(In matins, the combined troparia of the canons would be repeated to make sixteen, including the irmosy, but are here formatted as they would be used for the moleben, and by extension for domestic prayers)

Canon of the Theotokos, the acrostic whereof is: “I chant praise unto the Life-bearing Maiden”, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone II

Ode I, Irmos: Traversing the impassable, uncommon path of the sea dryshod, Israel the chosen cried aloud: Let us chant unto the Lord, for He hath been glorified!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The immaterial ladder of old and the path of the sea made strangely firm showed forth thy birthgiving, O pure one, whom we all hymn, for thou hast been glorified!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The immaterial ladder of old and the path of the sea made strangely firm showed forth thy birthgiving, O pure one, whom we all hymn, for thou hast been glorified!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The power of the Most High, the perfect Hypostasis, the Wisdom of God incarnate of thee, O all-pure one, hath entered into fellowship with men, for He hath been glorified!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Sun of thy righteousness hath passed through the impassible door of thy locked womb, O pure one, and hath shone forth upon the world, for He hath been glorified!

Canon of the venerable one, the acrostic whereof is: “It is good to praise the godly Anthony”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII

Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a wonder, striking the sea in the form of the Cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, chanting a hymn unto God.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Manifestly embracing immortality and life everlasting, and delighting in threefold radiance, O father, pray thou that my darkened soul may be illumined with grace, that I may hymn thee as is meet.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Though thou wast small of bodily stature, choosing the new path of virtue thou didst tread it safely, obedient to the new law of the Savior and following the life-bearing precepts of the Gospel, O thrice blessed one.

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

Illumined with the effulgence of the threefold Sun, O most wise and blessed one, afire with divine desire thou didst destroy the savagery of the demons, the mouths of the wild beasts and the pain of sores as though they were a spider’s web.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Possessing boldness, as the Mother of God, before the only-begotten Son Who hath been born of thee, and the equally beginningless Father, and the consubstantial Spirit, cease thou never to pray, that They save from tribulations those who glorify thee as the Theotokos, O most immaculate one.

Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath been broken by Thy might, O Christ, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who, as the Creator of time, is outside all time, O Virgin, willingly made Himself a Child through thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who, as the Creator of time, is outside all time, O Virgin, willingly made Himself a Child through thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us hymn the womb which is far more spacious than the heavens, through which Adam hath made his abode in the heavens, rejoicing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us hymn the womb which is far more spacious than the heavens, through which Adam hath made his abode in the heavens, rejoicing.

Irmos: O Christ, Who in the beginning established the heavens in wisdom and founded the earth upon the waters, make me steadfast upon the rock of Thy commandments; for none is holy as Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

With steadfast mind and mighty endurance thou didst cause the flame of the passions to die out, O father Anthony, and thou didst array thyself in the splendid vesture of dispassion and the robe of salvation.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Thou didst disdain the feeble power of the demons who dared mighty assaults and assumed the guise of wild beasts; for thou didst have a mighty Ally in battle.

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

Denouncing the princes and powers of darkness, O Anthony, through mighty asceticism thou becamest a God-bearer, a mighty victor, the glory of ascetics and boast of monastics.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By the activity of the Life Who manifested Himself to the world through thee, O pure one, raise up my mind which hath been slain, and guide it to Life, O thou who alone hast destroyed the gates of death by thy birthgiving.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having bound thy soul to the love of Christ, and wisely hated all the things of the earth, O venerable father, thou madest thine abode in the deserts and mountains; for, having tasted of the noetic tree, O glorious initiate of the mysteries, thou didst shine forth like an angel with never-waning rays. Wherefore, having passed through the darkness of thy flesh, thou didst dispel the gloom of the demons, O Anthony, first-chosen among monastics. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who honor thy holy memory with love. (Twice)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O all-hymned one, most immaculate Bride of the Creator, Mother of the Deliverer, who knewest not man: As the receptacle of the Comforter, make haste to deliver me, who am the vile abode of iniquity and in mind am become the plaything of the demons, from their evil wiles; and make me the splendid dwelling-place of the virtues, O radiant one untouched by corruption. Drive away the clouds of the passions and vouchsafe that, by thy supplications, I may receive a portion on high and a share in the never-waning light.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, of Thy glorious dispensation, and I have glorified Thine unapproachable power, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold! the most manifest Mother of God, the divine mountain of the house of the Lord, is exalted far above the heavenly powers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold! the most manifest Mother of God, the divine mountain of the house of the Lord, is exalted far above the heavenly powers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, who, alone outside the laws of nature, gavest birth unto the Ruler of creation: thou hast been vouchsafed a divine calling.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, who, alone outside the laws of nature, gavest birth unto the Ruler of creation: thou hast been vouchsafed a divine calling.

Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father, hast visited our lowliness. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Using the divine ladder of the virtues, O father, thou didst mount to the top, and didst behold God standing thereon, distributing gifts with His generous hand unto those who chant with faith: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Thou alone didst dedicate thyself wholly to God alone, O Anthony, uniting thyself to Him with virtue and spiritual discourses, and as thou art pure, thou hast been vouchsafed divine revelation; for, having abandoned the earth and the things of the earth, thou hast received heavenly delight, as is meet.

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

Having purified mind and soul, O father Anthony, thou didst denounce the soul-destroying deceit, the wiles, bitter delusions and phantasms of the enemy; for, having trained, thou didst achieve mastery, and having achieved mastery, thou teachest multitudes of monastics, O most blessed one.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beseech the God Who was incarnate of thee, Who immutably remained what He was, Who is equal to the Father in essence and became consubstantial with thee who gavest Him birth, that He grant forgiveness of transgressions and salvation of soul to those who hymn thee with faith.

Ode V, Irmos: The Sun—the live Coal which was revealed beforehand to Isaiah—shone forth from the Virgin’s womb, granting the enlightenment of divine knowledge to those gone astray in darkness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Clouds of darkness rain down delight upon those who are on earth, for unto us hath a Child been given, Who hath existed from before the ages: our God, incarnate of the Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Clouds of darkness rain down delight upon those who are on earth, for unto us hath a Child been given, Who hath existed from before the ages: our God, incarnate of the Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Light hath shone forth upon my life and my flesh, and hath destroyed the gloom of sin: the most Exalted One, Who in the latter days was incarnate without seed of the Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Light hath shone forth upon my life and my flesh, and hath destroyed the gloom of sin: the most Exalted One, Who in the latter days was incarnate without seed of the Virgin.

Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Having God Who seeth all things living within thee, O blessed one, teaching, enlightening and making thee wise, thou wast vouchsafed to behold the ascents of pure and blessed souls, O thrice-blessed one.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Having God Who seeth all things living within thee, O blessed one, teaching, enlightening and making thee wise, thou wast vouchsafed to behold the ascents of pure and blessed souls, O thrice-blessed one.

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

O wise one, Christ hath given thee the grace to heal divers ailments and power against unclean spirits; for, having vanquished nature supernaturally, O father, thou didst receive a share of the gifts of the Spirit.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having thee as a rampart, and preserved by thine intercession, we bless thee, boasting in thy divine glory; for thou, O most pure one, pourest forth gladness and joy upon our souls.

Ode VI, Irmos: Hearkening to the sound of the cries of entreaty which issue forth from a soul in pain, O Master, deliver me from my grievous sins, for Thou alone art the Cause of our salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Human nature, enslaved to sin, hath obtained freedom through thee, O pure Lady; for thy Son hath been sacrificed like a lamb.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Human nature, enslaved to sin, hath obtained freedom through thee, O pure Lady; for thy Son hath been sacrificed like a lamb.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We all cry out to thee, the true Mother of God: Save thou thy wrathful servants, for thou alone hast boldness before thy Son.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We all cry out to thee, the true Mother of God: Save thou thy wrathful servants, for thou alone hast boldness before thy Son.

Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the tempest of my transgressions discomfit me and thrust me down into the depths of violent despondency; but stretch forth Thy mighty arm unto me, as Thou didst to Peter, and save my, O my Guide.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Accepting the life of God’s law from thine earliest childhood, O divinely wise one, as an athlete thou didst preserve it even unto the end; and as a godly warrior thou hast received the crown of victory from the King of all.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Accepting the life of God’s law from thine earliest childhood, O divinely wise one, as an athlete thou didst preserve it even unto the end; and as a godly warrior thou hast received the crown of victory from the King of all.

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

Having thee as a mighty advocate before God, an intercessor, a champion and pious mediator, who sharest in our cares, we are saved from all manner of tribulations, perils and evil circumstances.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast truly raised up fallen human nature, O Mother of God, having borne in thy womb, without seed, the immutable Son, Who is visible in divine appearance and in His equality with the Father.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “Seeking the highest…”: Having cast off the tumults of life, thou didst live a life of stillness to the end, emulating the Baptist in every way, O all-venerable one. Wherefore, we honor thee with him, O Anthony, first among the fathers.

Ikos: Hearkening to the voice of Christ, thou didst follow His commandments, and, stripping off thy former life, thou didst put aside all the cares of possessions, property and thy slaves, as well as the love of thy sister, O God-bearing Anthony; and most purely conversing alone with God in the deserts, thou didst receive the grace of understanding, which do thou send upon me who praise thee in hymns, O Anthony, first among the fathers.

Ode VII, Irmos: The youths of old showed themselves to be rhetors with the greatest love of wisdom; for, theologizing with their lips, they chanted from the depths of their God-pleasing souls: O most divine God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

At night Jacob beheld God as in a dream, and He that was incarnate of thee hath manifested Himself in splendor unto those who chant: Most divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

At night Jacob beheld God as in a dream, and He that was incarnate of thee hath manifested Himself in splendor unto those who chant: Most divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He that wrestled with Jacob prefigured the ineffable union in thee, O pure one, whereby He willingly united Himself to mankind: He is the most divine and supremely glorified God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The vile one who had refused to proclaim Thee, the Son of the Virgin, to be One of the all-hymned Trinity, cried out with steadfast thought and with his tongue: Most divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in awe of the condescension of God; wherefore, the youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace, as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Thy cheeks were as phials of perfume, emitting the sweet fragrance of the virtues and salvation, as from a garden, upon those who cry with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Thy cheeks were as phials of perfume, emitting the sweet fragrance of the virtues and salvation, as from a garden, upon those who cry with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

The grace of the most Holy Spirit, dwelling within thee, O father, made thee a dispeller of the wickedness of evil spirits and an instructor of monks, crying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let us praise the all-pure and most holy Mary; for through her the grace of spiritual gifts is poured forth upon us past understanding, as from a torrent of divine goodness. Let us bless her now with pious intent.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The thrice-blessed youths, disdaining the golden image and beholding the immutable and living image of God, chanted in the midst of the flame: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He that is incomparable in grace and might through thee became visible on earth and dwelt with men. Chanting unto Him, O all ye faithful, let us cry out: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He that is incomparable in grace and might through thee became visible on earth and dwelt with men. Chanting unto Him, O all ye faithful, let us cry out: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Truly proclaiming thee the pure one, we glorify thee, O Theotokos, for thou didst give birth to the One of the Trinity Who became incarnate. And to Him, with the Father and the Spirit, do we sing: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Truly proclaiming thee the pure one, we glorify thee, O Theotokos, for thou didst give birth to the One of the Trinity Who became incarnate. And to Him, with the Father and the Spirit, do we sing: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Irmos: Madly did the Chaldæan tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Like an angel on earth showing, by purity of mind, vigilance in prayer, might in ascetic endeavors and endurance amid tribulations, O Anthony, thou didst cry out to God: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Ever approaching God through supplications and entreaties, O venerable one, thou didst ascend to the highest summit, escaping the snares of the demons; and, freed from their tyranny, O divinely wise one, thou dost chant: Ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

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

Like a new Moses, thou didst win a victory over the foes and adversaries in the desert, guiding thy people, the assembly of ascetics, in joy and newness of life; and they cry out to the Master: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt God supremely for all ages!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O most pure Theotokos, cleanse the wounds of my soul and the stripes of my sins, washing them with the springs which issue forth from the side of thine Offspring, and purifying them with the streams which flow therefrom; for to thee do I cry, to thee do I flee and on thee do I call, who art full of the grace of God.

Ode IX, Irmos: Thou art all desire, all sweetness, O Word of God, Son of the Virgin, God of gods, all-holy Lord of the saints. Wherefore, we magnify Thee and her who gave Thee birth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In thy womb, O pure one, the Word of God was given to corruptible nature as a staff of strength. And He restored what had been dragged down to hell. Wherefore, we magnify thee, O all-pure one, as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In thy womb, O pure one, the Word of God was given to corruptible nature as a staff of strength. And He restored what had been dragged down to hell. Wherefore, we magnify thee, O all-pure one, as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Master, mercifully accept Thy mother as an intercessor in our behalf, as is Thy pleasure, and all things shall be filled with Thy goodness, that we all may magnify Thee as our Benefactor.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Master, mercifully accept Thy mother as an intercessor in our behalf, as is Thy pleasure, and all things shall be filled with Thy goodness, that we all may magnify Thee as our Benefactor.

Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God hath appeared in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

O most blessed father Anthony, thy splendid feast hath dawned, full of joy, full of spiritual gladness, full of the Holy Spirit, full of sweet fragrance and enlightenment; and having thee now as a rule and giver of the laws of asceticism, we rejoice.

Venerable father, Anthony, pray to God for us.

Never cease to pray to the Deliverer, O most honored father, that He grant to those who reverently celebrate thy sacred memory remission of transgressions, the reception of spiritual gifts, divine intercession, salvation of soul and everlasting joy.

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

Having lived angelically upon the earth, thou hast found the splendor of the angels; for thou hast obtained a share of their God-seeing effulgence. And with them thou dost ever rejoice, as a prophet of God, a crowned martyr, preëminent among monastics.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Without seed, without carnal desire, O Virgin, thou didst conceive the Word of God Who created all things, and thou gavest birth to Him without corruption, without experiencing the pangs of motherhood. Wherefore, confessing thee with tongue and heart, we magnify thee, the Theotokos.

Troparion, Tone IV: Emulating the ways of the zealous Elijah, and following the Baptist with forthright steps, O father Anthony, thou wast a dweller in the desert, and hast made the whole world steadfast by thy supplications. Wherefore, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

The canon of the apostle, the acrostic whereof is: “I hymn Peter, the foundation of the dogmas,” the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV

Ode I, Irmos: The people of Israel, having fled across the watery deep of the Red Sea with dry-shod feet, beholding the mounted captains of the enemy drowned therein, sang with gladness: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

The whole Church of Christ keepeth festival in spirit, joining chorus and praising thee with faith, and lovingly kissing the precious chains which thou didst wear when thou wast bound, thereby binding the tyrant.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Fishing for men in the deep of deception, O Peter, thou didst draw them forth like fish unto Him Who chose thee from among fishermen to be truly the foremost of all His disciples. Wherefore, we kiss the chains which thou didst wear.

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

Upon the foundation of faith didst thou build up the souls of all the faithful; and having demolished the temples of delusion, O Peter, thou didst found Churches which ever honour thee aloud, and the chains which thou didst wear.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

All the weapons of the deceitful enemy have utterly failed, O all-pure Virgin, and the Word Who made His abode in thine immaculate womb was not wounded in the least. I entreat thee: Let my heart now be wounded with the most sweet desire for Him.

Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power; wherefore, my heart is established in the Lord.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Wholly united to the Light most pure through divine partaking thereof, O Peter, thou hast been shown to be a secondary luminary enlightening our souls.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thou hast confirmed the laws of Christ and hast taught observance of the law unto the most iniquitous, as the foremost of the apostles, the immovable foundation of the dogmas.

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

With thy sacred tongue thou didst preach God Who suffered and was crucified on the Cross. Wherefore, O Peter, we honour the chains which bound thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The irresistible onslaught of death came to a halt before thee, for thou gavest birth unto the Wellspring of immortality, O Theotokos, Virgin Mother.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “Seeking the highest…”: Christ the Rock most splendidly glorifieth the rock of faith, the first-enthroned of His disciples; for He summoneth all to celebrate the wonders of thy precious chains, O Peter, and granteth forgiveness of offences.

Sessional hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up….”: With faith do we praise thee, O apostle, as the chief of the wise apostles and the keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven; and with a pure conscience we kiss the chains which thou didst wear as though thou wast a malefactor, O Peter, thereby setting at naught the evil deeds of the enemy. From which pray thou that we be delivered. (Twice)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O thou who art more exalted than the cherubim and seraphim, and more spacious than heaven and earth, thou art shown to surpass creation, visible and invisible, in an ineluctable comparison; for He Whom the space of the heavens could not contain thou didst contain within thy womb, O pure one. Him do thou entreat, that thy servants be saved.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): She who in latter days gave birth in the flesh unto Thee Who wast begotten of the unoriginate Father, O Christ, seeing Thee hanging upon the Cross, cried out: “Woe is me, O Jesus, most blessed Christ! How is it that Thou Who art glorified as God by the angels dost now deign to be crucified by iniquitous men, O my Son? I hymn Thee, O Long-suffering One!”

Ode IV, Irmos: Out of love for Thine image Thou didst stand affixed to the Cross, O Compassionate One, and the nations melted away; for Thou art my strength and boast, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Speaking as a rhetor concerning the mighty works of the Master, thou didst convert the hearts of the disobedient Jews to the divine Faith, in that thou art the foundation of the Faith.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thy journeys were known unto their Object: Him Who with all-abundant love walked upon the waters, O Peter, and related to thee the ways of God.

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

As thy divine chains possess the power to heal all manner of ailments, O blessed one, we kiss them with faith, honouring thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The King of all, having made His abode in thy holy womb as in a spacious palace, appeared incarnate, O all-immaculate Mistress.

Ode V, Irmos: Send down upon us Thine enlightenment, O Lord, and free us from the gloom of transgressions, O Good One, granting us Thy peace.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

By divine revelation Thou didst preach the Son Who with the Father is equally without beginning, and wast vouchsafed blessedness from the lips of the Blessed One.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

When thou didst behold on Tabor the light which shone forth, blotting out the rays of the sun, thou wast illumined by the light which comest from the Light, O Peter, and hast enlightened the faithful.

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

Thou didst preach Christ Who was dead for three days, and for Whose sake thou didst wear chains, O Peter. Accounted worthy to bow down before them, we piously honour thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lighten now the burden of me who am heavy laden with the weight of my many sins, O all-pure one, giving me strength to bear the easy yoke of Christ.

Ode VI, Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, the Prophet Jonah, praying within the sea monster, cried out: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of hosts!

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Most wondrously didst thou endure crucifixion upside-down; for thus didst thou prepare thy feet for the path to heaven. Do thou strengthen us also to walk it, O disciple of Christ.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thou didst make thine abode in the Life of the living and, bound for His sake, thou didst break the bonds of Belial who had bound thee. Wherefore, we honour thy chains.

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

Entreat the Master of creation, O most blessed one, that He send down purification, peace and mercy upon those who glorify thee, in that thou art His most fervent disciple.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our forefather hath been stripped of the skin garments of mortality, for the Creator hath robed Himself therein through thy blood, becoming incarnate in manner past description, O all-immaculate one.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “The Theotokos who is ever-vigilant in prayer….”: Let us praise the great Peter, the chief and first among the apostles, the godly disciple of the Truth, and with faith let us kiss his chains, receiving release from our transgressions.

Ikos: What human tongue is able worthily to praise the great and glorious disciple of the Lord? What mind can praise him whom the Word of God blessed with a blessing? Yet what one attaineth according to his own powers, that should he bring as an offering unto God; and this I attempt to do. O ye who love the feasts of the Church, let us piously crown the first-enthroned one with hymns, receiving released from our transgressions.

Ode VII, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the children of Abraham trampled upon the flame of the furnace, crying aloud in hymns: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thrice didst thou deny Christ; wherefore by a threefold question did He compensate for thine offence, O all-glorious Peter; and He showed forth the steadfastness of many who waver.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

As a prisoner for Christ thou didst have thy share of divers bonds because of thy most sweet desire. Wherefore, with faith we bow down before thy chains which release us from the passions, O Peter.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Making a transit of the whole world like the sun most great, O Peter, glory of the apostles, who thyself didst behold Christ, thou hast banished the profound darkness of cruel polytheism.

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

Thou didst glorify Christ with thy members and didst become His boast, O all-glorious Peter. Wherefore, we glorify thee and bow down before the chains which bound thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

He that descended upon the earth like rain hath in His divine knowledge watered the whole earth; and He hath shown thee forth, O pure Virgin, as more honourable than all the angels.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame Thou didst bedew the pious youths and didst teach them to chant: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works!

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Working hard hearts like the soil, O Peter, thou didst render them most fertile for the Husbandman of creation Who gave thee the divine keys and the authority to loose and bind transgressions.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

We ever bless thee, O Peter, and we venerate the chains which thou didst bear as though thou wert a malefactor, slaying the prince of evil and binding him with thy chains, O apostle.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Preserving the fullness of the Church by thine immovable rock of faith, O Peter, drive temptations from its midst and ask a peaceful estate therefor, O blessed Peter.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thou didst splendidly preach Him Who bound hades and death with His bonds and all-pure sufferings; wherefore, O most blessed one, we are sanctified, kissing thy chains.

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

Like the ranks of heaven we now cry out with thrice-holy voices, glorifying the Father, the Cause of all, and the Son and the Spirit: one Essence, one Power, and one Activity.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In writing the prophet described thee beforehand as a noetic candlestick bearing the divine Candle which hath illumined those who before were benighted by the darkness of evil, O Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos: Thy birth-giving was shown to be incorrupt: God came forth from thy womb, appeared on earth as a mortal, and dwelt with men. Wherefore, we all magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Thou wast accounted worthy to behold things afar off for which thou didst with faith hope, O Peter; and, rejoicing, thou hast received honours for thy labours from God Who loveth mankind, Whose divine suffering thou didst depict with thy flesh.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

As the divine keeper of the keys of the kingdom, open the gates thereof unto those who faithfully honour thee on earth and kiss the precious chains wherewith thou wast bound, O Peter.

Holy, glorious, all-praised chief of the apostles, Peter, pray to God for us.

Whilst thou wast with the Son on Tabor, thou wast vouchsafed to hear the voice of the Father reveal Him; for, cleansed by the divine Spirit, thy heart was most gloriously illumined, O Peter.

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

O Peter, ask thou cleansing, release from debts and the delight of the kingdom of heaven for us that with love honour thee and kiss the chains wherewith thou wast bound.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou wast the abode of the Light, O Maiden; wherefore, by thy light guide me who am benighted by all the temptations of the enemy, that I may magnify thee with faith, O most pure Virgin Mother.

Troparion, Tone IV: Without leaving Rome, thou art come to us in the precious chains which thou didst bear, O first-enthroned of the apostles; and, bowing down before them with faith we pray: By thy supplications unto God grant us great mercy!

Canon I to the Venerable Seraphim, in Tone VI

Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

O Lord, open mine unworthy lips and grant me a word of understanding, that I may worthily hymn the memory of the blessed Seraphim, who with the angels doth now beseech Thee to deliver us from every grievous circumstance.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a great intercessor before the Theotokos, O venerable one, and wast deemed worthy to behold her with the apostles. And now, cease not to visit thy children by thine intercessions.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

From thy youth, O venerable one, thou didst surrender thyself in mind unto the Lord, and having subdued the passions of thy body through rigorous abstinence, thou wast adorned with every virtue, O most wise one.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

 O most blessed Sovereign Lady, who hast given birth unto the supremely good God in the flesh, cleanse thou my heart which is tormented by passions, that I may magnify thee with faith and love.

Canon II to the Venerable Seraphim, 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 now sing.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Thou didst tread the straight and narrow path to the heavenly kingdom in accordance with the commandment of Christ the Master, disdaining the broad and spacious path. And now do thou pray for us that keep thy most radiant memory.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Having ascended the mount of dispassion and taken up thy cross from thy youth, thou didst unfalteringly follow after Christ. And having acquired spiritual wisdom, thou didst attain the heavenly Jerusalem, O venerable one. Pray thou to the Lover of mankind on our behalf.

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

Standing now before the throne of God, O venerable one, intercede thou for the suffering Russian land; and by thy prayers, O venerable one, entreat salvation for the Christ-loving people of Russia.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hearken, O Lady, unto those who flee to thee with faith and love, and who hymn thee with fear.

Ode III, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the horn of The faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of Thy confession.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Standing before God with the angels in thy prayer, O venerable one, pray thou for the whole world, that the assaults of the enemy be overcome and that Orthodox Christians be granted victory over their adversaries.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

From thy youth thou didst cleave with faith and love unto the Master of the hosts on high, O venerable Seraphim; and, shining forth like the sun in the wilderness of Sarov, thou wast a comfort to those who approached thee in sorrow. Pray thou that we be saved!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

To those who pray unto thee, thou hast been revealed to be an unshakeable pillar and a refuge for those who have recourse unto the Monastery of Sarov, and abundant grace for those who receive healings.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

Our first mother Eve heard: In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children. And thou, O pure Virgin, hearing: The Lord is with thee! Rejoice! didst put to flight the grief of our first mother with this cry of joy!

Another 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.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Beseech Christ God, O blessed one, to deliver us from famine and plagues, from sudden death, from secret transgressions and wicked thoughts, that with a pure heart we may cry out to Christ: O Lord, save us by the supplications of the venerable one!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Following after Christ the Master in meekness and humility, thou wast all things to all mankind; tirelessly instructing both rich and poor in piety, thou didst foresee the future as though it were the present. Beseech Christ God, O venerable one, to grant us forgiveness of our sins!

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

Deliver thy monastery from every assault of the enemy, O venerable one, and fill it with love and grace, that it heed not the cares of this life, but attain unto the goodness and beauty which save the soul.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our trust and hope art thou, O most holy Sovereign Lady. Save the suffering Russian land and thy people that pray and call upon thy holy name!

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional Hymn of the venerable one, Tone IV: Having utterly overcome the passions of the sea of life by abstinence, and attained unto the haven of dispassion, thou wast revealed as a vessel of abstinence, O venerable Seraphim. Beseech Christ God to grant us great mercy!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone IV: When thou dost stand before the face of my Creator on the day of His righteous Judgment, O Lady, intercede for me, and deliver me from eternal torment, that I go not down into Hades, but that I be saved by thy defence, O most holy Theotokos.

Ode IV, Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely singeth, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Today the Monastery of Sarov doth radiantly celebrate thy memory, O venerable one, beseeching thee: Ask of the Lord peace for the whole world and great mercy for our souls!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

In thy great struggles didst thou flourish like a palm tree, O venerable one, sweetening the hearts of those who have recourse unto thee with fruitful words and a blameless life: Wherefore, do thou now pray that we obtain mercy from Christ our Saviour!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

By thy prayers entreat God for us, O venerable Seraphim, and drive away the sinful darkness of our grief. Adorn with dispassion, faith and love all who honour thy most glorious memory!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

Rejoice, O Virgin Sovereign Lady, thou beauty of the Churches, might and boast of the suffering Russian land! Pray to Christ God without ceasing, that He preserve us from misfortunes by thy prayers.

Another Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, * and have glorified Thee * Who alone art the Lover of mankind.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

It is not the Monastery of Sarov alone, but the whole land of Russia which hath thee, O blessed one, as a fervent intercessor and speedy helper, almighty and invincible defender and mediator for our souls.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Be thou an intercessor and mediator for us before the most holy Trinity, and move thou to pray with thee the choirs of the saints whose life thou didst emulate, O venerable one. With them pray for peace and the good estate of the whole world, that in this age we may live a peaceful and quiet life, and in the future inherit eternal life.

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

Being great among fasters, O venerable one, thou didst lead an arduous monastic life in the wilderness, and didst end it in compunctionate prayer. Pray that we be saved!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O most pure Theotokos. Beseech thy Son and our God, that He grant us salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Ode V, Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Unto all who come to thee thou hast been a true teacher and a great intercessor before the Theotokos. And now, O venerable one, cease not to pray for thy children, for thou hast great boldness.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Let the Christian people now enter into the temple of the Monastery of Sarov, bowing down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim, and, glorifying Christ, let them ask of thee healing and salvation.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

The invisible enemy desired to affright thee when thou wast praying to God at night, O venerable one. But, put to shame by thy prayer, the most wicked one vanished.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

O most pure Mary, beseech God Who was born of thee, that He grant forgiveness of transgressions unto thy servants.

Another Irmos: Illumine us O Lord with Thy commandments, * and with Thine arm raised on high * grant us Thy peace, * O Lover of mankind!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Thou didst glorify the Monastery of Sarov with fasting and unceasing prayer, O venerable one, anointing the infirm with oil from the icon of the Theotokos and granting them healing in abundance. Pray thou now that our souls be saved!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

O ye hierarchs and priests, rejoice with the monks of Sarov, and ye people, hymn together the blessed father, the calm haven of those who are tempest-tossed by sorrows, the ready healer of infirmities of body and soul.

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

Offer up thy prayers, O venerable one, as an acceptable and unblemished sacrifice unto the most holy Trinity, and forget not us who now keep thy memory. Beg mercy for those who hate, wrong and are angered against us, and deliver all from every sorrow.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Guide my mind which is tempest-tossed by many passions, O Sovereign Lady. Save us who have recourse unto thee, O Theotokos, for apart from thee we know none other help, O pure one.

Ode VI, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, * I run to Thy calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O greatly Merciful One.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Thy holy soul was an abode of God, wherein the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit dwelt. Wherefore, we pray thee, O venerable one, dispel the slanders of the enemy from those who honour thee, and grant peace to the suffering land of Russia.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

O venerable Seraphim, we honour thy great struggles and labours in the wilderness and the sweetness of thy teaching, whereby thou hast enlightened many who came to thee, teaching them to hymn the consubstantial Trinity.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Following after Christ the Master in purity of life, thou didst complete the good race, O venerable one. Having ascended to the eternal mansions, thou dost behold there what the angels see. Wherefore, honouring thy memory, we glorify Christ.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

I now flee unto thee, O most pure one. Save and preserve me by thy supplications. For whatsoever thou desirest, that thou canst do, in that thou art the Mother of the Almighty.

Another Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief; * for my soul is filled with evils, * and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh, * and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: * Raise me up from corruption, O my God.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

We are all full of sin, but thy prayers, O venerable Seraphim, ascend unto the Lord like fragrant incense. We now pray thee: Calm thou the raging storm of evil impiety in the land of Russia, and entreat the Lord for the salvation of our souls.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Truly blessed wast thou, O venerable Seraphim, having acquired riches through poverty, and through tears, joy, which thou didst abundantly bestow upon those who came to thee. And now emitting rays of miracles, thou dost heal all who have recourse unto thee in faith.

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

Having dug with thine own hands a well in the wilderness, O venerable one, thou didst give drink unto the thirsty that came unto thee. And now thou healest the diseases of the sick with the water of this well. Truly, the Master hath shown thee forth unto all as a miraculous intercessor and wonderworker, O venerable one.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We confess thee to be indeed the Mother of God, the true Theotokos, for by thy birthgiving we have been delivered from the curse of corruption, by the tender compassion of God, the Lover of mankind, and have been called to life incorruptible.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion of the Venerable One, Tone II: Having forsaken the beauty of the world and the corruption therein, * thou didst take up thine abode in the Monastery of Sarov. * And having lived there as an angel, thou didst become a path for many to salvation. * Wherefore, Christ hath glorified thee, O father Seraphim, * enriching thee with the gift of healings and miracles. ** Therefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!

Ikos: Having forsaken family and friends, and regarding riches as but dust, thou didst take up thine abode in the wilderness of Sarov; and having struggled against the passions like one of the bodiless hosts, thou wast deemed worthy to stand in the angelic choir. Wherefore, having received spiritual knowledge, grant even us, O venerable one, to chant this unto thee with understanding, saying: Rejoice, O blessed Seraphim, heavenly man and earthly angel! Rejoice, emulator of Christ in thy love! Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, great joy of the despondent! Rejoice, source of healing! Rejoice, sweet consolation for sorrowful souls! Rejoice, calm haven for monks and most wise instructor! Rejoice, boast of the land of Russia! Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!

Ode VII, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Wondrously was thy life shown to be full of the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable one. Truly thou didst receive the blessed end of the righteous, rejoicing in Christ. And we cry out to Him who hath glorified thee: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Gathering together at thy holy monastery today, a multitude of people doth bow down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim, and we all draw forth healings therefrom, crying out unceasingly: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

This report hath gone out into all the world, that a most glorious wonderworker hath appeared in Sarov, pouring forth a multitude of healings upon all who with faith approach and cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

O Virgin Theotokos, who ineffably didst give birth unto the Word, thy Creator: With the venerable Seraphim beseech Him to have mercy upon our souls!

Another 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.’

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, and through the prayers of him who pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, preserve us from every soul-corrupting evil, that we may all cry out with compunction: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Who is not astounded, who doth not glorify the unfathomable abyss of Thy tender compassion, O Lord? For Thou hast revealed to the whole world him that pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, the fervent intercessor before Thee for us who cry aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Accept this hymn of thanksgiving which we offer unto thee, O venerable Seraphim, and grant healing unto all of us who keep thy holy memory, and who bow down before the shrine of thy relics and cry aloud: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O most holy Theotokos. Entreat thy Son and our God to grant us salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Thou didst make flame bedew the holy children, * and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. * For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest, * Thee do we supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Having subdued the passions of the flesh and died to the world, thou didst receive the words of eternal life in thy heart, O blessed one, teaching all who had recourse unto thee to cry aloud: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

At the glorification of thy precious relics, O venerable one, the Monastery of Sarov was filled with joy. And all the people cried out unto God Who is wondrous in His saints: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and supremely exalt Him for ever!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Being filled with the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable Seraphim, through thy prayers beg forgiveness of sins for the faithful people that keep thy holy memory and cry out: Ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, and supremely exalt the Lord throughout all ages!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

O Theotokos, who hast given birth unto the Saviour and Master of all, thou hast been shown forth to us as the mediatrix of salvation; wherefore, we pray thee: Grant salvation unto all who faithfully hymn thee throughout the ages.

Another Irmos: The King of heaven, * Who is glorified by the hosts of angels, * let us praise and supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

The most evil enemy, hating thy virtuous life, desired to cause thee to falter, O venerable one. But having put him to shame by the grace of God and the prayers of the Theotokos, thou didst glorify God, singing: O ye works, praise ye the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

As flashing lightning illumineth the firmament, so have the reports of thy wonders gone forth throughout all the world, O venerable one. And marvelling at thy glory, we cry out: O ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, supremely exalt the Lord throughout all ages!

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

Heal thou our minds which are disquieted by vain and passionate imaginings, O venerable one; quell thou the waves of evil disbelief in our land, and strengthen our hearts, which are crippled by worldly cares, that we may glorify Christ the Creator throughout all ages.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, O fiery throne of the Lord! Rejoice, O ray of immaterial splendour! Rejoice, thou cloud of the radiant Sun of righteousness, Christ our Saviour, Whom we supremely exalt throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God * upon Whom the orders of angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O all-pure one, * did the Word Incarnate become a man * and with the Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and thee we call blessed.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Accept, and disdain not, our small tribute, offered unto thee from unworthy lips, O venerable one. Sanctify all who glorify thee, and deliver us from misfortunes, dangers and eternal torments, that we may hymn thee throughout the ages.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Manfully enduring the heat of the day and the cold of night in the solitude of the wilderness, thou wast an abode of the Wisdom of God, and didst hasten toward the unwaning radiance. Pray thou that we be saved!

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

This day is the monastery glorified, wherein thou didst consent to take upon thyself the yoke of Christ; for there didst thou spend thy days in the wilderness; and, enlightening by thy teachings the many who came unto thee, thou didst teach them to be children of the Church of Christ.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

Thou art our strength, thou art our boast and joy, our protectress, help, refuge and invincible intercessor. O most pure Theotokos, save thou thy servants!

Another Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we truly confess thee to be the Theotokos, * and with the choirs of bodiless hosts we magnify thee.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

Emulating the great fathers who of old shone forth in fasting and ascetic struggle, O venerable one, thou didst spend all the days of thy life in prayer, tears and labour, until thou didst attain unto the heavenly mansions. Wherefore as is meet, we bless thee.

Venerable Father, Seraphim, pray to God for us.

With mighty power did Christ God gird thee about and strengthen thee to overcome the wiles of the demons, O venerable one. Wherefore, we now pray thee: Entreat God, the Lover of mankind, to deliver us all from the assaults and temptations of the enemies, and to save our souls.

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

In our pain and sorrow, we flee to thee, O venerable one, and cry out from the depths of our souls: Be thou a calm haven and ready healer for the sick, and deliver us from every ill and want, that we may unceasingly magnify thee.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O most pure Virgin, thou didst give birth unto One of the Holy Trinity, the Son and Word, Whom do thou entreat with the saints and the righteous on behalf of thy servants who with faith ask forgiveness of sins.

Troparion, Tone IV: From thy youth didst thou love Christ, O blessed one; * and, aflame with the desire to serve Him alone, * thou didst struggle in the wilderness in unceasing prayer and labour; * and with compunction of heart, having acquired the love of Christ, * thou wast shown to be the beloved favourite of the Mother of God. * Wherefore, we cry unto thee: ** Save us by thy prayers, O our venerable father Seraphim.

Afterfeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Commemoration of the Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen.

Commemoration of Our Venerable Father Theodore the Branded, the Confessor, Brother of St. Theophanes the Hymnographer

Ode I, Canon of the Feast, in Tone I – Irmos: Christ is born, give ye glory! Christ cometh from heaven, meet ye Him! Christ is on earth, be ye exalted! O all the earth, sing ye unto the Lord, and chant with gladness, ye people, for He hath been glorified!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

That which is in the image of God, but which became wholly corrupt through the transgression, having fallen from the blessings of divine life, doth the wise Creator make new again, for He hath been glorified.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

The Creator, when he beheld man perishing, whom He had fashioned with His own hands, bowed the heavens also, and came down. And from the divine and pure Virgin He taketh upon Himself all man’s nature, becoming truly incarnate, for He hath been glorified!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Christ God, the Wisdom, Word, Power and radiant Splendour of the Father, having hidden His hosts, both heavenly and earthly, and become incarnate, hath renewed us, for He hath been glorified!

Canon of the Apostle, the composition of John of Damascus, in Tone V

Irmos: Bringing battles to nought with His upraised arm, Christ hath overthrown horse and rider in the Red Sea, and hath saved Israel, who chanteth a hymn of victory.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Come ye, and with wreaths of hymns let us gloriously crown the first martyr of the Church of Christ; and, crowned with the divine grace of Stephen, let us chant a hymn of victory.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Possessed of the meek mind of the Teacher and humility wrought by God through love, O Stephen, thou didst become the most senior of the deacons and an intercessor for widows.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

As is meet, thou wast called to assist the apostles of Christ; and thou wast a faithful deacon, for which cause thou didst, through blood, pass on to the place where Christ is, O Stephen, thou namesake of crowns.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

For men’s sake, O Christ, Thou wast borne by the Virgin and wast wrapped as a babe in swaddling clothes; and Thy protomartyr, buried beneath the stones cast at him, sheddeth his human life.

Canon of the Venerable One, the acrostic whereof is: “I weave thy praises, O my brother,” the composition of Theophanes, in Tone IV

Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dry-shod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

The cherubim, beholding the inscription graven on thine honoured brow, withdrew from the Tree of Life; and the fiery sword giveth way to thee with all deference, O most wise Theodore.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

An inscription was set above the head of Christ the King, affixed to the Tree of the Cross; but thine inscription was graven on thy face, O most wise one, magnificently inscribed.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Lifted up on the Cross, the Lord was pierced through His side; and, stretched out on the rack and branded like a prized lamb, thou didst patiently endure the red-hot needles, O initiate of the sacred mysteries.

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

Adorned with all manner of wisdom, O father Theodore, thou didst openly denounce the sovereign for his evildoing; and by enduring torments thou didst disquiet his heretical thoughts.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou wast the abode of Wisdom all-wise, O all-pure Theotokos; thou alone art the salvation and hymn of the faithful, for today thou hast given birth unto divine Deliverance for us.

Ode III, Irmos: To Christ God, the Son Who was begotten of the Father without corruption before time began, and in latter times without seed became incarnate of the Virgin, let us cry aloud: O Lord Who liftest up our horn, holy art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Adam, though formed of dust, partook of the heavenly breath of life; yet, through the beguilement of the woman, fell into corruption. But now, beholding Christ born of a woman, he crieth out: O Lord, Who hast become like unto me for my sake, holy art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

O Christ, Who hast taken a form of miry clay, by Thy mingling and sharing of our base flesh, Thou didst make us partakers in the divine nature. O Lord, Who didst become man whilst yet remaining God and hast lifted up our horn, Holy art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Be thou glad, O Bethlehem, chief among the princes of Judah, for Christ, the Shepherd of Israel, cometh forth from thee in the sight of all, upborne upon the cherubim. He that hath lifted up our horn reigneth over all!

Irmos: O Christ Who by Thy command fixed the earth upon naught and suspended its weight unsupported: establish Thou Thy Church upon the immovable rock of Thy commandments, O Thou Who alone art good and lovest mankind.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Stephen, the warrior of Christ, having lawfully arrayed himself against the deicides, vested in the invincible power of God, denounced all the wicked opposition of the iniquitous.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Aflame with the zeal of the love of Christ and having stripped down for combat, filled with faith and the Spirit of God, O protomartyr, thou didst proclaim to all the divinely ordained preaching of the fishermen.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

As a proclaimer of the hidden and truly divine life, heedless of this present life, through deed the protomartyr manifestly showed to all truth triumphant, having assented to death, O Master.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

For our sake the Master entered the cave of life through condescension; and Stephen, chief among the martyrs, departeth from human burdens, overcome by the love of the Master.

Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Unable to say ought against thy doctrines, O venerable one, he who was filled with pagan madness resorted to blows.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Thou didst patiently endure wounds on thy shoulders and breast for Christ’s sake, and blows to thy head, O divinely-inspired one.

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

With spiritual wisdom and zeal of mind didst thou put to shame the impious and iniquitous one by thy most sacred dogmas.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With prophetic eyes David beheld thee in Bethlehem, O Mother of God, as the ark bearing the all-divine Infant.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to he Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion of the feast, Tone III: Today the Virgin giveth birth unto the Transcendent One, and the earth doth offer a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. Angels and shepherds give glory, and the magi journey with the star. For unto us a Child is born, the preëternal God!

Ikos: Bethlehem hath opened Eden! We have found Joy in a secret place: come, and let us receive the things of paradise within the cave. There the unwatered Root hath blossomed, bearing forgiveness as its fruit. There an unfailing Wellspring hath been found, whence of old David longed to drink. There the Virgin hath given birth to the Babe, quenching the thirst of Adam and David straightway. Wherefore, let us hasten to this place where now is born a young Child, the preëternal God!

Sessional hymn of the Apostle, Tone I, Spec. Mel. “Thy tomb, O Saviour…”: O apostle of Christ, first among the deacons, wise protomartyr, chief among the martyrs: having sanctified the ends of the earth with thy sufferings, thou hast also illumined the souls of men with miracles. O all-praised Stephen, from all manner of tribulations deliver those who honour thee.

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

Sessional hymn to the Venerable One, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Of the divine faith…”: Thou wast a mouth of boldness, most wisely putting to shame the audacity of the tyrant by the patient endurance of thy sufferings; for, branded on the brow for the most precious icon of Christ, O Theodore, thou didst tell all to honour and glorify Him, entreating great mercy for us.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Gazing upon Him Whom she had conceived without seed, the all-immaculate one exclaimed in wonder to Him Who was born of her: Even though Thou hast been wrapped in human guise, yet all things proclaim Thee to be God, O Child Who art without beginning, Who art equally without beginning with the unoriginate Father and grantest unto all great mercy!

Ode IV, Irmos: A rod from the root of Jesse and blossom therefrom, O Christ, Thou didst spring forth from the Virgin; from the mountain overshadowed and densely wooded hast Thou come, incarnate of her who knew not man, O Thou praised and immaterial God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

O Christ, whom Jacob foretold in days of old, calling Thee the Expectation of the nations, Thou hast shone forth from the tribe of Judah; and Thou hast come to take away the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria, changing falsehood to faith meet for God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

O Master, who shinest forth as a star out of Jacob, Thou didst fill with joy the astrologers, who wisely interpreted the words of Balaam, the soothsayer of old. As the first-fruits of the Gentiles were they led to Thee, and Thou didst receive them in the sight of all. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Like the rain into a fleece of wool hast Thou come down into the womb of the Virgin, O Christ, even as the drops that water the earth. Ethiopia and Tarshish and the isles of Arabia, the kings of Saba, of the Medes and all the earth, fell down before Thee, O Saviour. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Irmos: Perceiving Thy divine condescension prophetically, O Christ, Habbakuk cried out to Thee with trembling: Thou art come for the salvation of Thy people, to save Thine anointed ones!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Emulating the zeal of the angels, and splendidly adorned with an angelic countenance, thou didst behold the glory of God and the radiance thereof.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

The slanderer, judge and tyrant, the slayer of man and father of lies, appeared, O Stephen, but he vanquished himself, laying the very snares into which he fell.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Having opened for us the path of martyrdom, as first among the martyrs, the crown-bearer Stephen joineth chorus, crowned with the wreath of martyrdom.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Christ Who shone forth from the Virgin like the sun, with Thy radiance Thou dost adorn the glorious memorial of the protomartyr as it were the daystar.

Irmos: Beholding Thee lifted up upon the Cross, O Sun of righteousness, the Church stood rooted in place, crying out as is meet: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Stretched out upon the rack, O Theodore, with audacious vehemence and barbaric cruelty thou wast branded as one who venerated the icon of Christ and the Mother of God.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Having served the Master through abstinence from thy youth, O blessed one, placing thy trust constantly in Him, thou wast straightway most splendidly adorned with the blood of thy witnessing.

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

Luminous as the sun, O God-bearer, thou didst hasten from the East, emitting the rays of thy confession and thine exceeding wise and most valiant opposition.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Blessed is God the Word, Who in His loving-kindness cometh to Bethlehem from thy womb which knoweth not wedlock, O all-pure one. Him do thou now entreat, that He save those who have recourse unto thee.

Ode V, Irmos: As God of peace and Father of compassion, Thou didst send Thine Angel of Great Counsel, Who granteth us peace. Therefore, guided to the light of knowledge divine, and waking at dawn out of the night, we glorify Thee, Who lovest mankind.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Obedient to Cæsar’s command that his subjects be registered, Thou hast freed us that are subject to the enemy and to sin, O Christ. For, sharing wholly in our poverty, Thou hast made the very dust godlike by Thy union and communion with it.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Behold, the Virgin, as was said in days of old, hath conceived in her womb and given birth unto God incarnate, and yet remaineth virgin. O ye faithful, let us hymn her that is truly the Theotokos, for through her have we sinners been reconciled to God.

Irmos: O Thou Who art clothed in light as with a garment: I rise at dawn unto Thee, and to Thee do I cry: enlighten Thou my gloom-enshrouded soul, O Christ, in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

More exalted than the heavenly spheres and full of Thine ineffable glory, O Christ, Thy protomartyr hath shone forth like an angel.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

With outpourings of divinely eloquent words the protomartyr inundated the vile murderers; and, pelted by their countless stones, he received a victor’s crown.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

The boldness of the divine zeal of the protomartyr was invincible, for manfully did he stand against the deicides, even unto the shedding of his blood.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The protomartyr beheld Him Who came forth from the Mother who knoweth not man, standing in the heavens in the immutable divinity and glory of the Father.

Irmos: Thou hast come, O my Lord, as a light into the world: a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance those who hymn Thee with faith.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Sojourning in a strange land, thou didst steadfastly endure exile, affliction, wounding, imprisonment, and the vilest of dungeons.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Now thou dost truly rejoice, receiving a victor’s crown on the splendid and radiant feast of the godly protomartyr.

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

The vow of piety which thou didst make in thy childhood, thou didst keep even unto the end, remaining unperverted, O invincible Theodore.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We wield thee as an invincible weapon against the foe, O Bride of God, for we have acquired thee as our help and hope of salvation.

Ode VI, Irmos: The sea monster thrust forth, like a babe from the womb, Jonah whom it had swallowed; and the Word, Who dwelt within the Virgin and took flesh of her, issued forth, preserving her incorrupt. He kept her who gave Him birth unharmed, for He Himself was not subject to corruption.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Christ our God, Whom the Father begat before the morning star, hath come forth incarnate from the Virgin’s womb; and He that holdeth sway over the all-pure hosts, lieth down in a manger of beasts. He is wrapped in swaddling clothes, that looseth the tangled chains of sin.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

The Son is born as a young Babe of the nature of Adam, and is given unto the faithful. He is the Father and Ruler of the Age to come, and He is called the Angel of great counsel. He is the mighty God, Who holdeth all creation in His dominion.

Irmos: O Christ Master, still Thou the sea of the passions which rageth with a soul-destroying tempest, and lead me up from corruption, in that Thou art compassionate.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Stephen, the glorious chief of the martyrs, having transcended the faithful laws of nature by grace, is made luminous by the glory of God.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

As a most renowned emulator of Thine honoured Passion, O Master Christ, Stephen repayeth his murderers with a blessing.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Preserve Thou those who hymn the protomartyr untouched by vile murder, and vouchsafe them Thine inheritance, in that Thou art compassionate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy birth was the beginning of the salvation of the universe and the foundation of the godly confession of the martyrs.

Irmos: I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church crieth unto Thee, cleansed of the blood of demons by the blood which, for mercy’s sake, flowed from Thy side.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Still drenched in the sweat of thy struggles, thou didst stand before the Judge of the contest, Who, by His just judgment, doth govern all creation, O most blessed God-bearer Theodore.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Naught could separate thee from the love of Christ: neither the wounding of thy body, nor the threat of the death sentence, nor the loss of friends, O most blessed Theodore.

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

As a most radiant son of light and of the day, thou didst repose full of light, growing up towards the radiance of God, ever overflowing with light day and night, O thou who art pleasing unto God.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having found thee alone to be a lily most pure, a lily of the valley amid the thorns, O Mother of God, the noetic Bridegroom made His abode within thee.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to he Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion of the Protomartyr, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Today the Virgin…”: Yesterday the Master came to us in the flesh, and today his servant departeth from the flesh. Yesterday He that reigneth over the flesh was born, and today his servant is slain by stoning. For His sake the godly protomartyr Stephen doth meet his end.

Ikos: Like a radiant star doth Stephen the protomartyr shine forth on the Nativity of Christ, illumining and enlightening the ends of the earth, but casting a pall of darkness over all the impiety of the Jews. Reproving them with words of wisdom, discoursing from the Scriptures, and persuading those who Jesus, Who was born of the Virgin, is the Son of God and God, the godly protomartyr Stephen put to shame their impious wickedness.

Ode VII, Irmos: The children raised together in piety, disdaining the ungodly command, feared not the threat of the fire, but, standing in the midst of the flame, they chanted: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

The shepherds abiding in the field received a vision of light in awesome manner, for the glory of God shone round about them, and an angel cried out to them: Sing ye, for Christ is born. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

At the angel’s proclamation, the hosts of heaven suddenly cried aloud: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. Christ hath shone forth. O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

What are these tidings? the shepherds said. Let us go and see this thing which is come to pass, even the birth of the divine Christ! And, coming to Bethlehem, they worshipped with her that had given Him birth, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers quenched the flame and bedewed the children, who sang together: Blessed art Thou, O God!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

The iniquitous, gnashing their teeth like beasts and falling upon Stephen with murderous intent, slew him as he chanted in godly manner: Blessed art Thou, O God!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

O Stephen, adorned with stones as with many-coloured and comely flowers, thou didst offer thyself unto Christ, the Bestower of life, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O God!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Almost insurmountable was the opposition of Paul, who at first persecuted the saints, but later led the gentiles unto Christ forever.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Caught up by the Holy Spirit, O Stephen, thou didst ineffably behold the Son and the Father, and thou didst cry out to the Trinity: Blessed art Thou, O God!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An animate crown is offered unto Thee, as to a king, O Thou Who hast shone forth from the divine and pure Virgin, for in godly manner we chant unto Thee: Blessed art Thou, O God!

Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Aflame with Orthodox zeal, O most wise one, with boldness thou didst spurn the food of vile and grievous heresy, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord my God!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

The discourse of wisdom, the discourse of dogmas, the discourse of most pious doctrines did God the Word give unto thee, O father, who cried out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord my God!

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

Having shone forth from the East like the sun, O father Theodore, thou didst emit the radiance of piety upon the earth, enlightening and teaching it the veneration of icons.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast been shown to be adorned, most glorious, all-splendid with the light of virginity, O Mother, who gavest birth unto God in the flesh, and who wrapped in swaddling clothes Him Who doth manifestly clothe all things.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The dew-bearing furnace showed forth the image of a supernatural wonder; for it burned not the youths whom it had received, just as the fire of the Godhead burned not the Virgin, whose womb it entered. Wherefore, chanting, let us sing: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

From Sion did the daughter of Babylon draw the captive youths of David to herself, whom she had taken with the sword. But now she sendeth her own children, even the magi bearing gifts, to entreat the Daughter of David in whom God came to dwell. Wherefore, lifting up our voices in song, we chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Sorrow silenced the harps of the children of Sion, for they would not sing in a strange land; but Christ, shining forth in Bethlehem, hath destroyed all the deception of Babylon and the music of its instruments. Wherefore, lifting up our voices in song, we chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Babylon hath plundered the kingdom of Sion and taken away the riches thereof; but Christ hath brought the treasures of Babylon to Sion, guiding the astrologer kings by a star. Wherefore, lifting up our voices in song, we chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Irmos: The children, forming a universal chorus in the furnace, chanted to Thee, the Creator of all: Hymn the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Come, ye who are noetically illumined by the glory of Stephen, let us chant unto God incarnate: Hymn ye the Lord, all ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

For thee, O Stephen, is fashioned a wreath of sufferings, as for one who hath conquered most wicked deception. Wherefore, thou didst cry out: Hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Christ appeared to thee in the glory of the Father, manifestly promising thee recompense for thy sufferings. Wherefore, thou didst cry out: Hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

The nativity of the Master and the commemoration of the protomartyr are cause for us to join chorus. Wherefore, let us unceasingly hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thee, who in manner past understanding gavest birth unto the Lord, the God-man, yet remainest virgin, O Virgin, do all of us, the works of the Lord, hymn and exalt supremely for all ages.

Irmos: Stretching forth his hands, Daniel shut the lions’ mouths in the pit; and the young lovers of piety, girded about with virtue, quenched the power of the fire, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Trusting, like a lion, in the strength of thy spirit, O most blessed one, thou wast not afraid of the assault of the heretic, the namesake of savagery. And, spitting upon him, rejoicing thou didst cry out to the people: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Having adorned thy soul with manliness and acquired a mind full of understanding, thou didst perfect thy will with chastity, O blessed one, and didst direct thy thoughts with righteousness, and dost cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

By thy chastenings thou didst dry up the rushing torrent of heresy, O venerable father, destroying the snares of the impious with thy most wise instructions, and crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

God, Who fashioned human nature in the beginning, is therein clothed through thine all-pure and holy womb, O all-pure one, being born today in Bethlehem in accordance with the prophecies. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed, O Mary, Bride of God.

Ode IX, Irmos: A strange and most glorious mystery do I behold: the cave is heaven; the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim; the manger, the place wherein lay Christ God, Whom naught can contain, Whom praising, we magnify.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

The magi, beholding the remarkable course of the new star shining with a brightness that illumined all the heavens, learnt thereby that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

The magi said, Where is the newborn Child King? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship Him. Then Herod, the enemy of God, was exceeding wroth and diligently sought how to slay the Christ.

Glory to Thee, our God; glory to Thee!

Herod inquired what time the guiding star appeared, which led the magi to Bethlehem to worship Christ with gifts. But, brought by the star into their own country another way, they returned not to Herod, mocking the wicked slayer of children.

Irmos: Rejoice, O Isaiah! The Virgin hath conceived in her womb and borne a Son, Immanuel, both God and man. Orient is His name; and, magnifying Him, we call the Virgin blessed.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

O Stephen, thou hast surpassed all the degrees of praise, and with every word thou didst carry away trophies of victory. For the human mind is incapable of weaving a crown of praise worthy of thee.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

O, the blessed voice were with thou didst hold forth, O Stephen! Lay not this sin to the charge of my murderers, O Master Christ, thou didst cry, But, as Thou art my God and Creator, receive Thou my spirit as a sacrifice of savour most sweet.

Holy Apostle, Protomartyr and Archdeacon, Stephen, pray to God for us.

Thou didst receive recompense for thy sufferings: a victor’s wreath from the right hand of the Almighty. And now, O most blessed one, standing before the King of all, with glory and grace crown thou those who hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The timeless Son, begotten of the Father, hath received from the Virgin a beginning of existence in time. Slain for His sake, Stephen, the emulator of Christ, hath now inherited everlasting life from the Origin thereof.

Irmos: Christ, the Chief Cornerstone uncut by human hands, Who united the two disparate natures, was cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Compelled by the will of God, thou didst readily endure the assaults of persecutions, O divinely wise one; and having set at naught the savagery of the persecutor, thou hast received a crown for thy struggles, O father.

Venerable father, Theodore, pray to God for us.

Thou hast discovered heavenly riches, and an abiding home instead of bitter imprisonment, exile and wandering. And thou livest now in rapture, receiving eternal delight.

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

Offering hymnody unto the Master, O father, cease not to offer entreaties concerning mine infirmity, for the sake of our brotherhood and dwelling together; that, as we have lived together, we may also attain deification together.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We magnify thee, O Virgin, as the true Theotokos and divine Maiden, for, in manner surpassing comprehension and recounting, thou gavest birth in Bethlehem unto God the Word and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes.

Troparion of the Protomartyr, Tone IV: Thou didst fight the good fight, and didst denounce the impiety of the tyrants, O protomartyr and apostle of Christ; for, stoned at the hands of the iniquitous, thou hast received from on high a crown from the right hand of the Lord, and didst exclaim to God, crying aloud: O Lord, lay not this sin to their charge!

Troparion of the Venerable One, Tone VIII: Instructor in Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity, beacon for the whole world, divinely inspired adornment of monastics, O Theodore most wise, by thy teachings hast thou illumined all. O harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Troparion of the feast, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of reason upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Son of righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!