth. Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled. Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed [are] the
pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness'
sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you,
and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted
they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt
have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing,
but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
O venerable father, the report of thy corrections hath gone forth into all the earth;
wherefore, thou hast found the reward of thy labors in the heavens, hast destroyed:
legions of the demons and attained unto the ranks of the angels, whose life thou didst
blamelessly emulate. As thou dost possess boldness before Christ God, beg peace for
our souls.
ODE I
Canon of the Theotokos, with 6 troparia, including its Irmos, the acrostic whereof is
"I chant praise unto the Life-bearing Maiden", in Tone II:
Irmos: Traversing the impassible, uncommon path of the sea dryshod, Israel
the chosen cried aloud: Let us chant unto the Lord, for He hath been glorified!
The immaterial ladder of old, and the path of the sea made strangely firm, revealed
thy birthgiving, O pure one. Her do we all hymn, for she hath been glorified.
The power of the Most High, the perfect Hypostasis, the Wisdom of God
incarnate of thee, O all-pure one, hath conversed with men, for He hath been
glorified.
The Sun of thy righteousness hath passed through the impassible door of thy
locked womb, O pure one, and hath shone forth upon the world, for He hath been
glorified.
And the canon of the venerable one;
The composition of John the Monk, in Tone IV:
Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, Israel of
old conquered the might of Amalek in the wilderness through Moses' hands
stretched forth in the form of the Cross.
Having navigated the deep of the sea of the passions, O blessed one, with the life-
bearing halyards of the Cross thou didst cause the wicked noetic pharaoh to drown by
the power of God.
Disposed toward the Lord from thine infancy, with divine wisdom thou didst
proclaim Christ before the tyrants; and like Moses thou didst cast down the arrogance
of those who contended against thee.
Having forsaken the deception of Egypt and become an inhabitant of the desert,
O venerable Chariton, in purity thou didst converse with the Pure One, and hast
received a heavenly inheritance.
Theotokion: By the will of the Father, thou didst conceive the Son of God without
seed, through the divine Spirit; and thou gavest birth to Him in the flesh Who was
begotten of the Father without mother and cameth forth from thee for our sake
without father.
ODE III
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath been broken by Thy might, O Christ,
and the strengthless have girded themselves with power.
He Who, as the Creator of time, is outside of all time, O Virgin, willingly
made Himself a child through thee.
Let us hymn the womb which is far more spacious than the heavens, through
which Adam hath come to abide in the heavens, rejoicing.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my
strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!
The reason-endowed flock of thy disciples rejoiceth in thee, O venerable
one, spiritually partaking of thy splendor.
O venerable Chariton, to the Spirit of life thou didst subject carnal
knowledge, as the cause of enmity towards God.
Like David thou didst lay low the power of the noetic alien Goliath, O
venerable one, with the weaponry of the Spirit.
Theotokion: Thou alone, O Mother of God, hast, in manner past nature,
become the mediatress of blessings for those on earth; wherefore, we cry out to
thee: Rejoice!
Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Tested by the pangs of suffering and made firm though feats of asceticism,
thou didst shine with greater luster than gold in thy piety and becamest a pure
receptacle of the Spirit. Thou didst dispel the darkness of the evil spirits, and,
assembling against them multitudes of monastics, thou didst become a shepherd
and a most radiant beacon for them, O blessed Chariton. Entreat Christ God,
that He grant remission of sins unto those who honor thy holy memory with
love. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Having fallen into subtle dangers laid for me by enemies visible and invisible,
and caught in the storm of my countless offenses, I flee to the haven of thy
goodness, O pure one, as to my fervent help and protection. Wherefore, O all-
pure one, earnestly entreat Him Who becameth incarnate of thee, in behalf of
all thy servants who beseech thee unceasingly, O all-pure Theotokos; and ever
pray to Him, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who hymn thy
glory as is meet.
ODE IV
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, of Thy glorious dispensation, and I have
glorified Thine unapproachable power, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Behold! the most manifest Mother of God, the divine mountain of the house
of the Lord, is exalted far above the heavenly hosts.
O Virgin who alone, outside the laws of nature, gavest birth to the Ruler of
creation: thou hast been vouchsafed a divine calling.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Out of love for Thine image Thou didst stand affixed to the Cross,
O Compassionate One, and the nations melted away; for Thou art my
strength and boast, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Rejoicing in the Lord as a victor, O venerable one, thou didst challenge the
incorporeal foe, crying: God is my strength and Lord!
Grace crowned thee with the athlete's wreath of the kingdom of Christ, O
Chariton; for thou didst uproot the drunkenness of deception, O blessed one.
Having mortified with the pangs of abstinence the pleasures which
tormented thee before thy repose, O Chariton, thou wast invested with a life-
bearing death.
Theotokion: Thy birthgiving wast shown to be ineffable, O Theotokos who
alone art pure and blessed; wherefore, falling down before thee, we cry out:
Rejoice!
ODE V
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The burning Ember was revealed to Isaiah, and the Sun hath
shone forth from the Virgin's womb, granting the enlightenment of the
knowledge of God to those who have gone astray in darkness.
Clouds of gladness rain down delight upon those on earth; for unto us hath a
Child been given Who hath existed from before the ages: our God incarnate of
the Virgin.
Light hath shone forth upon my life and my flesh, and hath destroyed the
gloom of sin: the most Exalted One Who, in the latter days, was incarnate
without seed of the Virgin.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Thou hast come into the world as a light, O my Lord: a holy light
which turneth from the gloom of ignorance those who hymn Thee with
faith.
Thou, O venerable and most blessed Chariton, hast been splendidly manifest
as a bright mirror of the light of the effulgence of the Most High.
Thou, O venerable one, dost shine with twofold grace; for thou wast piously
adorned with the wounds of suffering and with the pangs of asceticism.
Thou, O venerable and most blessed one, hast been shown to be a physician
of souls, having sought out divine wisdom from earliest infancy.
Theotokion: We wield thee as an invincible weapon against the enemy, O
Bride of God, and have acquired thee as our might and the hope of our
salvation.
ODE VI
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Hearkening unto the sound of the cries of entreaty which issue
from a soul in pain, O Master, deliver me from my grievous sins, for
Thou alone art the Cause of our salvation.
Human nature, enslaved to sin, hath obtained freedom through thee, O pure
Mistress; for thy Son hath been sacrificed like a lamb.
We all cry out to thee, the true Mother of God: Save thou thy wrath-filled
servants, for thou alone hast boldness before thy Son.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: I shall sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church
crieth out to Thee, cleansed of the blood of demons by the blood which,
for mercy's sake, flowed from Thy side.
Laying thy foundation on Christ, not on sand, thou didst build up virtue
more pure than gold, O father, and becamest the dwelling-place of the All-holy
Trinity.
The serpent is known to be the instrument of evil; yet, vanquished by thine
excellence, O Chariton, it wrought vengeance upon the wicked through the
providence of the Righteous One.
Nought was able to separate thee from the love of Christ: neither a body
covered with wounds, nor the threat of a sentence of death; for thou didst
delight in divine solitude, O blessed one.
Theotokion: O wonder newer than all wonders! For, conceiving in her womb
Him Who sustaineth all things by His word, without knowing man, the Virgin
did not confine Him.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "In supplications ...":
Having delighted in abstinence and bridled the desires of thy flesh, O
divinely wise one, thou wast shown to increase in faith, and didst flourish like
the tree of life in the midst of paradise, O most blessed and sacred Chariton.
Ikos: Standing before God, open thou my mouth by thy right acceptable
supplications, O all blessed and most glorious venerable martyr, that I may
hymn thy divine life and speak worthily of thy virtues which thou didst perfect
on earth through thy fervent love. For thou wast a most mighty confessor, and,
loving vigil and purity, didst practice abstinence with faith, O exceeding blessed
and most sacred Chariton.
ODE VII
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The youths of old showed them: selves to be rhetors with the
greatest love of wisdom; for, theologizing with their lips, they chanted
from the depths of their God-pleasing souls: O most divine God of our
fathers, blessed art Thou!
At night, Jacob beheld God as in a dream, and He Who was incarnate of thee
hath manifested Himself in splendor unto those who chant: Most divine and
supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!
He Who wrestled with Jacob, prefiguring the ineffable union in thee, O pure
one, whereby He willingly united Himself to mankind, is the most divine and
supremely glorified God of our fathers.
The vile one who did not proclaim Thee, the Son of the Virgin, to be One of
the All-hymned Trinity, cried out with steadfast thought with his tongue: Most
divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of
piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple
of Thy glory, O Lord!
Emulating in the zeal of thy piety the children of Abraham who were cast
into the furnace, O God-bearer, thou didst trample the command of the tyrant
underfoot, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord my God!
When thou wast as in a furnace of burning temptation, O venerable one,
from heaven the cooling grace of God visited thee who cried: Blessed art Thou,
O Lord my God!
As one wounded with love for God in Trinity, thou didst offer Him an equal
number of monasteries, which chant in spirit: Blessed art Thou in the temple of
Thy glory, O Lord!
Theotokion: Rejoice, O sanctified and divine habitation of the Most High! For
through thee, O Theotokos, hath joy been given to those who cry: Blessed art
thou among women, O most immaculate Mistress!
ODE VIII
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: The thrice-blessed youths, disdaining the golden image and
beholding the immutable and living image of God, chanted in the midst
of the fire: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and supremely exalt
Him unto all ages!
Unto Him Who is incomparable in grace, and through thee became visible
on earth and dwelt amongst mankind, do we the faithful cry aloud, chanting: Let
all existing creation hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him unto all ages!
Truly proclaiming thee the pure one, we glorify thee, O Theotokos, for thou
didst given birth to the One of the Trinity Who becameth incarnate. And with
the Father and the Spirit we chant unto Him: Let all existing creation hymn the
Lord and supremely exalt Him unto all ages!
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the mouths of the lions in
the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched
the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, O ye works of the Lord!
The deception of the Persians who kindle fire in their unrighteousness, thou
didst utterly consume, O venerable one, while thou thyself didst remain
untouched through the activity of the Holy Spirit; and thou hast elevated men to
piety, that they may chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Having cast off the old man, thou didst truly clothe thyself in Christ,
denouncing the hordes of the ruler of this world with the wounds of thy
suffering, and crying out in gladness: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
As a true disciple of Paul, O venerable Chariton, thou didst follow in his
steps; and thou wast shown to be a guide for monks and a standard of virtue for
all who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: Alone among all generations, thou hast been revealed as the
Mother of God, O pure Virgin. Thou wast the abode of the Godhead, O most
immaculate one, who wast not consumed by the fire of the unapproachable
Light. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed, O Mary, thou Bride of God.
ODE IX
Canon of the Theotokos
Irmos: Thou art all desire, all sweetness, O Word of God, Son of the
Virgin, God of gods, all-holy Lord of the saints. Wherefore, we magnify
Thee and her who gaveth Thee birth.
In thy womb, O pure one, the Word of God was given to corruptible nature
as a staff of strength. And he restored what had been dragged down to Hades.
Wherefore, we magnify thee, O all-pure one, as the Theotokos.
O Master, mercifully accept Thy mother as an intercessor in our behalf, as
Thou hast willed, and all things shall be filled with Thy goodness, that we all
may magnify Thee as our Benefactor.
Canon of the Venerable One
Irmos: Christ, Who united the two disparate natures, the Chief
Cornerstone uncut by human hands, was cut from thee, the unquarried
mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O
Theotokos.
Not even the grave, the conduit of oblivion, was able to conceal thy virtues,
O venerable Chariton; for thine everlasting memory hath shone forth like the
sun, and we magnify it as is meet.
Come, brethren, and, spiritually celebrating the annual commemoration of
the God-bearer and emulating his virtues, let us give rein to our zeal and cry
out with him: We magnify thee, O Thrice-holy Lord!
As thou hast boldness before Christ, O confessor, ever preserve those who
piously magnify thee, and who are whirled about by the passions and are
drowning amid the tempest of sin.
Theotokion: Rejoice and be glad, O Bride of the great King, radiantly
contemplating the beauty of thy Bridegroom, which in luster is brighter than
gold and outshineth the sun!
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
Having first been well tested by suffering and then completed a second
divine race by fasting, thou didst ascend to the heavens, O venerable father
Chariton, and standest before Christ, praying for us who fervently hymn thee.
(Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O thou who gavest birth to ineffable Joy, make us partakers of the joy of
heaven who all truly honor thee, O all-pure one, and cry out to thee from the
depths of our souls: Forget not thy servants, O blessed Mary!
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Thou hast given a sign ...":
The grace of the Spirit, * shining upon thee, O Chariton our father, *
illumined thee with splendor; * hence thou didst roll back the night of the
passions * and attain unto the daylight of dispassion, * having united thyself in
pure fashion unto the most pure Light. * Abiding therein, * forget not, O
divinely eloquent one, * those who with faith hymn thy sacred memory. (Twice)
Bearing the grace of heaven * which thou didst desire, O Chariton, * thou
didst spurn the things of this earth; * wherefore, like one incorporeal, thou
didst choose a life of misery, * desiring to quench thy thirst with piety, * as at a
torrent of ever-existing sweetness; * and with thy tears thou didst dry up * the
turbid spring of the passions, O venerable one, * and hast watered the grain of
men's souls.
From divine grace, O Chariton, * thou didst worthily receive the grace of
healings; * hence, the deception of the evil spirits falleth down before thee, *
and thou didst pass through unpleasant afflictions, * escaping corruption, O
venerable one. * For thou pourest forth like water * the streams of thy grace; *
and drinking thereof, * we hymn thy memory.
Glory ..., in Tone V:
O venerable father, on hearing the voice of the Gospel of the Lord, thou
didst forsake the world, holding wealth and glory to be as nought. Wherefore,
thou didst cry out to all: Love God, and ye will receive everlasting grace; prefer
nothing above His love, that, when He cometh in His glory, ye may find rest
with all the saints! Through his supplications, O Christ, preserve Thou and save
our souls.

Now & ever ..., Theotokion:


We, the faithful, call thee blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify thee
as is due: the unshaken city, the impregnable rampart, the steadfast intercessor
and refuge of our souls.
Great Doxology, litanies and dismissal.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of
the venerable one.
The reason-endowed flock of thy disciples rejoice in thee, O venerable one,
spiritually partaking of thy splendor. (Twice)
O venerable Chariton, to the Spirit of life thou didst subject carnal
knowledge, as the cause of enmity towards God.
Like David thou didst lay low the power of the noetic alien Goliath, O
venerable one, with the weaponry of the Spirit.
Laying thy foundation on Christ, not on sand, thou didst build up virtue
more pure than gold, O father, and becamest the dwelling-place of the All-holy
Trinity.
The serpent is known to be the instrument of evil; yet, vanquished by thine
excellence, O Chariton, it wrought vengeance upon the wicked through the
providence of the Righteous One.
Nought was able to separate thee from the love of Christ: neither a body
covered with wounds, nor the threat of a sentence of death; for thou didst
delight in divine solitude, O blessed one.
Theotokion: O wonder newer than all wonders! For, conceiving in her womb
Him Who sustaineth all things by His word, without knowing man, the Virgin
did not confine Him.
Troparion, in Tone VIII:
With the streams of thy tears thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the
desert, and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst bring forth the fruit
of thy labors a hundredfold; and thou wast a beacon for the whole world, shining
with miracles. O Chariton our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Having delighted in abstinence and bridled the desires of thy flesh, O
divinely wise one, thou wast shown to increase in faith, and didst flourish like
the tree of life in the midst of paradise, O most blessed and sacred Chariton.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The saints shall boast in glory, and they shall
rejoice upon their beds.
Stichos: Sing unto the Lord a new song; His praise is in the church of His
saints.
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, § 176 [I COR. 4:6-15]
Brethren: these things, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to]
Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above
that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou
didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou
hadst not received [it]? Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings
without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to
death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye
[are] strong; ye [are] honorable, but we [are] despised. Even unto this present
hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no
certain dwelling-place; And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled,
we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made
as the filth of the world, [and are] the off-scouring of all things unto this day. I
write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you]. For
though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many
fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Alleluia, in Tone VI: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His
commandments shall he greatly delight.
Stichos: His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the
upright shall be blessed.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE, § 24 [LK. 6: 17-23]
And [Jesus] came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of
his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and
from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed
of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were
healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out
of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said,
Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger
now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from
their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the
Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your
reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the
prophets.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 28th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY PASSION-BEARER, THE RIGHT-BELIEVING
PRINCE WENCESLAUS OF BOHEMIA
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera: 3 in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "O all-glorious wonder ...'':
All-splendidly adorned more than the sun with thrice radiant beams, thou hast
shone forth upon those in tribulations, O all-wondrous Wenceslaus, releasing
those unjustly bound and dispelling every illness from those who with faith cry
out for thine aid and with love hymn thy most honored dormition. (Twice)
Come, all ye faithful, and let us spiritually celebrate today the all-wondrous
memory of Wenceslaus, the servant of Christ; for, forsaking his corruptible
earthly governance, he received the kingdom of heaven, and this day surrendered
his all-holy soul into the hands of the Master, glorifying the Lord Who hath made
his memory wondrous.
And 3 stichera, in the same tone:
Spec. Mel.: "The paradise in Eden ...":
Led by love of the calling of the Most High, thou didst come to the Church of
Christ, O all-blessed one, from which thou didst receive a royal crown which is
incorrupt and passeth not away; and thou wast illumined thereby like the setting
of the sun, emitting rays of miracles upon the northern lands, which hymn thine
all-praised memory, O invincible and holy Wenceslaus. (Twice)
With the shedding of thine all-pure blood, O all-praised Wenceslaus, thou hast
adorned the Church of Christ as with a robe of royal purple; and resplendent
therein, it gathereth all lands into a choir to celebrate with splendor thine all-holy
memory, and to cry out with faith unto the Creator of all: Glory to Thee, O
Christ, Who hath made wondrous the memory of Thy saint!
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Assembling today, with joyful voices let us glorify the martyred Prince
Wenceslaus, wondrous in piety, the tower of strength and foundation of the
Church of Bohemia, who was treacherously slain for his love of the all-holy
Trinity; and, crowning him with hymns of praise, let us join chorus together,
celebrating his sacred memory, and saying: O holy athlete of Christ, intercede
before Him for thy much-suffering people, and for every nation that honoreth
thee, that we all may be saved!
Now & ever ..., The dogmatic Theotokion, in the same tone:
Who doth not call thee blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn thine
all-pure birthgiving? For the only-begotten Son Who shone forth timelessly from
the Father, came forth, ineffably incarnate, from thee, the pure one; and being
God by nature, He became man for our sake, not divided into two Persons, but
known in two natures without confusion. Him do thou beseech, O pure and most
blessed one, that our souls find mercy!
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "As one valiant among the martyrs ...":
Assembling, let us praise the great helper of those in misfortune, for he hath
received from Christ the Savior the gift of grace: to deliver the oppressed, to
console the grieving, and to heal every infirmity for those who with faith cry out
for aid and with love celebrate his all-wondrous feast.
Stichos: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree, and like a cedar in
Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Unto God, Who is wondrous in His saints, let us render glory and thanks for
bestowing upon His holy martyr Wenceslaus the gift of healings and divers
miracles; for, though reigning over an earthly kingdom, he ever fixed the gaze of
his soul upon the eternal kingdom of heaven. Wherefore, we honor his sacred
memory with faith and venerate his precious relics.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
Raised in piety from infancy by thy grandmother, the holy martyr Lyudmila,
thou didst grow in both wisdom and stature, and didst dedicate thyself to the
Holy Church of the Lord; and when thou didst come to thy throne, thou didst
multiply and increase the temples and monasteries of thy realm, and didst
encourage thy subjects to forsake their heathen beliefs and ways, and to embrace
the Holy Orthodox Faith, the path which leadeth to salvation.
Glory ..., in Tone III:
Striving to please God Who is wondrous in His saints, thou didst love the
saints of God more than earthly riches and power. For when the emperor of
Germany offered to grant thee whatsoever thou mightest desire, thou didst not
ask for lands or castles, or for gold or jewels, O holy Wenceslaus, but didst
humbly request a portion of the relics of the martyr Vitus, to serve as an
ornament for the Church of Bohemia more precious than any gem. And unto
God and His martyr thou didst erect in Prague a magnificent cathedral, where
thine own holy remains have also found rest. Pray thou, O God-pleasing
Wenceslaus, that all who venerate them and flee to thine intercession may find
mercy from the Lord.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Through the divine Spirit, by the will of the Father, without seed thou didst
conceive the Son of God Who hath existed without mother from before the ages,
and for our sake thou gavest birth in the flesh unto Him Who cameth forth from
thee without father; and thou didst nurture Him on milk as a babe. Wherefore,
cease not to pray, that our souls be delivered from tribulations.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Today angels and men share a common joy. Heaven and earth join together in
splendid chorus for thy memorial, O holy one. And we sinners earnestly cry aloud
unto thee: Pray thou to the Master in our behalf, that from dangers and from
visible and invisible foes, He may deliver us who honor thine all-honored
memory.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the Troparion of the saint, in Tone IV:
Today angels and men share a common joy. Heaven and earth join together in
splendid chorus for thy memorial, O holy one. And we sinners earnestly cry aloud
unto thee: Pray thou to the Master in our behalf, that from dangers and from
visible and invisible foes, He may deliver us who honor thine all-honored
memory. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:


Spec. Mel.: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
Grounded firmly in Orthodox piety, thou didst reign with mercy and love for
thy people, uprooting from among them crimes of murder, and moving them to
forsake the madness of idolatry. Wherefore, thou hast received recompense in the
heavens for thy works of love and devotion on earth.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O all-holy Virgin, thou hope of Christians, with the heavenly hosts unceasingly
entreat God, to Whom thou gavest birth in manner past understanding and
recounting, that He grant the remission of all sins and amendment of life unto
those who ever glorify thee with faith and love.
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word, Who is co-unoriginate with the Father ...":
The malice of the enemy of the human race inspired thy jealous and ambitious
brother to slay thee, O Wenceslaus. And, proffering a feigned hospitality, he
invited thee to his home, and had his accursed minions fall upon thee with knives.
But Christ God hath glorified thee with miracles, O wondrous martyr.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O pure Ever-virgin, thou fervent and invincible intercessor, excellent and
unashamed hope, rampart, protection and refuge of those who have recourse
unto thee: with the angels entreat thy Son and God, that He grant peace, salvation
and great mercy to the world.
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without the martyria; and this canon of the
saint, with 6 troparia, in Tone VI:
ODE I
Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing
the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a
hymn of victory!
O ye faithful, with joy let us join chorus, hymning the Savior with radiant
souls, on the all-wondrous memorial of Wenceslaus, the servant of Christ!
Slain unjustly like an innocent lamb, thou didst emulate the sufferings of the
Master, O glorious one; wherefore, thou dost now rejoice with the choirs of the
martyrs, O thou who art blessed of God.
Receiving a death which won thee life, thou standest now in glory before the
Master of all. Pray thou that we who keep thine all-wondrous memory may also
obtain it, O holy one.
Who can tell of the countless wonders which thou workest in the world, O
glorious one? For thou dost continually grant healing in abundance unto all the
faithful.
Theotokion: O Lady, raise me up who have fallen among thieves through my
soul-destroying deeds and am drowning in death. I pray thee: Entreat thy Son and
God for me.
ODE III
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted
the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of
Thee, O Good One.
Thou didst ever burn with Christian love for the Holy Church, O all-blessed
one, where, like an innocent lamb, thou didst look forward to thine unjust
slaughter.
Adorned with thine all-splendid blood, thy Church emitteth the radiant beams
of miracles, hymning thy memory, O right glorious one.
Enlightened from childhood by the rays of the Trinity, O venerable one, thou
becamest an heir of Christ. Him do thou entreat, that He send peace unto our
souls.
Theotokion: Thy divine birthgiving transcendeth every other miracle, O pure
one; for, having conceived in thy womb and given birth unto the transcendent
God, thou remainest Ever-virgin.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: "Of the Wisdom ...":
Seeking to prevent thee from ascending thy throne, the enemies of the
Orthodox Faith murdered thy pious grandmother, the saintly Lyudmila, that she
might no longer guide thee with Christian counsel; yet so well grounded wast
thou by her in reverence for things divine and in love· for Christ, that her
martyrdom in nowise moved thee from thy sacred purpose, and the wiles of thine
enemies served only to strengthen thee in thy resolve, and to gain for the Holy
Church another martyr in heaven.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
All of us, the generations of men, bless thee as the Virgin who, alone among
women, gavest birth without seed to God in the flesh; for the fire of the
Godhead made His abode within thee, and thou didst nurture the Creator and
Lord with milk as a babe. Wherefore, we, the race of angels and men, cry out to
thee together: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those
who with faith worship thine all-holy birth giving.
ODE IV
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth
sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the
Lord.
Lovingly raised in the pure Faith from childhood, by thy pure works thou didst
lovingly follow the Master and didst put His false enemy to shame by thy hope.
Shining with radiance, O holy Wenceslaus, by thy supplications enlighten those
who are benighted by sins, for with the choirs of the martyrs thou hast boldness
to pray for us.
Cut down by the sword, O invincible saint, thou didst cut down the wicked foe
with the sword of patience; wherefore, thou hast received a crown from the hand
of the Almighty.
Theotokion: Truly the mysteries of thy divine birthgiving are ineffable and
unattainable for those on earth and those in heaven, O Ever-virgin Theotokos.
ODE V
Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise
at dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of
God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.
Having received through thy sufferings the life which is devoid of pain, O all-
praised and holy Wenceslaus, thou hast been shown to be a help for all who
suffer and with faith call upon thee for aid.
With the all-radiant beams of thy miracles thou hast enlightened the north, the
south and the west more than the sun, O blessed one; wherefore, illumine us who
celebrate thy memory, O saint.
Thou wast a helper of those amid misfortunes, the sustainer of the poor, and
the comfort of the grieving; wherefore, even after thy death, O holy one, thou
deliverest all who with faith call upon thee for help.
Theotokion: O good Mistress of the world, save those who with all their soul
confess thee to be the Theotokos; for we have thee, who art truly the Theotokos,
as our help, O immaculate one.
ODE VI
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from
corruption, O greatly Merciful One!
Having acquired a pure life through fasting, O all-wondrous Wenceslaus, thou
hast been shown to be a fellow citizen with the angels. With them pray thou for
the salvation of our souls.
Forsaking a transitory earthly princedom, and receiving a royal adornment
from the right hand of the Master, through corruptible things thou didst acquire
what is eternal, in that thou art wise.
O holy one, accept praise from the accursed lips of one who is unable to
fashion worthy praises for thee, and entreat the merciful God, that He grant us
great mercy.
Theotokion: O all-pure Mistress who for mortals gavest birth to the
Helmsman and Lord, confound my wicked lusts, and grant serenity unto my
heart.
Kontakion, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: "The choir of the angels ...":
Standing with the choirs of the angels, O blessed Prince Wenceslaus, thou
delightest in divine and ineffable goodness; and drawing thence the goodly gifts
of miracles, thou pourest forth the boon of cures upon all who with faith flee to
thy holiness.
Ikos: Great is the consternation of the enemy of men's salvation! For, seeking
to destroy the Christian Faith which was planted in Bohemia by the pious
Borivoy and the holy Lyudmila, he instilled within the accursed Prince Boleslaus
the perfidious intention to murder his godly brother, the holy Prince Wenceslaus,
and thus unjustly to seize his throne. Yet the Savior bestowed upon His martyr so
great an abundance of the grace of miracles that the people of Bohemia were
amazed and hastened to be enlightened. Thus were the machinations of the devil
utterly foiled, and the Holy Orthodox Church grew and throve. And even to this
day the precious relics of the martyr pour forth the boon of cures upon all who
with faith flee to his holiness.
ODE VII
Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious
youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldeans,
prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our
fathers!
The ancient malefactor envied thy sacred life and incited the mindless band to
slay thee; but with a pure conscience thou didst unceasingly cry out to thy
Creator: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Prague, thine all-glorious city, danceth with gladness today, honoring thy
memory, and, radiantly emitting thy miracles, it calleth the whole land to cry
aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Through the deception of the all-wicked one, of old the ground was stained by
the hand of Cain, who slew his own brother; but sprinkled now with blood, it
offereth sacrifices of sweet savor unto Christ, crying: Blessed is the God of our
fathers!
Theotokion: Through thee, O Virgin, hath Light shone forth upon those in
darkness, for thou hast given birth to the Creator and God of all. Him do thou
beseech, O all-pure one, that He ever send down great mercy upon us, the
faithful.
ODE VIII
Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones,
and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou,
O Christ, dost do all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt su-
premely for all ages!
Sanctified from on high by rays of grace, O all-glorious one, thou didst shine
forth more brightly than the sun in the land of Bohemia with the beauties of
gladness, exalting Christ supremely forever.
Receiving thy holy body today, O blessed one, Prague, thine all-praised city,
proclaimeth thine all-wondrous miracles unto the world, exalting Christ
supremely forever.
Adorned with meekness and illumined with the understanding of Orthodoxy,
O all-wondrous one, thou wast truly shown to be a herald of the all-holy Trinity,
exalting Christ supremely forever.
Theotokion: Thou didst ineffably conceive and give birth unto the
Transcendent One, the Word, the Bestower of light, Who is begotten of Light, O
Virgin, for the Spirit of God made His abode within thee. Wherefore, we hymn
thee, O pure one, for all ages.
ODE IX
Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of
angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word
appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of
heaven, we call thee blessed.
Thou wast accounted worthy of great grace, O glorious one, and hast
illumined the whole world, granting healings in abundance unto all.
Accept the joy of the angels, O holy one, and, standing before thy Creator,
pray for us who magnify thee.
Thou hast now received blessed repose, O all-glorious one. Cease thou never
to pray that those who magnify thee may continually share in holy blessedness.
Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, who after the word of the archangel gavest
birth to thy Creator in manner past recounting, entreat Him, that our souls be
saved.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "Hearken, ye women ...":
From the earth thou hast approached the Master, O all-blessed Wenceslaus.
Come thou now in spirit, and with thy mercy visit those who today chant thine
honored celebration.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O Virgin who gavest birth to the hypostatic Wisdom, the transcendent Word,
the Physician of souls and bodies, heal thou the cruel and long-standing infection
and wounds of my soul, and ease the pangs of my heart.
On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Rejoicing, thou dwellest on high, having lived on earth for thy Lord alone, and
thou joinest chorus with the incorporeal hosts before His awesome throne,
praising Him as the almighty King of all, and interceding for us who honor thy
memory and venerate thy precious relics with faith.
Having loved the Lord thy God above all else, and thy neighbor as thyself,
thou wast slaughtered by thine own brother, and hast joined thy pious
grandmother in heaven, where with her thou prayest for thy native land, that all
its people may find salvation in the Orthodox Faith.
Emulating our merciful Savior, Who for men's salvation deigned to be nailed
to the Cross, with thy dying breath thou didst recall the words He uttered on the
Tree, saying: ''Brother, may God forgive thee!" Wherefore, reigning now with
Christ in His kingdom on high, thou dost ever delight in the vision of the
ineffable light of His countenance.
Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel! Yea, precious is their death
in His sight! For, slaughtered unjustly by the swords of thy brother's ungodly
minions, thou hast won eternal life; and, well-pleased by thy virtuous life and
undeserved death for His sake, the Lord hath bestowed upon thee the grace of
miracles.
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
O marvelous wonder! The machinations of the evil one are set at nought! For
when the father of lies inspired the impious Boleslaus to murder his own brother,
the godly Wenceslaus, he caused him to reign on high with the King of all, and
provided for the faithful of the Church of Bohemia a heavenly intercessor and
mediator, who with the holy martyr Vitus ever entreateth the Lord of hosts, that
He take pity upon his people, and preserve them unshaken in the Orthodox
Faith, and grant them His great mercy.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all
want and grief.
Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the canon
of the saint.
Thou didst ever burn with Christian love for the Holy Church, O all-blessed
one, where, like an innocent lamb, thou didst look forward to thine unjust
slaughter. (Twice)
Adorned with thine all-splendid blood, thy Church emitteth the radiant beams
of miracles, hymning thy memory, O right glorious one.
Enlightened from childhood by the rays of the Trinity, O venerable one, thou
becamest an heir of Christ. Him do thou entreat, that He send peace unto our
souls.
Having acquired a pure life through fasting, O all-wondrous Wenceslaus, thou
hast been shown to be a fellow citizen with the angels. With them pray thou for
the salvation of our souls.
Forsaking a transitory earthly princedom, and receiving a royal adornment
from the right hand of the Master, through corruptible things thou didst acquire
what is eternal, in that thou art wise.
O holy one, accept praise from the accursed lips of one who is unable to
fashion worthy praises for thee, and entreat the merciful God, that He grant us
great mercy.
Theotokion: O all-pure Mistress who for mortals gavest birth to the
Helmsman and Lord, confound my wicked lusts, and grant serenity unto my
heart.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Today angels and men share a common joy. Heaven and earth join together in
splendid chorus for thy memorial, O holy one. And we sinners earnestly cry aloud
unto thee: Pray thou to the Master in our behalf, that from dangers and from
visible and invisible foes, He may deliver us who honor thine all-honored
memory.
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate
in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby
raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: "The choir of the angels ...":
Standing with the choirs of the angels, O blessed Prince Wenceslaus, thou
delightest in divine and ineffable goodness; and drawing thence the goodly gifts
of miracles, thou pourest forth the boon of cures upon all who with faith flee to
thy holiness.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and
shall hope in Him.
Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto
Thee.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, § 17 [ACTS 6: 8-15; 7: 1-5,47-60]
In those days, Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the
synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the
wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. Then they suborned men, who said:
''We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God."
And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon
him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses,
who said: "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy
place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And
all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been
the face of an angel. Then said the high priest: "Are these things so?" And he
said: ''Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; the God of glory appeared unto our
father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and
said unto him: 'Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into
the land which I shall shew thee.' Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans,
and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed
him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. And He gave him none inheritance in it,
no, not so much as to set his foot on: Solomon built him a house. Howbeit the
most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet:
'Heaven is my throne, and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?'
saith the Lord": or ''What is the place of My rest? Hath not my hand made all
these things?" Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always
resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have;
not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain those who showed before of the
coming of the Just One; of Whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers: who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not
kept it." When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up
steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right
hand of God, and said: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God!" Then they cried out with a loud voice, and
stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the
city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's
feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and
saying: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" And he kneeled down, and cried with a
loud voice: "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!" And when he had said this, he
fell asleep.
Alleluia, in Tone IV: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm-tree, and
like a cedar in Lebanon shall he be multiplied.
Stichos: They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our
God they shall blossom forth.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 52 [JN. 15: 17-16: 2]
The Lord said to His disciples: "These things I command you, that ye love one
another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you. If ye
were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the
world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
Remember the word that I said unto you: The servant is not greater than his lord.
If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My
saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My
name's sake, because they know not Him Who sent me. If I had not come and
spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.
He that hateth me hateth My Father also. If I had not done among them the
works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both
seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word
might be fulfilled that is written in their law: They hated Me without a cause. But
when the Comforter is come, Whom I will send unto you from the Father, even
the Spirit of truth, Who proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of Me. And
ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning.
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye-should not be offended. They shall
put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you
will think that he doeth God service."
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 29th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR VENERABLE FATHER CYRIACUS THE ANCHORITE
AT VESPERS
At "Lord, I have cried ...," six stichera, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: 'What shall we call you, O holy ones? ...":
Having curbed the passions with the bridle of abstinence, O wonderworker
Cyriacus, thou didst robe thyself in the radiant garment of dispassion, and didst
lay bare all the malice of him that of old stripped our first parents naked; and
now thou makest thine abode in paradise, ever rejoicing. Pray thou that our
souls be saved. (Twice)
Bearing the Cross upon thy shoulders, thou didst follow after Christ,
scorning the pleasures of life with unrelenting thought, and having slain the
passions of the flesh with intense vigils and prayers, thou didst receive the grace
to heal infirmities, O venerable one. Pray thou that our souls be saved. (Twice)
Thou didst abide in the desert, O venerable Cyriacus, making bitter herbs thy
food, and, embittering thy senses, thou didst uproot the passions of thy soul, O
blessed one. Wherefore, having lived angelically, thou hast received heavenly
delight after thy repose. Pray thou that our souls be saved. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone VIII:
We honor thee, O our father Cyriacus, instructor of a multitude of monks,
for we have truly come to know the straight way by following thy steps. Blessed
art thou; for, having labored for Christ, thou didst triumph over the power of
the enemy, O thou that conversest with angels, companion of the venerable and
the righteous. With them entreat thou the Lord to have mercy upon our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "O most glorious wonder ...":
The ewe-lamb beheld the Lamb * stretched out of His own will upon the
Tree of the Cross, * and cried out maternally, * weeping and in pain: * O my
Son, what is this strange sight? * How canst thou die, O Longsuffering One *
Who, as Lord, givest life unto all, * and bestowest resurrection upon them that
are of earth? * I glorify Thy great condescension, O my God!
At the Aposticha, Glory ..., in Tone VI:
O venerable father, report of thy corrections hath gone forth throughout all
the earth. Wherefore, in the heavens hast thou found the reward of thy labors;
thou didst destroy hordes of demons and didst attain unto the ranks of the
angels, whose life thou didst emulate blamelessly. As thou hast boldness before
the Lord, beg thou peace for our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Seeing Thee crucified, O Christ, she that gaveth Thee birth cried out to Thee:
What strange mystery is this that I see, O my Son? How is it that Thou diest,
hung upon the Tree in the flesh, O Bestower of life?
Troparion, in Tone I:
A desert dweller, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker wast thou shown
to be, O our God-bearing father Cyriacus; having received heavenly gifts
through fasting, vigil and prayer, thou dost heal the infirmities and souls of
them that in faith have recourse unto thee! Glory to Him that gave thee
strength! Glory to Him that crowned thee! Glory to Him that through thee
worketh healings for all!
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without the troparia to the martyrs; and the canon
to the saint, in Tone VIII, with six troparia, the composition of Stephen the Sabbaite,
the acrostic whereof is: "O Cyriacus, be thou an intercessor before God!"
ODE I
Irmos: O ye people, let us send up a hymn unto our wondrous God, Who
freed Israel from bondage, singing and crying out a hymn of victory to
Thee Who alone art Master.
Grant me grace and the glory of divine knowledge, O Christ, that by the
prayers of the venerable Cyriacus I may fittingly hymn him, for Thou art the
ineffable Treasury of wise teachings.
O blessed Cyriacus, compassionately accepting me that now offer thee a
hymn, entreat Christ, that I may partake of divine radiance and illumination and
may verily receive salvation.
Firmly established by the power of the Master, and following in His
footsteps, O father, thou didst vanquish the princes of darkness and didst
attain unto the resting place on high, O most blessed Cyriacus:
Having subjected all the wisdom of thy flesh to the life-bearing Spirit, on
earth thou didst show forth strife like unto that of the bodiless ones.
Wherefore, with them thou dost now hold chorus in the courts of heaven, O
God-bearer.
Theotokion: With hymns, O ye faithful, let us praise the all-pure Mary, the
grace-endowed Mother of God, the divine shelter, the calm haven, the
salvation of all the faithful
ODE III
Irmos: None is holy as the Lord, and none is righteous as our God,
Whom all creation doth hymn, singing: None is righteous save Thee, O
Lord!
Unceasingly traveling the path of life, from childhood thou didst love thy
Creator, O venerable one, and, thirsting for Him, thou didst find Him, running
like a hart unto streams of water.
O divinely eloquent one, having received, like an animate book, thy text on
the tablet of thy heart, inscribed by the finder of the Spirit, thou didst verily
preserve the living commandments of Christ.
O venerable one, having restrained thy stomach in fasting, thou didst slay
carnal pleasure and gluttonous desires, living all thy life in purity, O father.
In gladness didst thou make thyself a rational temple for the Trinity,
cleansing thy mind, body and soul, O thrice-blessed one; and thou didst
become a receptacle of the light of the threefold Sun.
Theotokion: O Mary Theotokos, O Virgin that knewest not wedlock, thou
didst give birth, and, unwedded, didst remain Virgin, O Mother. Entreat thou
Christ our God that we be saved.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "To thee, the champion leader ...":
The sacred Lavra, ever honoring thee as a mighty champion and defender,
doth yearly celebrate thy commemoration. But, as thou hast boldness before
the Lord, preserve us from assailing enemies, that we may cry out: Rejoice, O
thrice-blessed one!
Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word co-unoriginate ...":
Thou didst adorn thy life with abstinence and, having slain thy members,
didst vanquish the assaults of the enemy, O venerable father, and wast shown
to be a desert dweller and a noetic beacon unto the world. Wherefore, beseech
the Lord, that He have mercy on our souls. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now and ever ..., Theotokion:
We, the faithful, having acquired thee as a haven and rampart, a refuge,
hope, protection and fervent intercessor, flee unto thee, and we earnestly
callout and faithfully cry: Have mercy on them that place their hope on thee, O
Theotokos, and deliver us from our transgressions!
Stavrotheotokion: O divinely joyous one, by the Cross of thy Son hath the
deception of idols been destroyed and the might of the demons trampled
down. Wherefore, we, the faithful, ever hymn and bless thee as is meet, and,
confessing thee truly to be the Theotokos, we magnify thee.
ODE IV
Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord; Thou art my power; Thou art my
God; Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father,
hast visited our poverty. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk, I cry
unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!
The sun shuddered at thine abstinence and strength, and was in no wise able
to see thee angry through many years, O venerable one, who did not take food
by day, but right mightily kept vigil, chanting: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of
mankind!
Taught by the knowledge of wise men through the new laws and the old
covenant, O wise one, acquiring the aspect of every virtue, emulating the
demeanor of a wise bee, and becoming a chosen vessel, thou didst cry out:
Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!
O Christ God, Thou art a wealth of sweetness, the glory and joy of the
venerable. Therefore, Cyriacus, loving Thee, reckoned all consolations in the
world but dung. Wherefore, in impassible deserts he lovingly delighted in Thy
beauty.
I know the waters of Marah most sweet of the prophet of old; and thou, O
Cyriacus, who transformed the bitter poison of grasses into sweet food, dost
manifestly show boldness before the Lord, Who doth truly glorify His servants
with power divine.
As a disciple and emulator of Christ the Master, O father, thou didst heal the
lunatic son of the slave with prayer, having received the grace to drive away
infirmities and to cast down hordes of demons with the sign of the divine
Cross.
Theotokion: O unwedded one, thou art the boast of the faithful! Thou art our
intercessor! Thou art the refuge, rampart and haven of Christians, for thou dost
bear entreaty to thy Son, O all-immaculate one, and dost save from misfortunes
them that with faith and love glorify thee as the pure Theotokos.
ODE V
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou thrust me from Thy countenance, O never-
waning Light? And why hath an alien darkness covered me, wretch that I
am? But turn me and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments,
I entreat Thee!
Receiving from Christ the invincible grace of the Spirit, thou didst mightily
cast down the cruel ruler of this world, and, restraining the passions of thy soul,
O Cyriacus, thou wast crowned with a crown of dispassion.
Thou didst show thyself to be strong, steadfastly enduring the pangs of
fasting, remaining unyielding even unto the most profound old age, living with
much gladness in deserts as in the chambers of royal palaces, O venerable one.
Keeping all-night vigils and approaching God without pride, thou dost
converse in prayer with the immaterial Mind, O Cyriacus, and hast received
brilliant rays of light, radiantly illumined in mind.
Full of splendor and the gift of prophecy, O venerable one, of old thy pure
tongue foretold the nearly complete destruction of the error of Origen, that
deranged and soul-destroying man.
Theotokion: The company of prophets came to know thy mysteries, O pure
one, for the Master hath shown thee to be the portal of heaven; and the Sun of
righteousness, Who was incarnate of thee, O Virgin, hath shown forth upon
them that are in darkness.
ODE VI
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, for many are my transgressions, and lead
me up from the abyss of evil, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou
hast hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
Becoming a god by adoption through deification by Christ, Who is God in
essence, O blessed one, thou didst set aright the sufferings of natural disability,
healing infirmities and straightway curing the demonized with grace divine.
Thou didst flee the multitude of people that approached thee, and didst seek
out yet more remote ravines, avoiding the empty praises of human glories.
Looking upon all the glory of the corrupt world as a dream, thou didst love
the better glories of the only living God, O wise one, and wast rightly
vouchsafed to be a partaker thereof.
Theotokion: As an animate ark thou didst receive the unoriginate Word; as a
holy sanctuary thou didst contain the Creator; as a fiery throne thou dost bear
the Master of all creation, O Mother of God.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "Seeking the highest...":
Having armed thyself divinely with spiritual purity and having mightily taken
up unceasing prayer as a spear, thou didst cut down legions of demons, O
Cyriacus our father. Pray thou unceasingly in behalf of us all.
Ikos: How shall I praise thy struggles, wretch that I am, O venerable father?
How shall I pour forth a torrent of tears? For, soaring aloft in thy life, thou
didst reach the choirs of angels. Truly thou didst slay all the passions by
abstinence, O wise one, and, having enslaved thy flesh, didst subject it to thy
spirit. And, possessed of the sword of prayer, thou didst set at naught the prince
of darkness. Pray thou unceasingly in behalf of us all.
ODE VII
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trampled down the
flame and transformed the fire into dew, crying: Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God, forever!
Thy most faithful favorite delighted his throat with the teaching of divinely
inspired laws and words more than with honey, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O
Lord God, forever!
O divinely eloquent and blessed one, thou dost lead to Christ them that
hymn thee, O Cyriacus, and who are cleansed of the filth of the passions by thy
prayers, crying out and saying: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Daniel, escaping the ferocity of the lions, was glorified; but Cyriacus,
commanding them, had them as servants, and he cried to Thee: Blessed art
Thou, O Lord God, forever!
All the grace of the Spirit didst thou cause to dwell in Cyriacus, for he
became the lover of Thine all-pure beauty, crying out to Thee with all his soul:
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Trinitarian: Augmenting vision with action, thou didst preach the Essence in
three Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, O God-pleasing
Cyriacus, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Theotokion: Quench thou the flame of my passions and subdue the tempest
of heresies, O Mother of God; for we Christians have thee as an intercessor
and champion, and thee do we hymn with faith forever.
ODE VIII
Irmos: Becoming vanquishers of the tyrant and the flame by Thy grace,
taking exceeding care to keep Thy commandments, the children cried
out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
With streams of tears didst thou water thy sacred soul, O blessed one, and
didst show it forth as fertile, chanting: All ye works, bless the Lord and exalt
Him supremely forever!
The Tishbite of old dried up the showers of rain with drought; but thou, O
most blessed one, didst call down a downpour of rain for the growth of crops,
chanting: All ye works, bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely forever!
The inglorious disciples of Origen, the trifler and recounter of fables, didst
thou denounce by thy mighty struggles, chanting: Bless ye the Lord in
Orthodox manner, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Trinitarian: O father, thou didst piously teach the one Essence of the Trinity
in three Suns as a single ray and radiance, saying: Bless ye the Lord in
Orthodox manner, and exalt Him supremely forever!
Theotokion: O Virgin, thou art shown to be a daughter of fallen Adam and
the Mother of God, Who hath renewed my being. Him do all ye works hymn
as Lord and exalt supremely for all ages.
ODE IX
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the ineffable condescension of God,
for the Most High willingly came down even to the flesh, becoming man
through the Virgin's womb. Wherefore, we, the faithful, magnify the all-
pure Theotokos.
O wise one, a cave received thee, who had received the fountain of grace of
the divine father Chariton, who of old worked wonders like Moses; and thou
wast an immovable pillar and a most steadfast protector of thy flock.
Verily taking the Cross upon thy shoulders with love of-life, O Cyriacus,
thou didst make of life an exercise in dying. Wherefore, now, having passed on
to the incorrupt delight that fadeth not away, thou dost ever hold chorus with
the heavenly choirs in light in the presence of God.
Resplendent with brilliance kindled by the Spirit, thou wast shown to be a
luminary of-the choirs on high. But illumine my mind with the noetic and
thrice-radiant light of the Godhead by thy prayers, O blessed one, and save me
from passions and transgressions.
Crowned with the diadem of victory, O divinely eloquent Chariton and
blessed Cyriacus, and standing in the highest before Christ, paternally delivering
your flock from misfortunes, mercifully regard it as it celebrates your memory.
Theotokion: Draw Thy bow, and prosper, and reign, O Son of the Mother of
God, subjecting the Ishmaelite foe, which doth battle against us, to all Christ-
loving believers, we pray, through the prayers of her that gave Thee birth
without having known man, in that Thou art God and the Lover of mankind.
Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: "By the Spirit...":
Having cleansed thy soul of the darkness of the passions by intense fasting
and unceasing prayer, O father, thou didst become a mirror of divine splendors,
sending exaltations upon us now, O God-bearing Cyriacus, beacon of monks.
Theotokion: Saved by thee, O Mistress, we confess thee truly to be the
Theotokos, for thou didst give birth ineffably unto God, Who destroyed death
by His Cross and hath drawn to Himself the assemblies of the venerable. With
them do we praise thee, O Virgin.
At the Aposticha: Glory ..., in Tone V:
O venerable father, thou gavest neither sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to
thine eyelids, until thou didst free soul and body from the passions and didst
prepare thyself as a dwelling place for the Spirit. For, when Christ was come
with the Father, He made of thee an abode. As thou wast a favorite of the
Trinity, one in Essence, O great preacher, Cyriacus our father, pray thou in
behalf of our souls.
Now and ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice ...":
When she beheld the unplanted Cluster, which she had put forth as a Shoot,
hanging upon the Tree, His divine side pierced by a spear, she said: ''What is
this, O my Son and God? How is it that Thou acceptest suffering, Who hast
healed all infirmities and passions, being in Thy divinity dispassionate by nature?
What have these ungrateful people rendered unto Thee, their Benefactor, for all
the good Thou hast done them?" cried the all-pure one. But pray thou
unceasingly that He deliver me from my passions by His sufferings, that I may
glorify thee.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, four troparia from the Oktoechos; and four from Ode III of
the saint's canon.
Becoming a god by adoption through deification by Christ, Who is God in
essence, O blessed one, thou didst set aright the sufferings of natural disability,
healing infirmities and straightway curing the demonized with grace divine.
Thou didst flee the multitude of people that approached thee, and didst seek
out yet more remote ravines, avoiding the empty praises of human glories.
Looking upon all the glory of the corrupt world as a dream, thou didst love
the better glories of the only living God, O wise one, and wast rightly
vouchsafed to be a partaker thereof.
Theotokion: As an animate ark thou didst receive the unoriginate Word; as a
holy sanctuary thou didst contain the Creator; as a fiery throne thou dost bear
the Master of all creation, O Mother of God.
Troparion, in Tone I:
A desert dweller, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker wast thou shown
to be, O our God-bearing father Cyriacus; having received heavenly gifts
through fasting, vigil and prayer, thou dost heal the infirmities and souls of
them that in faith have recourse unto thee! Glory to Him that gave thee
strength! Glory to Him that crowned thee! Glory to Him that through thee
worketh healings for all!
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:
The sacred Lavra, ever honoring thee as a mighty champion and defender,
doth yearly celebrate thy commemoration. But, as thou hast boldness before
the Lord, preserve us from assailing enemies, that we may cry out: Rejoice, O
thrice-blessed one!
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Having armed thyself divinely with spiritual purity and having mightily taken
up unceasing prayer as a spear, thou didst cut down legions of demons, O
Cyriacus our father. Pray thou unceasingly in behalf of us all.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered
unto me?
THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE GALATIANS [5:22-6:2]
Brethren: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live
in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory,
provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in
a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Alleluia, in tone VI: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His
commandments shall he greatly delight.
Stichos: His seed shall be mighty upon the earth.

READING FROM THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. LUKE [6:17-23]


At that time: [Jesus] came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the
company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and
Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him,
and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits:
and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there
went virtue out of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his
disciples and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed
are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for
ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall
separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your
name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy:
for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their
fathers unto the prophets.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he
shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 30th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY HIEROMARTYR GREGORY OF GREATER
ARMENIA
AT VESPERS
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera, in Tone VI:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
Having dyed thy sacred vesture * in the blood of thy martyrdom, * thou didst
enter into the holy of holies, O right wondrous martyr, * where there is ineffable
light, * divine glory, and the voice of one who keepeth festival, * receiving therein
* the reward of thy labors: * an imperishable crown, * glory which is everlasting *
and a dwelling-place in paradise, O wise Gregory. * Pray thou with boldness in
behalf of our souls. (Twice)
The threefold waves of tortures * did not shake thy soul, * nor did thy long
imprisonment, * enclosed in a gloomy pit, * O glorious athlete. * But thou hast
shone forth like light * upon those who languish in the darkness of vainglory, *
and hast shown them to be children of the day through the font of baptism, *
through higher and saving regeneration, * and truly divine life, * in that thou art a
God-pleasing hierarch, * O most wise Gregory. (Twice)
Rhipsimia, loving Thee, * the Master of all, * the immortal Bridegroom, *
accepted the flaying of the skin of her body, * having first through abstinence rent
asunder * the dark hairshirt of the passions; * and with her the ever-memorable
Gmana also struggled, * leading an assembly of virgins * who suffered mightily *
and cast down the ancient deceiver of Eve. * Praising them as is meet, * we
glorify Thee, O Christ. (Twice)
Glory ..., the composition of Sergius, in the same tone:
Who can recount the victories of thy virtues as is meet? What mouth can
describe thine endurance of torture? For in both wast thou triumphant, O
Gregory, O saint of God, cease thou never to pray, that our souls be saved, for
thou hast great boldness, O hieromartyr.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "Having set all aside ...":
When of old the unblemished ewe-lamb, * the immaculate Mistress, * beheld
her Lamb * uplifted upon the Cross, * she exclaimed maternally * and, marveling,
cried out: * "What is this sight, new and all-glorious, * O my sweet Child? * How
is it that the ungrateful people * have betrayed Thee to the judgment-seat of Pilate
* and condemn the Life of all to death? * Yet do I hymn Thine ineffable
condescension, O Word!"
At the Aposticha, the stichera from the Oktoechos; and Glory ..., in Tone VI:
Noetically entering into the impenetrable cloud of ineffable light, the martyr
and pastor learned the ineffable mysteries of Christ, for he was enlightened as a
martyr and taught the mysteries as a pastor. Wherefore, he hath been crowned
with a twofold wreath of heavenly glory, ever beseeching Christ in behalf of our
souls.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, or this Stavrotheotokion:
Spec. Mel.: "On the third day ...":
Seeing Thee crucified, O Christ, she who gave Thee birth cried out: ''What is
this strange mystery which I behold, O my Son? How is it that Thou diest on the
Tree, suspended in the flesh, O Bestower of life?"
Troparion, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Gregory, entreat Christ God, that
our souls be saved.
AT MATINS
Both canons from the Oktoechos, without the martyria; and that of the hieromartyr,
with 6 troparia, the acrostic whereof is:
"I hymn thee, the vigilant shepherd, O martyr", in Tone IV:
ODE I
Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou the three parts
of my soul in the depths of dispassion, I pray Thee, as thou didst drown
the mighty captains; that in the mortality of my body, as with a timbrel, I
may chant to Thee a hymn of victory.
Standing, crowned, before the worshipful Trinity as a vigilant shepherd and a
sacred martyr, with thy sacred supplications lull to sleep the dark fantasies of my
passions, for I praise thee, O blessed Gregory.
Today hath the inextinguishable lamp, the great hierarch, the much-suffering
pastor, the test of struggles, the boast of Armenia summoned us to hymnody.
Assembling, let us bless him.
Thou wast full of living waters, O blessed Gregory, like a river issuing forth
from the noetic Eden, watering the face of the Church and drying up the depths
of idolatry.
Theotokion: Strengthened by the Cross of Him Who became incarnate of
thee, O pure one, the women suffered mightily; and they have been brought
before Him in thy train, resplendent in the brilliance of virginity and the blood of
martyrdom.
ODE III
Irmos: Like a barren woman hath the Church of the nations given birth,
and the assembly great in children hath grown weak. Let us cry out to our
wondrous God: Holy art Thou, O Lord!
With the wounds of thy struggles thou didst break the teeth of the lions, and,
inundating the blood of the demons with the outpourings of thy blood, thou
dost cast down the temples of the idols from the foundation, O right wondrous
one.
Neither the oppression of the wicked, nor bitter tortures, nor long
imprisonment in a most gloomy pit changed thine adamantine resolve, O right
wondrous martyr.
Thou gavest no slumber to thine eyes, O martyr, until thou didst show forth
as children of the day those wickedly held fast in evil slumber, who cry: Holy art
Thou, O Lord!
Theotokion: The martyr Rhipsimia, knowing thee to be the only Virgin
Mother, O Maiden, desired thy beauties; and, shining with her sufferings, she
was led before Christ in thy train.
Sedalion, in Tone IV:
Spec. Mel.: "Having been lifted up ...":
Having brightly illumined thy soul with all-radiant splendors, O hierarch, thou
didst enlighten the face of the earth with virtues, having Christ within thy heart;
and like a neversetting sun thou dost enlighten the assemblies of the nations,
adorning us with the beauties of martyrdom, O Gregory most wise. (Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Though I love sin, I beseech thee who gavest birth to the sinless God Who
taketh away the sin of the world, O all-hymned one, that thou take pity on my
most sinful soul and wash away my many sins; for thou art the cleansing of
sinners and the salvation and defense of the faithful.
Stavrotheotokion: She who in latter times gave birth in the flesh to Thee Who
wast begotten of the unoriginate Father, O Christ, beholding Thee hanging upon
the Cross, cried out: "Woe is me, O most beloved Jesus! How is it that Thou
Who art glorified as God by the angels art now crucified by iniquitous men? I
hymn Thee, O Long-suffering One!"
ODE IV
Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the cherubim, Jesus most divine
hath come upon a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved
those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
The Most High Lord, exalted in power, led thee up to the lofty eminence of
martyrdom, O glorious one; and, rejoicing, thou didst emulate His sufferings, O
hieromartyr, crying aloud: Glory to Thy power!
With divine power thou didst cast down the ungodly foe who was destroying
all the land of Armenia, and, shining forth like a ray of-light, thou didst illumine
those who lay in the darkness of vanity, O wise one.
O Gregory, thou didst bring to the Creator a talant increased many times:
those saved by thy divine teachings, and thou hast received from Him a portion
which groweth not old; a kingdom and splendor in the heavens.
Theotokion: The virgin maidens who suffered with Rhipsimia loved thee in
that thou art beautiful, elect and comely, O Virgin Mother Mary, and, rejoicing,
they have been brought before thy Son in thy train.
ODE V
Irmos: Send down Thine enlightenment upon us, O good Lord, and free
us from the gloom of transgressions, granting us Thy peace.
Thou didst manifestly behold the sign of the Cross shining with light,
destroying the night of idolatry, and making the faithful children of the light.
In a pit most deep Christ God saved thee who wast long enclosed with wild
beasts, yet desired to illumine the mindless ones with the light of the divine
Word.
Having struggled in martyrdom, thou wast crowned as a victor; and anointed
with the oil of the high priesthood, thou didst anoint the people, delivering them
from fetid falsehood, O Gregory.
Theotokion: The virgins, sensing the sweet fragrance of the myrrh of the
Word Who shone forth from thee, O pure Virgin, rejoicing, pleased Him well
with the struggles of martyrdom.
ODE VI
Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, the Prophet Jonah cried out,
praying in the belly of the sea monster: Deliver me from corruption, O
Jesus, King of hosts!
By the power of thy words were the temples of the idols destroyed, the fragile
graven images of the demons cast down, and the hearts of the faithful made
steadfast with divine love.
To the Lord didst thou lead like a lamb Tiridates, who was bound like a wild
boar, and before was like a ravening wolf, but now is saved through the great
bounty of God's compassion.
By thy true teachings thou didst show the divine path to the lost, O hierarch
Gregory, acting as a shepherd, emulating the true Shepherd.
Theotokion: When Rhipsimia recognized the Crucified One Who had become
incarnate of thee, O Theotokos, she was crucified with Him, offering herself as a
lamb to a shepherd, as an unblemished sacrifice to God.
Kontakion, in Tone II:
Spec. Mel.: "The steadfast ...":
O ye faithful, in songs and hymns let us all praise today the right glorious
hierarch Gregory as an athlete, a vigilant shepherd and teacher, a universal
luminary and champion; for he prayeth to Christ, that we be saved.
Ikos: In hymns let us praise this divine luminary, great among athletes, the
faithful pastor and teacher of Armenia, and let us crown his head with divine
hymnody; for he hath destroyed the darkness of the ungodliness of the idols, and
with them hath deadened all the activity of the demons. Wherefore, having
borne labors with mighty mind and grace, he now prayeth to Christ, that we be
saved.
ODE VII
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trampled upon the
flame of the furnace, crying out in hymns: O God of our fathers, blessed
art Thou!
Having endured multifarious tortures, O martyr, thou hast freed many from
manifold torments and the grief which is to come, crying out: O God of our
fathers, blessed art Thou!
Making thyself a house of the Trinity, O blessed one, thou didst destroy the
temples of the idols and didst raise up temples to the Word Who seeth all things,
for the salvation of the people.
Thou wast shown to be a performer of the sacred rites, and didst first offer
thyself fervently to thy Master as a sacrifice; and sacrificing to Him later, thou
givest Him to pious souls for their salvation.
Theotokion: Adorned with the crowns of martyrdom, the maidens were
brought before God Who shone forth from the Virgin, chanting in hymnody:
Blessed art Thou, O Christ!
ODE VIII
Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame
for the pious ones, thou didst bedew them and teach them to chant: Bless
and hymn the Lord, all ye works!
Having suffered lawfully, thou didst most mightily put to shame the
iniquitous foes, O hierarch Gregory, and hast led to God a multitude of those
who chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Cultivating a barren field, thou didst sow the seeds of the Word, reaping a
harvest of the grain of the Word a hundredfold, yielding souls in abundance for
the Husbandman.
With the brilliance of thy discourses thou didst illumine many tens of
thousands, and didst lead them forth to Him Who willingly endured sufferings
for our sake, to Whom we chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Theotokion: Unafraid of the multitude of tortures, and refusing to submit to
carnal pleasures, Rhipsimia confessed the Lord Who came forth from the
Virgin, crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
ODE IX
Irmos: Eve came to dwell under the curse through the weakness of
disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, through the Offspring of
thy pregnancy, didst cause blessing to flower forth for the world.
Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
Strengthened by the power of Christ, thou didst endure the pangs of tortures,
and didst destroy the fangs of the demons and demolish the temples of the
idols; and thou hast illumined men who were in ignorance, O most honored
hieromartyr.
Like the dawn hath thy memorial shone forth upon us, bearing the radiance
of grace; for thou wast shown to be a receptacle of divine Light, and hast
ascended to the never-waning Light, O richly illumined with divine effulgence,
O venerable one.
Thou hast been shown to be a converser with the prophets, and dweller with
the martyrs and the apostles, the hierarchs and the venerable, and a peer of the
angels. With them, O father, entreat Him Who loveth mankind, in behalf of us
who honor thee.
The honorable women were valiant, rectifying the fall of Eve, and they
endured threefold waves of tortures; and him who boasted exceedingly against
the heights of heaven they crushed beneath their most beautiful feet. We bless
them as is meet.
Theotokion: Illumined with the light of the countenance of Him Who shone
forth from thee, O Ever-virgin, in her flesh Rhipsimia emulated His sufferings
and death with unbounded love. Wherefore, she now rejoiceth with thee, O
Mistress.
Exapostilarion:
Spec. Mel.: "To the disciples ...":
Let us praise the glorious Gregory, who was long enclosed in a pit with fierce
beasts, who transformed the tyrant Tiridates into a wild boar, and proclaimed
the word of enlightenment to all the land.
Theotokion: O Theotokos who art more honorable than all other creatures
and who gavest birth to Christ, entreat Him, that this, thy little flock, be
preserved unharmed by all the assaults of the adversary.
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from the Oktoechos; and 4 from Ode III of the
canon of the hieromartyr.
With the wounds of thy struggles thou didst break the teeth of the lions, and,
inundating the blood of the demons with the outpourings of-thy blood, thou
dost cast down the temples of the idols from the foundation, O right wondrous
one.
Neither the oppression of the wicked, nor bitter tortures, nor long
imprisonment in a most gloomy pit changed thine adamantine resolve, O right
wondrous martyr.
Thou gavest no slumber to thine eyes, O martyr, until thou didst show forth
as children of the day those wickedly held fast in evil slumber, who cry: Holy art
Thou, O Lord!
Theotokion: The martyr Rhipsimia, knowing thee to be the only Virgin
Mother, O Maiden, desired thy beauties; and, shining with her sufferings, she
was led before Christ in thy train.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne,
thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired
one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even
unto the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Gregory, entreat Christ God, that '
our souls be saved. I
Kontakion, in Tone II:
O ye faithful, in songs and hymns let us all praise today the right glorious J
hierarch Gregory as an athlete, a vigilant shepherd and teacher, a universal
luminary and champion; for he prayeth to Christ, that we be saved.
Prokimenon, in Tone VII: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto
me?
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS, §166 [1 COR. 16: 13-24]
Brethren: Watch, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all
your things be done with charity. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house
of Stephan as, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted
themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such,
and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. I am glad of the coming of
Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your
part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore
acknowledge ye them that are such. The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and
Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All
the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of
me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him
be Anathema. Maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My
love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Alleluia, in Tone II: Thy priests shall be clothed in righteousness, and Thy
righteous shall rejoice.
Stichos: For the Lord hath elected Sion, He hath chosen her to be a habitation
for Himself.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MA'ITHEW, §1O3 [MT 24: 42-47]
The Lord said to His disciples: "Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour
your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the good-man of the house had
known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would
not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in
such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and
wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them
meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall
find so doing. Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his
goods.
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.
THE 30th DAY OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
COMMEMORATION OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS MICHAEL, FIRST
METROPOLITAN OF KIEV, WONDERWORKER OF ALL RUSSIA
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant "Blessed is the man ...", the first antiphon.
On "Lord, I have cried ...", 6 stichera, in Tone V, Spec. Mel.: "Rejoice … ,":
With hymns doth the land of Russia crown thee, the first of its bishops, O
venerable Michael, most blessed and holy hierarch of Christ: for thou wast the first to
illumine it with perfection through divine baptism; thou wast first to bring the light of
the Gospel into the darkness; thou wast first to destroy its idolatrous sacrifices by the
sign of the Cross, wherewith thou didst amaze its unbelieving people. And now,
standing as a preacher with the holy hierarchs before thy Master, pray thou earnestly,
that all may obtain the never-waning Light, and that we may receive from Christ God
great mercy. (Twice)
From the Imperial City didst thou bring the Gospel of Christ-the gift which is
truly more splendid than the sun, the most precious pearl which hath enriched the
whole world-unto the land of Russia, which was beset by the poverty of unbelief; and
thou didst present it thereto. And adorned therewith as with ornaments of gold, as a
beauteous virgin it standeth before the King of all and delighteth in gladness in the
heavenly bridal-chamber. And standing there, O hierarch Michael, pray thou with
those who have inherited thy preaching, that they may receive from Christ God great
mercy. (Twice)
Borne aloft on the tranquil winds of the help of the Most High, thou didst arrive
like a winged and swift eagle, bearing the Gospel of Christ to the Russian land. And
having driven forth the nestlings of falsehood which hid under the shadow of the
madness of idolatry, thou didst utterly destroy them with thy divine teaching, And
having by thy miracles rendered meek the raging people who were fainting from
spiritual starvation, thou didst lead them to Christ, nurturing them on the word of the
Gospel. To Him do thou pray, O hierarch, that He grant great mercy unto all. (Twice)
Glory ..., in Tone III:
O ye people, let us praise the hierarch Michael, the witness of the truth and
preacher of the Gospel of Christ; for he is a disciple of Christ his Master, who, being
sent to unbelieving people, arrived as an apostle, and, fulfilling the prophecy of the
first-called apostle, by the sign of the Cross won over the deluded nations, leading
them back to the Master. And standing now before the throne of the Most High, he
prayeth for our souls.
Now & ever ..., Dogmatic Theotokion, in the same tone:
How can we not marvel at thy giving birth to the God-man, O all-honored one.
For without having accepted the temptation of a man, O all-immaculate one, without
a father thou gavest birth in the flesh to a Son Who was begotten without a mother
before the ages, without His undergoing change, confusion or division, and yet
preserved intact the character of both essences. Wherefore, O Virgin Mother and
Mistress, entreat Him, that the souls of them that in Orthodox manner confess thee
to be the Theotokos be saved.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three readings:
A READING FROM PROVERBS
The memory of the just is praised, and the blessing of the Lord is upon his head.
Blessed is the man who hath found wisdom, and the mortal who knoweth prudence.
For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver. And she is more
valuable than precious stones: no precious thing is equal to her in value. For length of
existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and
glory: out of her mouth righteousness proceedeth, and she carrieth law and mercy
upon her tongue. Hearken to me, O children, for I will speak solemn truths. Blessed
is the man who shall keep my ways; for my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in
them is prepared favor from the Lord. Ye, O men, do I exhort; and utter my voice to
the sons of men. I, wisdom, have built up; upon counsel, knowledge and
understanding have I called. Counsel and safety are mine; prudence is mine, and
strength is mine. I love those that love me; they that seek me shall find grace.· O ye
simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge. Hearken
unto me again; for I will speak solemn truths. For my throat shall meditate truth; and
false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my mouth are in
righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse. They are all evident to
those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge. For I will instruct you
in truth, that your hope may be in the Lord, and ye may be filled with the Spirit.
A READING FROM PROVERBS
The mouth of the righteous droppeth wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall
perish. The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse.
False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable
unto Him. Wherever pride entereth, there will also disgrace: but the mouth of the
humble doth meditate wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the
overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them. Possessions shall not profit in the day of
wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death. When a just man dieth, he leaveth
regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy and causeth joy. Righteousness
traceth out blameless paths: but ungodliness encountereth unjust dealing. The
righteousness of upright men delivereth them: but transgressors are caught in their
own destruction. At the death of a just man his hope doth not perish: but the boast
of the ungodly perisheth. A righteous man escapeth from a snare, and the ungodly
man is delivered up in his place. In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare for citizens:
but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous. In the prosperity of righteous
men a city prospereth, but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation. At the
blessing of the upright a city shall be exalted, but by the mouths of ungodly men it is
overthrown. A man void of understanding sneereth at his fellow citizens: but a
sensible man is quiet.
READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON.
When the righteous is praised, the people will rejoice; for his memory is
immortality, because it is known with God, and with men; for his soul pleased the
Lord. Love wisdom, therefore, O men, and live; desire her, and ye shall be instructed.
For the beginning of her is love and the observation of the law. Honor wisdom, that
ye may reign for evermore. I will tell you, and will not hide from you the mysteries of
God, for he it is who is the instructor of wisdom, the director of the wise, the master
of all understanding and activity. And wisdom teacheth all understanding; for in her is
a spirit understanding and holy, the brightness of the everlasting light, and the image
of the goodness of God. She maketh friends of God, and prophets; she is more
beautiful than the sun, and above all the constellations of the stars; compared with the
light, she is found pre-eminent. She hath delivered from pain them that please her,
and guided them in right paths, given them knowledge of holy things, defended them
from their enemies, and given them a mighty struggle, that they might all know that
godliness is stronger than all; vice shall never prevail against wisdom, neither shall
judgment pass away without convicting the evil. For they said to themselves,
reasoning unrighteously: Let us oppress the righteous man, let us not spare his
holiness, neither need we be ashamed of the ancient gray hairs of the aged, for our
strength shall be a law unto us; let us lie in wait for the righteous, for he is displeasing
to us, opposeth our doings, upbraideth us with our offending the law, and
denounceth to our infamy the transgressions of our training. He professeth to have
the knowledge of God, and calleth himself the child of the Lord. He is become a
reproof to our thoughts, and is grievous even for us to behold; for his life is not like
other men's, his ways are of another fashion. We are accounted by him as a mockery,
and he avoideth our ways as filth, and pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed.
Let us see if his words be true; let us test what things happen to him. Let us examine
him with mockery and torture, that we may know his meekness and prove his
forbearance. Let us condemn him with a shameful death, for by his own words shall
he be visited. Such things did they imagine, and were deceived; for their own wick-
edness blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not; neither
bethought they that Thou alone art God, who hast the power of life and death, savest
in time of tribulation, and deliverest from all evil; who art compassionate and
merciful, givest grace to Thy saints and opposest the prideful with Thine own arm.
At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: "When from the Tree ...'':
The land of Russia was gladdened by thine arrival, O holy Michael, and the
glorious city of Kiev doth piously keep festival, having been enlightened by divine
baptism. And lo! they who before offered sacrifices unto idols now bring their souls
as gifts to the Most High in purity of heart, having thee going before them as the
mediator and intercessor for all who honor thy memory.
Stichos: Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy righteous shall
rejoice.
Sensing thine arrival, O all-blessed Michael, the idols cried aloud in lamentation:
''Woe to our accursedness! How shall we, who before were honored by all with great
veneration, now be subjected to mockery by this one man, a stranger, who beareth
the image of Jesus Who had no home, Who granteth restoration unto all the world?"
Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
The all-glorious city of Kiev is perfumed by thine anointing with spiritual myrrh,
O father Michael, and receiveth the sign of adoption. Those who had fallen away
from the noetic Light and were benighted by the gloom of the madness of idolatry
are illumined by the holy font of baptism and come to the light of the knowledge of
God, as children of the Light and newly-converted people.
Glory ..., in Tone VI:
When the divine Spirit desired to choose new people for Himself, He first brought
to divine knowledge Vladimir, great among princes; and when he was enlightened
with noetic radiance by grace from on high in the holy font, he accepted thee as his
pastor through a revelation from on high, and brought thee to Russia, to sheep who
had gone astray through unbelief. And having cleansed them by thy teaching and
through baptism in water, thou didst bring them into the fold as the sheep of Christ.
Standing now with them before the throne of the Master, do thou watch over those
who today celebrate thy memory, O Michael, first-enthroned hierarch of Russia.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion, in the same tone:
Christ the Lord, my Creator and Deliverer, Who came forth from thy womb, O
all-pure one, and robed Himself in me, hath freed Adam from the curse. Wherefore,
like the angel do we unceasingly cry out to thee, O most pure one, who art truly the
Mother of God and Virgin: Rejoice! Rejoice, O Mistress, thou intercession, protection
and salvation for our souls!
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Today hath the prophecy of the first-called apostle been fulfilled, for, lo! on these
mountains hath grace shone forth and the Faith increased. And those who had grown
old through unbelief found rebirth through the divine font and became renewed
people, a holy priesthood, a hallowed nation, the flock of Christ. And thou wast
shown to be His first pastor, in that thou didst first serve Him by baptism. Standing
now before Christ God the Master, pray thou that all the children of Russia may be
saved; for thou art possessed of boldness, as a hierarch and sacred minister of God.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in
unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising
up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
AT MATINS
On "God is the Lord ...", the troparion of the saint, in Tone IV:
Today hath the prophecy of the first-called apostle been fulfilled, for, lo! on these
mountains hath grace shone forth and the Faith increased. And those who had grown
old through unbelief found rebirth through the divine font and became renewed
people, a holy priesthood, a hallowed nation, the flock of Christ. And thou wast
shown to be His first pastor, in that thou didst first serve Him by baptism. Standing
now before Christ God the Master, pray thou that all the children of Russia may be
saved; for thou art possessed of boldness, as a hierarch and sacred minister of God.
(Twice)
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in
unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising
up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone I:
Spec. Mel.: "Thy tomb, O Savior ...":
O holy hierarch Michael, thou wast the vessel chosen to bring the name of Christ
before unbelieving people; wherefore, thou wast sent to the Russian land, and
illumining it with holy baptism, thou didst guide it to the knowledge of God by thy
teachings. Do thou thereby guide us also to the path of the commandments of the
Lord, we beseech thee, O all-blessed favorite bf God.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Rejoice, O all-pure Virgin, thou golden cup wherein the wine of our salvation was
mingled by the Holy Spirit, wherewith He hath gladdened our souls! For thou art the
cup which draweth forth everlasting joy for us!
After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sedalion, in Tone V:
Spec. Mel.: "The Word Who is co-unoriginate with the Father …":
The Word Who with the Father and the Spirit is without beginning was brought
into the land of Russia by thee, O holy hierarch; and thou didst unwaveringly preach
Him with thy mouth, denouncing the arrogance of the idols, and didst lead to the
Lord new people and a new inheritance. Standing with them as an initiate of the
sacred mysteries and a servant of God, pray thou continually for the souls of those
who hymn thine honored repose, O father.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
As the true Mother of the Word Who is equally without beginning, intercede for
us who would give answer at the hour of judgment, and beseech thy Son with fervent
entreaties; for we know that thy maternal supplications are able to accomplish much,
and for their sake we hope to find mercy on the day of the dread trial.
Polyeleos, and this magnification: We magnify thee, O holy hierarch Michael,
and we honor thy holy memory; for thou dost entreat Christ God in our behalf.
Selected Psalm verses:
A: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
B: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of
understanding.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Alleluia ..., (Thrice).
After the Polyeleos, this Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
Spec. Mel.: "Inclining upon His breast ...":
O all-blessed and holy hierarch Michael, we offer unto thee the first-fruits of
hymnody, as to the leader of our hierarchs, the planter of the Faith of Christ in
Russia, the destroyer of the arrogance of the idolatry, the shepherd of the newly elect
people, celebrating thy memory today and crying out to thee with love. Standing
before the throne of the Most High, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of
offenses unto those who piously bow down before thy precious image.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
In that thou art the true consolation of all who sorrow and the right instruction of
those who have strayed from the path of truth, O all-pure Theotokos, do thou
quickly intercede for us and deliver the grievously oppressed from peril. For thou art
able to accomplish all things whatsoever thou desirest, in that thou dost possess
boldness before thy Son and God. Intercede before Him with thy maternal
supplications, that He grant forgiveness of offenses unto those who with piety of
mind honor thy nativity.
Song of ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV:
Prokimenon, in Tone IV: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His
saints.
Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto
me?
Let every breath praise the Lord.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 36 [IN. 10: 9-16]
The Lord said to the Jews that came to Him: "I am the door: by Me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh
not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth,
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and
know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I
the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall
be one fold, and one Shepherd."
After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI:
When the divine Spirit desired to choose new people for Himself, He first brought
to divine knowledge Vladimir, great among princes; and when he was enlightened
with noetic radiance by grace from on high in the holy font, he accepted thee as his
pastor through a revelation from on high, and brought thee to Russia, to sheep who
had gone astray through unbelief. And having cleansed them by thy teaching and
through baptism in water, thou didst bring them into the fold as the sheep of Christ.
Standing now with them before the throne of the Master, do thou watch over those
who today celebrate thy memory, O Michael, first-enthroned hierarch of Russia.
Canon of supplication to the Theotokos [The Paraclysis], with 6 troparia, including
the Irmos; and that of the holy hierarch, with 8 stichera, in Tone VI:
ODE I
Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the
tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of
victory!
Standing with the choirs of the saints of heaven before the throne of the Most
High, as a hierarch and servant of God, pray for us who serve with divinely inspired
hymns, that we may stand with thee where the gladness of the righteous is.
As one chosen by the Lord for the service of His glory in the work of the Gospel
of Christ, O holy hierarch Michael, pray for us who have assembled for thy memorial,
that we may labor in the commandments of the Gospel and may receive as our
reward the gladness of the venerable.
Standing like a candle upon a candlestick, thou didst shine far and wide with the
light of thy good works, O father, for by thine instruction the light of the vision of
God illumined the unbelieving people, and the land enlightened by thee rejoiceth.
Theotokion: In that thou art she who from thy womb hath revealed to the world
the true Light, enlighten and direct upon the way us who walk in the darkness of the
passions, O Mary Bride of God, who gayest birth to the Way for the human race.
ODE III
Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the
horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee,
O Good One.
The Faith was not planted nor piety rooted in Russia, O holy hierarch Michael,
until thou, as an all-wise husbandman, didst plough up the barren ground of
polytheism, deepening the steadfast confession of the knowledge of God.
Illumined by light from on high, the great Vladimir, receiving thee like a radiant
beam, O hierarch of God, brought thee to the land of Russia, which was benighted by
idolatry, that there the people might be enlightened by thy coming and be brought to
knowledge by thy confession of the steadfast Faith.
Christ God, the Sun of righteousness, revealed thee, O Michael, to the land of
Russia as a ray of splendor, and, illumining it with the regeneration of the font of
baptism, thou didst bring to the Master new people, restored through the confession
of the good Faith.
Theotokion: Our true God, the Sun of righteousness, borrowing flesh from thee,
O Virgin Mary, shone forth upon the world and utterly destroyed the darkness of
polytheism. Illumine me with light, O Virgin Mary, who am benighted by
despondency, and guide me to the path of goodly works.
Sedalion, in Tone VIII:
With the axe of the teaching of the Gospel thou didst fell the graven idols, and
overthrowing their temples thou didst plant piety. And the city of Kiev, adorned
therewith, crieth out to thee with love: Rejoice, O Michael, first enthroned of the
hierarchs of Russia!
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O thou who hast delivered from barbaric slavery those who chant unto thee
"Rejoice!", rescue us from slavery to the alien, root out idolatrous passions from our
thoughts, and plant therein the right-mindedness of the fear of God; for thou art the
cause, beginning and fulfillment of all that is good.
ODE IV
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth
sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the
Lord.
Sensing thee, the servant of Christ and steward of piety, O holy hierarch, the idols
bitterly lamented their destruction; but the people, renewed through baptism, were
filled with gladness, celebrating a splendid festival in the Lord.
When thou, O father, didst arrive at the mountains of Kiev, Perun, the foremost
idol, was cast down and dragged away by horses, and the rest of the graven images
trembled with fear. But the people chanted, celebrating the day of their restoration.
People of every age and gender, who before were benighted, came to the River
Dnieper for enlightenment-a countless multitude with thee at its head. And having
administered to them the bath of regeneration, thou didst guide them to the
knowledge of God, O Michael, holy hierarch of God.
Theotokion: All generations call thee blessed O Mary our Queen, and we, blessing
thee with hymns, bow down before thy countenance, depicted upon thine icon, and
celebrate a splendid feast in memory of thy holy hierarch.
ODE V
Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at
dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to
be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.
The newly-baptized people, illumined by the light of God, cried out with thee, O
Michael: O Christ God, grant that we may behold Thee alone, the Word of God,
Who dost rescue us from the darkness of the madness of idolatry!
When Joshua son of Nun bore the ark around the walls of Jericho, they tumbled
down; and when thou camest forth with the Cross, O holy hierarch, the idols likewise
fell. And the people glorified Thee, the Word of God, O Christ, who dost rescue men
from the darkness of unbelief.
Clothed by thee through the font of baptism, the city of Kiev is adorned even to
this day, O holy hierarch; and it beareth upon its shoulders the precious Gospel of
Christ, as it were coins of gold. And we, kissing it, glorify the Word of God Who
doth rescue us from the darkness of sin.
Theotokion: We are all adorned by thy beauty, O Mary Bride of God, for thou art
truly beauteous. And desiring thy beauty, the Most High united Himself to thy flesh:
God became man, for thy sake deifying us who had fallen into corruption, O pure
Virgin.
ODE VI
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations,
fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O
greatly Merciful One!
Like Moses thou didst cut through the fetid sea of the madness of idolatry with
the staff of the Cross, O hierarch Michael; and cleansing the people with the water of
the vision of God, thou hast led into harbor those who chant: Glory to Thee, O
greatly merciful Christ!
The land of Russia, which of old had gone astray and was not established in the
Faith, hath now come to the vision of God, guided by thee, O hierarch Michael; and
having received the ring of adoption, it rejoiceth, crying aloud: Glory to Thee, O my
greatly merciful Christ!
Having subdued in the Russian land the people who raged in their unbelief and
imposed upon them the yoke of obedience to the Church, O Michael, thou didst
bring many laborers to the vineyard of the heavenly Master. Make us also wise
husbandmen, O holy one, for we offer thee praise this day.
Theotokion: Tame thou the passions which rage within me, and impose upon me
the yoke of humility, O Theotokos, that I may labor the rest of my days therein and
find mercy on the day of judgment.
Kontakion, in tone II:
Thou wast shown to be a second Moses for Russia, O father, bearing the noetic
grapes from the Egypt of idolatry to the land foreseen by prophecy, which said: The
Faith will be established in this land, and on the peaks of the mountains of Kiev will
the Fruit which nourisheth the whole world be exalted higher than Lebanon! And
tasting thereof, we bless thee, O Michael, thou hierarch of God.
Ikos: Having brought the scattered people together into one understanding of the
vision of God, and washed away by baptism the old blindness of the Russian land,
thou didst illumine it by the Cross. And having taught it to glorify the all-holy Trinity-
the Father, the Son and the all-holy Spirit,-thou didst make it the reason-endowed
flock of Christ God, and standing with faith before Him to this day, it crieth out:
Deliver from every evil circumstance the city and people who bless thee, O Michael,
thou hierarch of God!
ODE VII
Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths,
and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldeans, prevailed upon the
tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
By thee, O holy hierarch, was Russia washed with the dew-giving water of grace,
and the scales fell away from its noetic eyes in the holy font. It recognized the one
Creator, and crieth out with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
When thou wast filled with gladness after baptism, O city of Kiev, the abominable
idols lamented. And the idol Perun, which was the first of them to be dragged away,
cried out bitterly. Wherefore, the people, acknowledging their former error, cried out
with thee, O Michael: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Placing the golden ring of the new grace upon the hand of Russia, O hierarch
Michael, thou didst betroth her, the Church of the nations, as a pure bride unto
Christ. And spiritually rejoicing to this day, she crieth aloud: blessed is the God of our
fathers!
Theotokion: O pure Virgin, we call thee the golden ring, adorned as with a
precious diamond by Christ's union with the flesh. Wherefore, we cry out with love:
Blessed art thou alone, whose Son is the God of our fathers!
ODE VIII
Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones,
and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O
Christ, dost do all things whatsoever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt
supremely for all ages!
Snatching the Russian land from the flame of the deception of idolatry, O all-wise
one, thou didst cool it with the dew of baptism, and it no longer burneth to return to
its old ways, but supremely exalteth Christ and thee, its pastor, forever.
Disposing all things well for the newly-elect people, thou didst ordain pastors and
teachers for the cities; and having thereby made provision for the newly-chosen flock,
thou thyself didst depart unto Christ God, the Chief Shepherd, to reign with Him
forever.
Much weeping and lamentation didst thou cause the city of Kiev by thy departure,
O father; but the Jerusalem on high, taking thee to its bosom, rejoiced. And living
there, forget not thy flock, but pray that it may dwell with thee forever.
Theotokion: Much gladness and joy do I cause the demons by my evil deeds, and
thus much grief also to my guardian. O pure Mary, Mother of Christ God, guide me
to repentance, that they may weep and mine angel may find joy, and me with him
forever.
ODE IX
Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of
angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word
appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven,
we call thee blessed.
Like a palm-tree didst thou flourish in the house of God, O father, and thou didst
show forth the incorruption of thy relics like fruit unto all; wherefore, we the people,
understanding from this that thou standest before Christ, magnify thee with hymns.
Like a fragrant cedar dost thou spread thy perfume, O holy hierarch, and delightest
those who bow down before thee. Fill us also with the sweet savor of thy prayers, for
we magnify thy memory with hymns.
We magnify the choir of the holy hierarchs of Russia and the council of those who
love the feasts of the Church. Haste ye together to the holy cave, ye pastors of the
Chief Shepherd! Ye people, with us honor your father with hymns! For today we
magnify his memory.
Theotokion: All creation hymneth thee, O Virgin, as her who passed through all
the gates of heaven and standeth at the right hand of the fiery throne. Vouchsafe that
we also may stand at the right hand of thy Son, for with hymns do we magnify thee
and Him Who was born of thee.
Exapostilarion:
Thou standest before the King of all, O holy hierarch Michael, and thy head is
crowned with blessing by the right hand of the Most High. Stretch forth thy hand and
bless us as ones approaching for thy priestly blessing; for thou art not dead, but livest
forever. And the whole Church of Russia praiseth thy memory with hymns, and with
her we also give thee glory.
Glory ..., Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
O thou who art Queen, the Mother of the King of the ages, show forth those who
hymn thee to reign over the passions; for, lot we bring before thee in supplication the
wondrous Michael, thy holy hierarch, bowing down in whose memory we magnify
thee.
On the praises, 4 stichera, in Tone I:
Spec Mel.: "Joy of the ranks of heaven ...":
Today renowned Kiev, the mother of cities, doth celebrate thy memory, O holy
hierarch, and the people of Russia honor with praises thy passing over into life
everlasting. For thou hast departed unto the heavens, yet art not absent, watching
over mortals as a faithful mediator and advocate for our souls. Twice
Beginning the first ascent of the new year, we offer the first-fruits of hymnody
unto thee, as to the first hierarch of the Russian land, O blessed one; wherefore,
accept them as an honored gift, and bestow thy blessing upon us, for thou art ever
the advocate for our souls.
Delighting in the desire for the love of Christ, thou didst furnish thyself with
noetic wings, soaring aloft from that which is below unto that which is above. The
gates of paradise are thrown open, and entering therein thou dost delight in the vision
of God. With the sweetness thereof gladden the souls of those who hymn thy
memory, O hierarch Michael.
Glory ..., in Tone II:
Receiving spiritual anointing from the heavens, O all-blessed Michael, thou wast
like a fruitful olive-tree in the house of God. And delighting Vladimir, great among
princes, with thy fruits, he received thee with love into the governance of the Russian
land. And having cleansed it of idolatry, thou didst lead it to the knowledge of God.
Wherefore, celebrating thy memory as is meet, and falling down before thee, we pray:
Ask of Christ God prosperity for thy flock and forgiveness and great mercy for all.
Now & ever ..., Theotokion:
Save thy servants from misfortunes, O Virgin Theotokos, for after God it is to
thee that we flee, as to an impregnable rampart and protection.
Great Doxology. Troparion. Dismissal. First Hour
AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI.
The Faith was not planted nor piety rooted in Russia, O holy hierarch Michael,
until thou, as an all-wise husbandman, didst plough up the barren ground of
polytheism, deepening the steadfast confession of the knowledge of God. (Twice)
Illumined by light from on high, the great Vladimir, receiving thee like a radiant
beam, O hierarch of God, brought thee to the land of Russia, which was benighted by
idolatry, that there the people might be enlightened by thy coming and be brought to
knowledge by thy confession of the steadfast Faith.
Christ God, the Sun of righteousness, revealed thee, O Michael, to the land of
Russia as a ray of splendor, and, illumining it with the regeneration of the font of
baptism, thou didst bring to the Master new people, restored through the confession
of the good Faith.
Like Moses thou didst cut through the fetid sea of the madness of idolatry with
the staff of the Cross, O hierarch Michael; and cleansing the people with the water of
the vision of God, thou hast led into harbor those who chant: Glory to Thee, O
greatly merciful Christ!
The land of Russia, which of old had gone astray and was not established in the
Faith, hath now come to the vision of God, guided by thee, O hierarch Michael; and
having received the ring of adoption, it rejoiceth, crying aloud: Glory to Thee, O my
greatly merciful Christ!
Having subdued in the Russian land the people who raged in their unbelief and
imposed upon them the yoke of obedience to the Church, O Michael, thou didst
bring many laborers to the vineyard of the heavenly Master. Make us also wise
husbandmen, O holy one, for we offer thee praise this day.
Theotokion: Tame thou the passions which rage within me, and impose upon me
the yoke of humility, O Theotokos, that I may labor the rest of my days therein and
find mercy on the day of judgment.
Troparion, in Tone IV:
Today hath the prophecy of the first-called apostle been fulfilled, for, lo! on these
mountains hath grace shone forth and the Faith increased. And those who had grown
old through unbelief found rebirth through the divine font and became renewed
people, a holy priesthood, a hallowed nation, the flock of Christ. And thou wast
shown to be His first pastor, in that thou didst first serve Him by baptism. Standing
now before Christ God the Master, pray thou that all the children of Russia may be
saved; for thou art possessed of boldness, as a hierarch and sacred minister of God.
Theotokion, in Tone IV:
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels,
through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in
unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising
up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, in tone II:
Thou wast shown to be a second Moses for Russia, O father, bearing the noetic
grapes from the Egypt of idolatry to the land foreseen by prophecy, which said: The
Faith will be established in this land, and on the peaks of the mountains of Kiev will
the Fruit which nourisheth the whole world be exalted higher than Lebanon! And
tasting thereof, we bless thee, O Michael, thou hierarch of God.
Prokimenon, in Tone I: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of
my heart shall be of understanding.
Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS, § 335 [HEB. 13: 17-21]
Brethren: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and
not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Pray for us: for we trust we have a
good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. But I beseech you the rather to
do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner. Now the God of peace, Who
brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work
to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus
Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Alleluia, in Tone II: The mouth of the righteous shall meditate wisdom, and his
tongue shall speak of judgment.
Stichos: The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be tripped.
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, § 36 [JN. 10: 9-16]
The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him: ''I am the door: by Me if any man
enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh
not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good
shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling, and not the shepherd,
whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and
fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth,
because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and
know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I
the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are
not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall
be one fold, and one shepherd."
Communion Verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be he shall
not be afraid of evil tidings.

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