May 1
Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Jeremiah
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 8
3. Lord, before You formed the illustrious prophet Jeremiah in his mother's womb, before he was born, You sanctified him as a prophet, for You foresaw that he would be subject to Your call. In Your goodness and love for mankind, save us through his prayers.
2. Lord, although the wondrous Jeremiah was thrown into the mud of the foul pit, he experienced the sweet fragrance of Paradise, where he continuously dwelt in spirit. In Your goodness and love for mankind, save us through his prayers.
1. Lord, although Your servant Jeremiah sang the Lamentations, he never lost his joy in You; for in truth, his soul was united to You in love, O Christ; and now he rejoices fully and ineffably forever.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 2
@BODY TXT IND = We celebrate the memory of Your prophet Jeremiah, and through him we implore You, O Lord: Save our souls!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your heart purified by the Spirit, radiant in His light, O wondrous Jeremiah, great prophet and martyr, you received the gift of prophecy from on high. You proclaimed aloud among the nations: "Behold, this is our God. There is none to equal Him. He is made manifest in the flesh on earth!"
Synaxarion
On May 1, we commemorate the holy prophet Jeremiah.
@SYNAX INDENT = Those who had hardened their hearts like stones and who had no fear of God whatsoever, stoned the prophet Jeremiah to death on the first day of May.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 2
Transfer of the Relics of our Father among the Saints, Atahanasius the Great, Patriarch of Alexandria
4th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. You endured persecutors without fearing any danger, O Athanasius, divine preacher, in order to bring an end to the error of Arius, who denied that Christ is God. You saved your flock from his impiety, O holy hierarch, as you proclaimed the true faith that the Son and Spirit are of one substance with the Father.
2. By the brilliance of your preaching, you brought light to hearts that lay in darkness. You drove away all error as you risked your life as a true and dedicated shepherd, that the Church of Christ, the unshakable Rock, might never waver in its faith. Thus, with joy, we all come together to honor you in hymns.
1. Under divine inspiration, you persevered in the practice of all the virtues. Consecrated by the anointing of the Spirit, in the eyes of all, you became a most wise hierarch and a true shepherd, a defender of the faith. Thus, the whole Church honors your sacred memory as it glorifies Christ on this holy feast.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 6
@AFTR TONE IND = With hymns, let us all honor Athanasius, the hierarch of Christ, who showed the error in the doctrines of Arius and clearly taught the whole world to revere the power of the Holy Trinity, the one God in Three Persons, without division, before whom he intercedes for us all as we celebrate his holy memory with faith.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Aposticha
Tone 5
1. Hail, model of virtues, who bravely fought for the faith. You shattered the heresy of Arius, O Athanasius, by the strength of your words as you clearly taught the one power shared by the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity. In its unique goodness, that Trinity is the Creator of all things visible and invisible; and thus you also explained what is difficult to understand in the divine creation. Entreat Christ to grant great mercy to our souls.
v. My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart exults with understanding.
2. Hail, resolute staff of patriarchs, clarion call, sublime spirit, voice of precision and glance of intuition, radiant of authentic doctrine, true shepherd and brilliant torch, ax pruning and clearing away all underbrush of heresy and burning it in the fire of the Spirit, unshakable pillar, unchanging fortress, herald of the supreme power of the Holy Trinity; entreat God to grant great mercy to our souls.
v. Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; Your faithful shall ring out their joy.
1. Hail, for your name signifies everlasting life! Hail, for you are like a beautiful dove, winging its way with its companion and little ones from earth to heaven, to rejoice with the cloud of witnesses, there in the never-fading light in the never-ending joy, where the sound of festival resounds in the presence of God, where Christ dwells, He who grants great mercy to our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 3
On his annual festival we are again visited by Athanasius, that saint named for immortality, that Nile flowing with golden streams; the rising of the feast makes immortality overflow in a golden flood; bringing forth a fruit like ambrosia, through his most profound theology he teaches us to worship the undivided power of the Holy Trinity; with the flood of his divine doctrine, he refreshes the spirits of the faithful and intercedes for our souls before God.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 3
You became a stronghold of Orthodoxy, strengthening the Church through your divine teachings, O hierarch Athanasius. Opposing the heretical Arius, you explained and taught that the Son of God is of one substance with the Father. Holy Father, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS
@RUBRIC = Use Festal Format, for Fourth Class Feasts
@BOLD TITLE = Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = You defended the Church with the divine dogmas of Orthodoxy, O holy Father; and you brought an end to heresy by your teachings. Like Saint Paul, you ran the race of godliness and kept the faith unto the end. Like him, too, a just crown was reserved to reward you for your sufferings.
v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = O Athanasius, holy hierarch, even after your death, the company of true believers benefits from the light of your radiant teachings, for you are like a never-setting sun.
v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TONE LFT = Planting the doctrines of Orthodoxy, you rooted out the weeds of error, multiplying the seed of faith with the dew of the Spirit; thus we celebrate your sacred memory.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = O faithful, let us celebrate the festive memory of Athanasius with hymns today. By his teachings, he brought about the collapse of the heresies of Arius, Eunomius and Sabellius, delivering them to the eternal fire to be consumed for having blasphemed against the incarnation of the Savior announced by all the prophets. Thus we celebrate his sacred memory.
Synaxarion
On May 2, we celebrate the transfer of the relics of our Father among the Saints, Athanasius the Great, Patriarch of Alexandria.
@SYNAX INDENT = Athanasius, to where have you been transferred? Are you once again to be sent into some far place of exile? On May second, only his cast off remains are transferred from one tomb to another.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = Glory of hierarchs, son of Egypt, jewel of immortal life: we all praise you as the victor over Arius, and we sing to you as the protector of those who profess the true faith.
From the Pentecostarion
Praises
Tone 4
4. O venerable Athanasius, your fiery teachings have consumed the weeds of underbrush of heresy; the restless hosts of the teachers of error have been drowned in the depths of your thoughts; your wise doctrine remains as the daily beauty of the assembly of believers who venerate you with loud praises.
3. O venerable Athanasius....(Repeat)
2. The whole Church is adorned with the light of your divine words, O holy Father, and is radiant with the most pure beauty of its faith. As is fitting on this feast, she honors your memory, O Athanasius, glory of priests, splendor of the faith, sublime preacher and defender of the Holy Trinity.
1. With the staff of your teachings, O Athanasius, you drove away the spiritual wolves from the Church of Christ. You have drawn up your teachings around her like a rampart, in order to present her, undefiled, to Christ. Continue to intercede with Him that the faithful who celebrate your venerable memory be delivered from danger and death.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = Let us reverently celebrate the glory of priests, Athanasius, the invincible hierarch. Having dispersed the forces of heresy by the power of the Spirit, he built up the triumph of Orthodoxy throughout the world. He gave us the proper words to speak of the Mystery of the Holy Trinity according to the Persons and their different properties, joining Them in unity without confusion through Their identity of substance. He sings to God in company with the cherubim and intercedes for the salvation of our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology.
May 3
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs
Timothy and Maura
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. United by Christ and joined in God, jewels of the martyrs and wondrous witnesses, you clung to the yoke of God in the midst of your torments without yielding under the chastisement of your persecutor. Intercede now that our souls be given peace and great mercy.
2. Radiant with beauty, O holy and blessed Maura, you darkened the face of the fearful persecutor by the light of your peaceful dignity. As they tore away your hair, you openly clung closer to our God. In the boiling water of the cauldron, it was you who triumphed by consuming the head of the unjust Belial.
1. O Timothy, with all the strength of your soul and with your whole heart, you honored the God who transcends all honor. As you were tormented by the red hot skewers, you heard the gentle voice of God speaking within your heart. When they crucified you upside down, you ran to heaven to receive the victor's crown.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = 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 prosecutors and crushed the powerless arrogance of demons. Through their supplications, O Christ God, save our souls!
OR Troparion
Tone 1
@AFTR TONE LFT = Regard the sufferings which Your holy martyrs have endured for Your sake; and heal all our sufferings, we beg You, O loving Lord.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = You endured many torments and have received your crown from God. Intercede before Him for us who celebrate your sacred memory, O illustrious Timothy and Maura, worthy of our praise, that we may rejoice in peace; for the Lord is the rampart for the faithful.
Synaxarion
On May 3, we commemorate the holy martyrs Timothy and Maura.
@SYNAX INDENT = For the sake of Christ who stretched out His hands on the Tree, on the third, the executioner makes the wondrous Timothy and Maura stretch out on the cross.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 4
Commemoration of the Holy Woman Martyr
Pelagia of Tarsus
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Desiring the sacred and saving mystery of holy baptism, you zealously set out in search of it; having found one to initiate you, with joy and gladness you hastened to the object of your desire, O illustrious martyr, and were granted wondrous visions; for you were only a young maiden when you began to follow after the Bridegroom.
2. Renouncing this earthly, passing world which decays and wilts, you devoted all your energy to seeking the splendor of God, which endures forever, and the unfailing treasures of joy, happiness and purity. Radiant with a double splendor, as a virgin you received the glory of martyrdom.
1. Vast and ineffable is the sea of your miracles, O Pelegia, martyr worthy of our praise. Loving Christ with a pure and undivided heart, you were not moved by the blows, fire and torments. For your perseverance, you were welcomed into the heavenly nuptial chamber by your Bridegroom, the Savior 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = Your ewe-lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud voice: "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." Accept her as an immaculate victim, since she is immolated for Your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = Renouncing passing things in order to share in the goods of heaven to receive a crown by your passion, O Pelagia, you presented the streams of your own blood to the Master as your dowry. Intercede with Christ to deliver from all evil the faithful who honor your sacred memory.
Synaxarion
On May 4, we commemorate the holy woman martyr Pelagia.
@SYNAX INDENT = The heavenly bronze image of an ox sheltered Pelagia in its burning, blazing hot belly; but on the fourth, Pelagia found her true shelter in Christ.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 5
Commemoration of the Holy and Great-Martyr, Irene
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. Adorned with your own blood as with a mantle of royal purple, you hastened to the King whom you loved, the Lord and Creator of all; you received from Him the crown of victory in order to reign with Him forever as a virgin and martyr who endured many struggles.
2. You withstood the burning fire and the wrenching of your bones, O venerable martyr, worthy of our praise, for you beheld the rewards to come, which Christ has prepared for His friends, for those who love Him fervently as the splendid Bridegroom of their souls.
1. Encharmed by the love of Christ, you detested the gods of the pagans, their lifeless idols. In their sight, you became a solid pillar of the knowledge of God, you who resolutely fought the good fight, ran the race to the finish and kept the faith without fail, O Irene.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = Your ewe-lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud voice: "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." Accept her as an immaculate victim, since she is immolated for Your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = Radiantly adorned with the gold of your virginal splendor, Irene, you became even more beautiful as you fought the good fight; empurpled in the streams of your own blood, you overcame the error of the godless. Thus, you received from your divine Creator the reward as a victor.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Inflamed from infancy by love of Christ, you ran like a thirsting deer to the source of living water. By your endurance in your struggles, you were a virgin martyr. As a bride, clothed in an embroidered mantle, one chosen and crowned in the sight of all, you entered into the incorruptible bridal chamber of your Creator, where you received from your Bridegroom the golden crown, the reward as a victor.
Synaxarion
On May 5, we commemorate holy Irene, the Great-Martyr.
@SYNAX INDENT = Once struck down toward death by the sword, Irene miraculously survives. The saint, supposedly beheaded, arises - on the fifth, she does go down to death, but more peacefully in keeping with her name.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilarion
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = Strengthened by the Cross of your Lord, O holy Irene, you crushed the arrogance of your persecutors as you courageously fought the good fight; you received the reward of a victor from Christ. O far-famed martyr, entreat Him on behalf of the faithful who wholeheartedly honor you.
@RUBRIC = Exapostilarion of the Pentecostarion
May 6
Commemoration of the Holy and Just Job, the Long-suffering One
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. In Your supreme goodness, You gave us an example of patience and courage in the just Job, who had to struggle greatly, tried as he was in his virtues, deeds and words. Those who exalt in themselves, You lead to wisdom through their sufferings. Thus we glorify Your incomparable ways of working, O almighty Jesus, the Savior of our souls.
2. Just, kind, blameless, upright and avoiding evil were you, O holy Job, outstanding in piety and exemplary in your virtues; thus we call you blessed and joyfully celebrate today your venerable and holy memory.
1. Having piety as your wealth and robed in compassion as in costly royal purple, O upright man, you put on justice as a divine diadem. As a king, you had dominion over the tyranny of the passions. Thus you were raised to the presence of the Ruler of all ages in the kingdom on high, O wondrous Job.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = You passed your whole life in strict obedience to the Law without failing in any of its precepts; you had as your ally a glory praised by God Himself, and as a resolute soldier, you stripped yourself for combat in virtue; through the unbearable wounds afflicting your body, you overcame the one who had exalted himself in pride. Thus, you received from Christ the triumphant crown of a conqueror. Intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 1
@AFTR TONE LFT = When the enemy of the just beheld the wealth of Job's virtues, he thought to destroy them. He attacked his body, but could not touch his spirit, for his pure soul was ready and strong. As for us, the same enemy stripped and chained us. Wherefore, O Savior, be on our side: protect us against the devil and save us!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 8
@AFTR TONE LFT = O wondrous and true servant of God, you were sincere, just and pious, blameless and upright. By your patience, you have become a teacher for the whole world, you who suffered so much, O venerable Job. Thus we gather to celebrate your memory.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = The Lord God of all, reigning with the Son and Holy Spirit as one Divinity, illumines and manifests the piety of His faithful servants. He Himself bore witness to Job when His loving voice pronounced him compassionate, upright, just and avoiding evil. Thus we venerate him, gathering with hymns to celebrate his memory.
Synaxarion
On May 6, we commemorate the holy just prophet Job, the long-suffering.
@SYNAX INDENT = The heavy weight of forgetfulness would not know how to bury the unforgettable rock of noble endurance; but, on the sixth, at the end of his years, the blameless Job, the long-suffering was buried in his tomb.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 7
Commemoration of the Appearance of the Sign of the Precious and Lifegiving Cross in the Sky over Jerusalem
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Today the holy assembly of the faithful rejoices, for the Cross appears in the heavens, making the whole firmament radiant with its unapproachable light. The air glows and the face of the earth is adorned with beauty; the Church of Christ intones divine hymns as she honors and venerates the wondrous and holy Cross that protects her form on high. We who are strengthened by its power come to entreat the Lord to grant peace to the world and to send His light upon our souls.
2. Today the venerable and wondrous Cross appeared as a precious ladder, lifting from earth to heaven the faithful who hasten to glorify it. All the nations who sought baptism rejoice, filled with exultation; the Church is robed in the beauty of God as a Bride. The enemies of the Cross tried to hide it, now it beams its heavenly radiance throughout the firmament to save the hosts of the faithful who reverently draw near to it.
1. Let the whole creation exult with joy, for today the Cross shone down from the heavens upon the very limits of the whole earth, joining this world to the world to come. Today mankind rejoices with the choirs of angels, for by tearing down the wall of separation, the Cross leads us all to unity. Brighter than the sun, it sheds the light of grace upon the whole creation and saves the faithful who glorify it with reverence.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = The heavens declare Your glory: the awesome sign of Your Cross, O Lord; and the whole earth bows down in worship. In our thanksgiving, we glorify You and sing: "You are the Impassable One, O God; but You have freely chosen to suffer for our sake in the flesh: save the people whom You have purchased at the price of Your own blood!"
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 1
@AFTR TROP/KON = The sign of Your Cross appeared in a dazzling glow, more radiant than the sun, O Savior. You extended it from the holy mountain to the place of Calvary, thus manifesting the power You have given to it. Maintain our public authorities in strength, establish our country in peace, and save us through the prayers of Your Mother, O Christ our God!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Thrice blessed and all venerable Cross, I am sanctified as I sing to you, now as I bow down before you: for, lifted up on you, Christ has saved the whole world. Hasten, then, to my aid and save me by your power; deliver me from all danger that I may sing of you: "Hail, blessed Tree of the Cross!"
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Open my mouth, my mind and my heart, O King of the Ages; enlighten them; sanctify my soul that I may celebrate Your Holy Cross, O Word! Send Your Spirit to teach me to sing for You with love:
@AFTR IKOS = Hail, glory of the world, holy Cross, who are the strength of the Church! Hail, solid rampart of shepherds and precious crown of rulers!
@AFTR IKOS = Hail, Scepter of the Master of All, upon whom Christ was nailed! Hail, consolation of the afflicted and invincible weapon of those who struggle!
@AFTR IKOS = Hail, splendor of the holy angels, protection of the faithful! Hail, for through you Hades was destroyed and we were blessed!
@AFTR IKOS = Hail, blessed Tree of the Cross!
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = On May 7, we commemorate the appearance in the sky above Jerusalem, at nine o'clock in the morning, of a cluster of stars tracing the sign of the Cross from Calvary to the Mount of Olives. This occurred in the reign of the Emperor Constance, the son of Constantine the Great.
@AFTR IKOS = The whole earth was once sanctified when the Tree of the Cross was planted in it at the crucifixion of Christ. On the seventh, the sky is sanctified by its appearance as it sends forth its rays of light.
@AFTR IKOS = By the power of Your Cross, O Savior, save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = The Cross is the protector of the whole world; the Cross is the splendor of the Church; the Cross is the glory of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of the angels and the terror of the demons.
From the Pentecostarion
May 8
Commemoration of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian; and of our Venerable Father Arsenius the Great
3rd Class
@BOLD TITLE = Synaxarion
On May 8, the Synaxis in honor of the ash or "holy manna" produced by the tomb of the holy and illustrious Apostle and Evangelist, the virgin disciple, beloved of Christ, the friend who reclined on His breast, John the Theologian.
@SYNAX INDENT = That manna which distills from the tomb where you repose, O son of thunder, John, Disciple of the Lord, is not a food, but it does provide strength. On the eighth, we celebrate your office, remembering the heavenly dew.
On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father Arsenius the Great.
@SYNAX INDENT = Arsenius wanted to live unnoticed by all: but his passing could not escape notice.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 9
Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Isaiah and of the Holy Martyr Christopher
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
@BOLD TITLE = For Isaiah
Tone 4
6. Purified by the burning coal, the fiery ember of God made flesh, the sublime and illustrious Isaiah was entrusted with his prophetic call, and he was allowed to look upon the glory of our God because of his purity and countless virtues; thus he became a herald to announce to the nations the manifestation of our God and the salvation that was to come.
5. Purified in heart and mind, O wondrous Isaiah, the Spirit made you a sweet-sounding instrument ceaselessly playing through His energy and inspiration, and pouring forth the perfect wisdom of our God. Illustrious prophet, you were initiated into the mysteries of Him who you beheld seated on His lofty throne.
4. You beheld the heavenly Cherubim ceaselessly singing the thrice-holy hymn as they glorified the one Godhead of the tripersonal Divinity. Then, O blessed and admirable initiate, you were entrusted with the grace of prophecy. Thus as we celebrate your holy memory, we choose you as our powerful intercessor in the presence of Christ our God.
@BOLD TITLE = For Christopher
Tone 1
3. Come, let us honor the accomplishments of the martyr Christopher, who causes the inexhaustible graces of the life-giving Christ to pour forth on our behalf. Since he triumphed over the enemy, he has obtained for us His unfailing power over demons, sufferings and passions.
2. A flood of miracles flows forth from your remains: they deliver us from storms and drive away the dangers of the plague; thus your people entreat you today, O Martyr who work so many wonders: continue to come to our rescue.
1. Like flowers in the springtime, the many wounds you endured in your passion pour forth on us the sweet fragrance of your memory, O holy martyr. The sick, the suffering and the failing sing to Christ who grants the gift of healing through your prayers.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 4
@AFTR TONE IND = Adorned with the blood of your martyrdom as with a purple robe, the Church of Christ shines with splendor, O Christopher, who fought the good fight. Taking the Cross as your only armor and choosing to die for love of Christ, you nobly confronted the enemy hosts. Frustrating the plans of the impious, you triumphed as a soldier of Christ. Thus we entreat you: since you have confidence as the jewel of the martyrs, intercede for the salvation of our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = After the Aposticha of the Pentecostarion:
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 4
@AFTR APOSTICA = Come, O believers: let us form a choir in spirit and honor in our hymns the victorious athlete of Christ our God; for today the illustrious Christopher dawns like the morning star to bring light to the faithful who celebrate with faith and love his venerable and holy memory.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion of Isaiah
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = We celebrate the memory of Your prophet Isaiah; and through him, we implore You, O Lord: Save our souls!
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion of Christopher
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Robed in the purple of your martyrdom, you came before the Lord, the King of Heaven. Wherefore, you now sing the Thrice-Holy Hymn with the choirs of angels. Intercede for the salvation of those who honor you.
ORTHROS
@BOLD TITLE = Kontakion of Isaiah
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Having received the charism of prophecy, O herald of God, prophet and martyr Isaiah, you clearly proclaimed aloud to all the incarnation of our God, as you said: Behold, the Virgin shall be with Child!
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Since my lips are impure and my whole being has been brought down to death, how can I sing Your praises, Lord? But knowing the compassion with which You save those who draw near to You in faith, I offer You two small coins like the widow of old. I offer You the words of my stained lips; and bowing down in worship, I cry aloud: Enlighten my spirit, Lord, that I may say with the prophet Isaiah, "Behold, the Virgin shall be with Child!"
Synaxarion
On May 9, we commemorate the passion of the holy and illustrious prophet Isaiah.
@SYNAX INDENT = He who foresaw that a Virgin would be with Child was allowed to behold the eternal generation of the Word. On the ninth, that seer of the future is struck down by a bitter hand - and who am I to speak of him?
On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Christopher.
@SYNAX INDENT = By his name, I know Christopher to be a bearer of God; a sword bore down upon him and immolated him for the sake of Him whom he adored.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 10
Commemoration of the Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot
4th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. The wondrous Simon, glory of the Apostles, has shone like a light upon the whole inhabited earth, from one end to the other, driving away the dark shadows of idolatry by his radiant and saving preaching. He enlightens all that they might glorify the One Divinity, the undivided Unity in Three Persons.
2. The apostle Simon, venerable and enlightened, was a teacher to the nations; and like a net from God, he fished them up from the depths of perdition. Today this true herald of the most high theology invites us to know Christ; and he presents his just deeds as a banquet to refresh our souls.
1. Blessed Simon traveled to the furthest ends of the earth, like a spark which descends to cleanse every land from the error of idolatry, enkindling by grace for believers the shining lamps of the faith, that they might glorify the One Divinity, the undivided Unity in Three Persons.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 2
@AFTR TONE IND = Named for divine zeal, worthy of our admiration, O Apostle Simon, you burned with fervor for the all-powerful God who graced you with wondrous miracles. Unequaled in your zeal you earned the title of zealot, O blessed one, and showed your life to be worthy of that name. You dwell on high with the choirs of heaven, O Apostle who saw God; entreat Christ, the Word of God, to grant great mercy to our souls.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Prokimenon
@RUBRIC = (If the feast is to be celebrated with more solemnity, there is an Entrance. After the "O Joyful Light", three readings follow: 1) I John 3:21-4:6; 2) I John 4:11-16; 3) I John 4:20-5:5)
Aposticha
Tone 1
1. You drank from the Stream of all delights, illustrious Simon, and with divine wisdom you refreshed those who ardently wished to come to a knowledge of God. In this you imitated Christ, in whose presence you forever stand, exulting with joy as you behold the radiant glory of the Holy Trinity in that peace surpasses all understanding.
v. Through all earth, their voice resounds; and to the ends of the world their message.
2. You gently contemplate God, O wondrous Simon, beholding Him as near and rejoicing in the most intimate union. Divinized by this contract, you have found the joy of the only desirable good, the unique blessedness, O herald of Christ, worthy of our hymns, who dwell with the angels in heaven.
v. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands.
3. Blessed Apostle, you have become a faithful intermediary between God and man, and you present us to Christ through the power of your prayers. Never cease to entreat the Lord at all times that He grant peace and great mercy to our souls.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@TONE # INDENT = Tone 6
@AFTR APOSTICA = Like an eagle soaring in the heights, O holy apostle Simon, you went as a disciple of the Savior throughout the whole creation. The fiery words of your ardent preaching consumed the idols of the false gods like kindling. You led the nations up from the depths of ignorance to the knowledge of God. Entreat Christ, then, that He be merciful to us on the day of judgment.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Apostle Simon, intercede with the Merciful God that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
ORTHROS
@RUBRIC = Use Festal Format, for Fourth Class Feasts
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 2
@AFTR SESSIONL = Catching the nations in the nets of his teaching, the Apostle led the whole world to worship You, O Christ our God, as well as the Father and the Spirit. Make firm our faith through his prayers; send Your blessing upon Your faithful, O Lover of Mankind, the only Compassionate One.
@AFTR SESSIONL = v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Christ, the Sun of Justice, sent you as a ray to shed light upon the whole world. By your prayers before God, holy apostle Simon, illumine with the never-fading light all the faithful who celebrate your holy memory.
@AFTR SESSIONL = v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = With hymns, let us all praise the blessed apostle Simon, who faultlessly imparts the teachings of wisdom to the souls of the faithful. He now exults with the bodiless angels before the throne of glory, ceaselessly interceding for us all.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Now let us all acclaim the feast of the apostle as a day of salvation; let us call it blessed in our faith, for it brings about for the world the dawning of a sun that burns away all mist by the splendor of its rays, in order to enlighten the faithful who celebrate and glorify his memory with love. Let us draw near with our whole heart and sing to him, for he stands before Christ, ceaselessly interceding for us all.
Synaxarion
On May 10, we celebrate the memory of the holy apostle Simon the Zealot.
@SYNAX INDENT = In submitting to torture, Simon the Zealot is said to have resembled his Master, the Conqueror of Death. "I am imitating His Passion, but I bear my own cross." On the tenth, the apostle with the zealous heart was hung upon the tree.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Apostle of the compassionate Christ, you looked upon Him with your own eyes. Entreat the Lord to grant peace to the world, victory to the Christian people, remission of sins to us, and great mercy to all those who acclaim you as His disciple, O holy apostle Simon.
From the Pentecostarion
Praises
Tone 4
@AFTR PRAISES = 4. Using God's grace as a fishing pole, illustrious Simon, you drew men up from the sea of vain illusions. In this you obeyed the command of your Master who filled your soul with light and made of you, O blessed one, an apostle, a sacred preacher of His ineffable divinity.
@AFTR PRAISES = 3. Using God's grace...(Repeat)
@AFTR PRAISES = 2. The light of the Spirit descended upon you in the form of fire, O blessed apostle Simon, making you His divine instrument to courageously drive away the shadows of godlessness. You illumined the world by the radiance of your wise words, O jewel of the apostles, chosen disciple.
@AFTR PRAISES = 1. With the light of you preaching, O illustrious apostle Simon, you illumined those who lay in the shadow of error. By faith, you made them sons of the Master, our God, whose sufferings and death imitated, and whose glory you inherited as a true disciple and preacher of God.
@AFTR PRAISES = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 8
@AFTR TONE LFT = Apostle and disciple of the Savior, illustrious Simon the Zealot, your word has gone forth to the limits of the universe. As a protector, never cease to intercede that we be delivered from all danger, and entreat the salvation of our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@RUBRIC = Great Doxology.
May 11
Commemoration of the Dedication of the City of Constantinople, and of the Holy Hieromartyr Mocius
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Radiant as the sun, you dawned in the west to shine upon the whole world with the splendor of your good fight, O blessed father, wise in God. Jewel of athletes, wondrous adornment of priests, equal to the Holy angels, you destroyed the power of error.
2. Heated by piety, sharpened by fighting the good fight, furnished by your manly courage, you were a sword forged by heaven to cut to pieces the forces of the enemy. Thus today we wholeheartedly celebrate your holy and light-bearing memory, O glory and pride of martyrs.
1. Broken on the wheel, burned by fire, thrown to the beasts and submitted to all types of torments, you were finally beheaded. O blessed martyr, you never denied Christ nor sacrificed to the idols. Thus you received the crown as a conqueror, and dwelling with the choirs of angels, you intercede for us all.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = Today the Queen of Cities dedicates its foundation to the Queen of all hordes of godless enemies. Her faithful and emperors sing aloud: "O Lady, you are the firm support of the crown and scepter of all Christian authorities!"
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion of Mocius
Tone 1
@AFTR TROP/KON = As a priest of His glory, ministering to Christ, you offered yourself to the Lord as a spiritual sacrifice and perfect oblation in the burning fire of martyrdom. Thus Christ, the Lover of Mankind, has bestowed on you a double crown, O Mocius, glorifying you for having glorified Him in your struggle.
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion of the Dedication
@TONE # = Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Protected by the buckler of faith, you overcame the hosts of the impious, O Mocius, and received the crown of glory from the Lord. Since you rejoice forever with the angels, save those who sing to you from peril, and ceaselessly intercede for us all.
Synaxarion
On May 11, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Mocius.
@SYNAX INDENT = With a sword, the impious deprive Mocius of his head, for he had shaken his head in derision, mocking their superstition. On the eleventh of May, the holy Church celebrates the beheading of this martyred priest.
On this same day, we commemorate in spirit the foundation, the dedication of the Queen of Cities, protected by God, specially consecrated to our Lady, the Theotokos, and saved by her on so many occasions.
@SYNAX INDENT = It is extremely proper for me to celebrate your birth, O City, for in you I find my own roots: Byzantium.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 12
Commemoration of our Fathers among the Saints Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus and Germanus, Archbishop of Constantinople
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
@BOLD TITLE = For Epiphanius
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = 6. The Law expressed in the Scriptures was the teacher leading you to Christ, O Epiphanius. It revealed to you the radiant knowledge of God, prefigured clearly the grace of the Savior, and foretold in symbol what you would explain in your teachings, O glorious hierarch, as you preached the doctrine inspired by God.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 5. O blessed preacher, by the brilliance of your divine teaching, you proclaimed the law of grace which sheds light to the very limits of the universe. Putting an end to the babbling of heresies with your fervor and wisdom, O venerable father, you exposed their foolishness as you explained the pure beauty of the true faith.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 4. Your dedicated life, in union with your orthodox thought, led you to work miracles, O holy father, crushing the arrogance of demons calming the painful sufferings of the sick by your prayers. Fittingly were you adorned with the grace of the episcopacy by Jesus, the Lover of Mankind and Savior of our souls.
@BOLD TITLE = For Germanus
Tone 1
@AFTR TONE LFT = 3. With power, you brought about the collapse of the proud impiety of Leo, who had wretchedly forbidden us to venerate the icons of Christ and the Saints. Your words so denounced his madness, O Germanus, that he was seen to be a fool.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 2. The leonine beast, the enemy of God, the forerunner of the Antichrist, who rejected the veneration of the icon of the Savior, was banished from the inheritance of the faithful. Thus we entreat you, O venerable father: as you did so long ago, by your prayers now bring peace to our troubled times.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 1. You clearly found what you had so long desired; O blessed father, you now stand confidently before the Lord, in whose presence you rejoice as you are divinized and entreat peace for the world.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 2
@AFTR TONE LFT = As a child you submitted to the law of Moses within the Jewish community; but the grace of Christ enlightened you, O Epiphanius, and made you a disciple of the Gospel of peace. Thus, as an intelligent man, accepting the spirit of the two Testaments, you passed from slavery to liberty. Intercede for us that we might escape the powerful tyranny of the enemy and obtain the salvation of our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion
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
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O faithful, as is right, let us acclaim these two hierarchs so worthy of our admiration: for Epiphanius and Germanus consumed in fire the words of the impious as they taught the doctrine of God to all the orthodox who sing forever of the great mystery of faith.
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = It is right to venerate these two saints as the treasure of hierarchs and the glory of Orthodoxy: for us, they have become secure towers against enemies both visible and invisible, unshakable pillars of the faith, and divine adornment for the Church which proclaims with joy: My spirit rejoices, for I have recovered the ancient ornament which the heretics had torn away, for they did not wish to sing forever of the great mystery of the faith.
Synaxarion
On May 12, we commemorate our Father among the Saints, Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis (Constance) on Cyprus.
@SYNAX INDENT = Epiphanius brought glory to Cyprus where his great notoriety was manifested when he lived there long ago; and after his death, his body continues to be manifested as its glory. On the twelfth, Epiphanius fulfilled his fate.
On the same day, we commemorate our Father among the Saints, Germanus, Archbishop of Constantinople.
@SYNAX INDENT = Leaving the earth where he had occupied a throne, Germanus rejoiced to see the Creator on His throne in the heavens.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Come, O faithful: with sacred hymns let us venerate the two holy hierarchs of Christ our God: Epiphanius and Germanus; for they brought light to the whole world as they scattered the darkness of heresies through the bright rays of the fervor of the faith.
From the Pentecostarion
May 13
Commemoration of the Holy Woman Martyr Glyceria
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = 3. As you suffered while fighting the good fight, you were espoused to the Lord, O martyr resplendent with virginal beauty. As a dowry, you brought Him your severed members and your violent death, illustrious Glyceria. Thus, you were led into the heavenly bridal chamber where you intercede for the salvation of those who sing to you with faith.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 2. What nobility of soul you displayed! What courage in your resolute decision! Although weak in body, with all the ardor of your spirit you trampled down the hostile prince of evil as you said to Christ: Lord, You are the strength and glory of Your servants! You have overcome the enemy by Your invincible power!
@AFTR TONE LFT = 1. You could not be separated from the love of Christ by hunger, the wracking of your body, the threat of further torments, the wretched prison cell, the furnace fires nor the bed of stones upon which you were forced to lay; for you were refreshed by a divine dew from heaven, Glyceria, and you passed from the things here below to the life of the world to come.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your ewe-lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud voice: "O my Bridegroom, I long for You and I struggle in my quest for You. I am crucify 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." Accept her as an immaculate victim, since she is immolated for Your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = Cherishing the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, you spotlessly preserved your own virginity; since the love of the Lord had grown within your heart, you bravely fought unto your death; thus Christ our God has rewarded you with a double crown, O Glyceria.
Synaxarion
On May 13, we commemorate the holy woman martyr Glyceria.
@SYNAX INDENT = The cruel bites of the wild beasts seem sweeter than honey from the comb to Glyceria. On the thirteenth, the martyr rejoices as she trembles; for under the fangs of the beasts, she finds the path to heaven.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 14
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Isidore of Chios
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = 3. Inflamed with zeal for the faith, you fervently marched into the stadium for your struggle, O Isodore; and you carried off the prize of victory over error as a witness to Christ, radiant in your divine teachings. Strengthened by the armor of the Cross, as a victorious athlete, you overcame the evil persecutor.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 2. Lacerated by whips, you put off the garment of flesh and were robed in an incorruptible adornment, the radiant mantle of immortality. You quickly reached the Tree of Life, where you were nourished by that eternal life with which you are filled forever. By your prayers, bring joy to those who sing to you.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 1. The struggles endured by the martyrs truly surpass all the praises which can be thought or spoken, for those resolute bastions of divine piety, clothed like us in mortal and passing flesh, bravely confronted the fire, disregarding their wounds, as thought their executioners were inflicting sufferings on bodies other than their own.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
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
@BOLD TITLE = Kontakion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = You have become a sublime helmsman for the whole world; and by your prayers, you guide our course toward God. We sing to you, Isidore, as an illustrious martyr!
Synaxarion
On May 14, we commemorate the holy martyr Isidore.
@SYNAX INDENT = It is the hope of receiving your crown, O Isidore, that goads you on to death by a sword. On the fourteenth, as the bronze cuts down, it grants it to you.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 15
Commemoration of our venerable Father Pachomius the Great
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = 3. Directing all your desires toward God, you renounced all passing delights here below, O most wise Father. You committed yourself to Christ, purifying yourself completely through asceticism and showing patient determination in the fiery assault of the passions. For that martyrdom you endured within, you have received the never-fading crown of victory.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 2. Penetrating the thick veil of the body and breaking all the bonds of the flesh through asceticism, you were led to the contemplation of God; entering into an intimate union with Him, you were transformed by the grace and radiance of the world to come, resplendent in the light of the Kingdom of God, divinized in your love for the Lord as you sought the things above. As you dwell forever in blessedness, O God-bearing Father, you rejoice in constant access to Christ; intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = 1. Rising above all the senses, you were united to the Master in most pure prayer; as a stranger to the flesh, you submitted the passions of your soul to the control of the spirit, O venerable Pachomius, trampling underfoot and breaking the arrogance of the tempting demons. Now you dwell in the mansions of heaven with constant access to Christ. As you stand before Him, O blessed Father, remember us who venerate your sacred memory.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 4
@AFTR TONE LFT = The wilderness made you blossom like a lily, spreading throughout the whole world the gentle fragrance of your virtuous deeds and delighting it with the wisdom that flows from your contemplation of God, for you excelled in both the active and contemplative life. In the radiance of your perfection and the sincerity of your teaching and your life, you were most pleasing to Christ for both your deeds and your faith. Holy Father Pachomius, entreat Him that we too may be acceptable and receive with you the heavenly inheritance.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
After the Aposticha of the Pentecostarion:
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 8
@AFTR TONE LFT = All the monks honor you, O holy Father, as our spiritual guide, for you have taught us how to walk along the straight and narrow way; blessed are you fro having served Christ and broken the power of the enemy, O companion of the angels, the just and the saints. Together with them, entreat the Lord to have pity on our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Troparion of Pachomius
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your abundant tears made the wilderness sprout and bloom; and your deep sighings made your labors fruitful a hundredfold. You became a star shining over the world with miracles, Holy Father Pachomius. Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.
OR Troparion
Tone 5
@AFTR TONE LFT = As head of the flocks of the Most High Shepherd, O Father Pachomius, you led a multitude of monks to the fold of heaven. Initiated yourself into all that was fitting for the ascetic life, you formed your disciples in their turn. Now you exult with them forever in heaven as you share in the joys of paradise.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = You were a shining star upon earth, and you filled the wilderness with a multitude of monks. Taking up your cross, you experienced your own crucifixion through bodily asceticism; and now you intercede forever in favor of us all.
Synaxarion
On May 15, we commemorate our venerable father, Pachomius the Great.
@SYNAX INDENT = Depriving his flesh of pleasures, Pachomius heaped up a measure of opulent wealth for his soul. Reduced in weight, by his death on the fifteenth, he lightly runs to God who was his greatest treasure.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Wanting to live the angelic life, you lost yourself in the wilderness. Having found dominion over the passions of your flesh, O God-bearing Father, you came to live a life equal to that of the angels.
From the Pentecostarion
May 16
Commemoration of our Venerable Father Theodore the Sanctified
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 6
3. The Lord, who makes the clouds His conveyance and who once came down on a light Cloud, foreknew His chosen ones who would shine in Egypt and be carried up to the clouds of heaven as saints. Among them is our father Theodore the Sanctified, the unshakable pillar, made famous by his virtue. Radiant with the brilliant light of Christ, and standing now before Him, he has the power to make intercession for our souls.
2. Although it once raved with delirious passions and with the worship of demonic idols, Egypt now shines with countless ascetics and is aglow, adorned in the many beauties of a holy virtue. Among them shines forth one named for the gifts of God, the venerable Theodore, inspired by God and standing in His presence. He imitated the wondrous humility of Jesus Christ, before whom he has the power to make intercession for our souls.
1. From childhood having shown signs of asceticism, temperance, patience, dedication, innocence and virtue, the wise Theodore became an ardent lover of divine charity. Looking upon all things visible with joy, the wondrous and great ascetic was united with God in the depths of contemplation. In His presence now, he has the power to make intercession for 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 1
@AFTR TROP/KON = You made the wilderness your dwelling, O Father Theodore, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker. Through fasts, vigils and prayers, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who, through your intercession, grants healing to all!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Planted like a palm tree in the house of the Lord, you offered Him the fruits of your virtues through the excellence of your ascetical efforts, O Father Theodore. Thus you are blessed forever and dwell among the ranks of the bodiless Powers.
Synaxarion
On May 16, we commemorate our venerable father Theodore the Sanctified.
@SYNAX INDENT = Having been sanctified and formed by the Saint who is enthroned in the sanctuary, the venerable ascetic Pachomius, it is not in vain that you bear the name of "Gift of God", O Theodore. On the sixteenth, Theodore departs from earth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 17
Commemoration of the Holy Apostles Andronicos and Junias
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 8
3. By your words of reason, you brought an end to the evil insanity of godlessness, O disciple of the Word and His illustrious servant, all-radiant light of the world, blessed Andronicos. Thus we glorify you with hymns and celebrate your holy memory with joy as we sing our praises to the all-powerful Lord.
2. The holy apostle Paul celebrated you in a wondrous manner with divine praises, proclaiming your outstanding renown to the faithful, saying that you were noteworthy among the disciples of the divine Word. You were his kinsmen, reborn in Christ before him, O blessed servants of God, Andronicus and Junias.
1. As you shed light on the whole world by your holy preaching, you scattered the shadowy mist of false worship. Those who once lay in the darkness, ignorant of anything divine, were led by you into the light of the knowledge of God. O holy Apostles, we have you as our guides, and you ceaselessly intercede for those who honor 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Troparion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Apostles, intercede with the Merciful God, that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Let us acclaim holy Andronicos, the Apostle of Christ, as well as Junias, who labored on behalf of the Gospel with him, for they are radiant stars shedding upon the nations the bright light of the knowledge of God. Let us say to them: as you stand before Christ our God, ceaselessly intercede in favor of us all.
Synaxarion
On May 17, we commemorate the holy apostles Andronicos and Junias.
@SYNAX INDENT = The well-named apostle who brought the good news of Christ's victory on countless men goes to the One whose name is given to Christians. It was good for the month of May - not June - that Junias is joined to the Master in a radiant springtime. On the seventeenth, Andronicos and Junias gaze upon the good things of the Lord, which fill them with infinite joy.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 18
Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Peter, Dennis, Andrew, Paul, Christina, Heraclius, Paulinus and Venedimus.
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Enlightened by the radiance of the Divinity of the Threefold Sun, O holy martyrs, you passed through the darkness of your torments and became shining stars ceaselessly illuminating the firmament of the Church. Thus we bow in reverence before your relics as we celebrate your resplendent festivity.
2. Today, O faithful, let us joyfully bless those noble treasures of the Church: Peter, Dennis, Paul, Venedimus, Heraclius, Andrew, Christina and Paulinus. They courageously fought the good fight for the sake of the Trinity, trampling underfoot the cunning plots of the serpent and scattering the shadows of idolatry with the shining grace of Christ.
1. At the price of your own blood, O blessed ones, you have acquired the unshakable Kingdom of God. You reached the harbor of peace after courageously sailing through the storms of your torments. Thus, as you now stand in the land of the blessed, never cease to intercede that we may find grace on the day of judgment.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Cleanse the stains of my poor heart, O Theotokos all worthy of our hymns; purify the sores and wounds caused by my sins; make firm my restless spirit, that in my misery, I, your unworthy servant, may magnify your sovereign and powerful protection.
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing Christ, the Lover of Mankind, crucified and pierced through His side by the soldier's lance, the all-pure one cried out in tears: "What is this, my Son? What have the ungrateful people rendered to You for all the good You have done them? I am in wonder at Your voluntary crucifixion, O God of compassion!"
Troparion
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
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy martyrs, though citizens of various places, you came together to form one radiant choir as champions of the Trinity; you have now become citizens of the homeland of heaven.
Synaxarion
On May 18, we commemorate the holy martyrs Peter and Dennis, the virgin Christina, Andrew, Paul, Venedimus, Paulinus and Heraclius.
@SYNAX INDENT = In order to live, they wisely chose to die. Eight martyrs nobly fought the good fight for the sake of the Holy Trinity. Victorious, on the eighteenth, they were lifted up from the earth and gained the eternal heavens.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 19
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Patrick, Bishop of Prussia in Bithynia, and His Companions, Acacius, Menander and Polyenus
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 2
3. The sacred foursome of these unshaken pillars for Christ plays the part of the seven columns upon which Wisdom built her house; for they have spread the table of their divine teachings for all, mixed the wine that brings joy in their sacred cup and made the grace of God gush forth in a torrent of delights for the faithful who celebrate the memory of these holy hieromartyrs.
2. Sacred witnesses of our God, servants of Christ and His initiates, sublime Patrick and blessed Menander, Acacius and Polyenus: you are a divine choir, a guard of honor resembling the four living creatures who stand before the throne of the Lord. Keep watch over the world and protect the faithful who honor you.
1. Patrick, you are a friend of the One who ineffably established the earth upon the seas, and settled it on the firm foundation of their waves. In a holy apology, you taught about the mystery of the heated waters. Now, by your prayers, grant that the Lord refresh us with streams of healing from heaven.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion.
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Hail, star bright as the sun, all-pure cause of every good! Hail, you who provided a place for the infinite God, you who brought the growth of the Wheat of immortal life! Hail, radiant gate and chariot of God! Hail, O Virgin who abolished the ancestral curse and obtained for us the eternal blessing!
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = When you saw hanging on the Cross the ripe cluster of grapes which you had produced without labor, O Virgin, you cried out, mourning and weeping: "My Son, pour forth the sweet nectar that takes away the drunkenness of the passions. For my sake, who gave birth to You, O Benefactor, manifest Your mercy, O Lord!"
Troparion
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
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = The Church of Christ received your body as a holy treasure, O Patrick, and sings aloud to you with joy: "Through your prayers, the whole world is kept in profound peace, safe from the entrance of any heresy!"
Synaxarion
On May 19, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Patrick, Bishop of Prussa in Bithynia, and his companions, Acacius, Menander and Polyenus.
@SYNAX INDENT = Beheaded, Patrick receives on the battleground a promotion which elevates him above the glory of the patricians of this world; on the nineteenth, the falling sword grants him the honor of eternal fame.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 20
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Thallaleus
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. O wondrous martyr Thallaleus, you divinely extinguished the altar fires of the godless with the rain-drops of your blood. Now, you wash away all suffering by the streams of your miracles and grant healing to the faithful by the grace of God. Thus with joy we celebrate your divine memory and reverently venerate your relics.
2. Like a fruitful olive branch, O holy martyr Thallaleus, you make our faces shine with joy by the oil of your sufferings and your wondrous miracles. We give all glory to the One who glorified you who fought the good fight for His sake to the point that the arrogance of error has completely faded away.
1. They nailed you to a pillory, brutally flayed you, and cast you into the sea; but they were never able to overcome you. Christ gave you strength to fight on bravely against evil, O blessed Thallaleus, companion of the martyrs, equal of the bodiless angels. 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Cleanse the stains of my poor heart, O Theotokos all worthy of our hymns; purify the sores and wounds caused by my sins; make firm my restless spirit, that in my misery, I, your unworthy servant, may magnify your sovereign and powerful protection.
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing Christ, the Lover of Mankind, crucified and pierced through His side by the soldier's lance, the all-pure one cried out in tears: "What is this, my Son? What have the ungrateful people rendered to You for all the good You have done them? I am in wonder at Your voluntary crucifixion, O God of compassion!"
Troparion
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
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = You endured the painful suffering of martyrdom and showed yourself to be an outstanding soldier of the idolaters by the very torments with which they chastised you. Thus, O Thallaleus, we celebrate your sacred memory with hymns of praise.
Synaxarion
On May 20, we commemorate the holy martyr Thallaleus.
@SYNAX INDENT = When they cut off the head of the healer, God the Word brought healing to his pain, providing him with medicinal herbs in the green pastures of heaven. On the twentieth, Thallaleus flies into heaven as his head flies from his decapitated body.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 21
Commemoration of the Holy Emperors, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helen
3rd Class
@RUBRIC = All as is found in the present translation you have in the binder with the following exception: At ORTHROS, after the Kontakion and Ikos of Constantine/Helen following the Sixth Ode, add the:
Synaxarion
On May 21, we commemorate the holy, illustrious and great emperors, crowned by God and equal-to-the-apostles, Constantine and Helen.
@SYNAX INDENT = Sharing together the same earthly crown, these sovereigns are also crowned together in heaven. At his death on the twenty-first, Constantine is united to his holy mother Helen in a common destiny.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 22
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Basiliscus
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Having reigned in spirit over your flesh, O wondrous Basiliscus, you inherited the unchanging Kingdom of heaven. You now stand in the presence of the King of Kings, together with all the armies of angels, exulting in joy, singing the hymns of the blessed forever, in the splendid radiance of your participation in the Light of God.
2. They drove nails into the soles of your feet, O wondrous witness, when they saw you rejoicing as you walked the road to martyrdom; thus you were able to trample down the head of the enemy, crushing him completely as you nimbly climbed the path to heaven, where you appeared before your Master as a trophy-bearer.
1. At your prayer, the withered plane tree revived and the spring began to flow with water. You sanctified the earth by the stream of your blood, and the air by the flight of your soul. Thus, with faith, we venerate the holy festive day which you have made illustrious by your just deeds.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-holy one, you treasure me by your tireless prayer before the Lord and your constant protection. Silence my temptations, calm the storm of my passions, comfort my afflicted heart. O Virgin, I entreat you to fill my spirit with your grace that I may rightly glorify you.
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing the Lamb and Shepherd on the Cross, the Mother Ewe who bore you cried aloud in tears: "O my beloved Son, is this the reward You receive from a thankless people who benefited from your marvelous wonders? But, O Lover of Mankind, I wish to glorify Your ineffable and divine condescension!"
Troparion
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
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = You confounded your persecutors by the strength and courage you displayed in your passion, and by your wondrous miracles worked resplendently in the name of Christ. Thus we honor you, O Basiliscus, and ceaselessly sing: Hail, splendid glory of the martyrs!
Synaxarion
On May 22, we commemorate the holy martyr Basiliscus.
@SYNAX INDENT = Suffering as his head was struck by the iron, Basiliscus crushes the head of the king of evil. For the Christian faith which he professed in public, Basiliscus publicly dies by the sword on the twenty-second.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 23
Commemoration of our Venerable Father Michael the Confessor, Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. O Michael, divinely-minded father, you spotlessly preserved your likeness to God as you venerated the holy image of Christ. By your teaching, you bravely brought an end to the babbling of error; by your constancy in enduring your struggles, you were most pleasing to the all-powerful Christ, O blessed one.
2. O Michael, divinely-minded father, you entered the arena as a witness to the faith, robed in your priestly vestments. You offered yourself to Christ, O blessed one, adorned with a double crown, and thus attained to the choir of holy hierarchs, in whose ineffable jubilation you were judged truly worthy to share.
1. O Michael, divinely-minded father, robed in your sacred tunic like another Aaron, you behold the Holy of Holies. Behold, you stand forever within, beyond the second veil, in that pure light that surpasses all understanding, in which you also share, O wondrous jewel of divine hierarchs.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Because of the faults which I commit, angering my divine Creator, wretched as I am, I am in constant dread of eternal punishment, the inextinguishable fire, and the worm which mercilessly devours. O Lady, deliver me by your prayers as you entreat your Son, the Word, the Lover of Mankind.
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = "Lord, what sight lies before my eyes? You hold all creation in Your hands, which are now nailed to the Cross. You, the Author of life, have been put to death!" Thus spoke the all-holy Theotokos when she saw on the Cross the God-Man whom she had borne in a wondrous manner.
Troparion
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Guide of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, Star of the universe, glory of hierarchs, wise Michael, 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
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = You have dawned like a great sun in order to shed upon all the light of your virtues and the radiance of your miracles. O holy father, named for the great prince of the heavenly hosts.
Synaxarion
On May 23, we commemorate our venerable father Michael the Confessor, Bishop of Synnada in Phrygia.
@SYNAX INDENT = Tossed to and fro by the waves which troubled the sea of your life, Michael, you departed from it, rising up like a light bubble. From rigid confinement in a land of exile. Michael sets out on the path home up into the freedom in the heavens on the twenty-third.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 24
Commemoration of our venerable Father Simeon the Younger, of the Wonderful Mountain
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
3. By works and by contemplation, O blessed Simon, you made your soul a memorial pillar which proclaims your virtues; you mastered the impulses of the flesh and clothed yourself in life-giving mortification so as to become a ceaselessly enkindled deacon which sheds the light of grace upon the whole world.
2. The love of God gave you wings, O holy father, and you became a companion to the angels although you were robed in the clay of your body. Renouncing the things below and seeking what is above, you have gone from height to height until you went to share the never-setting Light.
1. Having emptied the flesh by your asceticism, your spirit rose and drew near to God. You became the dwelling of the Spirit; and by His power, you worked miracles surpassing nature; for when the Almighty acts, things are accomplished which transcend all thought and understanding.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 2
@AFTR TONE LFT = Your ascent to the heights of the Wonderful Mountain is a symbol of your approach to the inaccessible Peak of holiness; you excelled in the practice of the virtues, which served as a ladder to your contemplation of God; by the former, your life was made resplendent, your iron chains of penance becoming like necklaces of gold; by the latter, you have come to look upon God, as though standing before Him face to face, and you speak directly with Him. O venerable Simeon, deign to intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Hail, star bright as the sun, all-pure cause of every good! Hail, who provided a place for the infinite God, you who brought about the growth of the Wheat of immortal life! Hail, radiant gate and chariot of God! Hail, O Virgin who abolished the ancestral curse and obtained for us the eternal blessing!
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = When you saw hanging on the Cross the ripe cluster of grapes which you had produced without labor, O Virgin, you cried out, mourning and weeping: "My Son, pour forth the sweet nectar that takes away the drunkenness of the passions. For my sake, who gave birth to You, O Benefactor, manifest Your mercy, O Lord!"
Troparion
Tone 1
@AFTR TROP/KON = You became a column of endurance and rivaled the forefathers, O holy one. You equaled Job in his sufferings, Joseph in his trials and the angels, though you lived in the flesh. O venerable father Simeon, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 2
@AFTR TROP/KON = Seeking the things above and detached from those below, your pillar became another heaven; from it, you shed the light of your miracles, O holy father; standing forever before Christ our God, you intercede for the salvation of us all.
Synaxarion
On May 24, we commemorate our venerable father Simeon the Younger, of the Wonderful Mountain.
@SYNAX INDENT = On earth, Simeon dwelt on the height of the Wonderful Mountain; in heaven, he has found exactly the same position, surpassing all other dwellings for its sublime heights. On the twenty-fourth, he stepped into the dwelling of the heavenly spirits.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 3
@AFTR EXAPOST = Shining forth from the wilderness, you have shed light upon the limits of the universe; the assemblies of monks rejoice on your feast; O Godbearing Simeon, never cease to intercede for the world.
From the Pentecostarion
Or after the time of the Pentecostarion
Tone 3
@AFTR TONE LFT = You were the radiant dwelling-place of the Light; from your womb dawned for the world the eternal Sun who sheds light upon all who sing in true faith of your divine maternity!
May 25
Third Finding of the Venerable Head of the Holy and Illustrious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist
4th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 8
6. O holy John, blessed Forerunner, when your head was found on earth, it shone more brightly than the sun, giving light to all believers. Possessing it as a divine treasure, we are enriched with grace and sanctified in body, soul and spirit. As we celebrate this feast, we all call you blessed.
5. O holy John.....(Repeat)
4. Your head, that unceasing source of grace, O blessed Forerunner, was revealed to the holy hierarch who had never known where it lay hidden. Hastening with faith, he found it. Discovered and presented for veneration, it brought sanctification to the Christian faithful and their rulers who had been such ardent defenders of Orthodoxy.
3. Your head, that unceasing source of grace...(Repeat)
2. O wondrous Forerunner of our God, we celebrate the third revelation and finding of your head, which had been severed because of your divine zeal. The Holy Trinity has crowned it, and the choirs of angels exult at its discovery together with the assemblies of prophets, apostles and martyrs. As you stand in their midst, be ever mindful of us all.
1. O wondrous Forerunner of our God...(Repeat)
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 6
Like a treasury of the graces of God, your divinely preserved head has been discovered in the bosom of the earth, O Forerunner. Having received it, we the faithful bow in veneration, O glorious Baptist of Christ, for through you we have been granted wondrous miracles and we obtain the remission of our sins.
v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = 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
Tone 2
@AFTR APS TONE = 1. Come, O faithful, let us venerate the head which was severed by the sword, the precious head of the Forerunner. On the day of its finding, let us greet it with hymns. Let us wholeheartedly honor that spring which flows with streams of grace and healing, that head which was once cut off by the foolish Herod at the goading instigation of Herodias.
@AFTR APS TONE = v. O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.
@AFTR APS TONE = 2. Just as mines yield gold, so has the earth given up the head of the Forerunner, resplendent in its reliquary, as though it were speaking openly to denounce Herod, that adulterous murderer, and to enlighten our souls with its brilliance. Today in our hymns, we the faithful honor him who intercedes for us before God.
@AFTR APS TONE = v. The just shall bloom like the palm tree; he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.
@AFTR APS TONE = 1. Once hidden in the earth like a treasure in a chest, the head of the Baptist is revealed today to the whole world. It pours forth an abundant stream of healing; it brings an end to suffering; and it sheds light upon all souls. As we rejoice in its divine consolation, we sing the praises of the Forerunner.
@AFTR APS TONE = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
@AFTR APS TONE = That venerable repository of divine thoughts, your head, O wondrous Saint John, clearly foresaw the mystery of the Ineffable One. Today it comes forth from the caves of the earth as from a mother's womb, and it perfumes the whole world with holiness as with a precious myrrh; for you continue to preach the way of repentance and intercede for the salvation of our souls in the presence of the Savior of all.
@AFTR APS TONE = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
Tone 2
@AFTR TONE LFT = O Impassable Gate of the Lord, mystically sealed, Theotokos and blessed Virgin, accept our prayers and offer them to your Son and your God that He may save our souls through you.
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = O Prophet and Forerunner, Christ revealed to us a divine treasure: your head that was hidden in the ground. On the occasion of this discovery, we gather to sing hymns of praise to the Savior who through your intercession, delivered us from all corruption.
After the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Resurrectional Theotokion
Tone 4
@AFTR THEOTOK = 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 festal format for Feasts of the Fourth Class
Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Taken out of the earth, the head of the Forerunner radiates incorruptibility and brings healing to the faithful. In heaven, it gathers together the choirs of angels, while on earth it invites the whole world to sing with one voice the glory of Christ our God.
@AFTR SESSIONL = v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion; after the time of the Pentecostarion, the Theotokion:
@AFTR SESSIONL = By your divine maternity, O pure Virgin, you have renewed human nature which had been corrupted by the passions; and you have lifted up all men from death in order to lead them to the incorruptible life; thus, according to your own prophecy, O glorified Virgin, as is truly meet, all generations call you blessed.
Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter
Tone 4
@AFTR SESSIONL = Just as mines yield gold, O Baptist of Christ, so was your holy head brought up from the depths of the earth to enrich all those who draw near to you on the day of its finding and magnify with hymns the Savior and Creator. Through you, He grants them remission of sins and abundant mercy.
@AFTR SESSIONL = v. Glory be...Now and always...
From the Pentecostarion; after the time of the Pentecostarion, the Theotokion:
@AFTR SESSIONL = O Theotokos, we your servants shall never cease to sing of your love with wholehearted hymns of thanksgiving, as we say: All-holy Lady, hasten to save us from our unseen enemies, from every threat and from evil, for you are refuge and protection.
Kontakion
Tone 6
@AFTR TROP/KON = He who in this world was a pillar of fire for God, the Forerunner and lampstand for the mystic Sun, has revealed his head, which sheds light over the whole world. It sanctifies those who bow down in faith and sing aloud: "Save us all, O holy Baptist of the Lord our God!"
Ikos
@AFTR IKOS = Coming up from the earth, like a river from Paradise, the head of the Forerunner, the friend of God, flows with streams of grace and spreads waves of miracles upon all who entreat him. Let us all draw near, then, to draw eagerly from these divine and healing streams. For they bring refreshment to our souls with their infinite gifts and cleanse our bodies from all suffering and disease. With love, then, O faithful, let us sing to him, embracing him in faith, and piously crown him with our hymns. Let us purify our spirits of all faults, adorn our souls with holy virtues and cry aloud: "Save us all, O holy Baptist of the Lord our God!"
Synaxarion
On May 25, we commemorate the third finding of the venerable head of the holy, illustrious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist.
@SYNAX INDENT = It resounds again - it cannot be silenced - that Voice which was hidden in the earth, awaiting the great day on which it would be exhumed by an excavator. On the twenty-fifth, the head of the Forerunner was discovered!
By the prayers of Your Forerunner, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Exapostilaria
Tone 2
@AFTR EXAPOST = The Christ-loving Emperor rejoiced even more than in his coronation to the purple, O Forerunner, when your venerable head was found for the third time. Grant that its faithful victory over their enemies. By your prayers, keep watch and protect us who celebrate your radiant feast and venerate you with our whole heart.
Exapostilarion from the Pentecostarion; if it is after the time of the Pentecostarion, we add:
@AFTR EXAPOST = Pure Virgin, you are the all-holy mountain of God, Ark of the Covenant, golden vessel and lampstand, holy table, flowering branch and throne of fire, bridal chamber, gate and temple of the Lord; we sing to you in whom our God took flesh without change in a wondrous manner in order to divinize the nature He assumed in that union which no tongue can ever express.
Praises
Tone 5
@AFTR PRAISES = 4. Hail, venerable head, radiant with light, before whom angels bow in respect! You were cut off by a sword, yet cut to pieces arrogant lasciviousness by your cutting words of reproach. You are the spring refreshing believers with miracles, the herald of the coming of the Savior and witness of the Spirit descending upon Him in the form of a dove; O mediator between the Old and New Testaments, entreat Christ to grant great mercy to our souls!
@AFTR PRAISES = 3. Hail, venerable head...(Repeat)
@AFTR PRAISES = 2. Long hidden in a silver vessel, the head of the Baptist has been revealed, brought up from the bosom of the earth into the full light of day; miracles flow forth from him in streams, for he bathed in the waters the head of the One who built His dwelling high above the waters above the heavens and caused forgiveness from God to rain down upon mankind. Let us bless this head which is truly worthy of our praise, and let us joyfully celebrate its third finding, asking the Forerunner to intercede before Christ to grant great mercy to the world.
@AFTR PRAISES = 1. The head of him who announced the Lamb of God manifested in the flesh and showed the saving way of repentance founded on the precepts of God, he who denounced completely the iniquity of Herod and was beheaded for that reason, remained hidden beneath the ground for long years. But it has risen like a radiant sun and calls aloud to us: "Repent, and in the compunction of your hearts, turn to the Lord who grants great mercy to the world!"
@AFTR PRAISES = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = Today the venerable head of Your Baptist, Lord, was brought up from the depths of the earth. With songs of praise, we have received it in faith. O Lover of Mankind, we Your servants, subject to sin, present it to you as our advocate before You. Through it, on the day of judgment, we ask to find Your forgiveness and great mercy.
@AFTR TONE LFT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion;
After the time of the Pentecostarion, we add:
Tone 6
@AFTR TONE LFT = 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
May 26
Commemoration of the Holy Apostle Carpus, one of the Seventy Disciples
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. After making your spirit capable of receiving the light of God, O blessed one, you set forth in its radiance to proclaim the message of Christ. You taught the people to believe in Him as the Lover of Mankind. Entreat Him now to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
2. Like a star beaming with the light of God, O blessed one, you continually illumine the ends of the earth with your teachings. Each day, by grace, you banish the shadows of disease. Entreat Christ now to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
1. You who offered God the perfect unbloody sacrifice, offered yourself to Him as a sacrifice, presented at the heavenly table as a sweet-smelling and acceptable victim, O apostle chosen by God. Entreat Him now 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O spotless Virgin, you alone have become the tabernacle of the Light which reflects the eternal Father. Thus I come to you and cry out: "Make the light of the virtues shine on my soul darkened by the passions. On the day of the judgment, grant a place to it in your dwellings of light."
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = O Christ, seeing Your unjust immolation, the Virgin cried out in tears, "Most sweet Son, how unjustly You suffer! How can You be suspended on a tree, when You suspend the earth over the waters? Do not leave me, Your Mother and Handmaid of the Lord, alone, O Benefactor of the world and infinite Compassion!"
Troparion
Tone 3
@AFTR TROP/KON = O holy Apostle Carpus, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Enlightened by your miracles, the Holy Church possesses you at all times as a shining star, O holy apostle Carpus. Save the faithful who honor your sacred memory.
Synaxarion
On May 26, we commemorate the holy and illustrious apostle Carpus, one of the Seventy Disciples.
@SYNAX INDENT = Bearing fruit acceptable to the Lord, he was harvested for His sake when his last hour came. On the twenty-sixth, Carpus spread his wings to take flight to his other home far beyond the earth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 27
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Helladios
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. Wise father Helladios, you dyed and adorned your priestly vestments with the streams of your own blood as you entered into the Kingdom on high. Standing before the throne of the Lord, entreat Him now to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
2. Wise father Helladios, Christ kept watch over you, healing your wounds and sores by His grace, for you had chosen for His sake to endure all types of sufferings under the scourge. Entreat Him, then, to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
1. Wise father Helladios, you dominated the nature of the fire without being consumed as it touched you, for you were surrounded by a divine dew which kept you from harm, much to the confusion of your persecutors. Entreat the Lord 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O spotless Virgin, you alone have become the tabernacle of the Light which reflects the eternal Father. Thus I come to you and cry out: "Make the light of the virtues shine on my soul darkened by the passions. On the day of judgment, grant a place to it in your dwellings of light."
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = O Christ, seeing Your unjust immolation, the Virgin cried out in tears, "Most sweet Son, how unjustly You suffer! How can You be suspended on a tree, when You suspend the earth over the waters? Do not leave me, Your Mother and the Handmaid of the Lord, alone, O Benefactor of the world and infinite compassion!"
@AFTR TROP/KON = Troparion
Tone 4
@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 Helladios. Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Synaxarion
On May 27, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Helladius.
@SYNAX INDENT = Helladius mixed the blood of martyrdom with the oil of his priestly anointing. After many trials, the holy combatant dies, beaten to death by fists, on the twenty-seventh.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 28
Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Eutyches, Bishop of Melitene
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. Eutyches, wise in God, the parrot of your wise words choked off the babbling of madness; you reached your blessed end by being drowned beneath waters in which you drowned the bodiless dragon. Intercede with Christ that He grant our souls peace and great mercy.
2. By grace, you were the most beautiful adornment of athletes, and you have passed joyfully into the firmament of heaven, into the presence of the King of All, in company with the bodiless powers. Together with them, entreat Christ to grant our souls peace and great mercy.
1. Martyr all-worthy of our praise, we joyfully venerate your relics in spirit. We celebrate you with love, for you pour forth the grace of healing. We never cease to entreat you with faith: intercede with Christ that He 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.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = O spotless Virgin, you alone have become the tabernacle of the Light which reflects the eternal Father. Thus I come to you and cry out: "Make the light of the virtues shine on my soul darkened by the passions. On the day of judgment, grant a place to it in your dwellings of light."
@BOLD TITLE = OR Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = O Christ, seeing Your unjust immolation, the Virgin cried out in tears: "Most sweet Son, how unjustly You suffer! How can You be suspended on a tree, when You suspend the earth over the waters? Do not leave me, Your Mother and the Handmaid of the Lord, alone, O Benefactor of the world and infinite Compassion!"
Troparion
Tone 4
@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 Eutyches. Intercede with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Synaxarion
On May 28, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Eutyches, Bishop of Melitene.
@SYNAX INDENT = What blessedness it was for you to find quickly the heavenly inheritance at the hand of an executioner...who did not have such a quick hand, O thrice-blessed Martyr. On the twenty-eighth, Eutyches was taken out of the world.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 29
Commemoration of the Holy Woman Martyr Theodosia of Tyre
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 8
3. Radiant in virginal splendor and robed in brilliant purple by the blood of martyrdom, O venerable Theodosia, you now dwell in the heavenly bridal chamber of Christ. As a spotless virgin, you exult with the choirs of angels in joys that will have no end.
2. Wondrous virgin martyr Theodosia, you desired Christ, and Him alone. You courageously endured the wounds of your torments, scourgings for the sake of your love, your flesh torn by the whips. You manifested a resolute conviction in your struggle, and thus have cast down to earth the arrogant enemy.
1. Adorned with the splendid beauty of your body and soul, you offered yourself to Christ and received from Him the crown of glory, O illustrious martyr Theodosia. You deserved to be wreathed with the royal laurels, a precious crown, for you have shown yourself to be a spotless bride.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Because of the faults which I commit, angering my divine Creator, wretched as I am, I am in constant dread of eternal punishment, the inextinguishable fire, and the worm which mercilessly devours. O Lady, deliver me by your prayers as you entreat Your Son, the Word, the Lover of Mankind.
@BOLD TITLE = OR, Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = "Lord, what sight lies before my eyes? You hold all creation in Your hands, which are now nailed to the Cross. You, the Author of all life, have been put to death!" Thus spoke the all-holy Theotokos when she saw on the Cross the God-Man whom she had borne in a wondrous manner.
Troparion
Tone 4
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your ewe lamb, O Jesus, cries out to You in a loud voice: "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." Accept her as an immaculate victim, since she is immolated for Your love. Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Synaxarion
On May 29, we commemorate the holy woman martyr Theodosia.
@SYNAX INDENT = The restless waters of the sea drowned Theodosia, but Christ led her to the restful waters. On the twenty-ninth, His chosen Bride is led in to God in glory.
By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 30
Commemoration of our Venerable Father Isaac, Hegumen of the Monastery of Dalmatus
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 4
3. Asceticism was the javelin you used to wound the enemy, and you triumphed over hosts of demons. Christ strengthened you, O blessed father, and granted you the reward as a conqueror. Entreat Him to drive away all harm and danger from the faithful who celebrate your venerable memory.
2. Having reached the heights of contemplation, O blessed one, you were unmindful of all passing things here below although you were still living in the flesh. Under the guidance of the Spirit, you lived the angelic life on earth. Thus, you became a guide for monks, a rule and a wondrous model in the faith.
1. Illumined by the holy graces of the Spirit, O divinely-inspired Isaac, you became a guiding beacon for the whole world. At your prayers, the shadows of passion, suffering and evil are driven away, for you save from all danger and illness the faithful who celebrate your blessed memory.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = All-holy one, you reassure me by your tireless prayer before the Lord and your constant protection. Silence my temptations, calm the storm of my passions, comfort my afflicted heart. O Virgin, I entreat you to fill my spirit with your grace that I may rightly glorify you.
@BOLD TITLE = OR, Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing the Lamb and Shepherd on the Cross, the Mother Ewe who bore You cried aloud in tears: "O my beloved Son, is this the reward You receive from a thankless people who benefited from Your marvelous wonders? But, O Lover of Mankind, I wish to glorify Your ineffable and divine condescension!"
Troparion
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = Your abundant tears made the wilderness sprout and bloom, and your deep sighings made your labor fruitful a hundredfold. You became a star shining over the world with miracles, Holy Father Isaac. Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.
ORTHROS
Kontakion
Tone 8
@AFTR TROP/KON = O faithful servant of God, you were enkindled with zeal for the Church of Christ when the temples of the Orthodox were closed by order of Valens. You seized the reins of his horse and prophesied his defeat and death by fire. O venerable father Isaac, intercede for us who celebrate your holy memory.
Synaxarion
On May 30, we commemorate our venerable father Isaac, Hegumen of the monastery founded by Dalmatus.
@SYNAX INDENT = On the day fixed by God, Isaac departs to visit the divine dwellings of heaven. On the thirtieth of May, a benevolent destiny transplanted him from the earthly vineyard to that of heaven.
By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
May 31
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Hermias
5th Class
VESPERS
At "O Lord, to You I call..."
Tone 1
3. The invincible grace of the One whose power is made perfect in weakness openly manifested the strength of your nature to all, O holy martyr. In your mortal body, He granted you strength to fight the good fight resolutely and to triumph over the bodiless enemy.
2. O holy martyr, with the streams of your own blood, you extinguished the fires of godlessness, irrigated the Church of Christ in abundance, and refreshed the hearts of believers who venerate with faith your revered and sacred memory.
1. O indestructible rampart, you were never shaken by the attacks of your enemies; indeed, you shook the very depths of their hearts, O Hermias, as you nobly fought the good fight, and you shattered the weak defenses of their powerless arrogance.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
From the Pentecostarion
Or, after the time of the Pentecostarion:
@BOLD TITLE = Theotokion
@AFTR THEOTOK = Tossed about by the waves on the sea of this life and battered by contrary winds, I cry out to you, O Mother of God: guide me from my present state to the calm harbor of repentance, and still the raging storm of my thoughts.
@BOLD TITLE = OR, Stavrotheotokion
@AFTR STAVRO = Standing close to the Cross of your Son and your God, and seeing His infinite patience, O pure Mother, you cried aloud in tears: "Alas, my most sweet Child, how You suffer so unjustly, O Word of God, for the salvation of the human race!"
Troparion
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
Tone 6
@AFTR TROP/KON = You were an old man when you fought the good fight for Christ, O Hermias, but you showed yourself to be an experienced warrior. With the power of Christ, you brought a halt to the plotting of the impious; and drinking their poison, you remained unharmed as you cried aloud: "The Lord our God is with me; who can prevail against me?"
Synaxarion
On May 31, we commemorate the holy martyr Hermias.
@SYNAX INDENT = Not allowing himself to be stained by the falsehood of idolatry, Hermias is bathed in rich purple as he is beheaded. On the thirty-first, a sword stroke sets free the flow of the indelible dye of his blood.
By the prayers of Your holy martyr, O Christ God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.