Dear brothers and sisters, at 16:00 tomorrow, we will chant a moleben to the Holy Great-Martyr Demetrios, whose feast is today, and the Holy Martyr Nestor – his friend and fellow soldier – whose feast is tomorrow.
The combined canons for the Holy Martyrs and posted below.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr Demetrios, the acrostic whereof is: “I give utterance concerning the right victorious Demetrios!” the composition of Theophanes, in Tone IV
Ode I, 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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Crowned with a divine wreath of martyrdom, thou makest merry in the presence of God, shining with splendours therefrom and filled with radiance, O right wondrous great-martyr .
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
The Master hath received thee who art a witness to the truth, who struggled with endurance even to the shedding of thy blood, and steadfastly showed forth opposition to the tyrants, O blessed one.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
The author of evil didst thou lay low, O Demetrios, slaying him with the spear of thy martyrdom, strengthened therefor with divine grace and power which passeth understanding, O blessed one.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
He Who, as God, was before time begotten without mother hath come among us, receiving flesh and uniting Himself thereto through thee without father, O all-hymned Theotokos, which transcendeth comprehension and recounting.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr, the acrostic whereof is: “I honour the grace of the myrrh of Demetrios,” the composition of George of Skilitsa, 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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
O Demetrios, thou freely flowing wellspring of fragrant and precious myrrh, who washest my heart clean of the filth of the passions: Having shown me to be the fragrance of Christ through the exercise of the virtues, fill my mind with grace, that I may hymn thy divine graces.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Rivers of living water flow from the midst of the faithful, saith the word of God. Wherefore, the ever-flowing springs of thy myrrh are poured forth, whose streams gladden the city of God, which doth glorify thy martyric boldness.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Of old, the staff of Moses, striking the rock in the desert land, released gushing streams of water; and, pierced by a spear, thy body, O Demetrios, hath revealed a wellspring of myrrh, refreshing the new Israel.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
O Demetrios, who hast received a recompense for the wounds of thy martyrdom such as eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, thou now pourest forth a sea of myrrh, the rewards of purity, upon the ends of the earth, washing away the passions of our souls.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
made His abode in thy womb; and having anointed with His divinity that which He took from thee, He issued forth One comprising both, and hath been called the Myrrh which was poured forth, for Christ is both God and man.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: He Who is mighty in battle cast the chariots of Pharaoh and his power into the sea. Let us chant a new hymn, for He hath been glorified!
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
By thy blood wast thou vouchsafed to mount the fiery chariot, rejoicing, and with joy didst thou ascend to the heights of heaven, where Jesus, the ageless Light, doth dwell.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Having arrayed thyself in the breastplate of faith, O Nestor, and wielding the Cross in thy hands as it were a spear, thou didst mightily hew down legions of the enemy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened with the fervour of Christ’s love, thou didst stride forth into the midst of the arena and didst set at naught the wiles of Lyæus and didst win the trophy of victory.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In thy womb didst thou conceive Him Who is with the Father is equally without beginning, and in manner transcending nature thou didst give birth unto Him in the flesh, O thou who hast not known man, remaining truly a pure Virgin. Wherefore, we all honour thee.
Canon I of the Great-Martyr
Ode III, Irmos: Thy Church rejoiceth in Thee, O Christ, crying aloud: Thou art my strength, O Lord, my refuge and my consolation!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou didst account the tyrant’s command but naught, for thou didst honour the word of God above all, O passion-bearer.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
A splendid lamp-stand in the midst of the tabernacle of martyrdom wast thou, shining with divine light, O Demetrios, martyr and athlete.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Having acquired thee as a sacred and wondrous fountain of healings and an inviolable treasure, thy city hath been enriched with all gladness.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O all-pure one, restoring the corrupted image of mortals, He Who loveth mankind clothed Himself therein with flesh taken from thee, though remaining as He was before.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Begotten from on high by God, thou wast an heir of divine blessings, being called His son, a co-heir with Christ; and thou dost reign with Him, for thy myrrh is a token thereof, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Planted by flowing waters like the tree whereof David spake, O glorious one, thou didst put forth the great fruit of martyrdom, and art now shown to be a wellspring of myrrh, which floweth unto the ends of the earth.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Drawing forth the grace of Christ, from Whose side flowed forth blood and water, pierced for His sake, thou didst shed thy blood, and thou now pourest forth fragrant myrrh like water upon our hearts, O Demetrios.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O all-pure one, thy sacred and spiritual vessels are full of fragrance and the myrrh of the divine Spirit Who descended upon thee. For, having given birth unto God, thou hast rescued the faithful from the stench of the passions.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: O Lord Who dost establish the thunder and formest the wind: make me steadfast, that I may hymn Thee in truth and do Thy will; for none is as holy as Thee, O our God.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Strengthened with the power of Him Who shattered the gates and portals of hades with might, with zeal didst thou enter into the arena and didst shatter the wiles of the enemy with might.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
With thy feet thou didst trample down the ancient author of deception, for as a youth thou didst bend thy neck to be beheaded by the sword, O Nestor, boast of martyrs. Wherefore, we praise thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Setting at naught the pride of the most iniquitous, O martyr, thou didst sacrifice a sacrifice unto God, shedding thy sacred blood as an offering. Wherefore, He hath rewarded thee with rich gifts.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, Jesus, Whom thou didst bear in thy womb, having supernaturally transformed the ugliness of the race of Adam which resulted from eating, hath granted us our primal beauty.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Kontakion of St Nestor, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “Seeking the highest…”: Having fought the good fight, thou hast now inherited immortal glory, for thou didst become an excellent warrior of the Master through the supplications of the martyr Demetrios. Wherefore, cease not to pray for us all, O wise Nestor.
Ikos: From childhood didst thou tread the path of the Lord, O thrice-blessed one, and didst piously desire His testimonies; and, having zealously taken the Cross upon thy shoulders, O divinely wise Nestor, thou didst destroy the wicked delusion of the madness of idolatry, breaking and destroying the snares and nets of Lyæus. Wherefore, we flee to thy protection with faith, crying aloud: O thou who art most rich, entreat Christ God in behalf of us all!
Sessional hymn for the Great-Martyr , Tone IV, Spec. Mel: “Joseph was amazed…” – With psalms do we cry out to the valiant athlete, the mighty warrior of Christ, Who reigneth over all: Rejoice, adornment and comeliness of martyrs! Rejoice, radiant star of the Church! Rejoice, rampart and refuge of those who have recourse to thee! O glorious great-martyr Demetrios, from every wound and affliction of the alien save all who hymn thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional hymn for St Nestor, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up…”: Thou wast undaunted by the tyranny of the enemy, nor wast thou afraid of the wounding of thy body, but didst hasten fearlessly to the conflict, O wise one, banishing the invincible divine weapon of the Cross. Wherefore, having slain the deceiver straightway, thou wast thyself slain, O Nestor, and, standing before Christ, thou hast been vouchsafed life.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode IV, 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!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Beholding thee, the vanquisher of the delusion of ungodliness, the most exalted Word of God hath crowned thee with glory, O Demetrios, who chantest: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Having won a victory over delusion, thou didst receive a victor’s crown of righteousness, O Demetrios, crying out to Thy Creator: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Steered by God’s life-bearing hand, thou didst reach the most calm harbours, where, rejoicing, O Demetrios, thou dost now cry out: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As the most sacred of all created beings, thou alone wast vouchsafed to become the Mother of God; for, in giving birth unto Him, thou hast illumined the world with the grace of knowledge divine.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
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!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Having washed away all the defilement of thy birth in the laver of regeneration, thou didst show thyself to be one who preserved his purity even unto the end. Wherefore, Christ hath transformed thy natural goodness into myrrh, just as He changed water into wine.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Just as the nature of fire is bestowed upon all, preserving its whole power, so is thy myrrh drawn forth by all, yet remaineth undiminished, O athlete. Wherefore, bowing down in worship, we piously hymn God, Who hath given thee grace.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Who can render Thee audible praises, O Christ, Thou Word of God, beholding the graces which Thou hast bestowed upon Thine athletes? For, lo! the myrrh of the martyr Demetrios floweth like a fountain, and his fragrance wafteth forth, and he dispelleth the gloom of wickedness.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
A fountain springing up from the earth gave thee to drink before watering all the face thereof; and having been hidden beneath the earth, thou hast been shown to be a wellspring of fragrant myrrh, O martyr Demetrios; for a multitude of spears opened thy veins, and thou dost now water the ends of the earth.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Theotokos, we know thee to be the Bride and Mother of God, for the Word of God, finding thee to be a fragrant rose blossoming amid the lowly valley of humanity, desired thy beauty and, having issued forth from thee, He hath perfumed the faithful.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: I heard report of Thee, O God, and I was afraid; I understood Thy works, O Lord, and I was filled with awe, for the earth is full of Thy praise.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Made radian by the splendid teachings of Demetrios, thou didst escape the gloom of pagan vainglory and wast illumined with the light of martyrdom.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Thou didst stir up the salty sea of unbelief with the sweetness of thy good faith, O martyr, and didst drown an army of the ungodly in the depths of thy blood.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou wast shown to be a tree reared up for life, nourishing the fullness of the faithful with the bounty of thy struggles, O Nestor of Christ, thou boast of martyrs.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Be thou unto me for the cleansing of sins and extend thou a helping hand unto me who am in distress, O most holy Mistress, sure aid of Christians.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode V, 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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Receiving the fire of divine love in thy heart, thou didst quench the fire of the ungodly madness of idolatry, O glorious Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou hast shown thyself to be one who delivereth us from misfortunes, O Demetrios, protecting by thy supplications those who praise thee with faith and love.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
They who earnestly have recourse unto thy temple in faith, O Demetrios, are speedily delivered from infirmities and soul-destroying passions.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Word of God, Who is one in essence with the Father, O Mother of God, hath, in manner past comprehension and recounting, become thy Son, of one essence with thee.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou wast a cistern collecting the mercy of Him Who descended from the heavens, as it were rain or dew; and thou didst gush forth with mystical gifts, and now thou dost put forth a wellspring of myrrh from thy tomb, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Following the practice of athletes, thou didst strip thyself bare, but of all earthly love, O martyr; and thou didst anoint thyself with the oil of grace, and, having vanquished the prince of darkness, thou didst receive as reward the exuding of fragrant myrrh, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou wast shown to be a rose blooming in the midst of the Master’s meadow, O Demetrios, dyed with the blood of thy torment and with the piercings of thy wounds, with thy pangs of suffering and the burning of the furnace; and now thou dost pour forth ever-flowing myrrh.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Lo! the martyr’s temple is again seen to be a divine ark wherein is a lamp, his tomb, which holdeth myrrh and oil, and around which we exult in spirit; and, joining chorus, we praise the great Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Wounded with zeal for the love of Christ, like a new Elijah thou dost denounce the emperor and dost give thyself over to death. Yet thou livest and hast shown thy tomb to be a wellspring of myrrh, like unto the inexhaustible cruse of oil.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Of old thine ancestor, chanting, described thy mystery and all the glory within the daughter of the King, glorifying thee as her who is blessed among men. Rejoice, thou restoration of the whole world.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: Send Thou a radiant dawn upon us, in that Thou art good; and guide us to the fear of Thee, O Master.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Having watered thy thoughts with words of divine understanding, O glorious Nestor, thou didst produce the harvest of martyrdom.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
With the healing of thy words, O Demetrios, martyr for Christ, Nestor put an end to the great iniquity of ungodliness.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Locked in combat with a visible foe, thou didst invisibly acquire the help of God, O glorious Nestor.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, thou who without seed gavest birth unto our God! Rejoice, thou who alone art the all-pure Mother of God! Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode VI, 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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Assembling together, we chant thy glorious and luminous memorial which is full of wonders and of the gifts of the honoured and holy Spirit, O most blessed one.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
By thy supplications loose the bonds of mine offences, for, as an invincible martyr, thou hast boldness before the Master; and be thou my refuge and protection, O Demetrios.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Finding thee, O pure one, to be a most pure lily, a lily of the valley, growing among the thorns, the Bridegroom, the Word, made His abode in thy womb, O Mother of God.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou didst flourish spiritually, like a fruitful olive-tree, and wast violently pressed by the hands of soldiers. But now thou dost comfort the faithful, O Demetrios, pouring forth myrrh from thy divine tomb.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Like a bee, thou didst show thyself to be a cultivator of all the virtues wrought by God, O blessed one, preserving thine immaculate soul like a honeycomb; and now thou pourest forth myrrh, delighting our souls.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou didst love Christ with all thy soul and didst follow Him to the myrrh of sweet fragrance; and thou didst partake thereof through a higher union. And now thou pourest forth never-ending streams of myrrh, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
The droplets of the blood of thy sufferings, falling upon the ground, have made it a wellspring of fragrant myrrh. And now thou dost continually pour it out for those who draw it forth, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Drenched with the outpouring of thy blood, O wise one, like another, new, wellspring, like a river, thou dost richly put forth thy myrrh for the healing of those who ask it and who earnestly approach, O blessed one.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Beholding the golden and ever-burning lamp of the Light, we who have darkened our souls with a multitude of sins draw nigh, for she giveth us illumination and driveth away all darkness.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: The tempest of evil thoughts, having overtaken me, doth drag me down into the abyss of my countless sins; but, going before me, O good Helmsman, govern me and save me, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Having stamped thy heart with a seal, thou didst courageously wound the heart of Lyæus with the spear of thy valour, O passion-bearer; and, rejoicing, thou wast slain for Christ, the Life of all.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Like a bridegroom didst thou issue forth from the chamber of thy flesh, O wise one; and manifestly arrayed in garments woven of thy sacred blood, O martyr, thou hast taken thy place before Christ the Master.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having set thy feet upon the rock of piety, Christ, the Rock of life, guided thy steps to Himself, O Nestor, and put thine enemies to shame.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin Mary, who gavest birth unto God Who taketh away the sin of the world, thou hast broken the chains of my transgression, for on thee have I set my hope of salvation.
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 Great-Martyr, Tone II: He Who gave thee invincible strength, O Demetrios, hath dyed the Church in the streams of thy blood, and hath preserved thy city unharmed, for thou art its confirmation.
Ikos: Assembling in faith, let us all hymn the great Demetrios as a warrior and martyr of Christ, crying out together in hymns and songs unto the Master and Creator of the universe: Deliver us from earthquake and want, O Thou Who lovest mankind, at the supplications of the Theotokos and of all Thy holy martyrs, for on Thee do we all set our trust, that we may be delivered from misfortunes and tribulations. For Thou art our confirmation.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode VII, 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!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
All-adorned with divine glory and grace, O martyr and passion-bearer, thou dost shine forth brilliantly and dost illumine those who cry out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Arrayed in thy blood as in a purple cloak, and holding the Cross instead of a sceptre, O glorious one, thou now reignest with Christ, O martyr Demetrios, crying out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O all-glorious and radiant Mother of God: Protect all who honour thee as the Theotokos, for blessed art thou among women, O all-immaculate Mistress.
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
In prophecy Isaiah commandeth the thirsty to draw forth water, O Demetrios. And if he had seen thy tomb, he would certainly have cried: Come ye to the wellspring of myrrh and draw forth salvation!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou wast born of earth and hast made thine abode in the land of the meek, where the water of sweetness is found; and having drunk thy fill thereof, thou now pourest forth an ever-flowing wellspring of myrrh, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou dost grow like the branch of a vine, remaining joined to God, without being cut off. And filled with the ineffable sap thereof, thou now pourest forth myrrh in streams upon all, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
O, thy new struggles! O, the strange sufferings of thy martyrdom! For, accepting the drops of sweat which thou didst pour forth for Him, Christ hath shown thee to be a wellspring of myrrh, O blessed one.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Exuding the flow of thy myrrh, O Demetrios, thou hast spread out a great abyss of miracles and dost drown therein the infirmities of our bodies and souls, stilling every tempest of temptation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
With thy milk didst thou nourish thy God, Who was born of thee incarnate, that He might lighten the affliction in hades of Adam, who ate of the tree of knowledge and transgressed God’s commandment.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers, Who spake on the mountain with Moses and revealed an image of the Virgin in the bush.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, Who hast illumined the hearts of the faithful with the splendour of the passion-bearer’s struggles.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Having quenched the flame of ungodliness with the dew of thy blood, O divine martyr Nestor, thou dost chant: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Offering a living sacrifice as an odour of sweet fragrance to the Lord, O martyr Nestor, thou didst cry out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou hast been shown to be more holy than the cherubim, O most holy Mistress who gavest birth unto the Word of God Who doth sanctify us.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode VIII, 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!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Arrayed for battle with the indelible power of Christ, O glorious one, thou didst blot out all the wrath of the enemy, and as a victor thou didst cry out, O martyr Demetrios: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Having shown the steadfastness of the martyrs, thou didst inherit the high station of the martyrs, O martyr, having been washed in the holy laver which is not defiled by further attacks of sin; and, pierced by a spear, thou didst cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
The multitude of thy miracles and the gifts that Christ gave thee, which surpass comprehension, are evident to all, O glorious one, and the grace of healings, which transcendeth recounting, clearly proclaimeth thy grace unto us who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us hymn the pure Theotokos, who, alone among all generations, is a Virgin Mother; for she is the mediatress of our salvation, in that she gave birth unto the Word, the Deliverer of the world, to Whom we cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Canon II to the Great-Martyr
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!
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
May God reveal thee to those in this world, O Demetrios, as one who hath kept the lamp of thy soul alight, ever filled with the oil of good works. Doors, as of a chamber, have been opened unto thee, and He showeth thee to be an ever-flowing wellspring of divine myrrh, imparting grace thereto as reward for thy purity.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Not of blood, nor of the lust of the flesh, O Demetrios, wast thou born, as the Gospel saith, but of God; for thou dost worship the incarnate God, and zealously exhausting thyself for His sake, thou didst receive wondrous grace from on High, and dost pour forth divine myrrh, perfuming men’s souls.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou art shown to be an animate ladder firmly anchored to the ground by pillars of flesh, but reaching to the heavens; for thou wast enriched by God, Who was established within thee, O martyr. And having been shown to be a pillar anointed with the oil of the struggles of martyrdom, thou now pourest forth a wellspring of divine myrrh upon those who approach with faith.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Chanting prophetically, O Demetrios, David described thee as the river of God full of waters; for, lo! the outpouring of thy myrrh is inexhaustible. Wherefore, the watery multitude of rivers lift up their voices and clap their hands to the glory of God, Who hath glorified thee by all of these.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou alone art the thrice-holy Lord, O Almighty God, concerning Whom the athlete Demetrios theologised while locked in prison, having slain the noetic serpent with a material lash and cast down the audacity of Lyæus through the godly Nestor; and he was pierced by a spear, and now myrrh floweth forth from his tomb.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In place of Adam, the Lord; in place of Eve, thee, O all-pure one; instead of the lying serpent, Gabriel; instead of the tree, the Cross; instead of Eden, the garden of the tomb; Rejoice! instead of grief; the spear instead of the fiery sword, and the purple robe instead of the fig leaves! Therefore, we hymn thee, O Maiden, as the cause of these things.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: O earth and all that is therein, O ye seas and every shower and dew, ye heavens of heavens, light and darkness, frost and burning heat, ye children of men and priests: bless ye the Lord, praise and exalt Him supremely forever!
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
The earth received thy precious blood which was shed for Christ; the heavens received thy soul which was adorned like a bride; and the choirs of martyrs and the souls of all the righteous greeted thee with joy, O martyr.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Oh, thy God-loving soul which reckoned a temporal death to be but naught and chose to live in the Lord! Oh, thy divine courage which prevailed over the cowardice of the foe! For thou hast reproved those who do not confess Christ!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having fought the good fight, thou didst truly finish thy course, O wise martyr, and didst keep the faith. And now a crown of righteousness doth lie before thee, which Christ shall give thee forever.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I fear not the pursuit of the enemy, for I have thy help; I fear not evil men, but flee to thee, O Theotokos. For in thee do I boast, and in thee do I cross the wall of sin, saved by thy prayers.
Canon I to the Great-Martyr
Ode IX, 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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Loose the bonds of the transgressions of those who hymn thee, O passion-bearer; bring an end to the assaults of the passions; cause the tumult of heresies to cease, and still the tempest of temptations by thy supplications.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
O crowned martyr Demetrios, guide thy most sacred flock along the straight paths to the kingdom of heaven, to the pasture of salvation, to the eternal fold.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
O martyr Demetrios, entreat the Lord, the Bestower of life and King of hosts, those who that hymn thee may obtain crowns of glory and the kingdom of heaven.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Trusting in thee, O Virgin, all of us, the faithful, honour thee as the root, the wellspring and source of incorruption; for thou hast poured forth upon us the hypostatic Immortality.
Canon II to the GreatMartyr
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.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Thou didst receive a soul like unto an alabaster box filled with the divine myrrh of virtue, and Christ bowed His head toward thee, O martyr; for thy life was calmed by the brilliance of the purity of thy life. Wherefore, thou wast blessed and filled with the grace to pour forth myrrh upon the ends of the earth.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Behold the splendid types of ineffable rewards which await thee! Behold the wellspring of ever-flowing myrrh, O athlete! Wherefore, standing before God with the boldness of a martyr, beg thou victory for Orthodox Christians over their adversaries.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
With the sign of the Cross of the Victor thou didst vanquish the savagery of Lyæus, setting over him as victorious thy fellow contender Nestor. And now, do thou subject every barbaric nation to holy Orthodoxy, O Demetrios.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
Us who have recourse with fervent love from the depths of our hearts to the shrine of thy relics, which poureth forth rivers of myrrh, O martyr of Christ, do thou deliver from soul-destroying deeds and from the fœtid wave of the passions by thy supplications, and transform them into sweet fragrances before the Lord.
Holy Great-Martyr, Demetrios, pray to God for us.
We celebrate a day of spiritual joy, O Demetrios, beholding the outpouring of thy myrrh, which floweth unceasingly. Driving away the gloom of the passions as one filled with divine light, grant that we may walk nobly, as in daylight, that we may behold the unapproachable light of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou, O all-pure one, art a golden dove bearing the Word of God like an olive sprig, anointing thy flesh with the oil of divinity. And the athlete, having taken Him into his heart, as into a coffer, doth pour forth myrrh from his tomb and anoint the faces of the faithful.
Canon to the Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Irmos: For He Who is mighty hath magnified me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him, throughout all generations.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
In sacred manner hast thou arrayed thyself in a purple cloak dyed in thy blood; and, holding the Cross in thy right hand as a sceptre, thou dost reign with Christ, O blessed Nestor.
Holy Martyr, Nestor, pray to God for us.
Thou art shown to be a ripe cluster on the noetic Vine; and, squeezed out by the winepress of martyrdom, thou hast poured forth the wine of compunction upon us who ever praise thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Joining chorus with the angels in the presence of Jesus and delighting in His glory, O Nestor, be thou ever mindful of those who with faith keep thine honoured memory.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou wast revealed as the abode of the Light which hath truly driven away the gloom of the ancient ignorance, O pure one, ark of holiness and golden candlestick, O thou who art more spacious than the heavens.
Troparion of the Great-Martyr, Tone III: The whole world hath found thee to be a great champion amid misfortunes, who conquered the pagans, O passion-bearer. Therefore, as thou didst cast down the pride of Lyæus and didst appoint the bold Nestor for the struggle, thus, O Demetrios, beseech Christ God to grant us great mercy.
Troparion to St Nestor, Tone IV: In his sufferings, O Lord, thy martyr Nestor received an imperishable crown from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he set at naught his tormentors and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his supplications save Thou our souls.