Dear brothers and sisters, greetings for the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Menas of Egypt, a beloved wonderworker across the Orthodox world, known for his speedy intercession and help for those who come to him with faith!

St Nikolaj Velimirović summarises the life and passion of the Great-Martyr for us:

“Menas was an Egyptian by birth and a soldier by profession. As a true Christian, he was not able to witness the abominable sacrificial offerings to the idols and left the army, the town, the people and everything else, and went to a deserted mountain, for it was easier for him to live among the wild beasts than with pagans. One day Menas clairvoyantly discerned a pagan celebration in the town of Cotyaeus. He descended into the town and openly declared his faith in Christ the Living God. He denounced idolatry and paganism as falsehood and darkness. Pyrrhus, eparch of that town, asked Menas who he was and where he was from. The saint replied: “My fatherland is Egypt, my name is Menas. I was an officer, but witnessing the worship of idols, I renounced your honours. I now come before you all to proclaim my Christ as the true God, that He may proclaim me as His servant in the Heavenly Kingdom.” Hearing this, Pyrrhus subjected St. Menas to severe tortures. They flogged him, scraped him with iron claws, burned him with torches, and tortured him by various other means, and finally beheaded him with the sword. They threw his body into a fire so that Christians would not be able to retrieve it, but Christians recovered several parts of his body from the fire nevertheless. They reverently buried those remains, which were later transferred to Alexandria and buried there, where a church was built over them. St. Menas suffered in about the year 304 and went to the Kingdom of Christ. He was and remains a great miracle-worker, both on earth and in heaven. Whoever glorifies St. Menas and invokes his help with faith, receives his help. The saint has often appeared as a warrior on horseback, arriving to help the faithful or punish the unfaithful.”

The details of his life are scant, but the details of his countless miracles may fill volumes of books, ever growing in length through the continued outpouring of grace, with the miracle of St Menas’s before the Battle of El-Alamein in 1942 changing the direction of the Second World War in North Africa, and ending the threat of the Axis powers in North Africa.

In the words of the Synaxarion:

““In June 1942, during the North-Africa campaign that was decisive for the outcome of the Second World War, the German forces under the command of General Rommel were on their way to Alexandria, and happened to make a halt near a place which the Arabs call El-Alamein after Saint Menas. An ancient, ruined church there was dedicated to the Saint; and there some people say he is buried. Here the weaker Allied forces including some Greeks confronted the numerically and militarily superior German army, and the result of the coming battle seemed certain. During the first night of engagement, Saint Menas appeared in the midst of the German camp at the head of a caravan of camels, exactly as he was shown on the walls of the ruined church in one of the frescoes depicting his miracles. This astounding and terrifying apparition so undermined German morale that it contributed to the brilliant victory of the Allies. The Church of Saint Menas was restored in thanksgiving and a small monastery was established there.”

For those of us who have turned to St Menas over the years, and received his help (often very quickly) and blessings, he has become a trusted helper in adversity and need, and when we come to his feast, we should endeavour to bring him the spiritual offerings of the Church’s hymns and prayers, written in his honour. Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us!

Ode 1, Irmos: The people of Israel, having fled across the watery deep of the Red Sea with dryshod 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 Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

O ye sacred people, now passing gloriously not over the Red Abyss but the sea of the struggles of Menas the sufferer, with glorious Moses and Miriam, the wise woman and prophetess, let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

O Menas, champion of piety, thou wast well pleased to stand as a warrior of Christ before the fierce destroyer and the wicked tormenter who breathed the anger of threats and the heat of wrath. And thou wast His beacon, crying aloud: Let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified.

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

Thou, O Christ, didst foretell: When I be lifted up, I will draw those born of earth; and Thou didst do this indeed, summoning from the ends of the world the ranks of martyrs and the people that cry out in joy: Let us sing unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

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

The rod of Aaron which budded prefigured thee, O Virgin, the root which sprung forth from Jesse, which shone forth to the world God incarnate, the imperishable bloom. Him do thou ever entreat on behalf of us that have recourse to thee, O Theotokos.

Ode 3, Irmos: Let us not boast of wisdom, power or riches, but in Thee, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, O Christ, for none is holy save Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

The tormenter, stung by thy most wise words, wounded thee without mercy with rawhide thongs, thinking thereby to bow thee down, O invincible martyr.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Directing the eyes of thy mind to the Lord, thou didst endure unbearable oppression with a most courageous spirit, O right glorious one.

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

Fearing not the exceeding painful torment, but breathing with divine zeal, thou didst depart for the struggles, crying: unlooked for and uninvited, I have come!

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

He that was incarnate of Thee and Who accepted voluntary death hath led up from the gates of hell me who have been slain by the evil tasting of the tree.

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

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Passion-bearer Menas, * Christ our God, the imperishable Crown of martyrs, * took thee from a transient army, * and showed thee forth * as a partaker of the incorruptible and heavenly.

Ikos: The memory of the martyrs is a cause of great gladness for us, for it showeth forth courage amid suffering and victory over the enemy in the radiant and joyful confession of grace. Come ye, therefore, all ye that love this festival, and let us be glad therein, keeping the memory of the passion-bearer Menas as the best and abiding time of our gladness, and receiving the gift of being loosed from our passions, for Christ God is the Bestower thereof, the imperishable Crown of martyrs.

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

Sedalion, Tone 8: Egypt, which before had been held fast by the cruel darkness of ignorance, shone thee forth, O divinely wise martyr Menas, as a beacon to all the world, who by the rays of thy divine struggles dost mightily disperse the night of ungodliness. Wherefore, radiantly celebrating thy radiant and honoured day, we earnestly cry out to thee: O adornment of sufferers, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to them that with love honour thy holy memory.

Ode 4, Irmos: Seated in glory on the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine is come on a light cloud and with His incorrupt hand hath saved them that sing: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

By the shedding of thy blood they extinguished the ember of polytheism, and the legion of demons was drowned, and the Church of Christ, which praises thee, was watered thereby, O most blessed passion-bearer Menas.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

O martyr, by being lifted up on the tree thou dost portray the passion on the Cross of Him that slew the cruel serpent; thou dost endure lacerations which win for thee that delight which is in the Heavens, O most valorous one.

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

Thou didst undergo a trial of pain past nature, O sufferer, and divine love, strengthening thy nature, caused thee to receive forgetfulness, urging thee to reach out for wounds, rejoicing.

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

Ineffably didst thou give birth unto God incarnate, Who fashioned for Himself a home of thy blood, and in godly manner is known in two essences and wills, O thou that knewest not wedlock.

Ode 5, Irmos: The impious perceive not Thy glory, O Christ; but we, waking at dawn out of the night, hymn Thee, O Lover of mankind, Radiance of the glory of the Father’s Divinity, O Only-begotten One.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Luminous with the bright rays of thy witness, having overshadowed dark godlessness, O most wise one, thou hast enlightened the faithful of the fullness who hymn thee, O all-laudable one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Every contrivance of the foe hath vanquished away through thy mighty endurance, for neither hunger, nor wounds, nor immolation, nor subjection to iron hooks clouded thy resolve.

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

Surrounded by faith as the sun is by its rays, thou didst make thine abode in the desert and didst enlighten all the cities, preaching Christ, the Son of God, Who came in the flesh, O glorious one.

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

The Deliverer, born of thee in manner surpassing nature, maketh me new who am subject to corruption, freeing me from the ancient curse, O pure Mother of God. Him do thou entreat, that He save me.

Ode 6, Irmos: I have come to the depths of the sea, and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me, but, as Thou art God, lead up my life out of the depths, O most Merciful One!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Burned by fire, thy wounds rubbed raw with haircloth, yet thou didst remain without pain, for divine grace, being present, strengthened thee, O Menas.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Thou dost stand condemned before the tribunal of the tyrants, denouncing the falsehood, O ever memorable one, and giving thyself to the faithful as a pillar of piety.

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

With the sweat of thy struggles thou didst dry up the falsehood of idolatry, and didst fashion of thyself a temple of the honoured Trinity, O right wondrous passion-bearer Menas.

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

Heal thou the incurable passions of my soul with the balm of thy goodness, O all-immaculate one, who didst give birth to Christ, the good Saviour, for them that are in the world.

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 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and didst flee into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:

Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.

Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.

Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;

Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;

Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.

Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;

Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.

Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;

Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 2: Seeing the dominance of pagan polytheism in thy city, all-glorious Menas, thou didst languish in thy righteous soul; but in the midst of the darkness of sin, like a light, shining with a virtuous life, thou didst sing unceasingly to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 2: Having an enlightened mind, having fulfilled the commandments of God, O passion-bearer of Christ, thou didst spend thy blameless life among lawless people, serving the Lord day and night with love, and we, glorifying God who strengthened thee, call to thee from the heart thus:

Rejoice, thou who teachest the faithful Christian hope;

Rejoice, thou who destroyest the wiles of the enemy through thine intercession.

Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with the sweetness of thy prayers;

Rejoice, for in thy wondrous life thou didst give the despondent courage to drink.

Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Lord’s commandments;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of piety and the Orthodox faith.

Rejoice, thou who coverest with love those who honour thee;

Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in temptations.

Rejoice, glorious creator of spiritual peace;

Rejoice, honourable vessel, filled with grace.

Rejoice, thou who waterest the faithful with the currents of thy miracles;

Rejoice, thou who anointest the wounds of our souls with the oil of thy prayers.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 3: Guided by the power of God, thou didst forsake worldly glory and military honour for Christ’s sake and chose to serve the Lord in the deserts and mountains, like an angel unceasingly calling to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3: Having thy heart inflamed with zeal for the glory of God, thou didst stand boldly before the impious prince, O long-suffering one of Christ, denouncing the madness of the idols; but he, inflamed with rage and unable to bear the words of grace coming from thy lips, betrayed thee to many torments, but we, remembering the feat of thy confession, with love call to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who wast wounded by thorns at the hands of the lawless;

Rejoice, thou who wast scorched by fire for the sake of confession.

Rejoice, thou who didst endure the cutting of thy members;

Rejoice, for thy body was pierced by sharp needles.

Rejoice, thou who wast cruelly struck on the head with a hammer;

Rejoice, thou who didst receive many wounds for Christ’s sake.

Rejoice, for thy feast of struggles satisfiest the faithful with courage;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us patience in temptations.

Rejoice, for by thy sufferings thou didst convert many to Christ;

Rejoice, thou who didst conquer thy tormentors with the firmness of thy faith.

Rejoice, for in thy labours thou hast revealed an image of spiritual strength;

Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the vanity of idolatrous wickedness.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 4: The storms of persecution against the Church of Christ passed through the days of Constantine the Great, and Christians erected a church in Alexandria in honour of thy glorious name, most honourable Menas, where they placed thine honourable relics, which we now venerate and sing to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 4: Hearing of the feat of thy confession, O glorious martyr, we sing to thee with warm love and glorifying thy wondrous patience, with tenderness we bring thee songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who enrichest our poverty with faith;

Rejoice, thou who showest thy merciful intercession to the faithful.

Rejoice, thou who revealest to us the treasure of the spiritual world;

Rejoice, thou who coverest the cities and villages in which thy name is revered.

Rejoice, protector of Christian homes from fiery destruction;

Rejoice, comforter of those who suffer unjustly.

Rejoice, good guide of travellers;

Rejoice, carefree passage for those sailing upon the sea.

Rejoice, thou who deliverest the faithful from sudden death;

Rejoice, gracious intercessor for the grieving.

Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in our sorrows;

Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou turnest our sorrows into joy.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 5: Thou hast passed through thy life as a God-bearing star, O all-praised Menas, day and night serving the Lord with ardent love; therefore, at the end, by the feat of martyrdom, thou hast sealed thy faith and received from God a crown of incorruptible glory, and in heaven with the faces of the saints thou singest to Him: Alleluia.

Ikos 5: Seeing our sorrows and illnesses, blessed Menas, thou intercedest for us before the Throne of the Lord and with thy constant prayers thou protectest those who honour thy name from many troubles and misfortunes. Therefore, even now, protect those who come to thine intercession, so that we always may cry to thee thus:

Rejoice, unashamed intercessor of the faithful;

Rejoice, excellent helper of the suffering.

Rejoice, merciful intercessor for us before God;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of the Law of God.

Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer unto God;

Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, thou who through thy prayers reconcilest those in enmity;

Rejoice, thou who protectest the faithful with peace and love.

Rejoice, for by thy righteous life thou teachest pious living;

Rejoice, constant helper of good deeds.

Rejoice, good teacher of repentance;

Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 6: A preacher of the truth of God, a certain Jew, appeared to be blessed by thee, O glorious Menas; for he, having seen a miracle by which a Christian, who unlawfully wanted to hide his treasures, was exposed, having renounced his wickedness and having received the faith of Christ, sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 6: The light of the Christian faith shone in the heart of that Jew, when thou miraculously returned, O victorious Menas, his treasures, unlawfully hidden by the Christians, his friends: for by thine intercession evil was turned into good; and the Jew received Christian baptism and forgiveness of sin. And we, constantly remembering this wondrous thing, say to thee from the heart:

Rejoice, thou who transformest evil into good through thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who turn evildoers to repentance.

Rejoice, enlightener of those blinded by passions;

Rejoice, steadfast zealot of God’s truth.

Rejoice, thou who correctest evil paths through thine intercession;

Rejoice, thou who guide our feet to the haven of the law of the Lord.

Rejoice, O noble adornment of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, constant help of God’s servants.

Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us;

Rejoice, God-given protector in sorrows.

Rejoice, inexhaustible source of miracles;

Rejoice, gracious comforter of those who honour thy memory.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 7: Wishing to reveal to the world the inexhaustible sources of Thy mercy, O Christ our God, Thou hast granted us advocates and intercessors before Thee, Thy bold holy martyrs, who have testified to the firmness of their faith, even to the point of suffering blood; in whom, glorifying Thee, the only good God, we tenderly cry out to thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 7: Filling thy heart with the evangelical grace of the New Testament, O Great Martyr Menas, thou wast burnt with the fire of love for the Divine Lord, and united with the ranks of the holy martyrs, with whom, standing before the Throne of the Almighty, do thou pray for those who honour thy memory with faith, who bless thou with songs such as these:

Rejoice, glorious martyr of the Lord;

Rejoice, victorious warrior of Christ.

Rejoice, merciful intercessor of Christians;

Rejoice, our constant intercessor.

Rejoice, merciful healer of our ailments;

Rejoice, holy deliverer from various misfortunes.

Rejoice, powerful helper in the struggle with passions and enemy attacks;

Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou preservest us from sinful falls.

Rejoice, O All-Rich Treasury of God’s Gifts;

Rejoice, O cup filled with spiritual consolation.

Rejoice, thou who dispelest our sorrows with thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who kindlest our hearts with love for God.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 8: Thou hast appeared as a wanderer on earth, O glorious Menas, always seeking the Lord with a pure heart; therefore, having received the crown of martyrdom, thou hast gloriously ended thy life; and now, being established in the Kingdom of Heaven with the angels, thou cry out to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 8: Having submitted thyself entirely to God, O victorious Menas, thou hast passed harmlessly through the sea of ​​earthly temptations and wast established in the haven of Divine peace in the Abode of the Heavenly Father. Therefore, remember us, who honour thy memory, at the Throne of God, who praise thee with songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who hast revealed an image of immaculate service to God;

Rejoice, thou who hast strengthened many for the feat of confession.

Rejoice, for thou now teachest us patience through thy life;

Rejoice, thou who instructest each one to bear his cross without complaint.

Rejoice, perfect teacher of spiritual poverty;

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest our hearts with the light of humility;

Rejoice, excellent champion of Orthodox Christians;

Rejoice, protection of faithful people from misfortunes and evils.

Rejoice, constant help to those who suffer;

Rejoice, merciful healing of the sick.

Rejoice, most honourable sufferer of Christ;

Rejoice, intercessor, given to us by the Lord.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 9: Thou hast cast away all worldly sweetness from thy soul, O Martyr Most Rich, and therefore, having left behind thy military honour, thou hast appeared as a warrior of the Heavenly King, shining forth with firmness of faith and righteous courage. Now in Heaven, standing before Christ, thou criest out with the angels: Alleluia.

Ikos 9: The wordy orators cannot recognise the power of Christ, with which thou hast clothed thyself like a weapon, O glorious Menas, and have conquered the lawless tormentors in thy patience. But we, with humble hearts and contrite souls, praising thy feat, with tenderness we call out to thee such songs:

Rejoice, consolation of those who suffer unjustly;

Rejoice, all-effective admonition to those who have offended.

Rejoice, good land, which hast brought forth the fruit of virtues;

Rejoice, for with thine honest sufferings thou hast illuminated the Syrian land.

Rejoice, for thou hast shown many glorious miracles after thy death;

Rejoice, holy lily, which didst flourish in the midst of idolatrous impiety.

Rejoice, for thou wast tested like gold in the furnace of sorrows;

Rejoice, thou who didst shine with the light of the truth of the Gospel.

Rejoice, thou who warmest those who flow to thee with the warm rays of thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who protectest those who honour thee from unexpected evils.

Rejoice, praise of the Holy Mountains of Athos;

Rejoice, constant protection of Orthodox people.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 10: Thou didst miraculously grant salvation to a merchant who was coming to venerate thy local relics; for he suffered death from a lawless money-lover, and, resurrected by thou, sang to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 10: Thou didst appear as a warm protector and defender to that merchant, O Holy Menas; for having raised him who was killed for gold, thou didst expose the unjust murderer; and we, remembering this miracle, tenderly sing to thee:

Rejoice, glorious miracle worker;

Rejoice, O gracious intercessor.

Rejoice, terrible rebuke of evildoers;

Rejoice, constant protection of those who honour thee.

Rejoice, thou who didst resurrect the murdered merchant;

Rejoice, thou who didst convert a lover of money and a murderer to repentance.

Rejoice, thou who hast made good sacrifices;

Rejoice, thou who givest warmth from thine heart to thine intercessor.

Rejoice, quick listener to those who humbly pray before thine icon;

Rejoice, O faithful guardian from the wiles of the evil one and evil people.

Rejoice, thou who destroy life’s misfortunes with thy prayers;

Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with spiritual peace.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 11: We bring thee a song of praise, O praiseworthy martyr, opening the lips of our humble heart with love: we glorify thy wondrous life and glorify thy martyr’s death, calling out to God who strengthenst thee: Alleluia.

Ikos 11: With the light of the glorious miracle of the appearance, thou hast enlightened the heart of Eutropius, darkened by the love of money, O Saint, for he thought to leave for himself the silver plate with thy name prepared as a gift to thee, and he saw his beloved servant and that plate sinking in the depths of the sea; but nevertheless, by thine intercession, the servant was again saved, singing songs of gratitude to thee; and we, praising this miracle, tenderly cry out to thee thus:

Rejoice, thou who turned the heart of Eutropius to repentance;

Rejoice, thou who didst save that slave in the depths of the sea.

Rejoice, for by the manifestation of thy miracle thou didst transform sorrow into joy;

Rejoice, thou who didst save thy faithful servant from drowning.

Rejoice, constant helper of the upright in heart;

Rejoice, O intercessor before God for those who honour thy name.

Rejoice, thou who protectest us from evil misfortunes;

Rejoice, thou who showest thy help to Orthodox people.

Rejoice, thou who teachest truthful and honest living;

Rejoice, thou who helpest in the fulfillment of good undertakings.

Rejoice, thou who protectest us from the temptations of sin;

Rejoice, thou who fulfillest our requests for good and salvation.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 12: A certain woman named Sophia recognised the grace of thy merciful intercession, O glorious Menas, for she, coming to thy church to worship, was saved by thee from the dishonour of the lawless soldier and cried out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 12: Singing of thy many miracles, all-praiseworthy great martyr, we remember the lame and the mute who prayed fervently in thy church; for thou didst appear to them and didst miraculously heal them; and we, remembering this miracle, fervently pray to thee: and strengthen our feet, weakened by many iniquities, and open the lips of our hearts worthily to sing to thee with songs such as these:

Rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the paralytic’s legs;

Rejoice, thou who didst loosen the bonds of the mute tongue.

Rejoice, merciful healer who hast appeared to many;

Rejoice, thou who didst bring many unbelievers to faith with glorious miracles;

Rejoice, joy and praise for the lovers of God;

Rejoice, refuge and consolation of strangers.

Rejoice, gracious feeder of the poor;

Rejoice, unashamed intercessor for widows and orphans.

Rejoice, deliverance of the faithful from misfortunes and evils;

Rejoice, O firm protection of those who honour thee.

Rejoice, good comforter in times of trouble;

Rejoice, holy helper in life’s sorrows.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 13: O holy and glorious Great-Martyr of Christ, Menas, accept now this small song brought to thee with zeal, and cover with thy prayers those who come running to thy holy icon and who lovingly honour thy honourable memory, so that by thine intercession we may always be protected from evil in peace and piety for the rest of our life, praising God, who is wondrous in His saints, singing the Angelic song: Alleluia. [This kontakion is said three times.] 

Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and fled into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:

Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;

Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.

Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;

Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.

Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;

Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.

Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;

Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.

Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;

Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.

Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;

Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.

Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.

Ode 7, Irmos: Blessed art Thou, O all-hymned Lord, God of our fathers, Who saved the children of Abraham in the fire, they that sought the truth righteously, and Who slew the Chaldeans.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

With wounds didst thou strip off sin’s garment of skin, and thou didst robe thyself in vesture which groweth not old and which grace, appearing, wore, O blessed one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

By the burning zeal of thine honourable and mighty struggles hath wicked and thorny godlessness been utterly consumed, O martyr, and the leaping flame of ignorance is extinguished by the streams of thy blood, O most blessed one.

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

Possessed of abundant gifts, thou dost pour forth miracles upon them that celebrate thine honoured festival, O right wondrous Menas; and thou dost aid them that sing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Blessed is the Fruit of thy blessed womb, Whom the hosts of Heaven and the assemblies of those born of earth do bless, He that hath delivered us from the ancient curse, O blessed one.

Ode 8, Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending upon the pious youths amid the flame, Thou didst bedew them and teach them to sing: All ye works, bless and hymn the Lord!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

O Menas, thou wast revealed as a crown-bearer; having set at nought the enemies of the Cross of thy Lord, thou didst put them to shame and didst cry out, O most blessed one: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

God hath wrought wonders in thy memory, pouring forth healings, both spiritual and bodily, through thy relics upon us that cry out: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst offer God thy service; and having bowed thy head to the ground, thou wast beheaded by the sword, O martyr, crying aloud: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

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

Today is the Holy Church adorned with your blood, as with purple and fine linen, O Menas, Victor and Vincent, who cry out: All ye works of the Lord, praise and supremely exalt Him unto the ages!

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

Virgin remaineth the womb of her that bore the Saviour Who without seed was conceived of the Holy Spirit, God uncircumscribable wrapped in flesh, the Word co-unoriginate with the Father. Him do all works praise and supremely exalt as Lord unto the ages!

Ode 9, Irmos: Christ Who uniteth disparate natures, the cornerstone uncut by hands, hath been cut from thee, the unquarried mountain, O Virgin. Wherefore, in gladness we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst love no less than thou wast beloved, O passion-bearer, laying down thy beloved life for Christ Who loved thee and Who glorified thy witness with Himself, O ever memorable one.

Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us.

As a lampstand aflame with the light of three suns did the three inseparable martyrs appear: Menas, Victor, and Vincent, illuminating the faithful and dispersing the gloom of the demons.

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

Accept, as that which is thy due, our praise of thee which proceedeth from a readiness which, I know, surpasseth, our words; and from thy treasuries bestow upon us gifts without number.

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

Of old rightly did all the prophets praise thee, the Mother of the King and Master; and now, the apostles and martyrs magnify thee, glorifying thee with us.

Troparion, Tone 8: With great valour of soul, didst thou strive in martyrdom, and having fought the good fight, O divine Great Martyr Menas, from Heaven hast thou received the gift of miracles; for God hath shown thee to the world as a worker of great signs, and He made thee our protector and a swift help in afflictions and ever-vigilant defence from harm.

Prayer to the Great-Martyr Menas: O passion-bearer, holy martyr Menas! Looking at thine icon and remembering the healings thou givest to all who come to thee with faith and reverence, we fall down before thou and, bending the knees of our hearts, with all our souls we pray to thee, be our intercessor before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our infirmities, accompany and comfort us in times of our sorrows, granting us the memory of our sins, help in misfortunes and troubles of this world, and in all the troubles that befall us in this vale of tears. Amen.

It’s been very interesting to see the developing links that our parish media has established across the miles, building an ever-expanding relationship between our community and both parishes and individuals across the continents. This has, in part, being linked to the sharing of liturgical resources and pilgrimages. Whilst the latter fell off the edge of the map in the year gone by (though some of us are looking forward to some simplified pilgrimages in the year ahead), activity on the liturgical front has remained constant. In fact, the post that follows is the result of a little correspondence about service materials.

Last Saturday was the feast of St Martin the Merciful of Tours (though the life below sensibly suggests this is an error, given that the traditional date of ‘Martinmas’ is definitely in November!), and I would have ordinarily ensured the availability of the canon, which only exists in English to my knowledge. Given ongoing health issues, I was unable to do so, but am talking the opportunity to sit down and do a little catching up.

Commemorated on October 12/25

Saint Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours, was born at Sabaria in Pannonia (modern Hungary) in 316. Since his father was a Roman officer, he also was obliged to serve in the army. Martin did so unwillingly, for he considered himself a soldier of Christ, though he was still a catechumen.

At the gates of Amiens, he saw a beggar shivering in the severe winter cold, so he cut his cloak in two and gave half to the beggar. That night, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the saint wearing Martin’s cloak. He heard the Savior say to the angels surrounding Him, “Martin is only a catechumen, but he has clothed Me with this garment.” The saint was baptized soon after this, and reluctantly remained in the army.

Two years later, the barbarians invaded Gaul and Martin asked permission to resign his commission for religious reasons. The commander charged him with cowardice. Saint Martin demonstrated his courage by offering to stand unarmed in the front line of battle, trusting in the power of the Cross to protect him. The next day, the barbarians surrendered without a fight, and Martin was allowed to leave the army.

He traveled to various places during the next few years, spending some time as a hermit on an island off Italy. He became friendly with Saint Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers (January 14), who made Martin an exorcist. After several years of the ascetic life, Saint Martin was chosen to be Bishop of Tours in 371. As bishop, Saint Martin did not give up his monastic life, and the place where he settled outside Tours became a monastery. In fact, he is regarded as the founder of monasticism in France. He conversed with angels, and had visions of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) and of other saints. He is called the Merciful because of his generosity and care for the poor, and he received the grace to work miracles.

After a life of devoted service to Christ and His Church, the saint fell ill at Candes, a village in his diocese, where he died on November 8, 397. He was buried three days later (his present Feast) at Tours. During the Middle Ages, many Western churches were dedicated to Saint Martin, including Saint Martin’s in Canterbury, and Saint Martin-in-the-Fields in London.

In 1008, a cathedral was built at Tours over the relics of Saint Martin. This cathedral was destroyed in 1793 during the French Revolution, together with the relics of Saint Martin and Saint Gregory of Tours (November 17). A new cathedral was built on the site many years later. Some fragments of the relics of Saint Martin were recovered and placed in the cathedral, but nothing remains of Saint Gregory’s relics.

Saint Martin’s name appears on many Greek and Russian calendars. His commemoration on October 12 in the Russian calendar appears to be an error, since ancient sources give the November date.

The Canon of the Holy Hierarch, 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!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Illumined by divine radiance and dancing in the light of the all-just Godhead, O wise Martin, enlighten those who with piety honour thy luminous memory.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

The Creator of all, Who knoweth all things before they happen, foreseeing the uprightness of thy heart, took thee from an earthly army and hath enlisted thee among the choirs of angels, O blessed one.

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

My soul is done to death by the sting of sin, O father, yet by thy life-bearing supplications move the Life of all to raise me up to hymn thy godly memory.

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

O Maiden and Mistress most favored by God, who didst bear the Bestower of light Who enlighteneth the earth which is cast into darkness by many passions: Illumine mine accursed soul!

Ode III, 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.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Since thou didst mount to the summit of most noble deeds, O wise one, Christ hath raised thee up to sit upon a throne in the highest, from whence in sacred manner thou dost enlighten all creation with the brilliance of thy wonders.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

As a child of the day and of the light, O holy hierarch, when thou didst behold as a naked beggar Him Who covereth Himself with light as with a garment, thou didst cut thy cloak in twain and didst cover Him.

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

The carnal passions were mortified in thee, and thou didst thus become a most pure abode of the Trinity. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O holy hierarch: By thine intercessions quench thou the passions of my soul.

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

O pure palace of God, most holy Virgin, I entreat thee: Cleanse and enlighten my wretched soul, which hath been sullied by carnal pleasures and imaginings.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV: When the emperor of the West heard report of thy virtues and wondrous works, he would fain have met with thee; but his consort clung to the vile heresy of Arius, and confounded her husband’s goodly desire. Thus, for the sake of thy flock and the ruler’s salvation, thou didst resort to fasting and fervent prayer, O holy hierarch, and our merciful Saviour opened unto thee the doors which had been shut. Then the sovereign, greeting thee as was meet, hearkened unto thy wise counsel and received edification from 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.

Theotokion: Joseph marvelled, beholding that which transcendeth nature, and in mind he pondered, O Theotokos, upon thy seedless conception, as the dew upon the fleece, the bush which burned with fire yet was not consumed, and the rod of Aaron which put forth branches. And, bearing witness, thy betrothed and protector cried out to the priests: “The Virgin giveth birth, yet remaineth a virgin even after birthgiving!”

Ode IV, 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.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Delighted by thy godly life, the Most High bestowed upon thee the grace of all-glorious miracles, O wondrous hierarch, whereby thou art revealed unto the ends of the earth as marvelous.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Resurrected by thine intercessions, the dead man who had been slandered beheld his accuser struck dead, O holy hierarch; and he magnified thy grace, O father.

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

Accept us who hymn thy divine memory, O holy hierarch, and deliver us from sufferings, perils and temptations; for with faith do we now have recourse unto thy protection.

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

With drops of thy loving-kindness, O immaculate one, sprinkle thou my soul, which is withering up in the burning heat of sin; and vouchsafe that I may produce the fruits of repentance.

Ode V, 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.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Having forsaken earthly riches and transitory glory which fadeth away, O blessed Martin, thou hast acquired heavenly riches and eternal and immutable glory, wherein be thou mindful of us.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

One who had endured a cruel death by hanging was raised up from the dead as from sleep by thy life-giving supplication; and he won this life and that which is to come.

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

Thou didst restore to life him who – O the horror! – had been struck dead by a serpent, O father. So also by thy supplications restore life even unto me, who have been slain by the sting of sin.

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

Shining from afar, thou wast revealed unto Moses as a burning bush, O Mistress; and having given birth unto the divine Fire, thou wast shown to be unconsumed even after giving birth. Wherefore, do thou burn up the roots of my passions.

Ode VI, 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!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

O Martin, thy relics pour forth healings upon those who approach them with devotion, and the legions of the demons are put to flight; but the choirs of the faithful who fervently raise up hymns unto thee are bedewed with grace.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Full to overflowing with the vivifying waters of the All-Holy Spirit Who accomplisheth all things, O Martin, thou dost give life unto those who were slain by the deception of the evil one, purifying them with the healing waters of the Saviour.

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

The woman whom thou didst free from everlasting punishment blessed the Lord, O Martin, and, dispensing with her wealth, she exchanged it for the bliss of heaven.

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

O most pure one, in that thou didst bear the hypostatic Wisdom and Power of the Father, with godly wisdom and power divine fill thou the hearts of all who hymn thee with faith.

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: Thou didst flourish in the virtues like a palm-tree, and in thy miracles didst multiply like a cedar, O wondrous father, bedewing the ends of the world, and burning up legions of the demons. Wherefore, entreat the Lord in our behalf.

Ikos: In proclaiming the glad tidings of man’s salvation, O most merciful hierarch, thou wast not daunted by the threats of the Druids and their deluded followers; but, having armed thyself with the pure confession of Christ, thou didst courageously show their vile graven images to be common stones, powerless against the might of the Most High, and thou didst bring multitudes of the heathen to the knowledge of God. Wherefore, mindful of thine apostolic zeal, we beseech thee: Entreat the Lord in our behalf.

Ode VII, 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!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Shining forth more brightly than the sun, thy memory, O all-hymned Martin, dispelleth the night of the passions and enlighteneth the faithful, who chant unto Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

As an emulator of thy Lord, O father, thou didst save the harlot who had recourse unto thee with faith, and didst present her to Christ as a pure bride who chanted with faith: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Blessing thee, the ends of the world give utterance to thy praises, O all-hymned Martin, and celebrate thy memorial, chanting with faith unto Christ Who hath made thee wondrous: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

O thou who art full of grace divine, thou art a new heaven more spacious than the one on high, for thou didst contain the Creator of heaven and earth. Entreat Him, that we who honour thee may be vouchsafed the good things of heaven.

Ode VIII, 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!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Of old, Christ transformed water into wine by His divine power; and by His energy, O wise Martin, thou didst transform a living dove into one of gold. O awesome wonder!

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Beholding a dead ass restored to life by thy supplications, O glorious one, he who did not trust in the resurrection believed on God Who is risen from the dead, and he now liveth unto the ages.

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

O father, by thy supplications free from all want and difficulty, temptations and perils, those who piously chant in memory of thee: We exalt Thee supremely, O Christ, forever!

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

Dry up the raging flood of my passions, O Virgin, Mistress, and rain down upon me streams of tears, freeing me from the punishment of everlasting fire, that I may glorify thee forever.

Ode IX, 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.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Arraying thyself in the might and power of Christ, thou didst repel the impotent strength of the enemy, O glorious Martin, and art therefore called a most mighty defender of the faithful, freeing them from tribulations, perils, temptations and difficulties.

Hierarch of Christ, Martin, pray to God for us.

Adorning the temple of heaven like a sacred and divine treasure, O holy hierarch, thou standest before the great Light, chanting with the incorporeal beings: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O consubstantial Trinity, Thou Creator of all!

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

The Way, the Truth and the Resurrection, the Light and Life art Thou, and the joy of the saints. Wherefore, through their intercession lead all along the narrow way, and vouchsafe unto them life and the never-waning light, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.

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

Thou art shown to be the most beautiful temple and the most pure palace of the Word, O all-pure one. And hastening to thy holy temple we praise thee with love, and cry aloud: Fulfill our entreaties which are for the good, O Mistress.

Troparion, Tone IV: The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness and a teacher of abstinence. Wherefore, thou hast acquired exalted things through humility and riches through poverty. O father Martin, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

If you are able to contribute to our building fundraising campaign, any donation – however small – would be greatly appreciated, and bring us closer to our vision of a dedicated temple and centre for Orthodox life and mission in South Wales, Gloucestershire and Wessex: https://gofund.me/3a3bf1613

 

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode I, Irmos: Overwhelming power once laid low the whole army of Pharaoh in the deep, and the incarnate Word hath destroyed pernicious sin. All-glorious is the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Choosing thee as one beautiful, all-comely and immaculate among women, God made His abode within thine immaculate womb. Him do thou beseech, O most immaculate one, that He deliver all who hymn thee from the reproach of sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As saith the psalm, thou didst stand as Queen at the right hand of the King Who shone forth from thy womb. Him do thou beseech, O most immaculate Bride of God, that He show me as standing on His right side on the day of retribution.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who gavest birth to the Rain of heaven, thou hast renewed all of human nature which hath withered utterly away through all manner of unseemly deeds; but pray thou, O Bride of God, and show forth as fertile the dry furrow of my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Slain by the tree of knowledge, O pure one, we have been restored to everlasting life by the Tree of life, Christ God, Who, through thee, O Theotokos, blossomed forth in manner past understanding. Him do thou entreat with boldness, that our souls be saved.

Canon I of the apostle, the acrostic whereof is: “With Christian beauty I hymn the son of thunder”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone II

Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Having received the kingdom of heaven which thou didst preach, O blessed one, and as a converser with the Word of heaven, by thy supplications preserve those who believe in thine honoured preaching and theology.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Exhibiting a mighty mind, thou didst spurn all things on earth and the bonds of nature, O most wise one, and abiding noetically and spiritually with the Word thou hast freed from irrationality those who live senselessly.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Receiving most theologically an understanding of heavenly things, thou didst preach God the Word; and, proclaiming the glad tidings, thou didst teach: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with His Father, and the Word was God!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The choir of divine maidens hymn thee most divinely, O Mistress Theotokos, who art comely among women and art adorned with the beauties of divinity; for in manner past recounting thou gavest birth to the Word and Benefactor.

Canon II of the apostle, the acrostic whereof is: “I bear entreaties to the divine initiate of the mysteries”, the composition of Joseph, in Tone VI

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!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Illumined in mind, thou didst penetrate the depths of the Spirit, O theologian, and hast manifestly told us of the awesome begetting, crying out: In the beginning was the Word of God!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Crushed beneath a multitude of temptations and sufferings, tribulations and grievous assaults, we flee with faith to thee. O theologian, be thou a helper to thy servants!

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

Healing the cruel sufferings of our souls as an excellent physician, O wise one, deliver us from everlasting condemnation and fire through thy mediation.

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

O pure one who didst conceive God Who became man for our sake, entreat Him, that on the day of judgment He take pity upon us who have committed many sins against Him.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode III, Irmos: The desert, the barren Church of the nations, blossomed like a lily at Thine advent, O Lord; and therein hath my heart been established.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Issuing forth from thy womb, O most immaculate one, the Creator clothed Himself in me, a man, granting the vesture of incorruption unto one stripped naked by many unseemly deeds.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mistress, thou gavest birth to God, the all-honoured Word. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He have pity on my lowly soul, which is downcast because of the indignities of pleasures.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure one, heal thou the wounds of my soul; and my lowly heart, which hath been poisoned by the venom of the serpent, cure thou with the medicine of thine activity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast boldness before thy Son, in that thou art His Mother, O Mistress, ask thou help for the oppressed people, and cast down the arrogance of the iniquitous.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

With the tongue of thy theology thou didst reveal the mystery of the Trinity which passeth understanding, O divinely blessed John; and therein hath my heart been established.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thy tongue became the scribe’s pen of the most Holy Spirit, recording thy precious and divine Gospel with godly script.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Reclining against the Well-spring of wisdom with divinely wise boldness, O most wise one, thou didst draw forth an abyss of wisdom; and thou becamest His godly herald.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We honour thee as the only Virgin Mother who hast been for us the mediatress of salvation, delivering the world by thy supplications.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Conversing with the Word with radiant and pure mind, O thrice-blessed theologian, thou wast taught mysteries by Him which manifestly transcend human speech; and thou hast enlightened all creation.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Deliver me from the cruel bonds of sin, O thrice-blessed one, binding me with love to God the Master, Whom thou didst fervently love, for thou hast been called His theologian.

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

Thou hast been given to us as a defender, a mediator and deliverer, an intercessor before the Lord, a worker of miracles and a source of healings, O theologian. Wherefore, we honour thee.

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

When the Word Who was ineffably incarnate of thee was lifted up upon the tree of the Cross, O Theotokos, He entrusted thee, as a Virgin Maiden, to the virginal disciple.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having reclined against the breast of Wisdom and learned an understanding of things, thou didst thunder forth divinely: “In the beginning was the Word!”, being the first to record the begetting which hath no beginning; and thou hast proclaimed to all the incarnation of the Word. Wherefore, fishing for the nations, using thy tongue as a net, thou teachest the ends of the earth by the grace of the Spirit, and dost enlighten them with miracles. O theologian and apostle, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. (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: Having fallen into perils of great complexity through enemies visible and invisible, beset by the tempest of my countless offences, I flee to the haven of thy goodness as to my fervent help and protection, O pure one. Wherefore, pray thou earnestly to Him Who became incarnate of thee without seed, on behalf of thy servants, O all-pure one, ever beseeching Him to grant remission of offences unto those who hymn thy glory as is meet.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode IV, Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither as a mediator nor an angel, but Thyself incarnate, O Lord, and hast saved me, the whole man; wherefore, I cry to thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rain down drops of compunction upon me, O Mistress, removing the burning heat from my heart, and driving away my grief and the assaults of vexation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain me not, O all-pure one, who have been pierced with the sword of pleasure and lie in my wounds, but heal me with the spear and blood of thy crucified Son, our God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who hast been enriched by dominion over every created thing, count me worthy of divine grace who have been reduced to grievous beggary, that I may magnify thee as my good intercessor, O most immaculate one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Christ, the effulgence of the Father, shone forth from thy womb, O Maiden who tasted not of wedlock, and, crucified, hath illumined the world and destroyed the darkness of the demons.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Having taught thee most excellently the mysteries of His divinity and instructed thee in His ineffable dispensation for man, as is meet the Word showed thee forth as His theologian.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst acquire a godly mind and a virginal body, O glorious one, and didst become the living and animate temple and most sacred dwelling-place of the most hymned Trinity.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

O blessed virgin apostle, thou wast honoured in being appointed the son of the all-pure Virgin, and wast shown to be the brother of Him Who chose thee and made of thee His disciple and theologian.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Healing the ancient crime of Eve, the All-divine One made His abode in thee, the most immaculate and all-pure one, to restore me, a fallen man.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

With the Word, as with drops of rain, thou didst water the whole earth, O glorious one, and didst piously dry up the turbid waters of impiety; wherefore, we honour thee.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

With strength and might, O most wise one, gird thou my soul, which hath been paralysed by many assaults by unclean enemies, and hath recourse to thy protection, I pray.

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

As thou art the temple of the Divine Spirit, O theologian, by thy mediation show forth as temples of God those who present themselves with faith in thy divine temple.

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

Let us hymn the divine temple of God, and, deified and delivered from evils, let us all manifestly bless the holy Virgin.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode V, Irmos: Thou art a Mediator between God and man, O Christ God; for by Thee, O Master, are we led up out of the night of ignorance to Thy Father, the Source of light.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure one who gavest birth to the Path of light, guide me now to the straight path, who have irrationally fallen among trackless wastes and defiles.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Mindlessly estranging myself from the understanding of God, I have prodigally squandered my substance in a far land, straying through the passions; but return and save me through thy consolations, O pure Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With thy life-giving waters drench me, thy servant, who am burning with the flame of sins and am set afire by the assaults of the demons, O all-pure Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold! in manner past recounting, O all-pure Theotokos, thou didst contain Christ God in thy womb, as Isaiah proclaimed beforehand, and thou gavest birth to Him supernaturally, O Theotokos.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Through grace thou wast shown to be a heavenly mind, O theologian, becoming wholly light through drawing nigh unto the Origin of light, deified by the pure sight of Him.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst preach thy Gospel with pure mind, holy lips and an all-pure mouth, O divinely inspired one, and thou hast set forth universal salvation before all the faithful.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Living with Christ from thy childhood, instructed in theology and having learned the glory of the Trinity which transcendeth nature, thou didst become an instrument of grace set forth by Him.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Mindful of thy words, we now call thee blessed; for through thee, O most immaculate one, we have truly received ineffable blessedness and life which groweth not old.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst shine forth like the dawn upon those on earth, manifestly proclaiming to the world the noetic Orient Who hath come in the flesh and destroyed the darkness of polytheism.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

With thy sacred theology thou hast given drink to every soul, O sacred herald and apostle; wherefore, I cry to thee: Water my whole heart, which hath been withered by sins.

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

I have been wounded by the darts of the enemy. By thine intercession, O wise one, heal me wholly, I pray, and guide to the path of God me who have ever gone astray in iniquities.

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

When thou didst stand with the beloved disciple at the Cross of thy Son, O most immaculate one, thou didst sigh, weeping, and didst marvel at His surpassing sympathy for men.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unfathomable abyss of Thy loving-kindness: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mistress, show me not to be a joy to the demons at the coming judgment, but lifting thy gaze kindly upon me, entreat the Judge, thy Son.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By my wicked and iniquitous thoughts and acts I have angered Thee, O Lord. Yet do I bring Thy Mother before Thee to intercede. Taking pity, save me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou gavest birth to the Judge, the God of all, O most hymned Mistress, from condemnation deliver me, who have condemned myself through my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Entreat Jesus the Saviour, to Whom thou didst supernaturally give birth in the flesh, O all-pure Virgin Mother, that thy servants be delivered from tribulations.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Jesus, my God and Lord, accepting thy purity and most perfect holiness, received thee as His brother, O theologian.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Having crowned thy life with holiness, and trusting therein, O glorious one, thou didst recline against the breast of Wisdom, and didst draw forth grace therefrom.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

The great and divine radiance of thy theology hath enlightened the whole world, O glorious one, and hath illumined it with the light of the threefold Sun.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who stretched forth heaven, O pure Mother of God, hath stretched thee forth as another, earthly heaven, and, shining forth from thee, hath revealed Himself.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thy tongue of theology was truly like a writer’s pen, inscribing on the tablets of our hearts true understanding and the law which is truly new, O theologian.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

O glorious one who, like a most excellent husbandman, hast caused the offshoots of impiety to wither at the root, plant thou the fear of God in my soul, the blossoming fruitfulness of the virtues.

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

He Who had most manifestly issued forth from the Virgin called thee her son. With her make thou entreaty, that those who do that which is well-pleasing unto Him become children of God by adoption, O ever all-memorable one.

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

Through thee, O most immaculate one, God appeared to men in the likeness of the flesh. Him do thou ever entreat, that He slay the pernicious wisdom of our flesh, O most pure 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: Who can recount thy mighty works, O virgin apostle? For thou pourest out miracles and dost cause healings to flow forth; and thou prayest for our souls, in that thou art a theologian and the friend of Christ.

Ikos: It is a bold and unattainable thing to study the heights of heaven and to plumb the depths of the sea; for as it is impossible to calculate the number of the stars and the sands of the shore, so is it impossible to speak sufficiently of the theologian, whom Christ loved and hath crowned with so many crowns. For, reclining against His breast, he ate with Him at the mystical supper, in that he is a theologian and friend of Christ.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode VII, Irmos: The command of the iniquitous tyrant, opposed to God, raised up a lofty flame; but Christ, Who is blessed and all-glorious, spread a spiritual dew upon the pious youths.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art my strength and song, my salvation and steadfast aid, and an invincible rampart, O Mistress, do battle with the demons who make war upon me and ever seek to slay me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given flesh to God, O Virgin, thou hast deified mankind by thy virginal blood. Wherefore, I beseech thee: By thy supplications deliver me, who have been defiled by the passions and ruined by the wiles of the enemy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The furnace prefigured thy birthgiving, O most immaculate one; for it did not consume the youths, just as the unbearable Fire did not consume thy womb. Wherefore, we beseech thee: Deliver thy servants from everlasting fire.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone didst show forth thy conceiving as all-pure and thy birthgiving as incorrupt, remaining a virgin; for thou didst conceive God Who is over all and Who became man, O pure one, thou salvation and deliverance of the faithful.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Shining with divine effulgence, thou didst manifestly theologise concerning the Holy Spirit Who proceedeth from the unoriginate Father and resteth inseparably in the Son, in that He is consubstantial with them.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

In thee, O blessed one, Christ, the all-glorious Sun of righteousness appointed His dwelling, Who hath made thee an ever-moving heaven, and is proclaimed by the tongue of thy theology.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

The power of thy words hath sent forth a divine sound, O most blessed and right wondrous one, and thy universal Gospel hath embraced the whole earth with the magnificence of thy dogmas.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone didst show forth thy conceiving as all-pure and thy birthgiving as incorrupt, remaining a virgin; for thou didst conceive God Who is over all and Who became man, O pure one, thou salvation and deliverance of the faithful.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Let us hymn the theologian, the thunder which hath resounded to all the ends of the earth, whereby every ear is truly caught up from the earth, and Christ, the Creator of all, is magnified.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

The manifest splendour of thy house illumineth every mind; and, ever assembling therein, we hymn the Creator of all in godly manner, and praise thee with faith, who art our intercessor.

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

We know thee to be a star of radiant light, O disciple of Christ, and we pray that we will be enlightened by thy luminous radiance, and delivered from the darkness of the passions and all manner of perils by thy mediation.

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

O most immaculate one, we bless thee who gavest birth to the blessed Lord, Who with divine blessings hath annulled the curse on human nature, and hath renewed us, who have grown old through corruption.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode VIII, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fiery furnace divided its activity at the command of God, consuming the Chaldæans, but bedewing the faithful, who chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be zealous for the good, avoiding what is evil, by care for godly works, O my soul, having the Mother of God praying for thee, the unashamed intercessor for all, who is merciful and loveth mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast released mankind from the bonds of the ancient condemnation, O Theotokos. Wherefore, I pray to thee: Loose every evil bond of my heart, O all-pure one, binding me with the divine love of the Creator.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Effulgence of the Father’s glory, O Theotokos, illumine my heart, which is weighed down by the disgrace of transgressions; and show me forth as a partaker of everlasting glory, that I may glorify thee with love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Most High, the true Sun of righteousness, hath appeared to us incarnate of thee, O Theotokos, illumining all things with the rays of His divinity. To Him do we chant hymns.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Issuing forth like dazzling lightning, thou wast revealed to the whole world in the radiance of purity and the brilliance of virginity, O beloved of Christ God, illumining the world with the dogmas of piety.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Having purified body, soul and mind, thou didst proclaim the glad tidings of the heavenly Gospel of Christ; and, dwelling with the angels in the heavens, thou now criest out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou wast a pillar of light, a divine oblation of the heavenly temple, a throne of perception, a receptacle of wisdom and an instrument of theology, chanting: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

That Thou mightest annul the primal curse and the ancient condemnation of our first mother to death, O Word of God, thou wast born of the Virgin Mother of God, granting indestructible immortality unto all.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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!

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst bring forth goodly abundance through the speech of thy tongue, O blessed one, and thou didst bring to life those dead through evil, who accepted thy sacred preaching. Wherefore, we honour thee as an initiate of ineffable mysteries.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thy house, O apostle, hath been shown to be another divine garden of paradise, gladdening the souls of all with miracles, as with flowers, and dispelling the fœtor of the passions.

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

O God, my God, hearken unto me and deliver me from the enemies who assail me every day and crush my lowly heart, for I have Thy divine disciple praying to Thee.

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

O divinely joyous one, beseech Jesus the Saviour, Who was incarnate of thy pure blood, that He take pity on us, thy servants, and rescue us from everlasting torment.

Canon of the Theotokos, Ode IX, Irmos: God the Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath revealed Himself to us incarnate of the Virgin, to enlighten those in darkness and to gather the dispersed. Wherefore, we magnify the all-hymned Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Tasting of the forbidden fruit of the tree, Adam bitterly found death through the tree; but thy Son, Who was nailed to the Tree, O all-pure one, hath poured forth the sweetness of immortality. Wherefore, we honour thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art a Queen, having in manner past recounting given birth to Christ the King and Lord Who hath destroyed the kingdom of hell. Him do thou earnestly entreat, O Maiden, that He count those who honour thee worthy of the heavenly on high.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mistress, in that thou gavest birth to the Good One, and art thyself good, make my lowly heart good, which hath been vexed by inundations of pleasures, and open unto me the doors of goodness, that I may repent.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who was lifted up, dead, upon the Cross hath slain the serpent thereby; wherefore, I cry out to Thee: Have mercy on my soul, which hath been slain by wicked deeds, O Word, and bring it to life through the supplications of her who gave Thee birth.

Canon I of the Apostle, Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou hast now been counted worthy to behold the Torrent of sweetness, the River of peace and the Well-spring of immortality, not in indistinct images, but face to face; and, watered thereby, thou dost now enjoy deification.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst ask Christ for a throne on earth, but He gave thee His breast instead; and, reclining against it, thou wast enriched with a steadfast, abiding and goodly seat, O theologian, thou adornment of the apostles.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Thou didst burn up the ungodliness of pagan wisdom, O wise one, proclaiming: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was truly God, through Whom all things came into being, visible and invisible!”

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Amid the night of life thou wast found to be like the break of dawn, O most pure Mother of God, shining forth with rays of virginity and revealing to us the Orient of the noetic Sun of righteousness.

Canon II of the Apostle, 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.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

As the Lord of times and seasons, the Deliverer hung upon the Cross at noontime, and entrusted the Ever-virgin to thee, O blessed one, in that thou art virginal, granting immutable glory to those who magnify thee.

Holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, pray to God for us. 

Dwelling with the hosts of God on high, and giving utterance with them to divine hymnody, O apostle of Christ, by thine honoured mediations save those who chant and hymn the All-Good One in thy holy house.

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

From all misfortunes save us who entreat thee with faith, O blessed theologian, directing our steps to the Lord through the Spirit, and guiding us to the path of peace by the commandments of the Almighty.

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

With splendour we offer a cry of thanksgiving to thee, the Mother of God, and we cry aloud: Rejoice, O most exalted throne of God! Rejoice, cloud of the Light! Rejoice garden of paradise, whereby we have been vouchsafed the sweetness of paradise!

Troparion, Tone II: O beloved apostle of Christ God, haste thou to deliver a defenseless people. He Who permitted thee to recline against His breast receiveth thee, prostrate in supplication. Him do thou beseech, O theologian, that He dispel the gloom of the nations which doth beset us, asking for us peace and great mercy.

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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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Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

The sound of man’s tongue is unable to recount the most glorious sufferings of the protomartyr, for it falleth short of fitting praise.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

The all-prideful superstition of the tyrant hath been set at nought, for in Christ women have piously prevailed like men against him.

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

Instructed in the Gospel by thine ineffable words, O most blessed Paul, the virgin betrothed herself to Christ.

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

The Virgin gave birth unto Thee, O Christ, the life-bearing Cluster of grapes, Who pourest forth the sweetness of universal salvation.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou art the confirmation of those who have recourse to Thee, O Lord; Thou art the light of the benighted; and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

O thy love which passeth understanding, O most honoured one, whereby, having united thyself in the Spirit, thou didst bind thyself to Paul in Christ!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

The intention of the tyrant was unable to wound thee who wast wounded with the desire of the Spirit, O delight of mortals.

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

Having rejected all fleshly attachments, thou wast not softened by the conversations of thy mother, O most laudable athlete.

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

Thou wast the correction of our first mother Eve, O Theotokos, having given birth unto the Author of life for the world.

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

Kontakion, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “As first-fruits…”: In the beauty of thy virginity thou didst shine forth, and thou wast adorned with the crown of martyrdom; as one all-glorious, O virgin, thou didst entrust thyself to the Apostle Paul, and didst transform the flame of the fire into dew; and by thy supplication, O thou who wast the first among women to suffer, thou didst quell the raging of the bull.

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Transforming thy womanhood into manliness through the virtues and the love of Christ, by both thou becamest a dwelling place of God; for, having diminished the gloom of the passions by fasting, by martyrdom thou wast shown to be the boast of suffering. Wherefore, thou shinest forth with twofold radiance upon the world like a beacon, illumining all with rays of the Spirit, O most lauded protomartyr. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who with love honour thy holy memory. (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: All we, the generations of men, bless thee as the Virgin who, alone among women, gavest birth without seed to God in the flesh; for the fire of the Godhead made its abode within thee, and thou gavest suck unto the Creator and Lord as a babe. Wherefore, as is meet, we, the race of angels and men, glorify thy most holy birthgiving; and together we cry out to thee: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions to those who hymn thy glory as is meet.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion of Wednesdays and Fridays): The Ewe-Lamb, beholding the Lamb, Shepherd and Deliverer upon the Cross, exclaimed, weeping, and, bitterly lamenting, cried out: “The world rejoiceth, receiving deliverance through Thee; but my womb is in pain, beholding the crucifixion which Thou endurest in the loving-kindness of Thy mercy! O longsuffering Lord, abyss and inexhaustible wellspring of mercy: have mercy, and grant remission of transgressions unto those who hymn Thy divine sufferings!”

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Paul, as the arranger of marriage, joined thee, O most honoured Thecla, who hadst been betrothed to Thamyris, to the heavenly Bridegroom, as one undefiled.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Thou wast brought to the love of piety by the words of Paul, O martyr, and didst spurn the words of Thamyris as foolishness.

Holy Great-Martyr, Thecla, pray to God for us.

By the sprinkling of the divine Blood hath the race of Adam been blessed; and Eve rejoiceth, seeing the deceitful serpent brought down by women.

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

Loving piety, the protomartyr cast away all the beautiful things of life: riches, family, beauty, and the pleasures of a betrothed.

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

All we, the enlightened, know thee to be the Theotokos, O most pure one; for thou, O Ever-virgin, gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness.

Ode V, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

With most grievous suffering thou didst struggle in the arena, O most blessed Thecla, and wast counted worthy of honours.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

The wicked serpent hath been laid waste, for the virgin learned obedience by divine sufferings.

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

By divine boldness hath thy shame been overcome, for the fire at the heart of the Trinity set thee aflame.

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

O Mary, unwedded Theotokos, make vain the hopes of our enemies and gladden those who hymn thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Having fortified the weakness of her nature with the might of the Cross, and repudiated youthful adornment by divine love, at night the maiden took courage and ran away, seeking the fragrant teachings of Him Who was her Desired One.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

With love, of her own will, the right glorious protomartyr Thecla supernaturally left her bridal chambers to dwell in a dungeon with malefactors; for her desire for the Creator overcame her desire for comforts.

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

Drinking in the words of Paul in prison as in a divine meadow, the martyr kissed the chains of her divine teacher; and she grew and truly brought forth most comely fruit for the Master.

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

Choosing thee from among the beautiful valleys of the world as a rose, a most comely lily, a sweet-scented fragrance, O Maiden, the Creator made His abode within thy womb; and, having been born, He hath filled all things with a sweet savour.

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 wounded thy heart with the love of Christ, O good virgin, thou didst spurn a transitory betrothal as of no account; and didst brave the fire and shut the mouths of the wild beasts. And, saved from them, O Thecla, first among women to suffer, thou didst take care to seek out Paul.

Ikos: Having learned the path of truth from Paul, thou didst follow after him without wavering, O all-glorious one, and having abandoned thine own people as strangers, with manly mind and in manly guise thou didst follow a stranger. Wherefore, the Master hath shown thee forth as the first to suffer among women contenders in the world, wherein thou didst remain, O Thecla, first among women to suffer, going about the ends thereof in search of Paul.

Ode VII, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Like a prisoner thou wast bound to Paul with unbreakable bonds by love, O most blessed one, piously crying out with faith and chanting with him: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Thou didst stand with Paul before the unjust tribunal, O good virgin, and moved by love of the Master, thou didst cry out in awe, rejecting what was unseemly: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Thou gavest thy body over to the furnace for divine love, O martyr, and by the power of Him Whom thou didst desire thou didst remain unconsumed, crying out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

The storm cloud, dousing the flame with rain and hail, rightly consumed the mindless ones and saved the martyr, who chanted thy hymn: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

A rod sprung forth from the root of Jesse wast thou, O all-blessed one, putting forth the Fruit of salvation for those who with faith cry out to thy Son: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Strange was thy thought; for thou, O virgin martyr, madest thine abode in a grave as in Eden, hymning Christ forever.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Unable to endure that the magnificence and splendour of the beauty of thy virginity be dimmed, thou didst will to die and to live forever.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Having united thyself to Christ the life-creating and supernatural Bridegroom, O protomartyr, thou wast pleased that wild beasts be the preservers of thy virginity.

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

Having shed thy garment of corruption, O beautifully clad runner of Christ, thou didst pass on to the life which ageth not, forever.

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

In manner transcending nature thou gavest birth unto God the Word, the Creator and Saviour, O Virgin; wherefore, we honour thee, O pure one, forever.

Ode IX, Irmos: With unceasing glorification we magnify thee, the Mother of the Most High, who knewest not wedlock, who didst truly give birth unto God the Word in manner past understanding, and art more highly exalted than the all-pure hosts.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

Who doth not marvel at thine invincibility, O protomartyr? For, having made subject the passions, the noetic beasts, to thy soul, thou wast not afraid of the unrestrained assaults of wild beasts, but remained incorrupt in their midst.

Holy Great-Martyr Thecla, pray to God for us.

At the command of God, the hard and impassible rock split apart for thee, O Godbearing martyr who wast sealed by the laver of regeneration as a blessed bride, and it received thee like a chamber as thou didst flee.

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

Heal thou the wounds of my soul, O protomartyr; grant peace to the world, bestowing victories over heresies and schisms to all true Orthodox hierarchs, and bring peace to the Churches by thy prayers.

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

With unceasing hymns all of us, the faithful, glorify thee, the all-glorious and most holy Theotokos, and we hymn thee as her who gave birth unto the Lord of all, unto the salvation of those who praise thee.

Troparion, Tone IV: Taught by the words of Paul, O Thecla, bride of God, and confirmed through faith by Peter, O divinely called one, thou wast shown to be the protomartyr and first sufferer among women. Thou didst enter the flame as it were a place abloom with flowers, and the wild beasts and bulls stood in awe of thee, for thou didst arm thyself with the Cross. Wherefore, O most lauded one, entreat Christ, that our souls be saved.

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The Martyrs Eudoxius, Zeno, Macarius and their Companions received a martyric death for Christ under the emperor Maximian Galerius, the successor of the emperor Diocletian.

Saint Eudoxius held the high position of a military commander in the imperial armies. He was a Christian, as were his friend Zeno and his house steward Macarius. After the emperor Diocletian issued an edict that Christians who refused to offer sacrifice to idols were to be put to death, many people fled to various lands with their families to avoid torture and death. At this time Saint Eudoxius resigned his high position, and with his wife Saint Basilissa and all their family abandoned their property and went into hiding in the region of Armenian Melitene.

The governor of Melitene sent soldiers to search for Eudoxius. When they found Eudoxius, he was attired in white garb. Not recognising him, the soldiers began to question whether a certain military commander Eudoxius had come into these parts. Not revealing who he was, the saint invited the soldiers into his home, fed them and gave them lodging for the night.

Saint Eudoxius considered his encounter with the soldiers as a sign from the Lord of his impending death by martyrdom. In the morning, he disclosed to his guests that he was the one whom they were seeking. In gratitude for the hospitality, the soldiers offered to conceal from the authorities that they had found Saint Eudoxius. However, the saint would not consent to this.

Setting his affairs in order, he told his wife not to weep for him, but on the contrary to celebrate the day of his martyric death. Donning his military garb, he went with the soldiers to the governor. Saint Basilissa and his friends Saints Zeno and Macarius followed after Saint Eudoxius.

The governor tried to persuade Saint Eudoxius to offer sacrifice to the idols and by this safeguard his life, exalted rank and property. Saint Eudoxius firmly refused, denouncing the folly of anyone who would worship soulless idols. He removed his soldier’s belt, the emblem of his authority, and threw it in the governor’s face.

Soldiers present at this, secret Christians, did the same thing, and they numbered more than a thousand men. The embarrassed governor asked the emperor what he should do. He was ordered to try the ringleaders and set the others free.

After prolonged tortures, they led Saint Eudoxius forth to execution. Following after her husband, Saint Basilissa wept, and his friend Saint Zeno also wept for the martyr. Saint Eudoxius again urged his wife not to mourn him, but rather to rejoice that he was worthy of the crown of martyrdom. He asked that she bury his body in a place called Amimos.

To his weeping friend Saint Zeno Saint Eudoxius predicted that they would enter the Kingdom of Heaven at the same time. Emboldened by these words, Zeno loudly declared himself a Christian, for which he was immediately sentenced to death.

Later, Saint Basilissa took her husband’s body without hindrance, and buried it in the place where he had requested. After this, they arrested the saint and led her before the governor. Desiring to share the fate of her husband, she fearlessly denounced both the governor and his false gods, the idols. The governor, however, saw her intent and would not torture her, but instead sent her away. As she left, the saint said to him that God would see her intention to suffer for her faith and would accept this intent as an accomplished deed.

Seven days later, Saint Eudoxius appeared to his wife in a vision and bade her to inform his friend and house steward Macarius, that both he and Saint Zeno awaited the arrival of Macarius. Macarius immediately went to the governor and declared himself a Christian, for which he was sentenced to death and beheaded. Many Christians also suffered martyrdom during this time.

O Virgin Mother of God, thou art revealed as her who gave birth in the flesh unto God the Word, to Whom the Father, in that He is good, gave utterance from His own heart before all the ages, and Who is now known to be higher than all bodies, even though He hath clothed Himself in a body.

In Phrygia, not far from the city of Hieropolis, in a place called Cheretopos, there was a church named for the Archangel Michael, built over a miraculous spring.

This church was built by a certain inhabitant of the city of Laodicia in gratitude to God for healing his mute daughter. The holy Chief Commander Michael appeared to this man in a dream and revealed to him that his daughter would receive the gift of speech after drinking from the water of the spring. The girl actually did receive healing and began to speak. After this miracle, the father and his daughter and all their family were baptized.

Ode I, Irmos: I will open my mouth, and with the Spirit will it be filled; and I shall utter discourse unto the Queen and Mother, and shall appear, keeping splendid festival; and, rejoicing, I will hymn her wonders.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O supreme commander of the armies of heaven, ever illumined with divine splendors, enlighten my mind, that I may hymn thee, O thou who art the confirmation of those who have recourse unto thee.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

The all-unoriginate Mind showed thee, O most glorious supreme commander, to be the general of the supramundane ranks, a light unto those who are in darkness and a divine adornment of His Church.

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

Surpassing the heavenly intelligences in spirit, O most eminent Michael, thou wast given to them below as a wall of defense, confirmation, a weapon which slayeth and destroyeth the enemy.

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

O all-immaculate Virgin, thou splendor of the angels and aid of men, help me who sail the sea and ever venture into the tempest of sin and danger.

Ode III, Irmos: Neither in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in riches do we boast, but in Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father; for none is holy save Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

With divine might dost thou encircle all the earth, O most praised chief among the angels, rescuing us that call upon thy divine name from the cruel enemy.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O supreme commander of God, of aspect most divine, thou hast been a divine herald, an undaunted intercessor for the faithful, a guide to those who are astray and an instructor.

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

Thou wast a most pure mirror of the splendor of God, radiantly reflecting the manifestation of the honored Spirit, O right wondrous Michael, first among the angels.

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

He Who by His own will wrought the immaterial intelligences made His abode within thy divine womb as was His desire, O all-immaculate one. The Unseeable is seen in the flesh.

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having become, as is meet, the leader of the ranks of heaven and minister of the glory of God, by the command of thy Creator, thou art a saving mediator, watching over mortals with thine immaterial glory. Wherefore, we all praise thee as is meet, chanting the hymns of thy divine feast today, O supreme commander Michael. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins to those who lovingly hymn thy divine wonders.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone I, Spec. Mel. “The choir of angels…”: The choir of angels, having the divine Michael as its supreme commander, doth with him offer unceasing hymnody unto the Holy Trinity, for the Creator of all by His word brought the fiery ranks out of nonexistence.

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

Theotokion: O all-holy Virgin, hope of Christians, with the hosts on high do thou unceasingly entreat Him Whom thou didst bear in manner past understanding and recounting, that He grant remission of all our sins and correction of life unto those who with faith and love ever glorify thee.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesday and Friday): The unblemished ewe-lamb, beholding her Lamb and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, weeping, declared and maternally exclaimed: O my Son, my God most good, how canst Thou endure Thy descent and Thy voluntary sufferings?

Ode IV, Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Being Thyself the supreme Intelligence, by Thy will Thou didst create the divine intelligences, and in their midst didst set Michael as a leader illumined with most blessed fellowship and radiant with the noetic ordinances of God.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O Michael most glorious, thou dost give utterance unto a holy hymn with the thrones, principalities, powers, authorities and sacred dominions, saving us who hymn thee.

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

We magnify the Creator and Lord of all Who, in His loving-kindness hath given us the luminous supreme commander Michael as a safeguard most great, an unassailable rampart and tower.

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

Of old the teacher of sacred truths noetically described the mystery of thy birthgiving, O Virgin, beholding thee most clearly in the Spirit as a mountain overshadowed, whence our holy God hath come forth incarnate.

Ode V, Irmos: The ungodly perceive not Thy glory, O Christ; but, waking at dawn out of the night, we hymn Thee, O Only-begotten One Who lovest mankind, Thou effulgence of the glory of the Father’s divinity.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O bodiless Michael, supreme commander of the angels, thou didst appear leading Israel of old at the command of Him Who hath come forth out of Jacob and appeared unto men in the coarseness of a body.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Ever deified by immaterial splendors by partaking of the divine, and wondrously amazed, thou dost bestow enlightening radiance upon us, O thou who art first among the angels.

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

Thy divine temple is adorned with grace, for, entering therein, thou didst show it forth as an abyss of healings and a destroyer of passions, O Michael, first among the angels.

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

God hath shown thee to be more exalted than the noetic angels, having made His abode in thy womb, O pure and all-immaculate one. Him do thou ever beseech, that He spare those who hymn thee.

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 Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

The multitude of the faithful rejoiceth, praising thee, O Michael, and it doth glorify the all-holy Word Who in His goodness hath united men and angels.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Thou didst save the armies of Israel, revealing thyself and transmitting the commands of God, O supreme commander; and thou didst cast down the enemy and didst utterly destroy them.

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

Seized with fear and reverence, Joshua, son of Nun, bowed down when he beheld thee, O chief of the angels, asking thine honored and holy name.

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

Blessed are the people who ever bless thee, O blessed one, who gavest birth unto the blessed God, Who, in His loving-kindness, hath deified mortal man by an ineffable union.

Kontakion, Tone II: O chief commander of God, minister of glory divine, captain of the angels and instructor of men: beg thou great mercy and that which is profitable for us, for thou art the supreme commander of the bodiless hosts.

Ikos: In Thy Scriptures, O immortal One Who lovest mankind, Thou didst say that a multitude of angels rejoiceth in heaven over one man who repenteth. Wherefore, O Sinless One, Who alone knowest the hearts of men, amid our transgressions we ever make bold to beseech Thee to have compassion and to send down compunction upon us, unworthy though we are, granting us forgiveness, O Master, in that Thou art compassionate; for the supreme commander of the bodiless hosts doth entreat Thee in behalf of us all.

Ode VII, Irmos: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, Who saved the children of Abraham in the fire, slaying the Chaldæans whom justice rightly overtook: blessed art Thou!

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Beholding, Daniel saw thee, O blessed Gabriel of lightning-bright visage, standing together with Michael, the supreme commander, who commanded thee to cause him to understand the vision which he had seen by the banks of the Ulai.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Beholding, Daniel saw thee, O blessed Gabriel of lightning-bright visage, standing together with Michael, the supreme commander, who commanded thee to cause him to understand the vision which he had seen by the banks of the Ulai.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

With faith let us shout the praises of the radiant Michael and Gabriel, chiefs among the angels that behold God, our good comforters, intercessors and protectors.

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

Being comely, most splendid and of godly aspect, in manner surpassing understanding art thou the chief of the immaterial spirits, O most radiant Michael; with them, therefore, pray thou in our behalf.

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

Beholding the truly ever-existent Word of the great Mind making His abode within thee in a strange and ineffable manner, O Virgin, the Archangel Gabriel cried aloud: Rejoice, O blessed throne of the Most High!

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 Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O Michael, thou hast been shown to be a commander of the noetic and bodiless hosts, a saving intercessor for men, a divine servant of God, chanting unceasingly: Bless and hymn the Lord, ye works!

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

O archangels Gabriel and Michael, two beacons most radiant, enlightening creation with the splendor of the thrice-radiant Godhead: dispel ye the gloom of the wicked.

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

O archangels, as good pilots to the harbor of the divine will bring ye safely the ship of my soul which hath encountered a tempest of sins and is in distress.

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

Standing before thee, the archangel, as divine adorner of the bride, greeted thee: Rejoice, unwedded Bride of God, thou glory of the angels, salvation and defense of men!

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

Behold, O archangel, the resplendent magnificence of thy divine temple which putteth forth lightning flashes of miracles through thy radiant presence, and it doth ever dispel the darkness of infirmities with divine grace.

Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for us.

As a comely and beauteous pair ye minister unto those who are on earth at the behest of the Master, O archangels, rescuing them from evil circumstances and sending down divine illumination upon all through the Spirit of God.

Today the bodiless and divine intelligences rejoice with us, beholding their great and splendid supreme commander hymned by all; and with us they lovingly keep festival, magnifying the Bestower of life.

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

O archangels, divine and radiant pair, Michael most honorable and Gabriel all-glorious: interceding before the honored Trinity, deliver us who praise you from torment and the cause of transgression.

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

Joyously we offer thee the cry of the divine Gabriel, exclaiming: Rejoice, all-pure paradise which hath borne within thee the Tree of life, thou most glorious palace of the Word! Rejoice, O all-immaculate Virgin!

Troparion, Tone IV: Supreme commander of the armies of Heaven, we, the unworthy, do ever entreat thee, that by thy prayers thou dost ever surround us with the protection of the wings of thine immaterial glory, preserving us who earnestly fall down before thee and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that thou art the leader of the hosts on high.

Commemorated on August 31

Canon I of the Depositon, the acrostic whereof is: “Thou girdest me about with thy strength, O pure Virgin”, the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII

Ode I, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With divine strength thou dost gird me about who piously hymn thy sacred cincture, as thou art the divine fortification, the might and impregnable rampart of thy city, O pure and all-hymned Virgin Maiden.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou gavest birth to the mighty God Who girdeth all the pious about with strength, O most immaculate one. Wherefore, we call thee blessed, and, joyously kissing thy divine cincture, we draw forth mercy and grace therefrom.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Joyfully do we form a chorus today for the deposition of the sacred cincture of the honored divine Maiden, from whence a girdle of incorruption, a seamless garment and a robe of salvation have been woven for us.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy people hasten beneath thy power, O most immaculate one, and ever flee to thy protection. Be thou a help for all, and grant to each those petitions which conduce to salvation, saving our souls from tribulations.

Canon II, Tone IV, Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The temple of the Virgin hath, like a bright sky, acquired a splendid and undimmed luminary: her all-radiant cincture; and it illumineth the whole world with beams of miracles.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy city, noetically girded about with thy truly divine cincture, O all-pure one, hath in it invincible might, strength and a bond of confirmation; wherefore, it boasteth therein.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy shrine hath truly appeared to those on earth as the most precious ark of old, though thou bearest not tablets of stone, but faithfully preservest the knowledge of the truth.

The canon of the holy hierarch, the acrostic whereof is “Eire, Scotland and England praise Aidan”, in Tone I

Mystical fragrances are poured forth in the temple of the pure one, from her honored shrine this day; and they fill with spiritual fragrance all who have recourse to her with love.

Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant a new hymn unto the Lord Who made the impassable Red Sea dry land. He caused the children of Israel to traverse it, and covered the adverse foe with the sea.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Eireann’s child Aidan, growing in wisdom and stature in the land of the Picts, became a true apostle and father to the English, so that multitudes came to sojourn on earth as they were angels and dwell now in the heavens.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Iona, the sacred isle of the venerable Columba, nurtured thee, O Aidan, with the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the fathers, so that thou didst excel in the monastic struggles, in prudence and all the virtues.

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

Rejecting the acquisition of worldly power and material possessions, like the disciples of Christ thou didst go humbly among thy flock, O wondrous hierarch, preferring to walk upon thy beautiful apostolic feet, rather than to ride.

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

Ever-virgin art thou, O all-holy and blessed Mistress, Queen of all creation, for the preëternal Son and Logos hath preserved thy purity undefiled, from thy nativity to this day, and time without end.

Ode III, Canon I, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The heart is renewed which toucheth the sacred cincture of the Virgin with fervent faith, and it is girded about with invincible power against impure passions, and remaining unharmed by incorporeal foes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy sacred cincture wherewith thou girded thine incorrupt body, O Maiden, still remaineth incorrupt, sanctifying those who approach it piously and removing the corruption of sickness and sorrow.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast the all-beauteous dwelling of the Word Who was incarnate of thee, O pure one, and wast well pleased to place thy cincture in thy holy temple; and venerating it, we are sanctified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy precious cincture do we all honorably venerate with joyful heart, as an honor for all the faithful, O Theotokos, in that it touched thy precious body.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O ye faithful, let us honor the cincture of the pure one today as a bond of unity with God, and let us bow down before it with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The springs of grace ever flowing from thine all-precious shrine give drink to all the faithful, O pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The much hymned and precious cincture of the all-honored one poureth forth healings upon all of us, the faithful, through grace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Pouring forth thy gladness like the dew of the morning, O pure one, extinguish the furnace of the passions for those who ever hymn thee.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: O Lord, establish the Church which Thou hast acquired by the power of Thy Cross, whereby Thou didst vanquish the enemy and hast enlightened the whole world.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Senan, thy tutor in faith and piety, sent thee to Segenius to train as a champion in the contest against all manner of temptations; and, strengthened by the supplications of both preceptors, O Aidan, thou didst vanquish the hordes of Satan.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Called to the episcopate because of thine exceeding great discretion, thou didst tend the sheep and lambs of thy flock for Christ, the Chief Shepherd, Who hath crowned thee gloriously with an unfading wreath.

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

O the grace which filled thee, body and soul, O wondrous Aidan! For, sensing the power of the Almighty working in thee, the waves of the sea stilled their raging when oil thou didst provide was poured forth thereon.

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

Tenderly didst thou feed thine own Creator at thy breast, O Virgin Mother; wherefore, He Whom thou didst cradle in thine all-pure arms took thy pristine soul into His own hands when it departed thine immaculate body.

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

Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “In supplications…”: Thy precious cincture, which encircled thy womb which was pleasing to God, O Theotokos, is the invincible might of thy city and an inexhaustible treasury of good things, O only Ever-virgin who gavest birth.

Kontakion of the hierarch, Tone V: With great pastoral prudence, O holy hierarch Aidan, thou didst feed the lambs of thy new flock with the milk of piety; and when they were replete with such wholesome spiritual sustenance, thou gavest them the solid provender of Orthodox doctrine, thereby confirming their souls in godly reverence and true devotion.

Ikos: Arise and praise Aidan, O Northumbria! O Holy Isle of Lindisfarne, rejoice and be glad! Ye kings and princes, lords and commons, lift up your voices in jubilation! For the blessed hierarch ever imparteth to your land the mercy and favor of the Most High, shedding the rays thereof upon your cities, villages and towns. Wherefore, let the streams of the River Humber carry his fame to all the world, and let York, Durham and Bamburgh declare his glory to all Christendom, that every nation may glorify God, Who is wondrous in His saints, that He may confirm our souls in godly reverence and true devotion.

Sessional hymn of the Deposition, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Go thou quickly before…”: Thy most precious cincture, wherewith thou didst gird thy womb about, was sanctified in the temple of God, as a divine offering, O pure and all-immaculate one who didst conceive God. Wherefore, touching it with faith, and venerating it with fear and honor, we are sanctified.

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

Sessional hymn of the holy hierarch, Tone VIII: Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Well didst thou heed the words of David the Psalmist, O Aidan, for thou didst take care not to be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose jaws must be held with bit and bridle; wherefore, when a costly steed was bestowed upon thee by the pious king, thou didst straightway give it away to a pauper, reproving the sovereign when he protested thy liberality, for the poor in Christ, who are always with us, are higher in value than all the horses of this world.

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

Another sessional hymn of the Deposition,Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up…”: Thy church doth celebrate the deposition of thy precious cincture with splendor, and crieth out to thee, O pure Virgin: Thou girdest all against the power of the enemy. Lay low also the arrogance of the godless barbarians, and direct our life, that we may do the divine will of the Lord.

Ode IV, Canon I, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen into repose, thou wast taken up into the light unwaning, yet for those who call thee blessed thou hast left, in place of thy body, O pure one, thy precious cincture, a wellspring of miracles, a place of salvation, and a rampart for the city which honoreth thee, O all-pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We enter thy temple as a new heaven, where thy divine cincture hath been enshrined as a treasure as splendid as the sun, emitting rays of miracles, illumining the hearts of all, and dispelling the gloom of the passions, O Maiden.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the ark of noetic sanctity, O pure and all-hymned one; and thou bestowest upon thy people the precious shrine containing the cincture which thou didst wear upon thy body, as a great refuge and an inexhaustible wellspring of healings.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A gift of great value hath been brought to thy city: thy precious cincture, O most immaculate one; and it was enshrined on this day in thy divine temple, and is become a cause of great rejoicing for those who fervently love thee, O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The shadows of the law and the visions of the prophets foretold that thou wouldst become the true Mother of God, O all-pure one through whom the curse hath been lifted and perfect blessing and saving grace have blossomed forth for those who hymn thee with faith and love.

Canon II, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having appointed thee as a most honored firmament, O Theotokos, the Creator and Fashioner adorned thee with divine splendors, as with stars, whereby thou dost illumine the ends of the earth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy city, having thee as its might and firm foundation, O Theotokos, is sustained by thy divine cincture; and it stretcheth it out as an indestructible bond in time of battle.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, thy divine cincture draweth up from earth to heaven us who are transported by love for thee and it. Wherefore, we glorify thee as the cause of a greater glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold, grace inexhaustible! Come ye all, and with ardent heart draw forth rivers ever flowing from the honored shrine of the all-pure Mother, O ye who love the feasts of the Church.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: Thy grace hath shone forth upon the nations, and the ends of the earth have beheld Thy glory, for by Thy Cross hast Thou saved the whole world.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Let all the ends of the earth rejoice today in the memory of the holy hierarch Aidan, who cast down the idols of the heathen and shone forth the grace of God in the Kingdoms of Deira and Bernicia.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

All Orthodox nations exult greatly today, lauding the apostolic struggles and journeys of the wondrous Aidan, by whose tireless efforts the Faith of Christ was established.

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

Now let us all emulate the blessed Aidan, the model for monastics and paragon of Christian virtues, that having like him pleased our heavenly Master, we may enter into His gracious joy.

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

Despairing of our salvation because of our manifold offenses, in fear we flee to thee, O most immaculate one; and, clasping thy precious feet, we beseech thy mighty intercession.

Ode V, Canon I, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When thy divine cincture was enshrined on this day in thy temple, O divinely joyous one, all manner of blessings were laid up with it; and he who approacheth it is filled to overflowing with sanctity, receiving that for which he asketh with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In giving birth to the all-comely Word thou wast adorned, O Virgin, and in thy beauteous habitation thou hast been well-pleased to enshrine the beautiful cincture wherewith thou didst gird thy beauteous body, O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy holy temple is acknowledged by all to be a second paradise, O most immaculate one; for, within, it hath acquired thy cincture, which, like a sweet-smelling rose, filleth with divine fragrance the hearts of those who with faith fall down before it.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A cloud of divine rain wast thou, O all-immaculate one, letting fall the water of sanctification, bringing the land, frozen by sin, to the fruitfulness of piety. Wherefore, with faith we call thee blessed.

Canon II, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast magnified Thy Mother, O Lord; Thou hast exalted her above all the noetic powers, for her glory is beyond compare.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The grace of God is now bestowed unstintingly through thy precious shrine, O all-pure Theotokos, upon those who do thee homage with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Faithful rulers are girded about with thy power; and thy city boasteth in thee as its ally, O all-pure one, being honored by the possession of thy cincture.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: Once, the seraph, taking up tongs, took up a burning ember and touched it to Isaiah’s lips; and, purified, he proclaimed unto all: Learn ye righteousness!

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Alms didst thou constantly receive from the mighty of the world, O Aidan; and these didst thou straightway distribute among the poor and needy. Wherefore, great is thy treasure in the heavens.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Neither silver nor gold didst thou keep for thyself, O friend of the Most High, but didst hold the poor in spirit to be thy true treasure; and therein didst thy heart delight, O God-bearer.

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

Despondency and all the carnal passions didst thou dispel from thy soul by the rigors of abstinence and ascetic struggles, O venerable one. Wherefore, thou becamest a true model for monks.

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

Even the most eloquent of orators is utterly at a loss how to describe the mighty works which thine omnipotent Son hath wrought through thee, O most pure Maiden.

Ode VI, Canon I, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

For our sake didst thou bear as a babe Him Who existed before time began, and thou renewest hearts grown old through sin, which obtain regeneration though the deposition of thy precious cincture, O Ever-virgin Maiden.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy holy church is marvellous in righteousness, having acquired thy miraculous cincture, which poureth forth wonders; and it is shown to be an abyss of healing for the poor, O Virgin, Mother and Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Every soul that gathereth in thy holy temple is filled with gladness, beholding thy cincture therein like a radiant sun, emitting the light of the works of the Maker of all and the divine Spirit.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Overlooking all our offenses, O pure one, strengthen thou our hearts, for thou girdest about with power those who have with faith acquired thy cincture as a treasure of great price which cannot be taken away.

Canon II, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Lord hath glorified thee wholly above all nature, exalting thee alone; and thee, together with thy temple, thy cincture and divine shrine, hath He honored in manner past recounting, O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Streams of grace pour forth, as out of the depths, from the shrine of the all-pure one, and surround all of creation, giving drink to those who with faith worship thy birthgiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as their strength and boast, the faithful are girded about with glory, possessing thy precious cincture as a most splendid and precious ornament, O Theotokos.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: Emulating the Prophet Jonah, I cry out: O Good One, free my life from corruption! O Savior of the world, save me who cry out: Glory to Thee!

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Nailing the uprisings of thy flesh to the fear of God, thou didst earnestly take up thy cross and follow after Christ Jesus thy Lord, by Whose sufferings we have been redeemed.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Glory and majesty shine forth on this day of thy memorial, O blessed one; for having shed the old man like a garment, thou didst put on Christ, Who shineth with uncreated light.

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

Lowly and humble, O Aidan, thou didst yet consort with kings, princes and highborn nobles, teaching them to repent, in that the mighty will be cast down and those of low degree will be exalted.

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

All-blessed art thou, O Lady Theotokos, for within thy pure womb did the Author of all deign to dwell, so that it surpasseth all the celestial heights in glory.

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 IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast ­appeared today…”: Today thy temple doth celebrate the deposition of thy precious cincture, O all-hymned one, and it earnestly crieth out to thee: Rejoice, O Virgin, thou boast of Christians!

Ikos: Illumine me with thy light, O Virgin Theotokos, and disperse the darkness which lieth grievously upon my mind, that in purity I may approach thee, the pure one who hath brought deification to mortals. I hymn thy divine cincture, which outshineth the sun, and which this world hath as its steadfast protection and hope, which vanquisheth the councils of the iniquitous foe, destroyeth their wiles, and ever preserveth thy servants, O most immaculate and unblemished one. Rejoice, O Virgin, thou boast of Christians!

Ode VII, Canon I, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Queen of all, having departed for the mansions of heaven, hath left behind her cincture as a treasure for the king of all cities, and thereby we are saved from the invasion of foes, visible and invisible.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us now approach the wellspring which poureth forth grace and mercy: the precious shrine containing the most precious cincture of the Virgin and Mother who honored humanity with her precious birthgiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Praise the Lord, all ye hosts of heaven! Glorify her who gave birth to Him, all ye nations of men! For she hath bestowed her cincture upon the faithful as a true refuge and salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let the clouds drop righteousness down from above at the deposition of thy cincture, O divinely joyous cloud; and let every soul sing sweetly, rejoicing: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Canon II, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that Thou alone art the Bestower of light, as the Sun of righteousness Thou hast divinely enlightened the temple of the pure one with Thy divers gifts; and, shining therein, she illumineth her cincture with rays of splendor.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Surrounding thy cincture as it were the golden jar, O thou who alone art pure, we now partake in a truly divine manner of the sweetness of grace, and honor it as more exalted than the tablets of the law, O most blessed one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Vessels of miracles truly pour forth thy grace upon the faithful, O pure Maiden, which issueth forth abundantly from thy shrine as from another river of Eden.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Approach now with gladness, all ye on earth! Come ye! The shrine mystically crieth to the Lady: Surround ye the all-glorious one who hath preserved her cincture in me!

Of the hierarch, Irmos: O Lord God of our fathers, Who didst appear to the law-giver in the fiery bush and therein prefigure Thy nativity from the Virgin: Blessed art Thou!

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Now still do the tides sunder thy Holy Isle from the coastal lands, O Aidan our helmsman; yet during thy life did naught separate thee from the love of thy Lord.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Devoutly did the pious Oswald grant thee the islands of the sea, O boast of monks: wherefore, on Lindisfarne thou didst found a mighty monastery; while Farne witnessed thy solitary struggles in prayer.

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

Prudence, the highest of pastoral virtues, reigned supreme in thy life, so that multitudes of the heathen, perceiving the light of Christ shining forth from thee, glorified God, crying: Blessed art Thou!

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

Robed in gold inwrought with many colors, the all-immaculate Queen and Mother standeth in majesty by the throne of the Most High, mercifully interceding for her sinful servants.

Ode VIII, Canon I, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Like a holy throne hath the coffer, containing the resting cincture of the only divine Maiden and pure Queen of all, been splendidly enshrined within the holy place wherein none may enter; and therefrom perfect rest issueth forth abundantly upon those who labor amid many pangs.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In sacred manner didst thou give birth unto the Lord on the earth, and with thy holy hands didst truly gird Him about Who girdeth the pious with power; and now, having ascended on high to the heavens, thou hast left thy precious cincture as might and protection for men, O Virgin Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The divine grace which followeth upon thy precious cincture, O pure Virgin, is truly the healing of the ailing, the confirmation of those who stumble, the divine good cheer of the despondent, a rudder for those at sea and the return of the lost; and we venerate it with faith for all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Celebrating today the holy deposition of thy divine cincture, we, thy servants, honor the sacred festivity and with joy cry out to thee: Rejoice, O Theotokos, joy of the angels and of all men who chant with faith: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Canon II, 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!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Of old, the ark held the divine tablets inscribed by the hand of God, O all-pure one; but thy revered and precious shrine, O pure Mistress, containeth the cincture of thee who held within thyself the dread mystery of the One Who established the law thereof.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The angels now join chorus in thine honored temple, O pure and all-pure one, and embrace thy precious and holy cincture, which we venerate with love, joy and great gladness, hymning thee, the glory of our race, O Mistress.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the rod which gave rise to the Flower of life, the joy of all, the pure and priceless phial of the Spirit, the treasury of good things, the fount of sweet fragrance; and from thy divine shrine the myrrh of healings poureth forth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The noetic warriors hymn thy mighty works, O pure and all pure one; all the patriarchs and prophets manifestly proclaim thee, together with the apostles, the priests, and the choirs of the martyrs; and with them we also do thee homage.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: Hymn the Lord, Who preserved the children in the burning fiery furnace and descended unto them in the form of an angel, and exalt Him supremely forever!

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

At thy preaching, O godly hierarch Aidan, the hearts of men were opened to the teachings of Christ Jesus; for as thou didst teach, so didst thou live, conforming thyself to the divine precepts.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

In time of strife, when pagan hordes strove to burn the royal city to the ground, O Aidan, thou didst set their malice at nought, and by the power of God didst turn back against them the very flames they kindled.

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

Singing the praises of God, like the youths in the furnace, while fires threatened to consume Bamburgh, by thine entreaty thou didst preserve the Christian city unharmed by the flames, turning them back upon the malefactors.

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

Exalting thee among all women, Christ made His abode within thee, O pure Theotokos, miraculously issuing forth from thee at His birth without breaking the seal of thy virginity.

Ode IX, Canon I, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold, the divine couch of Solomon, which sixty of the powerful—the sayings of the ­Scripture—surround as it were a royal bower! In a precious coffer she placeth her cincture today, that all the faithful may invoke her, and for the safekeeping of the pious.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O city of the King of heaven, of whom wondrous things have been spoken! Thou hast given thy most holy cincture as a precious and holy gift to thy city, for the confirmation of all the faithful, and thereby the rulers, resplendent in Orthodoxy, vanquish the adversary.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ye mountains, now drop down sweetness, and ye hills, everlasting gladness. O ye assemblies of patriarchs, choirs of martyrs, ye company of prophets and honored assembly of the divine apostles: rejoice with all of us at the deposition of the divine cincture of the divine Maiden.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast sanctified all things by thy birthgiving, O Virgin, and hast now bestowed upon us an excess of enlightenment: thine all-holy cincture, at whose deposition all the earth danceth and honoreth thee, who hast filled mankind with ineffable joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art merciful, O pure one, deliver me, who have recourse to thy mercy, from the false love of the passions, from the enemy who ever tempteth me with the burden of sins, from despondency, cruel abduction, captivity and sin, O all-pure one.

Canon II, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy shrine, which, like a treasury of life, doth worthily contain and preserve thy cincture as the garment of thy virginity and bridehood, is truly shown to be a most honorable wedding chamber, O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Church, arrayed with thy divine and most holy cincture as with a diadem of divine beauty, O Theotokos, rejoiceth royally today, and is adorned with thy glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The temple of the Virgin, like in all ways unto the heavens, is well adorned this day. O ye faithful, having received gifts of splendor, and being illumined as with the beauties of the stars, make yourselves bright with radiance.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy city, O Theotokos, possesseth thy cincture as an ally and rampart of peace, the divine unity of the dogmas, the boast of the Orthodox, bestowing victory upon kings.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We hymn thine ineffable glory and thine immeasurable grace, for thou art the wellspring of wisdom, from whence the Word issueth forth for all who honor thee, O all-pure one, and magnify thy birthgiving.

Of the hierarch, Irmos: With hymns do we magnify Thee, the God and man, Who wast first begotten without mother, and then wast born without father.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

As a good shepherd, and not a hireling, O Aidan, thou didst call upon the infidels to cast away their unbelief and to enter, rejoicing, into the fold of the Church, embracing the one true Faith.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Instructing believers in word and deed, O holy hierarch, thou didst strengthen them in the doing of good deeds, that their faith might be alive within them and bear the ripe fruits of piety.

Holy father, Aidan, pray to God for us.

Devoting thyself to monastic ideals, thou didst found many monasteries and convents throughout Northumbria, O most glorious one, nurturing generations of monastics in continence, and uprooting the passions from them like tares.

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

Again and again were the timbers of the church where thou didst repose reduced utterly to ashes, O holy Aidan; yet the wooden buttress whereon thou didst lean when thy soul took flight was never touched or consumed by the flames.

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

Now let us entreat the mediation of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of the all-seeing Judge Who hath pardoned mankind, Whose sufferings, resurrection and ascension the wondrous Aidan gloriously preached.

Troparion of the Deposition, Tone VIII: O Ever-virgin Theotokos, protection of mankind: thou hast given to thy city a mighty legacy, the robe and cincture of thy most honored body, which have remained incorrupt through thy seedless birthgiving. For in thee are nature and time renewed. Wherefore, we beseech thee to grant peace to thy city and great mercy to our souls.

Troparion of the holy hierarch, Tone I: A scion of Ireland, transplanted to Iona, the isle of saints, tended there thou didst grow to spiritual fruition; and when the field of Northumbria was ready to receive the seeds of the Christian Faith, thou wast sent thither to plant the crop of salvation. Wherefore, laboring diligently day and night, thou didst produce a rich harvest for Christ. O godly Aidan our father, entreat Him earnestly, that our souls find mercy.