April 1

Commemoration of our venerable Mother Mary of Egypt ( 5th

Class)

VESPERS

At "of Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 6) 3. Having first distanced yourself from the weight of the

passions by contemplating God, you then directed your desires

and deeds to that which is on high. Gazing at the icon of the

all-pure Virgin and resolutely renouncing all sin, you

confidently went to worship the precious Cross.

2. You joyfully visited the holy places, nourished by virtue on

the way of salvation, rapidly travelling along the road of

holiness. Crossing the streams of the Jordan and dwelling in

the wilderness like the Baptist, you tamed the rebelliousness

of the flesh, calming the wild nature of the passions, of

venerable Mother, by your holy way of life.

1. As you dwelt in the wilderness, you erased from your soul the

fantasies of the passions in order to i n~r i be thereon the

image of God by the light of the virtues. You shone with such

radiance that you lightly walked upon the waters and were

lifted up from the earth in your prayer to God. Standing now

with confidence before Christ, O blessed Mary, intercede with

Him for the salvation of our souls.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) The heralds announce that the wedding feast . of

the heavenly Bridegroom is now prepared. Why do you hold back,

O sullied soul? Indeed, your garment is stained by your

wretched deeds. Alas! How can you enter in? Before it is too

late, bow down before the ever-Virgin, crying out with all

your heart: "Cleanse me, O holy Virgin! Wash me with the

hyssop of your intercession; make me worthy of the wedding

banquet of your Son, that I may ceaselessly magnify you."

tStavrotheotokion) "O my Son, the judges of Israel are

determined to condemn You to death, t king You appear as an

accused before the judgment seat, O Savior, who judge the

living and the dead. The impious submit You to the judgment

of Pilate; but at the sentencing, they stand condemned

already. Seeing You condemned, O Lord, I am torn and wounded,

for I would prefer death rather than a life of mourning."

Thus spoke the Mother of God, who is full of compassion.

(But if April 1 falls on a Saturday:)

v: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone 2) With the sword of asceticism, you severed the

passions of the soul and flesh; you stifled evil thoughts

by the silence of your life of renunciation; the streams

of your tears watered the wilderness, bring~ forth fruits

of repentance. Thus, we celebrate your holy memory, O

v ~n e r ah 1 e Mother .

v: Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

When I ponder my sins, I mourn from the depths of my soul.

Striking my breast, I cry out: "I have sinned! O Lady, I

prostrate before you, seeking to repent. But foolishly, I

am continually caught again by the hooks of my evil

habits. Make haste to deliver me and show me the way to

salvation!"

Tropar i on

(Tone 8)

In you, O Mother Mary, was restored the likeness of God, for

you carried your cross and followed Christ. You taught by

your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away, and how

to value the soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore, your soul

i s f orever i n haDDiness with the anqels.

ORTHROS

Kontakion (Ron: please check to see if Raya has it already

translated)

(Tone 3)

She who once was devoted to vice and passion, has today by

penance become a bride of Christ, imitating the angels in her

way of life, destroying the demons by the weapon of the

Cross. Thus, o Mary, you appear as a radiant bride in the

kinadom of heaven.

Ikos

With hymnswe now celebrate you, O venerable Mary, lamb and

daughter of Christ! Once the offshoot of the Egyptians, you

have now become a precious flower for the Church, practicing

asceticism and prayer beyond the common measure of mankind.

By the merits of your life and deeds, you have been exalted

in Christ, O Mary, and appear as a radiant bride in the

kingdom of heaven.

Synaxar ion

On April 1, we commemorate our venerable mother Mary of

Egypt.

The soul leaves the flesh emaciated to the very bones O

earth, cover these bones, the remains of Mary. On the

first day of April, the glory of the wilderness is

nourished at the immortal banquet table prepared for her

by the Lord.

By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 2

Commemoration of our venerable Father Titus

the Wonderworker

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call.

(Tone 8)

3. Taking up your cross, O our father Titus, wise in God, you

followed Christ, submitting your passions to your soul.

You received from on high the power to heal the passions

of those who run to you, to bring an end to sickness, and

to drive away demons. Thus, we all come together to

celebrate your memory.

2. O our blessed father Titus, purified in holiness by the

asceticism of your life, your spirit enlightened by your

union with God, you were anointed as a priest by the

descent of the Spirit. In a wondrous manner, you seemed

an angel on earth as you served the divine Mysteries for

your Creator and your God.

1. O Titus, venerable and inspired, with your spirit

enlightened by the splendor of the true faith, you

scattered the shadows of dark heresy. Rising like a

radiant star, you illumined the very ends of the earth by

your light-bearing miracles. Thus, in faith, we glorify

you and call you blessed.

v: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) With what eyes could I behold your gracious

face, I who have sullied my fleshly sight by my passions?

How could my profane and sinful lips, O pure Virgin, kiss

your Godbearing icon? How could I stretch ot the hands

which I have used to my dishonor, to plead for your divine

qrace? O LadY, obtain salvation for me!

(or Stavrotheotokion) The sun was struck with fear at

seeing You stretched out on the Cross, o Jesus! The earth

quaked, the rocks were split, the tombs were opened in

fright, the powers of heaven were filled with terror. And

the Virgin, seeing You on the Cross, O Lord, cried out:

"Alas! What vision do I behold?"

(If a Troparion is needed, it comes from the common)

(Ron, please check Raya to see if a Troparion is given..put

it in here)

tlRTHRnS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 4)

You were freed from all turbulence here below, O wise father;

having passed your whole life in peace, you departed to

Christ our God as a wonderworker, O venerable Titus.

(Ron, please check to see if Raya gives another translation

of this)

Synaxar i on

On April 2, we commemorate our venerable Father Titus, the

Wonderworker.

Titus, how can you leave your life as an archimandrite?

Indeed, it is to God's glory that I leave! On the second,

the angels carried off the soul of Titus.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 3

Commemoration of our venerable Father

Niceatas the Confessor, Hegumen of the

Monastery of Medikia (Ron: check spelling in Raya)

(5th Class)

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 2)

VMPF!D R

3. Under the guidance of the Word, you became a faithful

guide, o holy steward. Sowing the good seed of salvation,

gathering in a harvest a hundredfold, you brought it to

the Lord in joy. O blessed father, as you stand forever

in His presence, be mindful of your flock which

ceaselessly venerates your holy memory.

2. Gentle and kind by nature, you became a warrior fired by

zeal for orthodoxy. Clad in the armor of faith, bearing

the lance of asceticism, O Nicetas, you denounced the

blasphemy of heresy. God-bearing father, you venerated

the icon of the Savior as you followed the rule given by

the Fathers.

1. With the cruelty of a beast, the darkest of tyrants

imprisoned you in the most obscure of places in the

bitterness of exile. But Paradise dwelt within your

heart, o blessed father, and you suffered joyfully. You

have received the recompense for your labors, and now you

look upon the splendor of God.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

SPirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) When I ponder my sins, I mourn from the

depths of my soul. Striking my breast, I cry out: "I have

sinned! o Lady, I prostrate before you, seeking to repent.

But foolishly, I am continually caught again by the hooks

of my evil habits. Make haste to deliver me and show me

the way to salvation!"

(Or Stavrotheotokion) The sun was covered with shadows, O

Savior, as it beheld You hanging on the Cross; the

underworld quaked in fear, the dead arose from their

tombs, the rocks were split, the heavens stood in

amazement. Standing beneath Your Cross, O Christ, the

pure Virgin wept as she celebrated Your love for mankind.

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: please check to see if Raya gives Troparion. . insert

here)

ORTHROS

Kontakion (Tone 2)

Having conformed your life and spirit to heaven, you shine

like the sun in the radiance of your deeds, enlightening

those who lie in darkness here below, and leading them to

Christ our God; in Hls presence, ceaselessly intercede for us

all.

(Ron: please check to see if Raya gives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On April 3, we commemorate our venerable Father Nicetas the

Confessor, Hegumen of the Monastery of (Medikia...sp?)

Like a partridge fleeing from a snare, Nicetas quickly

takes wing from earth to heaven. On the third, God

rawnrt1c Flic faithftll servant

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen

April 4

Commemoration of our venerable Father George

of Mount Maleum (sPelling in Raya?)

(5th Class)

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 2)

VESPERS

3. Completely and fervently devoted, o holy father, youunited

your whole soul to the God who sees all things; and you

harvested the divine fruits of the Spirit: recollection,

asceticism, charity, hope, gentleness, and patience. You

were a wondrous, living proof that faith and goodness are

the pat leading to heaven.

2. The grace of the Spirit who dwelt in your gentle, pure

heart adorned you with all the virtues, o holy father, and

made you resplendent with many charisms. Thus, you were a

champion for Christ in keeping with your name, O George,

who wisely cultivated all the furrows of your soul.

1. With hope in the blessings to come, freely and joyfully

you endured all your sufferings, for you were eagerly

straining forward, forgetful of what had passed, until you

reached your blessed end, O venerable George, filled with

virtuous deeds, and obtained everlasting happiness.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Hail, true throne of God, Ark of life, seat

of the King! Hail, inexhaustible fountain of holiness,

vessel of the Spirit and of the delights of Paradise,

spiritual intoxication of souls! Hail, joy of holy monks

and happiness of all who take refuge in you, O divine

Bride!

(or Stavrotheotokion) Overcome with grief, her face bathed

in bitter tears, the spotless Ewe looked up to the tree of

the Cross, and lifting up her hands, she cried aloud: "O

my Son, where can I go? Whom can I ever call again my

Son? Alas! I am left desolate, my Child, and my sight

grows dim, for I am wounded deeply within, and my maternal

heart is broken!"

(If needed, Troparion from common)

(Ron: Please check if RaYa gives one. . . insert here)

ORTHROS

(Please check if Raya gives a proper Kontakion. . . insert here)

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

Synaxar i on

On April 4, we commemorate our venerable Father George of

Mount Maleum (spelling Raya?)

It was while you were singing, O holy George, that you

surrendered to the Gardener who sowed our bodies. On the

fourth, amidst celestial hymns, George rises to the high

heavens where he is celebrated by the angels.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 5

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Claudius,

Diodoros, Victor, Victorinus, Pappias,

NicePhoros and Serapion

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Your eyes gouged and torn out, your limbs dismembered,

your sides wounded as you hung, your bones broken and your

bodies tormented by the cutting sword, you crushed the

head of the Deceiver; for you never denied the Savior of

all nor foolishly offered sacrifice to the graven idols, O

wondrous and great martyrs!

VRSPF:RS

2. Let us venerate the illustrious martyr Nicephoros,

together with Claudius, Diodoros, Victor and Victorinus,

as well as Pappias and Serapion. The holy company, the

sacred seven, the band and body at full strength

courageously struck down whole hosts of demons as they

underwent the sword.

1. Let us magnify the martyrs who imitated the holy passion

of Christ; by divine grace, they can drive away the

passions of those sffering in soul and body. Unshakeable

pillars, guiding lights for believers, calm harbor in

storms and defenders against the evil one, they have been

found worthy to dwell on high.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) The Virgin, the Mother of the Lord, is the

spotless tabernacle, the living cloud, the most holy

temple of our God, the bridge over which He alone has

passed, the chamber found spacious enough for the

Infinite, the golden vessel, the Ark of the Covenant, the

ladder reaching to heaven. Let us all solemnly call her

h 1 essed

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing the Lamb and Shepherd on the

Tree, the one who gave You birth, the mother Ewe, cried

out in maternal tears: "O my blessed Son, how can You be

nailed to that Cross, O long-suffering Lord? How can Your

hands and feet be nailed by the impious, o Word? How can

You shed Your blood, O divine Master?"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: check Raya for Troparion...if found, insert here)

Martyr ikon of the occuring Tone

(Ron: check Raya for proper Kontakion...if found, insert here

rather than "Martyrikon...")

Synaxar i on

On April 5, we commemorate the holy martyrs Claudius,

Diodoros, Victor, Victorinus, Pappias, Nicephoros and

SeraPion.

Claudius no longer limps along on two feet; beheaded, he

runs to the feet of his Master. On the fifth, a wicked

hand perpetrates this crime and leaves him short a head.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 6

Commemoration of our Father among the Saints

Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople

( 5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. Lord, You made Eutychius blossom in the meadow of Your

delights, and You wondrously let him drink from the

streams of Your wisdom. Thus he poured forth rivers of

knowledge, bringing joy to the faithful who wholeheartedly

magnify You.

VESPERS

2. Lord, You know all hearts and understand in advance their

secrets. seeing the Patriarch Eutychius to be a chosen

vessel, You made him shepherd of Your Church. Thus he

leads it to the pastures of the faith.

1. Lord, You made the holy patriarch shine like a jewel with

grace and made him radiant in his hierarchical vestments.

In Your mercy and at his prayers, make us also shine with

virtue that we may always sing to You with purity in the

true faith.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Pure Virgin, you brought into the world the

Lord who rests among His holy ones. Purify me of the

passions which defile me to my shame, and guide me along

the ways of purity, O never-failing protectress of all

your servants.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Lord, You willingly stretched out

Your hands on the Cross and thus fulfilled Your Father's

plan as You suffered the Passion. In Your mercy, You have

come to save mankind. Thus spoke the all-pure Theotokos

whom we hymn and glorify.

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: check if Raya gives one.. insert here)

nRTFl;!n.<:

Kont ak i on (Tone 8)

O faithful, let us all sing of Eutychius as the great

hierarch and chief shepherd, the wise teacher who drove out

heresies. Let us wholeheartedly call him blessed, for he

intercedes with Christ on behalf of us all.

(Ron: check if Raya gives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On Aprl 6, we commemorate our Father among the Saints

Eu t ych i us, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Once Eutychius said to God, "Now You shall dismiss Your

servant;" the angels formed an escort to lead him from

earth to heaven; and I consider it an honor to praise him.

On the sixth, heaven's gates were thrown open for the soul

of Eutychius.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen .

April 7

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Calliope, and of

our venerable Father George, Metropolitan of Mytilene

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For Calliope (Tone 8)

6. Champion athlete, illustrious martyr, for the sake of

Christ our God you courageously endured the racking of

your body and dreadful torments. You joyfully foght the

good fight, and now you are crowned with glory. You ask

pardon and mercy for the faithful who honor your holy

memory.

5. O athlete, your martyrdom deserves our praise: for when

they crucified you for the sake of Christ, who had

suffered on the Cross, you heard from on high the holy

voice of the almighty Father calling you to the heavenly

mansions, O wondrous martyr, where you received the reward

of a victor. Thus we acclaim vou and call you blessed.

4. Enkindled with love for your God, through the dew of the

Spirit you endured the fire with which they burned your

body; and you became a radiant torch consuming all the

errors of idolatry. Thus we call you blessed and

fittinqlv celebrate today your holy memory.

For George (Tone 1)

3. You willingly venerated the holy icon of Christ, o father

George, without fearing the enemies of God, strengthened

as you were by His power. Entreat Him now to grant our

souls peace and great mercy.

2. You endured the rage of haughty fools. You saw them first

exalted with the arrogance of impiety - then cast down

when the Providence of God began to act to openly punish

the senseless ones.

1. Working with God as a priest, o holy George, you offered

also to the Master the souls of the faithful saved by your

preaching, the harvest bearing fruit a hundredfold. Now

entreat Him to strengthen the Church by the teaching of

the true faith.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) O Mary, divine chariot surpassing all spirits

in purity, carry me away from my encircling sins; lead me

to a place of repentance, surrounding me with your

powerful protection. You have the power to do this as the

Mother of the all-Powerful God.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing her Lamb upon the Cross with

no beauty nor form, the Virgin Ewe and spotless Lady cried

out in tears: "Alas, O my Son! What has happened to Your

beauty? Where is Your wondrous appearance, my Child?

Where is Your radiant charm, o my beloved Son?"

(If needed, Troparia from the commons)

(Ron: if RaYa gives Troparia, insert here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Kontakia, insert here rather than

"Martyrikon....")

Synaxar i on

On April 7, we commemorate the holy martyr Calliope.

Nailed upside dwn on the cross, O Calliope, you glorified

the Word who was crucified upright. On the seventh day of

April, the holy martyr found endless life before God, the

Lover of Mankind.

On the same day, we commemorate our Father among the Saints,

George, Bishop of Mytilene.

Among its treasures, George, the city where you were

bishop glories in possessing your body.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 8

Commemoration of the Holy Apostles Herodion, Agabus,

Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon and Hermes, counted among

the Seventy Disciples

(5th Class)

VF!::PF!

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Like eagles on the wing, you passed throughout the whole

world as you sowed your holy teachings, and, through

grace, brought an end to the drunkeness of error. Thus

you harvested a hundredfold, deposited throughout the ages

in the spiritual grainaries of the Immortal Gardener.

2. Let us bless Herodion, Agabus, Asyncritus, Rufus, Hermes

and Phlegon, for they are brancheson the true Vine,

bearing fruit and distilling the sap of our salvation,

which brings joy to the thirsty hearts of the faithful who

celebrate their wondrous memory with true faith.

1. Lifted up to heaven by your spirit, you proclaimed the

glory of our God in His voluntary Incarnation. O Apostles

who saw God, you are guides for believers, foundation

stones for the Church, unshakeable ramparts, harbors of

faith, stewards of the ineffable Mysteries of God and

enlighteners of our souls.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Virginal Mother of God, all-pure and

spotless, unequalled in holiness: do not despise me,

cursed and impure as I am, source of every defiled and

shameful deed; do not allow me to be lost, but deliver me

from my passions and save me through repentance!

(Or Stavrotheotokion) He who sprinkled you with dew, then

ineffably took flesh from your womb, had compassion on

your bitter tears and grief, and spoke to you as a Son:

"Weep no more, Virgin Mother. Although I am willingly

suffering even death, I shall arise and glorify those who

magnify you with sacred hymns!"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: check if Raya gives proper Troparion. . . insert here)

ORTHROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

Venerable apostles and disciples of Christ, Herodion,

Asyncritus and Rufus, together with the wondrous Phlegon,

Agabus and Hermes: ceaselessly entreat the Lord to grant

peace and remission of sins to those who sing of you.

(Ron: check if RaYa gives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On April 8, we commemorate the holy apostles Herodion,

Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon and EIermes, who are

counted among the Seventy Disc-ipIes.

Having run the race as he preached the Gospel, Herodion

found the unfading crown in heaven. Remembered by the

Savior of our souls, the prophet and apostle Agabus shines

with a halo In company with David, Phlegon, who

extinguished the flames of error, now beholds the angels

as flaming fires. Paul speaks of the greatness of the

apostle Rufus, making his praises fit that chosen soul.

Undeniably, Asyncritus transcends all testimonials, for he

was praised by the mouth of Saint Paul. Hermes righly

claimed the palm by his merits. On the eighth, they left

ollr eni 1 fnr hoavfFn

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save

us. Amen.

April 9

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Eupsychius

of Caesarea

(5th Class)

VF9PRI49

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. By the stroke of a sword, the most wise Eupsychius

confounds the idolatrous Apostate who was swollen with

pride, and he is joyfully united to the heavenly hosts.

At his prayers, O Savior, grant us great mercy.

2. For the Church, the wondrous Eupsychius has been an

indestructible tower, a pillar of the faith; he overcame

the adversary and became an abundant fountain of healing

for the sick who have recourse to him. At his prayers, o

Savior, qrant us great mercy.

1. As a lily, O noble martyr, you shed the gentle fragrance

of your deeds to our souls, driving away the stench of

error. Shining like the sun upon the world, intercede

that we might receive great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) You gave birth to the saving Word, O Virgin

Theotokos. Deliver your servants from the temptations of

the hostile adversary; enlighten our hearts and lead us

along the path of salvation that we may glorify you in

faith!

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing You nailed to the Cross, O

long-suffering Lord, Your Mother flowed with tears at the

sight. But, struck suddenly by Your extreme goodness and

love for mankind, she began to sing of Your infinite

mercy.

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: if Raya gives proper troparion, insert here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occur ing Tone

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Kontakion, insert here, rather

than "martyrikon of . . . "

Synaxar i on

On April 9, we commemorate the holy martyr Eupsychius of

Caesarea.

The sword separates Eupsychius from the region of

Caesarea, that place where Christ once walked. On the

ninth, the martyr makes his entrance into heaven, beheaded

by a sword, but crowned by God.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 10

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Terence, Pompeius,

Maximus, Macarius, Africanus and their companions

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "o Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. A multitude of torments were bravely endured by this

multitude of martyrs of many names. With joy they went to

the one, true God, whom we adore, there to rejoice with

the hosts of bodiless angels, since they overcame the

serpent and his hordes by their resoluteness and by the

grace of the Spirit.

2. With hymns, let the sublime Terence and the wondrous

Pompeius be glorified, the renowned Macarius and Maximus,

the divine Africanus, and with them the whole band of holy

martyrs who have won the Kingdom on high by their blood

and are filled with eternal glory.

1. Neither hunger nor peril, neither life nor death, could

separate you from the love of your Creator, O wondrous

martyrs. Thus you have inherited the Kingdom of heaven,

inexhaustible honor and endless joy. On our behalf,

entreat the Giver of all good things for mercy and the

rfbmics:imn nf <7llr oins::

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) I pray and entreat you, the fountain of

holiness, the golden Ark shining with the radiance of the

Spirit: O Lady, send your pure light upon my soul,

evnslaveir by the passlons; deliver me from the bitter

tyranny of the demons; and by your prayers, give me the

way to salvation.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Your spotless Mother, all worthy to

be hymned, O Master, beheld You led as a lamb to Your

voluntary slaughter. In tears she called out to You:

"What is this course upon which You have set out, O my

Son? Where are You going, o my Beloved? I want to go

with You into death, o Word Do not leave me here

childless and alone, for without seed I have given birth

to You!"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

[Ron: if RaYa gives a proper Troparion, insert it here)

{1RTS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

To the joy of the whole world, the holy commemoration of

Terence and his companions in martyrdom has come once again

today. Let us hasten to them with fervor in order to find

salvation, for they have received from God the power to heal

the sufferings of our bodies and our souls.

{RON: see if RaYa qives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On April 10, we commemorate the holy martyrs Terence,

Pompeius, Maximus, Africanus and thirty-six others, among

whom are Zeno, Alexander, Theodore and Macarius.

Tell me, O noble and triumphant Athlete, what reward di

you find in heaven for losing your head on earth? "Ah, it

exceeds all that eyes, ears and hearts can konw!" Thirty-

nine martyrs, imitating Terence, were harvested by the

sword on the tenth, and they found the object of their

qreatest hoPe.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 11

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Antipas,

BishoP of Pergamum

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 2)

3. You drank deeply of the grace of the knowledge of Christ

from the inexhaustible fountains of John, who had reclined

upon the breast of the Master and was sent to preach God

the Word. You have passed on those living streams to all,

as you followed in the way of the Apostles. Having

confidence in the presence of God, intercede for all those

VFSUPF!PR

who praise your name.

2. Having lived gloriously and acquiring the treasure of the

virtues, Ovenerable Antipas, you left all things and set

off to the Lord like Abraham of old, filled with honor by

your good fight. Thus you gained glory on high where you

rejoice with the disciples of Christ and intercede for us

who honor vour martYrdom with faith.

1. Since you received from the inexhaustible gifts of the

Paraclete the grace of healing, deign to visit and heal

the sufferings of our souls and bodies. Calm all pain and

infirmity, O venerable father; and save from danger and

shame all those who honor your memory as they glorify the

Lord.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) O Virgin filled with grace by God, you have

pity and compassion; you possess an ocean of mercy. Let

it drown my sins and wash away the stains of carelessness,

o Lady. Saved from all evil, may I magnify your holy name

throughout all the ages.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) When You were nailed to the Cross as

a spotless Lamb, O Savior, and Your side was pierced, the

sun hid its rays, the earth quaked, and the rocks were

split. In fear, the veil of the Temple was torn asunder.

Shaken by tears, Your Mother cried aloud, "Glory to Your

ineffable mercv O mv Son!"

(If needed, Troparion from common)

(Ron: if Raya gives a proper one, insert it here)

ORTHROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 4)

o blessed one, you are the companion of the Apostles, the

jewel of hierarchs and the glory of martyrs. You shine like a

sun over the whole world, scattering the dark night of

godlessness. Thus we venerate you, O hierarch Antipas, as a

true hieromartyr and renowned healer!

(Ron: check if Raya has different translation)

synaxar i on

On April 11, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Antipas,

B i shop of Pergamum.

Holy martyr Antipas, as you struggled with the bull, it

burned you rather than wounding by its horns. On the

eleventh, Antipas is roasted by the executioner in a bull,

which carries him to the gates of heaven.

` By histhoTy~`prayers,~ O~our God ,~~ t ake p i-t y~ on us ~~ ~ana ~ save ~ us .

Amen.

April 12

Commemoration of our Father among the Saints

Basil, B i shop of Pharion (check spelling in Raya)

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Your radiant memorial has dawned for believers more

brightly than the sun, enlightening all creation with

divine rays, o blessed Basil, and driving away the night,

the darkness of the evil one and the passions. Thus, we

call you blessed, and each year celebrate you as a shining

lamP and fervent intercessor.

l7F.S:PF.RS

2. With the arrows of your words, O blessed father, you have

wounded the hosts of the impious. Thus the clouds of

heaven made their voice heard while angelic choirs

joyfully praised your courage in your trials. We the

faithful rejoice together with them, venerating you as a

shining lamp and vervent intercessor.

1. Wisely exchanging the goods of earth for those of heaven,

the perishable for the imperishable, you gained immortal

glory in place of that which fades away. In place of your

exile and the trials you endured, you won the ineffable

Kingdom of God, where you exult with the angels and

intercede for the faithful who honor your memory.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

( Theo t ok i on ) Divine Bride, you carried the Coal once seen

by Isaiah, which touched his lips. In you, He has taken

flesh in these latter days, O divine Mother, to purify the

passions of mankind. Consume my sins in the fire of His

Divinity and cleanse me of all my stains.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing Christ deprived of life

although He had put the tempter to death, the all-pure

Virgin cried aloud with bitter tears to Him who had come

forth from her womb and whose wondrous patience amazed

her: "Do not be unmindful of Your handmaid, o beloved

Child, Lover of Mankind; hasten to come to console me!"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: if RaYa qive Proper Troparion, insert here)

ORTHROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

You are illumined by the radiance of the Most High, O Basil:

send down light upon those who wholeheartedly honor the

trials vou endured in such a holy way as a hierarch and

confessor, O venerable father. Ceaselessly intercede before

Christ our God for the salvation of us all.

(RON: check if Raya gives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On April 12, we commemorate our Father among the Saints,

Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Pharion. (check spelling)

Basil joyfully comes to the end of his life as Christ

invites him to the joys of heaven. As his body goes down

to the tomb on the twelfth, his soul goes up to delights.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 13

Commemoration of our Father among the Saints

Martin, PoPe of Rome

f 5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. What shall I call you, O Martin? The wondrous teacher of

orthodoxy, the unfailing leader in sacred doctrine, the

denouncer of error, lover of truth, defender of the Word,

courageous advocate, holy hierarch, venerable

wonderworker? Intercede with God for the salvation of our

souls .

2. What shall I call you, O Martin? A river overflowing with

spiritual streams, ceaselessly refreshing souls and making

them fruitful, a lamp shedding the light of faith, a

mountain giving the dew of the joy of God, a preacher of

the word of God, chief defender against heresy? Intercede

with God for the salvation of our souls.

1. What shall I call you, O Martin? A wondrous liturgist

within the everlasting Tabernacle, a most worthy mediator

between the creature and his God, a chalice brimming over

with the divine drink, a sun beaming with the word of

life, rising in the west and appearing in the east?

Intercede with God for the salvation of our souls.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Which is the most wondrous of your blessings

to us? You heal our ills, deliver us from passions; you

repel the criminal attacks of the enemy; you save from

danger those who honor you, divine Bride, and bring an end

to their afflictions. You dispense joy to your servants,

O Virqin, who intercede before God for the salvation of

our souls.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) "What is this strange sight, O my

Son?" asked the Virgin Mother of the Lord. "The pains

which I never experienced on bearing you now pierce my

heart most bitterly. I cannot bear to see You nailed to

the Cross, O Light of my eyes! Make haste to rise and

come aaain in alorv!2'

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(ROn: If Rava qive ProPer TroParion, insert here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Kontakion, insert here instead of

"Martyr ikon . . . " )

Synaxar i on

On April 13, we commemorate our Father among the Saints

Martin, Pope of Rome.

He who joyfully received Your Body, o Savior, takes leave

of his own body yet remains content. After having served

the Church with fervent vigilance, on the thirteenth, the

illustrious Martin, Pope of Rome, falls alseep

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 14

Commemoration of the Holy Apostles Aristarchus, Pudens

and Trophimus, who were counted among the Seventy Disciples

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I cal 1. . "

(Tone 1l

3. o wise apostles, by proclaiming and making God known, you

rescued the nations from total ignorance. Having saved

them, you enabled them to have access to the Word of the

unbegotten Father. Intercede with Him that He grant our

souls peace and great mercy.

2. Let us acclaim the true heralds of Christ: Trophimus,

Aristarchus and Pudens, for they melted the bitter ice of

error by the warmth of the grace of God. They dwell

forever in the never-fading Light, enjoying the reward for

their labors, divinized in their ineffable communion with

God.

1. Following in the footsteps of holy Paul, your wondrous

teacher, you were subjected to constant perils, enduring

many sufferings and imprisonment, and ending your lives as

martyrs beheaded by the sword. Intercede with Christ that

He mav srant our souls peace and great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) You are more spacious than the heavens, and

God was pleased to rest in you; set me free, for I am

imprisoned by the stains of my passions, hemmed in by the

temptations and attacks of misfortune. Strengthen me in

my sufferings, make smooth my course, and send each day

the gentle breeze of your maternal intercession.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing Christ hanging on the Cross,

the Virgin spoke aloud: "A sword has pierced my heart, as

the elder Simeon once foretold. Arise, immortal Lord, I

pray, and glorify with You Your mother and handmaid!"

(If needed, Troparion from common)

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Troparion, place here)

ORTHROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

The holy feast of the apostles has dawned for us, driving

away the darkness of sin from those who say to them: "Behold,

the Light has come; our deliverance is at hand!"

(RON: see if Raya gives another translation)

Synaxar i on

On April 14, we commemorate the holy apostles Aristarchus,

Pudens and Trophimus, who were counted among the Seventy

Disciples.

As indicated by his name, Aristarchus should be honored

first. His bravery in his struggles is in keeping with

that name. Seeking a treasure that would not be

super f 1 c i a 1, Pudens denies himself, but thus saves his

soul Eager for the triumphant wedding banquet of heaven,

Trophimus offers himself as food for the devouring blade.

On the fourteenth, holy Church acclaims a trinity of

apostles who now behold the consubstantial Trinity.

By the prayers of Your Saints, II Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 15

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Crescent

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "o Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Without regard for your own flesh, O Crescent, you

courageously confronted the most painful fights, the most

treacherous snares, the most deadly struggles, choosing to

die for love of God. Thus the Church of Christ calls you

blessed O wondrous and qreat martyr, as it keeps your

holy memory.

2, Cruelly wounded, your body lacerated, wasted by countless

blows, you never denied the name of Christ, the Splendor

of the Church and His martyrs. Thus we praise and

venerate you, honoring your relics and celebrating the

feast of Your holy memory.

1. Inflamed by a holy love for your Creator, you were not

consumed in the midst of the fire, O blessed Crescent, as

you entrusted your soul into the hands of our God. Thus

you received the crown as a victor, and you intercede for

the remission of sins for those who honor you with love.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Virginal Mother of God, all-pure and

spotless, unequalled in holiness: do not despise me,

cursed and impure as I am, source of every defiled and

shameful deed; do not allow me to be lost, but deliver me

from my passions and save me through repentence!

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing You upon the Cross, o Lord,

Your Virgin Mother was filled with awe; looking upon You

she cried aloud: "Is this what You receive in return from

those who have benefitted from Your blessings? Do not

leave me alone in this world, I entreat You, but quickly

arise, that our first parents may arise with You!"

(If needed, Troparion from common)

Ron: if Raya gives one, insert here)

nDTFTROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(Ron: if Raya has proper Kontakion, insert here instead of

"Mairtyrikon of....")

Sy ;.~a r i on

en April 15, we commemorate the holy martyr Crescent, from

Myra in Lycia.

It is wondrous thing that Crescent, who mocks the flames,

treats the pyre as though it were a refreshing green

meadow. On the fifteenth, fire takes him to his homeland.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 16

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Agapia, Irene

and Chionia

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "o Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 1)

3. Named for the holy virtues, and nourished by virtue, young

virgins, you courageously climbed to the very height of

faith. You now rejoice in the heighths of heaven, where

YOU ask Christ to grant our souls peace and great mercy.

2. You carefully received from our first mother Eve the

desire to become like God, o young virgins, and you were

divinized through your constant devotion to the Lord.

Your desire fulfilled as you now behold God, ask Christ to

grant our souls peace and great mercy.

1. Courageously loving Christ, these martyrs have cast down

the mighty one who once seduced our first mother by his

cunning. Being powerfully triumphant, they ask Christ to

srant our souls peace and great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Virgin worthy of all praise, you gave birth

to Christ the Savior, the Physician of us all, who brought

healing to every malady by striking down the demon, our

enemy. Heal my soul, so cruelly afflicted by the

passions, and deliver us all from death.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing You unjustly led to

slaughter, O Christ, the Virgin cried out in tears: "sweet

Child, how wrong it is that You should suffer! How can

You, who suspended the earth over the waters, be hung on a

Tree? Do not leave me alone, I entreat You, O Benefactor

of the world and Infinite Compassion, for I am Your Mother

and the Handmaid of the Lord!"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: if Raya gives Troparion, put here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the Occuring Tone

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Kontakion, insert here rather than

"martyrikon of....")

Synaxar i on

On April 16, we commemorate the holy martyrs Agapia, Irene

and Chionia.

The fire seemed like snow to Chionia; with sisterly love,

Agapia joined her there. An arrow from a soldier lifts

you up, Irene, intoxicated in your own blood, to a place

of peace. Cast into a pyre on the sixteenth, Chionia and

Asapaia Precede their sister into paradise.

By their holy prayers, o our God, take pity on us and save

us. Amen.

April 17

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Simeon the

Persian and His Companions

( 5th Class)

vxsPwns

At "o Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Your holy memorial shines like the sun today, enlightening

the faithful and shedding the radiance of the splendor of

God upon the whole creation, o blessed Simeon. It drives

away the night of the passions and drives out the

obscurity of the demons. Thus we bless you each year,

glorifying you as a lamp for the world and a fervent

int ereessor .

2. Wisely exchanging the goods of earth for those of heaven,

the perishable for the imperishable, you gained immortal

glory in place of that which fades away. In place of the

many torments and trials you endured, you won the

ineffable Kingdom of God, where you exult with those who

shared your martyrdom and intercede for the faithful who

honor your memory.

1. The arrow of your words has pierced the assembly of the

wicked, o holy martyr Simeon. Thus the clouds of heaven

sounded forth their voice, the choirs of angels commended

your bravery in your struggles, and we the faithful

joyfully celebrate your holy dormition as we glorify the

Savior.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Most pure dwelling of the great King, Virgin

all worthy of our hymns, I entreat you to purify my spirit

which is stained by such a multitude of sins and make me

an acceptable abode for the Trinity. Once saved, unworthy

servant that I am, may I magnify your great power and

mercy.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing Christ, the Lover of Mankind,

crucified, His side pierced by the soldier's lance, the

all-pure one began to sing to Him who had been born of

her, whose resignation she admired with wonder: "Do not

forget Your handmaid, my Son, Lover of Mankind; make haste

to come to my consolation!"

(When needed, Troparion is taken from the common)

(RON: if Raya gives proper Troparion, insert here.)

ORTHROS

Martyr ikon of the occur ing Tone

(RON: if Raya gives proper Kontakion, insert here instead of

"Martyrikon...")

Synaxar i on

On April 17, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Simeon,

Bishop of Persia, and his companions: the priest Abdelas,

Gothazat, Phousik and one thousand, one hundred and fifty

other martyrs.

Simeon, you were resplendent as a great shepherd, but the

-swcri-l has made of you an even greater fighter. Abdelas

escdped the all-devouring, ir sat iakle mouth of dark Hades

by being devoured by the mouth of a wild bear. With no

other ~:hoice than to sacrifice or to die, Gothazat made

the choice of being sacrificed by the sword. Phousik let

them strip off his skin as though it were the garment

woven by Satan's snare. A trinity of fifties died

beheaded because they worshipped the Holy Trinity. Then,

under the sword, a thousand Persians formed that cloud of

witnesses mentioned to us by Saint Paul. On the

seventeenth, the bishop Simeon lifts his head toward the

glory of the martyrs, as that head is cut off from his

neck.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 18

Commemoration of our Venerable Father John,

disciple of Saint Gregory the Decapolitan

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 6)

3. With the fear of God as your rudder, O venerable father,

you safely navigated around the instincts of the flesh and

the bitter tyranny of the passions. You found your

delight in God as you adorned your heart with wondrous

virtues. You now dwell with the hosts of holy monks where

you have found that peace which you always desired. O

father John, you ceaselessly remember us who honor with

faith your holy memory.

VESPERS

2. You sought God with a resolute heart, soaring on the wings

of your holy contemplation, ceaselessly directing your

spirit toward Him alone. As your zealous guide, you had

Gregory, vigilant in both name and deed, resplendant in

miracles and prodigies. Enlightened by his radiance, O

blessed one, you safely sailed across the raging ocean of

thiz 1 i fe.

1. O venerable father, you lived as a monk without allowing

yourself to be distracted by this passing life, adorned by

your wondrous deeds. Your heart filled with spiritual

fire, you persevered in tranquil silence, spendiny

yourself in night-long vi3il.- and prayer, until you were

wholly purified and restored in the likeness to God.

After your ascetic struggles, you found the delight of

rest, where you seek the joy of God for those who honor

you .

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

SPirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Pure and spotless Virgin, most holy

Theotokos, ever-virgin Lady, how can I siny to you, the

tabernacle of God, when I am so sullied in my mind and

heart .7 How can I speak of your sublime blessinys, the

grace and mercy which you have constantly poured out on

me? Thus, with trembling I prostrate and cry out to you:

"Hail, consolation of those who call upon you with faith"'

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing the voluntary Passion of the

Passionless One, the spotless Virgin cried out with a

mother's grief: "What an awesome sight! The Creator of

all things visible and invisible, the Lord of Glory, the

King of all the ayes is now unjustly judged and counted

among criminals! Mountains and hills, run with tears that

I may weep, I who am left alone, although I gave birth to

f hfR C r e a t Or ! "

(If needed, Troparion from the Common)

(RON: if Raya gives a Troparion, insert it here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(RON: if Raya gives a Kontakion, put it here rather than

"Martyrikon of...")

Synaxar ion

OI1 April 18, we commemorate our venerable father John, the

disciple of Saint Gregory the Decapolitan.

Exult and leap like John the Baptisti for whom you were

named - not in your mother's womb, but in the Eden of the

bosom of Abraham, where you have been made welcome! On

the eighteenth, our venerable father achieved his final

destinv.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 19

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Paphnutius,

and of our Venerable Father John the Hermit, of the

Ancient Laura

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 1)

3. By your patient endurance you cast down the fortresses of

impiety, O valiant Athlete of the Lord, and you received

the crown of victory in heaven; never cease to intercede

for the faithful W}10 venerate your great and holy passion.

2. With faith we glerify the holy struggles and exploits you

joyfI y accomplished as an athelete for Christ crucified;

and with our hymns, O thrice-blessed martyr, we joyfully

celebrate your holy memory.

1. O hieromartyr, your relics are a river flowing with

streams of healing to refresh the hearts of the countless

believers who daily draw near to sing of the good fight

YOU fouqht for Christ.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Sp i r i t, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Joy of the heavenly hosts, powerful

protectless of mankind, pure Virgin: save us who take

refuge in you; for, after Go:~, in you we place all our

hope, O Theotokos~

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing on the Cross the Creator of

all and their Lord, the Virgin Mother wept with bitter

tears and cried aloud: "O my beloved Son, what vision is

this that lies before my eyes? Glory to You, O long-

suffering Lord!"

(If needed, Troparia from the common)

(RON: if Raya gives Troparia, insert them here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(RON: if Raya gives Kontakia, insert them here rather than

"Martyrikon of...")

Synaxar i on

On April 19, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Paphnutius.

If the tomb could make Paphnutius reappear from the earth,

I do not think he would find it fitting, nor would he

care, as long as the silence does not bury his word of

witnessing as a martyr. On the nineteenth, the fate of

Paphnutius was decided.

On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father John the

Hermit, of the Ancient Laura.

It causes joy for the bodiless powers to see born into the

light of heaven the newly arrived John of the Ancient

T.sllrs

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 20

commemoration of our Venerable Father Theodore Trichinas

( 5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. Venerable father Theodore, you offered yourself as a

chosen gift to our God; you spent whole nights in

prayerful vigil, practiced charity, divine contemplation,

hope, faith, purity, profound compassion, humility,

true abstinence and prayer - all of which made of you a

pillar of fire shedding light.

VESPERS

2. Divinely-minded father Theodore, you piously s,ought to

clothe yourself in the tUIlic of truth, th- ve_rlrtent of

salvation; and thus you continually wore over your flesh a

hair shirt and were able to withstand the darts of him who

once stripped us of paradise, for you were strengthened by

the power of the Spirit.

1. God took flesh from a spotless Mother and made Himself

poor for our sake. In a spirit of poverty, you offered

yourself to Him as a living sacrifice, a holy holocaust

and a precious gift, o blessed (,ne. Thus, you have been

enriched with joy in heaven. As you stand before C} st,

we entreat you to ceaselessly intercede that He gran', us

great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

S>irit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) With what eyes could I behold your gracious

face, I who have sullied my fleshly sight by my passions?

How could my profane and sinful lips, O pure Virgin, kiss

your Godbearing icon? How could I stretch out the hands

which I have used to my dishonor, to plead for your divine

grace? O Lady, obtain salvation for me!

(Or Stavrotheotokion) The sun was struck with fear at

seeing You stretched out on the Cross, o Jesus! The earth

quaked, the rocks were split, the tombs were opened in

fright, the powers of heaven were filled with terror. And

the Virgin, seeing You on the Cross, O Lord, cried out:

"zlas! What vision do I behold?"

(If needed, Troparion from Common)

(RON: if Raya gives Troparion, insert here)

~DTRDf~lN

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(Ron: if Raya gives Kontakiont put here rather than

"Martyrikon of...")

Svnaxar i on

On April 20, we commemorate our venerable father Theodore

Trichinas.

You die clothed in a hairshirt, O father, after having

struggled against him who once caused Adam to be clothed

in an apron of leaves. On the tewntieth, the God awards a

prize for the virtues of the ascetic.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

April 21

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Januarius and His

Companions

(5th Class)

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

VESPERS

3. O holy Januarius, you were a hier3r-`, who fought the good

fight as an athelete, and an athlete whG had the dignity

cf a hierarrh. Not with the blood Qt. some sacrifice, but

with your own blood, you entered the tabernacle of heaven,

where Jesus first went as the forerunner of all. There, O

holy Father, you ceaselssly look upon Him, upon Whom the

very angels wish to gaze.

2. Flayed, cast into the fire, thrown to wild beasts, then

sent back to the dungeon, you survived for many days by

the power of God alone, without yielding. You fought the

good fight well as a champion, O wonderworking hierarch,

companion of the bodiless angels!

1. Let us venerate together Desiderius, Proculus, Sosius,

Eutyches, Akoutionos and the wondrous Januarius as sacred

ministers, crowned witnesses of Christ, citizens of the

heavenly Jerusalem and true intercessors for those who

call them blessed.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) The Virgin, the Mother of the Lord, is the

spotless tabernacle, the living cloud, the most holy

temple of OUI God, the bridge over which He alone has

passed, the chamber found spacious enough to contain the

Infinite, the golden vessel, the Ark of the Covenant, the

ladder reaching to heaven. Let us all solemnly call her

h 1 essed .

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing the Lamb and Shepherd on the

Tree, the one who gave You birth, the mother Ewe, cried

out in maternal tears: "O my blessed Son, how can You be

nai led to that Cross O lona-sufferitlq Lord7 How can Your

hands and feet be nailed by the impious, O Word? How ca

You shed Your blood, O divine Master?"

(If needed, Troparion from the common)

(Ron: if RaYa gives Troparion, insert here)

ORTHROS

Martyrikon of the occuring Tone

(RON: if RaYa qives Kontakion, put here rather than

" )

" Mar t yr i kon of the.

Synaxar i on

On April 21, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr, the bishop

Januarius, the deacons Proculus, Sosiusand Faustus, the

reader Desiderius, Eutyches and Akoutionos.

It was April that beheld the noble and holy Januarius

surrender his chosen soul to God by means of a SWOI d .

That same sword served as a lever to lift Faustus,

Procu 1 us and Sosius up to heaven. Des i der i us desired to

dedicate his flesh to Christ; separated from it by the

sword, he went straight to the Lord. Eutyches heartl the

voice of Akolltionos telling him, "My companion, I see that

you wil] offer the same sacrifice!" United to six others

in a common fate, Januarius was separated from his head on

the twenty-first.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 22

Commemoration of our Venerable Father Theodores

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 1)

3. You became a holy initiate in the mystery of the Word, O

father. Radiant with the virtues in the light of the

Spirit, O blessed Theodore, you grant healing to those who

draw near to you to celebrate today your holy memory.

2. You are crowned with heavenly light. By the power of

Christ, you grant healing to those who ask with faith as

they piously celebrate your memory, O blessed

wonderworking father, hierarch worthy of our praise.

1. By keeping His commandments, O Godbearing father, you have

shown yourself to be a laborer in the vineyard of Christ.

Having received the coin of your reward in the Kingdom on

nigh, O Theodore, you constantly intercede for us who

honor vou.

v. Glory be to the Fathel and to the Son and to the Holy

SPirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Theotokion) Virgin called blessed by our God, filled with

His grace, powerful protectress of sinners, shelter for

those assailed by misfortune, divine Theotokos to whom we

sin~: be for us a strong support and the refuge for all

believers.

(Or Stavrotheotokion) Seeing You hanging on the Cross, O

Christ, the pure Virgin who gave You birth cried aloud in

grief "O my Son and my God: behold, O divine Word, this

is the work of Your salvation by which You deliver all

mankind from the curse!"

Tropar i on (Tone 4)

You were known for your great holiness from the earliest

years, at a tender age, and proved yourself full of virtues.

You enlightened the world with miracles and put legions of

demons to flight. O hierarch Theodore, intercede with Christ

God that He may save our souls.

(RON: Please check translation given in Raya)

ORTHROS

Kont ak i on (Tone 3)

O father Theodore, mounted in the fiery chariot of the

virtues, you went up the raansions of heaven; living as an

angel among men, you now dwell as a man among the angels of

heaven WhO rejoice. Through the miracles by which you have

been glorified, O Theodore, you are seen to he a chosen

instrument in the hands of the Lord.

(Ron: please check translation in Raya)

Synaxar ion

On April 22, we commemorate our venerable father Theodore

Sykeotes, Bishop of Anastasiopolis.

There was no discord at all between the way Theodore lived

his life in the body and the way his relics now make him

skilled in the art of wonderworking. On the twenty-

second, his crown shone more brightly than gold.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Z\mPn

April 23

Commemoration of the Holy and Wondrous Great-Martyr,

George the Triumphant

(3rd Class)

(Use the translation given in the binder already done for

April. The only thing that must be added is in Orthros:

after the 6th Ode of the Canon, after Kontakion and Ikos,

insert the following:)

Synaxar i on

On April 23, we commemorate the holy and wondrous Great

Martyr George, the Triumphant.

Although you had cut the enemy to pieces, you had to

finally submit yourself to their mortal plots, bowing your

neck under their sword, O holy George On the twenty-

third, the martyr suffered for the sake of Christ.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

1 mon

April 24

Commeir,oration of our Venerable Mother Elizabeth the

Woncierworker, and of the Holy Martyr Sabbas, an Army

(5th Class)

vvrPwns

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. Devoting yourself to a life of asceticism, O venerable

Mother, you received from the Holy Spirit the power to

drive away diseases of body and soul and to protect all

those suffering affliction. Therefore, by your prayers,

ask for us all both health and sreat mercy.

2. The ashes of your holy relics restore sight to the blind

and healing for all the sick who come to seek your aid

with faith, O wondrous mother Elizabeth. Therefore, by

your prayers, ask for us all both health and great mercy.

1. You showed compassion, true faith, and love for the Lord

and your neighbor, O blessed m>~t-her, venerable ElizabeAth;

and thus the Spirit made you His dwelling-place with His

divine grace. Therefore, by your intercession, obtain f~r

us health mercY and Peace.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

SPirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the occuring Feast in the Pentecostarion

Aposticha from the occuring feast in the Penetcostarion

Troparia (Ron: insert those from Raya or current binder

translation)

ORTS

Kontakion of the Pentecostarion

(Ron: if Raya gives Kontakia, insert here)

~ynaxar 1 on

On April 24, we commemorate our venerable mother Elizabeth

the Wonderworker.

Holy Elizabeth, the magnificent bride, encounters the

divine Word as a wondrous Bridegroom. rind the date of

her wedding banquet in a riddle: it is enough to join four

to twenty.

On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Sabbas, an

Army Officer.

When he is cast into the sea as a martyr for the Lord,

Sabbas drowns the deadly spirits of error.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save

r Amen

Exapostilaria and Aposticha of the Feast from the

Pen t: ec os t a r i on

April 25

Commemoration of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark

(4th Class)

VESPERS

(If it is celebrated as a Feast of the 3rd Class, used the

First Kathisma: Blessed the man)

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

Three stichera are used from the Pentecostarion, then five

for Mark, chosen from the following:

(Tone 1)

6. o faithful, let us sing of him who wrote down the words

spoken by our God, and let us say to the protector of

Egypt: By your prayers and teachings, O holy apostle Mark,

guide us all into a calm life, unbattered by the storms

raging here below.

5. As a companion to Paul, the chosen vessel, you travelled

throughout Macedonia at his side; when you dwelt in Rome,

you were a faithful interpreter and trusted co-worker for

Peter; but then, by fightirig the yood f ight as a martyr in

Egypt, you found the place where you would rest.

4. By the joyful rains of the Gospel, O holy Mary, you

rest~)red Fru~tfuliless to souls that were parched and

hurnt; thus with us the city of Alexandria celebrates with

joy today your holy memory, acclaiming your name and

venerating your holy remains.

3. Hvi~ Mark, you have drunk deeply from Christ, the stream

of lelights; and as though from Eden, you have flowed

f~>rAh radiantly as a river of peace, bathing the face of

the earth in the streams of your preaching of the Gospel

and refreshing all the Churches by your divine teachings.

2. Mnres nnne drowned the EavDtians in the sea. Hut You, O

Mary, have drawn them out from the sea of error by the

power of the One who desceIlded among them in the flesh and

destroyed their idols by His extended arm.

1. Having-received the light of the Spirit, O holy Mark, you

became a man completely spiritual. By your unceasing

desire for the Lord, you stand before God now, divinized

iJy rlis blessed radiance, and you have found both the

source of the Mystery and the goal for which you yearned.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone 6) Grace was poured forth on your lips, O apostle

Mark, and you became a shepherd of the Church of Christ,

teaching the mystical flock faith in the consubstantial

Trinity and undivided Divinity.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

(If it is celebrated as a feast of the 3rd Class, Entrance;

Joyful Light. Readings: 1) James 1:1-12; 2) James 1:13-27; 3)

James 2:1-13)

Aposticha (Tone 1)

1. O holy Mark, wise in God, you were the pen of a swift

writer who, under divine inspiration, described the

incarnation of Christ and clearly recorded the words of

eternal Life. Intercede that ous names may be written

in the book of life as we ~--,ing to you today with faith and

honor Your ho 1 y memory.

v. Through all the earth, their voice resounds, and to the

ends of the world their message.

2. O wondrous apostle Mark, you travel led throughout the

world, preaching the good news about Christ; you were like

the sun, driving away the darkness of idolatry with the

bright rays of faith. Entreat the Lord to grant our souls

peace and great mercy.

v. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament

proclaims the sork of His hands.

3. O blessed apostle, in the land where the ignorance of

impiesy ora ea fl<,urished, you preached as a divine heral~d,

driving away dar-kness froin the Egypl‡ians k-f tlze adizrfe

of your wcrrds. EntleaL the Lord to grant our souls peace

and great mercy.

v GlGry be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone 8) Come, and with our psalms and hymns, let us

praise Saint Mark, the preacher of the mysteries of

heaven, the interpreter of the Gospel of Christ; for he is

a river flowing from the mystical Paradise, and with

heavenly rains of grace he waters the fields of our souls,

making them bring forth fruit for Christ our God. By his

prayerSs nay Christ grant to all pardon and great mercy.

v . Now and d 1 ways and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentr astarion

Troparioxs (Tvne 3)

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, intercede with the

merciful God that He may grant our souls and forgiveness of

ssns.

v. Glory . . . Now . . .

Troparion of the Pentecostarion

ORTHROS

Use the festal format for Fourth Class Feasts

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 1) Having shone upon the world like the dawn, O holy

Apostle, you scattered the deep shadows of error, bringing

light to souls through faith. Thus today, as it magnifies

Christ, the Church celebrates your light-bearing memory.

v. Glory...Now.

From thr Pvn t s?c aost ar i on

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4) Having learned wisdom from the Giver of Life, you

brught wisdom to those who formerly served irrational idols

to the destruction of their souls. Thus, for all ages, we

call you blessed. As you stand before the throne of the Holy

Trinity, o apostle Mark, ceaselessly intercede for the

. . .

rem 1 ss 1 on or our slns.

v. Glory...Now...

From the Pentecostarion

Kontakion (Tone 2)

Having received the grace of the Spirit from on high, O

wondrous apostle Mark, you have torn the snares woven by

false rhetoric. You caught all the nations in your net in

order to lead them to Your Master as you preached the divine

Gospe 1 .

Ikos

o Disciple of the chief of the apostles, together with him,

you preached Christ as the Son of God, strengthening on the

rock of truth those who had been shaken by error. Direct the

paths of heart, conlfirm me also in the truth, that saved

from the ^jnares of the enemy, I my freely g~ 7-i Cy you, o holy

Mark, whc have brought the li>gh{- to llS all as you preached

the divine Gospel.

X I1 a.

i~n April 25, we commemorate the holy apostle and evangelist

Mark .

By dragging the apostle's body around all over the earth,

his murderers sent him straight to heaven without

realizing it. On the twenty-fifth, heaven opens and

extends a warm welcome to Mark who had received cold

rejection and mistreatment by the impious on earth.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3) In his epistle, the holy apostle Peter refers to you

as his sun; and, for the sake of the E~jy~:,t ians, you wel-e the

first to write down the Gospel of Jesus Sl.list. Thrsugh it,

O A>ostle Mark, ysu have brought light to the whole world

EX dpOSI- i lalion from the Pentecostarion

Praises (Tone 1)

4. Saint Mark is the shining light of Egypt, the wise herald

of the Word and the writer of the Gospel. Let us accldim

him with hymns and divine canticles, for he intercedes

before Christ that our souls be given peace and great

mercy.

3. Saint Mark is.... (Repeat)

2. As the editor of the teachings of Christ our God, you have

brought light to the whole world, proclaiming His coming

in the flesh, His Passion, lIis Resurrection, and His

Ascension to the Father. O holy hpostle, you have brought

the nations to the true knowledge of God.

1. You were the gentle companion of Saint Peter, o holy Mark,

Apostle of the Lold, for you listened carefully to all his

holy teachings. By the grace of the Holy Spirit, you

enlightened the Egyptians, making Christ shine in their

hearts: and vou have become the treasure of Alexandria.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone 6) Grace was poured forth on your lips, O apostle

Mark, and you became a shepherd of the Church of C}lrist,

teaching the mystical flock faith in the consubstantial

Trinity and undivided Divinity.

v. Now and always and forever and ever.

From the Pentecostarion

Great DoxolosY.

April 26

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Basil,

Bishop of Amasea

( 5th Class )

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call...'2

(Tone 4)

3. You ruled over dll youl- passions, O RasiA, placEng reason

as the supreme ruler and allowing ycuurself to be governed

by the law of God, O blessed one. You rightly became a

steward of God and received the holy anointing, leading

the mystical flock as a true shepherd, you who are the

adornment and treasure of hierarchs and triumphant

athletes.

2. Since you were their leader, the wicked emperor separated

you from your flock. oeeing you preach that the only King

is Christ our GCJd, immolated as a lamb and Savior of

mankind, he cruelly slaughtered you, thus gaining for you

the Kingdom of heaven and eternal fame.

1. You made your path through the waters in a wondrous way, O

illustrious Basil. Before death you had predicted that

you would be cast into the sea; you drifted upon the

waters and were finally given to the city of Amasea as a

precious treasure, a constant intercessor, and a fountain

of healing to ward off all types of sickness.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

SP i r i t now and alwavs and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

Aposticha from the Pentecostarion

Tropar i on (Tone 4)

Sharer in the Apostles' way of life and successor on their

J.hrones, inspired bXy God, y~u found asceFical erfo>-r as 'hn

.

mearls to contemplation ATud sc; dispensing rightly the wo--d

of tluth, you fought for the faith unto the shedding of yc,ul-

blood. O hieromartyr Basil, intercede with Christ God for

t hs sa ] vat i on of OU1 sou 1 s .

ORTHROS

(Ron: if Raya gives proper Kontakion, insert here;

otherwise:)

Kontah ion of the Pentecostarion

Synaxar ion

On April 26, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Basil, Bishp

of Amasea.

Wearil;g a robe of mp~rial purple dyed in your own blood,

O Basil, you rign now in heaver with Christ. Since he

never sacrificed to the emperors, the images of Zeus,

Basil was sacrificed on the went y -S i Y~t h .

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

ZS man

April 27

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Simeon,

Cousin of the Lord

(fith Class}

VESpF~Re,

At "n Lord, to You J call..."

(Tone 4)

3. Holy hierarch, most loyal of the triumphant athletes,

close relative to the Creator, admirable woIlderworkef

brilliant light: o Simeon, you were indeed a ~-uide f;?t

those who were lost, an unshakeable pillar of the Churcl-,

of Christ, an heir of the Kingdom on high, and equal in

dignity to the angels!

VFC pFpC6(r)

2. After torments of all types were inflicted orl your body

causing a multitude of wounds in your countless stJ-uggles,

you were sens t;-i the crcss, imitating Christ who allowed

Himself to be cruciLied. We rejoice in spirit today, O

wondr~nu~. Simeon. as we ~-eleb ate Your radiant memory.

1. Bathed in your OWn blood, O blessed one, you piously

entered into the temple of heaven. Standing before the

Holy Trinity, you radiantly shine with the splendors of

the age to come. As we receive remission of our sins at

your prayers, O Simeon, we joyfully celebrate your holy

memory.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

Aposticha from the Pentecostarion

Troparion (Tone 1)

O h i er arch Si,nevrl, we reverently acclaim you 5

the L(DrI1} .a coilFtant witness who destroyed

>;in of

erl~or

v~->;r

faultlœl~-ily kept the faitl, ~,s we celeh~~ ,tf J J 2a.9 y ;r

m;-rxioryt, by yc r prayers cVtain for us ^ e -zelaission --,f

s a

ORTHROS

iont ak i on (Tone 4)

T;-,day the Church obtains a brilliant star in the person of

Simeon, a perfect teacher of the things of God. Enlightened

by him, we cry out: "Hail, O holy crown of martyrs!"

Synaxar ion

On April 27, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Simeon,

Bishop of Jerusalem and cousin of the Lord.

As a relative of the God who was crucified on the Tree, O

Simeon, you drank from the cnalice of Christ. On !che

twenty-seventh, Simeon was lifted up on the cross.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen

April 28

Commemoration of the Holy Apostles Jason and Sosipater

(5th Class)

VESFE2S

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 1)

3. You renounced the pleasures of this life for love of

Christ to whom you consecrated yourselves as you followed

in His footsteps in faith. o Jason and Sosipater,

intercede with Him that our souls be granted peace and

great mercy.

VESFE2S

Z. O Jason and Sosipater, enlighten my mind whieh is darkened

by the passions; for you enlightened the wro]e world by

your divine teachings, driving back the shadows of

idolatry and leading mankind to complete salvation in

Christ our God.

1. Christ our God sent you forth, O Jason and Sosipater, to

call back those who were lost, leading them to salvation

through your wise teachings. Intercede with Him that our

souls be qranted Peace and ~ eat mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always an, Eorever and ever. Amen

From the Pentecostarion

Aposticha from the Pentecostarion

Tropar i on (Tone 3)

O holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God that He may

arant our souls the forgiveness of sins.

nRTEROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

Enlightened by the teachings of Saint Paul, O blessed ones,

you became guides for the whole world; for you give light to

the earth by your ceaseless miracles, O Jason, SOU1 ce of

heal ing, and Sospipater, wondrous witness to Christ.

uoc1bearirjg apostles, our protectols in danger, intercede with

God for the salvdl iOfj of our .-~,u;.-~

Ikos

Apostles, preachers of God, heralds of the faith, venerable

teachers of the faithful and their protectors: you st~;ltd

before God, wearing crowns, and are filled with His light.

We entreat you to grant us light that we may revel-enL ly

glorify your solemn feast with hymns in your honor We are

all your flock, rescued from error by grace. Since you are

saviors of the faithful, hasten to intercede confidently with

the Creator for the salvation of our souls.

Synaxar i on

On April 28, we commemorate the holy apostles Jason and

So ater, who are counted among the Seventy Disciples.

.J~ on reaches the end of this passing life, hut he

›AJJC'OUP .. .`S another l i 'e that ha*; no end When 4,:ht ear t"

lNe sh~(r)v-ele~ -ver S-,sipater, God openevl l;p f ~,r h i Sn S iH i

uIlfadillg glory in heaven. On the twenty-eighth, Jason was

lifted up from the earth, and Sosipater l(Doked upon the

dwelling of the Father.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save

: Rmon

ExapQst i I aria

(Tone 3) The brilliant feast of the divine apostles invites

the inhabitants of Corftl to enter into the celebration: Come,

al] of YOU and be filled with spiritual joy!

Ex.aDGstilarion from the Penter s t arion

April 29

Ccjmme~TIc,ralL ion of the Holy Martyrs of 5yzica

(5th Class)

VESPERS

AF "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. O wondrous witnesses to Christ, although the error of

idolatry prevailed, drawing all men to the abyss of

iniquity, you never .van~ered from the straight an~d narrow

way, nor did you abandon yourselves to godlessness. You

courageously fought the good fight. Put to death by the

sword, you received true life as your inheritance.

2. Theognis, Rufus, Antipater, Theosticos, Artemas and

Magnus, Theodotos, Philemon and thee wondlous Thaumasios

were resplendent in their martyrdom, shedding light upon

hearts caught in darkness. O faithfu], let us venerate

and bless them, ceZebrating them with hymn; and

remembering them with holy joy.

1. Bollqllet of martyrs, delightful hlossoms, band urited in

holiness, assembly formed by the eall of God, wondrolls

brotherhood, elect of God, blessed army, choir ofholy

ones- yol: fought the good fight for the sake of the Holy

Trinity. Entreat Him to bestow upon us the remission

of sins, Peace and great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

Aposticha from the Pentecostarion

Tropar i on (Tone 4)

Ycur martyrs, O Lord, received the crown of immortatity from

YOU, O OU1 God, on account of their struggle. Armed with

Your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors, and

crushed the powerless arrogance of demons. Through their

supplications, O Christ God, save our souls,

(Ron: check if Raya gives anrjther one isntead of this)

nRTHROS

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

The choir of nine martyrs, so resolute and resplendent,

confessors of the Threefold Divinity, with reason stood

before the judgment seat and sang to Him: "we offer our

souls, our bodies and our blood as an acceptable sacrifice tc

You, O Ll)rd God of c<~msdassion, that we may bel<~r,g to Your

choirs in heaven."

(RON: check if Raya givFles another Kontakion or another

translation of this one)

Synaxar i on

On April 29, we commemorate the holy martyrs of Cyzica:

The GgniS, Rufus, An LiPat er, Theosticos, Artemas, Magnus,

Theodo tos Thaumasios and Philemon.

As an image of the nine choirs of bodiless powers, these

nine lay aside all earthly cares. On the twenty-ninth,

they find the treasures of heaven.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on

us and save us. Amen.

April 30

Commemoration of the lioly and Glorious hpostle James,

the Brother of Saint John the Theolozian

(4th Class)

VESPERS

(If it is celebrated as a Feast of the3rd Class, use the

First Kathisma: Blessed the man.)

At "o Lord, to You I call.

(Tone 8)

3. James, hlessed eye-witness of God, when the Wold called

yGU as you worked, you responded at once, withnut being

dissracted hy the respert due your father nor your love

for him. Leaving behind your concerns in thi--, life, O

b'-s,sCd Ap~t-.t 1, P you (r)ast forth into tke depths of thought

with the teachings Gf the faith and the wondrous

revelations of the age to come.

2. James, blessed Apostle of Christ, by your works you served

the Word, the Lord of our life and of the age to come.

Like a new Jacob to Esau, you supplanted the seniority of

the descent of Israel who from its birth had made itself a

god. You obtained the Father's protection, winning his

inheritance and blessing.

1. o glorious James, the Lord has made you a prince over the

earth forever, ›s is writt;e,; the Psalms. Betallse of

your fervent zeal as a disc.ple of lhe Creator of all, you

were put to death by the sword of the impious the first

t rn m11 f f Pr f rnm the C hoc4en Twe 1 ve .

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone ø) You were first of the Twelve chosen by God, to

suffer death for your Master under the sword of Herod; you

were first to drink of the chalice promised you by the

Lover of Mankind; and you were also the first to be

welcomed by Him as a coheir of His Kingdom in heaven,

where you intercede together with your brother for the

salvation of OU1 souls.

v. Now and always and forever and e-ver. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

kIr it is celebratet-l as a Feast of higher rank, Entrance.

Joyful Light. Re>t1;r,gs: 1) James 1:1-12; 2) Jalr,ts 1:13-27;

3) James 2:1-13.

Aposticha (Tone 4)

1* Usir,g divine grace as youl- rod, wond-rous Ja~es, you fish

mankind from the sea of vain deceptions, obedient to the

command your Master gave to you. He has filled your soul

with lighl, o blessed one, making you an apostle and a

preacher of His ineffable Divinity.

v. Through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the

ends of the world their message.

2. The l,ight of the Spirit came down upon you in the for!ll of

fire, n blessed apostle James, and made you His ins.ruinent

to put to flight the shadows of godlessness, as you

illumined the world with the radiance of youl wise words,

O eye-witness of Christ.

v. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament

proclaims the work of His hands.

3. With the radiance of your teaching, O glc,rious apostle

James, you shed light on those who dwelt in the darkr,ess

of error, makiny them, through faith, sons of your Master

and our God. You imitated Him in His suffering 3.iv e8.th,

and thus became an heir of His glory as a true discipZe

ond hrrs 12 nf r7nd

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit .

(Tone 1) Holy apostle and martyr James, lamb chosen by the

Good Shepherd, you exult now with your brother in heaven.

Ask for us who celebrate your holy memory the pardon of

our sins and qreat mercy.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the pentecostarion

Tropar i on

(RON: insert the one found in Raya...I think there is a

proper one given)

ORTHROS

Use Festal Format, for Fourth Class Feasts

Sessional Hymns a,rter the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tor,e 2) The glorious apostle has caught the nations in his

ne. and has taught the whole world to adore You, O Christ our

God, together with the Father and the Spirit. By his

prayers, Lord, make firm Your Church, and send down Your

blessing upon the faithful, O only Lover of Mankind and

merciful Lord.

v. Glory be ... Now .....

From the Pentecostarion

zessional Hymns after the Secont1 Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4) Christ, the Sun of ~7ustice, sent- -YOU fO1th, O

glorious awtJstle James, as a lsay to el-itLghteJi the w}Lole

world. By y . prayers, shed the never-setting Light of God

UpOIl all the faithful who celebrate your holy memory.

v. Glory be ... RJow...

From the Per-ltecostarion

Kon t ak i on (Tone 2)

Hearing the voice of God calling, O glorious apostle James,

you left behind the love of your father and hastened with

your brother to Christ. Together with him, you were worthy

to hahold the divine Transfiquration of the Lord.

Ikos

You are a fisherman of the mystical fish, O blessed one.

Cast the net of your prayers to draw out from the sea of my

sins my soul which is captive to the pleasures of t'lis life.

Running the rest of the course of my life without ssumbling,

may I celebrate your name and glorify the holy life you led,

which allowed you on the mountain to behold the divine

Transfiguration of the I.ord.

(RON: if this must be reconciled with the transfiation given

i dya, do so mercifully...trying to leave the same ending

tU a~ree with the Ikcs)

>,ynaxal ion

On Apl-i 1 30, we Comn,tAmOrate the holy and glorious apostle

James, brothol- of Saint John the Theo]ogian.

Immolated as a lemh who was nourished hy grazing on the

words of the Paschal Lamb, the holy apostle .Tames he~omes

the -,econd martyr and is led to the pastures of heaven.

On the thirtieth, James is led to the 51 aughter by the

murdering sword.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us.

Amen .

Exapos t i 1 ar i on (Tone 2)

In the compassion of His he-lrt, O holy ~;~mes, the Word made

flesh chose you to be one of His Apostles and numbered you

invong their leaders. Is ior. with them, pray to Christ our

God fol us who celeL;-3tc yrvuI sly

From the Pentecostarion

Praises (Tone 4)

4. tJsing divine grace as your rod, ~ .-. James, yell fish

mankind from the sea of vain decepticsns, olrJedient 'o the

commaIld yor Master gave to you. He has filled your soul

with light, O blessed one, making you an apostle and a

preacher of His ineffable Divinity.

3. Using divine grace .... ( Repeat )

2. The Light of the Spirit came down upon you in the form of

fire, O blessed apostle James, and made you His instrument

to put to flight t t;Je she(lDws of godlessness, as you

i 1 lul~i. ed the wrjrld with tl-,e radiarsUtD f)f your wise words,

O eye-witness (>E C'lrist.

1. Wi i '-l the radiallce of your teac'^ , O glorious apostle

James, you shed Sight on thc,se who dwelt in the darkness

oœ erlor, makil-Lg theiii, thrcsugh faith, SOI1S of your Master

and our Gcsd. You imit<<'ed Him .I1 His suffering and deat'1,

and thus became an heir of His glory as a true disciple

nnd hRrald of God.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy

Spirit.

(Tone 8) Come, with psalms and hymns let us praise Saint

James, the preacher of the mysteries of heaven, the

servant of the Gospel of Christ. With heavenly rains,

this river frcslh the mystic Para(1ise >1aters the field of

our souls, making them fruitful for Christ nur God, who,

at his prayers, grants forgiveness and great mercy tcs all.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the Pentecostarion

Great Doxo 1 oqY .