CANONS FOR THE FEAST OF THE REPOSE OF ST SERGIUS OF RADONEZH

Canon of the Theotokos, in Tone VI

Ode I, Irmos : Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When Eve partook of the forbidden fruit of the tree, she brought about the curse; yet thou hast annulled it, O pure one, having given birth to Christ, the Firstfruits of blessing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to Christ the Pearl by the lightning-flash of God, O pure one, dispel the darkness of my passions and the vexation of transgressions with the light of thy splendour.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With noetic eyes Jacob mystically foresaw God, the Expectation of the nations Who is incarnate of thee, Who hath delivered us through thy mediation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When the tribe of Judah was bereft of leaders, O all-pure one, thy Son and God, issuing forth as a prince, truly reigneth now over the ends of the earth.

Canon I of the Venerable Sergius, the acrostic whereof is: “O my God, grant that I may praise Sergius”, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Emulating Christ, Who willingly abased Himself for our sake, even to assume the guise of a servant, thou didst love humility; and having mortified soul-destroying passions with extreme vigilance and supplications, thou didst ascend the mountain of dispassion, O Sergius who art most rich.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Adorning thy soul with torrents of tears, as it were a beacon of light, O venerable one, thou didst offer thyself like another Isaac, and didst sacrifice thy heart to God.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

O all-blessed Sergius, who by thy threefold exclamation in thy mother’s womb wast shown to be a servant of the Trinity: illumined with the light of the threefold Sun, thou hast destroyed the hordes of the demons as though they were a spider’s web.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In manner transcending the laws of nature, thou gavest birth to God, the Giver of the law Who became man. O most immaculate one, entreat Him, in that He is good, that He overlook the iniquities of us who ever cry: Let us chant unto the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified!

Canon II of the Venerable One, in Tone I

Irmos : Thy victorious right arm hath in godly manner been glorified in strength; for as almighty, O Immortal One, it smote the adversary, fashioning anew the path of the deep for the Israelites.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast made steadfast by the love of Christ, O venerable and divinely blessed Sergius, and wast shown to be like a river which abundantly watereth all the earth with the discourse of teaching; wherefore, we bless thy memory with love.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Blessing flowed from thy hand at the behest of God; for by thy supplication arid ground poured forth water, and drawing it forth, we now receive healing in abundance, O venerable Sergius.

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

Thou wast wholly dedicated to God from thy youth, drawing nigh unto Him by the virtues; for, having forsaken things corruptible on earth, thou hast found the riches of heaven.

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

Rejoice, O wellspring of grace! Rejoice, O ladder and portal of heaven! Rejoice, O golden lampstand and jar, thou mountain unquarried, who for the world gavest birth to Christ, the Bestower of life.

Ode III, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Good One, ineffably receiving my corrupt and mortal flesh from thy womb, O most pure Mother of God, hath bound it eternally to Him, rendering it immortal.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Beholding God incarnate of thee, O Virgin, the angelic choirs were stricken with awe and fear; and with constant hymnody they honour thee as the Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Prophet Daniel was filled with awe, perceiving thee as the noetic mountain from whence the Stone was cut without the aid of men’s hands. And He hath crushed the temples of the demons with might, O Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Neither the words nor the tongue of men can praise thee as is meet, O Virgin; for from thee, O all-pure one, was Christ, the Bestower of life, pleased to become incarnate without seed.

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Providing thy disciples with a model of goodness in thyself, thou didst draw to salvation many souls who cut themselves off from passionate attachment to the world, and they have received the consolation of delight in paradise.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou didst flourish like a right fruitful olive-tree in the house of God, O blessed one, anointing with oil the souls of those who lovingly hymn thee, O all-blessed Sergius, and cry out to Christ with love: There is none more holy than Thee, Who lovest mankind!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou didst lull to sleep the soul-destroying passions with vigils of wakefulness, O blessed one; and therefore thou hast made thine abode in the mansions of heaven, O divinely wise Sergius, receiving the gift of healing.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been shown to be more exalted than the cherubim and the seraphim, O Theotokos; for thou alone didst receive the infinite God in thy womb, O undefiled one. Wherefore, all of us, the faithful, bless thee with hymns, O pure one.

Canon II of the Venerable One, Irmos: O Thou Who alone hast known the weakness of human nature, having in Thy mercy formed Thyself therein: Thou dost gird me about with power from on high, that I may chant to Thee: Holy is the living temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Having spurned corrupt glory, O blessed one, thou wast vouchsafed to become an heir to divine glory; for having trampled the beauty of life underfoot, thou partakest of divine glory with the angels in the highest.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Having renewed the ground of thy heart with the plough of prayer, O venerable one, and sown it with the seed of thy labours, thou wast shown to be the all-comely wheat of the Word, and hast attained unto the dwelling-place of never-waning light.

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

Honoured by the effulgence of the Holy Spirit, thou didst adorn thyself with a radiant life, O venerable father, giving freely to those in need, and receiving the ranks of monastics with love.

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

From thee, O pure one, did the never-fading Flower bloom, perfuming all mankind with the divine myrrh of His nature: He Who with the Father is equally without beginning came under time through thee, O most immaculate one.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up…”: Having truly forsaken the inconstancy of corrupt things, thou didst follow after Christ with all thy soul, living like an incorporeal being through pangs, labours and extreme asceticism. O venerable Sergius, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved. (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 Theotokos, thou art more exalted than the cherubim and the seraphim, more spacious than heaven and earth, and hast been shown to surpass creation, visible and invisible, in transcendent comparison; for the expanse of the heavens cannot contain Him Whom thou didst contain in thy womb. O pure one, entreat Him, that thy servants be saved.

Ode IV, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honoured Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure one, saved by thee, we hymn thee, the most immaculate one, and chanting piously, we cry aloud: Blessed art thou who gavest birth unto God, O Ever-virgin!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most blessed Virgin, thou gavest birth to the never-waning Light which shineth forth in the flesh upon those in the darkness of life; and thou hast poured forth joy upon those who hymn thee, O Ever-virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Through thee, O most holy one, grace hath blossomed forth, and the law hath ceased; for thou, O pure Ever-virgin, gavest birth to the Lord Who granteth us remission.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The eating of the tree hath shown me to be mortal; but the Tree of life, Who appeared from thee, O all-pure one, hath risen from the dead and made me an heir to the sweetness of paradise.

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Habakkuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a temple of the all-holy Spirit, O right wondrous father Sergius, a river full of the waters of life, the unshakable foundation of the Church, and the confirmation of monastics.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Every day thou didst drench thy bed with the drops of thy tears, as said the prophet, O glorious Sergius, until thou didst utterly dry up the depths of the passions; wherefore, we honour thine ever-honourable and sacred memory.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast vouchsafed to see Christ face to face, O Sergius, reflections having truly been abolished; for this separated thee from the world unto thy desired Beloved.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant us the washing away of our ignorance, in that Thou art sinless, and bring peace to the world, O God, through the supplications of her who gave Thee birth.

Canon II of the Venerable One, Irmos: Habakkuk, gazing with the eyes of foresight upon thee, the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, prophesied that the Holy One of Israel would come forth from thee, for our salvation and restoration.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Illumined with radiant beams of light, O all-blessed one, rejoicing thou hast received heavenly delight; for thou wast truly more pure bread for the Creator, O wise Sergius, crying out to Him: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Having passed above the soul-corrupting passions and entered the depths of stillness, the child who had died thou didst raise up before the departure of his soul from his body, and beyond hope didst bring joy to his father. Wherefore, marvelling, thou didst cry out to the Creator: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

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

Having given wings to the understanding of thy soul and guided thy senses to the path of heaven, O wise one, thou didst declare the holiness of piety to those on earth.

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

Arriving from heaven, the angelic commander announced joy to thee, O pure one, saying: “God shall issue forth from thee in the flesh, O all-pure Virgin, for the salvation of those who hymn thee with love! Glory to thy power, O helper of men!”

Ode V, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Shining forth with radiance in purity, O most hymned one, thou didst become the divine abode of the Master; for thou alone wast shown to be the Mother of God, bearing Him in thine arms as a babe.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Bearing the noetic beauty of thy most beautiful soul, thou wast the Bride of God, thy virginity sealed, O pure one, illumining the world with the light of purity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let the assembly of the ungodly lament, who do not proclaim thee openly to be the pure Mother of God; for thou hast been shown to us as the portal of the divine Light, dispelling the darkness of transgressions.

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast steadfast in ascetic labour, O wise one, continuing it carefully until thy departure; and thereby thou hast manifestly been vouchsafed the blessedness of incorruption.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Possessed of a mind keen to attend unto God, thou didst lull the soul-corrupting passions to sleep, O father, and hast reaped sheaves of fruitfulness, feeding those who piously praise thee, O venerable father Sergius.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thy life was splendid, O venerable Sergius, and is shown forth to all the ends of the earth as famous, and as full of divine beauty through prayer and fasting, and love for Christ, Who loveth mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Canon II of the Venerable One, 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.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou didst manifestly put off the old man, O father, casting him away as though he were a garment defiled by sinful passions, and thou didst clothe thyself in the new man, in accordance with the likeness of Christ, O most honourable one.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Thou didst manifestly put off the old man, O father, casting him away as though he were a garment defiled by sinful passions, and thou didst clothe thyself in the new man, in accordance with the likeness of Christ, O most honourable one.

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

Having broken asunder the chains of the passions by thine angelic life, O Sergius, receiving the gift of the working of miracles from on high, beg the cleansing of our offences.

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

By thy birthgiving, O Virgin, thou didst abolish the curse of Eve, the first mother of all, shining forth Christ, our Blessing, upon the world. Wherefore, rejoicing, we magnify thee, confessing thee with tongue and heart to be the true Theotokos.

Ode VI, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Moses, great among the prophets, described thee beforehand as the ark, the table, the lampstand and the jar, signifying in images the incarnation of the Most High through thee, O Mother and Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Death is slain, and the corruption of Adam’s condemnation is abolished, broken by thy Fruit, O Mistress; for thou gavest birth to the Life which delivereth those who hymn thee from corruption.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The law failed, and the shadow passed away, when, in manner past understanding and thought, there appeared to me the grace which came from thee, O most hymned Virgin, through the nativity of God the Saviour.

Canon I of the Venerable One, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Cease not to entreat the Deliverer, that He grant remission of offences to those who keep thy sacred memory, O father, that they receive the kingdom of heaven, where the voice of those who keep festival gladdeneth all.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Strengthened by Christ, with steadfast mind thou didst rend asunder all the wiles of the evil one like a snare, O father Sergius, and wast shown to be an all-radiant beacon to the world.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Illumined with divine light, and dwelling now with the angels in the heavens, O ever-memorable and venerable Sergius, be thou mindful of those who honour thy memory with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast truly elevated human nature, which had fallen, O Mother of God, having borne without seed in thy womb the invisible and immutable Son, the divine Image, the Equal of the Father.

Canon II of the Venerable One, 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.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

With mercy thou dost illumine us, thy flock, from on high, O father, by thy supplications granting victory to our pious hierarchs over all heresies, and lifting high the horn of the ­Orthodox. Accept also from us this small entreaty offered unto thee.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

With mercy thou dost illumine us, thy flock, from on high, O father, by thy supplications granting victory to our pious hierarchs over all heresies, and lifting high the horn of the ­Orthodox. Accept also from us this small entreaty offered unto thee.

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

The grace to heal divers ailments hath been given to thee, and the authority from Christ over unclean spirits, O wise one, for as a godly victory thou hast received the crown of victory from Him Who reigneth over all.

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

The whole choir of the prophets, instructed by God, hath proclaimed the mystery of thine ineffable and divine conception, whereby the Word came forth from thee, O Virgin Mother; for thou hast given birth to the true and primal Light.

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 VIII, Spec. Mel. “To thee, the champion leader…”: Wounded with the love of Christ, O venerable one, and following Him with unwavering desire, thou didst despise all the delight of the flesh, and hast shone forth like the sun upon thy native land; wherefore, Christ hath enriched thee with the gift of miracles. Be thou mindful of us who honour thine all-radiant memory, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O divinely wise Sergius!

Ikos: Having heard the words of the Gospel, O father, thou didst forsake all carnal mindedness and, considering riches and glory to be as dust, thou didst contend against the passions like an incorporeal being, and wast vouchsafed to join the choirs of the bodiless hosts. Thou didst receive the gift of understanding, which do thou grant unto those who hymn thee thus in song: Rejoice, O venerable and God-bearing Sergius, thou heavenly man and earthly angel; rejoice, thou dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, thou who through prayer received a gift divinely bestowed; rejoice, thou who before thy birth didst glorify with thine exclamation the Holy Trinity, Who hath glorified thee in this life and after death! Rejoice, pillar of chastity beneath which every passion hath been crushed; rejoice, for from earliest childhood thou didst follow after Christ! Rejoice, mediator of salvation for those who have recourse to thee; rejoice, beacon of great radiance, guiding multitudes of monks to Christ! Rejoice, thou boast of thy homeland; rejoice, thou who wast adorned with prophecy, to foretell things of the future as though they were present! Rejoice, for by thy supplications are the adversary vanquished; rejoice, boast and confirmation of our Christ-loving hierarchs, whom do thou by thine entreaties preserve unharmed by the enemy, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O divinely wise Sergius!

Ode VII, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The furnace did not consume the three youths who prefigured thy birthgiving; for the divine Fire dwelt within thee without consuming thee, and hath taught all to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The ends of the earth bless thee, O most immaculate Mother, as thou didst foretell, and, illumined by thy brilliant radiance and grace, they who hymn thee cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The most wicked serpent hath sunk his deadly fangs into me; yet thy Son hath broken them, O Mother of God, and given me the might to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the purification of nature, O only blessed one of God; for, having borne in thine arms God Who sitteth upon the shoulders of the cherubim, thou criest aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Divine grace bedewed thee in the furnace of burning temptations, O venerable one, and showed thee to be greatly luminous with desire for the Trinity, crying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Spurning the world, O glorious Sergius, thou didst dwell on earth like one incorporeal, and hast been vouchsafed to join the choirs of the angels. Wherefore, we honour thee with faith, O right wondrous one.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Entering the calm haven, O divinely wise one, thou didst find rest from the voyages of life, and thou hast become a saving helmsman for those tossed upon the waves of life, who chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, thou hast grown forth as a rod, the most blessed fruit, from the root of Jesse, bearing the Flower of salvation for those who with faith cry out to thy Son: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Canon II of the Venerable One, Irmos: O Theotokos, we, the faithful, perceive thee to be a noetic furnace; for, as the supremely Exalted One saved the three youths, in thy womb the praised and most glorious God of our fathers wholly renewed the world.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

By the hand of God thou wast shown on earth to be another heaven, O all-blessed one, and thou didst nurture thy reason-endowed flock, living in the flesh like an angel, O divinely wise one.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

By the hand of God thou wast shown on earth to be another heaven, O all-blessed one, and thou didst nurture thy reason-endowed flock, living in the flesh like an angel, O divinely wise one.

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

Having thee as a mighty advocate before God, a comforter amid sorrows, a champion and intercessor, and a mediator of piety, O blessed and venerable Sergius, we, thy children, are saved from all misfortunes.

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

Rejoice, O pure daughter of Adam; for from thee is come forth the Shepherd Who hath truly clothed Himself wholly in my humanity: the blessed God of our fathers, Who is supremely exalted for His unapproachable loving-kindness.

Ode VIII, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt ­supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy Son, illumining thee as Queen with the radiance of the Spirit as in a robe of gold, O most pure one, hath set thee at His right hand. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who hath founded the world by His will alone doth borrow flesh from thine all-pure womb, desiring to set it on high. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Through the uniting of the Word to my humanity thou didst become the dwelling-place of God, O all-pure one, manifestly resplendent with the radiance of virginity. Wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The golden lampstand prefigured thee who ineffably received the unapproachable Light which illumineth all things with His knowledge. Wherefore, O pure one, we hymn thee for all ages.

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Fill thou thy radiant festival with joy and spiritual gladness, with sweet fragrance and enlightenment for the monastics who have thee as their helper and ruler, O all-blessed Sergius.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

By unceasing prayer thou hast hastened to God, and hence thou hast been illumined with the effulgence of the threefold Sun, waging war against the enemy, and leading to new life the assemblies of fasters who cry aloud to Christ: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

O Sergius, thou didst show forth on earth might in ascetic labour, diligence in prayer and endurance amid temptations, crying: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely forever!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Theotokos, cleanse my soul of the wounds and temptations of sin, washing it in the springs which flow from the side of thine Offspring; for to thee do I cry, to thee do I flee, and thee do I invoke, who art full of the grace of God.

Canon II of the Venerable One, 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!

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Chanting zealously, we beseech thee, O venerable one: Pray thou that victory be given to our pious hierarchs over all heresies, majesty to the Church, and peace to the world.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

The grace of the Holy Spirit dwelt within thee, made thee an expeller of evil spirits, and showed thee forth as an instructor of monastics, who cry: O all creation, bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely forever!

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

Shining from afar with the light of the threefold Sun, grant peace to the world, and light and salvation to those who at thy commemoration hymn thee, O venerable father, crying: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

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

The rich Word, Who is glorified by angelic hymns, beggared Himself for our sake, choosing thee, the beauty of Jacob, to be His Mother, O blessed one; wherefore, chanting, we sing: Let all creation bless the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Ode IX, Canon of the Theotokos, Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Star shining forth from Jacob with rays of divinity through thee, O all-pure one, shone forth upon those held fast by darkness: Christ God, the incarnate Word. And, illumined by Him, with the armies of heaven we call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Strengthened by thy power and grace, I have ardently set forth hymnody from my heart. Accept it, O pure and divinely blessed Virgin, bestowing thy greatly radiant grace from the treasuries of incorruption.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast manifestly been shown to be the loom of the Godhead, whereon the Word wove the garment of His body, deifying my guise, O Virgin. And clothing Himself therein, He hath saved all who magnify thee with a pure mind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Resurrection hath now been given to the dead through thine ineffable and indescribable birthgiving, O most pure Theotokos; for He Who wrapped Himself in flesh through thee hath shone forth light upon all and hath manifestly done away with the gloom of death.

Canon I of the Venerable One, 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 Sergius, pray to God for us.

Full of the light of the effulgence of the Spirit, O wise Sergius, thou wast shown to be a beacon shining from afar, illumining us with noetic beams; and thou hast been shown to be the dwelling-place of the all-divine Trinity.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Truly hath Christ given thee to the lands of Russia as a great guide, steering thy homeland with a rudder firmly held, pouring forth teachings sweeter than honey; and we, the faithful, draw them forth in abundance as with a dipper.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Having vanquished the soul-corrupting passions, as a true shepherd thou didst tend the reason-endowed flock of Christ, nurturing them continually with the grace of the Spirit, as with the flowers of paradise, O venerable one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We hymn thee with psalms, O joyous one, and unceasingly cry out to thee: Rejoice! For thou hast poured forth joy upon all.

Canon II of the Venerable One, Irmos: The bush which burnt with fire yet was not consumed showed forth an image of thy pure birthgiving. And now we pray that the furnace of temptations which rageth against us may be extinguished, that we may magnify thee unceasingly, O Theotokos.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Illumined by the love of Christ, and enlightened by the virtues, O wise one, thou didst not defile the beauty of thy soul. Thou didst pass over to the fathers in goodly old age, and standest before God with the angels, O Sergius.

Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for us.

Illumined by the love of Christ, and enlightened by the virtues, O wise one, thou didst not defile the beauty of thy soul. Thou didst pass over to the fathers in goodly old age, and standest before God with the angels, O Sergius.

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

Wash away our offences, O Word, and enlighten the eyes of our heart, that in purity we may behold the radiance of Thy divine effulgence, through the supplications of Sergius thy favourite, that we may all magnify Thee.

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

O thy strange wonder! For, having given birth ineffably to God the Word, O Virgin Theotokos, thou wast shown to be the mystery hidden and concealed before all ages and generations, in God Who hath created all things.

Troparion, Tone IV: O thou who wast a struggler for the virtues, as a true warrior of Christ God thou didst contend greatly against the passions in this transitory life, becoming a model for thy disciples in chanting, the keeping of vigils and fasts. Wherefore, the All-Holy Spirit made His abode within thee, by Whose activity thou wast splendidly adorned. As thou hast boldness before the Holy Trinity, be thou mindful of the flock which thou hast assembled, O wise one, and forget it not, as thou hast promised, visiting thy children, O Sergius, our venerable father.

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Posted in Liturgical, Prayers, Saints.