Monday, December 21 /January 3: Forefeast of the Nativity and the Commemoration of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev
Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev, was born in Volhynia of pious parents, Theodore and Eupraxia. Even before the birth of her son, the Lord revealed to Eupraxia the preordained blessedness of her son. At the age of twelve, young Peter entered a monastery. He successfully studied the book sciences of those times and eagerly fulfilled his monastic obediences. The future saint devoted much time to an attentive study of the Holy Scriptures, and he also learned iconography. The icons painted by Saint Peter were distributed to the brethren and to Christians who visited the monastery.
Because of his virtuous and ascetic life, the igumen of the monastery had Saint Peter ordained as a hieromonk. After years of ascetic labours at the monastery, the hieromonk Peter, with the blessing of the igumen, left the monastery in search of a solitary place.
He built a cell at the Rata River and began to pursue asceticism in silence. Afterwards, at the place of his ascetic exploits, a monastery was formed, called the Novodvorsk. A church dedicated to the Savior was built for the monks who came to him. Chosen as igumen, Saint Peter guided his spiritual children, and never became angry with a guilty monk. Instead, he instructed the brethren by word and by example. The virtuous igumen and ascetic became known far beyond the vicinity of the monastery. Prince Yuri of Galicia frequently visited the monastery in order to receive spiritual instruction from the holy ascetic.
Once, in his travels through the Russian land, Metropolitan Maximus of Kiev and Vladimir (December 6) visited the monastery with words of instruction and edification. Having received the blessing of Saint Maximus, Saint Peter presented him with an icon of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, which he had painted. Saint Maximus prayed before the icon for the salvation of the Russian land entrusted to him by God until the end of his days.
When Metropolitan Maximus died, the See of Vladimir remained for a certain time unoccupied. An abbot named Gerontius, aspiring to become the primate of Russia, went to Constantinople with Saint Peter’s vestments, archpastoral staff, and the icon he had painted. The Great Prince of Vladimir, Saint Michael of Tver (November 22), sent him to the Patriarch of Constantinople with a petition that he be appointed as Metropolitan of Russia.
On the suggestion of Prince Yuri of Galicia, Igumen Peter reluctantly went to the Patriarch of Constantinople with a petition that he be consecrated as Metropolitan. God chose Saint Peter to nourish the Russian Church. The Mother of God appeared to Gerontius during a storm on the Black Sea and said, “You labour in vain, for you will never be bishop. The one who painted this icon, the Rata igumen Peter, shall be elevated to the throne of Kiev.”
The words of the Mother of God were fulfilled. Patriarch Athanasius of Constantinople (1289-1293) elevated Saint Peter as Metropolitan of Russia, bestowing upon him the hierarchal vestments, staff and icon, brought by Gerontius. Upon his return to Russia in 1308, Metropolitan Peter arrived at Kiev after a year, and then proceeded on to Vladimir.
The chief hierarch was tested by many trials during his first years of guiding the Russian metropolitanate. Suffering beneath the Tatar (Mongol) Yoke the Russian land was in turmoil, and Saint Peter was often obliged to change the place of his residence. During this period the saint’s labours and concerns to affirm the true Faith and morality in the realm were particularly important. On his journeys throughout the diocese, he incessantly instructed the people and clergy on preserving Christian piety. He also brought quarrelsome princes to peace and unity.
In the year 1312 the saint made a journey to the Horde, where he received a decree from Khan Uzbek, safeguarding the rights of the Russian clergy.
In 1325 Metropolitan Peter, at the request of Great Prince John Kalita (1328-1340), transferred the metropolitan See from Vladimir to Moscow. This event had very great significance for all the Russian land. Saint Peter prophetically predicted deliverance from the Tatar Yoke and that Moscow would become the foremost city in Russia.
With his blessing, the foundation of the cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos in the Moscow Kremlin was laid in August 1326 (According to Tradition, the foundations of stone churches are normally laid in the spring). This was a profoundly symbolic blessing by Saint Peter.
Saint Peter fell asleep in the Lord on December 21, 1326. The holy relics of the saint were buried in the Dormition cathedral in a stone crypt, which he himself had prepared. Many miracles were accomplished through the saint’s prayers. Many healings were even done secretly, which testifies to his profound humility even after death.
The veneration of the first hierarch of the Russian Church was affirmed and spread throughout the Russian land. In 1339, under Saint Theognostus (March 14), Saint Peter was numbered among the saints. Princes kissed the cross on the saint’s tomb as a sign of their fidelity to the Great Prince of Moscow.
As a particularly venerated protector of Moscow, Saint Peter was called on to witness the drawing up of government treaties. The people of Novgorod once had the right of nominating their own bishop in the cathedral of Saint Sophia. After their annexation to Moscow under Ivan III, they swore an oath that henceforth they would only consecrate their archbishops at the grave of Saint Peter the Wonderworker. And it was at the grave of the saint that the first hierarchs of Russia were named and chosen.
The Russian Chronicles mention him frequently, and no significant state undertaking was initiated without prayers at the grave of Saint Peter. The relics of Saint Peter were transferred in 1472 and 1479. In memory of these events, feast days were established for October 5 and August 24.
Source: The Orthodox Church in America
Canon of the forefeast, with the alphabet acrostic, by Joseph, in Tone IV:
Ode 1, Irmos: O Thou who wast born of the Virgin, * drown I implore Thee, in the depth of dispassion * the triune nature of my soul, * as Thou didst the mighty strongholds of the warriors, * that in the mortality of my flesh * as on a timbrel * I may chant a hymn of victory.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Rejoice, O heaven, and be glad, O earth! For our God, having taken on flesh, is born of the Virgin Maiden and is wrapped in swaddling bands, breaking the bonds of our transgressions, in that He is compassionate.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
The pure Queen giveth birth in a manner past understanding to the King of all Who openeth the kingdom on high to the faithful and utterly removeth the sin which ever accursedly reigneth within us.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
The writings of the prophets have attained their end; for, lo! Christ Whom they proclaimed beforehand is revealed, incarnate, in the city of Bethlehem. Let us now hasten today to celebrate the forefeast of His nativity with uprightness of mind.
Canon I of the Saint, in Tone VIII: Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
O divinely wise father, holy hierarch Peter, open thou mine unworthy lips, that I may hymn thee; and accept as incense of sweet savour that which, unworthy though I am, I offer unto thee out of my poverty.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Let us all hymn Peter, the great hierarch. Let us honour the helper and confirmation of the land of Russia, whom the Lord hath given to the city of Moscow as a vigilant guardian.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou didst follow the saving commandments of Christ, O most wise and holy hierarch Peter, and wast an intercessor for widows and orphans, and the great defence of the Russian land.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O most pure Theotokos, who hast given birth unto the Creator and Saviour of all who hymn thee, from misfortunes save thy city, unceasingly praying to thy Son and our God for us.
Canon II of the Saint, in Tone I: Irmos: Christ is born, render ye glory. * Christ cometh from heaven, meet ye Him. * Christ is on earth, be ye exalted. * O all the earth, sing unto the Lord, * and sing praises in gladness, O ye people, * for He hath been glorified.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Taking the grace of the Spirit into thy heart, O father, holy hierarch of Christ, illumine the tongue and enlighten the heart of those who hymn thee, that with splendour we may hymn thy memory, O venerable Peter.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The great Peter, the mighty pastor of the Church, summoneth shepherds and the flock, and the whole Church, to his memorial. Wherefore, having assembled let us with splendour keep the festival of our common father.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Even though thy corrections are beyond our words and thoughts, O father Peter, yet do thou accept with love the spiritual offering which we make unto thee according to our strength, O right wondrous one; for none of us are able to fashion fitting hymns for thee.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The radiant Sun cometh, appearing from the gates which were shut; for His appearance hath abolished the night, and the day draweth nigh. Wherefore, O our corrupt nature, receive from the Virgin the Master Who is become man for thy sake.
Ode III, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: Likened to a barren woman * the Church from among the nations hath given birth, * and the assembly abundant in children, hath grown weak. * Let us cry out to our wondrous God: * Holy art Thou, O Lord!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Daniel beheld Thee, O Word, as the Stone cut from the mountain of the Virgin, which broke the temples of the idols in pieces by Thy might. Wherefore, we glorify Thee with fear.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Guided to Thee by the star, O Christ, Thou King of all, the magi from the East bring gifts; myrrh, gold and frankincense – marvelling at Thy condescension.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
The unploughed field beareth the life-bearing Grain; Mary cometh to give birth in the city of Bethlehem to Him Who feedeth the souls of all who cry: Holy art Thou, O Lord!
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
By thy prayers to our Creator and God crush the Moslems and all our godless adversaries, O venerable Peter, show forth their power, which warreth against us, as impotent; and put down their wicked savagery.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
O Master, in a generation gone by Thou didst show forth a wonder-worker, the holy hierarch Peter, the confirmation of the Russian land, the upright rule of Thy Church, the leader of the priestly rank.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The man who touched thee while thou wast in thy coffin was counted worthy to receive healing, O holy one; for by the grace of God thou didst grant that he be able to stretch forth his arms, which were bent in upon his breast.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Be thou for me a refuge and haven, an unassailable rampart and helper, O most pure Virgin who hast given birth in the flesh unto God, the most compassionate Redeemer and Saviour of those who hymn thee, O Bride of God.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: To the Son who was begotten of the Father * without change before all ages, * and in the last times, without seed, was made flesh of the Virgin, * to Christ our God let us cry aloud: * Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
God, Who knoweth all things, knew thee in the womb before thou wast conceived, O God-bearer. And when thou wast born, He sanctified thee and made thee a great shepherd of His sheep; for He entrusted His sheep to thee, as He did to the Apostle Peter.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Parting the sea of the passions with the staff of abstinence, O blessed one, like Moses thou didst ascend the mountain of dispassion, and, having received noetic tablets, thou didst teach thy flock the law of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou wast shown to be humble, meek and gentle, O Peter; wherefore, the grace of the Spirit, abundantly poured forth upon thee, revealed thee to be a great man who shineth over our land with rays of miracles.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
God, Who is strong and mighty, hath now revealed Himself to those who are in the darkness of the shadow of death. O ye faithful, behold the great Light, Christ-in the cave, Who is to be born of the Virgin in an awesome manner. Let us hymn her with faith.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone III: Spec. Mel.: “Today the Virgin …”: Today the Virgin cometh to the cave * to ineffably give birth unto the pre-eternal Word. * Having heard this, be glad, O thou ecumene, * and with the angels and shepherds glorify the pre-eternal God, ** Who is to appear as a little babe.
Ikos: O truly awesome wonder past all telling! He Who giveth existence to all, in His goodness hath entered the womb of the holy Virgin, and cometh to be born in the cave, and to be laid in a manger. And His star is herald from on high to the magi who come to do Him homage with gifts, drawing from afar those who zealously follow the prophecy of Balaam, who said: “A star will proclaim beforehand the little babe, the pre-eternal God!”
Sessional Hymn of the saint, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Go thou quickly before …”: Thou hast been revealed to the world to be a resplendent beacon, illumining the thoughts of the faithful with the brilliance of thy discourses, O holy hierarch Peter our father; wherefore, with joy we all celebrate thy sacred and divine memory today.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn of the forefeast, in the same melody: O virgin, begin ye beforehand the joy of virgins; ye mothers, praise the coming forth of the Mother of Christ our God; rejoice, O magi, with the angels, and ye shepherds with us! For the Virgin cometh to give birth in the city of Bethlehem to a Son, the pre-eternal God, Who saveth the world from corruption.
Ode IV, Canon of the Forefeast Irmos: He who sitteth in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, * Jesus the true God, * is come in a swift cloud * and with His sinless hands he hath saved those who cry: * Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
The holy phial of precious sanctity cometh to pour forth in the city of Bethlehem Him Who imparteth sanctity unto all of us who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
O divinely eloquent Isaiah, beholding the fulfilment of thine honoured prophesies, rejoice and be glad! For without seed the Virgin hath given birth in the flesh to the Uncontainable One in the cave of Bethlehem.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Jesus is born in the flesh; the Timeless One is seen as an infant in time, and by His ineffable abasement deifieth me who, have become poor through corrupting disobedience.
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have beheld Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
With the grace of the Spirit thou wast anointed a high priest, O most excellent Peter; for thou didst put on Christ because of thy pure life. Wherefore, thou didst teach all to glorify the one God in Trinity.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Deliver thy flock from the storm of sin, from tribulations and sorrows, O venerable hierarch Peter, leading us to the calm harbour of the divine will of Christ.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou wast shown to be a favoured one of Christ, O most sacred father Peter; wherefore, cease thou never to pray to the Lord, that He deliver thy flock from perils, misfortunes and sorrows, and from violent trials.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The assemblies of hierarchs and the choirs of the venerable glorify thee in a sacred manner; for thou didst bear in thine arms, as an infant, the Creator of all, the Son and Word of God.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: Rod of the root of Jesse, * and flower that blossomed from his stem, * O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. * From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest * Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, * O God who art not formed from matter. * Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Bowing to the laws of the Spirit from earliest childhood, O venerable one, thou didst pass over the laws of the flesh, which by mighty asceticism thou didst mortify in thy life. Wherefore, thou hast been given to the faithful as a great wonder-worker, O blessed Peter.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou gavest neither sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids, until the Creator of all found thy heart to be a tranquil place. And, having fittingly purified it, the eternal King and God showed it to be His habitation of glory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Slay thou the incurable sensual knowledge of my flesh, O most wise one, and as thou art mighty and powerful, guide me to the divine ways. Make me subject to good laws, O blessed one, and show me, who art enslaved to cruel passions, to be a servant of Christ.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
As it is written, the Lord hath now sent deliverance unto peoples, tribes and nations; for He maketh all peoples for Himself, that they may worship the one incarnation of the Son and confess thee to be the Theotokos.
Ode V, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: The wicked will not behold Thy glory, O Christ, * but we who rise early to hymn Thee shall behold Thee, * the Only-Begotten effulgence of Thy Father’s divinity, * O Lover of mankind.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
God-Emmanuel is born from the Virgin, and laid in a manger; of His own will He worketh our restoration. Wherefore, we piously celebrate the forefeast of His nativity.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
O Thou Who art the Unoriginate Word, equal in essence with the Father, having been laid in a manger of dumb beasts thou hast released from irrationality us who piously celebrate the forefeast of Thy nativity.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Blessed was the root of Jesse which produced the pure one who beareth the divine Flower, Christ the Lord. And, rejoicing, we celebrate the forefeast of His nativity.
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Standing round about thy shrine, O venerable hierarch Peter, we have thee as a mediator before God, a help and an unshakable confirmation for the land of Russia.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
As thou wast merciful to the poor, O all-praised one, ask now the mercy of the Spirit; for in exercising almsgiving, O holy father Peter, thou didst set up a radiant lamp.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou wast truly the habitation of the Holy Spirit, O blessed Peter, and wast well enriched by the divine gifts revealed in Him.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O most pure one, we call thee the myrrh, in that thou hast given birth in the flesh unto God, the gracious Myrrh poured forth upon all who have recourse to thy protection.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace and Father of compassions, * Thou hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel, * granting us peace. * Wherefore guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night, we glorify Thee, * O Lover of mankind.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The great wealth of thy compassions hath been shown forth in our land as an infinite outpouring of thy mercy, O servant of Christ; for thou dost answer those who petition thee, and dost strive to fulfill their requests, O blessed one.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou wast shown to be meek and humble in deed and word, and thereby drew all to thee. With love and good works thou didst subdue all, and by thy miracles thou didst gladden the hearts of those strengthened by thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Christ, the great Shepherd of all, showed thee forth as the shepherd and teacher of His reason-endowed sheep, O blessed one. As a compassionate shepherd, seek me out now, who am thy sheep lost in the mountains of perdition.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In the abyss of His ineffable compassions, the great Shepherd of mankind and High Priest came forth as a man from the Virgin. Prepare thyself, O Bethlehem! Ye shepherds, raise a hymn proclaiming unto the ends of the earth our common exaltation!
Ode VI, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: I have reached the depths of the sea * and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me; * but do Thou raise up my life from the abyss * O Greatly merciful One.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Having been born for us as a little babe on earth, O Thou Who shone forth ineffably from the Father before all ages, free all from the ancient disobedience, in that Thou art compassionate.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Strange and most glorious things were heard in the city of Bethlehem when Thou wast born, O Unoriginate Word; for with the angels, shepherds offered up hymnody to Thee as Master.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
The star of righteousness ineffably proclaimeth to the magi the Sun Who hath been born, and, rejoicing, we now celebrate the forefeast of His honoured nativity.
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou didst make thy life chaste, O thou who art manifest in sanctity, adorning thyself with righteousness and uniting to thyself the virtues by manliness of mind, O most blessed and holy hierarch Peter.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Preserve thy city from the predations of the ungodly infidels and from civil strife, O most blessed hierarch Peter, unceasingly entreating Christ the Master to grant peace to thy flock.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Glorified even after thy death as one living, thou workest miracles for the infirm and by the grace of God givest healing unto those who are crippled; for the Lord saith: I will glorify him who glorifieth Me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou wast more exalted than the heavenly hosts, having conceived the ineffable Word of God, Who hath accomplished all things by His word, and Who was begotten of the Father before all ages. Him do thou never cease to entreat, O pure one.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, * came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou wast truly a father to orphans and a helper of widows, O glorious one, the sweet consolation of the grieving and those in sorrow, the healer of sufferings of soul and body; wherefore, we call upon thee to be our intercessor amid our adverse circumstances.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Joyfully celebrating thy memorial with the people today, sacred peoples keep festival, O father, and together with them true hermits and simple folk hymn thee in common as their intercessor and teacher.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
I alone am become a wicked child through vile passions, O glorious father, and for this cause am unworthy to participate in thy goodly and beautiful celebration; yet, having washed away the defilement of my soul and body, O venerable one, show me forth as worthy of thy festival.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O true wonder! Wonder surpassing all telling and all understanding! The Virgin is acknowledged to be both Virgin and Mother, and Him Who was born of her to be both God and man. Celebrating the forefeast of His radiant nativity, we sing hymns of joy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion of the saint, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “To thee, the champion leader …”: Unto thee, the chosen and wondrous wonderworker of our land, * do we flee today with love, weaving hymns, O God-bearer, * as thou hast boldness before the Lord, * deliver us from multifarious evil circumstances that we may cry to thee: ** Rejoice, O confirmation of our city!
Ikos: Thou hast been revealed to be a new wonder-worker, imparting healings unto all who fervently approach thee in humility of heart. And, invisibly visiting the Christian people, O God-bearer, thou dost enlighten our land, that together we may cry out to thee thus: Rejoice, abode of the light of dispassion; Rejoice, dispeller of dark passions! Rejoice, thou who hast set at naught the wiles of the demons; Rejoice, thou who hast gladdened the ranks of the angels! Rejoice, summit of the pure vision of God; Rejoice, depths of humility, washing sicknesses away! Rejoice, for thou didst behold invisible things; Rejoice, for thou hast joined the choir of holy hierarchs! Rejoice, pastor and teacher of the Russian land; Rejoice, excellent boast of bishops! Rejoice, thou for whose sake God hath shown forth great miracles; Rejoice, thou in whom God is glorified! Rejoice, thou confirmation of our city.
Ode VII, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: The three youths in Babylon, * regarded the tyrant’s command as foolishness, * and cried aloud in the midst of the flame: * Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
How can a cave contain Thee, the Uncontainable One, Who cometh to be born for our sake? How can the Virgin give suck to Thee, Who art the Nourisher of all, O compassionate Jesus?
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Following the words of the magus Balaam, the magi hastened to pay homage to Christ with gifts, perceiving that He is the One Who reigneth over all creatures.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
O human nature, barren of any of the virtues, rejoice and dance! For Christ cometh to be born in the flesh of the Virgin, that He might show thee to be right fruitful in good works.
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: The Children of Judaea, * who of old came to dwell in Babylon, * trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace * through their faith in the Trinity, * as they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Open unto me the gates of repentance, O most blessed hierarch Peter, that I may wash away the defilement of my wretched soul and body, directing all my senses and my conscience to chant unto God: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
We, thy servants, have thee as a fervent helper and the unassailable rampart and confirmation of thy city of Moscow; and we fear not the adverse foe, but vanquishing them by the power of Christ, we chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thou didst confirm the rules of the fathers, and with the magnificence of the priesthood didst build an all-beauteous church for the most holy Mother of God; and by thy teachings instructed the people to chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having thee now as a haven of salvation, O Virgin Theotokos, we flee the misfortunes and storms of life; and, escaping to the harbour of thy tranquillity, we cry out to thy Son: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: Scorning the impious decree of the godless one, * the Children brought up together in godliness * feared not the threat of fire, * but standing in the midst of the flames, they sang: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Together our land and other countries proclaim thy wonders, O father, teaching all to chant unto Christ most joyously: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The Bridegroom Who surpasseth all the sons of mankind in beauty, as it is written, showed thee forth to His bride, the Church, as a most comely bridegroom who bore the likeness of His image.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having adorned thy life with almsgiving, meekness and true love, thou wast shown to be an excellent emulator of the good Shepherd, having chosen well His virtues.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Master cometh to be born in the cave as a man. Let us go forth to greet the pure Virgin, O ye faithful, chanting unto her with joy: Rejoice, joy of the world! Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of Christ!
Ode VIII, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: O almighty Redeemer of all, * having descended and bedewed the children * in the midst of the flame, * Thou didst teach them to sing: * All ye works bless and hymn the Lord.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
In Thine ineffable loving-kindness, to save me who through my great disobedience have become a den of thieves, O Christ, it was Thy will to be born in a cave of the pure Virgin.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Signing a writ of complete remission for me, Thou, the Author of creation, didst register Thyself with servants in accordance with the edict of Caesar. O Master, I hymn the unfathomable abyss of Thy loving-kindness!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
O radiant palace of the Master, how is it that thou hast entered the least of caves to give birth to the Lord and King Who became incarnate for our sake, O all-holy Virgin Bride of God?
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: Glorified in the holy mountain, * the Lord revealed the mystery of the Ever-Virgin unto Moses * in the flames of the burning bush: * praise ye and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Though I have been overcome by the enemy through many transgressions due to the tumults of life, like Manasseh I approach Thee with faith, O Christ, and cry out to Thee in repentance: Hymn the Lord, O ye works, and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
O most blessed one, earnestly make supplications and entreaties unto God for thy servants, for, having thee as helper and ally amid griefs, we are saved from misfortunes, hymning the Lord and supremely exalting Him throughout the ages.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The children of Hagar are arming themselves against thy humble people, O all-honoured hierarch, father Peter. Crush them with the invisible power of thy prayers to the Master on behalf of us, thy faithful servants, who hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O most pure and most glorious Virgin Lady, with the holy hierarch Peter earnestly entreat thy Son and King, that from all need and tribulation He deliver thy loyal city of Moscow, which blesseth thee with faith, O Sovereign Lady, and doth hymn and supremely exalt thee throughout the ages.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb * into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
By thy supplication nurture this thy flock which is great in number; by thy prayers still thou the storm of contrary winds, both physical and spiritual; deliver us from all temptations and troubles, and preserve us utterly unharmed.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
The descendants of Hagar, who rise up against us and desire to vex thine inheritance, have fallen, vanquished by thy supplications, and are become a mockery and a byword, bewailing their fall; but we joyously hymn thy sacred memory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Ineffable is thy love for thy children, surpassing paternal love, O father; wherefore, thou dost ever invisibly visit us, by thy constant supplications asking salvation for us, and giving us joy and tranquillity, O Peter.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Not disdaining that which He created in His own image – me who am wholly fallen and have perished, O pure Virgin Theotokos, God hath wholly restored me through thee. Wherefore, all creation continually hymneth thee, the cause of our salvation, saying: Blessed art thou among women, O all-immaculate Lady.
Ode IX, Canon of the Forefeast, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
O ye faithful, let us dance, leap up and cry aloud together: The Salvation of all cometh! The Lord draweth nigh to be born, that He might save those who with godly wisdom celebrate His nativity!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Take up thy psaltery and harp, O holy David, and chant in hymnody: O house of Ephratha, be glad! For He Whom the Father begat from within Himself is most radiantly born in thee, incarnate of the Virgin!
Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee.
Like a downpour, like a mighty rainfall hath the Master descended into thy womb, O Virgin Mother and Birthgiver of God, and He hath watered lands hardened by dark ungodliness, drying up the seas of falsehood.
Canon I of the Saint, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Like the harlot, the thief and the publican I cry unto Thee from the depths of my heart: I have sinned! Forgive me my many offenses, O Master, and deliver me from all Thine anger through the prayers of the holy hierarch Peter, that I may unceasingly magnify Thee.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Come, all ye people of Moscow! And, gathering at the tomb of the blessed hierarch Peter, cry out unto God with tears, saying: O Lord, deliver Thy people from misfortunes, that we may magnify Thee forever!
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Thine own city of Moscow greatly rejoiceth in thee, O all-honoured father, holy hierarch Peter, having thee as an ally and helper. Depart not now in spirit from us, O master, making supplication for us to God, that He deliver us from the violence of the ungodly Moslems, our enemies, that we may ever magnify thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O all-pure Mary, Sovereign Lady, by thine entreaties cleanse my defiled heart and soul, and make me an heir to life everlasting; and, remembering not my countless evils, beseech thy Son and God for me, wretch that I am, and preserve those who hymn thee, O most holy one.
Canon II of the Saint, Irmos: A strange and most wondrous mystery do I see: * the cave is heaven; * the Virgin the throne of the cherubim; * the manger a room, in which Christ God, * whom nothing can contain, is laid. * Whom we praise and magnify.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
It is not possible to hymn thy glory as is meet; for thou grantest a multitude of miracles and abundant healings unto those who with ardent faith approach thee, O holy hierarch Peter, thou boast of our land.
Hierarch of Christ, Peter, pray to God for us.
Christ hath set thee as the foundation of His Church and a mighty tower forever unshakable, protecting and making steadfast thy city, that it might remain utterly unshaken and unassailed by its enemies.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Let all of us; bishops, priests and monks, and all the people, men and women, the old and the young, of every age and every dignity, splendidly celebrate the memory of our holy hierarch.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Let us hasten to behold the greatest of wonders! For the Virgin cometh, bearing in her womb the Babe Who giveth life to babes. Angels join in common hymnody with shepherds, proclaiming the salvation made manifest in the cave.
Troparion of the saint, in Tone IV: Be glad now, O earth that before wast barren! * For, lo! Christ hath shown forth within thee a luminary * who shineth forth clearly in the world * healing our infirmities and ailments. * Wherefore, join chorus and rejoice with boldness; * for it is the high priest of the Most High ** who doeth these things.
Troparion of the forefeast, in the same tone: Make ready, O Bethlehem! * Be thou opened unto all, O Eden! * Adorn thyself, O Ephratha! * For in the cave the Tree of Life hath sprung forth from the Virgin. * Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise, * in the midst of which is the divine Tree, * whereof eating, we shall live, and not die as did Adam. * Christ is born, that He might restore His image ** which of old fell!