Canons for the Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs

Canon of the Theotokos, the composition of John Mauropus, Metropolitan of Euchaïta, in Tone II

Ode I, Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided the sea and guided the people whom He had led forth from the bondage of Egypt, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-pure one, from cruel misfortunes, from infirmities and transgressions, save me who, with body and soul, do piously confess thee to be the pure Theotokos in truth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We have come to know the whole abyss of spiritual gifts which lieth within thee, O Theotokos; wherefore, fleeing earnestly to thy divine protection, we are saved.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Entreat Him Who became incarnate of thine all-pure and precious blood, O all-pure one, in behalf of us who hymn thee, that we may be delivered from transgressions and bitter pain.

Canon I of the holy hierarchs, the acrostic whereof is: “I proclaim the three suns of the light of the threefold Sun”, the composition of the same John, in the same tone:

Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

What manner of thanksgiving, what manner of suitable reciprocity should we offer to our benefactors, by whom we are instructed in how to live in goodness, O ye people?

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Let the tongues of the orators, their skill and craft, and all the power of their words, now be applied toward a single end; and, honouring them, let us venerate them all together.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The heavenly minded could not bear what was peculiar to them so as to acquire something on earth; and they were revealed as preservers of society and intercessors. Let them therefore be vouchsafed praises in common.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most immaculate one, as with a single mouth, and forming a single concord, we all glorify thee, our common distinction of honour.

Canon II of the holy hierarchs, the composition of the same John, 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.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

This beginning is not an undertaking of human zeal; but let the wisdom which sitteth on thy throne aid me, O Thou Who lovest mankind, granting me the grace of discourse, whereby I may be enabled to glorify those whom wisdom itself hath glorified well beforehand.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Like a cup full to overflowing, O Master, Thy grace and the great riches of Thy love for mankind have been poured forth and have flowed forth to show those now proposed for laudation to be like other angels in the matter of the flesh.

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

It is fitting that there be praises from heaven and angelic hymnody fit for the godly; for they have become gods through communion, having Him, Who by nature is the one true God, living and speaking within them.

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

The memorial of the righteous doth perfect the divinely wise company with praises; and therewith the Mother of God, as their head, is glorified magnificently, holding the last, the first and the middle rank, and partaking of goodly praise.

Ode III, Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy supplications, O pure one, render God, to Whom thou gavest birth, readily reconciled with thy servants, who flee to thy protection and worship thy birthgiving with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Pilot my whole life, O Virgin, my hope and intercessor, delivering me from temptations and evil circumstances, O Ever-virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou didst bear in thine arms the hypostatic Wisdom of God, O Theotokos, pray thou that those who hymn thee be delivered from ignorance and error.

Irmos: Establishing me upon the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth against mine enemies, for my spirit doth exult when I chant: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous save Thee, O Lord!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The great clarion of the Church, the beacon illumining the whole world, the preacher embracing all the ends of the earth with his proclamation, Basil of great renown moveth this assembly.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Radiant of life and activity, radiant of discourse and teachings, outshining all in all things, as another sun outshineth the stars, the much hymned Theologian is blessed.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Lo! the light of the world shineth upon the world! Behold, the salt of the earth sweeteneth the earth! Lo! the tree of life produceth the fruits of immortality, O holy Chrysostom. Come ye who desire to escape death, and find ye delight!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who brought all things into being out of non-existence and granted being to each creature, knoweth how to set forth the given natures as He desireth. Hence, who will not marvel on hearing that the Virgin gave birth?

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.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Praised with splendour may the radiant instructors of life be: the correctors of morals, the edifiers of souls, the common saviours of all, who have shown forth to us models of deeds and words.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The Spirit of God filled Basil with skill; Gregory alone possessed tongues of fire and breathed forth the fire of exalted discourse; and the mouth of Christ spake in John.

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

The foolishness of preaching manifestly made the wisdom of this age of no effect, rendering it submissive and making it serve as a slave; for grace set the wise preachers forth as orators.

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

He Who made His abode within the womb of the pure Virgin maketh the souls of the God-bearing saints His dwelling-place, and through their lips He recounteth the mystery of His Mother.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Together let us praise the great and luminous beacons, the unbreakable pillars of the Church, delighting in the goodly discourses and the grace of the all-wise Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory the splendid Theologian. And to them let us cry out, giving voice from the depths of our hearts: O thrice-great holy hierarchs, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who celebrate your holy memory with love.

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

Another sessional hymn, the same tone & melody: Receiving wisdom from God like three more apostles of Christ, with the discourse of understanding ye set forth dogmas, which of old the fishermen set down in simple words, through the power of the Spirit in understanding; for thus was it fitting to acquire a simple exposition of our Faith. Wherefore, we all cry out to you: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who celebrate your holy memory with love.

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

Theotokion: O Theotokos, in the mercy of thy supplications go thou before my lowly soul, which is now engulfed by the waves and storm of life’s temptations, and, laden with the heavy burden of sins, is become rudderless and is nigh unto sinking into the depths of hades. Grant it peace and rescue it from misfortunes, for thou art a calm haven, praying to thy Son and God, that He grant me remission of transgressions; for thee do I, thine unworthy servant, have as my hope.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, and have glorified Thee Who alone lovest mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mistress, who gavest birth to God, grant me delivery from the wounds of my soul and the infirmities of my flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy supplications, O only all-hymned Mother of God, deliver me from evil circumstances, from tempest and misfortunes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rescue me, who am tempest-tossed by the waves of life, O Virgin, guiding me to thy haven.

Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither 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!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Acquiring knowledge through lower wisdom, O all-glorious one, ye received the helmsman’s ­position through divine wisdom; wherefore, ye most wisely made lower wisdom subject to you as a handmaiden.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

O lovers of wisdom, in that ye love what is wise, ye become wise, and ye teach all to speak; and they marvel at your discourses, thereby taught the discipline of activity and mystic vision.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Creator of the waters and the ages, O most immaculate one, Who in latter times became like unto a late morning rain, descended into thy womb, duly cooling those who were fainting.

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!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

A pillar of fire going before the faithful people, consuming the enemies of the Faith and manifestly saving the tribes who followed was the great Basil shown to be, that the Church of Christ might be bold and prevail, enriched by such a champion.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

O Gregory, thy discourse was sweetness to the tongue, the delight of every ear, the manna of life, a dew of delight, honey from a rock, the heavenly bread of the angels, moving those who partake thereof to enjoy fully, filling them with sweetness.

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

A river of spiritual gifts full to overflowing, flooding the goodly face of the earth like a torrent of sweetness, floweth forth from the golden mouth, delighting and watering every Christian city with streams of divine waves.

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

O Mistress, the three God-bearing teachers confessed that there is in thy Son a simple nature which underwent synthesis and showed itself to be above confusion; and they proclaimed Him to have two wills and two activities by nature.

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having thee as an invincible weapon against the divers temptations of the enemy, we who acknowledge thee to be the pure Theotokos are ever delivered from all the oppression of the foe.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who art more exalted than the cherubim, thou gavest birth to the Fullness of the law, the only-begotten Son Who became incarnate of thee. Him do thou beseech in behalf of thy servants.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having borne the Creator of all things in thine arms, by thy supplications reconcile Him with us who now have recourse to thee with all our heart.

Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, enlightenment of those who lie in darkness and salvation of the despairing: rising early unto Thee, O King of the world, may I be enlightened by Thy radiance, for I know none other God than Thee.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Thou didst permit the saints to drink deeply of the wellspring of Thy gifts, which in nowise is diminished in its flow, but watereth the whole earth with the divine torrents which flow from its source, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

What is gold to me? What to me are riches and glory and power? Smoke dispersed upon the winds! Let them all vanish; let the wind bear them all away! Mine only greatly-cherished riches are the trinity of eloquent teachers.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The river poureth forth incorruptible sustenance and divine drink: it poureth forth the food of immortality for those who hunger, and incorruptible drink for those who thirst. Its water is eternally living and sustaineth alive those who drink of it. Partake ye all of its ever-flowing life!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Evil hath power over us, but not utterly; for it hath grown weak since the Virgin gave birth to Him Who is mighty in power, Who took upon Himself the weakness of the flesh and hath slain Him Who is mighty in malice.

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.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

With thankful voices let us praise the wise sages of divine and human things, who in their love of the Truth have manifestly made known to us the nature of things, and have described their Creator unto all, as is meet.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

With their wise doctrinal discourses and skills the godly healers of men’s souls sweetened that which is bitter and astringent for the salvation of cures. O all ye pious, adorned, find ye delight and be saved!

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

All discourse falleth silent when the divine preachers utter divine things. The New Testament prevaileth over the Old, presenting as precious tablets those who set forth the laws therein, with whom the whole concourse of the faithful are reckoned.

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

The immortal Being passed over mortality to holiness, and the Virgin Maiden hath surpassed the incorporeal angels, for she gave birth to God, the King of the angels, upon Whom they are unable to gaze.

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.

Knowing thee to be a haven of salvation, sailing the deep of this grief-laden life, I call upon thee, O Mistress: Be thou the pilot of my soul!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wretch that I am, I have fallen away from a pure life; yet lead me up, O blessed and all-pure one, uniting me to thy Son’s precepts.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Vouchsafe unto me thy mercy, O Theotokos who gavest birth to the all-merciful Word Who by His own blood hath delivered men from corruption.

Irmos: The great abyss of sin encompasseth me, and, emulating the prophet, I cry to thee: Lead me up from corruption, O Lord!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Together, O ye three, bless the properties of God: the unbegottenness of the Father, the generation of the Word and the procession of the Spirit Himself.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Today hath salvation, radiantly manifest, come to this house; for Christ, honouring His own name, is present in the midst of the two or three gathered together.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Immeasurably distant from the heights of heaven is the abyss of the earth; yet divine desire hath borne the saints from the earth higher than the heavens.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The three divine preachers, having thee as a new wellspring and source of mysteries, O Virgin, adopt a novel manner of speech with new sources.

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.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

We have learned to theologise concerning the only Trinity, and have agreed to hymn the threefold Unity: we have been taught by the fathers to worship the single Essence in three Hypostases.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The Word, Who is without beginning, and the Spirit of God, existed in the beginning with the Father: the all-unoriginate God is a simple, consubstantial, co-essential Godhead, as the divine preachers say.

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

I shall unite and separate those things that are separated through unity; I think of the One as indivisible, and consider It Three; and I accept the three God-bearing teachers who have admonished me thus to believe.

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

The Son of the Father and the Mother, Who was without mother before assuming the flesh and was without father after His incarnation, saith these things, all of which pass understanding: for all-glorious wonders befit God.

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

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

Kontakion, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “The steadfast…”: The sacred heralds of divine proclamation, the foremost among the teachers, hast Thou received, O Lord, into the enjoyment of Thy good things and into rest; for Thou hast accepted their labours and death as surpassing any whole burnt offering, O Thou Who alone dost glorify Thy saints.

Ikos: Who can open his lips and move his tongue to breathe forth fire with the power of the Word and the Spirit? Yet say but the word, and I will make bold to speak; for these three have transcended all human nature in their many and great gifts, their activity and vision, surpassing both in splendour. Wherefore, Thou hast vouchsafed unto men such great gifts, in that they are Thy faithful servants, O Thou Who alone dost glorify Thy saints.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who was incarnate of thee and was nailed to the Cross, O Theotokos, hath rent asunder Adam’s record. Him do thou now beseech, O most immaculate one, that they be delivered from all misfortunes who cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mistress, thou art the good hope and helper of the faithful; and now we entreat thee to grant an abyss of sympathy to all who trust in thee and cry to thy Son: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Though arrayed at baptism in the beauteous raiment of the commandments of the Saviour, I have defiled it through slothfulness, wretch that I am; and now I flee to thee, O Virgin, begging that through thee I be clothed again in the robe of gladness.

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.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The former inconstant audacity of heresies is vanquished and doth retreat, O blessed one, and every debased teaching is shown to be like wax melting in the presence of fire, struck down by your fiery proclamation.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

They turned away from the false myths of the Greeks and chose persuasion alone to establish their authority among men; and these three, having established the truth therewith, thus triumph over the whole assembly of the faithful with their discourses, and exhort them.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In thee hath every prophecy come to rest and reached its end, amazing those who say: From thee, O pure one, do the wonders of prophecies pour forth most radiantly, showing those who utter them to be wise.

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!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The divinely eloquent ones were pillars of virtue and wisdom, whether they kept silent or spake, whether they watched or listened, commanding us by their words and deeds to cry: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Receiving your divine voices which thunder forth upon us all-wondrously from on high, and your exhortations which are like flashes of lightning, O divinely wise ones; we therefore chant with you: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Stones shall be launched from the stone-bows of their tongues, crushing those corrupted by false doctrines, if any among the blasphemers dare refuse to exclaim: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

He Who buildeth with the elements, and transformeth nature as He desireth, made His abode within thee and left thee a virgin even after thou gavest birth, O Mary Theotokos. To Him do we now cry out with thee, O most immaculate one: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having through faith acquired thee as a steadfast pillar and foundation of strength, as a protector and intercessor, O all-pure one, we are now saved; and we hymn and supremely exalt thine Offspring for all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, we know thee to be a clear wellspring of immortality, for thou gavest birth to the Word of the immortal Father, Who delivereth from death all who exalt Him supremely forever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou dost ever pour forth a stream of healings upon us, the faithful; and receiving now its abundant grace, we hymn thine Offspring, O all-pure one, and exalt Him supremely for all ages.

Irmos: Same as that of the preceding canon.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

We reverently ponder and glorify with equal honour the one Essence, the infinitely powerful Unity and Trinity, Who ordereth all these things with more exalted words; for thus have the three God-Bearers taught us to worship, and with them we bow down before the Trinity forever.

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The three divine preachers have united themselves, joining together to form a trinity, and preserving themselves inseparable by their divine nature; and they have thus received a single, indivisible glory, which summoneth to a single laudation those who exalt it supremely forever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, the Benefactor, accepting what is ours, and giving us what is His own, did not suffer, but merely created; for though He is the Creator, He doth not ordain corruption; and though He suffered of His own will, through His suffering He setteth men loose from the passions, as the three fathers mystically teach us.

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!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

Having united them in a unity of equal honour, lest the man who rendereth them praise distinguish between them, God esteemeth them equal in their gifts, that He might vouchsafe them to chant equal hymns, singing: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Hierarchs of Christ, pray to God for us.

The mighty and invincible champions of the Godhead, the true allies of the Truth, having tested well the depths of the Spirit, set forth their divine understandings concerning God, and teach us to chant: Ye people, exalt Christ supremely for all ages!

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

From heaven two magnificent luminaries enlighten the earth one after the other according to their preëminence; but three all-great luminaries illumine the whole world more brightly, chanting together: Ye people, exalt Christ supremely for all ages!

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

For our sake God deigned to become incarnate and undergo His honoured sufferings, for our sake He dwelt among men; and though He had not tasted of death and was free of the passions, through union with mortal flesh He also partook of suffering and death. With His Mother let us exalt Christ supremely forever!

At Ode IX, we do not sing the Magnificat, but chant instead the refrain:

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven!

And thereafter we chant the irmos. And we chant this same refrain before each of the troparia of the canon of the Theotokos.

Irmos: O ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption, and Who became ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake.

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven!

O divinely blessed Maiden, I earnestly place all my hope on thee. Save me, O Mother of the true Life, and pray that I, who magnify thee faithfully and lovingly with hymns, may enjoy everlasting delight, O pure one.

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven!

O Virgin who hast been shown to be the portal of divine Light, with the immaterial radiance of thy light illumine the darkness of my soul; and pray thou, O pure one, that I who magnify thee faithfully and lovingly with hymns may be delivered from eternal fire.

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven!

The Son, Who was begotten from within the Father before time began, made His abode within thy womb; He became perfect man, O Mother of God, and hath shown thee to be a wellspring of gifts for us who faithfully do homage to thine ineffable birthgiving.

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.

Each troparion of the canons of the hierarchs is preceded by its own refrain:

Magnify, O my soul, the three great luminaries among the hierarchs!

Lo! your crop, the flock for which ye endured the greatest of pangs, having assembled and received you three together, hath your most sweet union as their common boast.

Magnify, O my soul, the three luminaries of the Church of Christ!

Grace wielded not a two-edged sword, but one with three edges against the foe: a single blade forged in heaven and sharpened with threefold might, which ever fighteth for the one thrice-radiant Godhead.

Magnify, O my soul, those who illumine the Church of Christ!

Your residence was in the heavens, O all-glorious ones, with those bearing flesh eternally undefiled; and dwelling most perfectly now among them, entreat those who are most high, that they take thought and pray for us who abide yet on earth.

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven.

The breadth of thy mighty deeds confineth me, O Mistress, giving me close-reasoned discourse, and all-gloriously I am at a loss because of thy magnificence. Wherefore, we glorify Him Who hath thus magnified thee.

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.

Magnify, O my soul, the three pastors of the all-holy Trinity!

A threefold virtue hath been exalted and hath filled all things with glory, shining forth upon us another thrice-radiant ray as its own effulgence: the initiates of the mysteries of heaven, by whom we are guided in piety to the divine vision thereof.

Magnify, O my soul, the three great luminaries of the triple Sun!

There is no repetition in these three, for each of them beareth the seniority: none is first, but there is a surpassing equality of honour; and they all-joyously credit the victory to each other, for the audacity of jealousy, which corrupteth oneness of mind, hath no place in them.

Magnify, O my soul, the might of the indivisible Godhead in three Hypostases!

The piety of the fathers, having shown forth its own firstborn sons, through them begetteth faithful and blameless children of the light, who are made perfect by the Spirit Who spake life in them; and it asketh them to preserve, inviolate to the end, the peace which it inherited from them.

Magnify, O my soul, the all-pure Virgin Theotokos, who is more honourable than the armies of heaven!

Through the revelation of the Father, the foremost of wise hierarchs proclaimed thy Son to be the Son of the living God, O Mother of God, receiving knowledge of the mystery not from flesh and blood; wherefore, glorifying thee, the Virgin, he magnified thee as Mother and Theotokos.

Troparion, Tone IV: In that ye share in the ways of the apostles, O teachers of the whole world, entreat the Master of all, that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls. 

The Translation of the Relics of St Ignatius the God-Bearer

January 29 / February 11

After the holy hieromartyr Ignatius was thrown to the lions in the year 107 on the orders of the emperor Trajan, Christians gathered up his bones and preserved them at Rome.

Later, in the year 108, the saint’s relics were collected and buried outside the gate of Daphne at Antioch. A second transfer, to the city of Antioch itself, took place in the year 438. After the capture of Antioch by the Persians, the relics of the Hieromartyr Ignatius were returned to Rome and placed into the church of the holy Hieromartyr Clement in the year 540 (in 637, according to other sources).

Saint Ignatius introduced antiphonal singing into Church services. He has left us seven archpastoral epistles in which he provided instructions on faith, love and good works. He also urged his flock to preserve the unity of the faith and to beware of heretics. He encouraged people to honor and obey their bishops, “We should regard the bishop as we would the Lord Himself.” (To the Ephesians 6)

In his Letter to Polycarp, Saint Ignatius writes: “Listen to the bishop, if you want God to listen to you… let your baptism be your shield, your faith a helmet, your charity a spear, your patience, like full armour.” (Compare Eph. 6:14-17 and the Wisdom of Solomon 5:17-20. Also The Ladder 4:2)

The Canon of the Saint, the acrostic whereof is:  “In songs do I hymn Ignatius, the star of the East”, the composition of Theophanes, in 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.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Guiding my life to virtue, O God-bearer Ignatius, illumine me with the light of the grace which shineth in thee, and by thy supplications set at naught the tumult of the passions.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast like most fertile soil, increasing its seed a hundredfold at the harvest, O God-bearer Ignatius, for Christ Who watereth souls with the rain of the Spirit.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

The Master and God of all, perceiving with the power of His foreknowledge the nobility of thy soul, O God-bearer Ignatius, illumined thee with the divinely splendid radiance of grace.

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

Illumined by the rays of the noetic Sun, O most wise one, thou didst hasten in splendor from the East like the material sun, casting light upon the darkness of the West by thy preaching.

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

O most pure Bride of God, thou gavest birth to One of the all-divine Trinity Who through thee revealed Himself as like us in the flesh, as the Father willed and with the coöperation of the most Holy Spirit.

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Heal thou my mind which hath been afflicted with grievous carnal passions, O ever-memorable Ignatius, martyr of Christ.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Knowing well that thou wast of one mind with the apostles, Christ appointed thee as a teacher shining with divine light upon all the Churches.

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

Having beheld the Bestower of life slain for thy sake, O Ignatius, with love thou didst hasten to endure death for His sake.

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

Cleansed by the Spirit beforehand, O pure one, thou gavest birth to the Word of the Father, for the benefit of rational nature.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Of the divine Faith…”: Illumined by the divine Spirit, with pastoral boldness and great wisdom thou didst put to shame the savagery of the tyrants; and, drawing thyself across the chasm of falsehood, O venerable father, thou didst reach the divine haven. Entreat Christ God, that He grant us great mercy. (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: Without separating Himself from the divine Essence when He took flesh in thy womb, the one Lord remained God though He became man; and even after thy birthgiving He preserved thee, His Virgin Mother, as immaculate as thou wast before giving birth. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He grant us great mercy.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion of Wednesday and Fridays): The unblemished Ewe-lamb of the Word, the incorrupt Virgin Mother, beholding Him Who sprang forth from her without pain suspended upon the Cross, cried out, lamenting maternally: “Woe is me, O my Child! How is it that Thou dost suffer willingly, desiring to deliver man from the indignity of the passions?”

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Fittingly called God-bearer, in that thou didst clothe thyself with life in Christ, thou dost radiantly anoint all to receive crowns through desire, O confirmation of martyrs.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Thou wast animated by the power of Him Who for thy sake was nailed to the Cross, O God-bearer Ignatius; for thou didst permit the wild beasts to separate thee from the world, enabling thee to go to Him Whom thou didst desire with love.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Desiring the beauties of the Master, and loving Him with unwavering devotion, O God-bearing martyr Ignatius, thou didst diligently emulate His sufferings.

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

Adorned with the purple robe of thy blood and the oil of thy priestly anointing, O holy hierarch, initiate of the mysteries of God, thou shinest forth with joy, crying unto Christ: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

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

He Who by His divine power created all things out of nothing, O Mother of God, was born of thee, illumining the world with the radiant beams of divinity and the splendour of divine knowledge.

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Beholding Christ now face to face, no longer as though reflected in a mirror, O Ignatius, thou hast truly united thyself to Him Who loveth thee.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Thou hast truly drawn forth enlightenment from the wellspring of the Bestower of light, O Ignatius; for Christ, holding thee in His all-pure hands, did hallow thee.

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

Acquiring a mind illumined by the Spirit of God, O Ignatius, thou sendest forth the divinely inscribed laws of grace like tablets.

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

From on high the angel joyously let his cry ring forth unto thee, O Theotokos, announcing to thee the ineffable conception of the Master.

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Possessed of the hypostatic Wisdom of God, thou didst set at naught the dogmas of the wisdom of the Greeks, O initiate of sacred mysteries, and with a great noise thou didst consign to oblivion all memory of their falsehood.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Cease thou never to pray for those who celebrate thy memory, O most blessed one, that they be delivered from most grievous temptations and misfortunes, in that thou art a right acceptable priest.

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

Excelling in courage and wisdom, O venerable and God-bearing martyr, thou wast shown to be adorned with the beauty of righteousness and chastity and surrounded by the virtues.

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

Finding thee alone like an all-pure rose, a lily of the valley, in the midst of thorns, O Mother of God, the Bridegroom and Word issued forth from thy womb.

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…”: Thou didst shine forth from the East today, illumining all creation with thy doctrines, O God-bearing and divine Ignatius, and art adorned with martyrdom.

Ikos: Sanctifying Jeremiah from his mother’s womb and, as the Omniscient One, knowing beforehand when he would be born and that he would be a habitation of His Holy Spirit, God straightway filled him with life from his youth and sent him, as His prophet and herald, to proclaim His holy coming to all on earth. And when God Himself was born of the Virgin and went forth to preach, He found the God-bearing and divine Ignatius to be a disciple worthy of His grace from infancy.

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Adorned with the divine myrrh of the priesthood, O venerable one, and with the blood of thy martyrdom, in both thou didst shine forth, crying: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Having enlightened the whole world with thy laws, with the Bread of heaven thou didst feed the faithful who cry out to thy Master: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Illumined with radiant beams and shining with the splendor of the effulgence of the Origin of light, thou didst receive heavenly delight, rejoicing, O God-bearer, thou boast of martyrs.

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

As thou didst say, O ever all-memorable martyr, thou wast ground as the grain of God by the teeth of wild beasts, and becamest a most pure bread for Him Who nurtureth all things in His divine goodness.

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

Rejoice, O sanctified and divine habitation of the Most High; for through thee, O Theotokos, hath joy been given to those who cry: Blessed art thou among women, O most immaculate Mistress!

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Standing before the tribunal, O wise and holy one, with purity of mind thou didst theologise concerning the uncreated Trinity; and, undaunted before the thrones of the savage tyrants, with noetic splendour thou didst cry out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Rationally governing thy mind with divine dogmas, O blessed Ignatius, with torrents of wisdom thou didst utterly drown the wicked demon-tyrant, the prince of deception, crying out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Shining with the boundless light of the Godhead, O invincible martyr, thou didst dispel the unstable darkness of ungodliness, sending forth radiant epistles to those who chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Thou didst not fear the savagery and rapacity of the wild beasts, O godly Ignatius; for the power of the Most High Who shone forth from the Virgin arrayed thee in the armour of the Cross as thou didst chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Thou, alone among all generations, O all-pure Virgin, wast shown to be the Mother of God; and thou wast a dwelling-place of the Godhead, O most immaculate one, unburnt by the fire of the unapproachable Light. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed, O Mary Bride of God.

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

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Most divine love, holding thy soul fast, O blessed one, burned up all the material griefs of the world with immaterial fire, and presented thee as crowned to the Summit of all desires.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Thou didst hasten to the most calm and radiant haven, O God-bearer, escaping the raging of both savage and rational beasts as though they were a tempest of threefold waves; and now thou art transported in ecstasy, receiving everlasting delight.

Holy Hieromartyr, Ignatius, pray to God for us.

Adorned with an ornate crown, O initiate of the sacred mysteries, thou dost excel; for in thee the glory of the priesthood and martyrdom are conjoined, and as one who shareth in both thou hast been glorified by thy Master.

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

As one of manifest sanctity, possessing boldness before thy Master and God, O Ignatius, pray thou, that those who with faith celebrate thy memory be delivered now from temptations.

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

Quench thou the flame of my passions with the shining dew of thy prayer, O most pure one, in that thou didst receive the divine Fire in thy womb without being consumed; for thee do I have as the hope of my salvation, O Bride of God.

Troparion, Tone IV: As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne, thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, O divinely inspired one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even to the shedding of thy blood, O hieromartyr Ignatius. Entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Prayer: O great hierarch, Ignatius the God-Bearer! We bow down before thee and beg thee: look upon us, sinners, who resort to thine intercession! Beseech the Lord to forgive us all our sins. As thou didst lay down thy soul as a martyr for the faith, grant us also courage to imitate thee in all things. Nothing in life could separate thee from thy love for the Lord: neither flattering promises, nor prohibitions, nor threats, nor the worst of torments. Thou didst joyfully appear before the beasts of fierce death, and, like an angel, thou wast in the abodes of our Heavenly Father, and thy prayer is greatly powerful before the Lord. Be, then, O holy God-Pleaser, an advocate before the Lord, asking for us a prosperous and peaceful life, health, and salvation, and in all prosperity, and victory over our enemies, that He, the Merciful One, may overshadow us with His grace and protect us in all ways with His holy angels. Help us by thy holy prayers to Almighty God, to deliver us from hunger, earthquake, drought, lack of rain and deadly diseases. Be a quick helper for us in every sorrow, especially at the hour of our death; appear to us as a bright protector and intercessor and beg the Lord to favour all of us, who now fervently pray to thee, who hast received the Kingdom of Heaven after a Christian death; for all the saints together with thee eternally glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Canons to Saints Ephraim and Isaac the Syrians

Canon of the venerable one, the acrostic whereof is: “I honour Ephraim, the noetic Euphrates”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VI:

Ode 1, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

With the Euphrates-like flood of thy supplications water thou my soul, which hath become dry with the burning heat of the passions, and inspire discourse within me who praise thy festival, O all-blessed one.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Shining forth noetic light, thou didst show thyself to be a radiant sun, O Ephraim, illumining all the fullness of the faithful with brilliant virtues and teachings.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Extinguishing the flame of the passions with the streams of tears, O divinely blessed Ephraim, thou wast a precious vessel of the Holy Spirit, pouring forth wellsprings of doctrines.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having received the incorrupt Word in thy womb, thou hast given birth to Him Who delivereth from corruption those who ever worship Him, O pure Mother and Virgin, who art truly the portal of Life.

Canon of the venerable one, the composition of Gerasimus of the Little Skete of Saint Anna, in Tone VIII:

Another Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they fled on foot, * chanting a hymn unto God.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Give strength and words to my lips, O Word of God and God, that I may hymn the venerable Isaac, who hath radiantly glorified Thee with a perfect life and instructed the ranks of monastics with divinely inspired discourse.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Having from thy youth hated all carnal luxury, O blessed Isaac, and been wounded by divine love, thou didst take the Cross of the Lord upon thy shoulders, and with thy brother didst choose a life of asceticism.

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

Borne aloft by the love of Christ the Bestower of life, O venerable one, thou didst soar to the heavenly life, and through ascetic labours wast shown to be a stranger and sojourner on the earth, O most blessed father Isaac.

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

Without knowing wedlock, thou didst conceive God Who for our sake didst become immutably incarnate as we are, through thy pure blood, O most pure Mary Theotokos. Wherefore, deliver us from changing to the worse.

Ode 3, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the horn of The faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of Thy confession.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Having purified thyself of the mire of the passions, thou didst reveal thyself to be a true receptacle of the virtues and a vessel containing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

In nowise giving slumber to thine eyes, thou didst show thyself to be a temple of the Holy Trinity and a treasury of wisdom, enriching the world with the golden rays of teachings, O blessed one.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

The honoured Church of Christ doth recognize thee as a golden-streamed Euphrates, flowing with torrents of wise doctrines and watering all creation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

 Incarnate of thy precious blood, One of the Holy Trinity divinely issued forth in two natures, saving by grace the children of Adam, O all-pure one.

Another Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

In that thou didst rid thy heart of the bonds of the passions, thou wast shown to be a receptacle of dispassion and a vessel fit for the effulgence of spiritual life, O blessed Isaac, dweller with the angels.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Full of the graces of heaven, O venerable one, who didst emulate the angels in thy conduct, at all times pouring forth from thy mouth a discourse of salvation, as it were the sweetness of incorruption.

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

Putting off the burden of the flesh, O father, thou didst elect to make thine abode in the wilderness, uniting thyself unto God with great stillness, prayer and fasting. Wherefore, thou didst become the dwelling-place of the divine Spirit.

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

O all-hymned Maiden who hast given birth unto God and destroyed the ancient sin, by thy grace do thou restore my mind, which hath been marred by the decadence of the passions which sorely afflict me.

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

Kontakion of St Ephraim, in Tone II, Spec. Mel “Seeking the highest …”: Ever looking forward to the hour of judgment, * thou didst bitterly lament, O Ephraim; * and though a lover of stillness * thou wast also a teacher of activity, O venerable one. ** Wherefore, O universal father, thou dost motivate the slothful to repentance.

Ikos: Do thou let but a drop of the waters of thy grace bedew my soul, purifying it of every unclean defilement, that cleansed, it may complete the remaining time of life zealous in all things profitable, and partake of the divine sweetness which thou didst enjoy, for thou dost quench the thirst of all who burn with passions, inspiring the slothful to repentance by thy discourses.

Sedalion of St Ephraim, in Tone V, Spec. Mel “The Word Who is co-unoriginate …”: O ye faithful, on the day of his commemoration let us hymn the treasury of the wisdom of the mysteries of Christ, the cup of divine compunction, for in accordance with his name the godly Ephraim doth ever gladden the hearts of the faithful with divine discourses, as a performer and initiate of the mysteries of the revelations of the Lord.

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

Sedalion, in Tone IV, Spec. Mel., “Go thou quickly before …”: As a divinely radiant lamp of stillness thou shinest the never-waning light of a virtuous life upon the ends of the earth, O wise one; wherefore, we, the choirs of monastics, hymn thee as a divine luminary, O God-bearer Isaac, and we study thy radiant discourses with love.

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

Theotokion in Tone IV: O pure Virgin Mother, unceasingly beseech Christ our God, Who in His ineffable tender compassion didst become incarnate of thee, that He grant us forgiveness of sins, O Maiden, and deliverance from the grievous woes of life; for unto thee, O Mother of God, do we have recourse in faith.

Ode 4, Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely singeth, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

The power of thy words hath passed through the whole world, O blessed one, driving away the blindness of men’s souls by the exalted radiance of humility.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou didst render thy life blameless, cleansing thyself with tears, O right wondrous and divinely revealed one, and by thy wise discourses hast described to all the coming of the Judge.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Having beheld the most glorious height of thy humility, the Lord gave thee exalted  discourse, whereby the grievous uprisings of heresies have been humbled.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Strengthened by the grace of the Almighty, thou didst array thyself against the princes of the demons, O father, and having vanquished them, fervently pray on behalf of us who praise thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us bless the Virgin as a divine temple, as a holy mountain, as a wellspring of incorruption, as the one who alone was the chosen of God our Creator.

Another Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou Who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, * hast visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Irrigated with the streams of thy sacred teachings, O wise Isaac, multitudes of monastics splendidly produce abundant fruit: the purity of abstinence, prayerful contemplation, and the grace of dispassion, chanting: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

With thy whole mind conversing and uniting thyself with the one God, the sight of Whom is beyond comprehension, O venerable one, thou wast filled past understanding with enlightenment, and wast shown to be a light-bearer, a tower of stillness and a most radiant beacon for monastics.

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

Living in the flesh like an incorporeal being, thou didst serve God in stillness, O God-bearer Isaac, and wast granted many graces by Christ, of which do thou grant, if only a small portion, unto me who doth cry aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!

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

O Theotokos, having given birth unto God in the flesh, without seed, without corruption, in a manner beyond understanding and comprehension, thou hast annulled the condemnation of Eve, at the hour of my judgment do thou also free me from the dread sentence.

Ode 5, Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

With torrents of tears, O father, thou didst utterly dry up the depths of pleasures; and with the outpourings of thy doctrines thou hast staunched the torrents of heresies, O blessed one.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thy mind, illumined by seeking God, O father Ephraim, began to take pleasure in the full vision of God, receiving immaterial revelation as if a mirror of the divine Spirit.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou didst truly become a temple imbued with the Trinity, adorned with grace and the radiance of pure virtues, and the fullness of teaching, O father.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Eating of the tree in Eden through the wicked treachery of the serpent I was revealed to be mortal; but thou, having given birth to Christ, the Bestower of life, hast brought me to life, O thou who alone art full of God’s grace.

Another Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why has the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Lifting thy mind to the undefiled good, O saint of Christ, thou didst reveal thyself by thy way of life, to be alien to the things that are in the world, O Isaac, teaching all to disdain that which is corruptible, and in nowise to desire those things that are temporal.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Thou wast shown to be a scribe and model of the angelic life, O divinely wise Isaac; wherefore, the grace of the Spirit hath revealed thee to be a divine pastor and a God-bearing hierarch of the Church of Christ.

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

Having been inducted into the divine mysteries because of the purity of thy way of life, O God-bearer, thou didst attain to yet greater deeds, O divine Isaac, archpastor of Nineveh, explaining the words of the Gospel to all, and cleansing the wounds of their souls.

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

Slain by the deception and delusion of the serpent, O most pure one, I flee unto thee who hast given birth to eternal Life. Enliven my mind by thy vivifying help, and guide me to a blameless life.

Ode 6, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging the flood of temptations, * I run to calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O Most Merciful One.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Setting thy foundation not on sands, but on the inviolate Faith, O God-bearer, thou didst remain undaunted by all the assaults of the enemy, guided by the hand of the Invincible One.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thy tongue was truly like the pen of a swiftly-writing scribe, showing forth a most pious intellect and tracing the law of the Spirit upon the tablets of our hearts, O father.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Those who navigate the calm expanse of thy dogmas, O divinely wise Ephraim, are delivered from the soul-destroying billows of the abyss and, awakened, are saved by faith from the storm of heresies.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Incarnate, He Who as God is above all noetic beings and visible creatures, issued forth from thy womb, preserving thee incorrupt as thou wast before birthgiving, O Virgin Mother.

Another Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Thou didst brighten thy hierarchal vestments through strict observance of the commandments of God, O divinely-inspired Isaac; wherefore, the Saviour hath received thee as one of His own.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Directing thy life towards the uttermost Judge, thou didst show thyself to be a true and venerable hierarch, O Isaac, revealing the commandments of the laws of grace unto all.

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

Adorned with the spiritual wisdom which cometh from doing good works, thou wast revealed to be a pious teacher of monastics, O Isaac, guiding them to perfection by thine instructions and deeds.

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

O most pure one, who hast given birth in the flesh to the transcendent God, from the fall hast thou raised the nature of mortals to the heights of their former nobility; wherefore, we glorify thee.

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

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

Kontakion of St Isaac, in Tone VIII, Spec. Mel, “To thee, the champion leader…”: By thine angelic way of life thou wast shown to be a divine instrument of the Comforter, * and a model for monastics in all things, O blessed Isaac. * As the habitation of divine grace, ask thou grace and heavenly light for us ** who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O divinely wise father!

Ikos: Thou wast revealed to be an angel in the flesh in thine ascetic labours, O Godbearing Isaac, and by thine angelic voice hast thou set before us the words of salvation, whereby guided to a higher life, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, star coming forth from Syria; rejoice, lamp of stillness! Rejoice, thou who art more sublime than earthly thoughts; Rejoice, partaker of heavenly enlightenment! Rejoice, divinely inscribed pillar of hesychasts; Rejoice, mouth flowing with the honey of spiritual teachings! Rejoice, for thou wast filled with God-given wisdom; Rejoice, for thou deliverest from the evil of the passions! Rejoice, most fervent of the servants of Christ; Rejoice, our godly teacher! Rejoice, wise God-bearer Isaac; Rejoice, our instructor, guided by God! Rejoice, O divinely wise father!

Ode 7, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast shown to be a most excellent giver of laws for monastics, O most honoured one, rescuing them from all the machinations of the enemy. Wherefore, O blessed one, they honour thine honoured and sacred memory on earth.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast shown to be a most excellent giver of laws for monastics, O most honoured one, rescuing them from all the machinations of the enemy. Wherefore, O blessed one, they honour thine honoured and sacred memory on earth.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast an excellent instrument of the Spirit, ever sounding forth thine inspirations and playing the saving hymn of repentance for us who hymn thee, O ever-memorable one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy conception was beyond description, O Bride of God, for thou hast given birth to the Word of God Who hath delivered all mankind from irrationality granting them the words to cry: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Another Irmos: Once in Babylon the fire stood in awe * of God’s condescension; * for which sake the youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyous steps as in a meadow, chanted: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Having shone forth like a most radiant sun among the choirs of monastics, O father, thou dost illumine with the radiance of thine instructions, as with beams of light, all who cry out with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

O father, the honourable choirs of monastics know thee to be a divinely-wise describer and guide to the higher life, and as is fitting, celebrate thy memory, O wise father Isaac, thou rule of hesychasts.

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

Caught up by the Spirit to the vision of the mystical mysteries of a higher glory, which passeth understanding, and deified by partaking thereof, thou didst cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

With the rich streams of thy mercy purify my heart, which hath been defiled by the passions of the enemy, O Maiden; and dispel the darkness of my mind, that I may gaze upon the Light which shone forth from thee.

Ode 8, Irmos: Thou didst make flame bedew the holy children, * and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. * For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest, * Thee do we exalt throughout all ages.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast shown to be like another sun, O blessed one, and, emitting the beams of thy teachings upon the ends of the earth, thou hast driven away the lightless gloom of all sin with the light of repentance.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Surrounded by the streams of divine dogmas, thou didst flow forth like another river from Eden, watering the face of the earth, O wondrous one, inundating the tares of ungodliness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Confessing thee to be the true Theotokos, like the angel we cry out to thee with faith: Rejoice! For thou alone hast given birth to Joy on earth, O ever joyous and blessed one.

Another Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer; * ‘ye children bless, ye priests praise, * ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Thou didst live an angelic life, O most blessed Isaac, and through stillness and the mortification of the passions didst bring forth the first-fruits of the life to come. And now thou dost cry aloud with the angels in the highest: Ye, children, bless! Ye priests, hymn! Ye people, supremely exalt Christ forever!

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Offering up most earnest prayers and supplications, thou didst unite thyself unto God through purity of mind, and wast shown to be blessed and full of divine grace while yet amid the threefold waves of the flesh. And now in the highest, freed from material things, thou dost manifestly enjoy things ineffable.

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

Having been sacredly arrayed in the vesture of a bishop, O God-bearer, by thy venerable labours and virtuous struggles thou hast rendered it yet more splendid. And now, O Isaac, with the holy hierarchs and the choirs of the venerable thou dost offer up the mystical sacrifice of immaterial praise unto the Lord.

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

Preserving the seal of thy virginity intact after birthgiving, thou gavest suck to the Lord to Whom thou hadst given birth, bearing him as a babe, O Virgin Sovereign Lady, Mary Theotokos. Him do thou beseech, that He grant the cleansing of offences unto those who hymn thine ineffable glory.

Ode 9, Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God * upon Whom the orders of Angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O all-pure one, * did the Word Incarnate become a man * and with the Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and thee we call blessed.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Wounded by the love of the Almighty O venerable one, thou didst reach the end of thy life, lamenting and crying out with fear: “Assuage my passing with the waves of thy grace, O Saviour, richly preserving me therewith in the life to come!”

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thy sweet discourse was replete with compunction and full of enlightenment for those who have recourse to thee, O right wondrous God-bearer Ephraim; and thy life was blameless, adorned and illumined with all manner of divinely radiant virtues.

Venerable Father, Ephraim, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a temple of the Spirit, a river full of life-giving waters, the unshakable foundation of the Church, the confirmation of monastics, and an ever-flowing stream of divine compunction, O right wondrous Ephraim.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The mind of man cannot understand the mystery of thy birthgiving which passeth understanding, O Virgin; for, making His abode within thy womb, God did not violate the seal of thy virginity, as He, Who is unapproachable alone knoweth.

Another Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Let Isaac, great among the venerable ascetics, the scion of Syria, the God-bearing initiate of the life which is in Christ, the most excellent recorder of the mysteries and the enlightener of monastics, be worthily hymned as one who entreateth God, for he prayeth that great mercy be granted unto us.

Venerable Father, Isaac, pray to God for us.

Thou didst engage in the pious struggle of holy ascesis, O venerable one, and thereby didst piously learn the mysteries of all the wisdom of asceticism, that wisely teaching us to avoid the sophistries of the enemy, we may live virtuously, O Godbearer.

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

Thou hast passed over to the true glory, whose revelation thou didst acquire beforehand; and face to face thou dost gaze upon the effulgence of Christ which is beyond comprehension, O Isaac, adornment of the venerable. Cease not to pray for us who praise thee with love.

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

O unwedded Virgin Mother who ineffably gavest birth to God in the flesh, deliver me from diseases of the flesh, redeem my greatly sinful soul from grievous insensitivity, and illumine my mind with the light of repentance, that I may hymn thee, O greatly hymned one.

Troparion of St Ephraim, in Tone VIII: With the streams of thy tears thou didst irrigate the barren desert, * and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst render thy labours fruitful an hundredfold, * and didst become a beacon for the whole world, resplendent with miracles. ** O Ephraim our father, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Troparion of St Isaac, in Tone V: Illumined by rays of the virtues, * O God-bearer Isaac, * in spirit thou wast shown to be a most radiant beacon * of the life which is in Christ; * and by thy divinely inspired teachings, O father, * thou dost guide safely to the way of salvation * those who bless thee ** as a godly servant of Christ.

St Spyridon of Tremithus: a Great Shepherd of Souls

12/25 December: Saint Spyridon of Tremithus

Saint Spyridon of Tremithus was born towards the end of the third century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd, and had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbours and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with a gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons.

After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity.

According to the witness of Church historians, Saint Spyridon participated in the sessions of the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325. At the Council, the saint entered into a dispute with a Greek philosopher who was defending the Arian heresy. The power of Saint Spyridon’s plain, direct speech showed everyone the importance of God’s wisdom before human wisdom: “Listen, philosopher, to what I tell you. There is one God Who created man from dust. He has ordered all things, both visible and invisible, by His Word and His Spirit. The Word is the Son of God, Who came down upon the earth on account of our sins. He was born of a Virgin, He lived among men, and suffered and died for our salvation, and then He arose from the dead, and He has resurrected the human race with Him. We believe that He is one in essence (consubstantial) with the Father, and equal to Him in authority and honor. We believe this without any sly rationalisations, for it is impossible to grasp this mystery by human reason.”

As a result of their discussion, the opponent of Christianity became the saint’s zealous defender and later received holy Baptism. After his conversation with Saint Spyridon, the philosopher turned to his companions and said, “Listen! Until now my rivals have presented their arguments, and I was able to refute their proofs with other proofs. But instead of proofs from reason, the words of this Elder are filled with some sort of special power, and no one can refute them, since it is impossible for man to oppose God. If any of you thinks as I do now, let him believe in Christ and join me in following this man, for God Himself speaks through his lips.”

At this Council, Saint Spyridon displayed the unity of the Holy Trinity in a remarkable way. He took a brick in his hand and squeezed it. At that instant fire shot up from it, water dripped on the ground, and only dust remained in the hands of the wonderworker. “There was only one brick,” Saint Spyridon said, “but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God.”

The saint cared for his flock with great love. Through his prayers, drought was replaced by abundant rains, and incessant rains were replaced by fair weather. Through his prayers the sick were healed and demons cast out.

A woman once came up to him with a dead child in her arms, imploring the intercession of the saint. He prayed, and the infant was restored to life. The mother, overcome with joy, collapsed lifeless. Through the prayers of the saint of God, the mother was restored to life.

Another time, hastening to save his friend, who had been falsely accused and sentenced to death, the saint was hindered on his way by the unanticipated flooding of a stream. The saint commanded the water: “Halt! For the Lord of all the world commands that you permit me to cross so that a man may be saved.” The will of the saint was fulfilled, and he crossed over happily to the other shore. The judge, apprised of the miracle that had occurred, received Saint Spyridon with esteem and set his friend free.

Similar instances are known from the life of the saint. Once, he went into an empty church, and ordered that the lampadas and candles be lit, and then he began the service. When he said, “Peace be unto all,” both he and the deacon heard from above the resounding of a great multitude of voices saying, “And with thy spirit.” This choir was majestic and more sweetly melodious than any human choir. To each petition of the litanies, the invisible choir sang, “Lord, have mercy.” Attracted by the church singing, the people who lived nearby hastened towards it. As they got closer and closer to the church, the wondrous singing filled their ears and gladdened their hearts. But when they entered into the church, they saw no one but the bishop and several church servers, and they no longer heard the singing which had greatly astonished them.

Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), the author of his Life, likened Saint Spyridon to the Patriarch Abraham in his hospitality. Sozomen, in his Church History, offers an amazing example from the life of the saint of how he received strangers. One time, at the start of the Forty-day Fast, a stranger knocked at his door. Seeing that the traveller was very exhausted, Saint Spyridon said to his daughter, “Wash the feet of this man, so he may recline to dine.” But since it was Lent there were none of the necessary provisions, for the saint “partook of food only on certain days, and on other days he went without food.” His daughter replied that there was no bread or flour in the house. Then Saint Spyridon, apologising to his guest, ordered his daughter to cook a salted ham from their larder. After seating the stranger at table, he began to eat, urging that man to do the same. When the latter refused, calling himself a Christian, the saint rejoined, “It is not proper to refuse this, for the Word of God proclaims, ‘Unto the pure all things are pure’” (Titus 1:15).

Another historical detail reported by Sozomen, was characteristic of the saint. It was his custom to distribute one part of the gathered harvest to the destitute, and another portion to those having need while in debt. He did not take a portion for himself, but simply showed them the entrance to his storeroom, where each could take as much as was needed, and could later pay it back in the same way, without records or accountings.

There is also the tale by Socrates Scholasticus about how robbers planned to steal the sheep of Saint Spyridon. They broke into the sheepfold at night, but here they found themselves all tied up by some invisible power. When morning came the saint went to his flock, and seeing the tied-up robbers, he prayed and released them. For a long while he advised them to leave their path of iniquity and earn their livelihood by respectable work. Then he made them a gift of a sheep and sending them off, the saint said kindly, “Take this for your trouble, so that you did not spend a sleepless night in vain.”

All the Lives of the saint speak of the amazing simplicity and the gift of wonderworking granted him by God. Through a word of the saint the dead were awakened, the elements of nature tamed, the idols smashed. At one point, a Council had been convened at Alexandria by the Patriarch to discuss what to do about the idols and pagan temples there. Through the prayers of the Fathers of the Council all the idols fell down except one, which was very much revered. It was revealed to the Patriarch in a vision that this idol had to be shattered by Saint Spyridon of Tremithus. Invited by the Council, the saint set sail on a ship, and at the moment the ship touched shore and the saint stepped out on land, the idol in Alexandria with all its offerings turned to dust, which then was reported to the Patriarch and all the bishops.

Saint Spyridon lived his earthly life in righteousness and sanctity, and prayerfully surrendered his soul to the Lord. His relics repose on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra), in a church named after him (His right hand, however, is located in Rome).

Canon to the saint, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone II.

Ode I, Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. * But the Incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. * Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, * for gloriously hath He been glorified.

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

Having attained unto the land of the meek, being thyself meek, merciful and pure, O father, calm thou the present tempest of my heart, that, in divine tranquillity, I may hymn thee.

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

Having cleared thy soul of the overgrowth of the passions through godly cultivation, O father Spyridon, thou didst become god-like and wast enriched by the most radiant splendour of the divine Spirit. Wherefore, thou dost illumine those who sincerely bless thee.

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

Taking thee from a flock as He had David, the Creator appointed thee as a most eminent shepherd of the rational sheep, shining forth in simplicity and meekness, and adorned with guilelessness, O venerable pastor.

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

O most holy and pure Virgin, enlighten and hallow my thoughts and soul, I pray thee, dispelling the clouds of mine ignorance, and removing the darkness of sin, that I may bless thee as is meet.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou hast established me on the rock of faith, * and my mouth hath been emboldened against mine enemies. * For my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: * There is none as holy as our God * and none more righteous than Thee, O Lord.

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

Having illumined thy mind with dispassion and adorned thyself with divine humility, thou didst receive the gifts of the Spirit to cast out evil spirits and to loose the infirmities of those who faithfully honour thee, O most sacred one.

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

Having slain the serpent, the author of evil, and trampled down the inclination towards avarice, O holy hierarch, taking pity on him who was in need, thou didst transform a serpent into a golden ornament by thy sacred prayers, O venerable father.

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

Thou didst ascend the mountain of dispassion; thou didst enter the darkness of the vision of God, and didst receive the law of salvation on the tablets of thy heart, in that thou art the most sacred and faithful favoured one of thy Master.

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

Heal thou the wounds of my soul, O Bride of God, and illumine my mind which hath been darkened by neglect, that I may chant: There is none blameless save thee, O immaculate one, and none pure, but thee, O Lady!

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.

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom …”: Thou didst shine forth as a divinely appointed pastor, O Spyridon, raised from the tending of sheep by God, Who entrusted thee to preside over the Church of Christ. Thou didst drive away the wolves of false teaching by thy words, grazing thy flock on the pasture of piety. Wherefore, thou didst affirm the Faith by the wisdom of the Spirit in the midst of the God-bearing fathers, O blessed hierarch. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memory with love.

Ode IV, Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come forth, not as an ambassador, * nor as an Angel, * but the very Lord himself incarnate, * and didst save me, the whole man; * wherefore I cry unto Thee: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

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

Set afire by the burning coal of the honoured Spirit, thou didst burn up all the readily kindled fuel of the passions, O all-blessed one, enlightening the world with the fiery rays of thy virtues.

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

Having slain the movements of thy flesh, O divinely inspired one, thou didst raise up the dead by thy life-imparting call. Wherefore, I beseech thee: Enliven my slain soul, O father!

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

O father, the dead woman, obeying thee, spake, and by thy commands the raging of the river was restrained. For thou wast revealed as a worker of wonders endowed with divine grace, O blessed one.

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

The prophets foretold the incomprehensible abyss of thy mystery, for thou alone, O pure one, didst give birth unto the Unknowable One, Who, in His unutterable tender compassion, became incarnate.

ODE V, Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, the enlightenment of those lying in the darkness of sin. * I rise early to hymn Thee O King of Peace, * enlighten me with Thy radiance, * for I know no other God than Thee.

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

The river of the gifts which are within thee doth water every heart, O venerable one, and richly granteth health unto all, moving all to glorify God, Who hath glorified thee and honoured thee with all manner of wonders.

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

The earthly emperor clearly recognised thee as a true servant of the heavenly King, full of divine gifts, O blessed one, when thou didst come to him, proclaiming the great Physician, Who is God.

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

Emulating the hospitable character of Abraham, thou didst open the doors of thy house unto all, and wast all things to all people, mindful of those who were in evil straits, O blessed Spyridon.

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

For us hast thou given birth unto a new-born Babe, Who before the ages was begotten of the unoriginate Father, O Maiden. Him do thou entreat as thy Son and God, that He spare those who, with a pure soul, proclaim thee to be the Theotokos.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

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

Gold was as mire to thee who shone forth in dispassion more brightly than gold, and wast enriched by thy most golden gifts of the Spirit, O venerable one.

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

Serving thy Master in purity, O venerable one, thou didst have a multitude of the angelic hosts serving thee with unseen voices, O most sacred one.

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

O most glorious and all-wise father, thy life hath made thee most glorious to the world. Wherefore, rejoicing, we that hymn thee celebrate thy divine memory.

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

More spacious than the heavens was thy womb, which contained God Whom no place can contain, O all-holy virgin Bride of God, who knewest not a man.

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, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: “Seeking the Highest …”: O most sacred one, wounded with love for Christ, * and giving wings to thy mind through the radiance of the Spirit, * thou didst find thy work fulfilled in the activity of divine vision. * O thou who art pleasing to God, thou divine oblation, ** beseech Him that divine illumination be granted unto all.

Ikos: Let us now praise Spyridon, the hierarch of the Lord, sanctified from his mother’s womb, who received the tablets of the grace of divine glory, as one most glorious in miracles from all of creation, as a fervent witness of the divine radiance, intercessor for the poor, and spiritual guide for the sinful; for he hath become a divine oblation for the throne of Christ, asking divine illumination for all.

Ode VII, Irmos: The godless order of the lawless tyrant * fanned the roaring flame; * but Christ bedewed the God-fearing children with the Spirit, * therefore He is blessed and supremely exalted.

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

Having acquired the guilelessness of Moses, the meekness of David and the blamelessness of Job of Uz, thou didst become a dwelling-place of the Spirit, chanting most sacredly: Blessed and supremely glorious art Thou!

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

The showers of heaven rained down upon thy head during the harvest and prefigured the future; for, as thou didst say, God glorified thy divine memory, sanctifying the faithful by thy mediation.

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

In the council of the fathers God glorified thee, who guarded thy words in judgment, O blessed one. Thou didst bring them forth with faith, openly disclosing the follies of the most irrational Arius and destroying his opposition.

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

Through the ineffable Word, O Virgin, thou didst put forth the Cluster of grapes as the Branch which alone was uncultivated and which poureth forth the wine gladdening all mankind, sanctifying mortals and dispelling all the drunkenness of the wicked.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In Babylon, the activity of the fire was once divided, * for, by the command of God it consumed the Chaldeans, * but bedewed the faithful, who chant: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Thou didst extinguish the furnace of the passions with divine outpourings of the divine Spirit, O father, pouring forth a dew which taketh away the fever of the ailing who ever have recourse unto thee in faith, O blessed Spyridon, thou who art most noetically rich.

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

Guileless, upright, meek, merciful, not mindful of the wrongs done thee, loving and hospitable wast thou, O most sacred hierarch, adorned with the wisdom of Orthodoxy, O venerable one. Wherefore, we honour thee with faith.

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

Of old the dead woman when questioned by thee O father, replied as though alive. Oh what a most marvellous wonder! Oh, what a most glorious mystery! Oh, the grace which thou hast received, having adorned thyself with an angelic life, O right wondrous one!

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

Heal thou the passions of my heart with thy mercy, O all-hymned one; calm thou my mind, enlighten my soul, and guide me to walk the paths of salvation, that I may ever hymn thee, O all-hymned one.

Ode IX, Irmos: The Son of the Unoriginate Father, God and Lord, * hath appeared to us incarnate of a Virgin, * to enlighten those in darkness, * and to gather the dispersed; * therefore the all-hymned Theotokos do we magnify.

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

Exalted among the God-bearing fathers, thou didst openly proclaim the Son of the unoriginate Father to be of one essence and equally everlasting with the Father, and didst stop the mouths of the iniquitous, O all-blessed and holy hierarch.

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

O all-radiant sun, adornment of the fathers, glory of priests, converser with angels: By thy prayers grant the unwaning Light unto those who now joyously celebrate thy light-bearing memory.

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

With a voice of rejoicing have the divine mansions, the heavenly city and the beauteous choir of those who hold festival received thy soul, which hath been hallowed and adorned with the virtues, O all-blessed one.

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

The great mystery of thy birthgiving, which passeth understanding doth astound the angels, O divinely joyous one, delighting the assembly of the venerable and making glad the sacred fathers who hymn thee, the hope of our souls, in a godly manner.

Troparion of the Hierarch, Tone IV: The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, * icon of meekness, and teacher of temperance; * wherefore, thou hast attained the heights through humility and riches through poverty; * O hierarch Spyridon our father, ** entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Another troparion, Tone I: Thou wast shown forth as a champion of the first Council * and a wonderwork­er, O Spyridon, our God-bearing father. *Wherefore, thou didst speak to one dead in the grave, * and didst change a serpent into gold. * And, whilst chanting thy holy prayers, thou didst have angels serving with thee, O most sacred one. * Glory to Him that hath given thee strength! * Glory to Him that hath crowned thee! **Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee!

 

Advent Devotions to Add to Home Prayers

Magnification: We extol Thee, O Christ, the Giver of Life for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, Thou didst reveal Thyself as Saviour, by prophets foretold.

Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord, for He cometh, He cometh to rule the earth. (Magnification)

He hath remembered His truth and His love for the house of Israel. (Magnification)

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Magnification)

The Lord remembers His covenant forever, His promise for a thousand generations. (Magnification)

He lowered the heavens and came down, He came enthroned upon the Cherubim. (Magnification)

The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Magnification)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Magnification)

Both now and ever and and unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Magnification)

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to thee, O God. (Thrice with bows)

Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone IV: Make ready, O Bethlehem! * Be thou opened unto all, O Eden! * Adorn thyself, O Ephratha! * For in the cave the Tree of Life hath sprung forth from the Virgin. * Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise, * in the midst of which is the divine Tree, * whereof eating, we shall live, and not die as did Adam. * Christ is born, that He might restore His image ** which fell of old!

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

Sticheron, Tone VI: The sayings of the prophets have now been fulfilled, *for in the morning our God is born of the Virgin Mary in manner past description, *and she remaineth as she was before birth-giving. *The magi come together, bearing gifts, *and the shepherds pipe, that we also may chant: *O Lord Who wast born of the Virgin, **glory be to Thee!

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

Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone III: Today the Virgin cometh to the cave * to ineffably give birth unto the pre-eternal Word. * Having heard this, be glad, O thou inhabited earth, * and with the angels and shepherds glorify the pre-eternal God, ** Who is to appear as a little babe.

Prayer: O God and Father, the Almighty One, Thou didst create the human race in Thine image and likeness, and when we fell through disobedience, Thou didst promise to send a Saviour. When the fullness of time had come, Thy favour rested on Thine Only-Begotten Son, and He was born of the Virgin Mary. Thus, that which Isaiah the prophet foretold was fulfilled: “Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.'” His birth filled all creation with light; He gave us the baptism of repentance, and didst restore our ancient dignity. Now, most compassionate Lord, Thou bringest us to these honoured days of the Nativity Fast, that we may do battle with the desires of the flesh and draw strength from the hope of the resurrection. Receive us, then, as penitents and forgive our iniquities, whether done knowingly and unknowingly, through malice and through weakness. And may our prayers, our fasting, and our works of mercy rise up before Thee as incense, as a sweet spiritual fragrance, that in company with the Magi and the shepherds, we too, with pure hearts, may be found worthy to bow down before the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son. To Whom, together with Thee and Thine All-Holy Spirit, belong glory, honour, and worship, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beginning the Advent Fast

Dear brothers and sisters, good strength as we begin the first day of the Nativity Fast!

Our winter Lent is not reduced to the twenty four chocolate-promise days of the consumerist, western Advent calendar, but forty days of fasting and prayer, not of treats and commercial predation; forty days in which we should endeavour to eat and cook less, and pray and spend more time on ‘food’ for the soul through scriptures and spiritual reading; forty days of fasting rather than seasonal fare; forty days of seeking to maximise silence and look for seclusion, rather than succumbing to and immersing ourselves in seasonal entertainment and noise.

Mirroring the days of Great Lent, these days are the Church’s period of preparation for the Nativity, but unlike Great Lent, we have no dedicated book of hymns and services, as we do in the Lenten Triodion. With its canons and hymns providing for the special Sundays of the Great Fast, the Triodion gives a great sense of direction for the Great Fast, concentrating on repentance and holding up great teachers of the spiritual life: St Gregory Palamas, St John of the Ladder, St Mary of Egypt.

The Nativity Fast, has no such provision other than the Sundays of the Holy Fathers and Forefathers preceding the Nativity, so that there a temptation and risk for us to lose the impetus and inner-unity of this winter fast unless we make the conscious effort to ensure that we maintain and concentrate on keeping its momentum, ensuring that we have a firm rule of prayer and spiritual reading.

  • Beyond strictly fulfilling your rule of prayer, offer additional prayers and hymns to focus on preparing for the feast of the Nativity. See the Russian Akafistnik: https://akafistnik.ru – English Akathists: http://www.saintjonah.org/services/akathists.htm
  • Pray before the icon of the Mother of God of the Sign, with the Christ-child within the womb of the Mother of God – the advent of His coming in the flesh.
  • Try to read the scriptural readings of the day, and the life of one of the saints of the day: English – https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/htc/orthodox-calendar/ and Russian https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/htc/ru/pravoslavnyi-kalendar/
  • Have time away from television, limit news consumption, and try to keep surroundings quiet, using time away from entertainment for daily spiritual reading, whether on paper or online… but ensure that on-line time is only for  specified reading and not a safari of distraction and tangents.
  • Cut down on trips to cafés and pubs, reduce socialising and give more time to the Lord!
  • Stick to only one cooked meal a day and avoid snacking and treats – though mindful that halva, dried fruits and some sweet things can be useful in the fast re: sugar levels and energy.
  • Eat simple foods and do NOT think that forty days of expensive meat and dairy substitutes are an honest fast.
  • Ensure that charitable alms giving is part of the forty days, which should save money that can help others.
  • Remember that wilfully rejecting the Fast is to reject the Lord Himself and to trample on the lives and teachings of the saints, the Holy Councils and the Sacred Tradition which the Holy Spirit has established as the life of the Church. If there are issues speak to the clergy!
  • Pray the the troparion of the Forefeast as you begin and end each day, reminding yourself that this is our spiritual journey to Bethlehem to adore and worship the Word Made Flesh.

Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone IV: Make ready, O Bethlehem!/ Open unto all, O Eden!/ Adorn thyself, O Ephratha!/ For the Tree of life hath blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave./ Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise,/ wherein lieth a divine garden,/ eating from whence we live,/ not dying like Adam.// Christ is born to raise up His image which before was fallen.

Предпразднство Рождества Христова. Тропарь, глас 4: Гото́вися, Вифлее́ме,/ отве́рзися всем, Еде́ме,/ красу́йся, Евфра́фо,/ я́ко дре́во живота́ в верте́пе процвете́ от Де́вы:/ рай бо Óноя чре́во яви́ся мы́сленный,/ в не́мже Боже́ственный сад,/ от него́же я́дше, жи́ви бу́дем,/ не я́коже Áдам у́мрем./ Христо́с ражда́ется пре́жде па́дший возста́вити о́браз.

The Akathist to St 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.

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.

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.

Revisiting the Rule of the Mother of God

The form of prayer that we in the Orthodox Church call the Rule of the Mother of God finds its origins in the monastic life of the Egyptian desert, where some of the fathers prayed the angelic salutation to the Mother of God one hundred and fifty times, reflecting the one hundred and fifty psalms of the Psalter. This, of course, mirrors the western rosary in its original and complete form.

St Seraphim of Sarov encouraged his disciples to pray to the Mother of God following a simple version of the rule, having his spiritual children copy it, with each mystery followed by the prayer. When he died, his disciple, Zosima, found a book recording the miracles that the Mother of God granted those who prayed to her with this devotion.

St Seraphim instructed his spiritual daughters, the nuns of Diveyevo to keep this prayer rule, reciting it as they walked three times around the ‘canal’ that the Mother of God instructed to be dug around the monastery. For praying the rule they made, and continue to make, a special lestovka with 150 steps, and they continue this devotion in obedience to St Seraphim, and to do so they make a modified version of the traditional Russian leather lestovka (ladder), that is an alternative to prayer ropes and chotki, was used by St Seraphim to recite the Jesus prayer, as we see his icons.

The second St Seraphim connected with this prayer rule, the Bishop of Dmitrov and new-martyr came from a family of Orthodox Old Believers and his father wrote the liturgical service for the canonisation of St Seraphim of Sarov in 1903.

He prayed the Rule of the Mother of God every day adding prayers of intercession at the end of each decade,

Whilst St Seraphim of Sarov also prayed in a similar way, he did not reveal his prayers.

We very much hope that this can become the focus of group prayer in our communities, as it can be prayed by any number of people in an informal setting, without the need for clergy. We simply need an icon-corner, reverence and love for the Mother of God.

Богородице Дево, радуйся, благодатная Марие, Господь с Тобою, Благословенна Ты в женахъ и благословенъ Плодъ чрева Твоего, яко Спаса родила еси душъ нашихъ.

Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.

Милосердия двери отверзи намъ, Благословенная Богородице, надеющиися на Тя, да не погибнемъ, но да избавимся Тобою от бедъ, Ты бо еси спасение рода христианскаго.

Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities. For thou art the salvation of the Christian race.

Usual opening prayers with Psalm 50 and the creed, then…

First decade: Let us remember the birth of the Mother of God. Let us pray for mothers, fathers and children.

Our Father…

  • Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast born the Saviour of our souls. (Богородице Дево, радуйся… x 10)
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who hav­ing annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted us life everlasting.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race. (Милосердия двери отверзи намъ…) 
  • O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect thy servants (names of parents and relatives), and to the departed grant rest with the saints in thine eternal glory.

Second decade: Let us remember the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God. Let us pray for those who have lost their way and fallen away from the church.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the prelude of God’s good will and the proclamation of the salvationof men. The Virgin hath manifestly appeared in the temple of God and proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfilment of the Creator’s dispensation!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect and reunite (or join) to the Holy Orthodox Church thy servants (names) who are lost and have fallen away.

Third decade: Let us remember the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother of God – let us pray for the soothing of sorrows and the consolation of those who grieve.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery which is from before the ages! The Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the glad tidings of grace. Wherefore, with him let us cry out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, soothe our sorrows and send consolation to thy servants (names) who are grieving or sick.

Fourth decade: Let us remember the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin with the righteous Elizabeth. Let us pray for the reunion of the separated, for those whose dear ones or children are living away from them or missing.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most immaculate, and the Mother of God. More honourable than the cherubim, and truly more glorious than the seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word; the true Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, unite Thy servants (names) who have been separated.

Fifth decade: Let us remember the Birth of Christ. Let us pray for the rebirth of souls, for new life in Christ.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of knowledge upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and to know Thee the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me, who was baptized into Christ, to put on Christ.

Sixth decade: Let us remember the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and the words uttered by St. Simeon: Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also (Luke 2:35). Let us pray that the Mother of God will meet our souls at the hour of our death, and will contrive that we receive the Holy Mysteries with our last breath, and will lead our souls through the terrible torments.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone I: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos full of grace, for from thee hath shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening them that are in dark­ness. Be glad thou also, O righteous elder, who receivest in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who granteth us Resurrection.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me with my last breath to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ and do thou thyself lead my soul through the terrible ordeals [of the toll-houses].

Seventh decade: Let us remember the flight of the Mother of God with the God-Child into Egypt. Let us pray that the Mother of God will help us avoid temptation in this life and deliver us from misfortunes.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Kontakion, Tone VIII: To thee, the Champion Leader, we, thy servants, dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, let me not be led into temptation in this life and deliver me from all misfortunes.

Eighth decade: Let us remember the disappearance of the twelve-year old boy Jesus in Jerusalem and the sorrow of the Mother of God on this account. Let us pray, begging the Mother of God on this account.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 7: Receive me who sighest, O Lord, since Thou art merciful, and have mercy on me as the publican, through the intercession of Thy Mother.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Most-Pure Virgin Mary, grant me to pray unceasingly the Jesus Prayer.

Ninth decade: Let us remember the miracle performed in Cana of Galilee, when the Lord turned water into wine at the words of the Mother of God: They have no wine (John 2:3). Let us ask the Mother of God for help in our affairs and deliverance from need.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 3: Overwhelmed in the abyss of life, we have a haven of salvation in thee, O Mother of God. Do thou save from all trouble those who flee to thy goodness.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, help me in every enterprise and deliver me from all needs and sorrows.

Tenth decade: Let us remember the Mother of God standing at the Cross of the Lord, when grief pierced through her heart like a sword. Let us pray to the Mother of God for the strengthening of our souls and the banishment of despondency

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone 6: Weep not for me, O Mother, seeing in the tomb the Son conceived in the womb without seed, for I shall arise and be glorified: as God I shall exalt with glory-unceasing those who with faith and love magnify thee.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Blessed Virgin Mary, strengthen my spiritual fortitude and drive despondency far from me.

Eleventh decade: Let us remember the Resurrection of Christ and ask the Mother of God in prayer to resurrect our souls and give us a new courage for spiritual feats.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Tone V: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, resurrect my soul and grant me constant readiness for spiritual contest [podvig].

Twelfth decade: Let us remember the Ascension of Christ, at which the Mother of God was present. Let us pray and ask the Queen of Heaven to raise up our souls from earthly and worldly amusements and direct them to striving for higher things.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. And this blessing convinced them that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, deliver me from vain thoughts and grant me a mind and a heart that strives for the salvation of the soul.

Thirteenth decade: Let us remember the Upper Room and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the Mother of God. Let us pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me (Psalm 50).

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone VIII: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, send down into my heart and strengthen within it the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Fourteenth decade: Let us remember the Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God, and ask for a peaceful and serene end.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone I: In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in thy falling asleep thou hast not forsaken the world, O Theotokos. Thou hast been, translated to life, as thou art the Mother of Life. And by thy supplications thou dost deliver our souls from death.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me a peaceful and serene ending to my life.

Fifteenth decade: Let us remember the glory of the Mother of God, with which the Lord crowned her after her removal from earth to heaven. Let us pray to the Queen of Heaven not to abandon the faithful who are on earth but to defend them from every evil, covering them with her honourable Protecting Veil.

  • The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
  • Troparion, Tone IV: Overshadowed by thy coming, O Mother of God, we the right faithful people, cel­ebrate today with splendour, and gazing at thine all-precious image, we say with compunction: Cover us with thy precious omophorion, and deliver us from all evil, entreating thy Son, Christ our God, that He save our souls.
  • Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
  • O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save me from all evil and cover me with Thy Most-Honourable Omophorion.

A Canon to St John the Wonderworker

Some of our parishioners, who are praying the akathist to St John the Wonderworker for the intention of our parish, after the news of its eviction from St John’s by the (Anglican) Local Ministry Team, have asked for a canon to pray to the great wonderworker, for his help.

The following canon was published by our late Bishop Alexander of Buenos Aires, and, I believe, is the one written by Father Seraphim (Rose) of Platina.

A Canon to St John the Wonderworker Tone 2, the Acrostic wherewith is: Holy John, Wonderworker of the latter times.

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

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Help me, O Christ my Lord, to praise with purity of heart Thy blessed servant John, whose life of unceasing labour and prayer Thou hast revealed to us as both a reproof and a source of inspiration for our feeble faith.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O Hierarch John, Thou art a lamp that shineth forth out of the dark apostasy of our evil times, beckoning us to follow Thee out of the nether chaos of our passions and to abide with Thee in Christ the Light that dieth not.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Love for the all-wise and all-compassionate God, the simple Unity in Trinity, did give Thee both the divine wisdom of the great Elders of ancient times and the simple guilelessness of a child, O blessed John, enabling Thee to touch countless souls with the grace bestowed upon Thee.

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

Young, defenceless orphans flock to Thee, the old and infirm beg consolation from Thee, and all we who have fallen into sin seek the healing balm of Thy heavenly intercession. Holy Hierarch John, saint and wonderworker in our midst, pray for us.

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

John Thou didst behold prostrated before Thy sacred images, praying alone in the deep hours of the night warring with sleep and keeping constant vigilance over his soul. O blessed Mother of God, warm our hearts that we too may pour out such ardent love for Thee.

Ode III, Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over my enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: there is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O blessed one, Thou didst have as Thy ancestor a saint, whose name Thou wast given as a monk. Truly did his spirit rest upon Thee, for Thou didst become, like the great John of Tobolsk, a holy hierarch, a zealous missionary to foreign lands, and a miracle-worker even after Thy repose.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Having the heavenly saints as Thy instructors, Thou wast as a child taught the life of ascetic struggle and unconquerable faith in Christ. Preferring this learning above all other, Thou didst become an earnest student of Orthodox sanctity.

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

Never ceasing to nourish Thy soul with the Lives of Saints, Thou didst carefully study their every thought, word and action, thereby perceiving their otherworldly mind and spirit and acquiring these for thyself: for indeed Thou didst become like Thy instructors, a saint by whom God is glorified.

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

When a child in Kharkov, the blessed John devoutly prayed before Thine Ilyetskaya icon. O Sovereign Lady, cleanse our unclean hearts and grant us such childlike faith.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2: Who can fathom the mysterious ways of sanctity? Who can perceive the celestial beauty of Thy life enshrouded in the garments of humility? Thou, O John. wast illumined by the Light that came into the world, and the world knew it not. (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.

O Queen of Heaven, Thou abidest now with all the saints whom Thou didst strengthen and console during their sojourn on earth. And behold! A new saint is among them, the righteous John, praising Christ with Thee forever.

Ode IV, Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O holy Hierarch, Thou wast sent as a shepherd at Christ’s flock to Shanghai, where Thou didst become known as a wonderworker and healer of diseases, a great ascetic who gavest no repose or comfort to the temple of Thy body, but rather sanctified it through the constant work of prayer.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Neglecting no opportunity of helping those in need, Thou didst boldly walk through the slums and dark alleys of Shanghai, gathering sick and starving orphans and providing them with Thy fatherly protection. Do Thou take us, too, under Thy care.

Deliverer of the oppressed, Thou didst see no separation between Thy good works and Thy constant prayers, for in both didst Thou serve God and raise people from the mire of suffering.

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

Ever following the injunctions of Christ, Thou didst feed Him when He was hungry, take Him in when He was homeless, clothe Him when He was naked, visit Him when He was sick and in prison: for in everyone didst Thou see His divine image.

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

Receive our prayers, O Mother of God, as Thou didst once receive the prayers of the blessed John while he served in the Shanghai Cathedral dedicated to Thee, the Surety of Sinners, and besought Thee to save those languishing in sin and Sorrow.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou Who art the light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the hopeless, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of peace, Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know no other God beside Thee.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

When Thou didst bring Thy flock to the Philippine Islands, O Hierarch John, Thou didst show thyself to be a new Moses, leading Thy people out of bondage and always trusting in the protection of the merciful God.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

O protector of those in danger and tribulation, through Thy holy prayers Thou didst deliver Thy flock on the island from certain destruction, averting the violent typhoons even as Thy Master Christ calmed the stormy waters of Galilee.

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

Revealing from East to West, from the remote corners of the world, the glory with which God doth endow His saints, Thou didst allow no earthly distance to hinder Thy heavenly ministry. Even now, from where space is effortlessly traversed by the angelic powers, come to our aid and bring our petitions before the Lord.

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

Keeping vigil on a remote island, the blessed John prayed before Thy wondrously renewed icon. O Thou Who art the Quencher of Sorrow and the relief of affliction, we run to Thy motherly protection and tell the burdens of our hearts.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: from corruption raise me up, O God.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Endeavouring to find refuge for Thy flock, who had no secure place whereon to lay their heads, Thou didst bring them under Thy mantle to the New World. Let us likewise find refuge in Thy prayers.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Reaching then the land wherein the ancient ascetics of Gaul attained to holiness, Thou didst once more grace it with the presence of a saint, returning the French people to the Orthodox and apostolic faith, and tirelessly labouring to ground them on the firm Rock of salvation.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Of all the saints, both of East and West, wast Thou an ardent disciple, O holy Hierarch; wherefore, in Thy travels Thou didst learn of the saints of different lands, introducing the faithful to yet more residents of the heavenly mansions, with whom Thou art now glorified.

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

Foretelling future events, seeing mystically within the hearts of men, hearing prayers and thoughts across great distances, Thou wast shown to be in the presence of the realm beyond earthly limitations, amazing all who had eyes to see and moving them to greater faith and devotion.

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

Thou gavest birth to Him who gave me life, O Most Pure Virgin. Let me not squander this gift by desiring that which endeth in death, but like our blessed John let me seek that fountain which springeth up into everlasting life, Thy Son Christ our God.

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: Chosen Wonderworker and superb servant of Christ, who pourest out in the latter times, inexhaustible streams of inspiration and multitudes of miracles. We pray thee with love and call out to thee, O holy hierarch John, Wonderworker of the latter times.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order, thrown into the fire they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Having purified thyself in Thy work of prayer, O holy one, Thou wast deemed worthy to behold the ineffable light that cometh directly from God. Surrounded by the uncreated essence of Divinity, Thou wast lifted above the earth, knowing the bliss of wordless prayer, of the silence of the future age.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Elder in the tradition of the desert saints of Thy native Russia. seer of the heart and well-spring of God-revealed counsel, Thou wast sent at a time when men of Thy stature had disappeared from the face of the earth. In Thee we see precious gift from God and thus do honour Thy words of wisdom.

Leaving behind the vain wisdom of this world, Thou didst choose the foolishness of God which is wiser than men, and thus wast Thou chosen of Him to confound the prudent and mighty, bringing to naught their carnal understanding. Marvelling at His ways past speech, we cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

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

Awe and wonder are born in us as we behold Thy life, O blessed one, for Thou wast both a wise teacher of theology and a Fool for Christ’s sake, a hierarch and a humble servant of the poor. Thou was a compassionate friend of all, yet was alone with God in the secret chambers of Thy spirit.

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

The blessed John did always wear Thy Optina icon upon his heart, O Most Holy Virgin: likewise let us always remember Thee in the tabernacles of our hearts, for Thou art the sacred Tabernacle which did wondrously bear God.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O ye work, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Thy flock of Shanghai rejoiced at they return to them in America, where Thou didst end Thy days as an unrelenting champion of Orthodoxy, experiencing sorrows from those who despised Thee for Thy holy life, yet meeting Thy false accusers with the meekness made invincible through Christ.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Even as Thy great ascetic preceptors did teach Thee, Thou didst know the love of God as suffering of heart endured in the spirit of devotion, and didst call out in Thine hour of trial: O ye works, praise the Lord God, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.

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

Rare are those who can go on the narrow and rugged path that Thou hast trod. O saint, for in Thy sorrows Thou didst with courage place Thy trust only in God, being tested like gold in the forge and thereby entering the celestial habitations purified in spirit.

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

To Thee, O Joy of All Who Sorrow, the ever-present recourse of the blessed John in his tribulations, we cry with faith: grant us that spiritual joy which is undiminished in adversity.

Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from god, and who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and who ineffably took flesh from the holy virgin for our sake, him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

In a divine manner was Thy soul’s departure known beforehand to Thee, and Thou didst prepare to meet the mystical Bridegroom, Christ, to Whom Thou dost not cease to pray for us sinners.

Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.

Marvelling at the death of a newly manifested saint, Thy flock did find their sorrow turned to gladness, feeling the victorious joy of Pascha and glorifying God for giving them a new intercessor in heaven.

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

Even after Thy blessed repose Thou dost grant instruction, healing and consolation to all who come to Thee, O blessed John. As Thou dost now give miraculous help to the blind, sick and sorrowing, so also pour the healing balm of Thy prayers on us who bear the wounds of sin.

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

Silently praying before the Kursk Icon of God’s Mother, the new apostle John departed from earth to paradise. And let us, knowing not the hour of the end of our sojourn here, offer such heartfelt devotion to Her who reigns with the King of glory.

Troparion, Tone VI: Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief, invested with the grace-filled power of the saints of old, divinely-illumined seer of heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, Thou didst enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of judgment; pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.

The Canon to the Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred of Wessex

St. Alfred (born 849) was King of Wessex from 886 until his death on October 26 899. He was the fifth son of his father, Æthelwulf, and never expected to become king. He loved learning and loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and most likely looked forward to a life of contemplation in the Church. Such was not to be his fate.

He was thrust into kingship at the age of 22, during a time of near-constant serious threat from the heathen Viking Danes. Through much hardship and wise preparation, he defeated Guthrum the Dane in a decisive battle, ending the Viking threat for many years. As a term of the surrender, Guthrum received Holy Baptism as Æthelstan, along with 30 of his jarls (Danish noblemen), with Alfred himself standing as godfather to Guthrum and his men. This is an example of the justice and mercy of the saint, as he showed care for the souls of not only his own people, but his former enemies.

When he was finally able to rule in peace, he began a program of education, requiring that all of his Thegns and Aldermen (nobility) learn to read and write, and that all freemen of England teach their sons the same. He personally translated Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” and St. Gregory’s “On Pastoral Care,” among many other books, and had them propagated throughout his land, spreading the light of holy knowledge to all his people.

The Canon of the Saint, Tone VIII

Feast Day: November 8, 2024 / October 26

Ode I, Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us sing unto our Deliverer and God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.

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

Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.

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

O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.

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

Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.

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

Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.

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

Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to 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 conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.

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

Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.

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

O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.

Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.

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

O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.

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

Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.

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

Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.

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

O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-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 of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.

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

By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.

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

Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; 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 above all for all ages!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

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

Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

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

O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.

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

O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.

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

Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.

Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.

 

Ode I, Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us sing unto our Deliverer and God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.

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

Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.

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

O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.

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

Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.

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

Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.

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

Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to 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 conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.

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

Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.

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

O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.

Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.

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

O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.

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

Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

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

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.

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

Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.

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

O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-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 of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.

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

By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.

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

Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; 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 above all for all ages!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

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

Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!

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

O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.

Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.

Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.

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

O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.

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

Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.

Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.

Prayer: O holy right-believing Alfred, great king of Wessex and father of the English nation, hear our supplication.

Thou hast shown us an indelible example of courage and faith in the marshes of Æthelney, when all England was suffering the depredation of the heathen Danes. Thou didst build up the defenses of thy kingdom as thou didst also strive to increase the Christian Faith in thy kingly heart, showing an example of true wisdom to friend and foe alike; enlightening thy people, showing mercy to thy vanquished foes, wisely preparing for war, but striving always for a holy peace.

Thou didst love learning and render into English many holy books, sending them out to all thy people, raising up their minds and hearts in the light of true knowledge. Thou didst renew the ancient laws of England, becoming a new Justinian, showing an example of the righteous judgement required by God of all who are in seats of power.

We, thy spiritual children, ask now thy strong intercession before the King of kings; help us in our time of trouble. Be like Elijah and grant us a double portion of thy spirit that thirsted after these virtues of courage, faith, steadfastness in the face of uncertainty and fear, the love of the Lord that bringeth holy wisdom, and righteous and merciful judgement in the fear of God.

O Alfred, wise king, do thou entreat Him to guide us steadily, as He guided thee, and to grant order, justice, peace, and tranquility to our native land.

In the name of the Father to Whom thou drawest nearer every day, the Son Whose love thou didst teach to all, and the Holy Spirit Who fillest thy heart, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.