June
Menaion
Service Books of the
Byzantine Churches
Sophia Press
Newton Centre, Massachusetts
Copyright
in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, taping, and any retrieval system, without the written
permission of Sophia Press, PO Box 248, Newton Center, MA 02459. Printed
in the United States of America.
In preparing this translation, we gratefully acknowledge
the French works of Fr. Deacon Denis Guillaume, which were extensively
consulted, and
Troparia and Stichera are taken, with permission. All texts from
Daily Worship
Ronald Golini, general editor.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Menaion.
(Service Books of the Byzantine Churches; 1-
Contents: v. 1 September v. 2 October v. 3 November v.
4 December v. 5 January v. 7 March v. 10 June v. 12 August.
1. Divine office - Texts. 2. Catholic Church - Byzantine
Rite, Melkite - Liturgy - Texts. I. Melkite-Greek Catholic Eparchy
of Newton (Mass.) II. Title. III. Series: Service Books of the Byzantine
Churches; 3, etc.
BX4711.365.M56 1984 264'.015 83-26559
June 1
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Justin the Philosopher
and His Companions
(5th Class)
O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the martyrs
Tone 2
3. Ignorance brought winter upon the whole creation at the instigation
of the enemy, and the worship of idols flourished; then, O holy martyrs,
with the warm spring<->time of your faith in God, you wholeheartedly
brought this winter to an end as you lovingly shed your blood for
the sake of Him who had shed His blood upon the Cross.
2. Inspired by God, you entered into your superhuman struggles, renouncing
your perishable bodies. Sustained by the power of the Mighty One,
you did not fear the fire nor the blade of the executioner. Bowing
your heads before God, you joyfully obtained your blessed end, O wondrous
martyrs.
1. Following Justin, the generous athletes Paeon, Valerian, Chariton,
Evelpistos and Charita, as well as the wondrous Hierax, dyed holy
garments with their blood. Clothed in them they stand together with
the angels in heaven in the presence of Christ, the Master and King
of All.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are the joy of the angels, the glory of men and
the hope of believers, O all-pure Lady, our protectress. Taking refuge
in you, we cry aloud with faith: <169>By your prayers, free us from
the snares of the enemy, dread shame and all affliction, for we acclaim
you as the holy Bride of God!<170>
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = What pain you felt, O pure Virgin, as you beheld your
Son and God upon the Cross. Weeping and mourning, lamenting, you said,
<169>Alas, my beloved Child, how can You suffer unjustly in order
to save the earthly children of Adam?<170> Thus, O holy Virgin, we
entreat you in faith: obtain for us the favor of your Son.
@RUBRIC = Aposticha of the Pentecostarion or Octoechos
Troparion of the Martyrs
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your martyrs, O Lord, received the crown of immortality
from You, O our 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.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Justin
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = With hymns, let us acclaim Justin the Philosopher,
the true herald of piety, the wondrous orator of the mysteries of
God; for by his wisdom and grace, the explanation of our faith has
been made more clear. He entreats God to grant remission of sins to
all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 1, we commemorate the holy martyr Justin the
Philosopher.
@SYNAX INDENT = Accused of folly, O Justin, you accepted the cup of
hemlock as a true philosopher. As you contemplated the great joy of
the eternal banquet, on the first of June, the earth seemed to be
nothing to you.
@SYNAX LEFT = On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyrs Justin,
Chariton, Charita, Evelpistos, Hierax, Paeon and Valerian.
@SYNAX INDENT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
@RUBRIC = Exapostilaria of the Pentecostarion or Octoechos.
Commemoration of our Father among the Saints, Nicephoros,
Archbishop of Constantinople, the Confessor
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Nicephoros
Tone 4
3. O Nicephoros, hierarch of God, in you we recognize a firm pillar
of the Faith, a rampart of sacred doctrine, a defender of piety, a
dwelling of purity, a precious flask filled with the myrrh of the
Spirit, a repository of teachings, upon whom rests the Church of Christ!
2. In you we celebrate a successor to the Apostles, a companion of
the martyrs, a faithful imitator of the ascetics, an image of the
great ecumenical teachers bearing their likeness, a blessed hierarch
initiated into the mystery of Christ, a divine river of healing who
drowns the malevolence of the impious in your streams.
1. Having multiplied the talent of wisdom entrusted to you, O blessed
one, you fittingly entered into the joy of your Lord, crowned by the
grace of the light of God, reflecting the mystic radiance of the Holy
Spirit. For<->ever, O glorious hierarch, you stand at the right hand
of the life-giving Master, in the inexhaustible glory of His heavenly
lights.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = I call you blessed, O all-pure one, for you rescued
mankind from the pit of despair and the abyss of evil. I sing to you,
O Bride of God, blessed by all generations, and I glorify your ineffable
maternity, for you gave birth to the Savior of the world, O holy Virgin,
and delivered the human race from the ancestral sentence.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = When Your Virgin Mother saw You upon the Cross, O Lord,
she was seized with amazement. Beholding You, she cried aloud: <169>Is
this what You receive in return for all Your blessings? Do not leave
me alone in the world, I beg You: but arise quickly, that our first
parents may rise with You!<170>
Troparion of Nicephoros
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Father and Hierarch Nicephoros, the holiness of
your life has set you before your flock as a rule of faith, an example
of meekness and a teacher of self-restraint. Where<->fore you acquired
greatness through humility and spiritual wealth through poverty. Pray
to Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Nicephoros
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Glorious Nicephoros, since you are a High Priest
of Christ and a teacher, you have deserved from the Lord Himself a
heavenly crown of victory. Therefore, save those who honor you with
faith.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 2, we commemorate our father among the Saints,
Nichephoros the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople.
@SYNAX INDENT = In his old age, Nicephoros sets out for the bosom
of Abraham, that other patriarch. On June 2, Nicephoros fulfills his
destiny and feasts at the banquet of Paradise in Eden.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Lucillian and his
companions
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the Martyrs
Tone 1)
3. Consumed by jealousy, the deadly children of the murderers of the
Lord betrayed you. Triumphing by your courage, O Lucillian, you received
the joys of Paradise. Continually intercede that our souls be given
peace and great mercy.
2. The wondrous and venerable Paula struggled at your side with faith,
as well as the holy youths who followed you as their father, O illustrious
martyr. Dwelling with them forever in heaven, entreat Christ that
our souls be given peace and great mercy.
1. O martyr of many struggles, your relics daily pour forth streams
of healing for the faithful who have recourse to you. They wash away
the passions and keep back the harm of the demons through the help
of the Holy Spirit. Intercede that our souls be given 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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = I am condemned, wretched, rejected and have no de<->fense<197>but
only shame, O spotless Virgin; take pity on me. Make haste to come
to save me when the Lord shall judge the world, and snatch me from
punishment. You have the power to do whatever you will.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing Christ hanging on the Cross, the Virgin said,
<169>A sword has pierced my soul, as the elder Simeon once foretold;
arise, O Immortal Lord, I entreat You, and glorify Your Mother and
Handmaid together with Yourself!<170>
Troparion of Lucillian
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = By your faith, O Lucillian, you shone like a radiant
star in the dark night of error. You fought the good fight and put
the treacherous tyrant to death. Together with the vener<->able Paula
and the four martyred youths, intercede for our souls before Christ.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Lucillian
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Through the torments you courageously confronted,
O Lucillian, you attained the dignity of the martyrs of Christ. In
company with Paula and the holy youths, you sing to the Creator: <169>Behold,
we are slaughtered like sheep for love of You, O Savior!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 3, we commemorate the holy martyr Lucillian,
the holy Paula and the four youths martyred with them: Claudius, Hypatios,
Paul and Dionysios.
@SYNAX INDENT = Lucillian, Paula and the four youths acquired the
hea<->venly crown at the price of their blood. Sent to the Cross on
the third, the holy martyr was proud to fill up in his own flesh what
was lacking in the sufferings of Christ.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Commemoration of our Father among the Saints, Metrophanes,
Archbishop of Constantinople
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Metrophanes
Tone 6
3. Having received the divine anointing in the Holy Spirit, you have
become holy and God-bearing; and you have constant access to the Holy
of Holies, as you shine with the splendor of God, initiated as a priest
through grace in the mysteries of salvation. You are truly a wondrous
hierarch who intercedes confidently for our souls.
2. Your life shone with the light of the virtues, O blessed Metrophanes,
and scattered the darkness of error. You were truly a radiant sun,
O holy hierarch, and now you dwell in the radiance of the never-setting
Light, having become a child of light by the grace of the Spirit.
As we celebrate your holy and light-bearing memory, O Met<->rophanes,
we glorify you with our whole heart.
1. Your spirit drew its beauty from the faith and its inclination
toward God and was radiantly divinized; in a mortal and corruptible
body, it brought about incorrupti- bility to the point of shining
like the bodiless angels. A radiant star, impassible, not subject
to the passions, O father and hierarch Metrophanes, you intercede
for our souls, and we 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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = With their divine vision, the prophets beheld you
from afar and foretold you in faith as a vessel, a staff, the tablet
inscribed by God, the ark, the table, the golden lamp-stand, the ladder,
the palace, the holy mountain, the litter of Solomon, the holy tabernacle,
the bridge leading from earth to heaven; we see these images perfectly
fulfilled in you, O spotless Virgin, and we proclaim your divine maternity.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Weeping and lamenting deeply at the sight of the Cross,
the Virgin stood by You, and she cried aloud in amazement with motherly
tears: <169>O Jesus, Lover of Mankind, what is this mystery I behold?
How can You die, Immortal One, in Your desire to grant life to the
dead? I sing of Your power and glorify Your ineffable condescension,
O my Son!<170>
Troparion of Metrophanes
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Father and Hierarch Metrophanes, the holiness of
your life has set you before your flock as a rule of faith, an example
of meekness and a teacher of self-restraint. Where<->fore you acquired
greatness through humility and spiritual wealth through poverty. Pray
to Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Metrophanes
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Holy Metrophanes, you taught and preserved Christ's
doctrine, greatly increasing the number of your sheep; wherefore,
you now live with the angels, enjoying eternal life and fervently
interceding with Christ for us all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 4, we commemorate our father among the Saints,
Metrophanes, Archbishop of Constantinople.
@SYNAX INDENT = Leaving mother on earth when old age withered you,
O blessed Metrophanes, you flew to the Father of all on the fourth.
There you found not somber funeral wreaths of myrtle, but the land
where the valiant re<->joice.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Dorotheos, Bishop
of Tyre
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Dorotheos
Tone 8
3. You are the book of the Holy Spirit, O Father blessed by God, for
you bore the writing of the divine teachings together with the knowledge
of God. When opened and read, you enlightened those who were in peril
through ignorance. As you intercede, obtain great mercy for us all.
2. Having dyed your hierarchical vestment crimson in the streams of
your own blood, O Dorotheos, you joyfully entered the temple of heaven,
into the presence of God who grants crowns of victory. There you entreat
Him to grant great mercy to us all.
1. Angelic was the life you led, and by your radiant witnessing, you
deserved to exult with the angels, filled with joy. On earth, you
had shone by your divine miracles and your teaching, O holy hierarch
Dorotheos: by your prayers, obtain great mercy for us all.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O pure Virgin, I am the barren tree mentioned by our
God, for I bear no fruit whatsoever worthy of salvation. And I fear
being cut down and cast into the never-dying fire. Thus, I entreat
you to deliver me from it; make me bear fruit by your intercession
with your Son, O spotless Virgin!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing her Lamb placed on the Cross by the impious,
the virginal Ewe cried aloud in tears and said: <169>Alas, O my beloved
Son! Is this what You receive from a thankless people in return for
Your great blessings, that they deprive me of You, O my sweet Child?<170>
Troparion of Dorotheos
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Sharer in the Apostle's way of life and successor
on their thrones, inspired by God, you found ascetical effort as the
means to contemplation. And so, dispensing rightly the word of truth,
you fought for the faith unto the shedding of your blood, O hieromartyr
Dorotheos. Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Dorotheos
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = Holy hieromartyr Dorotheos, you preached the doctrine
of Orthodoxy and offered yourself to the Creator as a holy oblation;
you excelled in the ascetical life and fought with great courage at
the time of your martyrdom: wherefore you received a deserved crown
from Christ God.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 5, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Doro<->theos,
Bishop of Tyre.
@SYNAX INDENT = <169>Considering all that Christ suffered,<170> thought
Doro<->theos, <169>the whips that scourge me are merely child's play!<170>
On the fifth, his poor body was completely covered with wounds.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of our Venerable Father Hilarion the
Younger, Hegumen of the Dalmatos Monastery
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Hilarion
Tone 4
3. Having lived an irreproachable life in patience, gentleness, compunction,
unfeigned charity, self-mastery, night-long vigils, faith, hope and
compassion, you seemed to be an angel in a body on earth, O blessed
father Hilarion. Intercede for our souls before God.
2. You were a heavenly man, an earthly angel, O blessed one, a fountain
of compunction, a river of compassion, an ocean of miracles, a corrector
of sinners, a fruitful olive tree for our God, making the faces of
the faithful gleam with the oil of your labors; and they acclaim you,
O venerable father Hilarion.
1. Enlightened by the knowledge of God, your spirit triumphed over
the bodily passions without being stained by mire here below. But
you bore the image of our King, reflecting the beauty of God so as
to be in His likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit, O splendor
of monks, venerable father Hilarion!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-pure Palace of the great King, O Virgin all worthy
of our hymns: I entreat you to purify my spirit, stained by so many
sins. Make it an acceptable dwelling-place for the Trinity, that I,
your unworthy servant, may be saved, magnifying your power and great
mercy.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When she saw You, her Child, lifted up on the Cross,
O Lover of Mankind, Your Mother cried aloud in tears: <169>How can
You willingly suffer this Passion, O You who came forth from me without
suffering, O almighty God who deliver our condemned human nature from
the ancestral suffering? I sing of Your ineffable condescension, O
my Son!<170>
Troparion of Hilarion
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = In you, O Father Hilarion, 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. Where<->fore your soul is forever
in happiness with the angels.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Hilarion
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = Hilarion, courageous fighter, the fire in which you
were thrown did not harm you in the least because you had obtained
a reviving dew that came down from God. Your battles were fought beyond
human endurance while you rejoiced with the saints. Remember us together
with them.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 6, we commemorate our venerable father Hila<->rion
the Younger, Hegumen of the Dalmatos Monastery.
@SYNAX INDENT = Having suffered imprisonment and scourging, Hilarion,
with joy of heart and spirit, finds Jesus as his heavenly Host on
the sixth.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Theodotos, Bishop
of Ancyra
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Theodotos
Tone 1)
3. With a joyful heart, you bravely went to your struggles, O holy
martyr, fearing neither painful torments nor violent death; thus,
O Theodotos, you were crowned with light after fighting the good fight.
2. By the rending of your flesh, you slew the enemy, O blessed one;
and your words pierced their hearts like arrows. With the streams
of your own blood, you put a complete halt to the encroaching waves
of the godless.
1. You courageously endured the flames searing all your members; when
your back was broken by blows, O holy martyr, you began to sing: <169>Neither
death nor life nor any type of trial can separate me from the love
of the Lord!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Joy of the angels in heaven, protectress of mankind
on earth, O pure Virgin, save us who take refuge in you; for<197>after
God<197>we place all our hope in you.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = O God our Savior, the Virgin who bore You, saw You,
the Lamb and Shepherd, upon the Cross, and she cried aloud in tears:
<169>My sweet Child, Light of the World, how can I see You nailed
as a criminal upon the wood of the Cross?<170>
Troparion of Theodotos
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Sharer in the Apostle's way of life and successor
on their thrones, inspired by God, you found ascetical effort as the
means to contemplation. And so, dispensing rightly the word of truth,
you fought for the faith unto the shedding of your blood, O hieromartyr
Theodotos. Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Theodotos
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Ordained to the dignity of a hierarch, you imitated
the victories of the martyrs. Thus, O Theodotos, receiving a double
crown in heaven, you exult with the bodiless angels, interceding for
our souls in the presence of Christ.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 7, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Theo<->dotos,
Bishop of Ancyra.
@SYNAX INDENT = Striking with a sword, an arm (why did not the arm
of God wither it?) made Theodotos become a gift for God. On the seventh,
slaughtered without flinching, he reaches the harbor of Paradise like
a skilled pilot.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Transfer of the Remains of the
Holy and Great-Martyr Theodore, General of the Armies (Stratilates)
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Theodore
Tone 4
3. In the Spirit, you showed yourself to be a generous athlete, an
invincible soldier. You overthrew the enemy by the wisdom of your
words and the endurance you showed in your struggle. Thus you received
the crown of victory and joined the festive assembly in heaven, O
Theodore, glory of martyrs!
2. Raised on a cross, stripped of your skin, you were wounded by sharp
arrows. By the power of Him who was nailed to the Cross, your remained
steadfast and invincible, even stretched on a tree, much-tortured,
and beheaded by a sword, O Theodore, glory of martyrs!
1. O blessed Theodore, you are a perfect image of the Faith: denying
the false idols of the impious, you were offered as a sacrifice, a
pure victim acceptable to Him who was sacrificed for you. He glorifies
your sacred memory and gives you as a treasury of miracles to the
whole world.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = In the arena of the martyrs, you fought courageously
against error, O Theodore; and your fiery tongue confounded the cruel
Licinius. As you exult with the angels, O blessed one, ask Christ
our God to take pity on us on the day of judgment.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Lady, receive the prayers of your servants: deliver
us from all peril and all affliction.
Aposticha of Theodore
Tone 5
1. Hail, holy Theodore, soldier of Christ, who put to flight the battalions
of the enemy by the arms of Faith. O support of the faithful believers,
who won the Kingdom of Heaven at the cost of many torments, you exult
there now, divinized in your communion with God and radi<->ant in
the most pure light. Remember those who vener<->ate your wondrous
memory today and prostrate them<->selves in faith before your sacred
relics. From them flow healing and great mercy for your faithful suppliants.
v. God is wonderful among His Saints, the God of Israel.
2. Hail, venerable head of the martyr, wondrous relic, sacred treasure,
beauty of the Church and destroyer of the enemy! You are truly a gift
of God, as your name signifies, a lighthouse beaming miracles over
all, a strong pillar which could not be shaken by the blows of cruel
punishments. You slew the dragon with the lance of your patient endurance.
O invincible soldier, entreat Christ to grant our souls great mercy!
v. God has displayed wonders in the Saints who dwell in His land:
all His good pleasure is upon them.
3. O martyr, you destroyed the idols by means of the Cross. You endured
scourging, O blessed one; and on the tree to which you were tied,
you patiently bore slashing, beating and burning. You were lifted
up on a Cross and pierced by arrows, which destroyed your eyes. Thus,
we call you blessed, O Theodore, who fought the good fight and won
the heavenly crown. Entreat Christ to grant our souls great mercy!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR APOSTICA = O faithful, let us praise Theodore, whose name means
<169>gift of God.<170> He has inherited blessedness. Let us rightly
bless him, the noble great-martyr, the defender of all: for he intercedes
for our souls before Christ our God.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR APOSTICA = The heavens sing of your grace, O unwedded Mother,
and we glorify your ineffable maternity; O Theotokos, intercede for
the salvation of our souls.
Troparion of Theodore
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = You became a brilliant general in the royal armies
of the King of Heaven, O Theodore the Triumphant! You fought courageously
with the weapons of faith and put the legions of demons to flight.
Wherefore we praise you with fervor at all times.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Theodore
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Theodore, pride of martyrs, you put on the armor
of faith and took the Word of God as a spear to vanquish the enemy.
In the company of the martyrs, do not cease to intercede with Christ
God on behalf of us all.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Come, all you faithful: let us crown the splendid martyr
Theodore with our hymns: for his brilliant miracles have pointed him
out to the world as a great gift of God. Having triumphed over the
hostile Belial by the power of Christ, he rained down a flood of healings
by the blood he poured forth. He exults now with the martyrs, and
does not cease to intercede with Christ God on behalf of us all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 8, we commemorate the transfer of the relics
of the holy and great-martyr Theodore, General of the Armies.
@SYNAX INDENT = <169>My earthly homeland receives my poor remains,
while I behold myself dwelling in the homeland of the saints!<170>
The body of Theodore enters to the sound of trumpets, as a treasure
being transferred, while he makes a gift of blessings from heaven.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Having broken the attacks of the enemy and brought
down the arrogance of the demons, you received the crown from the
hand of your Creator, O blessed Theodore, as a witness to the Truth;
and you save us from all the snares set up by the enemy.
@AFTR EXAPOST = The choirs of bodiless angels celebrate your wondrous
maternity: for you alone have filled all things with joy and happiness.
Thus, we the faithful glorify you and sing your praises, O spotless
Virgin, for you have made a Light dawn upon our darkness, like the
Morning-star.
Aposticha of the Octoechos or Pentecostarion, with:
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR APOSTICA = You have been revealed to the world, O holy martyr
Theodore, as a treasure of divine life, a gift of holiness: for Christ
has glorified your memory; and we the faithful, in choir, sing joyfully
of the accomplishments of your sacred struggles.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with
the Fruit of Life: wherefore we implore you, O Lady, to intercede
together with the martyrs and all the saints that we may obtain mercy
for our souls.
Commemoration of our Father among the Saints, Cyril,
Archbishop of Alexandria
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Cyril
Tone 4
3. Your mind illumined by the light of the Spirit, you became a radiant
sun, shining your teachings like rays upon the whole world; you gave
light to the assembly of believers, O blessed father, and drove back
the darkness of heresy by the power of the mystic Sun who rose from
the Virgin.
2. The entire Church is adorned by the elegance of your discourses,
O Cyril, thrice-blessed hierarch. She is radiant in the splendor of
the Faith as she reverently venerates your memory, O glory of the
Orthodox, spokes<->man for the Fathers gathered in Council, and champion
of the all-holy Mother of God!
1. O learned Cyril, by the fire of your teachings, you burned up the
weeds and thorns of heresy. The depth of your thoughts swallowed up
the stubborn army of evil-thinkers. Your wise teaching remains the
daily beauty of the Church of believers who venerate you with a loud
voice.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are the restoration of those who have fallen,
the resurrection of mankind, which had been put to death, O all-holy
Virgin who gave birth to the Son of God, equal to the Father in our
understanding. Born of you, He united our flesh to the Divinity. Entreat
Him to deliver from dangers and trials all those who glorify you in
the purity of the Faith.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When Your Virgin Mother saw You upon the Cross, O
Lord, she was seized with amazement. Beholding You, she cried aloud:
<169>Is this what You receive in return for all Your blessings? Do
not leave me alone in the world, I beg You: but arise quickly, that
our first parents may rise with You!<170>
@AFTR THEOTOK =
Troparion of Cyril
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Guide of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness,
star of the universe, glory of Hierarchs, wise Cyril, inspired by
God. By your teachings you enlightened us all, O Harp of the Spirit.
Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Cyril
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Cyril, through the power you received from Christ,
you answered the questions of heretics and enriched the Church with
your sublime doctrine, weeding out the errors of Nestorius; wherefore,
O blessed one, you now stand with the choirs of angels before Christ,
unceasingly interceding that He may grant forgiveness of sins to us
all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 9, we commemorate our father among the Saints,
Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria.
@SYNAX INDENT = In Cyril, I sing of a friend of my Lord, and also
the champion of my ever-Virgin Lady. On the ninth, he found in heaven
the blessedness he sought. Through him, may our souls also find mercy.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Alexander and Antonina
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the Martyrs
Tone 1)
3. Inspired by the light of the divine Trinity, this martyred couple
struggled valiantly. Together Alexander and Antonina suffered many
torments for Christ; and now they entreat Him to grant our souls peace
and great mercy.
2. Venerable Antonina, you received a double crown as a virgin and
martyr, for you triumphed over the cunning of the enemy both before
your passion and at the hour of your struggles. Intercede before Christ
that He grant our souls peace and great mercy.
1. Lifted up on a tree, your hands cut off, burned by fire and cut
by the knife, then thrown into a pit where you reached your blessed
end, O victorious athletes worthy of admiration, you never denied
the God of all!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-holy Temple of God, more spacious than the hea<->vens
and higher in honor than the Cherubim, O Virgin full of grace: fill
my spirit also, enlighten the eyes of my heart; and by your intercession,
grant me the remission of my sins, I pray.
@AFTR THEOTOK =
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing You unjustly slaughtered, O Christ, the Virgin
cried aloud in tears: <169>Sweet Child, how can You suffer this injustice?
How can they suspend upon the Cross the One who suspended the earth
upon the waters? Do not leave me alone, I beg You, O Benefactor of
the world and Infinite Compassion, for I am Your Mother and the Handmaid
of the Lord!<170>
Troparion of the Martyrs
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = Let us all sing of the holy martyred couple, the
renowned Alexander and Antonina. They shone with faith and love as
they fought the good fight, and they shed the light of healing upon
those who sing with all their heart, <169>Glory to Him who strengthened
you! Glory to Him who crowned you! Glory to Him who through your intercession
has mercy on us all!<170>
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of the Martyrs
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = The memory of the holy martyrs is worthy of praise.
O faithful, let us celebrate it by singing a hymn of lauds, and by
giving thanks and saying, <169>O Christ God, You are the Might of
Martyrs!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 10, we commemorate the passion of the holy martyrs
Alexander and Antonina.
@SYNAX INDENT = In death Antonina as well as Alexander discovered
a boat that ferried them to blessedness. On the tenth, although they
were forced to descend into the fiery pit covered with pitch, they
really ascended into heaven covered with honor.
@SYNAX LEFT = By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew (Nathaniel)
and Barnabas
(4th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Bartholomew
Tone 4
6. As you proclaimed the Word of God, O holy Apostle, using your tongue
as a net, you drew the whole world up from the depths of vain idolatry
and deadly godlessness, in order to lead it to Christ in faith, to
that God who had given you grace as His chosen disciple, O Bartholomew.
5. Jesus, the Sun of Glory, sent you forth to the world as a ray of
light to scatter powerfully the darkness of godlessness and illumine
those who lay in the night and sleep of error. You were to make them
children of light and day, O Bartholomew!
4. Obedient to the will of the One whose will is followed by all creation,
and imitating Him as a teacher of Truth, you joyfully drank from the
chalice of your passion as you died on the cross. And now you rejoice
forever together with the angels and apostles in the presence of the
Object of your desire, O Bartholomew!
For Barnabas
3. Holy Apostle, you received invincible might over de<->mons and
the power to drive out the very prince of darkness in the name of
Christ. Like the sun, you travelled about giving light to the whole
world. Being the first to arrive in Rome, O glorious Barnabas, you
proclaimed there the saving coming of Christ our God.
2. Imitating the supreme Goodness, you led a life like that which
our God lived in the flesh, O apostle Barnabas. In union with your
Master, you were a man who did all things well and earned the name
<169>son of consolation.<170> By the excellence of your life and the
purity of your spirit, you helped believers live in grace.
1. O Barnabas, you became a wondrous harp played in a harmonious manner
by the divine action of the Spirit. You were charged to call the nations
to the knowledge of Christ. By your words and works, you were to transform
the whole world. And you gave it light that it might confess the true
divinity of Jesus, the Savior of our souls!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = With hymns of praise, let us venerate the true heralds
of the Faith, the bright stars of the Church, Bartholo<->mew and Barnabas,
the teachers of believers, the initiates of Christ our Savior. Sowing
the word of truth in the hearts of believers, they enabled them to
bear a harvest of salvation. They intercede before Christ that our
souls be saved.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = You are not repentant, O my hardened soul! Why do
you delay? Behold, the hour of death approaches and the end swiftly
comes upon you. Make haste to pros<->trate yourself before the Mother
of God!
@RUBRIC = Outside the Pentecostarion:
Aposticha
Tone 1)
1. Through all the earth, your saving voice resounds, enlightening
lost souls, O holy Apostles, eye-witnesses of God. In grace, you led
enlightened mankind to Christ. Intercede before Him that our souls
be given peace and great mercy.
v. Through all the earth, their voice resounds, and to the ends of
the world their message.
2. Shining lights, most pure vessels of Jesus Christ, you received
complete enlightenment from the Spirit in faith. Pillars of the Church,
wondrous heavens declaring the glory of God: intercede before Him
that our souls be given peace and great mercy.
v. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims
the work of His hands.
3. O blessed ones, you led to Christ our God the nations redeemed
by the blood of Him who willed to be born on earth and to die on the
Cross. Intercede before Him that our souls be given peace and great
mercy.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR APOSTICA = Disciples of the Savior, you passed throughout the
whole world burning up the error of idolatry like weeds. Enlightening
it by your teachings about God, you saved the nations, drawing them
up from the depths of ignorance to which they had sunk. You led them
to the knowledge of God. Intercede before Christ that He be merciful
to us on the day of judgment.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Lady, receive the prayers of your servants: deliver
us from all peril and all affliction.
Troparion of the Apostles
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Apostles, intercede with the Merciful God
that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = We praise you, O Virgin Theotokos, mediatrix of our
salvation, for your Son our God who suffered on the cross in the flesh
which was taken from you redeemed us from corruption, for He is the
Lover of mankind.
ORTHROS<
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 1)
@AFTR SESSIONL = The choir of apostles was sent out into the world
by the Most High God. They healed passions as they preached the one
Divinity of the Three Persons, and they wisely described the divine
Incarnation of Emmanuel.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = O Virgin, we sing to you as the unconsumed bush seen
by Moses, the holy cloud, the mountain of God, the spotless tabernacle,
the divine table, the palace of the Great King, the sealed Gate radiant
with Light.
@AFTR SESSIONL =
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Like stars, you have illumined the whole world with
radiant light through the doctrine of your holy preaching, O apostles
of the Lord, heavenly initiates!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = O faithful, let us call the holy Theotokos blessed;
she is the fervent protectress of the afflicted, our help, our reconciliation
with God, through whom we were rescued from death.
Kontakion of Barnabas
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Barnabas, you became a perfect and faithful servant
of the Lord: you were first of the Seventy Disciples. Worthy to be
the companion of Paul in his preaching, you proved to all that Christ
was the Savior; wherefore, we celebrate your divine memory with hymns
and songs.
Kontakion of Bartholomew
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = You appeared to the world as a shining star, enlightening
with the splendor of your teachings and the wonder of your miracles
all those who honor you, O Bartholomew, holy Apostle of the Lord.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = As a disciple of the Word, understanding His sacred words,
you made those who had been slaves of godlessness become children
of light. Casting your nets into the depths of ignorance, you caught
the obedient nations. As for the spirits who had grown wild and untended
through error, you restored them, laboring with the plow of God; you
extinguished the burning fever of idolatry with the dew of your radiant
preaching; you made children of wrath become sons of God, O Bartholomew,
holy Apostle of the Lord.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 11, we commemorate the holy apostles Bartholomew
and Barnabas.
@SYNAX INDENT = Imitating Christ to the very end, Bartholomew endured
passion on a cross as a disciple. The enemy threw stones at Barnabas;
but the many blows polished him like a sapphire. On the eleventh,
Lord, they crucified Your friend.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Today as is right, let us acclaim Bartholomew and
Barnabas, for as Apostles and Disciples of Christ, they intercede
before Him for us who keep their sacred memorial as a feast.
@AFTR EXAPOST = You are truly the golden censer, the dwelling-place
of the uncontainable Trinity, O Virgin Mary: for in you the Fath<->er
was well-pleased; in you the Son took up His dwelling; and you were
overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, making you the Mother of God.
Praises
Tone 4
4. Jesus our God, the Sun of Glory, sent you forth into the world
as a ray of light to scatter powerfully the darkness of godlessness
and illumine those who lay in the night and sleep of error. You were
to make them children of light and day, O Bartholomew!
3. Jesus our God, the Sun of Glory...
2. You were the pure dwelling of the Holy Trinity, you who shone radiantly
with virtues. Receiving His light in your heart, O Barnabas, you sent
forth to the limits of the universe a ray more brilliant than the
sun; as a divinely-inspired apostle, you illumined those who lay in
the shadow of ignorance.
1. Like clouds, O blessed ones, you poured down rain from heaven to
the very limits of the universe in order to refresh the souls of believers
with the grace of God that they might bear fruit. Thus, you uprooted
the weeds sown by the impious, O holy apostles. Wherefore, we sing
praises in your honor.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 5
@AFTR PRAISES = Just as was foretold in the Gospel by the Wisdom of
God, the Word coeternal with the Father, O wondrous apostles, you
are branches bearing the sweet ripe grapes. Partaking of them, we
the faithful are filled with joy and happiness. O Bartholomew, divinely-inspired,
and Barnabas, son of divine consolation, ceaselessly intercede for
our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR PRAISES = All of us the faithful call you blessed, O Virgin
Theo<->tokos; and we rightly glorify you as the unshakeable city,
the indestructible rampart, the fearless protectress and refuge of
our souls.
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology. Troparion of the Apostles. Litanies and
Dismissal.
Commemoration of our Venerable Fathers Onuphrios and
Peter of Athos
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the Fathers
Tone 8
3. Onuphrios, divinely-inspired father, lead me along the narrow road
of the virtues, for I dwell in the desert of the passions. By your
prayers, lead me along the path of repentance, that I may fulfill
the commandments of God and rejoice in the inexhaustible true God;
thus I shall celebrate your memory with joy.
2. Onuphrios, divinely-minded father, you endured the heat of the
day and the cold of night as you awaited the coming of the Kingdom.
Putting to death your earthly members, you found life in heaven, as
you entered into the banquet chamber where you joyfully contemplate
the wondrous beauty of the divine Creator.
1. Onuphrios, divinely-minded father, withdrawing from the confusion
of the world you reached the heights of the spiritual life. Seeking
the very Source of all good, you attained the Object of your desire.
Radiant now in that brilliant Light, save us from the darkness of
sin by your prayers, O blessed one!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Holy father, the whole world acknowledges your just
deeds. By them, you have received the recompense of your labors in
heaven. You destroyed the hosts of demons and joined the choirs of
angels, whom you had imitated by your pure life. In the boldness which
you possess before Christ our God, ask peace for our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are truly the giver of the divine gifts, O Virgin
Bride of God, for it was One of the Holy Trinity, Christ, the Giver
of Life, whom you bore in the flesh for the salvation of our souls.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing You hanging on the Cross, the all-holy Theo<->tokos
cried out to You in tears: <169>O my Son and my God, my beloved Child,
how can You suffer this unjust Passion?<170>
Aposticha
Tone 4
1. Desiring that blessedness which surpasses all understanding, you
took your delight in abstinence, O holy father; you made renunciation
your true wealth, poverty your only treasure, fasting your celebration;
thus the desire of your heart was fulfilled, for you now live in the
dwelling of the Saints, O Onuphrios!
v. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His holy ones.
2. You ran the race of asceticism to a good finish without hesitation:
you kept the faith, and thus you received the crown of justice prepared
for you by Christ. He rewards each one according to his merits, giving
honors in exchange for suffering and trials. Entreat Him to save us
from all danger.
v. Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all His
commands.
3. In disciplining your body, you renounced all pleasures, O holy
father, dealing harshly with your senses by temperance and austerity,
patience in trials and perseverance in affliction. In return, you
received unending joy, the continual delight and eternal happiness
of heaven.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR APOSTICA = We honor you, O holy father, as the spiritual guide
for all monks, for you have taught us all to walk the straight path.
Blessed are you who have served Christ and have trampled down the
power of the enemy. O companion of the angels, the just and the saints,
intercede together with them before the Lord that He might have mercy
on our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O Lady, receive the prayers of your servants; deliver
us from all peril and affliction.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing her Lamb placed on the Cross by the impious,
the virginal Ewe cried aloud in tears and said, <169>Alas, O my beloved
Son! Is this what You receive from a thankless people in return for
Your great blessings, that they deprive me of You, O my sweet Child?<170>
@AFTR THEOTOK =
Troparion of Onuphrios
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = You appeared as a citizen of the wilderness, an angel
in the flesh and a wonderworker, our God-inspired Father Onuphrios.
By fasting, vigils and prayer, you received heavenly gifts; You cure
the sick and the souls of those who run to you in faith. Glory to
Him who gave you this power; Glory to Him who crowned you; Glory to
Him who through you performs healings for all.
Troparion of Peter and Onuphrios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O God of our Fathers, who always deal with us according
to your compassion, do not remove your mercy from us, but through
their intercession direct our lives in peace.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Onuphrios
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = You appeared to all the hermits in the desert as
a bright star, a light shining in the darkness, as you were indeed
in the hermit's life, O holy father Onuphrios! Wherefore, do not cease
to intercede for us all.
Kontakion of Peter of Athos
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Peter, you planted in your own heart the spiritual
principles that made you a vessel of holiness for the Indivisible
Trinity. You obtained the grace of miracles and gave glory to God
by singing, <169>Alleluia!<170>
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Charity, that resplendent light, the summit of all the
virtues, which filled the heavenly hosts, the patriarchs, the prophets
and the apostles with grace and happiness, has been made your sacred
dwelling; through your prayers, may we come also to dwell in it, that
with you, we may give glory to God by singing, <169>Alleluia!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 12 we commemorate our venerable father Onu<->phrios
the Egyptian.
@SYNAX INDENT = The commandment was that we should have but one tunic.
You surpassed it, O Father, by having none at all! On the twelfth,
completely stripped, Onuphrios left behind his only vestment, the
envelope of his body.
@SYNAX LEFT = On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father
Peter of Athos.
@SYNAX INDENT = Christ stretched out his hand; taking it, you escaped
drowning in the sea of life, O Peter, although you were scarcely clothed.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = Your sublime life became a model of perfect piety
for all the hermits; for, willingly harnessed by the Spirit, O father
Onuphrios, you invite them to walk under the yoke of discernment.
@AFTR EXAPOST = In you, O divine Mother, we have our glory; in you,
we find our advocate before God. Stretch out your invincible hand
to crush our enemy; by your prayers, may God send us help from His
sanctuary.
Praises
For Onuphrios
Tone 8
4. Onuphrios, divinely-minded father, imitator of Elias in spirit,
you withdrew from worldly confusion, renouncing the desires of the
flesh and dwelling joyfully in the desert. On the wings of your soul,
you flew to heaven, O blessed father, where you acquired the rights
of citizenship.
3. Onuphrios, divinely-minded father, imitator of Elias in spirit,
you withdrew from worldly confusion, renouncing the desires of the
flesh and dwelling joyfully in the desert. On the wings of your soul,
you flew to heaven, O blessed father, where you acquired the rights
of citizenship.
2. Onuphrios, venerable father, having reverently acquired holiness
of spirit, you endured trials, strengthened by faith. United to God
by love, you took up your dwelling in that earth which the meek shall
inherit, radiant with the light of the virtues; thus we celebrate
your memory with joy.
1. Onuphrios, blessed father, having received ineffable gifts from
heaven, you hand on your ascetic wisdom to those who love you. You
have heard the voice of the One who calls the blessed, from the interior
of the bridal chamber where you now exult before the throne of the
Almighty, O wondrous and thrice-blessed one!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 2
@AFTR PRAISES = God-bearing Father, you wished to contemplate the
beauty of the Lord, to be alone with Him; thus, leaving the world,
you went to dwell in the mountains and deserts. There, having put
on Christ, you had no further need of clothing, for you had obtained
the garment of immortality. Robed in it, you went into the heavenly
bridal banquet, O venerable Onuphrios, where you rejoice throughout
the eternal ages.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR PRAISES = All my hope I place in you, O Theotokos; keep me under
the wings of your protection!
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Aquilina; and of our
Holy Father Triphillias, Bishop of Leucosia of Cyprus
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Aquilina
Tone 4
3. We celebrate your radiant memorial, O martyr victorious in combat,
virginal bride made resplendent by the Holy Spirit. With faith, we
bow before your holy reliquary, drawing from it healing for our sufferings.
We rightly glorify you, O Aquilina, all-worthy of acclamations.
2. Smitten with love for your Creator, you imitated His sufferings
in your flesh, enduring a strong storm of torments. You live forever
in heaven, bearing the unfading crown in never-ceasing glory. O Aquilina,
you contemplate the One whom the choirs of angels behold in joy.
1. As a dowry, O venerable one, you brought your Bride<->groom the
shreds of your mistreated body. Thus you were worthy of His radiant
bridal chamber, and the Most High made you shine with the light of
His divine glory. You stand before Him with joy; intercede for us
who celebrate your memory with faith.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Divine Bride, Mary, with the streams of your love,
wash away the mire from my heart, dry up the sea of my sins, and grant
that I might repent, incorrigible as I am; in you who gave birth to
the harbor of mercy, I place all my hope, O all-spotless Virgin.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When she saw You, her Child, lifted up on the Cross,
O Lover of Mankind, Your Mother cried aloud in tears: <169>How can
You willingly suffer this Passion, O You who came forth from me without
suffering, O almighty God who deliver our condemned human nature from
the ancestral suffering? I sing of Your ineffable condescension, O
my Son!<170>
Troparion of Aquilina
@AFTR STAVRO = Your ewe lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud
voice: <169>O my Bridegroom, I long for You and I struggle in my quest
for You. I am crucified with You and buried with You in your Baptism.
I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You; I die for You in
order to live with You.<170> Accept her as an immaculate victim, since
she is immolated for your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful
One, save our souls.
Troparion of Triphillios
@AFTR TROP/KON = Sharer in the Apostles' way of life and successor
on their thrones, inspired by God, you found ascetical effort as the
means to contemplation. And so, dispensing rightly the word of truth,
you fought for the faith unto the shedding of your blood, O hieromartyr
Triphillios. Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Aquilina
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O virgin Aquilina, Christ your Bridegroom, the Fountain
of Eternal Life, gave you the power to heal and to save us from deep
suffering and grave disease, for you have been purified by shedding
your blood and have received the martyr's crown.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 13, we commemorate the holy martyr Aquilina.
@SYNAX INDENT = O divine Bridegroom, prepare the radiant bridal chamber;
Aquilina, a new bride, is taking wing toward You. On the thirteenth,
the martyr bows down her head to the executioner's sword, but receives
the crown from the impartial Judge.
@SYNAX LEFT = By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Elisha and of our
Father among the Saints, Methodios, Archbishop of Constantinople,
the Confessor
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Elisha
Tone 8
6. Hail, wise prophet Elisha! Having purified your heart of all carnal
pleasures, you gloriously received the lights of the Spirit which
you radiantly communicated to all. You were totally transfigured in
light; thus you dwell in the presence of the never-setting Light,
and you ceaselessly pray for us who acclaim you.
5. When Elias, zealous for God, the driver of the heavenly chariot,
was departing from you, O blessed Elisha, he made you shine with a
double portion of grace. Imitating his deeds, you stopped the flow
of the river, then later gloriously set it free. You now shine in
splendor as you magnify Christ our God.
4. For the faithful Shunamite woman, you once obtained a child through
grace; later, you raised him from the dead by your prayers, working
these miracles as a proph<->et of God. With salt, you purified the
waters that caused miscarriage, O blessed prophet. Thus we sing to
you who work great wonders by the grace of the all-powerful Spirit.
For Methodios
Tone 4
3. O Methodios, hierarch of God, in you we recognize a firm pillar
of the Faith, a rampart of sacred doctrine, a defender of piety, a
dwelling of purity, a precious flask filled with the myrrh of the
Spirit, a repository of teachings, upon whom rests the Church of Christ!
2. You were an instrument moved and played by the breath of the Holy
Spirit. Your fiery voice thundered forth the truths of God, and you
consumed the stubborn weeds of the impious who would not revere the
material image of the Lord, the icons of our God and His spotless
Mother.
1. At one and the same time, you were a member of the order of priests,
the assembly of ascetics, and the choir of martyrs. For the sake of
Christ, you remained steadfast, even to the shedding of your blood,
denouncing the folly of the wicked judge who afflicted you at the
order of the impious emperor. You came forth safe and sound from the
cave in which you had been imprisoned, O venerable father!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = O Prophet who foretold Christ, you are never separated
from the throne of His divine majesty, yet you are always present
at the side of those who suffer; for, by serving in heaven, you bring
blessings to the whole world, which glorifies you in all places. Entreat
grace and pardon for our souls!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are truly the giver of the divine gifts, O Virgin
Bride of God, for it was One of the Holy Trinity, Christ, the Giver
of Life, whom you bore in the flesh for the salvation of our souls.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing You hanging on the Cross, the all-holy Theo<->tokos
cried out to You in tears: <169>O my Son and my God, my beloved Child,
how can You suffer this unjust Passion?<170>
Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:
v. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His holy ones.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 4
@AFTR TONE IND = Today the Church of God is clothed for a feast and
joyously cries aloud: <169>My beauty shines more brightly than any
city: behold, the treasure of hierarchs, the glorious Methodios, arrives
in heaven!<170> Come, feast-lovers! All you orthodox Christians, gather
together! Let us draw healing in abundance from the holy relics, and
let us entreat Christ our God to deliver the world from all heresy!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = O faithful, with hymns let us honor the two great
proph<->ets, the stars shining upon the world: Elias and Elisha! Let
us sing to Christ with joy, <169>In the compassion of Your heart,
O Lord, through the prayers of Your famed prophets, grant Your people
remission of our sins and great mercy!<170>
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = The heavens sing of your grace, O unwedded Mother,
and we glorify your ineffable maternity; O Theotokos, intercede for
the salvation of our souls!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing her Lamb placed on the Cross by the impious,
the virginal Ewe cried aloud in tears and said, <169>Alas, O my beloved
Son! Is this what You receive from a thankless people in return for
Your great blessings, that they deprive me of You, O my sweet Child?<170>
Troparion of Elisha
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = The glorious Elias, an angel in the flesh, the greatest
of the prophets and second Forerunner of Christ's advent, by sending
a blessing from heaven upon Elisha, dispels diseases, purifies lepers
and showers all kinds of blessings upon those who honor him.
Troparion of Methodios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Father and hierarch Methodios the holiness of your
life has set you before your flock as a rule of faith, an example
of meekness and a teacher of self-restraint. Wherefore you acquired
greatness through humility and spiritual wealth through poverty. Pray
to Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Methodios
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Methodios, you fought on earth as one already deliver<->ed
of his body, and thus deserved heaven. You proclaimed throughout the
world the righteousness of the veneration of icons, spending most
of your days in hardship and effort. You now still rebuke those who
do not honor the icon of Christ.
Kontakion of Elisha
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O blessed Elisha, you lived the life of a prophet
of God, wherefore you received an abundance of graces; and now, together
with Elias, you intercede fervently with Christ our God in favor of
us all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 14, we commemorate the holy prophet Elisha.
@SYNAX INDENT = A chariot carries up Elias; but his double portion
is brought down by a spiritual chariot as he enters the Elysian fields.
June fourteenth chimes with your departure to your destiny on high,
O prophet Elisha.
@SYNAX LEFT = On the same day, we commemorate our father among the
Saints, Methodios, Archbishop of Constantinople.
@SYNAX INDENT = The breath of death extinguishes that burning candle,
Methodios the Confessor, whom the Church venerates.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = From being a laborer, O Elisha, you became a prophet;
receiving the mantle of Elias, you were endowed with a double portion
of his spirit; thus we venerate you together with him.
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = Rising like the sun in the East, you set as a confessor
in the West; but the world has been left with the light of your wise
teachings; O God-bearing father Methodios, intercede for us!
@AFTR EXAPOST = In you, O divine Mother, we have our glory; in you,
we find our advocate before God. Stretch out your invincible hand
to crush our enemy; by your prayers, may God send us help from His
sanctuary.
Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Methodios, the great hierarch, rose like a star of
Faith after the setting of the visible sun; passing through the confused
darkness of heresies, he has gone to rest in the true East of the
Sun of Justice, Christ our God. There, in the choir of bodiless angels,
before the throne of the Trinity, as a monk, hierarch, witness and
patriarch who united contemplation with the practice of the virtues,
he entreats great mercy for us who celebrate his holy memory in faith.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are not repentant, O my hardened soul! Why do
you delay? Behold, the hour of death approaches and the end swiftly
comes upon you. Make haste to pros<->trate yourself before the Mother
of God!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O Christ, when Your Mother saw You crucified, she
cried aloud: <169>O my Son, what amazing mystery do I behold? How
can You, the Giver of Life, die in the flesh, hanging upon a Cross?<170>
Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Amos and of our Venerable
Father Jerome, the Hermit of Bethlehem
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Amos
Tone 2
3. In the purity of your heart, O prophet, the Light of the Spirit
has found a mirror reflecting its radiance. It has made the knowledge
of God shine upon the world, and it foretold in images the mysteries
of God and the grace which all were to receive.
2. You were the spokesman for God; unequivocally you reprimanded the
workers of iniquity, promising them an inevitable and deadly judgment,
O blessed prophet, in conformity with the demands of justice and the
Word of God. Thus, as we see your wise sayings fulfilled, we sing
fitting praises to you.
1. O blessed prophet, God made you an initiate in His ineffable judgments;
you gave light and illumined the nations, O Amos, as you foretold
the Trinity. Thus we glorify your wondrous memory. Deliver from all
misfortune all those who acclaim and celebrate you with faith.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You have given birth to the Fountain of Life, the
Nectar of Immortality, Christ our Lord; O all-pure one, pour forth
on me the streams of His pardon and bring sweetness to my soul with
thoughts of God, that I may fulfill the commandments of salvation.
Thus, by keeping them, may I reach the harbor of salvation where I
may glorify you!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = What pain you felt, O pure Virgin, as you beheld your
Son and God upon the Cross. Weeping and mourning, lamenting, you said,
<169>Alas, my beloved Child, how can You suffer unjustly in order
to save the earthly children of Adam?<170> Thus, O holy Virgin, we
entreat you in faith: obtain for us the favor of your Son.
Troparion of Amos
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = We celebrate the memory of your prophet Amos, and
through him we implore You, O Lord: save our souls.
Troparion of Jerome
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Guide of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness,
Star of the universe, glory of monks, wise Jerome inspired by God.
By your teachings you enlightened us all, O Harp of the Spirit. Intercede
with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Jerome
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = Delighting in continence, O wise-in-God, you repressed
the urges of the flesh. You glowed with faith and bloomed like an
orchard in paradise, O holy priest and father Jerome.
Kontakion of Amos
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Purifying your heart by the Spirit, you accepted
the gift of prophecy. You stood up, O wondrous prophet Amos, and cried
aloud to the nations: <169>This is our God, and you shall have no
other before Him!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 15, we commemorate the holy prophet Amos.
@SYNAX INDENT = That peasant who once tended sycamore trees now harvests
the fruits of heaven without having tended them. On June fifteenth,
Amos saw that his days had been completed, and he joined those who
had first tended the trees in the garden of Eden.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of our Holy Father Tikhon the Wonderworker,
Bishop of Amathonte on Cyprus
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Tikhon
Tone 8
3. Living an angelic life, you became a vessel of God through abstinence
from pleasures; wherefore, divine grace fittingly elevated you to
be a pillar and support for the Faith. For your people, you were a
chief shep<->herd leading the flock of the Lord to pastures near the
waters of Orthodoxy, O thrice-blessed hierarch, inspired by God.
2. Filled with divine knowledge, you became a shepherd of the spiritual
flock which you nourished with wisdom and reason in the pastures of
the teachings of truth. Wherefore, we venerate your sacred memory,
highly glorifying the Lord who glorified you. O blessed hier<->arch,
wise in God, intercede for the salvation of our souls.
1. Our God, who blesses those who bless Him, blessed you with miracles:
as your feast was being celebrated, a withered vine was seen to bear
rich clusters of grapes during the divine mysteries. Those who taste
of them with faith, as they rightly honor you, find great blessings
for their bodies and sanctification for their souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Ever-Virgin, unwedded Theotokos: who has ever called
upon your protection without quickly being delivered from his need?
In you he finds an invincible aid, a most sure protection, an unshakeable
tower, an impregnable fortress. Refuge of Christians, divine and spotless
Moth<->er of God, intercede for the salvation of your servants.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When she saw her Lamb, her own Son, nailed to the
Cross, the Mother Ewe was pierced in her soul by a sword of sorrow;
lamenting, her heart broken, she sorrowed and cried aloud: <169>Alas,
O my Son, how can You suffer this? Long-suffering Lord, I glorify
Your pa<->tience toward all!<170>
Troparion of Tikhon
@AFTR TROP/KON = You appeared as a citizen of the wilderness, an angel
in the flesh and a wonderworker, our God-inspired Father Tikhon. By
fasting, vigils and prayer, you received heavenly gifts; You cure
the sick and the souls of those who run to you in faith. Glory to
Him who gave you this power; Glory to Him who crowned you; Glory to
Him who through you performs healings for all.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Tikhon
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy one, you became an example of the eremitical
life highly pleasing to God; wherefore you obtained from the Spirit
Paraclete on high the power to destroy the idols of error, to save
people, to cast out devils and to heal the sick. Holy Tikhon, we honor
you as beloved of God!
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 16, we commemorate our father among the saints
Tikhon, Bishop of Amathonte on Cyprus.
@SYNAX INDENT = Tikhon, whose soul never perished by submitting to
the seducer, joyfully finds imperishable life in heaven. On the sixteenth,
although his body is lowered into the tomb, he remains a radiant shepherd
for the Church.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Manuel, Sabel and
Ishmael, and of the Holy Martyr Isaurus and his Companions
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Manuel and his companions
6. Like stars brighter than fire, O wondrous and victorious martyrs,
you illumine the ends of the earth with the light of God. You bring
about the disappearance of the darkness of corrupting passions, dangers
and demons. Thus, we gather together today to celebrate your holy
and radiant feast.
5. The admirable Manuel, the blessed Sabel and the most wise Ishmael
are honored by sacred hymns. They rever<->ently proclaimed the uncreated
Trinity in the face of the enemy, drowning in the streams of their
own blood the error of idolatry; and they have received imperishable
glory.
4. The wicked emperor unjustly commanded the foolish worship of false
gods. You conquered him through wisdom, O Manuel, Sabel and Ishmael,
far-famed holy ones, blessed martyrs. Having fought the good fight,
you intercede for the world, crowned with wreaths of victory which
you yourselves wove.
For Isaurus and his companions
Tone 4
3. Under the torments which broke you during the agony of torture,
in the jails where you were imprisoned, at the blade of the knives
gashing you, and even at the point of your violent death, you never
sacrificed to the idols or denied Christ. Wherefore, you gained the
radi<->ance of heaven, where you intercede before the Lord for all.
2. The illustrious Isaurus, the constant Innocent, the godly Basil,
wondrous Felix, famed Hermias and Peregrine make the earth become
heaven by their miracles splendorous with the light of God. O faithful,
let us call them blessed as servants of the Lord, who drive away the
passions from our souls at all times.
1. Your reliquary has become for us a fountain pouring forth the grace
of healing; from it, we draw the health that frees us from passions
and all types of sickness. Each year we acclaim you as companions
of the angels and servants of the Lord, holy and great martyrs who
intercede for our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = By pure and sincere love for You, O Word of God,
the holy martyrs put an end to fire worship; and leaving the land
of the Chaldaeans, they burned with Your own light. Protected by the
armor of Faith, they confounded the tyrant Julian. The illustrious
Manuel, the ever-to-be-remembered Sabel and the thrice-blessed Ishmael,
sing to You with the Father and the Spirit; and they intercede for
the salvation of our souls!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Hail, pride of all! Hail, overshadowed mountain, our
refuge and temple of the Lord! Hail, golden lampstand, glory of the
Orthodox! Hail, holy Mary, Mother of Christ our God! Hail, Paradise,
holy table! Hail, tabernacle of God and golden vessel, hope of all
Christians!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Lord, what do I behold? You who hold all creation
in Your hand are nailed to the Cross! You, the Author of life, are
put to death!<170> Thus spoke the all-holy Theo<->tokos when she saw
upon the Cross the God-Man whom she had borne in a wondrous manner.
Troparion of the Martyrs
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your martyrs, O Lord, received the crown of immortality
from You, O our 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.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Manuel, Sabel and Ishmael
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O martyrs perfectly blessed, because of your perfect
faith in Christ, you drank of the cup of His sufferings with generous
hearts. You renounced the idols of the Persians, and being three persons,
proclaimed your belief in the Holy Trinity. Intercede for us all.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Jesus, Giver of Life, send upon me the clear light of
Your divine goodness, that I may sing of the martyrs who for your
sake fought to the point of death, nobly vanquishing all enemy power
and scattering the falsehood of idolatry. Strengthened by the power
of the Cross, they withstood torments and received glory from the
Holy Trinity. For<->ever they intercede for us all.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 17, we commemorate the holy martyrs Manuel,
Sabel and Ishmael.
@SYNAX INDENT = Javelins were thrust at Ishmael, Manuel and Sabel,
the martyrs who came from Iran. On the seventeenth, iron pierced the
three brethren.
@SYNAX LEFT = On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Isaurus
and his companions: Basil, Innocent, Hermias, Felix and Peregrine.
@SYNAX INDENT = Isaurus split the head of the ancient beast; but he
and his companions were separated from their heads; they preferred
nothing to the love of God.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Leontius
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Leontius
Tone 8
3. What shall we call you, O illustrious martyr? An oblation from
Greece, since it is your homeland? The puri<->fication of Phoenicia,
since there you were sacrificed? A light shining in the darkness,
a valiant combatant, unbowed beneath the blows: manifold is your glory,
O blessed Leontios. ntercede for the salvation of our souls!
2. How shall we invoke you, O victorious athlete? A soldier of Christ,
defeating the enemy? A subduer of the passions, fighting for the Faith?
A friend of the poor, feeding the hungry, loving justice, a divinely-minded
martyr? Countless were your sufferings, re<->splendent your struggles!
Intercede for the salvation of our souls!
1. Who would not admire you, O Leontios? Attaining the Fountain of
all truth as your dwelling, you refresh be<->lievers with a veritable
river of blessings. You freely offer your gifts to all who thirst,
and you bring joy to those who drink from the streams of your goodness.
Intercede 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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = To what can I compare you, O my poor soul? For you
refuse to repent and have no fear of the fire as you persist in evil!
Arise, call upon our only prompt help! Say to her, <169>Virgin Mary,
entreat your Son and our God to save me from the snares of the evil
one!<170>
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing her Lamb willingly placed on the Cross, the
Ewe Lamb cried aloud as a mother, weeping and lamenting: <169>What
is this wondrous sight, O my Son? You give life to all; how can You
die, O long-suffering Lord who resurrect mankind? I glorify Your infinite
condescen<->sion, O my God!<170>
Troparion of Leontios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your martyr, O Lord, received the crown of immortality
from You, O our God, on account of his struggle. Armed with your strength,
he has vanquished his persecutors and crushed the powerless arrogance
of demons. Through his supplications, O Christ God, save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Leontios
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = Wise Leontios, you exposed to shame the wiles of
tyrants and the impious errors of pagans. By healing the faithful
of their diseases, you filled the choirs of angels with joy. Wherefore,
we celebrate your memory.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 18, we commemorate the holy martyr Leontios
and his companions, Hypatios and Theodulos.
@SYNAX INDENT = The body of Leontios quickly became an iron anvil
under the blows of a hammer. On the eighteenth, Leontios was beaten
down under the blows.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Apostle Jude, Brother of
the Lord
(4th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Jude
Tone 1)
6. O blessed Apostle, you were a disciple of Christ our God, the Word
made flesh. He sent you as a sheep among wolves to change by your
words their impiety into faith and knowledge of the Trinity. Wherefore,
we acclaim you.
5. Apostle worthy of admiration, you were sent forth like an arrow
to strike and bring down the hordes of de<->mons. For those who had
been wounded, you brought about healing through the grace of our God.
Intercede with Him that He may grant our souls peace and great mercy.
4. Divinely-inspired Apostle, you were a ray of that Sun which dawned
from the Virgin: you illumined the hearts of believers and scattered
the shadows covering the creation. Intercede with God that He may
grant our souls peace and great mercy.
3. Glorious Apostle, your message has gone forth like light to the
very limits of the universe, leading all from the dark error of godlessness
to the never-setting Sun. As you shine in glory now, ask great mercy
for our souls.
2. Apostle worthy of admiration, as a true chariot of Christ, you
trampled down the arrogance of the false gods. By the Word of God,
you led those who had been their captives to the freedom of the incorruptible
life. As you rejoice there now, ask peace and great mercy for our
souls.
1. Jude, blessed Apostle, you were a disciple of Christ our God, the
Word made flesh. He sent you as a sheep among wolves to change by
your words their impiety into faith and knowledge of the Trinity.
Wherefore, we acclaim you.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Your brethren praise you, O Apostle Jude, as the
broth<->er of the Word who shone forth from the Father before all
ages and who took flesh from the Virgin in a won<->drous manner in
these latter days. O holy Apostle, never cease to implore Him to grant
peace to the world, and remission of sins and great mercy to us who
honor you.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = Who would not call you blessed? Who would not sing
a hymn of praise to the glory of your giving birth without pain or
travail, O Virgin most holy? The Only-begotten Son Himself, begotten
of the Father before all ages, was made flesh out of you in a manner
that cannot be explained, O woman most pure! And for our sake, He
who is God by nature assumed the nature of man. He is not divided
into two persons; He is understood to have two natures without commixture
or confusion. O noble and blessed woman, intercede with Him that He
may have mercy on our souls!
@AFTR TONE IND =
Aposticha of Jude
Tone 4
1. Holy Apostle, you received invincible power over the demons and
were able to drive out the Prince of Darkness in the name of Christ.
Like the sun, you travelled throughout the whole world, giving light
and instructing every land, O wondrous Jude, as you preached the first
Coming of the Savior.
v. Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words
to the limits of the universe.
2. Imitating the Most High God, the life led by our God in the flesh,
O apostle Jude, you were truly good by your communion with your Master.
Filled with the grace of God, you were seen to be a chosen disciple
of Christ by the excellence of your life and the purity of your spirit.
v. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth
the work of His hands.
3. Having become an instrument harmoniously played by the divine action
of the Spirit, O holy Jude, you were directed to call the nations
to the knowledge of Christ and to transform the whole world by your
words and deeds. You enlightened it so that it could profess the true
divinity of Jesus, the Savior of our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 2
@AFTR APOSTICA = Zealous for God, O apostle Jude, worthy of all praise,
you burned with love for God Most High, who granted you the gift of
working wondrous miracles. By your unequalled fervor, O blessed one,
you were united to the true Life. You live above the heavenly choirs,
O apostle and eye-witness of God: entreat Christ, the Word of God,
to grant us great mercy!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR APOSTICA = O wondrous event exceeding every miracle that ever
happened! Who ever heard that a mother could conceive without a man,
and that she would hold in her arms the One who contains the whole
universe? This was the will of the One who was born of you. O Woman
most pure, never cease to intercede for us who honor you, together
with the One you carried in your arms as a Child. You have the power
of a Mother: therefore, intercede with Him that He may have mercy
on us and save our souls.
Troparion of Jude
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = O holy Apostle Jude, intercede with the Merciful
God that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Another Troparion of Jude
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Jude, we offer you a hymn of praise, seeing
that you are a kinsman of the Lord, a courageous martyr triumphant
over error, and a keeper of the faith. Wherefore, celebrating your
holy memory today, we obtain by your prayers the remission of our
sins.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = When Gabriel greeted you, O Virgin, with his voice
the Lord of all took flesh in you, O Holy Ark, as the just David called
you. You have been revealed as more spacious than the heavens, in
bearing your Creator. Glory to Him who dwelt in you, glory to Him
who came from you, glory to Him who delivered us through your Maternity.
ORTHROS<
@RUBRIC = Use the festal format for 4th Class feasts.
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 2
@AFTR SESSIONL = Catching the nations in his nets, the Apostle taught
the very limits of the universe to worship You, O Christ our God,
together with the Father and the Spirit. Strengthen our faith through
his prayers; send your blessing upon the faithful, O You who alone
rest among the saints.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = Through you, O Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary,
we have been able to share in the nature of God. You have given birth
for us to God clothed in our human nature. Thus, as is just, we all
reverently magnify you.
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Christ, the Sun of Justice, sent you forth like a
ray of light to illumine the whole world. O holy apostle Jude, by
your prayers before God, enlighten with the never-setting Light all
the faithful who celebrate your sacred memory.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = No one who puts his trust in you is put to shame,
O you who alone wondrously gave birth in the flesh to Christ our God.
Together with the holy Apostles, entreat Him to grant remission of
sins to all and the amendment of our life before the end.
Kontakion of Jude
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Apostle Jude, brother of the Lord and His witness,
a preacher of Christ perfect in your wisdom, you came forth from a
noble ancestry. You nourish the whole world with the wealth of your
doctrine, teaching the Orthodox Faith of the Lord, for you are closely
related to Christ, the Source of Grace.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 19, we commemorate the holy apostle Jude.
@SYNAX INDENT = Your relationship with Christ, your membership in
the choir of His disciples, and your passion give us many reasons
to glorify your name. Under a rain of arrows on the nineteenth of
June, O holy Jude, you found shelter in blessedness.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your Apostle, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = O holy apostle Jude, you completed your earthly course
of evangelization and set out on the heavenly road with rejoicing.
Ever in the presence of the Trinity, you behold the Son and the Spirit
in the Father. Thus, with faith, we keep your holy memory as a feast.
@AFTR EXAPOST = Remembering the awesome hour of judgement and the
multitude of my sins, I tremble and am afraid. But, O all-pure Virgin,
intercede with fervor on my behalf; since you can do all that you
will, grant that I may find salvation.
Praises
For Jude
Tone 5
4. By the will of God, you preached to all the Incarnate Word who
willed to be like us without undergoing change. You were His relative
in the flesh and His true disciple, and you beheld His glory in the
purity of your spirit. Thus, venerating you, we celebrate your memory,
O herald of God, holy Jude; and we sing to you with faith: <169>Ceaselessly
entreat Christ to grant the whole world unity, peace and great mercy.<170>
3. By the will of God...
2. A mountain flowing with the sweetness of God<197>that is what we
wish to call you, apostle Jude. You are a peaceful river issuing from
the immaterial springs of the Spirit to stanch the flow of godlessness
and mystically refresh the hearts and consciences of believers, a
melodious trumpet heralding the divine manifestation of the Word to
save the creation. Ceaselessly entreat Him to grant the whole world
unity, peace and great mercy.
1. Blessed Apostle, your brethren praise you as a brother of God and
tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. Clearly illumined by His light, you
are a glowing ember that consumes error and enlightens all the faithful
with the radiance of your pure teachings. Thus, venerating you as
a never-setting dawn, we celebrate your holy memo<->ry with faith,
singing to you: <169>Ceaselessly entreat Christ to grant the whole
world unity, peace and great mercy!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 2
@AFTR PRAISES = Renouncing the things here below, you followed Christ.
Sanctified by the breath of the Holy Spirit, you were sent by Him
to the lost nations to turn the people to the light of the knowledge
of God. Having fought the good fight for love of God, you commended
your soul to Him amidst your many torments. Blessed apostle Jude,
en<->treat Him to grant us great mercy.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR PRAISES = Virgin Mother of God, save your servants from all
evil. After God, it is in you that we all seek refuge, as our protection
and unshakeable rampart.
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology. Troparion of Jude. Litanies and dismissal.
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Methodios of
Patara
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Methodios
Tone 4
3. Your memorial radiantly dawns for us, O bishop Metho<->dios, bringing
us a model for salvation. Thus today we sing to you, celebrating your
struggles and the good fight you fought, through which you vanquished
the enemy despite his clever treachery. You now joyfully bear the
crown of victory.
2. By your words, you gave light to the whole Church; and by the light
of your struggles, O divine hierarch, you scattered the darkness of
the many false gods. Now you dwell forever in the light of the never-setting
Sun. Wherefore, radiant with faith, we celebrate today your resplendent
festivity.
1. Dying your priestly vestment with the purple of your own blood,
you enter jubilantly clothed in it into the Holy of Holies. There
you behold the divine splendor of the Trinity, clearly initiated into
the mysteries which surpass our understanding, as you are wholly divinized.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-pure Palace of the great King, O Virgin all worthy
of our hymns: I entreat you to purify my spirit, stained by so many
sins. Make it an acceptable dwelling-place for the Trinity, that I,
your unworthy servant, may be saved, magnifying your power and great
mercy.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing Christ nailed to the Cross, His side pierced
by the soldier's lance, the all-pure Lady cried aloud in tears: <169>Is
this what You receive in return from a thankless people for all Your
blessings? Will You leave me childless? God of compassion, my Beloved,
I am struck with wonder at Your voluntary crucifixion!<170>
Troparion of Methodios
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your blood cries out from the earth like that of
Abel, O wise hierarch, for you clearly preached the divine Incarnation.
Thus, like an excellent shepherd, you drove away heresies, like wolves,
from the fold, O Methodios, guardian of the Faith.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Methodios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Sacred initiate of the Holy Trinity, preacher of
the ineffable plan of our God, you confirmed the Orthodox Faith and
confounded the teachings of error. You shed blood for Christ and now,
as a bishop and martyr, you stand before Him with the angels: entreat
Him for our salvation.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 20, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Metho<->dios,
Bishop of Olympas and Patara.
@SYNAX INDENT = On the twentieth, O Methodios, you passed from the
winding and often-blocked paths of the earth to that life without
twists or turns. The bishop Methodios falls under the sword as a brave
athlete, and his voice begins a hymn in heaven.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Julian of Tarsus
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Julian
Tone 4
3. Blessed martyr Julian, we see you as a radiant sun shining mystic
rays upon all on earth and driving away the dark night of godlessness.
We celebrate your holy and light-bearing memory as we bow before your
relics, drawing strength for our souls.
2. Scourged, cruelly wounded, imprisoned, dragged about, afflicted,
thrown to the wild beasts, you were then cast into the depths of the
sea to drown, thus reaching your happy reward. In all of this, O blessed
glory of the martyrs, you never renounced the King of All.
1. When the holy woman saw you cast up from the depths of the sea
upon the shore to which the Spirit directed you, she received you
with faith. She buried your noble body which had fought the good fight,
triumphing over the arrogance of the demon with the help of grace.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are the restoration of those who have fallen,
the resurrection of mankind which had been put to death, O all-holy
Virgin who gave birth to the Son of God, equal to the Father in our
understanding. Born of you, He united our flesh to the Divinity. Entreat
Him to deliver from dangers and trials all those who glorify you in
the purity of the Faith.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When Your Virgin Mother saw You upon the Cross, O
Lord, she was seized with amazement. Beholding You, she cried aloud,
<169>Is this what You receive in return for all Your blessings? Do
not leave me alone in the world, I beg You: but arise quickly, that
our first parents may rise with You!<170>
Troparion of Julian
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your martyr, O Lord, received the crown of immortality
from You, O our God, on account of his struggle. Armed with your strength,
he has vanquished his persecutors and crushed the powerless arrogance
of demons. Through his supplications, O Christ God, save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Julian
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Let us all praise Julian today, that invincible soldier
of the Faith, the herald and defender of truth. Let us say to him,
<169>Intercede for us before Christ our God!<170>
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = From childhood, you walked in the way of the Lord and
reverently wished to be His witness. Willingly taking up your cross,
you put down the monstrous error of idolatry, destroying the enemy's
temples, his plots and vain babbling. Thus we seek your protection
with faith, O blessed and wondrous Julian, saying, <169>Intercede
for us before Christ our God!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 21, we commemorate the holy martyr Julian of
Tarsus in Cilicia.
@SYNAX INDENT = A sack bears a burden truly worthy of heaven: it is
Julian, who was cast into the bitter depths of the sea. On the twenty-first,
by a demented order, Julian is launched into the sea, enclosed in
a sack.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Eusebios, Bishop
of Samosate
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Eusebios
Tone 8
3. What shall we call you, O wondrous martyr? True bishop, holy teacher,
watchman over the Church, pillar of Orthodoxy, lamp shining with the
light of heaven, defender of the truth, who shared the glory of the
martyrs as you courageously denounced error? Intercede for the salvation
of our souls!
2. What shall we call you, O bishop? A river flowing from the mystic
paradise to refresh the earth with the streams of the Spirit? A chalice
filled by the river of God to drown the followers of Arius? A pillar
of fire that leads the new people by the grace of God? Intercede for
the salvation of our souls!
1. What shall we call you, O Eusebios? A minister of the Faith, a
destroyer of impiety, joy of priests and jewel of martyrs, a scythe
that cuts down the weeds and harvests the wheat for heaven, an inexhaustible
spring of mir<->acles, driving off the fiery fevers of maladies? Intercede
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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = To what can I compare you, O my poor soul: for you
refuse to repent and have no fear of the fire as you persist in evil!
Arise, call upon our only prompt help! Say to her, <169>Virgin Mary,
entreat your Son and our God to save me from the snares of the evil
one!<170>
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing her Lamb willingly placed on the Cross, the
Ewe cried aloud as a mother, weeping and lamenting: <169>What is this
wondrous sight, O my Son? You give life to all: how can You die, O
long-suffering Lord who resurrect mankind? I glorify Your infinite
condescension, O my God!<170>
Troparion of Eusebios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Richly enlightened by the wisdom of the Spirit, you
illumined the language of Faith for us, O illustrious Euse<->bios;
then, as a bishop, you wisely overcame error as you fought for the
Trinity. O blessed Father, entreat God to save us all!
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Eusebios
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = You lived your life in holiness as a bishop, then
took the road of martyrdom, O hierarch Eusebios. You extinguished
the flames and embers of heresy. By the boldness which you have before
Christ our God, entreat Him to grant salvation to our souls.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 22, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Euse<->bios,
Bishop of Samosate.
@SYNAX INDENT = Although an Arian woman hurled a brick that smashed
the holy bishop's head, it quickly became for Eusebios a martyur's
crown. On the twenty-second, as his body fell down to earth, Eusebios
went up to heaven as a victorious martyr.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Agrippina
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Agrippina
Tone 4
3. If Rome is a garden, then you are the beautiful rose blooming therein,
O Agrippina who fought the good fight. For you perfume the hearts
of believers with the gentle fragrance of your virtues; and by grace,
you take away the stale small of the passions, O strong support of
the Church and jewel of martyrs, sea of miracles and glory of virgins.
2. Christ our God has granted you to Sicily as a pearl of great price,
O martyr of Rome. There, by your presence and protection, you drive
away the multitude of dark demons. Thus we call you blessed and celebrate
today your holy passion, O Agrippina, who fought the good fight.
1. By order of Him who carries all things, O martyr Agrippina, Paula
and Bassa carried you from place to place and even across the wide
sea, while you worked mir<->acles by the grace of God. Then you rested
in the place where God wished, there to offer rest to the oppressed.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-pure Palace of the great King, O Virgin all worthy
of our hymns: I entreat you to purify my spirit, stained by so many
sins. Make it an acceptable dwelling-place for the Trinity, that I,
your unworthy servant, may be saved, magnifying your power and great
mercy.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When she saw You, her Child, lifted up on the Cross,
O Lover of Mankind, Your Mother cried aloud in tears: <169>How can
You willingly suffer this Passion, O You who came forth from me without
suffering, O almighty God who deliver our condemned human nature from
the ancestral suffering? I sing of Your ineffable condescension, O
my Son!<170>
Troparion of Agrippina
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your ewe lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud
voice: <169>O my Bridegroom, I long for You and I struggle in my quest
for You. I am crucified with You and buried with You in your Baptism.
I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You; I die for You in
order to live with You.<170> Accept her as an immaculate victim, since
she is immolated for your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful
One, save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Agrippina
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Behold, the radiant day of your glorious exploits!
Cele<->brating them, the Church of God invites us all to sing to you
with joy: <169>Hail, virgin and martyr, venerable Agrippina!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 23, we commemorate the holy martyr Agrippina.
@SYNAX INDENT = O Agrippina, entrusting your body to the executioners,
you were entrusted with a diadem in heaven. On the twenty-third, Agrippina
died of her wounds.
@SYNAX LEFT = By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Feast of the Nativity of the Honorable and Glorious
Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist
(3rd Class)
@VES/ORTH = GREAT VESPERS
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the Forerunner
Tone 4
8. By his birth, holy John has put an end to the silence of Zachariah:
for it is not fitting for the father to be silent when the voice crying
in the wilderness has come and foretells the coming of Christ. As
he formerly bound his father's unbelieving tongue, so now does he
free his father when he appears. As he was announced, so was he born,
the Voice of the Word, the Forerunner of the Light, who intercedes
for our souls.
7. By his birth...
6. Today the Voice of the Word releases the voice of his father, held
back through unbelief. He prophesies the fruitfulness of the Church
by loosing his mother's bonds of barrenness. Before the Light comes
the lamp<->stand, the reflection of the Sun of Justice, the ray which
announces His coming for the renewal of all and the salvation of our
souls.
5. The Word of God wished to be born of a Virgin: a messenger goes
before Him, born of a barren womb. He is the greatest of those born
from women, the greatest of the prophets: John the Baptist, an initiator
of the divine plan, a fruitfulness beyond age followed by a conception
without seed. Glory to You, O God, who work for wonders for our salvation.
4. Today from the fruitless womb of Elizableth the great Forerunner
appears, the greatest of all the prophets: none is or ever will be
greater than he. For the exceedingly bright Light followed the Forerunner,
who was the lampstand; and the Word, the Bridegroom, followed the
Voice of him who led the bride and made the multitude ready for the
Lord, cleansing them first through water in the presence of the Spirit.
He is the son of Zachariah, the dweller in the wilderness, the preacher
of repentance, the cleanser of errors. It was he who announced to
those in Hades the good news of the Resurrection from the dead, and
he intercedes for our souls.
3. O Holy John, from the very womb of your mother you were a prophet
and forerunner of Christ, for you leaped and rejoiced as you saw the
Queen come, bearing Him who is outside time; you proceeded from barrenness,
according to the promise made to the elder; He is before you, and
is begotten from the Father without a mother from all ages. Pray to
Him to have mercy on our souls.
2. What a wonder that surpasses understanding! Zacha<->riah does not
believe the angel saying that Elizabeth will conceive and bear a child.
He asks, <169>How shall she give birth, for she is barren and I have
grown old?<170> For his unbelief, he was condemned to silence, yet
today he sees the promised birth; loosed from this silence, he rejoices
and says: <169>Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come
to His people and set them free, granting the world great mercy!<170>
1. O prophet worthy of praise, you are the messenger to all, announced
by Gabriel, the son of the barren wo<->man, the fairest child of the
wilderness, the true friend of Christ the Bridegroom; entreat Him
to have mercy on our souls!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Today, like a shining star, the lampstand of the
Light prepares the way for the coming of the Word. Today, Zachariah's
tongue is loosened from the silence imposed by the angel. For it was
fitting that the father of the Voice should not prematurely announce
the birth from a barren womb of his son, who came to announce the
Redeemer of the world with great boldness.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = Elizabeth conceived the Forerunner of the grace of
God, while the Virgin conceived Christ, the Lord of Glory. The mothers
embrace and the child leaps for joy. Within the womb, the servant
acclaims his Lord. In her surprise, the mother of the Forerunner asks,
<169>And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come
to me?<170> The Lord saves His people from despair. O Treasure of
mercy, glory to You!
@RUBRIC = Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Readings. 1) Genesis 17:15-17,
19, 18:11-14, 21:1-2 and 4-8; 2) Judges 13:2-8, 13-14, 17-18 and
21; 3) Isaiah 40:1-3, 9; 41:17-18; 45:8; 48:20-21, and 54: 1.
Lete
Tone 1)
@AFTR LETE = Let the mountains drop down sweetness and the hills leap
like rams: for Elizabeth has brought forth him who is going to dwell
among you, the Forerunner of the Lord, who put an end to the mutenesss
of his father by being born. Therefore we cry aloud to him: <169>O
Baptist of Christ, intercede for the salvation of our souls!<170>
@AFTR LETE = Voice who announces our God, lampstand for His light,
Forerunner of the Lord, first prophet to bear witness to Christ: you
intercede for the world; entreat Christ to keep your flock unharmed.
@AFTR LETE = Prophet and Forerunner, you were the herald of the Word
and Lamb of God. You prophesied future things and proclaimed before
all, <169>Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,
granting us all great mercy!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 5
@AFTR LETE = Today Elizabeth joyfully gives birth to the last of the
prophets and the first of the apostles, the earthly angel and heavenly
man, the Voice of the Word, the soldier and forerunner of Christ,
who exulted in the presence of the promised One of Israel and announced
the Sun of Justice before his own birth. Zachariah, in his old age,
is filled with wonder as he lays aside the yoke of silence. As the
father of the Voice, he clearly prophesies: <169>You, my child, shall
be called the prophet of the Most High; you shall go before the Lord
to prepare His ways!<170> Therefore, O prophet, Baptist, apostle,
angel, soldier, forerunner, herald of re<->pentance who serve as a
guide to the Light, as the Voice of the Word, ceaselessly intercede
before Him for us who celebrate your memorial with faith.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR LETE = We the faithful call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos,
and we glorify you as is right, unshaken city and unconquerable rampart,
fearless protectress and refuge for our souls.
Aposticha
Tone 2
1. In psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, let us celebrate the
prophet born from the prophet Zachariah, the offspring of a barren
womb, the greatest of those born of women. Let us say to him: <169>Baptist
and Forerunner of Christ, since you have boldness before Him, entreat
the Savior on the day of your holy nativity that He grant peace to
the world and great mercy to our souls!<170>
v. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel: He has come to His people
and set them free.
2. Behold, the Voice of the grace of Christ, the herald of the Word,
has been born today from a barren womb according to the promise. O
people, rejoice in the presence of holy John the Forerunner! He has
come to prepare the way of salvation for us. Leaping with joy in the
womb of his mother, he worshipped Christ, the Lamb who takes away
the sin of the world and grants us great mercy.
v. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High!
3. He who was sanctified from his mother's womb and received the fulness
of prophecy is born today from a barren womb, clearly announcing the
coming of the Lord, as he says, <169>Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven
is at hand!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = Today, by the nativity of holy John, the greatest
of the prophets, the words of the prophet Isaiah are fulfilled: <169>Behold,
I shall send My angel before You to prepare the way!<170> He is truly
the precursor of the heavenly King, for he has made straight the paths
of our God. He is a man by nature, but an angel by his way of life.
Having embraced purity and perfect chastity, he surpassed nature by
his uncompromising justice. Imitating his virtue, O faithful, let
us entreat him to intercede for the salvation of our souls!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = Behold Elizabeth speaking to the Virgin Mary: <169>How
is it that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? You carry the
King, and I carry His messenger. You carry the Author of the Law,
and I carry the enactor of the law. You carry the Word, and I carry
the Voice proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven!<170>
Troparion of the Forerunner
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ,
in spite of our eagerness to render you due honor, we fall short when
singing your praise. Your glorious birth saved your mother from the
shame of barrenness, returned to your father the power of speech,
and proclaimed to the world the Incarnation of the Son 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.
Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = The mystery which was hidden from eternity and unknown
to the angels has been revealed through you, O Theotokos, to those
on earth, for God took flesh in a union without commixture, and willingly
took up the cross, by which He elevated the first man, and saved our
souls from death.
ORTHROS<
@RUBRIC = Festal Format.
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Behold, the bud of Zachariah has blossomed for us:
the greatest of the prophets, the adornment of the wilderness, brings
joy to the hearts of the faithful. He is the Forerunner of Christ
and the true witness to His coming. Let us cry out to the Baptist
with one accord in a spiritual canticle, saying to the Prophet: <169>Herald
of the Truth, intercede for our salvation!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = All-holy Virgin, Mother of God, I pray you to heal
the grievous passions of my soul and grant me knowledge of my offenses
that I have foolishly committed, wounding my body and soul, wretched
as I am. Alas, what shall I do at the hour when the angels separate
my soul from my mis<->erable body? Be then a helper and fervent advocate
for me, O Lady: for I, your unworthy servant, have you as my hopea!
Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos
Tone 8
@AFTR SESSIONL = Rejoice, O father! Exult with joy, O mother! For
today you have given birth according to the promise to the Prophet,
the Forerunner chosen and named by God. The barren mother nourishes
the Baptist, her newborn child; and Zachariah, rejoicing, says to
the infant: <169>By your coming upon earth, my tongue has been loosened,
O lampstand of the Light! Truly a wondrous marvel!<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = As soon as the angel had received his command, he
hastened to Joseph's house and said to the ever-virginal one: <169>Behold,
heaven was brought down to earth when the Word Himself was fully contained
in you! Now that I see Him in your womb, taking a servant's form,
I cry out to you in wonder, `Hail, O Virgin and Bride ever pure!'
Prokimenon
Tone 4
@PROKIM LEFT = You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most
High.
v. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come to His people
and set them free.
@RUBRIC = Gospel. Psalm 50.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercession of Your Forerunner, O Merciful One, wipe
out the multitude of our sins.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Through the intercession of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, wipe out
the multitude of our sins.
v. O God, have mercy on me in the greatness of Your love, in the abundance
of Your tender mercies, wipe out my offense.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 2
@BODY TXT IND = He who was sanctified from his mother's womb and received
the fulness of prophecy is born today from a barren womb, clearly
announcing the coming of the Lord, as he says, <169>Repent, for the
Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!<170>
@RUBRIC = Canons: first of the Mother of God; then two for the saint,
both in Tone 4: the first by John of Damascus, the second by George.
@CANONS =
@CANONS = CANONS
Tone 4
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 1
@ODE TEXT = You were born of a Virgin: I beg You, the thrice-holy
Captain of my soul, to drown me in the depths of freedom from passions,
that I may sing a song of triumph to You, as on the timbrel, in the
dying of the body.
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
As a fair dawn coming before the sun, the offspring of a barren mother
clearly announces to all that the Child of the Virgin will make the
light of grace and faith shine upon the whole world.
<169>Truly, O wondrous John, you shall be called the prophet of the
Most High, for you will go before Christ to prepare the way for the
Creator,<170> said Zachariah to his son, moved by the Holy Spirit.
Hearing the words of Gabriel, Zachariah remained unbelieving before
the message of God; condemned to silence, he was set free by the nativity
of the Voice, the Forerunner of the Word, holy John.
@CANON 2 INDNT = City of our God, pure and divine treasure of the
King of All, all-spotless Theotokos: protect your inheri<->tance,
the believers who ceaselessly acclaim you and glorify your childbearing.
@CANON 2 INDNT = I shall open my mouth and it will be filled with
the Spirit, and I shall sing a hymn to the Queen and Mother; and I
shall celebrate with splendor and sing with joy of her wonders.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Today the Church is adorned with the grace of the
Spirit and shines with splendor; and it celebrates and sings with
joy of the anniversary of the Forerunner.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The herald of grace, more brilliant than the dawn,
today announces the Sun of Glory and foretells that His radiance will
enlighten the whole world.
@CANON 2 INDNT = By your nativity, O Forerunner, the night of godlessness
was driven from the earth and the rays of the grace of God shone to
the ends of the world, for you reveal and the never-setting Sun.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The maternity of Elizabeth brought knowledge of your
conceiving, O spotless Virgin, preparing us in advance for your virginal
childbearing, for a barren womb has born fruit.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = I shall open my mouth and it will be filled with the
Spirit, and I shall sing a hymn to the Queen and Mother; and I shall
celebrate with splendor and sing with joy of her wonders.
Ode 3
@ODE TEXT = We do not glory in our wisdom, nor in the power found
in treasures, but in the incarnate Wisdom of the Father, for no one
is holy but You, O Jesus Christ!
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us.
troparia)
The Lord is born from a Virgin; but His loyal servant is born from
an aged and barren mother; the greater miracle is preceded by another.
In her old age, the barren woman embraces the Virgin Mother, for she
knows well that by her maternity, God has delivered her from her sterility.
Without knowing man, O pure Virgin, you conceived God made flesh:
strengthen me against the assaults of the passions which threaten
to shake me, for I have no other helper but you.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Theotokos, living and overflowing fountain, strength<->en
those who applaud you in this spiritual gathering; and in your holy
feast, make them worthy of crowns of glory.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Your cry at being born from the barren womb broke
the bonds that bound the voice of your father, O won<->drous prophet,
and he came to know clearly the revelation of God and the ineffable
condescension of Christ.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Sprung from unfruitful sterility, the herald of the
fruitfulness of Christ cut down with the axe of his preaching the
thankless people as being barren and without fruit.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Today by your nativity, O Forerunner, the rays of
new grace have clearly shone, and the ancient riddles and obscure
images of the Law have begun to disappear.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Virgin, your childbearing frees all mankind from
the bonds of its condemnation, and by grace, it binds us to Him who
blesses all those who praise your divine maternity.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = O Theotokos, living and overflowing fountain, strengthen
those who applaud you in this spiritual gathering; and in your holy
feast, make them worthy of crowns of glory.
@RUBRIC = Little Litany.
Sessional Hymns
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = As a bright sun, the son of Zecheriah has risen for
our sakes from the womb of Elizabeth; he has put an end to the muteness
of his father. He openly cries to all the peoples: <169>Prepare the
way for the Lord, for He Himself is coming to save whoever turns to
Him!<170> You announced Him, O holy John: now entreat 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.
@AFTR SESSIONL = All the choirs of angels stand in wonder, O pure
Virgin, at the mystery of your awesome childbirth: how He, who by
a single movement of the hand holds fast the whole uni<->verse, was
held in your arms; and how the Pre-eternal received a beginning; and
who He who in His ineffable goodness feeds all that has breath, is
given milk. Praising you, they give you glory as being truly the Mother
of God!
Ode 4
@ODE TEXT = Perceiving the ineffable, divine design of the Most High,
the Incarnation from the Virgin, the prophet Habakkuk cried out: <169>Glory
to Your power, O Lord!<170>
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
Before Your ineffable mysteries, O Christ, comes a mys<->tery in which
the laws of nature are renewed, for the deliverance from infirmity
foretells that human nature will also be restored and divinized.
For the Son coming from the Father and about to be incarnate, Isaiah
had foretold a human messenger equal to the angels, when he said,
<169>Behold, I send him before your face to cry out, 'Glory to Your
power, O Christ!<170>
<169>I have been born to serve the Master as a servant. For this have
I come: to announce His coming, just as the wondrous maternity of
an aged and barren woman confirms the childbearing of the Virgin!<170>
The holy Theotokos, that perfumed temple in which would dwell the
Word of the Father, the Most High God, would not suffer corruption
nor travail in her womb, for she bears Emmanuel, God made man.
@CANON 2 INDNT = He who sits in glory upon the throne of divinity:
Jesus, the supreme God, came down on an ethereal cloud and with His
pure hand redeemed those who cry out to Him: <169>Glory to Your power,
O Christ!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = The rivers prepare their waters and the Jordan pre<->pares
its streams for their Master, for today He sees the barren woman give
birth to His Baptist.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Today John, that resounding herald, comes forth upon
earth from a barren woman, to announce to man<->kind that the Lord
our King is going to be born ineffably from the Virgin.
@CANON 2 INDNT = All the prophets have sung of you, spotless Virgin,
as the fulfillment of obscure figures and types; and their words announced
your wonders and mighty deeds.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = He who sits in glory upon the throne of divinity:
Jesus, the supreme God, came down on an ethereal cloud and with His
pure hand redeemed those who cry out to Him: <169>Glory to Your power,
O Christ!<170>
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 5
@ODE TEXT = <169>Now shall I arise,<170> says the Lord through the
Prophet; <169>I shall be glorified and exalted in assuming fallen
mankind and lifting it to the wondrous radiance of My Divinity!<170>
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
The earth has raised up the true herald, that voice which proclaims
to all with the tongue of the Spirit the Son of the Virgin, who in
a material body is going to make holiness come down upon us from heaven.
The Lord has made you the true lampstand for Christ; you give light
to us all, but you clothe all His enemies with shame as with a cloak,
as you openly proclaim the Son and Word of God.
The whole creation divinely rejoices at your birth, for in its eyes
you are an earthly angel, a heavenly man, O Forerunner who announce
to us the incarnation of the heavenly God.
The voices of the prophets have announced your wonders, O spotless
Virgin, calling you the mountain of the Lord, the gate and lampstand
of the Light whose wondrous radiance truly illumines the whole world.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The universe was amazed at your divine glory: for
you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, have borne in your womb the God
of all and have given birth to an eternal Son, who grant salvation
to those who praise you.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The weak nature that had been poor before becomes
strong today for the bearing of good fruit, for you have been born
from an unfruitful womb; and by your nativity, life was proclaimed
to mortal men, O glorious Forerunner.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The continually enkindled lamp that came forth from
the barren woman points to the Sun of Glory rising from the Virgin
to enlighten all mankind by grace in the divine radiance of His condescension.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The many-sounding tongues of those who would not
confess the one true God are bound, while their lips were opened to
glorify the coming of the God of all, whom the Forerunner has come
to announce clearly on earth today.
@CANON 2 INDNT = In prophetic words, Elizabeth joyfully celebrated
your glory, O spotless Virgin; she proclaimed clearly the wonders
of your divine childbearing, for you are the pride and joy of all.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The universe was amazed at your divine glory: for
you, O Virgin, who knew not wedlock, have borne in your womb the God
of all and have given birth to an eternal Son, who grant salvation
to those who praise you.
Ode 6
@ODE TEXT = I have reached the depth of the sea, and a storm of many
sins has overcome me in the deep. But You, O God of love, snatch my
life from the pit!
v. Holy Forerunner, pray to God for us!
As a prophet, while in your mother's womb, you recognized the Word
of God; with the voice of Elizabeth, you celebrated God, contemplating
in a dark chamber the unapproachable Light.
Never-silent, as the voice of one crying aloud, O Baptist, do not
cease praying to the Redeemer of the world to loose the spiritual
barrenness of those singing the praises of your nativity.
Your all-pure womb, O spotless Theotokos, has become the dwelling-place
for the unapproachable God, upon whom the hosts of heaven cannot gaze
without fear.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Come, divinely-inspired, let us clap our hands and
cele<->brate this holy and most honorable feast of the Mother of God
and glorify God who was born of her.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Forerunner, your nativity came as the blow of a
double-edged sword to the hostile enemy, for you announced his destruction
and the return of man to life.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The divine treasure of grace and adoption for mankind
is about to descend from heaven upon the whole earth, for today is
born the one who is to be its herald.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O glorious prophet, the wilderness exudes a pleasant
spiritual myrrh; for by your birth from the barren one, it receives
the annunciation of Christ, the inexhaustible Myrrh.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Recognizing you, O Lady, as the Theotokos, the Fore<->runner
leapt in his mother's womb and proclaimed your wonders, O Virgin.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = Come, divinely-inspired, let us clap our hands and
cele<->brate this holy and most honorable feast of the Mother of God
and glorify God who was born of her.
@RUBRIC = Little Litany.
Kontakion of the Forerunner
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = The woman who had been barren becomes fertile and
gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ. He is the greatest
and last of the prophets, for standing in the waters of the Jordan
River, he placed his hands on Christ whom all the prophets had announced;
and in so doing, he became a prophet himself, a preacher and a forerunner
of the Word of God.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Let us now praise the Forerunner of the Lord, whom Elizabeth
has borne today to the priest from an unfruitful womb, but not without
seed. For Christ alone passed through an impassible dwelling-place
without seed. A barren woman gave birth to John, yet he was not born
without the help of man. And a pure Virgin, whom the Father and the
Spirit of God overshadowed, bore Jesus. But he who came from the barren
woman was seen to be a prophet of Him who was born of a Virgin without
seed, a preacher and forerunner of the Word of God.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 24, we celebrate the nativity of the honorable
and glorious prophet and forerunner, John the Baptist.
@SYNAX INDENT = Exult, O Zachariah, and also your wife, of whom every
mother of men can be envious: rather than many sons, you have but
one, yet how great is this Forerunner born on the twenty-fourth!
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 7
@ODE TEXT = The three young men in Babylon considered the order given
by the tyrant to be foolishness; in the midst of the flames they cried
out to You, O Lord: <169>Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!<170>
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
Previously all human nature lay in darkness; but you appeared like
the dawn, O Forerunner, crying aloud, <169>Blessed are You, O Lord,
God of our Fathers!<170>
By your wondrous birth from a barren mother, O Forerunner, our sick
nature was healed, for it learned to sing, <169>Blessed are You, O
Lord, God of our Fathers!<170>
You were born of a barren woman, O Forerunner, for in view of the
barrenness of the Law, grace has come to sing to Christ, <169>Blessed
are You, O Lord, God of our Fathers!<170>
O pure and blessed Virgin, intercede for us who entreat you, for we
all place our hope in you, O Lady, and sing to you: do not turn your
servants away!
@CANON 2 INDNT = The three young men, divinely-inspired, refused to
worship creatures instead of the Creator. But with courage they trampled
upon the threatening fire and sang joyfully: <169>Blessed are You,
O all-praised Lord, the God of our Fathers!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = The Lord and Creator of all, who creates all things
through the Spirit, has produced today from a barren mother a fruit
that is the Forerunner, in order to announce that the barren nature
of mankind would bear divine fruits.
@CANON 2 INDNT = As Christ, the Giver of Life, has brought back to
life your mother's deadened womb by your birth, so through your preaching
has He raised up and given strength to the deadened hopes of mortal
men.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Receiving you as a divine light more brilliant than
the sun, the wilderness is resplendent with beauty and glory, O illustrious
Forerunner, and with all of us it sings to the Lord God forever.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Of old the just desired to see your glory, spotless
one. We now behold it, honoring it with faith, O Lady, and singing
to you: <169>Most glorious one, blessed is the fruit of your womb!<170>
@ODE X TITLE = Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The three young men, divinely-inspired, refused to
worship creatures instead of the Creator. But with courage they trampled
upon the threatening fire and sang joyfully: <169>Blessed are You,
O all-praised Lord, the God of our Fathers!<170>
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 8
@ODE TEXT = Almighty Redeemer of all, You came down in the midst of
the furnace and covered the young men with dew, teaching them to sing,
<169>All you His works, praise and bless the Lord!<170>
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
Moses was the servant of the Law; Jesus is the God of the New Testament.
And now, as mediator of them both, the Forerunner sings, <169>All
you His works, praise and bless the Lord!<170>
A dove has come from a barren womb: the Forerunner has brought the
Church of Christ and divinely-planted branch, and he leads it in singing,
<169>All you His works, praise and bless the Lord!<170>
O God-bearing people, holy nation, imitate the dove of Christ; living
in purity like him, sing with gentle hymns, <169>All you His works,
praise and bless the Lord!<170>
Let us honor the spotless Virgin who transcended nature in giving
birth to the eternal, uncreated Word for our salvation. Let us say
to her: <169>O Virgin, we bless the fruit of your womb.<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = The maternity of the Theotokos preserved the three
young men in the furnace. Then it was prefigured; but now that it
is accomplished, it brings the whole world together to sing, O works
of the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever!"
@CANON 2 INDNT = You came forth from the barren one as a friend and
apostle of the Creator, a herald, baptist, divine fore<->runner, teacher
and witness, angel, servant, mediator, and as our intercessor, to
announce the coming of God by your words and deeds.
@CANON 2 INDNT = By your nativity, O Forerunner, the treasures of
grace are opened; and the customs of the ancient sacrifices are closed
and abolished. A new people begins to sing and exalt Christ forever.
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Weaving the most beautiful flowers from the word
of God, O wondrous Forerunner, we offer you today our crown of praises;
and in thanksgiving, we sing to Christ, the Giver of crowns, <169>O
works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Virgin, your maternity has broken the bond of muteness.
The lips of those who love you are opened in praise of your Child,
and we sing to Him, <169>All you works of the Lord, praise and exalt
Him forever!<170>
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The maternity of the Theotokos preserved the three
young men in the furnace. Then it was prefigured; but now that it
is accomplished, it brings the whole world together to sing, <169>O
works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever!<170>
Canticle of Mary
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 9
@ODE TEXT = The most hidden and divine mystery was manifested and
fulfilled in you, O pure Virgin; for in His love, God was incarnate
of you; and we magnify you as the Mother of God.
v. Holy John the Forerunner, pray to God for us!
troparia)
Behold the voice which sings as a forerunner for barren and desolate
hearts: <169>Prepare the way for Christ now, for He is going to come
in glory.<170> Hearing this, we magnify him.
Of old, O Forerunner, in the all-Holy Spirit, you clearly proclaimed
the Son as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; entreat
Him now to grant remission of sins to your flock.
You reign over every creature: grant trophies of victory, and submit
the enemy to the Church, that we may magnify you as Theotokos.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Let every human being take up a torch, and let him
dance in spirit; and let the immaterial spirits cele<->brate this
feast of the Mother of God and cry out, <169>Rejoice, O all-blessed
and pure and ever-virgin Theotokos!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = Today the gates of the Light of God begin to open,
and the closing of the dwellings of darkness is announced; for the
herald and Forerunner of Christ announces it in coming into the light
of life and confirms it by the voice of his father.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The mystic river which flowed from a cloud without
rain, the Forerunner announces to all that the hea<->venly stream
of the river of peace is going to come to renew human nature, which
in the Spirit will bear countless fruits of grace.
@CANON 2 INDNT = As heaven is adorned by the stars, so today is the
Church adorned and illumined by the divine graces of the Forerunner;
she acclaims his nativity, glorifying and praising the Master of all
who granted him as the best of gifts.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Bride of God, the living Water flowing from you,
the Lord, purifies and sanctifies us who have received Him in faith;
and He has made us heirs of His Kingdom as we sing of His goodness
and magnify you with our whole heart.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = Let every human being take up a torch, and let him
dance in spirit; and let the immaterial spirits celebrate this feast
of the Mother of God and cry out, <169>Rejoice, O all-blessed and
pure and ever-virgin Theotokos!<170>
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Today the joyful nativity of the Forerunner loosens
the sadness of his father's muteness and the barrenness of the mother
who bore him. He reveals the joy and gladness that is to come. Therefore,
all creation joins in keeping this feast.
@AFTR EXAPOST = Prophets announced, Apostles taught and holy Martyrs
clearly confessed your Son to be the God of all, O pure Theotokos;
together with them, we who have been de<->livered through you from
the ancestral condemnation magnify you.
Praises
Tone 8
4. O strange and glorious wonder: today holy John, the herald of God
the Word, hastens to come forth from an aged mother; through his nativity,
he frees a fettered tongue for perfect speech. Ineffable is Your Provi<->dence,
O Lord. By it and in the unique compassion of Your heart, O Christ,
save our souls.
3. O strange and glorious wonder: among those born of women, the greatest
prophet puts an end to the shameful barrenness of his mother. He has
come in the spirit and power of Elias to prepare the way for the Lord.
Ineffable is Your Providence, O Lord. By it and in the unique compassion
of Your heart, O Christ, save our souls!
2. O strange and glorious wonder: he who announced to men the condescension
of Christ is exalted above all by his voice. By the power of God,
he puts an end to his mother's barrenness and restores Zachariah's
voice. Wonderful are Your works, O Lord. By them, O Christ, grant
salvation to those who venerate Your Forerunner, John.
1. O strange and glorious wonder: the Baptist and Fore<->runner is
shown to be greater than all the sons born to women, the greatest
of the prophets. He announces the coming of the Lord and leaps with
joy in his mother's womb. Great are Your gifts, O Lover of Mankind!
By them, O mighty Master, O Christ, save our souls!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR PRAISES = Today the most excellent star, the Forerunner John,
beloved of God, is born on earth from a barren womb; he manifests
the Light of Christ, the dawn from on high, who comes to guide the
feet of believers.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR PRAISES = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with
the Fruit of Life: wherefore we implore you, O Lady, to intercede
together with the Forerunner and all the saints that we may obtain
mercy for our souls.
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology. Troparion of the Feast. Litanies and dismissal.
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Febronia
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For the Forerunner
Tone 4
6. By his birth, holy John has put an end to the silence of Zachariah:
for it is not fitting for the father to be silent when the voice crying
in the desert has come and foretells the coming of Christ. As he formerly
bound his father's unbelieving tongue, so now does he free his father
when he appears. As he was announced, so was he born, the Voice of
the Word, the Forerunner of the Light, who intercedes for our souls!
5. Today the Voice of the Word releases the voice of his father, held
back through unbelief. He prophesies the fruit<->fulness of the Church
by loosing his mother's bonds of barrenness. Before the Light comes
the lamp<->stand, the reflection of the Sun of Justice, the ray which
announces His coming for the renewal of all and the salvation of our
souls.
4. The Word of God willed to be born of a Virgin: a messenger goes
before Him, born of a barren womb. He is the greatest of those born
from women, the greatest of the Prophets: John the Baptist, an initiator
of the divine plan, a fruitfulness beyond age followed by a conception
without seed. Glory to You, O God who work wonders for our salvation.
For Febronia
Tone 4
3. Illustrious Febronia, you suffered a passion in keeping with the
discipline you had kept, for you mingled the blood of martyrdom with
the sweat of asceticism. Thus you gained the double crown given you
by the Benefactor. Splendidly adorned with it, you went up as both
a spotless virgin and a martyr victorious in combat.
2. The beauty of your body was matched by the divine splendor of your
soul: you glistened like a spotless lily, having attained that purity
of soul in the holy monas<->tery; and you were crimsoned with the
drops of your own blood. Thus, in heaven, you were welcomed into the
bridal chamber, the indestructible palace, as a virgin and martyr,
a spotless bride.
1. The angel of the Lord encamped around you and de<->livered you,
O wondrous Febronia; from infancy you feared the Lord and you were
kept as an acceptable offering for the Almighty. Thus you trampled
underfoot the folly of Selenus. Having been crowned, you went up to
Christ, your Bridegroom.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Elizabeth conceived the Forerunner of the grace of
God, while the Virgin conceived Christ, the Lord of Glory. The mothers
embrace and the child leaps for joy. Within the womb, the servant
acclaims his Lord. In her surprise, the mother of the Forerunner asks,
<169>And how have I deserved that the Mother of my Lord should come
to me?<170> The Lord saves His people from despair. O Treasure of
mercy, glory to You!
Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = Behold Elizabeth speaking to the Virgin Mary: <169>How
is it that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? You carry the
King, and I carry His messenger. You carry the Author of the Law,
and I carry the enactor of the law. You carry the Word, and I carry
the Voice proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven!<170>
Troparion of the Forerunner
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ,
in spite of our eagerness to render you due honor, we fall short when
singing your praise. Your glorious birth saved your mother from the
shame of barrenness, returned to your father the power of speech,
and proclaimed to the world the Incarnation of the Son of God.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Troparion of Febronia
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your ewe lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud
voice: <169>O my Bridegroom, I long for You and I struggle in my quest
for You. I am crucified with You and buried with You in your Baptism.
I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You; I die for You in
order to live with You.<170> Accept her as an immaculate victim, since
she is immolated for your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful
One, save our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@RUBRIC = Theotokion in Tone 4 from the day of the week.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of the Forerunner
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = The woman who had been barren becomes fertile and
gives birth today to the Forerunner of Christ. He is the greatest
and last of the prophets: for standing in the waters of the Jordan
River, he placed his hands on Christ whom all the prophets had announced;
and in so doing, he became a prophet himself, a preacher and forerunner
of the Word of God.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Isaiah and all the prophets of old had foreseen Christ
Jesus, our true God, in signs and images. But He was seen in the flesh
and touched by the hand of the one the Scriptures call the greatest
of the prophets, for Christ had designated him as such. Before his
own birth, he pro<->claimed the Joy of all to the whole world as he
leapt in the womb; for he became a prophet himself, a preacher and
forerunner of the Word of God.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 25, we commemorate the holy and venerable Febronia,
the martyr of many struggles.
@SYNAX INDENT = How beautiful is your dowry, O wondrous Febronia:
it is your severed head which you offer to God. On the twenty-fifth,
the martyr would not deny her faith, but endured the sword, the lash
and the fire.
@SYNAX LEFT = By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Today the joyful Nativity of the Forerunner loosens
the sadness of his father's muteness and the barrenness of the mother
who bore him. He reveals the joy and gladness that is to come. Therefore,
all creation joins in keeping this feast.
@AFTR EXAPOST = Prophets announced, Apostles taught and holy Martyrs
clearly confessed your Son to be the God of all, O all-pure Theo<->tokos;
together with them, we who have been delivered through you from the
ancestral condemnation magnify you.
Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = Our incense is fitting for the Baptist, and the harmony
of our hymns for holy John, for he announced the first fruits of our
salvation. He leapt with joy within the womb and cried out in the
wilderness, <169>Repent!<170> He is the Forerunner of grace, the soldier
of the great King, the one who announced the Savior as a lamb; and
it is he who intercedes for our souls before Him.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Lady, receive the prayer of your servants: deliver
us from all danger and affliction.
Commemoration of our Venerable Father David of Thessalonica
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For David
Tone 8
3. Temperance made your spirit radiant, O father David, and you mounted
on wings toward the First Cause of all good. You became a pillar of
fire, enlightening by your words and miracles all those who continually
draw near to you with faith; thus we glorify you and call you blessed.
2. Like a sparrow, O holy father, you made your nest in the branches
of a tree, chilled by the cold and oppressed by the heat. There you
gained dispassion and perfection as gilded wings with which you took
flight to dwell in the heights of heaven, where you ceaselessly intercede
for us who acclaim you.
1. You consumed carnal pleasures on the burning coals of temperance,
O venerable one, and thus you were radi<->antly able to take up glowing
coals in your hands without being burned, in the presence of the amazed
emperor. Therefore he granted your request, since by the grace of
the Lord he obtained you, O blessed father, as an intercessor before
God.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Ceaselessly provoking my divine Creator by the faults
I commit, O pure Virgin, I fear eternal punishment, the inextinguishable
fire and the merciless gnawing worm, wretched as I am: O Lady, by
your prayers, deliver me from it, as you intercede with your Son,
the Word, the Lover of Mankind!
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Seeing You crucified on Calvary, O Savior, the whole
creation was changed. Unable to endure Your unjust Passion, it was
seized with trembling; and the pure Virgin, Your Mother, cried aloud
in tears: <169>Alas, O my Child, my beloved Savior: what wondrous
sight do my eyes behold?<170>
Troparion of David
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = In you, O Father David, 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 is forever
in happiness with the angels.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of David
Tone 1)
@AFTR TROP/KON = Perched in a tree like a singing bird, you were yourself
an ever-flowering branch, producing the fruits of the virtues and
becoming a new Paradise as you wisely nurtured in your heart that
Tree of Life which is Christ. Ceaselessly intercede for us, O blessed
father David, that we may rejoice with Him forever.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 26, we commemorate our venerable father David
of Thessalonica.
@SYNAX INDENT = Behold, the new David has been united to the David
of old! By asceticism he brought an end to carnal pleasures as to
another Goliath. On the twenty-sixth, he passed through the eternal
gates.
@PROKIM LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Commemoration of our venerable father Samson the Hosteler
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Samson
Tone 1)
3. O far-famed father, having submitted the fires of the flesh to
the flame of asceticism, you dwelt in the desert, as did Elias long
ago. You purified your spirit, turning it constantly to God. Now entreat
Him to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
2. O divinely-minded father, by dispassion, you have been joined to
the ranks of ascetics in the heavenly mansions which have become your
home. There you constantly gaze upon the never-setting Sun and partake
of the Tree of Life. Entreat God now to grant our souls peace and
great mercy.
1. O divinely-inspired father, you have shone like a star, enlightening
the whole world with the splendor of your miracles. O Samson, you
drive away the dark cloud of deadly sickness and expel the dread demons.
Forever entreat Christ to grant 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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O divine chariot of purity, who surpass every spirit,
O Mary: carry me far away from the reach of my sins. Take me to a
place of repentance, encircling me with your powerful protection.
You have the power to do so as the Mother of God Most High.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = The Virgin Ewe, the spotless Lady, seeing her Lamb
upon the Cross without form or beauty, called aloud in tears: <169>Alas,
O my Son! Where is Your grace? Where is Your gentle appearance, O
sweet Child? Where is Your radiant charm, O my beloved Son?<170>
Troparion of Samson
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Through your patience, your assiduous prayer, your
love for the poor and the help you gave them, O holy Samson, you deserved
your reward. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Samson
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Samson, you are an effective physician and
a powerful intercessor; wherefore we gather to sing hymns and psalms
to your praise. We approach your remains with eagerness, glorifying
Christ who granted you the won<->drous grace of healing.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 27, we commemorate our venerable father Samson
the Hosteler.
@SYNAX INDENT = Long ago, in a wondrous fashion, Samson drew honey
from a carcass; and you, O new Samson, gush forth sweet myrrh from
your tomb. On the twenty-seventh, Samson, the myrrh-gusher, dies.
@SYNAX LEFT = By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
Transfer of the Remains of the Holy Unmercenary Physicians,
Cyrus and John
(5th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Cyrus and John
Tone 4
3. With our hymns, let us honor the two radiant with the light of
the Holy Trinity: they are the foundations of our Faith, those flowers
which exude the true perfume of the knowledge of God, Cyrus and John.
They constantly intercede for us before Christ our God.
2. Having first shone through asceticism and the holiness of your
life, O wondrous Cyrus, you ended your life, adorning your soul by
fighting the good fight as a martyr. And you, O holy John, left the
army of an earthly king in order to enroll in the heavenly hosts.
Entreat the Lord, O blessed ones, on behalf of those who celebrate
your memory.
1. You have shown yourselves to be physicians for our maladies, O
blessed ones; because of your faith in God, like never-setting stars,
you received the crowns of victors from Him, O companions of the martyrs.
O Cyrus and John, renowned wonderworkers, constantly intercede for
us all in the presence of 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.
@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = You are the restoration of those who have fallen,
the resurrection of mankind which had been put to death, O all-holy
Virgin who gave birth to the Son of God, equal to the Father in our
understanding. Born of you, He united our flesh to the Divinity. Entreat
Him to deliver from dangers and trials all those who glorify you in
the purity of the Faith.
@BOLD TITLE IN = or Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = When Your Virgin Mother saw You upon the Cross, O
Lord, she was seized with amazement. Beholding You, she cried aloud:
<169>Is this what You receive in return for all Your blessings? Do
not leave me alone in the world, I beg You: but arise quickly, that
our first parents may rise with You!<170>
Troparion of Cyrus and John
Tone 5
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Christ our God, You granted us Your holy martyrs'
miracles as a stronghold and protection. Through their prayers, strengthen
our public authorities in every good deed, for You alone are merciful
and the Lover of Mankind.
ORTHROS<
Kontakion of Cyrus and John
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise in honor
of the two benefactors of the world and beloved of Christ, the two
brilliant stars, generous in their healing, and let us cry out in
their own temple: <169>You are a light upon the world, O Cyrus and
John, wonderworkers and heavenly healers!<170>
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Having offered yourselves to God, O generous and holy
martyrs, you suffered every trial of torments, and willingly submitted
to death for His sake. After death, you poured out divine graces on
all those suffering different maladies and afflicted by countless
ills. Alas, I am one of them, the foremost of them, wretched as I
am! I suffer cruel wounds in my soul and body, and I cry out to you
in faith: <169>Heal me, O Cyrus and John, wonderworkers and heavenly
healers!<170>
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 28, we commemorate the finding of the relics
of the holy unmercenary healers, Cyrus and John.
@SYNAX INDENT = Today the bones of the two holy unmercenaries pour
forth miracles in a free-flowing stream. The precious relics of the
wondrous healers were found on the twenty-eighth of June.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take
pity on us and save us. Amen.
Commemoration of the Holy, Glorious, and Illustrious
Princes of the Apostles, Peter and Paul
(3rd Class)
@VES/ORTH = GREAT VESPERS
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Peter and Paul
Tone 2
6. With what garlands of praise shall we crown Peter and Paul, the
greatest of the heralds of the Word of God, distinct in their persons,
but one in spirit<197>the one the chief of the apostles, the other
who labored more than all the rest? Christ God, who is most merciful,
fittingly crowned them both with diadems of glory and immortality.
5. With what garlands of praise shall we crown...
4. What songs of praise could be worthy of Peter and Paul? They are
like two wings on which the knowledge of God spreads out to the far
ends of the earth and soars aloft to heaven, two hands from which
the Gospel pours forth grace, two feet on which the doctrine of truth
travels about the world, two rivers of wisdom, two arms of the cross
through which the merciful Christ casts down the pride of demons!
3. What songs of praise could be worthy...
2. With what spiritual songs shall we praise Peter and Paul? The voices
of the fearful Sword of the Spirit, the illustrious ornament of Rome,
the delight of the whole world, the God-inspired tablets of the New
Testament, conceived and uttered in Sion by Christ, the all-merciful
God!
1. With what spiritual songs shall we praise...
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 4
@AFTR TONE IND = By the threefold question, <169>Peter, do you love
Me?<170> Christ made amends for Peter's threefold denial. Where<->fore
Simon cried out to the Lord who knows all the secrets of the heart:
<169>Lord, You know all things: You know that I love You!<170> And
the Savior answered him, <169>Feed My sheep, feed My lambs, feed those
sheep I have fashioned to be saved with My own blood!<170> Apostle
blessed of God, beseech Him to bestow His great mercy upon us!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Mother of God, because of you, David the Prophet
became an ancestor of God. He foretold and sang a joyous hymn of praise
to you and cried out to Him who worked wonders in you: <169>The Queen
stood at Your right hand.<170> God revealed you as a life-giving Mother
when He chose to be incarnate of you without a father: He renewed
in man His image which the passions had corrupted. He found the lost
sheep in the mountains, carried it on His shoulders, offered it to
the Father, generously numbered it among the Powers of heaven and
saved the whole world, since He is Christ of great and rich mercy!
@RUBRIC = Entrance. <169>O Joyful Light...<170> Prokimenon of the
day.
@RUBRIC = Readings: 1) I Peter 1: 3-9; 2) I Peter 1: 13-19; 3) I
Peter 2: 11-24.
Lete
Tone 2
@AFTR LETE = O come today, assembly of the faithful, let us ardently
form a choir and crown Peter and Paul with fitting praises, those
weavers of grace chosen by God. Having abundantly sown the seed of
the Word for all the faithful, they have harvested the grace of the
Spirit. Being branches of the true Vine, they produced for us a cluster
of ripe grapes that brings joy to our hearts. With pure hearts and
unshamed faces, let us sing to them, <169>Hail, O guides who lead
us from lack of reason to the Logos whom you serve! Hail, pro<->ducers
of good and banishers of evil! We entreat you to intercede ceaselessly
before our Master and Creator that He grant may peace to the world
and great mercy to our souls!<170>
@AFTR LETE = All you faithful, let us celebrate those true pillars
and supports, the foundation of the Church, the disciples of Christ,
the inspired heralds of the teachings and Passion of Christ, Peter
and Paul, the chief apostles. They went throughout the whole world
like plowmen, spreading the seed of the Faith; they poured forth knowledge
on all by making known the Trinity. O Peter, rock and foundation!
O Paul, chosen vessel! You were Christ's yoke of oxen: you drew all
to the knowledge of God: the Gentiles, the islands, the cities, while
bringing the Jews back to Christ. Intercede, both of you, for the
salvation of our souls!
@AFTR LETE = You are the leader of the Apostles and the Rock of Faith,
O Peter; while you are the orator and light of the Churches of God,
O Paul! Now as you stand before the throne of God, intercede for us
with Christ!
@AFTR LETE = O Paul, spokesman for Christ, founder of doctrines, form<->er
persecutor of Jesus the Savior, O blessed one, you have become a prince
of the Apostles. You have seen ineffable things, O wise in God, and
have been taken up to the third heaven. You cried aloud, <169>Come
with me! In the presence of the Lord you shall not lack any good thing!<170>
Tone 3
@AFTR LETE = Citizens of the Jerusalem on high, the rock of faith
and the preacher of the Church of Christ, the two belonging to the
Trinity, who caught the whole world in their net, today have left
the earth and have gone to God through martyrdom; they intercede with
Him for the salvation of our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 5
@AFTR LETE = The Wisdom of God, the Word who is coeternal with the
Father, foretold in the Gospel, O wondrous Apostles, that you are
the branches which bear the sweet and ripe cluster of grapes which
we the faithful receive with joy and happiness. O Peter, rock of faith,
and Paul, glory of the world, make firm the flock which you have gathered
by your teachings!
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR LETE = We the faithful call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos,
and we glorify you as is right: O unshakeable city, invincible rampart,
never-failing protectress and refuge of our souls!
Aposticha
Tone 1)
1. O glorious apostle Paul, who can describe your drudgery and your
tribulations in the cities? Who can tell the hardships and efforts
you went through while preaching Christ in order to win all men and
offer the Church to Christ? O Apostle Paul, Founder of Churches, pray
that the Church may be strengthened by you until the end of time.
v. Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words
to the limits of the universe.
2. O glorious apostle Paul, who can describe your drudgery and sorrows
in the cities, your tribulations and hard<->ships, your vigils and
sufferings? You have suffered hunger and thirst, cold and nakedness,
beating with rods, stoning, travels through the wilderness and near-drowning
in the bottom of the sea. In all the trials you have borne for the
sake of Christ who called you, you have become a marvelous sight to
angels and men. Wherefore we eagerly celebrate your memory, beseech<->ing
you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.
v. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth
the work of His hands.
3. Let us extol Peter and Paul, the two great lights of the Church:
two beacons illuminating the Church with all of God's doctrine. By
their preaching, they have led the Gentiles from ignorance to the
knowledge of God. Wherefore, the one was nailed to the cross and made
his way to heaven, where he received the Keys of the Kingdom from
Christ Himself, while the other, beheaded by the sword, went up in
glory to the Savior. Through their prayers, overcome our invisible
ene<->mies, O Christ God, and make firm our Orthodox Faith, for You
are the Lover of Mankind!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Today a splendid festival delights the universe:
the most solemn celebration of the memory of the Princes of the Apostles,
Peter and Paul, gives us joy. Wherefore, let Rome receive the glad
tidings with rejoicing. As for us, brethren, let us celebrate this
great day and cry out to these two apostles: <169>Hail, O Apostle
Peter, so closely linked with your Teacher, Christ our God! Hail,
O most beloved Paul, preacher of the Faith and teacher to the universe!
O you two holy ones, because of your high position and rank, pray
to Christ God that He may save our souls!<170>
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with
the Fruit of Life: wherefore, O Lady, we implore you to intercede
together with the apostles and all the saints that we may obtain mercy
for our souls.
Troparion of Peter and Paul
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Peter and Paul, higher in rank than any other apostle,
teachers of the world, intercede with the Master of All that He may
give peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = The mystery which was hidden from eternity and unknown
to the angels has been revealed through you, O Theotokos, to those
on earth, for God took flesh in a union without commixture and willingly
took up the cross, by which He elevated the first man and saved our
souls from death.
ORTHROS<
@RUBRIC = Use the festal format, for Feasts of the Third Class.
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 8
@AFTR SESSIONL = Having abandoned the fishing grounds, the heavenly
Fath<->er Himself revealed to you the divine Incarnation of the Word.
You boldly called out to your Creator: <169>I confess You to be the
Son of God, consubstantial with Him!<170> Wherefore, you were worthy
to become the Rock of Faith and the Keeper of the Keys of grace in
heaven. O holy apostle Peter, intercede with Christ our God to grant
remission of sins to those who celebrate your holy memory 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.
Having abandoned the fishing grounds...
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 8
@AFTR SESSIONL = From heaven, Christ called you to be the preacher
of the Light, illuminating all with the teachings of grace. By your
writings, you abolished subservience to the letter of the Law and
led all believers to knowledge of the living Spirit. You were made
worthy to be snatched up to the third heaven and have obtained paradise.
O holy apostle Paul, intercede with Christ God to grant remission
of sins to those who celebrate your holy memory with love.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@AFTR SESSIONL = Like stars, you have enlightened the whole world
with bright radiance through your teaching and your holy preach<->ing,
O Apostles of the Lord and heavenly initiates!
@AFTR SESSIONL = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = You are the fervent defender of the afflicted, our
helper and advocate with God, through whom we have been delivered
from corruption; and we the faithful call you blessed, O Theotokos!
Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos
Tone 8
@AFTR SESSIONL = Let us acclaim the leaders of the apostles, the great
and radiant luminaries, Peter and the most wise Paul. Shining with
the fire of the Holy Spirit, they burned up all the darkness of error.
They have become worthy citizens of the Kingdom on high, seated on
thrones of grace. Let us therefore sing to them: <169>O holy apostles
of Christ our God, entreat Him to grant remission of sins to those
who cele<->brate your holy memory with love.<170>
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Let us acclaim the leaders of the apostles...
@RUBRIC = Anavathmi.
Prokimenon
Tone 4
@PROKIM LEFT = Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and
their words to the limits of the universe.
v. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims
His handiwork.
@RUBRIC = Gospel. Psalm 50.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Through the intercession of the Apostles, O merciful One, wipe out
the multitude of our sins.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Through the intercession of the Theotokos, O merciful One, wipe out
the multitude of our sins.
v. O God, have mercy on me in the greatness of Your love; in the abundance
of Your tender mercies, wipe out my offense.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 2
@AFTR TONE IND = You are the leader of the Apostles and the Rock of
Faith, O Peter; while you are the orator and light of the Churches
of God, O Paul! Now as you stand before the throne of God, intercede
for us with Christ!
@RUBRIC = Prayer: <169>O God, save Your people... <170>
@RUBRIC = We use two Canons, by the monk John: the first in Tone 4,
in honor of Peter; the second, in Tone 8, in honor of Paul.
@CANONS =
@CANONS = CANONS
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 1
@ODE TEXT = No one is like You, O Lord, in glory: for by Your strong
right arm, You have delivered the people whom You inherited.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
Today, with inspired hymns let us sing fitting praises to the leader
of the Apostles, who was among the first called by Christ.
O blessed Apostle Peter, the Lord God foreknew you from all eternity,
and He chose you to preside as the first among equals over His Church.
Neither flesh nor blood, but the Father, inspired you to confess the
divinity of Christ as you acknowledged Him to be the true Son of God
Most High.
Let us sing of the Mother of our God, as the ineffable divine chariot
and holy mountain, who remained a virgin after giving birth.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The staff which Moses cut divided the element which
cannot be divided; and the sun shone upon soil it had never seen before;
the waters swallowed up the treacherous enemy; Israel crossed over
the impassible sea, with the hymn, <169>Let us sing to the Lord, for
He is gloriously triumphant!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
@CANON 2 INDNT = O blessed Apostle Paul, as Christ had called things
out of nothingness into being, so in His divine knowledge did He choose
you from your mother's womb to carry His Name, which is above all
names, to the Gentiles, for He is gloriously triumphant!
@CANON 2 INDNT = Announcing to you the disappearance of error and
the future enlightenment in the Faith, Christ who had been radiant
in light on the mountain, blinded your bodily eyes; but He allowed
your soul to see the Trinity, for He is gloriously triumphant!
@CANON 2 INDNT = Circumcised on the eighth day, filled with zeal for
the traditions of your fathers, of the race of Israel, of the tribe
of Benjamin, as regards the Law, a Pharisee; but you counted all of
that as dung that you might gain Christ, for He is gloriously triumphant!
@CANON 2 INDNT = Holy Mother of the Most High God, being of a royal
tribge, you conceived the God who rules over all, O Lady, and ineffably
gave birth to Him in the flesh: preserve me from danger as I sing
to your Son, for He is gloriously triumphant!
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = I shall open my mouth, and it will be filled with
the Spirit, and I shall sing a hymn to the Queen and Mother; and I
shall celebrate with splendor and sing with joy of her wonders.
Ode 3
@ODE TEXT = We do not glory in our wisdom, nor in the power found
in treasures, but in the incarnate Wisdom of the Father, for no one
is holy but You, O Jesus Christ!
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
O apostle Peter, the sweet lips of Christ our God declared you blessed,
and He designated you to be the steward of His Kingdom; thus we sing
to you.
Upon the rock of your confession of faith in God, the Lord Jesus has
placed the unshakeable foundation of His Church in which we glorify
you.
Although he has a body, Peter surpasses the ranks of the angels, for
Christ said that he would be seated as a judge with Him at His glorious
Second Coming.
O pure Virgin who bore God in the flesh, strengthen me who am tossed
about by the assault of my passions; for there is no other helper
but you.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You are the strength of those who run to You, O Lord;
You are the Light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings Your praise!
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
@CANON 2 INDNT = As a foundation for the souls of the faithful, you
have given the Pearl of Great Price, the Cornerstone, the Lord and
Savior.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Ceaselessly bearing the death of Jesus in your body,
you have been made worthy to share also in His true Life.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O blessed Paul, intercede that the splendor of the
believers be built upon the foundation of your virtues.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O pure Virgin, as your foretold, all generations
call you blessed for in you they have found salvation.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = O Theotokos, living and over-flowing fountain, strengthen
those who applaud you in this spiritual gathering; and in your holy
feast, make them worthy of crowns of glory.
@RUBRIC = Little Litany.
Hypacoi
Tone 8
@AFTR HYPACOI = O Apostle Paul, was there a prison that did not see
you chained, or a church that did not hear you preach? Damascus glories
for having been a witness when you were thrown to the ground by a
heavenly light. Rome exults in pride for possessing your blood. Tarsus,
your birth-place, overflows with joy, for it reveres your swaddling-clothes.
Together with Peter, the Rock of Faith, O Paul, glory of the world,
come forth from Rome and strengthen us!
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 4
@ODE TEXT = You are our God, incarnate of the Virgin, and You have
made our nature Godlike: we praise You in song as we say, <169>Glory
to Your power, O Lord!<170>
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
As Christ promised, He made you a divine fisher of men, and He placed
in your hands the helm of His Church.
O Peter, the life-giving Lord Jesus granted you the power to loose
and to bind; at your prayer, may He grant me pardon.
O Peter, pray earnestly that the Kingdom of Christ be opened to those
who honor your divine memory with faith.
O Lady worthy of our hymns, divine Mother of God, cleanse my thoughts
through your intercessions and make me fruitful, O Mother of the God
of all.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You tread the sea with the Apostles as Your steeds,
O Lord, taking their reins in Your hands; and Your descent has become
salvation for the faithful who sing, <169>Glory to Your power, O Lord!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
@CANON 2 INDNT = Like a ravaging lion, Saul once came down upon the
Church of Christ; but, seized by the voice of the Lamb of God, he
became a shepherd of the flock which he had once persecuted.
@CANON 2 INDNT = He who was to enlighten the universe became blind;
Ananias was sent to him to give him sight in body and soul, O God,
who revealed him to be a chosen vessel of election.
@CANON 2 INDNT = He who was to enlighten the universe became blind;
Ananias was sent to him to give him sight in body and soul, O God,
who revealed him to be a chosen vessel of election.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Damascus was rightly glorified because of Paul: for
from it, as once from Paradise, a great river of divine waters has
gone forth and has refreshed the whole earth with the knowledge of
God.
@CANON 2 INDNT = As the Virgin Mother said, the Lord has put down
the mighty from their seat and has filled the hungry with good things;
and they sing in faith, <169>Glory to Your power, O Lord!<170>
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = Perceiving the ineffable, divine design of the Most
High, the Incarnation from the Virgin, the prophet Habakkuk cried
out, <169>Glory to Your power, O Lord!<170>
Ode 5
@ODE TEXT = You purchased us as Your own people by Your blood, O Lord:
grant us Your peace and keep Your flock in harmony.
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
Having acquired intimacy with God through love, the unlettered fisherman
was filled with His favor to the point of working wondrous miracles
through divine grace.
For love of You, O Lord, Your divine Apostle possessed neither gold
nor silver, but only his virtues as his trea<->sure; and he was enriched
with the power to work miracles.
Your powerful word restored the legs and steps of the lame man: for
through the divine Spirit, you worked won<->drous miracles.
O pure Virgin, in uniting Himself to the flesh which was taken from
you, God became man in the Person of the Son, but He remained unchanged
in His bodiless nature.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Enlighten us, O Lord, by Your commandments; lift
Your mighty arm, O Lover of Mankind, and grant us Your peace.
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
@CANON 2 INDNT = You chose true glory, O holy Apostle Paul, by ceaselessly
carrying the Cross of Christ our King as your only sign of victory.
@CANON 2 INDNT = For you, to live is Christ; and to die is great profit.
By love, you have been crucified with Him who was crucified for us,
O most glorious Paul.
@CANON 2 INDNT = In truth, you rejoice always in the Lord, O honorable
Paul, who have put off the body and gone away to Christ our God, the
Giver of Life.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Hail, true treasure of virginity! Through you, our
first father was delivered from the curse, and our first mother was
called back to Paradise.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The universe was amazed at your divine glory, for
you, O Virgin who knew not wedlock, have borne in your womb the God
of all and have given birth to an eternal Son, who grants salvation
to those who praise you.
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 6
@ODE TEXT = O Christ, Jonah who spent three days in the whale was
a prophecy of You, O Immortal One, who voluntarily spent three days
in the womb of the earth.
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
O Christ, as You once stretched out Your hand and saved Peter walking
on the waters, bear me up as I sink in a storm of temptations.
O Peter, like the merchant in the Gospel, you abandoned all for the
sake of the true goods, and you obtained Christ, the Pearl of great
price.
O Peter, you brought about an end to those who foolishly tried to
tempt the All-Holy Spirit, whose Divinity you were the first to make
clear, O blessed Apostle.
For us, you have brought into the world in the flesh the Word of God,
who transcends all being; therefore, with our lips and heart, we proclaim
your divine maternity.
@CANON 2 INDNT = I pour out my prayer before the Lord and tell Him
of all my affliction. For my soul is filled with evils, and my life
has drawn near to the grave. Like Jonah, I beseech You, O God: <169>Snatch
my life from corruption!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
@CANON 2 INDNT = You renounced all pleasures here below, being rapt
with love for Christ, your Master; and in your desire that all come
to salvation, you were willing to be lost yourself, separated from
Him. O blessed Paul, intercede for us all.
@CANON 2 INDNT = O blessed apostle Paul, Christ rightly granted you
citi<->zenship in heaven, for you had no desire for this passing city
here below, O faithful servant of the Lord and steward of His divine
Mysteries.
@CANON 2 INDNT = As a noble imitator of his Master, holy Paul put
on Christ and became all things to all men in order to win and save
all peoples. He truly caught the very ends of the earth in his nets
for Christ.
@CANON 2 INDNT = The Lord regarded you when He was renewing my being;
for He is mighty and has done great things, as you said, O pure Mother
of God. In His love for mankind, He has saved me from the pit through
you.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = Come, divinely-inspired: let us clap our hands and
cele<->brate this holy and most honorable feast of the Mother of God
and glorify God who was born of her.
@RUBRIC = Little Litany.
Kontakion of the Apostles
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Lord, You have taken up to their eternal rest and
to the enjoyment of Your good things the two infallible preach<->ers
of divine truths and leaders of the Apostles, for You have accepted
their struggles and their deaths as being better than any holocaust,
O You who alone know the secrets of hearts!
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = O Savior, grant eloquence to my tongue and open my mouth:
fill it with Your Spirit and grant my heart compunction that I may
be the first to follow the things that I say and do the things that
I teach; for You have said that whoever does that which he teaches
is truly great among men. For if I do not do what I say, then I am
only a sounding brass. Therefore, teach me what to speak and grant
that I may do what is right, O You who alone know the secrets of hearts.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 29, we commemorate the holy, glorious and illustrious
leaders of the Apostles, Peter and Paul.
@SYNAX INDENT = Preaching Christ, Peter was sent to the cross; and
Paul, the executioner of error, felt the edge of the sword on his
neck. On the twenty-ninth, at Rome, their blood bathed the earth.
@SYNAX LEFT = By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and
save us. Amen.
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 7
@ODE TEXT = In the beginning, the eternal Word was with the Father
and the Spirit, the only-begotten Son; blessed are You, O God of our
Fathers, and exalted above all forever!
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
Having learned through divine Providence how to imitate the compassion
of Christ, O Peter, you were able to endure the storm of your denial
before His Passion.
Christ called you first and loved you greatly; risen from the tomb,
He first appeared to you as the illustrious prince of the Apostles.
By questioning you three times, the Master strengthened your love
for Him, thus healing your triple denial be<->fore His Passion.
As witness to your love for Christ, O Peter, you took the Word who
knows all things, being eternal; and He entrusted to your care His
beloved flock.
You conceived in the flesh God the Word, who shone forth from the
Father from before all ages; we all call you blessed, as the Mother
of the God of all!
@CANON 2 INDNT = On the plain of Dura of old, the tyrant enkindled
a furnace to punish those faithful to the Lord; but in it, the three
young men sang hymns to the one true God, triply praising Him and
saying, <169>Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
@CANON 2 INDNT = O Christ, he whom You called last has become the
crown and perfection of Your apostles, for he surpassed them all in
his zeal. Together with him, the people of the Church sing out to
You: <169>Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = Although Paul, who ended as a captive, had once persecuted
Your Church, his former impudence was surpassed by his zeal in his
last days; for he gathered together the nations to sing to Christ,
<169>Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = Leaving Jerusalem, you preached the Gospel to all;
then you went around the whole world, O holy Paul, teaching even to
the boundaries of Illyricum and crying aloud: <169>Blessed are You,
O God of our Fathers!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = Taken up in ecstasy, you reached the third heaven,
O blessed one, and heard ineffable words, as you cried aloud, <169>Glory
to the Most High Father, and to the Son, His image, enthroned with
Him, and to the Spirit of God who searches all depths!<170>
@CANON 2 INDNT = Christ our God descended upon you, O Virgin, like
dew on the fleece; and He came forth from you bearing our flesh, uniting
that which had been separated formerly, and granting peace on earth
as in heaven, as the blessed God of our Fathers.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The three young men, divinely inspired, refused to
worship creatures instead of the Creator. But with courage they trampled
upon the threatening fire and sang joyfully, <169>Blessed are You,
O all-praised Lord, the God of our Fathers!<170>
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 8
@ODE TEXT = You uphold all things by Your ineffable power, O Christ:
You sprinkled dew upon the young men in the furnace as they sang,
<169>All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!<170>
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
O Peter, the Master foretold that they would stretch out your hands
and fasten you to a cross; He commanded you to follow Him as you sang,
<169>All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!<170>
By a word of grace, you raised up Aeneas, who had been paralyzed;
and by a miracle you made Tabitha rise from the dead; then both cried
aloud, <169>All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!<170>
O Christ, You showed Peter that the nations were to be cleansed by
the light of the Holy Spirit; cleanse my heart as I sing aloud, <169>All
you works of the Lord, bless the Lord!<170>
By One of the Divine Persons dwelling in your womb, God has been totally
united to myself, O Virgin; and we all magnify you as the Mother of
God.
@CANON 2 INDNT = He who was glorified on the holy mountain and re<->vealed
to Moses in the burning bush the mystery of the ever-Virgin Mother,
is the Lord: sing to Him and exalt Him throughout all the ages!
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
@CANON 2 INDNT = Captured by Your love, Paul underwent a wondrous
change; for it was no longer he who lived, O God of compassion, but
You lived within him throughout all the ages.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You betrothed the Church as a Bride presented to
Christ, her Bridegroom, O Apostle Paul, and you led her to the wedding
banquet; therefore she glorifies you throughout all the ages.
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You fought the good fight and ran the race in faith;
joyfully you went to Christ, O holy Paul, and from Him you received
the merited crown for your justice.
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Hail, fiery throne of the Lord, unwedded Bride, radiant
cloud which bore Christ, the Sun of Justice, whom we exalt throughout
all the ages!
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = The maternity of the Theotokos preserved the three
young men in the furnace. Then it was prefigured, but now that it
is accomplished, it brings the whole world together to sing: <169>O
works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever!<170>
Canticle of Mary
@ODE X TITLE = Ode 9
@ODE TEXT = O most glorious Bride and most holy Theotokos, you have
born the Creator of all things visible and invisible: with hymns,
we magnify you!
v. Holy Apostle Peter, pray to God for us!
Your very shadow healed the sick of their illnesses, O holy Peter,
manifesting your great power; thus we magnify you.
By his prodigies, contrary to God, Simon Magus exalted himself to
the heavens; but by the ineffable power of God, O holy Peter, you
have put him down; and we call you blessed.
By your intercession, O holy Apostle, obtain remission of sins, enlightenment
of heart and joy in spirit for those who celebrate your sacred memory.
O Virgin who conceived our God, you are truly called Theotokos; as
is right, we the faithful glorify you with one accord, and in hymns
we magnify you.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You surpassed our limited nature in conceiving the
Lord, your Creator, and you became the gateway to salvation for the
world; thus, O Theotokos, with ceaseless hymns we magnify you!
@CANON 2 INDNT = v. Holy Apostle Paul, pray to God for us!
the troparia)
@CANON 2 INDNT = O holy Paul, we bow down and honor the chains that
you bore, condemned as an evildoer for the sake of Christ; and we
venerate on your body the wounds you bear as a wondrous conqueror.
@CANON 2 INDNT = Having lifted your anchor to pass to Him who cherished
above all things, you dwell with Him now as His servant. We entreat
you to draw us to yourself by your prayers.
@CANON 2 INDNT = No longer in dark sayings nor as in a mirror do you
see Christ, but now He is seen face to face, revealing to you a perfect
understanding of His Divinity.
@CANON 2 INDNT = You received the bodiless Word when He willed to
recreate my nature; you gave birth to Him in the flesh, O Virgin;
wherefore, O Theotokos, we ceaselessly magnify you.
Katavasia
@AFTR KATAVAS = Let every human being take up a torch, and let him
dance in spirit; and let the immaterial spirits celebrate this holy
feast of the Mother of God and cry out: <169>Rejoice, O all-blessed
and pure and ever-Virgin Theotokos.<170>
Exapostilaria
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = Brethren, let us sing together of the highest apostles,
Peter and Paul, who have shed over the whole world the fire of their
divine light, like suns; they are truly heralds of the Faith, teachers
of doctrine, and trumpets proclaiming God; they are two columns upon
which the Church rests, and they have cast down the temples of error.
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = The great and awesome mystery of your childbearing,
O Virgin full of grace and Mother of God, was proclaimed by the prophets,
taught by the apostles, confessed by the martyrs, praised by the angels
in heaven, and venerated by mankind on earth.
Praises
Tone 4
4. When the Savior asked the choir of the twelve Apostles the question,
<169>Who do men say I am?<170> Peter, the foremost of the disciples
was filled with grace from heaven, and he clearly proclaimed the divinity
of Christ as he said, <169>You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God!<170> Thus he was called blessed for having received that revelation
from heaven on high, and upon him was conferred the power to bind
and loosen.
3. Peter, you were rightly called the Rock, for on that rock the Lord
established the Faith of His Church, which cannot be shaken, as He
made you the chief shepherd of His flock. Then, in His goodness, He
entrusted you with the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, that you might
open its gates to those who approach in faith. You were worthy to
suffer your passion on the cross, as did your Master: intercede with
Him for the salvation and enlightenment of our souls.
2. You were called by the Most High, not by men, when earthly darkness
blinded the eyes of your body, thus denouncing the darkness of impiety;
then the eyes of your soul were given vision by the light from heaven,
revealing to you the splendor of the Faith. In Christ our God, you
recognized the One who made light come forth from the darkness; intercede
with Him for the salvation and enlightenment of our souls.
1. O preacher of Christ, you gloried in His Cross. You sincerely preferred
the love of God to all things, since it binds those who love to the
Beloved. Thus you were called a <169>captive for Christ,<170> choosing
hardships and trials in preference to any pleasure. By your precious
death, you were made worthy to be united to the Lord. Intercede with
Him for the salvation and enlightenment of our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = The venerable feast of the Apostles has come for
the Church of Christ, bringing us salvation. Acclaiming them in spirit,
let us say, <169>Hail, O luminaries who make the light of the mystic
Sun shine upon those in darkness! Hail, Peter and Paul, friends of
Christ and chosen vessels, unshakeable foundations of the teachings
about God! Be with us in spirit, obtaining spiritual blessings for
those who celebrate your feast with hymns!<170>
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with
the Fruit of Life: wherefore we implore you, O Lady, to intercede
together with the Apostles and all the Saints that we may obtain mercy
for our souls.
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology.
Troparion of the Feast
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Peter and Paul, higher in rank than any other apostle,
teachers of the world: intercede with the Master of all that He may
give peace to the world and great mercy to our souls!
@RUBRIC = Litanies and Dismissal. If there is anointing with oil,
the following are sung:
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Upon you, O Peter, the Rock, chief of the apostles,
Christ the Cornerstone has established His Church, which cannot be
shaken; and the gates of Hades can do nothing against it; neither
the babbling of heretics nor the incursions of barbarians can overthrow
it. Save it from all trials and dangers by your prayers, O blessed
one.
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Peter, the first chosen, Christ crowned you as
a support for the Faith; for the Master of All declared, <169>Blessed
are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for neither flesh nor blood nor anything
on earth revealed to you that you are to be my herald; but rather
My Father in heaven!<170> Blessed apostle, entreat Him to grant us
great mercy.
Tone 6
@AFTR TROP/KON = With hymns of praise, let us honor the true heralds
of piety, the stars enlightening the Church by their living radiance:
Peter, the Rock of Faith, and Paul, the initiate of Christ and true
preacher. Having sown the word of truth in the hearts of the believers,
they brought forth fruit in all, and they intercede before Christ
for the salvation of our souls!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 8
@AFTR TONE LFT = You were a violent persecutor of the Church, but
having received your calling from heaven, O blessed Paul, you defended
it in a wondrous manner. Entreat Christ to keep it from all danger
and to grant great mercy to our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE LFT = O Lady, receive the prayer of your servants: deliver
us from all danger and from all affliction.
Synaxis of the Holy and Glorious Twelve Apostles, Worthy
of All Praise
(4th Class)
VESPERS<
@AT "O LORD = At <169>O Lord, to You I call...<170>
For Peter and Paul
Tone 4
6. Lord, You have given to Your Church as sources of pride Your sacred
Apostles, Peter and Paul. In the Church, those spiritual torches shine
like stars, enlightening the whole world. Through them, you have brought
light to it when it was sunk in darkness, O almighty Jesus, Lover
of Mankind, the Savior of our souls!
5. Lord, You have given to Your Church as supports the constancy of
holy Peter, the Rock, the brilliant wisdom and knowledge of holy Paul,
and the preaching of them both that drove away the error of those
who did not know the true God; initiated by them, we sing to You,
O almighty Jesus, the Savior of our souls.
4. You have given to sinners as examples of conversion Your two Apostles:
the one denied You at Your Passion, then later repented weeping bitterly;
the other, opposing Your preaching, persecuted it. And You placed
them both at the head of the assembly of Your friends, O almighty
Jesus, the Savior of our souls!
For the Apostles
3. Blessed are You, O eye-witnesses of the incarnate Word, illustrious
Disciples! You are truly stars shining upon the world. As mystic hills,
you have poured forth sweetness; divided, like the inexhaustible streams
flowing from Paradise, you have refreshed the Churches of the nations
with the water of God.
2. Like arrows of light enkindled by the rays of the Spirit, O blessed
disciples, you were sent throughout the whole world to bring it the
power of miracles as tireless servants of the mysteries of Christ.
You are the tablets on which divine grace has inscribed the teachings
of the New Covenant.
1. The crude pens of the fishermen have erased the confusion of philosophy
and the profusion of rhetoric as they wrote the doctrine and teachings
of the Wisdom of God, radiantly proclaiming the Gospel which announced
the blessings of God, the sharing in the eternal delights of heaven,
the joy of the angels and unending glory.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = The venerable feast of the Apostles has come for
the Church of Christ, bringing us salvation. Acclaiming them in spirit,
let us say, <169>Hail, O luminaries who make the light of the mystic
Sun shine upon those in darkness! Hail, Peter and Paul, friends of
Christ and chosen vessels, unshakeable foundations of the teachings
about God! Be with us in spirit, obtaining spiritual blessings for
those who celebrate your feast with hymns!<170>
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = Who would not call you blessed? Who would not sing
a hymn of praise to the glory of your giving birth without pain or
travail, O Virgin most holy? The Only-begotten Son Himself, begotten
of the Father before all ages, was made flesh out of you in a manner
that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure! And for our sake, He
who is God by nature assumed the nature of man. He is not divided
into two persons; He is understood to have two natures without commixture
or confusion. O noble and blessed Woman, intercede with Him that He
may have mercy on our souls.
Aposticha of the Apostles
Tone 4
1. When the Savior asked the choir of the twelve Apostles the question,
<169>Who do men say I am?<170> Peter, the foremost of the disciples,
was filled with grace from heaven, and he clearly proclaimed the divinity
of Christ as he said, <169>You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God!<170> Thus he was called blessed for having received that revelation
from heaven on high, and upon him was conferred the power to bind
and loosen.
v. Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words
to the limits of the universe.
2. You were called by the Most High, not by men, when earthly darkness
blinded the eyes of your body, thus denouncing the darkness of impiety;
then the eyes of your soul were given vision by the light from heaven,
revealing to you the splendor of the Faith. In Christ our God, you
recognized the One who made light come forth from the darkness; intercede
with Him for the salvation and enlightenment of our souls!
v. The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows forth
the work of His hands.
3. Peter, you were rightly called the Rock, for on that rock the Lord
established the Faith of His Church, which cannot be shaken, as He
made you the chief shepherd of His flock. Then, in His goodness, He
entrusted you with the keys of the Kingdom of heaven, that you might
open its gates to those who approach in faith. You were worthy to
suffer your passion on the cross, as did your Master: intercede with
Him for the salvation and enlightenment of our souls!
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = Today a splendid festival delights the universe:
the most solemn celebration of the memory of the Princes of the Apostles,
Peter and Paul, gives us joy. Wherefore, let Rome receive the glad
tidings with rejoicing. As for us, brethren, let us celebrate this
great day and cry out to these two apostles: <169>Hail, O Apostle
Peter, so closely liked with your Teacher, Christ our God! Hail, O
most beloved Paul, preacher of the Faith and teacher to the universe!
O you two holy ones, because of your high position and rank, pray
to Christ God that He may save our souls!<170>
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with
the Fruit of Life: wherefore, O Lady, we implore you to intercede
together with the apostles and all the saints that we may obtain mercy
for our souls!
Troparion of Peter and Paul
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Peter and Paul, higher in rank than any other apostle,
teachers of the world, intercede with the Master of All that He may
give peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Troparion of the Apostles
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Apostles, intercede with the Merciful God
that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = We praise you, O Virgin Theotokos, mediatrix of our
salvation, for your Son our God who suffered on the cross in the flesh
which was taken from you, redeemed us from corruption, for He is the
Lover of mankind.
@AFTR TROP/KON =
ORTHROS<
@RUBRIC = Use the festal format, for feasts of the Fourth Class.
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 1)
@AFTR SESSIONL = The choir of Apostles was sent out into the world
by the Most High God; they healed passions as they preached the One
Divinity in Three Persons, and they wisely pro<->claimed the divine
incarnation of Emmanuel.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = O Virgin, we sing to you as the unconsumed bush seen
by Moses, the holy cloud, the mountain of God, the spotless tabernacle,
the divine table, the palace of the great King and the sealed Gate,
radiant with light.
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 3
@AFTR SESSIONL = O divine trumpets of the Paraclete, who made the
voice of the Word be heard, you have sounded forth salvation for the
world. Awakening those who had been sleeping in the darkness of error,
you led them to the resplendent know<->ledge of God. O Apostles of
the Light, entreat Christ to grant us great mercy.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and
forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR SESSIONL = He was not separated from His divine nature when
He took flesh in your womb; becoming man, He remained God, the Lord
who kept your virginity intact after child<->birth as well as before,
O Virgin; ceaselessly entreat Him to grant us great mercy.
Kontakion of the Twelve Apostles
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Today Christ the Rock glorifies with supreme honor
the Rock of Faith and Leader of the Apostles, together with Paul and
the company of the Twelve, whose memory we celebrate with eagerness
of faith, giving glory to the One who gave glory to them.
Kontakion of Peter and Paul
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Lord, You have taken up to their eternal rest and
to the enjoyment of Your good things the two infallible preach<->ers
of divine truths and leaders of the Apostles, for You have accepted
their struggles and their deaths as being better than any holocaust,
O You who alone know the secrets of hearts.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = O Savior, grant eloquence to my tongue and open my mouth:
fill it with Your Spirit and grant my heart compunction that I may
be the first to follow the things that I say and do the things that
I teach; for You have said that whoever does that which he teaches
is truly great among men. For if I do not do what I say, then I am
only a sounding brass. Therefore, teach me what to speak and grant
that I may do what is right, O You who alone know the secrets of hearts.
Synaxarion
@SYNAX LEFT = On June 30, we celebrate the Synaxis of the holy, glorious
and illustrious Twelve Apostles.
@SYNAX INDENT = I venerate the twelve eye-witnesses, the friends of
Christ, the heroes of God; and it is the least that I can do. The
thirtieth of June leads us to celebrate together the wondrous Twelve.
@SYNAX LEFT = By the prayers of Your holy and illustrious Apostles,
O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = Let us joyfully acclaim together the Twelve Apostles
of God. Let us say to them, <169>Hail, you who went throughout the
whole world and caught in your nets the multitude of the nations who
renounced error and received from you the teachings of the true Faith.
@AFTR EXAPOST = In you, O divine Mother, we have our glory; in you,
we find our advocate before God. Stretch out your invincible hand
to crush our enemy; by your prayers, may God send us help from His
sanctuary.
Praises
Tone 4
6. O leader of the Apostles, you left all things and followed the
Master, saying to Him: <169>I will die with You, for the sake of a
blessed life!<170> You became first Bishop of Rome, the greatest of
cities. You are its renowned glory, its wondrous pride, the foundation
of the Church, against which the gates of Hades cannot prevail, just
as Christ foretold. Entreat Him to save and enlighten our souls!
5. O leader of the Apostles, you left...
4. You were called from your mother's womb. Escaping the weight of
material things, you flew on the wings of true love for God to the
very heights of holy charity. Entering into the radiant cloud of the
divine Light, as though you were bodiless, you heard ineffable words
revealed to you and were sent to those in darkness to proclaim to
them Christ our God, the true Light; en<->treat Him to save and enlighten
our souls.
3. You are the light existing from before all time. When You willed
to descend to my humanity in Your ineffable love for mankind and to
take flesh in Your goodness, You made Your Apostles and Disciples
become reflections of Your radiant splendor, O Savior. They were sent
with splendor to illumine all creation with Your divine Light; by
their prayers, enlighten and save our souls.
2. You are the Light...
1. You were sowers of the seed of the Word, O Peter and Paul, Andrew,
James, John, Bartholomew, Philip, Thomas and Matthew, Simon, Jude,
and James! You twelve Apostles proclaimed the Holy Trinity, our eternal
God. You are the unshakeable foundation of the Church, its firm support:
entreat the Master of all for our salvation.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = (Tone 8
@AFTR TONE IND = Disciples of the Savior, you went throughout the
whole world, consuming the error of idolatry like dry stubble. Enlightening
it with your teachings about God, you saved the nations as you drew
them out of the profound ignorance in which they had sunk, in order
to lead them to knowledge of the true God. Intercede with Christ that
He may be favorable to us on the day of judgment.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
@AFTR TONE IND = O Lady, receive the prayer of your servants: deliver
us from all danger and all affliction.
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies and Dismissal.