Day 35 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Martyr Boniface

19 December 19 / 1 January

The Holy Martyr Boniface was the slave of a rich young Roman woman named Aglaida and he dwelt with her in an iniquitous cohabitation. But they both felt the sting of conscience and they wanted somehow to be cleansed of their sin. And the Lord granted them the possibility to wash away their sin with their blood and to finish their life in repentance.

Aglaida learned that whoever keeps relics of the holy martyrs in the home and venerates them receives great help in gaining salvation. Under their influence, sin is diminished and virtue prevails. She arranged for Boniface to go to the East, where there was a fierce persecution against Christians, and she asked him to bring back the relics of some martyr, who would become a guide and protector for them.

As he was leaving, Boniface laughed and asked, “My lady, if I do not find any relics, and if I myself suffer for Christ, will you accept my body with reverence?” Aglaida scolded him, saying that he was setting off on a sacred mission, but he was not taking it seriously. Boniface pondered her words, and during the whole journey he thought that he was unworthy of touching the bodies of the martyrs.

Arriving at Tarsus in Cilicia, Boniface left his companions at the inn and proceeded to the city square, where they were torturing Christians. Struck by the beastly horrible torments, and seeing the faces of the holy martyrs radiant with the grace of the Lord, Boniface marvelled at their courage. He embraced them and kissed their feet, asking them to pray that he might be found worthy to suffer with them.

The judge asked Boniface who he was. He replied, “I am a Christian,” and then refused to offer sacrifice to idols. They stripped him and hung him upside down, beating him so hard that the flesh fell from his body, exposing the bone. They stuck needles under his nails, and finally they poured molten tin down his throat, but by the power of the Lord he remained unharmed. The people who witnessed this miracle shouted, “Great is the God of the Christians!” Then they began to throw stones at the judge, and then they headed for the pagan temple, in order to cast down the idols.

On the following morning, when things had quieted down somewhat, the judge directed that the holy martyr be thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar, but this also caused the sufferer no harm. An angel come down from Heaven and bedewed him as he stepped into the cauldron. The tar overflowed the cauldron, splattering and burning the torturers themselves. Saint Boniface was then sentenced to beheading by the sword. Blood and a milky fluid flowed from his wounds. Beholding such a miracle, about 550 men believed in Christ.

Saint Boniface’s companions, waiting for two days at the inn for him in vain, began searching for him, thinking that he had gotten drunk somewhere. At first their search was without success, but finally they came across a man who had been an eyewitness to the martyr’s death. The man also led them to the place where the decapitated body lay. Saint Boniface’s companions tearfully begged his forgiveness for their unseemly thoughts about him. After they ransomed the martyr’s remains, they brought them back to Rome.

On the eve of their arrival an angel appeared to Aglaida in her sleep and told her to prepare herself to receive her former slave, now the brother and fellow-servant of the angels. Aglaida summoned the clergy, and she received the holy relics with great reverence. Then she built a church on the site of his grave and dedicated it to the holy martyr. There she enshrined his relics, glorified by numerous miracles. After distributing all her wealth to the poor, she withdrew to a monastery, where she spent fifteen years in repentance, then fell asleep in the Lord. She was buried beside Saint Boniface. The sins of the one were washed away by his blood, the other was purified by her tears and asceticism. Both were found worthy to appear unsullied before our Lord Jesus Christ, Who desires not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn from his wickedness and live (Ezek. 33:11).

The canon of the martyr, the acrostic whereof is: “With faith I hymn thee, O most radiant martyr”, the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV:

Ode I, Irmos: O Thou who wast born of the Virgin, * drown I implore Thee, in the depth of dispassion * the triune nature of my soul, * as Thou didst the mighty strongholds of the warriors, * that in the mortality of my flesh * as on a timbrel * I may chant a hymn of victory.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Emulating the feats of the valiant spiritual athletes with zealous intent, thou didst suffer mightily; and didst slay the serpent with thy life-bearing sufferings, O spiritual athlete Boniface, converser with the angels.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Beholding the delusion of the enemy cruelly poured forth on the earth, O valiant passion-bearer, and, having enkindled thy soul with divine desire, thou didst enter the arena with fearless resolve, O thrice-blessed one.

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

Illumined with divine wisdom, O blessed one, thou didst make foolish the unwise foe, proclaiming Christ, Who made Himself like us in the coarseness of the flesh, whereby He desired to become manifest, O much-suffering martyr Boniface.

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

All of us, the faithful, hymn the pure Mary with oneness of mind: the mountain of God, which Daniel foresaw, the noetic tabernacle, the sanctuary of glory, the table which held the divine Bread.

Ode III, Irmos: Likened to a barren woman * the Church from among the nations hath given birth, * and the assembly abundant in children, hath grown weak. * Let us cry out to our wondrous God: * Holy art Thou, O Lord!

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

As thou didst desire the freedom on high, O glorious one, thou wast delivered from the yoke of slavery, having emulating the honoured sufferings of Him Who in His tender compassion became a servant.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Shown to be above carnal understandings by divine favour, O martyr Boniface, rejoicing, thou didst suddenly endure every assault of evils.

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

Thou didst deny thyself, and didst go forth to struggles and contests against the enemy, armed with the Cross as a weapon; and having become a victor, thou hast been glorified, O martyr Boniface.

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

The transcendent God poured Himself forth into thy womb without leaving the bosom of the Father, O all-immaculate one, and became thy Son, saving mankind.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up…”: Sent to the company of martyrs, thou didst become a true martyr, suffering most mightily for Christ, O all-praised one; and thou didst give thyself to her who sent thee forth with faith, O blessed Boniface, earnestly pray that we all may receive perfect forgiveness.

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

Theotokion, Tone IV: As one who loveth sin, I beseech thee who hast given birth to the sinless God Who taketh away the sins of the world: O most pure one, have compassion on my greatly sinful soul and cleanse me of my many sins; for thou art the cleansing, salvation and aid of the faithful.

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

Ode IV, Irmos: For the sake of love for Thine image, * O compassionate One, * Thou didst ascend the cross * and the nations melted away. * For Thou, O Lover of mankind, * art my strength and my praise.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Blessing the endurance of those who suffer, O most noetically rich and divinely wise martyr, thou didst liken thyself to them, emulating their honoured sufferings.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Going forth with faith to the divine company of the martyrs, O blessed one, thou didst give thyself to her who desired a right wondrous burden, O divinely wise one.

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

Purified like gold in the crucible of wounds, O martyr, thou wast revealed to be most pure, bearing the image of the sufferings of the Creator.

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

Realising that thy virginity was sealed in thy birthgiving, O Maiden, with faith thou didst magnify the Word Who was ineffably born from thy womb.

Ode V, Irmos: Do Thou O Lord send down upon us * Thine enlightenment, and free us * from the gloom of transgression, O Good One, * granting us Thy peace.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Like a radiant star thou didst rise above the western lands and didst set in the endurance of sufferings, O martyr; and thou didst straightway shine upon the lands of the West, illumining the ends thereof.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

As a martyr thou didst suffer the rending away of thy fingernails, and beatings with sharp reeds, O martyr, thereby breaking the sting of the evil one by faith and grace.

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

Thou didst weaken the machinations of the enemy directed against thee, O divinely wise one, for, constantly directing thy gaze toward God, thou didst endure the wounding of thy flesh as though one incorporeal.

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

I cry to thee: Wash my soul clean of all defilement, O pure Virgin who hast given birth on earth to God, our true Saviour.

Ode VI, Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial * the Prophet Jonah praying in the belly of the sea-monster cried aloud: * Deliver me from corruption * O Jesus Thou King of hosts.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Beaten, thou didst inflict fleshly wounds upon the ungodly who were incurably afflicted with ignorance, and hast been revealed to be a physician of the sick, O spiritual athlete Boniface.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Exalted unto God by thy contest of struggles, O blessed passion-bearer, thou didst cut down the invisible foe and become an ally of the down-trodden.

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

Dragged across the ground, O spiritual athlete, like a precious stone thou didst cast down the foundation of falsehood, and with faith hast made yet more steadfast the hearts of the faithful.

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

Of old, the bush, which burned yet was not consumed, prefigured thee, O all-immaculate Virgin; for, like it, thou wast not consumed when thou didst surrender thy flesh to 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 IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast appeared…”: Of thine own will thou didst bring thyself * as an unblemished sacred offering to Him * Who was born of the Virgin for thy sake, * O most wise Boniface, ** holy crown-bearer.

Ode VII, Irmos: Of old the Children of Abraham in Babylon * trampled down the flame of the furnace, * crying aloud with hymns: * O God of our Fathers, blessed art Thou.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Refusing to bend thy knee before graven images, thou wast truly cast into a furnace for an even greater trial; and bedewed therein; thou dost give thanks to Christ throughout the ages.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Seeking to destroy the might of thy confession, the deluded one pitilessly caused molten lead to be poured into thy bowels; yet was he was manifestly put to shame.

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

In earnestly enduring the severing of thy precious head, thou didst cut off the most wily head of the deceitful enemy with the sword of thy courage, O divinely wise martyr of Christ.

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

Let me hymn thee with fitting melodies, O Maiden. By thy supplications deliver me from sufferings, misfortunes and tribulations, and from evil men who seek to oppress me.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O almighty Redeemer of all, * having descended and bedewed the children * in the midst of the flame, * Thou didst teach them to sing: * All ye works bless and hymn the Lord.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Devising profitable salvation for thee who sought the relics of the right-victorious martyrs, O Boniface, Christ strengthened thee, that thou thyself might become a martyr through faith.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Thou wast given as a blessed treasure to thy blessed mistress, O blessed one; and having been enriched thereby, she chanted with gladness of heart: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Having erected a most sacred temple with zeal, the glorious woman enshrined thee therein, who art the temple of the divine Trinity, O Boniface, passion-bearer of Christ.

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

Having died for love of the Creator Who slayeth the corrupting passions, by thy supplication clearly bestow life upon those who cry: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!

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

The supremely divine One, descending upon thee, the pure one, became incarnate, as He alone knew how O Virgin, delivering mankind who chanteth unto thee: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Beholding thee as a sacred burden, the ever-memorable handmaid rejoiced, crying: “I sent thee forth, O blessed one, but I accept thee as my true master, delivering me from slavery to evils by thy right acceptable entreaties!”

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Thou hast blossomed like a lily in the noetic valleys of the martyrs, O Boniface; like a palm tree hast thou grown tall; like a cedar thou hast been recognized as sweetly fragrant; and thou hast been shown to be like a choice cypress, perfuming our souls.

Holy martyr, Boniface, pray God for us.

Today the day of thy commemoration hath shone forth like the sun with the radiance of divine gifts, O passion-bearer, illumining the souls of those who hymn thee and dispelling the gloom of the passions, O divinely wise and all-blessed martyr.

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

Thou didst shine forth from the West like the sun, and didst attain unto a city of the East, where, having suffered and set in death, thou didst hasten to life and reach splendid Rome, which thou dost now protect by thy prayers.

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

With thy light illumine me who am stuck fast in the darkness of sin, O Theotokos; and grant that I may walk in the daylight of the divine precepts, O Bride of God, that I may hymn thee, the all-hymned one.

Day 34 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Martyr Sebastian and His Company

18/31 December

The Holy Martyr Sebastian was born in the city of Narbonum in Gaul (modern France), and he received his education at Mediolanum (now Milan). Under the co-reigning emperors Diocletian and Maximian (284-305) he occupied the position of head of the imperial guards. Saint Sebastian was respected for his authority, and was loved by the soldiers and those at court. He was a brave man filled with wisdom, his word was honest, his judgment just, insightful in advice, faithful in his service and in everything entrusted to him. He was a secret Christian, not out of fear, but so that he could provide help to the brethren in a time of persecution.

The noble Christian brothers Marcellinus and Mark had been locked up in prison, and at first they firmly confessed the true Faith. But under the influence of the tearful entreaties of their pagan parents (Tranquillinus and Marcia), and also their own wives and children, they began to waver in their intent to suffer for Christ. Saint Sebastian went to the imperial treasurer, at whose house Marcellinus and Mark were held in confinement, and addressed the brothers who were on the verge of yielding to the entreaties of their family.

“O valiant warriors of Christ! Do not cast away your everlasting crowns of victory because of the tears of your relatives. Do not remove your feet from the necks of your enemies who lie prostrate before you, lest they regain their strength and attack you more fiercely than before. Raise your banner high over every earthly attachment. If those whom you see weeping knew that there is another life where there is neither sickness nor death, where there is unceasing gladness and everything is beautiful, then assuredly they would wish to enter it with you. Anyone who fears to exchange this brief earthly life for the unending joys of the heavenly Kingdom is foolish indeed. For he who rejects eternity wastes the brief time of his existence, and will be delivered to everlasting torment in Hades.”

Then Saint Sebastian said that if necessary, he would be willing to endure torment and death in order to show them how to give their lives for Christ.

So Saint Sebastian persuaded the brothers to go through with their act of martyrdom, and his speech stirred everyone present. They saw how his face shone like that of an angel, and they saw how seven angels clothed him in a radiant garment, and heard a fair Youth say, “You shall be with Me always.”

Zoe, the wife of the jailer Nicostratus, had lost her ability to speak six years previously, and she fell down at the feet of Saint Sebastian, by her gestures imploring him to heal her. The saint made the Sign of the Cross over the woman, and she immediately began to speak and she glorified the Lord Jesus Christ. She said that she had seen an angel holding an open book in which everything Saint Sebastian said was written. Then all who saw the miracle also came to believe in the Savior of the world. Nicostratus removed the chains from Marcellinus and Mark and offered to hide them, but the brothers refused.

Mark said, “Let them tear the flesh from our bodies with cruel torments. They can kill the body, but they cannot conquer the soul which contends for the Faith.” Nicostratus and his wife asked for Baptism, and Saint Sebastian advised Nicostratus to serve Christ rather than the Eparch. He also told him to assemble the prisoners so that those who believed in Christ could be baptized. Nicostratus then requested his clerk Claudius to send all the prisoners to his house. Sebastian spoke to them of Christ, and became convinced that they were all inclined to be baptized. He summoned the priest Polycarp, who prepared them for the Mystery, instructing them to fast in preparation for Baptism that evening.

Then Claudius informed Nicostratus that the Roman eparch Arestius Chromatus wanted to know why the prisoners were gathered at his house. Nicostratus told Claudius about the healing of his wife, and Claudius brought his own sick sons, Symphorian and Felix to Saint Sebastian. In the evening the priest Polycarp baptized Tranquillinus with his relatives and friends, and Nicostratus and all his family, Claudius and his sons, and also sixteen condemned prisoners. The newly-baptized numbered 64 in all.

Appearing before the eparch Chromatus, Nicostratus told him how Saint Sebastian had converted them to Christianity and healed many from sickness. The words of Nicostratus persuaded the eparch. He summoned Saint Sebastian and the presbyter Polycarp, and was enlightened by them, and became a believer in Christ. Nicostratus and Chromatus, his son Tiburtius and all his household accepted holy Baptism. The number of the newly-enlightened increased to 1400. Upon becoming a Christian, Chromatus resigned his office of eparch.

During this time the Bishop of Rome was Saint Gaius (August 11). He blessed Chromatus to go to his estates in southern Italy with the priest Polycarp. Christians unable to endure martyrdom also went with them. Father Polycarp went to strengthen the newly-converted in the Faith.

Tiburtius, the son of Chromatus, desired to accept martyrdom and he remained in Rome with Saint Sebastian. Of those remaining, Saint Gaius ordained Tranquillinus as a presbyter, and his sons Marcellinus and Mark were ordained deacons. Nicostratus, his wife Zoe and brother Castorius, and Claudius, his son Symphorian and brother Victorinus also remained in Rome. They gathered for divine services at the court of the emperor together with a secret Christian named Castulus, but soon the time came for them to suffer for the Faith.

The pagans arrested Saint Zoe first, praying at the grave of the Apostle Peter. At the trial she bravely confessed her faith in Christ. She died, hung by her hair over the foul smoke from a great fire of dung. Her body then was thrown into the River Tiber. Appearing in a vision to Saint Sebastian, she told him about her death.

The priest Tranquillinus was the next to suffer: pagans pelted him with stones at the grave of the holy Apostle Peter, and his body was also thrown into the Tiber.

Sts Nicostratus, Castorius, Claudius, Victorinus, and Symphorian were seized at the riverbank, when they were searching for the bodies of the martyrs. They were led to the eparch, and the saints refused his command to offer sacrifice to idols. They tied stones to the necks of the martyrs and then drowned them in the sea.

The false Christian Torquatus betrayed Saint Tiburtius. When the saint refused to sacrifice to the idols, the judge ordered Tiburtius to walk barefoot on red-hot coals, but the Lord preserved him. Tiburtius walked through the burning coals without feeling the heat. The torturers then beheaded Saint Tiburtius, and his body was buried by unknown Christians.

Torquatus also betrayed the holy Deacons Marcellinus and Mark, and Saint Castulus (March 26). After torture, they threw Castulus into a pit and buried him alive, but Marcellinus and Mark had their feet nailed to the same tree stump. They stood all night in prayer, and in the morning they were stabbed with spears.

Saint Sebastian was the last one to be tortured. The emperor Diocletian personally interrogated him, and seeing the determination of the holy martyr, he ordered him taken out of the city, tied to a tree and shot with arrows. Irene, the wife of Saint Castulus, went at night in order to bury Saint Sebastian, but found him alive and took him to her home.

Saint Sebastian soon recovered from his wounds. Christians urged him to leave Rome, but he refused. Coming near a pagan temple, the saint saw the emperors approaching and he publicly denounced them for their impiety. Diocletian ordered the holy martyr to be taken to the Circus Maximus to be executed. They clubbed Saint Sebastian to death, and cast his body into the sewer. The holy martyr appeared to a pious woman named Lucina in a vision, and told her to take his body and bury it in the catacombs. This she did with the help of her slaves. Today his basilica stands on the site of his tomb.

The canon of the martyrs, the acrostic whereof is: “I wisely render divine honour to thee, O martyr,” the composition of Joseph, in Tone I:

Ode I, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Illumined by the divine rays of the adored Trinity, O ever-memorable one, do thou by thy supplications, show forth as partakers of the light those who with faith honour thy luminous and sacred feast.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Possessed of a mind radiant and, replete with honourable effulgence, as one sensible and wise, O martyred spiritual athlete, thine only desire was He Who Is, and through faith thou didst receive Him.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

With divine beads of sweat thou didst truly blot out the reasoning of thy flesh, and with the blood of thy suffering thou didst dry up the turgid streams of polytheism, O most noetically rich and divinely wise martyr.

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

By thy divine teachings thou didst lead to the master a regiment of spiritual athletes, casting down all the impiety of the tyrants by the grace of the Holy Spirit; and with them thou prayest that we be saved.

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

Thou hast given birth to a little Babe – Him Who hath been with the Father from before the beginning of time; and thou hast renewed the laws of nature, O pure, most pure Virgin Mother, by thy supra-natural, honoured and divine
birthgiving.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of human nature * and in compassion hast assumed its form; * do Thou gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O invincible martyr, who led forth an honourable army, arrayed in the divine armor of the Faith, ye have cast down the legions of the foe and all the wiles of the tyrants by the power of the Spirit.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Having established the ascents of thy heart upon the noetic rock with pious wisdom, O much-suffering martyr, thou didst not fall prey to the wiles of the deceitful serpent; but hast been a foundation of piety for all in spirit.

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

Bound and suspended on a tree, thou didst endure the cruel piercing of thy members, O martyr; yet by the divine power of God thou wast straightway shown to be whole and unharmed, O glorious one, putting the wiles of the enemy to shame.

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

O all-immaculate one, thou hast been revealed to be the noetic sanctuary and pure abode of Him Who sanctifieth all things; for from thee hath God appeared incarnate, known to the world in two natures, but in a single Hypostasis, O Bride of God.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Having been lifted up…”: With the staining of thy blood thou didst dye a robe of martyrdom, and thou didst array thyself therein as with a costly robe of purple, O Sebastian. Wherefore, thou hast made thine abode with Christ in the endless kingdom on high, and with those who suffered with thee hast received a cross. Joining chorus with them, O wise one, be thou ever mindful of us.

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: He that sitteth upon the throne of the cherubim * and abideth in the bosom of the Father * sat in thy womb as upon a throne, O Lady; * for, being truly God incarnate, * He reigneth over all nations, * and with understanding we now chant to Him. * Him do thou also entreat, ** that thy servants be saved.

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

ODE IV, Irmos: Perceiving thee with prophetic eyes * as the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * Habbakuk proclaimed that the Holy One of Israel * would come forth from thee, * for our salvation and restoration.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O Tiburtius, the Lord gave thee power to vanquish the enemy in thy weak flesh; for when the fire was kindled, thou didst enter therein like the youths, O most mighty martyr, and didst receive the dew of heaven.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thou hast joined the heavenly ministers, O Tiburtius, for, serving Christ, thou didst offer up pure sacrifices in spirit, O sacred minister, thou glory and boast of the martyrs; wherefore, we joyfully honour thee.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Suspended upright, lacerated with sharp blades, pierced with the grievous wounds of arrows, and buried in a pit, wherein he received his divine end, Castulus of valiant mind rejoiced.

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

Performing healings by the Holy Spirit, O blessed Sebastian, thou didst magnificently proclaim salvation to the people who piously looked for enlightenment, and didst finish the race of martyrdom.

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

The transcendent God chose thee alone from among all generations, O all-immaculate Lady, Birthgiver of God, and, becoming a man, the Creator of human nature assumed the essence of mankind.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast shone upon us with the radiance * of Thy coming O Christ, * and illumined the ends of the world with Thy Cross, * enlighten with the light of thine understanding * the hearts of those who with right worship hymn Thee.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thy paths and ways, which lead to the Lord alone, tripped the aimless steps of the enemy and were for many a straight and firm path, O most honoured martyr of Christ.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Before the tribunal the most wise Marcellinus and Mark spake with eloquence of the saving advent of Christ, and, bound together, they were pierced with sharp blades, receiving the adornment of martyrdom.

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

Marcellinus and Mark, mightily emulating the suffering of Him Who slew our passions, were pierced with spears, and, crowned, have joined the choirs of passion-bearers.

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

O all-immaculate one, thou most radiant cloud of the Sun, by thy supplications dispel the clouds from my soul and illumine my mind, which hath become darkened by negligence, that I may hymn thee, O all-hymned one.

Ode VI, Irmos: The deepest abyss hath surrounded us, * and there is none to deliver us, * yea we have been counted as sheep for the slaughter; * save Thy people O our God, * for thou art the strength and restoration of the weak.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

By steadfastness of mind thou wast most honourably shown to be tireless when thou wast pitilessly beaten with staves and pierced by many arrows. Wherefore O martyr, thou hast passed, rejoicing, over to the never-waning light.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Christ imparted life to thee, who struggled and fought the demons, sustained grievous wounds, and looked to Him with the eyes of thy heart, O invincible martyr Sebastian.

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

With the hard staves of thy most wise words thou didst smash delusion, demolish the sanctuaries of the enemy, destroy their idolatrous temples and raise thyself up as a temple of the divine Spirit.

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

Thou hast restored our nature, which had become corrupt through disobedience, having given birth to Him Who reneweth all things by His divine will, O divine joyous one, who alone among women art blessed.

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 4: Excelling in godly zeal, * thou didst gather a band of martyrs from which thou didst shine as a star. * The arrows that wounded thy body, O Sebastian, * pierced the hearts of the enemy. **Therefore, Christ has glorified thee!

Ode VII, Irmos: We the faithful perceive thee, O Theotokos, * to be a noetic furnace; * for as He, the supremely exalted One, * saved the three children, * so hath He wholly refashioned fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O Thou praised and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Strengthened by Thy mighty power, O Christ, Thy passion-bearers vanquished the foe, trampling delusion underfoot, and giving their bodies over to wounding, as they chanted: Praised and supremely glorious is the God of our fathers!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Having struggled well, Marcellinus and the glorious Mark, Tiburtius and the all-wise Castulus, the divinely radiant passion-bearers and martyrs, have passed over to heaven, hymning our praised and supremely glorious God.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

As a youth thou didst noetically tread upon the flame, O spiritual athlete Tiburtius, like the children of old, receiving the dew of the Spirit from on high, and chanting earnestly: Praised and supremely glorious is the God of our fathers!

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

Suspended aloft like a lamb, O glorious martyr Zoe, thou didst choke the enemy with the cords of thy patiently-endured pangs, and thou livest even after death, O all-praised one, chanting: Praised and supremely glorious is the God of our fathers!

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

O pure one, we call thee the golden jar, the all-holy table of the divine Bread of life, the place of sanctity, the throne most high, whereon God hath rested: the praised and supremely glorious God of our fathers.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In the furnace as in a fiery crucible * the Israelite children shone more brightly than gold * with the beauty of godliness, * as they exclaimed: Bless the Lord all ye works of the Lord, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Desiring to die to the world and all things in the world, O all-honoured one, thou wast deemed worthy of life, crying out most earnestly: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord; hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

The iniquitous ones cruelly placed thee in an exceedingly deep pit, and, filling it in, slew thee, O ever-memorable Castulus, who chanted fervently: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord; hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

As the namesake of life, O Zoe, thou hast obtained blessed life; for thou didst leave this life of corruption by violent strangulation, chanting: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord; hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

In giving birth to the comely God and Master Who adorneth the human race with divine beauties, O pure one, thou thyself wast adorned. To Him do we chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord; hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

That thou mightest be counted worthy of divine splendour, everlasting glory and beauty, O all-blessed Sebastian, thou didst manfully endure torment, pain and death; wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thou wast revealed to be like the sun amid stars, with those who suffered with thee, O martyr; and now, through your sacred sufferings, ye illumine with pure splendours the divine foundation of the Church, dispelling all the boastfulness of the demons.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Tiburtius, Marcellinus and Mark, Zoe and Castulus, loving Christ, and suffering together with the divinely wise Sebastian, their instructor, they equally received crowns of victory, ever interceding on our behalf.

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

The divine choir of the martyrs, having been taken up and granted to dwell in the radiant mansions, go about the heavens rejoicing, ever entreating Him Who is the Lover of mankind, on behalf of us who bless them forever.

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

The noetic armies are filled with awe, beholding the divine Effulgence of the Father ineffably held in thine arms and assuming our form, that He might deify mortals, O all-immaculate Virgin Mother.

Troparion, Tone IV: In their sufferings, Thy martyrs O Lord, * received imperishable crowns from Thee, our God; * for, possessed of Thy might, * they set at naught the tyrants and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. ** By their supplications save Thou our souls.

Day 33 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Prophet Daniel and the Three Righteous Youths

Canon of the prophet, the acrostic whereof is: “With hymns I will crown the wise Daniel”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII.

Ode I, Irmos: Let us, O ye people, send up a hymn * unto our wondrous God * Who hath freed Israel from bondage, * chanting a hymn of victory * and crying aloud: * We sing unto Thee, O only Master.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

O Saviour and Benefactor, Cause of every good thing, Who lovest mankind: with thy radiant effulgence illumine my mind, that I may praise the glorious memory of Thy prophet.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thou didst shine forth in chastity like the dawn and didst save the chaste Susanna who was in danger; for God, Who knoweth all secrets, raised thee up to condemn the cruel elders.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

The descendants of Abraham, strengthened by the fear of God, valiantly spurned the most iniquitous food; and, nurtured by desire for piety, have been taken up into the greatest glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most sacred Daniel, thou didst perceive the only Ever-virgin, the most pure Maiden, as the noetic mountain from whence was cut the Chief Cornerstone Who hath crushed all delusion.

Canon of the three holy youths, the acrostic whereof is: “I hymn the three youths and the great Daniel”, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VIII:

Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Let us glorify the beginningless Word Who was divinely begotten of the Father before time began, and Whose likeness was seen by the youths in the furnace.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Firmly reviling the words of the impious tyrant, the noble youths did not wish to defile themselves with vile foods like the all-iniquitous Chaldeans.

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

Ye fed yourselves spiritually with the word of God and bodily with foods ye grew yourselves, and showed yourselves to the king as more comely of appearance than those who ate gross foods.

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

O Maiden who sprang forth from David and hast given birth to the Redeemer, thou healest the venom which the serpent poured bitterly into the ears of Eve.

Ode III, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: O Lord, thou art the confirmation of those who flee to Thee, * Thou art the Light of those in darkness, * and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Receiving understanding and wisdom from God, thou didst interpret obscure dreams for the kings.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Receiving understanding and wisdom from God, thou didst interpret obscure dreams for the kings.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Scattering the food-offerings, O glorious one, thou didst slay the material serpent; for thou didst first vanquish the immaterial demons.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Illumined with radiance, O glorious one, thou didst behold the mountain manifestly blessed by God, the adornment of mankind.

Canon of the Youths, Irmos: O Lord, thou art the confirmation of those who flee to Thee, * Thou art Light of those in darkness, * and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

The youths of David, having acquired an understanding taught by God, O Master, kept the laws of their fathers with godly wisdom.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Fire did not consume the most pure bodies of the pious ones, for they had already been consumed by the fasting which nourisheth the soul.

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

Wondrously bedewed in the midst of the furnace, the three youths sing universal and most laudable praise.

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

That thou mightest show forth Thy birthgiving from the body of the Virgin, O Master, Thou didst save the bodies of the virginal youths in the furnace.

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

Kontakion of the prophet, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Today the Virgin…”: Enlightened by the Spirit, * thy pure heart became the receptacle of the most splendid prophecy: * for beholding far-off things as though they were present, * and, cast into the pit, thou didst tame the lions. ** Wherefore, we honour thee, O blessed and glorious Prophet Daniel.

Ikos: Jesus Christ, our true God, Whose divine advent thou didst manifestly proclaim, do thou entreat without ceasing for those who with gladness celebrate this thy divine memorial and honour thee with love, that we be saved from all temptations, sins and evil circumstances, for thou hast boldness before Him, O divinely wise one; and grant that I may open my lips to hymn thine excellent discourse.

Sessional Hymn of the youths, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom …”: In the flame the youths prophetically inscribed the image of the Trinity with the pen of faith in immaterial ink; and they mystically beheld the Word’s extreme descent to the earth proclaiming it to all. Wherefore, having received the dew of the Spirit from heaven, they pour forth gifts upon the faithful who cry out to Thee together: O Christ God, as Thou art compassionate grant remission of transgressions unto those who with love celebrate their holy memory!

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

Sessional Hymn of the prophet, Tone VIII & same melody: Enriched by the grace of prophecy, thou didst describe the birth giving of the Virgin in shadowy images, but didst clearly interpret the dreams of the king. And, cast into the pit as a martyr, thou didst most gloriously teach the lions to fast, O blessed one. Wherefore, thou hast destroyed the worship of the ungodly, O right wondrous Daniel. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love celebrate thy holy memory.

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

Theotokion, Tone VIII: Rejoice, O fiery throne of God! Rejoice, O Maiden, thou royal seat and bower all-adorned with divers colours, thou bridal-chamber hung with gold and purple, cloak of scarlet hue, decorated temple, sword of lightning, lamp of great radiance! Rejoice, O Theotokos, thou twelve-walled city, gate of beaten gold, tabernacle adorned by God! Rejoice, O glorious Bride who hast let the Sun fall like rain! Rejoice, thou only goodly wonder of my soul!

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): The ewe-lamb, beholding the Lamb, Shepherd and Deliverer upon the Cross, exclaimed, weeping, and bitterly lamenting, cried out: “The world rejoiceth, having received deliverance through Thee; but my womb doth burn, beholding Thy crucifixion, which Thou endurest in the loving-kindness of Thy mercy. O long-suffering Lord, abyss and inexhaustible wellspring of mercy, have pity and grant remission of offences unto those who with faith hymn Thy divine sufferings!”

Ode IV, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: From the overshadowed mountain, * from the only Theotokos, * the Prophet in divine vision * foresaw Thy coming in the flesh, O Word, * and with fear he glorified Thy power.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Preserving the law in piety, O prophet, thou didst truly come to know the Bestower of wisdom Who teacheth men profound mysteries, illumining them in darkness.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Living a sacred life, O thou who wast revealed by God, thou wast called a man of divine desires; for, having manfully trampled the passions underfoot, thou hast been translated to the life which ageth not.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

The grace of the Comforter which dwelt within thee, O Daniel, showed thee to be the radiant victor over tyrants and kings, and the abode of wisdom.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Prophet Daniel beheld Thee, O Word, as the Stone cut, not by human hands, from the mountain of the Virgin Theotokos; and he cried out and hymned Thy divinity.

Canon of the Youths, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

By divine grace the most wise Daniel, divinely illumined in mind, interpreted the dreams of the kings.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

The suffering of the youths in the furnace shone with miracles; for they prevailed upon the tyrant to acknowledge Thee, O Almighty One.

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

The melodies of the instruments and the harmonious playing of music did not lead the valiant ones astray, and they did not worship the golden image.

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

With hymns the children in Babylon honoured thy supremely divine Son, Whom they recognized in the furnace, O all-hymned one.

Ode V, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: Thou hast enlightened * with the knowledge of God * the ends of the universe * that lay in the night of ignorance, * do Thou also, O Lord, illumine me * with the dawning of Thy love for mankind.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Illumining thy struggles of suffering with the proclamation of prophecy, thou art resplendent in both, full of divine inspiration.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Illumining thy struggles of suffering with the proclamation of prophecy, thou art resplendent in both, full of divine inspiration.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

By splendours of wisdom which pass understanding thou hast been shown to be most wise, O blessed and divinely eloquent Daniel who art most great, enlightening all things.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, the glorious Prophet Daniel with images described the mystery of the ineffable incarnation of the Most High Who came forth from thee.

Canon of the Youths, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath 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.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Having studied the law, O Saviour, Thy favoured ones, the great Daniel and the three godly-minded youths, did not deny Thee; but, receiving strength from Thee, our Benefactor, they manfully vanquished the tyrant.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Daniel studied Thy mysteries noetically, O Lover of mankind; for in purity of mind he beheld Thee as the Son of man coming upon a cloud, as the Judge and King of all the nations.

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

Shining like a golden beam, O children, your company shone with splendour greater than that of a sapphire; and set afire with zeal for piety, ye entered the furnace joyfully and formed yourselves into a universal chorus.

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

O Virgin, the divine Daniel clearly prefigured thee as a mountain; and the three youths, beholding the flame bearing dew, with hymns praise thy divine birth giving as that of the Saviour, Creator and Lord.

Ode VI, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: As Thou didst deliver the prophet from the depths * of the abyss, O Christ God, * so deliver me also from my sins, * O Lover of mankind, * and guide my life, I pray Thee.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Beholding the angelic choirs in most radiant light, thou hast become their most excellent emulator, delighting in the splendours of the King of all.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Beholding the angelic choirs in most radiant light, thou hast become their most excellent emulator, delighting in the splendours of the King of all.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Proclaiming the salvific coming of the Word, thou didst also foretell the destruction of the temple, the fulfilment of the law, and gifts of grace which pass all understanding.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold! the Virgin whose image the glorious Daniel beheld, shall manifestly conceive Christ God within her womb, illumined by the Spirit.

Canon of the Youths, Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the storm of my transgressions * disquieten me and thrust me down * into the depths of despondency; * but do Thou stretch forth Thy mighty arm, * unto me as Thou didst to Peter, * and save me, O my Guide.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Having gained control over natural passions through the power of the Word, ye became rulers of the land of the Chaldean peoples, O ye wise descendants of David; for virtue knoweth how to render honour to those who have acquired her.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Having gained control over natural passions through the power of the Word, ye became rulers of the land of the Chaldean peoples, O ye wise descendants of David; for virtue knoweth how to render honour to those who have acquired her.

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

Daniel, having arrayed himself of old in life-bearing mortality, and with food slew the evil serpent which the Chaldeans impiously considered to be a god; and he wisely slew the ungodly priests.

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

O Virgin Mother and Theotokos, by thy supplications entreat the merciful Judge, thy Son, that He deliver me from cruel punishment on the day of judgment; for in thee alone do I set my hope.

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 youths, Tone VI: O thrice-blessed ones, who did not honour an image wrought by hands, * but were defended by the indescribable Essence, * ye were glorified in your ordeal by fire; * and standing in the midst of unbearable flame, ye called upon God, saying: * Speed Thou and make haste to our aid, O Compassionate One, ** in that Thou art merciful; for what Thou willest, Thou canst do!

Ikos: Stretch forth Thy hand whereby of old the warring Egyptians and the embattled Hebrews were tested. Forsake us not, that death, which thirsteth after us, not swallow us up; and spare our souls, as Thou once didst spare Thy three children in Babylon, who glorified Thee unceasingly and were cast for Thy sake into a furnace, from whence they cried out to Thee: Speed Thou and make haste to our aid, O Compassionate One, in that Thou art merciful; for what Thou willest, Thou canst do!

Ode VII, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Protected by the law, O prophet, thou didst not allow thyself to be iniquitously defiled, and, divinely illumined with understanding, thou didst cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages!

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thy miracle filled all with awe; for, caught up, the Prophet Habbakuk appeared before thee, a prophet, bearing food to thee and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages!

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Imprisoned in a pit and offered as food to the lions, O blessed one, thou wast saved, God protecting thee, and didst cry aloud: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou pourest forth in abundance a stream of healings, O Virgin Mother of God; for Daniel clearly perceived thee as the mountain from whence the Saviour shone forth, the God of our fathers.

Canon of the Youths, Irmos: In Babylon, the pious youths did not worship the golden image, * but,
bedewed in the midst of the fiery furnace, * they chanted a hymn, saying: * O supremely exalted God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

God-loving voices sang to the Almighty out of the midst of the fire; for, forming a divine choir, Azarias chanted a hymn, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

The harp of the youths theologized concerning the Almighty, the God of all Who manifestly appeared to them in the furnace as they chanted a hymn, saying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Having watched as the three youths were cast into the furnace, the king beheld a fourth appear, Whom He called the Son of God; and he cried out to all: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Possessed of a mind illumined with divine radiance, O Daniel blessed of God, thou didst manifestly foresee the birth giving of the Virgin prefigured in mystical images, and didst cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: Treading down the fiery flame in the furnace, * the divinely eloquent children sang: * ‘Bless the Lord, ye works of the Lord’.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Through active vision thou wast shown to be clearly sacred, O prophet, and didst chant with the incorporeal ones: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Through active vision thou wast shown to be clearly sacred, O prophet, and didst chant with the incorporeal ones: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

We all praise thee, O all-blessed one, and rejoicing on thine honoured festival, we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O divinely eloquent one, perceiving the most wondrous Maiden in symbolic images, thou didst cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Canon of the Youths, 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’.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Striving to preserve the nobility of Abraham, O venerable ones, ye acquired his own foundational faith and hope, his patience and endurance of temptations, crying aloud: Ye priests bless ye the Master! Ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Shining forth like beacons and making the earth like heaven, rendered luminous by the enlightenment of piety, and having formed a universal choir, the youths chant to the Master Who saved them from perils: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

The descendants of Abraham, extinguishing the burning furnace and binding the jaws of the lions in their youth, rejoicing, hymn Thee now, the King and Benefactor of all: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

The most wise Daniel teacheth the mysteries, and the three divinely wise youths prefigure thy birthgiving, O most pure one, beholding in images Him Who ineffably issued forth from thy womb, Whom the children bless, the priests hymn and the people supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Ode IX, Canon of the Prophet, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we confess thee to be truly the Theotokos, * and together with the choirs of the bodiless hosts * thee do we magnify.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thou didst reap the harvest of thy pangs, ever dancing in the heavens with the prophets about the most exalted throne of the Almighty.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thou didst reap the harvest of thy pangs, ever dancing in the heavens with the prophets about the most exalted throne of the Almighty.

Holy prophet Daniel, pray to God for us.

In the light of the threefold Sun thou dost now stand, crowned, before thine ultimate Desire, rejoicing with the incorporeal choirs.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Beautiful is the glory which thou dost now delight in! For thou, O honoured prophet, hast been deemed worthy to proclaim unto all, in images, the all-hymned Maiden.

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

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Ye have attained your desired end and stand before your ultimate Desire in the mansions of heaven, O ye most noetically rich youths.

Holy Ananias, Azarias and Misael, pray to God for us.

Having produced the grain of incorruption with tears, rejoicing, ye have received the sheaves of your goodly labour.

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

Splendour hath now shone forth upon you as is meet, and gladness of heart hath blossomed forth; for grief hath fled away from whence ye have made your abode.

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

Thou hast departed from the fields of death, O Virgin, having given birth to the Lord, the Bestower of life, Who Bestoweth life upon those who magnify thee with faith.

Troparion, Tone II: Great are the accomplishments of faith! * In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, * the three holy children rejoiced; * and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep. ** By their prayers, O Christ God, save Thou our souls.

Day 32 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Prophet Haggai

16/29 December

The Holy Prophet Haggai was the tenth of the Twelve Minor Prophets. He was of the Tribe of Levi and he prophesied during the times of the Persian emperor Darius Hystaspis (prior to 500 B.C.). Upon the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity, he persuaded the people to build the Second Temple at Jerusalem, and he proclaimed that the Messiah would appear in this Temple in the last times.

The Canon of the prophet, the acrostic whereof is: “We sing the divinely given words of Haggai”, a composition of Theophanes, in Tone VII:

Ode I, Irmos: Unto our Immutable God, * Who brought Israel out from the Red Sea, * let us chant a hymn of victory * for He hath been glorified.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Standing before God as a true prophet with divine sight, O blessed one, be thou mindful of those who hymn thine honoured memory.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Having set thyself firmly upon the steadfast foundation of the virtues, O divinely blessed one, thou didst build thyself up as an animate temple.

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

Thy most pure mind which ever gazed at God as far as it was able, O blessed one, was illumined with the gifts of heaven shining from afar.

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

Having in her womb conceived Thee in the flesh, the Word of God Who wast begotten without mother before time, the Virgin gave birth to Thee, her Son, without a father.

Ode III, Irmos: The Church of Christ hath been confirmed by faith; * wherefore she crieth out unceasingly in hymns, chanting: * Holy art Thou, O Lord! * and my spirit doth hymn Thee!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Having released us from a cruel captivity to the demons by Thy divine power, O Saviour, show us forth as Thine honoured temples, who cry aloud: Holy art Thou, Who savest our souls!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

O prophet, who abidest in the highest and fillest the whole world with sanctity, the temple showeth thee crying aloud: Holy art Thou, Who savest our souls!

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

The divine Spirit Who sendeth down grace upon all, dwelt in thy heart and taught thee to cry aloud: Holy art Thou, O Lord, Who savest our souls!

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

He Who is the Lover of mankind, Who wisely fashioned all creation by His word, fashioned Himself into our form through thee, O Theotokos, becoming a man in His loving-kindness.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Of the divine Faith…”: Possessed of a mind illumined by the divine Spirit, O all-blessed Prophet Haggai, thou didst foretell the mysteries of God, disclosing the revelation of things to come, and speaking of the fulfilment of things. Entreat Christ God, that He grant us great mercy.

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

Theotokion: Without separating Thyself from the divine Essence when He took flesh in thy womb, the one Lord remained God when He became man, preserving thee, His Virgin Mother, immaculate even after giving birth, as thou wast before birth-giving. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He grant us great mercy.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): Thy pure Mother who hath not known wedlock, O Christ, * upon seeing Thee hanging dead upon the Cross, * said, weeping maternally: * How hath the iniquitous and ungrateful synagogue of the Jews repaid Thee, * which hath enjoyed Thy many and great wonders, ** O my Son?

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thee, O Lord, * that Thou hast appeared on earth to save us. * Wherefore, we cry aloud: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

To Thy prophet, O Christ, Thou didst reveal the Virgin – the animate temple, pleasing to Thee, from whence Thou didst come. And with him we cry aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Thou hast gathered to Thee all the rejected ones, O Lord, freeing us from slavery to the enemy, as the God-pleasing prophet hath said.

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

The salvation of the nations which would come afterwards didst Thou reveal to Thy prophet, O Christ, who crieth out to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

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

Thou didst turn the curse of Adam into a blessing, O Lady, giving birth to Christ for our sake. To Him do we cry: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Ode V, Irmos: I rise at dawn to Thee, * and I cry unto Thee O compassionate Lord: * do Thou illumine my soul, darkened by sins, * with the light of Thy commandments, and guide it!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Grant, O blessed one, that those who celebrate thy radiant memory may become temples of the living God, establishing them on the rock of the dogmas by thy supplications.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

In that thou art our Benefactor, O Lord, grant us Thy peace, the peace which edifieth the soul, of which the godly Haggai foretold in the divine Spirit.

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

Truly great will be the glory of the Church of the incarnate Word Who hath shared human nature, surpassing that of the assembly of Israel of old.

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

O blessed and exceedingly glorious Mother who knew not a man, impart life to my soul, which hath been slain by sins and buried by mine unrestrained passions.

Ode VI, Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of Hades: * Lead my life up from corruption! * And we cry aloud unto Thee: * O almighty Saviour, have mercy on us!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Teaching piety to the youth, O blessed one, thou didst erect a sanctified temple to the Master of all, promising an abundance of good things.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

O Saviour, Thou didst lead us up from far captivity and the uttermost depths, bringing us up to the city on high, in that Thou lovest mankind.

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

Rejoicing, O prophet, through the illumination of the Spirit thou didst utter beforehand words of action, teaching us piety through justification.

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

Having of his own will fallen, Adam was expelled from paradise; but the Word Who was incarnate from the Virgin, calleth him back and leadeth him up to delight on high.

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 4: Spec. Mel. “Today You have shown forth…”: Enlightened by the Spirit, thy pure heart became the dwelling place of most splendid prophecy; / for thou didst see things far off as if they were near. / Therefore, we honour thee, blessed and glorious Prophet Haggai.

Ode VII, Irmos: Cast into the fiery furnace, * the venerable children transformed the fire into dew, * crying aloud thus in hymnody: * Blessed art Thou O Lord, the God of our fathers!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Having purified thy mind, thou didst manifestly receive the effulgence of the Spirit, O prophet, prophesying splendidly and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Having purified thy mind, thou didst manifestly receive the effulgence of the Spirit, O prophet, prophesying splendidly and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

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

Beholding thee passing through a most sacred life, God appointed thee the prophet of His coming, wherefore thou didst cry aloud unto all: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

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

He Who saved the three children in the fiery furnace, having made His abode within thy womb, O Virgin, doth save those who trust in Him and cry aloud: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, O all-pure one!

Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of glory, who is alone without beginning, * Before Whom all the powers of heaven stand in awe * and the hosts of angels tremble: * O ye priests praise, and ye people * supremely exalt Him throughout the ages.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

We hymn Thee, the Master of all, Whom Haggai, the prophet of divine vision, hath taught us to worship and praise, singing: O ye priests praise! and Ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

We hymn Thee, the Master of all, Whom Haggai, the prophet of divine vision, hath taught us to worship and praise, singing: O ye priests praise! and Ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

When the unoriginate Word appeared in latter times, O prophet of vision divine, thou didst manifestly proclaim Him, crying: O ye priests praise! and Ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

He Who before was invisible and infinite in essence became finite and visible in thy womb, O all-pure one. To Him do we cry aloud with faith: O ye priests praise! and Ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: O all-hymned one, * who art higher in eminence than the heavens: * having seedlessly conceived the unoriginate Word * thou hast given birth to the incarnate God for all mankind. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Having tasted divine vision which transcendeth description, thou didst put away earthly cares, O prophet, and worthily standest before our supremely glorious God. Wherefore, all of us, the faithful, call thee blessed.

Holy prophet, Haggai, pray to God for us.

Thy godly and wondrous life hath shown thee to be an intercessor before God, O blessed and divinely wise one; and thou dwellest eternally with the incorporeal choirs. Wherefore, we all ever call thee blessed.

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

It was fitting for thee, as a teacher of piety, to be with God and to mingle in His light, O blessed one: Entreat Him now, that He deliver our souls from temptation.

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

Truly didst thou supra-naturally become the dwelling-place and golden ark of the King of all, having Christ, the only incarnate Bestower of the law, within thee, O Birth-Giver of God.

Troparion, in Tone 2: We celebrate the memory of Thy prophet Haggai, O Lord; through him we beseech Thee: save our souls.

Day 31 – Advent with the Saints: the Hieromartyr Eleutherios

5/28 December

Saint Eleutherios, the son of an illustrious Roman citizen, was raised in Christian piety by his mother. His virtue was such that at the age twenty, he had been elevated to bishop of Illyria. In the reign of the emperor Hadrian, Saint Eleutherios was tortured for his bold preaching about Christ, then was beheaded at Rome with his mother Evanthia. The Eparch Caribus, who had tortured Saint Eleutherios, also came to believe in Christ and was executed.

Canon of the hieromartyr, the acrostic whereof is: “Show me to be free of the passions, O all-blessed one”, the composition of Joseph, in Tone I.

Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

By thy radiant supplications, O martyr Eleutherios, free me, who am held captive by the darkness of the passions, that I may hymn thee, the servant of Christ, with divine hymns.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Thou didst shine forth with the most pure rays of suffering, O most sacred one, with thy blood didst thou dye thy priestly raiment, and become radiant through the Spirit.

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

Cleaving unto God from thy youth with a most pure mind, thou didst drive carnal understanding away from thy soul and became enriched with the abundant grace of miracles.

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

Like a throne of fire thou didst bear the Creator, and like an animate bridal-chamber and a beautiful palace thou didst contain the King Who became as we are, apart from change and mingling of natures.

Ode III, Irmos: Let my heart be established in Thy will O Christ God, * Who hath established a second heaven over the waters, * and founded the earth upon the waters, * O all-powerful One.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

O wise one who didst will to suffer for Christ, thou didst endure the wounding of thy body, finding delight in thy pangs and afflictions; wherefore, thou hast now received a life without pain.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Holding fast with the fervent desire for the Creator, O divinely wise spiritual athlete Eleutherios, bedewed by the fire of the Spirit thou didst submit thyself to fiery testing.

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

Shown forth as most sacred among priests and a martyr most steadfast among the martyrs, O blessed one, thou hast received a twofold crown, continually beholding the face of God.

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

Thou didst bud forth the Staff of strength whereby we are made steadfast; for the staff of Aaron, which once put forth branches, prefigured thee, O land untouched by the plough, O pure turtle-dove, O Ever-virgin!

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

Sessional Hymn of the hieromartyr, Tone I, Spec. Mel. “Thy tomb, O Saviour…”: Having acquired a mind free of the passions, thou wast a most dutiful servant of God, and didst free from delusion those who hearkened well unto thee; and having suffered as priest and martyr, O Eleutherios, thou hast received a twofold crown. Pray thou, that we be saved.

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

Theotokion Tone VIII: Having fallen into the temptations of great cunning laid for me by enemies visible and invisible, caught in the tempest of my countless offences, I make haste to the haven of thy goodness, O pure one, as to my fervent assistance and protection. Wherefore, O most pure one, pray thou earnestly to Him Who becameth incarnate of thee without seed on behalf of all thy servants who unceasingly entreat thee, O most pure one, ever beseeching Him to grant remission of sins unto those who hymn thy glory as is meet.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): The Virgin and Mother of the Redeemer, standing before the Cross and lamenting with tears of anguish, cried out maternally: What strange and most glorious thing is this that I behold, O my Son? Thou that pourest forth dispassion upon all men art crucified upon a Cross between two condemned thieves, Thy side pierced, and Thou art given gall to drink by hands which Thou Thyself hast made! But arise and grant remission of sins unto those who hymn Thy divine Passion with faith.

ODE IV, Irmos: Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Neither the gaping mouths of the lions, nor the raging of the fire, nor cruel threats were able to weaken the endurance of thy strength, O initiate of the sacred mysteries; but, as firm as adamant, thou didst delight in tortures, aflame with divine zeal.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Full of life-bearing waters, thy mouth poured forth rivers of divine doctrines, O hieromartyr, engulfing the mockery of the iniquitous and watering the hearts of those who acknowledge Christ as God.

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

Glorifying thee greatly, thy Creator, for Whom thou wast zealous to suffer, O spiritual athlete, sent a dove bearing angelic food to thee who didst become angelic through the most radiant splendours of suffering.

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

The angelic armies were in awe, beholding how He Who is invisible became visible, through thee assuming a guise like unto us, O Virgin Birth-Giver of God. Him do thou beseech, that He grant salvation unto all who glorify thee with faith.

Ode V, Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Son of God, * for we know no other God than Thee, * and we call upon Thy Name, * for Thou art the God of the living and the dead.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

The most wicked enemy, plotting to lead thee astray through deceitful words, O martyr, was shown to be put to scorn, the most crafty sage of malice being outwitted by thy wisdom.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Mounting the chariot of the divine virtues, O glorious one, thou didst reach the summit of martyrdom and didst cast down the vaunted pride of the wicked demons.

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

Desiring to behold the beauty of Jesus, O venerable one, thou didst adorn thyself with the beauty of martyrdom, and departed to Him, crowned with a wreath of splendour.

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

Every mind marvels at the wonder of thee, O pure one; for thou hast given birth to God in the flesh and fed the Nurturer with milk, without having experienced the temptation of a man, as thou thyself knowest.

Ode VI, Irmos: Emulating the Prophet Jonah, I cry aloud: * Free Thou my life from corruption, O Good One; * and save me who crieth out: * O Saviour of the world, Glory be to Thee!

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

The excellent shepherd of the flock of Christ, the most eloquent pastor, the path of struggles, is glorified, having glorified God with his members.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Given life through visions of God, thou didst steadfastly render lifeless the greatly crafty foe, O ever-memorable wise one, glory of the martyrs and rule of the priesthood.

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

Enduring wounds, entering the fire of thine own will, thou didst put down the onslaughts of the savage beasts, possessing constant love for the Creator.

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

Revealed as a tabernacle of sanctity, O Mary, sanctify my wretched soul, which hath been defiled by the pleasures, and make it a receptacle of divine glory.

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

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

Kontakion of the hieromartyr, Tone II, Spec. Mel. “The steadfast…”: We all praise thee as the adornment of priests * and the proclamation of passion-bearers, * O venerable hieromartyr Eleutherios, * and we entreat thee: * From multifarious misfortunes free those * who celebrate thy memory with love, ** praying unceasingly for us all.

Ikos: As Thou alone art the compassionate God Who is the Lover of mankind, O loving Bestower of life, look Thou upon the darkness of my soul, and with Thine omnipotent right hand free me from the oppression of the passions, O Word, that I may hymn Thy hierarch Eleutherios; for, truly acknowledging Thee from his mother’s womb, he became sanctified, and like Samuel was offered by his sacred mother to Thee, the Creator, unceasingly praying for us all.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thy children who were in the furnace O Saviour, * were neither touched nor troubled by the fire. * Whereupon the three sang, as with a single mouth * Thy praises and blessed Thee, saying: * ‘O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Shattered, O wise one, thou didst cry out: “May Christ now be magnified in my flesh! I fear neither the boiling of the cauldron, nor am I daunted by death or the assaults of wild beasts, for the sake of life!”

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

“Seeking the beauty of the one God, I desire to receive His glory alone! Let my whole body be broken and burned!” didst thou cry aloud, O glorious one; “I seek the freedom which doth enslave me to Christ!”

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

Looking toward the life to come, O blessed one, thou didst truly die to the world, and, burned with the wounds of torture, thou didst shine forth like gold and hast been laid up in the treasuries of the mansions of heaven.

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

The most pure Word, of God, Who was born of thy womb, found thee alone to be most pure, O all-immaculate Bride of God, purifying us the faithful of the defilements which have come upon us through the passions and lack of restraint.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Him of whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven are in awe * as their Lord and Creator, * ye priests hymn, ye children praise, * ye peoples bless and supremely exalt * throughout all ages.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Blossoming, thou didst put forth a garden beauteous in the splendours of martyrdom, O adornment of the martyrs. Ye have now shown yourselves to be flowers of paradise, emitting a divine fragrance in a most godly manner.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Thy mother mingleth her own blood with the outpouring of the blood of thee who wast born from her; for, embracing thy body, O wise one, she was slain by the sword and liveth forevermore.

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

Thy shrine poureth forth the waters of healings and rivers of miracles upon those in need, who wash away the defilements of soul-destroying passions, O martyred hierarch, throughout all ages.

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

Like rain Christ, the only Benefactor, descended upon thy womb, O Virgin, truly watering all creation, and drying up the turbid rivers of the madness of idolatry.

ODE IX, Irmos: The ever-flowing wellspring of life, * light-bearing candlestick of grace, * the animate temple, and most pure cloud, * wider than the heavens and the earth, * the Theotokos do we the faithful magnify.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

As the mouth of God, rescuing vain-minded people from the mouth of the alien, thou didst show them to be heirs of grace; and suffering mightily, thou livest with priests and passion-bearers, O Eleutherios.

Holy hieromartyr, Eleutherios, pray to God for us.

Let Eleutherios be faithfully praised: the pure phial of the Spirit, the beautiful abode of the virtues, the innocent lamb, the ever-burning lamp, the foundation of hierarchs and martyrs.

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

Truly thou dost live in never-waning light, having become the most radiant light of the Sun; wherefore, by thy supplications to God, O Eleutherios deliver from the darkness of the passions those who celebrate thy radiant memory today.

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

Spare us who hymn Thee, O Lord, Thou ineffable Offspring of the Virgin, in that Thou alone art our Benefactor Who lovest mankind, delivering Thy servants from perils, passions and tribulations.

Troparion of the hieromartyr, 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 Eleutherios, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Troparion of the hieromartyr, 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 Eleutherius, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Troparion of the hieromartyr, 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 Eleutherius, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Day 30 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Lucius, Philemon & those with them

14/27 December

The Holy Martyrs Thyrsus, Lucius and Callinicus suffered for Christ under the emperor Decius (249-251) at Caesarea in Bithynia.

Saint Lucius, having reproached the prefect Cumbricius for his unjust persecution of Christians, was executed after being tortured. As soon as his head was cut off, his soul departed to heaven.

Saint Thyrsus, who was still a catechumen, was nonetheless eager for martyrdom. He was sentenced to cruel tortures and torments after refusing to offer sacrifice to the idols. Citing the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 2:27), he ridiculed those who worshiped wood and stone.

The saint’s arms and legs were pulled out of their sockets, his eyes were plucked out, and his teeth were shattered with a hammer. He was taken to a heathen temple, where, by his prayers, he toppled a statue of Apollo. Cumbricius was enraged by this, and he ordered that greater torments be devised for the athlete of Christ. He endured them all and died peacefully after making the Sign of the Cross. The pagan priest Callinicus, seeing the bravery and the miracle involving Saint Thyrsus, believed in Christ and boldly confessed the true Faith, for which he was beheaded.

Source: Orthodox Church in America

Canon of the martyrs, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone VI.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Standing before the throne of God, arrayed in the beauties of martyrdom and resplendent with divine effulgence, O passion-bearers, illumine us who hymn your memory.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Desiring divine beauty, ye reckoned the beauties of life to be as naught, O spiritual athletes of Christ; and dying in body, ye have been deemed worthy to receive life without end.

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

Denouncing the delusion of idolatry in a godly manner, O passion-bearing martyrs, ye endured the burning of manifold pangs and have now attained the life which is devoid of pain.

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

O pure one, thou hast given birth to the uncircumscribable Word, Who became circumscribed in a human body. Him do thou beseech, that those who glorify thee be delivered from corruption and the assault of the passions.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

The minions of darkness, cruelly lacerating thy body, O Thyrsus mighty in love, were unable to weaken the strength of thy mind, which was fortified by divine love.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O wondrous martyr Philemon, thy faith in the Lord was truly constant, and thereby thou didst put the false religion of the enemy to shame, crying aloud: “I am a servant of Christ!”

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

Thou didst go forth boldly to do battle with the enemy, O martyr, armed not with shield and spear, but divinely defending thyself with steadfast faith; and thou didst manfully cast him down to the ground.

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

One of the Holy Trinity, having become incarnate through thy pure blood in two natures, O all-pure one, hath issued forth divinely, saving the descendants of Adam in His goodness.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Joseph marvelled…”: Protected well by the shield of piety, and arrayed in the armour of the Cross, the right wondrous martyrs of Christ humbled the legions of the tyrant; and, crowned by Him with the wreath of victory, they join chorus unceasingly with the hosts on high, and entreat the Saviour to save our souls.

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

Theotokion, Tone IV: Tempest-tossed by the threefold-waves of the passions, * I who lack conscience fervently call upon thee, O most pure one: * Disdain me not, lest I perish, wretch that I am, * O thou who hast given birth to the Abyss of mercy; * for I have no other hope than thee. * Let me not become a joy unto mine enemies, * nor a byword, for I trust in thee. * For whatsoever thou desirest thou canst do, ** in that thou art the Mother of the God of all.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): The Virgin and ewe-lamb, beholding on the Cross the Lamb Who was born of her without seed, His side pierced by a spear, was wounded and with grief and cried aloud, exclaiming amid her pain: “What is this new mystery? How is it that Thou diest Who alone art Lord of life? Wherefore, arise, raising up our fallen forefather!”

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Desiring to confess the one Lord and God of all, Who alone is compassionate, through their sufferings the martyrs have received His kingdom.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Strengthened by the power of the Cross, O martyr Thyrsus who art most noetically rich, like a youth thou didst endure the laceration of thy body, the raging of the fire, and the onslaught of wild beasts and the sea.

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

Adorned with the wounds of thy struggles as a warrior of Christ, O martyred spiritual athlete Lucius, thou didst render thy soul more radiant than the brilliance of the sun.

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

O blessed Mary, thou art the setting aright of mortals, and we know thee, alone among women, to be the Mother who knew not a man, the immaculate Virgin, the undefiled Maiden.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Sanctified in godly splendour by most divine rays, O all-praised martyrs, ye sailed across the inconstant abyss of ungodliness and have passed over to divine tranquillity

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Cruelly dragged across the ground and wounded by tortures, O all-praised martyrs, ye have received the honours of heaven, having now become fellow citizens with the angels.

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

Manifestly preferring to die for Christ Who loved thee, O divinely blessed martyr Philemon, thou didst treat the wounds inflicted on thy body as though they were made by the darts of children.

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

O Mary, good Lady of the word, save those who with all their soul confess thee to be the Theotokos; for thee, who art the Theotokos, have we acquired as our invincible intercessor.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Moved by the winds of the divine Spirit, O wise martyrs, ye most joyously saved the entry of your souls for the noetic havens, delighting together therein in deification.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Mounting the flaming chariot, O spiritual athletes, ye were caught up to the heavens by the blood ye shed, and having attained to the glory of God, ye have received crowns of victory from Him.

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

Philemon and Lucius, Apollonius and the ever-memorable Thyrsus, the four divine and radiant martyrs, have been enriched by partaking immaterially of the effulgence of the Trinity.

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

He Who as God transcendeth all creation, noetic and visible, passed, incarnate, through thy womb, O Virgin Mother, preserving thee incorrupt, as thou wast before birthgiving.

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…”: Reviling the impious tyrant, * O champions of faith and piety, * ye denounced his bestial thirst for blood, * and, fortified by the help of Christ, * O Thyrsus and Lucius, * ye vanquished his wrathful opposition. ** With those who suffered with you, pray ye on our behalf.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thou. With divine rains ye extinguished the furnace of polytheism, all-joyously aflame with divine love, O spiritual athletes; and ye now chant: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Casting your divine net to ensnare the persecutor, O right wondrous ones, ye drew him forth from the depths of delusion and brought him to Christ, chanting with fervour: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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

Showing unshakable resolve and a courageous mind, ye shook the foundations of delusion, O spiritual athletes, and ye now piously chant: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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

Past description is thy conception, O Bride of God; for thou hast given birth to God the Word, Who hath delivered mankind from all irrationality, and thou givest us the words to cry aloud: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Defending yourselves with the shield of piety, and taking up the Cross as a spear, O Thyrsus of valiant mind, thou didst cut down the hordes of the invisible foe, O divine glory of the martyrs.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Aflame with love for the Almighty, thou didst manfully enter the tribunal of the tyrant, and, having suffered patiently, thou didst break asunder the great serpent, O spiritual athlete Philemon.

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

Showing forth the power of the enemy to be drowned in the depths of thy courage and patience, O Adrian, thou wast deemed worthy of the kingdom which remaineth unshaken throughout all ages.

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

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

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Emulating the suffering of Christ, ye endured the trial of many torments, O blessed ones; and when your heads were severed, ye were numbered among the ranks of heaven, resplendent with glory and adorned with divine radiance.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thou didst dye thy robe purple in thy blood, O wise Thyrsus, and having gloriously arrayed thyself therein, and wielding the Cross as it were a sceptre, thou dost now reign with Christ, rejoicing with all the passion-bearers, O divinely blessed one.

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

The angelic hosts marvelled at your struggles, wounds, opposition and violent death, O blessed ones; and dwelling with them, O all-praised ones, be ye mindful of those who celebrate your memory.

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

In the guise of human flesh the Word appeared, born from thy womb, O pure and divinely joyous Virgin Mary, and, having endured suffering, He hath drawn to Himself a multitude of martyrs.

Day  29 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes

13/26 December

The Holy Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes (the Five Companions) suffered for Christ under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) at Sebaste, in Armenia.

Among the first Christians imprisoned and undergoing torture at that time was Saint Auxentius, a presbyter of the Arabian Church. One of those who witnessed the steadfastness of the Christians was the noble military commander Saint Eustratius, the city prefect of Satalios, and archivist of the province. He was secretly a Christian, and when he openly confessed his faith, he was subjected to torture. They beat him, and put iron sandals studded with sharp nails on his feet, then forced him to march to the city of Arabrak.

Witnessing the arrival of Saint Eustratius in Arabrak, one of the common people, Saint Mardarius, confessed that he was also a Christian like Saint Eustratius. He was arrested and cast into prison. Holes were drilled in his ankles, and ropes were passed through them. He was suspended upside down, then heated nails were hammered into his body. He died a short time later. To him is attributed the prayer “O Master Lord God, Father Almighty …” (which is read at the end of the Third Hour).

As for Saint Eugene, they ripped out his tongue, they cut off his hands and feet, and then they beheaded him with a sword. Saint Auxentius was also arrested and beheaded. The young soldier Saint Orestes confessed himself a Christian and stood trial for this “crime.” He was sentenced to be stretched out upon a red-hot iron bed, and became frightened when he approached it. Encouraged by Saint Eustratius, he made the Sign of the Cross and got onto the heated bed, where he surrendered his soul to God.

Saint Eustratius was sentenced to be burned alive on December 13. As he was being led to his death, he prayed aloud (“I magnify Thee exceedingly, O Lord, for Thou hast regarded my lowliness…”). This prayer is still read at the Saturday Midnight Office.

Source: Orthodox Church in America

Canon I of the martyrs, the composition of John the Monk, in Tone IV.

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry-shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Distributing gifts in the heavens to the spiritual athletes on earth with His almighty right hand, Christ the Judge of the contest sitteth and extendeth divine crowns to Eustratius and those with him.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Come, let us behold the five-membered choir of martyrs, which emmiteth the most radiant light, and hath Eustratius as its desired leader, who is crowned with divine grace.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Casting off the vesture of an earthly army, thou didst enlist for the true King, receiving the token of suffering from Christ through Auxentius, O Eustratius.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast the edifice which contained the divine Essence, O pure Birthgiver of God. Wherefore Lucia, desiring thee, was as a virgin led to thy Son in thine entourage.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Christ, the King of the circles of heaven and Bestower of gifts, setteth forth his seat, extending crowns of victory to Eustratius and those who suffered with him.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O ye faithful, let us praise the chanting and divinely crowned choir of the five passion-bearers, which had the wise Eustratius to lead them faithfully and divinely to Christ.

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

Desiring to enlist in the army of the Most High, O Eustratius, thou didst shun honours; and, leading thy life to God, O wise one, thou wast purified in sanctity.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoicing, the choir of the right victorious martyrs, who have received crowns of victory, hymneth thee, O pure one; for through thee hath heaven been rendered accessible to us, in that thou hast given birth past understanding to the Creator of heaven.

Ode III, Canon I, Irmos: Thy Church, O Christ, rejoiceth in Thee crying aloud: * Thou, O Lord, art my strength, * my refuge and foundation.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O all-blessed Eustratius, by the hope of torments wast thou supra-naturally filled with all manner of joy, like an immaterial treasury.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

With spiritual wisdom and the endurance of perils thou didst denounce the ungodliness of the tyrant, O Auxentius, martyr of Christ.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Like most splendid adornments, like flowers, ye were arrayed in the wounds of Christ, O martyrs of the Church of the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We, the faithful, truly honour thee, the Theotokos, as our Sovereign Lady; for thou hast given birth to God, Who became flesh, O all-immaculate one.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Having set all thy hope on God Most High with firmness of mind, O blessed one, thou wast wholly filled with consolation by the expectation of wounds.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Through divine wisdom thou didst flourish in the love of Christ; and by enduring wounds, O Auxentius, thou didst denounce the mindlessness of the persecutors, their insolence and vainglory.

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

The unrestrained rage of Lysius and the fire of mighty tortures didst thou account as but a dream, O wise one; for, made steadfast in Christ, thou didst prevail, as though it were another who was suffering.

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

Chanting, we, the faithful, bless thee in a godly manner with voices of sacred discourse, O Virgin Mother of God, as the one who brought about our Author, Who became like unto us.

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

Kontakion, Tone II: Spec. Mel. “The tomb and mortality…”: Thou hast been shown to be a most splendid luminary * for those who sit in the darkness of ignorance, * O passion-bearer; * for, armed with faith as with a spear, * thou wast undaunted by the arrogance of the enemy, * O Eustratius, ** who art far more eloquent than any orator.

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Neither the sword, nor wild beasts, nor fire, nor any other thing that filleth material beings with fear was able to dissuade thy steadfastness; for, having trampled underfoot the power of the enemy by thy contest, as one impervious to fear thou didst pass over to the life of the incorporeal ones. Wherefore, thou bestowest healings upon the faithful who hasten to thy memorial with love, O holy passion-bearer Eustratius. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. (Twice)

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

Theotokion: When the Master and Fashioner of all * shall come to judge the whole world, * do thou number me, the condemned, * at His right hand with the sheep; * and deliver me, thine unprofitable servant, * from the outermost darkness and torment, * I pray, that with thanksgiving I may magnify the richness of thy goodness, * O all-immaculate one, * and cry out to thee, rejoicing: * Pray to Christ God, that He grant me remission of sins, ** for thee do I, thy servant, have as my hope.

Ode IV, Canon I, Irmos: For the sake of love for Thine image, * O compassionate One, * Thou didst ascend the cross * and the nations melted away. * For Thou, O Lover of mankind, * art my strength and my praise.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

With the wounds of thy flesh thou didst set aside the defilements of thy soul, and by faith thou didst shatter the arrows of the wicked serpent, O Eustratius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

By thy wounds was the King of glory glorified, O passion-bearer Eustratius, and He hath filled thee with ineffable glory by the power of miracles.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Emulating the boldness of the fishermen, fishing with the net of martyrdom thou didst bring the wise Eugene to the Master, O Eustratius.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-immaculate one, who alone hast been revealed to be more holy than the cherubim: from every evil circumstance save the souls of us who hymn thee with faith.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

The Almighty, enkindling divine desire in thy soul, showed thee to be eminently wondrous, making the wounds of thy flesh whole.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Fishing with the spiritual net of the fishermen, O wise Eustratius, thou didst bring to Christ the King the wise Eugene.

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

Thy feet pierced by the nails of iron sandals during thy torture, O all-wise one, thou didst wholly stain thyself with thy blood, emulating the suffering of Jesus the King.

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

The infinite and immutable Word of God the Father, having been transformed by an outward appearance in becoming incarnate through thee, O all-immaculate one, hath deified me in His love for mankind.

Ode V, Canon I, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Like a radiant star thou didst shine forth like a light from afar among the company of martyrs, O victorious Eustratius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O the goodly fate! O the divinely given portion! O the most beauteous woman, who by light overcame the deception of our first mother.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thou didst consider all things of beauty to be as dung, O Mardarius, superseding the laws of nature in thy suffering.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The earthly mind cannot comprehend thy conceiving, which passeth understanding, O Virgin Maiden and Mother; for thou hast given birth unto God.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Wondrous like a star for the Church, thou didst shine forth among the martyrs, with martyric rays illumining the world more than the sun, O Eustratius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

The divinely eloquent Mardarius, seeing thee emitting radiance in brilliant splendours, in the simplicity of his heart followed thee like an innocent lamb.

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

The intelligent and Christ-loving woman who loved her husband achieved supremacy over her kindred nature and eminently vanquished it completely, anointing her husband for martyrdom.

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

O good one, save those who confess thee with all their soul to be the Theotokos and Sovereign Lady of the world; for thee, who art the Theotokos, have we acquired as an invincible intercessor.

Ode VI, Canon I, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Mardarius cried aloud “Christ is more to me than everything: home, land, honour and fame”; for he was thus taught by thee, O Eustratius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Though cut out, thy tongue hath not ceased to sing, and thy severed hands have lifted themselves up to God, O Eugene, asking salvation for those who hymn thy memory.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Suspended upside-down by thy feet, thy shoulders burned with heated irons, thou didst surrender thy spirit to the Master, O Mardarius.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Finding thee to be her steadfast might, O Virgin the passion-bearer valiantly endured wounds, and rejoicing, was brought to the Master of all in thine entourage.

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Crying aloud: “Christ is more to me than all the things of my fathers”, O Mardarius, thy heels wholly burned away by heated irons, and thy breast pierced by arrows, thou didst repose, rejoicing.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Cut out, thy tongue did not cease to hymn Christ, O Eugene; and severed, thy hands elevated themselves to God, O blessed one, asking deliverance for those who hymn thee.

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

Thy manly soul was right wondrous, O most noble Eugene, for when thy legs were violently broken thou didst surrender thy spirit into the hands of the Master of all, rejoicing.

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

O most pure Lady who hast given birth to the Lord, and Helmsman of mortals, calm thou the constant and grievous turbulence of my passions, and grant serenity to my heart.

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 III, Spec. Mel. “Today the Virgin…”: Eloquently speaking of divine things before the iniquitous, O all-wondrous one, * thou didst endure beatings with a most courageous heart, * shining forth with godly signs, * and extinguishing the towering flame of delusion. ** Wherefore, we honour thee, O all-blessed Eustratius, martyr of Christ.

Ikos: Today the Church doth mystically celebrate a sacred feast, radiantly proclaiming thy valor, pangs and labours, thy divine struggles surpassing nature, and the wounds which covered thy body, whereby thou didst cast down the greatly crafty one, O thou great glory and boast of spiritual athletes, pillar of courage, beacon for all who piously honour thee, treasury of healings, enricher of the poor, first champion of honourable martyrs, all-blessed Eustratius, martyr of Christ.

Ode VII, Canon I, Irmos: In the Persian furnace the youths and descendants of Abraham, * burning with a love of piety * rather than by a flame of fire, * cried aloud saying: * Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Possessed of the immutable wisdom of confession to worship the one God in Trinity, thou didst prevail over torments, crying aloud: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

As one blessed, thou didst walk in the path of the blameless and didst right wisely bow the knee to the Redeemer, committing thy soul into the hands of the Master as a most fragrant sacrifice, O Auxentius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

The same God Who sent food to Elijah by a raven, O Auxentius, working a miracle with thy precious head, revealed it to those who desired it, as a cherished object greatly desired by the world.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin Mother, the pure Word loved thee as one pure and incorrupt, and, becoming incarnate of thee, He refashioned all of mankind, and hath glorified Lucia with miracles.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

As a victor thou didst hasten to the kingdom of heaven, O Auxentius; for after many and varied trials and torments, thou didst die, beheaded, for Christ God, confessing Him.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Most wondrous is thy right wise courage, O Orestes, for thou didst show forth understanding at the tribunal, binding the soul of Lysius by the Cross, and chanting: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Having Orestes as thy companion on the path of martyrdom, walking with thee as a fellow prisoner, O Eustratius, thou didst enrich him chanting: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

The furnace did not consume the three youths, prefiguring thy birth-giving; for the divine Fire, dwelling within thee, did not consume thee, illumining all to cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Canon I, Irmos: Having spread his hands, Daniel closed the lions jaws * in their den; * while the zealously pious youths, * girded with virtue, * quenched the power of the fire and cried aloud: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Opening thy lips in purity, thou didst draw in the divine Spirit, O Eustratius; wherefore, having denounced the feebleness of soul-destroying worship, thou didst cry out that mankind should worship God in the Trinity: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

His resolve strengthened by thy wise instructions, O martyr Eustratius, the invincible Orestes, stretched out upon a bed of iron, cried out like the children to those who would destroy him by flame: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Thy body stretched forth patiently upon a heated bed, O glorious Orestes, thou wast numbered among the martyrs, rejoicing in the Lord, and hast found rest in the tabernacles of heaven, crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been revealed to be more exalted than the heavens, having given birth to the God of heaven Who hath rendered heavenly the whole essence of mortals, O all-pure one, and illumined the memory of the honourable Lucia. To Him do we ever cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Boldly preaching the infinite power of the one Essence of the Trinity, thou didst theologise, and denounced the vain worship of idols, O most divinely wise Eustratius.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Ignorant of thy patience, the persecutor strove to terrify thee by the sight of the flames; but, spitting upon his savagery, thou didst chant, rejoicing in the Lord, O Eustratius.

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

The divinely wise Orestes, instructed by thy divine words, leapt up, dancing upon the bed, wholly consumed like an innocent lamb, crying out to God, the Bestower of crowns: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

O most pure Virgin, save me and be thou the help of my weakness. Deliver me from many tribulations and evils, that I may glorify thee, who alone art the Theotokos.

Ode IX, Canon I, Irmos: A cornerstone not cut by hand O Virgin, * was cut from thee the unhewn mountain: * even Christ, Who hath joined together the disparate natures; * therefore rejoicing we magnify thee, * O Theotokos.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Desiring to partake of the divine mysteries, O blessed passion-bearer Eustratius, and to be deemed worthy of the radiant manifestation of God, thou didst hasten to Christ Whom thou desired, and Who called thee to the heavens.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Rejoicing exceedingly in the gladsome condemnation of the full mindlessness of the tyrant, O passion-bearer Eustratius, chanting hymns thou didst magnify Christ, the Destroyer of death, the Judge of thy contest.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Come, all ye who love the martyrs, and with sacred hymnody let us magnify Eugene, the destroyer of falsehood, and with him the wise Orestes and Mardarius, Auxentius and Eustratius.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Light hath now shone forth upon us from thy womb which knew not a man, O Virgin; and the wondrous Lucia, divinely illumined by His effulgence, became light, O Virgin Mother and Birth-Giver of God.

Canon II, 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.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Hymning Him Whom thou didst desire, O blessed Eustratius, and becoming a participant in the sacred mysteries, in prison thou wast deemed worthy of a divine vision of Him, Who called thee to the heavenly life of His kingdom.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Strengthened by the power of Christ, O glorious Eustratius, thou didst mock the blandishments of the persecutors, magnifying Christ with hymns; for, like the youths of old, thou didst enter the furnace rejoicing, as if it were a beautiful garden, O blessed one.

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

O all ye people, with songs and hymns let us praise the divine warriors Auxentius and Eugene, together with Mardarius, the glorious Orestes and the wise Eustratius, their leader, fellow sufferer and guide.

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

O Virgin, thou wast the temple of Christ, Who reigneth with the Father and the Spirit; for thy sake, O pure one, we have been deemed worthy of adoption by Him through baptism, becoming temples through grace.

Troparion, Tone IV: In their sufferings, Thy martyrs O Lord, * received imperishable crowns from Thee, our God; * for, possessed of Thy might, * they set at naught the tyrants and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. ** By their supplications save Thou our souls.

Day 28 – Advent With the Saints: St Spyridon of Tremithus

12/25 December

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 honour. 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, 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, 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 birth-giving, 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, 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.

Day 27 – Advent With the Saints: St Daniel the Stylite

11/24 December

Saint Daniel the Stylite was born in the village of Bethara, near the city of Samosata in Mesopotamia. His mother Martha was childless for a long while and in her prayers she vowed that if she had a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayers were heard, and Martha soon gave birth to a son, who was without a name until he was five years of age.

The boy’s parents desired that since he was born through the good-will of God, he should also receive his name from God. They took their son to a monastery located nearby and approached the igumen. The igumen gave orders to take down one of the service books, and unrolled it at random. He found the Prophet Daniel (December 17) mentioned in it. Thus did the boy receive his name. The parents asked that he might remain at the monastery, but the igumen would not accept him, since he was still only a small boy. At twelve years of age, saying nothing to no one, the child left home for the monastery.

His parents were happy when they learned where their son was, and they went to the monastery. Seeing that he was still going about in his worldly clothes, they besought that the igumen should clothe him in the angelic garb. That Sunday the igumen fulfilled their request, but permitted them often to visit their son. The brethren of the monastery were astonished at the saint’s ascetical efforts.

Once, Saint Simeon the Stylite (September 1), visited the monastery. He foretold to the young monk, that he too would undertake the feat of pillar-dwelling. Saint Daniel continued with his ascetic life in seclusion. When the place of a new exploit was revealed to him in a vision, he withdrew into the Thracian wilderness together with two disciples. They set up a pillar, upon which Saint Daniel dwelt for 33 years. People thronged to the pillar, the unfortunate and those who were sick, and all received help and healing from Saint Daniel. Byzantine emperors also sought the prayers of the holy ascetic. The most notable of the saint’s predictions was about a great fire in Constantinople. Saint Daniel possessed also the gift of gracious words. He guided many onto the path of correcting their lives. The monk reposed in his eightieth year.

Source: The Orthodox Church in America

Canon of the venerable one, the acrostic whereof is: “With hymns I honour Daniel the Stylite,” the composition of Joseph, in Tone VIII.

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

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

O blessed Daniel, send down a luminous ray of light from heaven upon me who with hymns desire to praise thy memory.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

As a truly great sun, O father, thou didst shine forth to the ends of the earth, illumining the assemblies of the faithful with the splendour of thy virtues.

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

Submitting to the laws of the Master, O father, thou didst mortify the flesh with abstinence, and subject it to the Spirit.

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

The immutable Lord Who was born from thee, O Theotokos, appeared as a whole man, even though after incarnation He remained as He had been.

Ode III, 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, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Having parted the sea of the passions with the rod of abstinence, O father, thou didst traverse it without drowning, and attained unto the mountain of true dispassion, conversing with God in purity of mind.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Having ascended to the heights of the virtues, thou didst become known to the world; for thou didst stand lifted aloft upon thy pillar, illumining those who came to thee with faith with the splendour of most glorious wonders.

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

Founded upon the rock of the knowledge of God, thou wast revealed to be unmoved by all the wiles of the demons; wherefore, thou didst raise up thy body on a pillar above the earth, and didst let thy soul soar to the heavens.

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

Deliver me from the assault of the passions, O Lady, and do thou now vanquish the enemies that war against me; establish me upon the rock of the will of God, and enlighten my soul, O portal of the Light divine.

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone I, Spec. Mel. “Thy tomb, O Saviour…”: Having lifted thyself up upon a pillar, thou didst lay waste to thy flesh through abstinence, O father Daniel. Wherefore, thou wast deemed worthy to become a vessel of the Spirit, and having received divine grace, O thrice-blessed one, thou dost drive away every ailment from those who with faith honour thy memory.

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

Theotokion: O all-holy Virgin, thou hope of Christians, unceasingly beseech God, to Whom thou gavest birth in manner past understanding and recounting, in behalf of us who hymn thee, that He grant remission of all our sins, and correction of life to us who ever glorify thee with faith and love.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): Upon seeing the Lamb and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, * the unblemished ewe-lamb, cried aloud, weeping * and exclaiming maternally: * “How is it that Thou dost willingly endure abasement and sufferings * which surpass all telling, ** O my Son, and supremely good God?”

Ode IV, 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, Daniel, pray to God for us.

O ever-memorable father, thou didst behold Simeon, the servant of God, shining forth like the radiant sun upon his pillar; and divinely illumined by the divine splendours which issued forth from him, O Daniel, thou didst follow his manner of life.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thou didst vanquish the demonic legions with the sword of faith and drown them in the torrents of thy prayers, causing the destruction they wrought upon those at sea to cease; and thereby save those who chanted with faith unto God: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!

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

Having ascended thy pillar, O all-blessed father, thou didst stand whole nights like one of the bodiless ones, having acquired an humble spiritual eye; and, as a shining mirror of the Spirit, received radiance and divine manifestations with a pure mind.

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

The laws of nature are renewed in thee, O most pure one, for thou hast given birth, in a manner truly beyond cause and telling, unto the Word, the Giver of the Law, Who hath delivered from ignorance the race of mankind which faithfully chants: Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath 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. T

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

That thou O father mightest receive immortal glory, thou didst slay the desires of thy flesh, and bridle the urgings of the passions with the labours of abstinence; and hast thereby been revealed to be a river of miracles and a wellspring of healings.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

O ever-memorable one. The wondrous Simeon appeared to thee who wast struck with fear, O blessed father, and with two angels he pointed out the path which thou wast to tread upon the earth, crying aloud: Come and stand by me, borne aloft to God by grace!

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

Illumined by unwaning radiance and divine effulgence, O father, thou didst dispel the gloom of the passions and wast revealed to be a pillar of light and a stairway truly leading the faithful up to God.

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

O Maiden Bride of God, who hast given birth unto the Master, thou hast been revealed to be more exalted than the heavenly hosts, and hast deified the nature of the earthly; wherefore, with soul and tongue, O Virgin, we the faithful glorify thee as her who is most truly the Theotokos.

Ode VI, 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, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thy mind, O father, illumined through drawing nigh unto God, remained unconsumed by the fire of pleasures and above the passions, and higher than passionate attachments to the flesh.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Thy mind, O father, illumined through drawing nigh unto God, remained unconsumed by the fire of pleasures and above the passions, and higher than passionate attachments to the flesh.

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

Thy soul was filled with the Spirit’s gifts of life-creating waters, O divinely wise and all-blessed one; and thou didst truly pour forth rivers of healing which quench the torrents of the passions.

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

All we, the faithful, have acquired thee as an intercessor and a helper in the deep of evil and the billows and waves of tribulation which ever pass over us, O Theotokos, for thou alone art the refuge of mortals.

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

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

Kontakion, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “As first fruits…”: Having ascended thy pillar like a star of great radiance, * thou didst illumine the world with thy venerable deeds, * and didst dispel the gloom of deception O father, * wherefore, we beseech thee: Shine forth even now in the hearts of thy servants ** the unwaning light of knowledge.

Ikos: Flawed is the hymn which I now offer in praise of thy struggles, O father; for my heart is impure, in that I have shamefully defiled it. But grant me the words, O holy one, to hymn in a pure manner thy life at which even the angels marvelled, for thou wast like an incorporeal one, having received the unwaning light of knowledge.

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

The ranks of angels marvelled at thy standing upon thy pillar, O all-blessed Godbearer; for having assumed their manner of life while yet in the body, thou didst cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, throughout the ages!

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Luminous with the loftiness of an immaterial way of life and with the splendour of prophecy, thou hast shone forth rays of healing upon us who piously honour thee, O wondrous Daniel.

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

With the radiance of thy prayers disperse thou the gloom of my passions, O all-blessed one, and guide me to the path of life who chant: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, throughout the ages!

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

Be thou merciful unto me, O Virgin, and with the healing power of thy prayers cure me who have been wounded by the sting of sin and who cry aloud: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb!

Ode VIII, 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, Daniel, pray to God for us.

O God-bearing father, in renowned manner thou didst attain unto the ultimate desire, the greatest good, soaring aloft on the wings of thy virtuous deeds; and with the bodiless ones, O Daniel, thou dost cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

The power of God manifestly strengthened thee and enabled thee to endure the bitter cold of winter, the burning heat of the sun, the decay of thy flesh and the discomfort caused by the worms which issued forth therefrom; and thou didst cry: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

Thou wast revealed to be a new Job, O right wondrous Daniel, beset by a multitude of temptations and tribulations; and emulating the meekness of David, the guilelessness of Jacob and the chastity of Joseph, thou didst cry aloud in thanksgiving: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

O all-hymned and all-holy Lady, fulfilling thy words by acknowledging thee to be the Theotokos, we now bless thee, in that thou hast given birth unto God for us. And hymning Him in two natures and one Hypostasis, we cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Every ear is awestruck at hearing of God’s ineffable condescension, * for the Most High voluntarily descended and assumed flesh, * becoming man in the Virgin’s womb; * wherefore we the faithful magnify the most pure Theotokos.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Lo! when thou didst repose, having finished thy course, the gates of heaven were opened unto thee, and the ranks of angels received thee; and Christ, the Bestower of crowns, crowned thee with the glory of righteousness.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

We, the faithful, magnify Him in song. Like a lily of the valley didst thou blossom in the paradise of abstinence, and like a cypress didst thou rise to the heights of perfection; like the olive tree of the Psalms hast thou been shown to be, anointing our faces and hearts with the oil of thine asceticism.

Venerable father, Daniel, pray to God for us.

Creation knoweth thee to be a pillar firmly grounded upon the rock of the virtues, an unbreachable rampart, a foundation of miracles, a right calm haven, a treasury of healing and the dwelling place of the Spirit. Wherefore, we celebrate thy memory today, O Daniel.

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

Today thy divine memory hath shone forth upon us more brightly than the sun, illumining the hearts of the faithful with the light of righteousness, and dispelling the darkness of the soul-destroying passions. And celebrating it, we piously hymn thee.

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

O Thou that wast born of her whom Thou didst preserve incorrupt even after birth-giving, have pity upon me when Thou sittest to judge my deeds, and overlook mine iniquities and my sins; for Thou, Who only art without sin, a merciful God and the Lover of mankind.

Troparion, Tone I: Thou wast a pillar of patience, O venerable one, * emulating the forefathers: * Job in sufferings, Joseph in temptations, * and the life of the bodiless ones while yet in the body. * O Daniel, our father, ** entreat Christ God that our souls be saved!

Day 26 – Advent With the Saints: the Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes and Eugraphus of Alexandria

10/23 December

The Holy Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes, and Eugraphus suffered for their faith in Christ under the emperor Maximian (305-313).

Saint Menas was sent by the emperor from Athens to Alexandria to suppress the riots that had arisen between the Christians and the pagans. Distinguished for his gift of eloquence, Menas instead openly began to preach the Christian Faith and he converted many pagans to Christ. Learning of this, Maximian sent Hermogenes to Alexandria to place the saints on trial. Moreover, he gave orders to purge the city of Christians.

Hermogenes, although he was a pagan, was distinguished by his reverent bearing. And struck by the endurance of Saint Menas under torture and by his miraculous healing after the cruel torments, he also came to believe in Christ. Maximian himself then arrived in Alexandria. Neither the astonishing stoic endurance of Saints Menas and Hermogenes under torture, nor even the miracles manifested by God in this city, mollified the emperor. Instead, they vexed him all the more. The emperor personally stabbed Saint Eugraphus, the secretary of Saint Menas, and then gave orders to behead the holy Martyrs Menas and Hermogenes.

The relics of the holy martyrs, cast into the sea in an iron chest, were afterwards found (see February 17) and transferred to Constantinople in the ninth century. The emperor Justinian built a church in the name of the holy Martyr Menas of Alexandria. Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (April 4) composed a Canon in honour of these holy martyrs.

Source: The Orthodox Church in America

 

Canon for the martyrs, the acrostic whereof is: “I hymn the steadfast crown-bearing martyrs,” the composition of Joseph, in Tone I.

Ode I, Irmos: Having been delivered from bitter slavery, * Israel traversed the impassable as though dry land; * and beholding the enemy drowned, * they chanted unto God as to their Redeemer, * Who worketh wonders with His upraised arm, * for He hath been glorified.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O ye martyrs adorned with crowns of glory, who stand before the throne of God, filled with divine light: From the darkness of the passions deliver those who with love keep your splendid memory.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Loving divine glory and desiring the beauty of God, ye most manifestly spurned the beautiful things of life and all power, O martyrs, and by your death obtained never-ending life.

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

Burning with divine zeal, the exceeding wise Hermogenes and Menas quenched the fire of ungodliness; and shining the light of piety upon all, by faith they were all radiantly shown forth as beacons.

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

That thy servants may be delivered from possession by the passions, O all-immaculate Maiden, do thou earnestly entreat thy Lord and Master, to Whom thou gavest flesh from thy most pure blood, and Who hath entered into fellowship with us.

Ode III, Irmos: To the Son who was begotten of the Father * without change before all ages, * and in the last times, without seed, was made flesh of the Virgin, * to Christ our God let us cry aloud: * Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Clearly illumined with heavenly light, the martyrs dispersed the darkness of the delusion of idolatry, and have emitted the radiance of healings for us who chant unto the God of all: Holy art Thou, O Lord!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Following the living Master of mortality, O wondrous Menas, thou wast broken underfoot and thus broke the head of the tyrannical enemy, setting thy feet firmly upon the hard path of torment, O most manly martyr.

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

His hands cut off, Hermogenes hymneth the Saviour, having manifestly made the vesture of the priesthood most bright with the moistening of his blood, being revealed through grace as an emulator of Him Who suffered in the flesh.

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

Christ the comely, finding thee alone to be comely among women, issued forth incarnate from thy womb, O Maiden, enlightening our race with divine beauty. Wherefore, we honour thee.

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

Kontakion, Tone I, Spec. Mel. “The choir of the angels…”: Together let us all honour with sacred and sweet hymnody * the wondrous Menas, the godly Hermogenes and Eugraphus, * as ones who rendered honour unto the Lord,* and who suffered for Him, * and attained unto the choirs of the incorporeal in the heavens, ** and pour forth miracles.

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Disdaining the glory of the world and furnishing themselves with wings through divine glory, Menas, Hermogenes and the glorious Eugraphus endured the weight of cruel tortures with zealous purpose, sparing not their flesh. Wherefore, cast into the depths of the sea after their end, they were guided to the will of God. To them let us cry aloud with faith: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love honour your holy memory.

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

Theotokion Tone VIII: From the snares of enemies visible and invisible, * we have been overcome by the storms of our uncountable sins, * and fleeing unto the safe harbour of thy goodness O pure one, * we have thee as our rampart and sure protection. * Wherefore we thy servants beseech thee * to ceaselessly make fervent supplication, O most pure one, * unto Him who seedlessly became incarnate from thee, * that those who worthily hymn thee ** may be granted the remission of their sins.

Stavrotheotokion (replaces the Theotokion on Wednesdays and Fridays): The ewe-lamb, beholding her Lamb, Shepherd and Redeemer upon the Cross, exclaimed, weeping, and bitterly lamenting, cried out: The world rejoiceth, receiving deliverance through Thee; but my womb burneth, beholding Thy crucifixion, which Thou endurest in the loving-kindness of Thy mercy. O long-suffering Lord, Thou abyss and inexhaustible wellspring of compassion, take pity and grant remission of sins unto those who with faith hymn Thy divine Passion.

Ode IV, Irmos: Rod of the root of Jesse, * and flower that blossomed from his stem, * O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. * From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest * Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, * O God who art not formed from matter. * Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Proclaiming the brilliant laws of God, O Menas, thou didst endure the putting out of thine eyes by the iniquitous, lifting up the eyes of thy heart unto the never-waning Light, and chanting with joy: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

When it was cut out, thy tongue was found to be honed by the fire of the Spirit, O most wise one; for it spake, hymning the wonders of God and manifestly brought to the glory of piety the tyrant who had caused thy muteness, O Menas.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Enduring great suffering, Hermogenes was deprived of his feet, yet he trampled upon the head of the serpent, preparing with unwavering demeanour the path of witness which leadeth to the life of heavenly splendour.

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

When thou wast preserving thy soul unwounded, O Menas, Christ appeared to thee, healing thy wounds and commanding thee to endure manfully, that for thy sake He Who desireth mercy might work salvation for all who beheld thy torment.

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

Thou didst put forth the Rod from the root of Jesse, O pure and all-hymned Virgin who budded forth the Husbandman of all creation, Who hath caused the gardens of fruitless knowledge to wither and hath piously rooted the most true Faith within us.

Ode V, Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace and Father of compassions, * Thou hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel, * granting us peace. * Wherefore guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night we glorify Thee, * O Lover of mankind.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Why trouble ye yourselves in vain? The martyrs cried out together to the most iniquitous judge. He Who giveth power standeth before us, He Who alone is invincible in might, for Whose sake we most mightily endure wounds!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Sudden was the conversion of the wondrous Hermogenes to the Lord; for he was cleansed in the laver of baptism, and received the light of the hierarchal office by the judgment of God, illumining with his teachings those who were in the night of evil.

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

Abandoning the worthless mentality of the rhetors, ye were caught in the snares of the unlettered apostles when the Spirit rendered you truly wise as martyrs and through faith rendered you mighty in strength against every storm of torment.

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

Thou wast shown to surpass the holy angels, O pure Virgin who hast given birth unto the Angel of Great Counsel, Emmanuel, Who by His condescension united mankind to the heavenly, in His unutterable compassion, O Maiden.

Ode VI, Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, * came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O Almighty God, after three days Thou didst save from the monster Jonah, who foreshadowed Thy burial; and the bodies of the martyrs which were cast into the deep Thou didst guide to the most tranquil haven of burial, where Thy divine will is the safekeeping of us, the faithful.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O invincible martyrs, upon dry land and unharmed did the deep give up your bodies, which were guided by the angels of heaven who proclaimed to all your spiritual state, which poureth forth healings and delivereth all from the passions of the soul, O blessed ones.

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

The ranks of the angels marvelled at your endurance, and how in the body ye vanquished the incorporeal serpent, and were crowned with wreaths of victory, O martyrs, who stand before the throne of God, illumined with the effulgence of divine light.

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

Through thee, O Virgin, hath death ceased to be, for thou hast given birth unto those who believe in Him with pure faith. To Him do thou pray, O all-holy one, that He deliver thy servants from misfortune.

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. “Having been lifted up…”: The right harmonious sound of thy words, * leading Hermogenes up from the abyss of perdition, * set him on the rock of life; * and Eugraphus, having denounced the emperor, * hath his glorious head severed, rejoicing. * And do thou earnestly pray, O Menas, ** that all who honour thee with love be saved.

Ikos: Thy life was godly, thy discourse sweet, thy boldness and teaching great, thy courage wondrous in the face of the iniquitous, O Menas, who showed thyself forth with steadfastness of mind to be in no wise afraid. And with instruction thou didst teach all to worship the one God in three Hypostases and to serve Him with unwavering intent. And confessing the Son of God Who for our sake assumed flesh in these latter days, thou didst pursue Hermogenes. Wherefore, with him do thou pray, that all who honour you with love be saved.

Ode VII, Irmos: Scorning the impious decree of the godless one, * the Children brought up together in godliness * feared not the threat of fire, * but standing in the midst of the flames, they sang: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

O spiritual athletes, ye have made your abode with the souls of the joyous, where the sound of the voices of those who keep festival in a pure manner is heard, full of gladness, and chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Sweet to me is the death whereby I die, cried Hermogenes, for me to live is Christ, and to die is immeasurable gain. Let my members be cut off as I chant with love: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

With steadfast wisdom thou didst inscribe thyself in the Book of Life, O wise Eugraphus; for when thy head was severed, thou wast transported to the never-waning Light on thy blood, as upon a chariot.

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

The incarnate Word issued forth from thee, O Maiden, without burning thy womb or disturbing the seal of thy virginity, granting incorruption and life to us who chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ode VIII, Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb * into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

He whose wisdom was vain fell at thy feet, beaten, O divinely wise Menas; for, having deprived thee of eyes and tongue, he was yet unable to shake thy thought of the dwelling-place on high. Wherefore, thou didst cry out with joy: Let all creation bless the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

When the most irrational tyrant deprived thee of both thy hands and feet by his most savage will, then, O wise Hermogenes, desiring the prize, and rejoicing, thou didst chant unto Christ: Let all creation bless the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

I hymn thy divine suffering, O Menas; I honour the struggles of Hermogenes; I venerate your relics, sing of the wounds, bonds, persecutions and death whereby ye were taken up into life, crying: Let all creation bless the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

We have known thee to be the jar which contained the Manna of the Godhead, O Maiden, the ark, the table, the candlestick, the throne of God, the palace, and the bridge which doth lead to divine life those who chant: Let all creation bless the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Lo! the brilliant celebration of the radiant martyrs hath shone forth upon all, illumining the ends of the world and removing the blindness of men’s souls. Let us make haste with all diligence, and draw forth sanctity there-from.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

As ye ever stand before God, O great martyrs, we entreat you: Pray ye that those who honour your radiant memory with faith, may receive the blessings of heavenly glory whereof ye have been deemed worthy.

Holy martyrs, pray to God for us.

Immolated in the fire of torment, and illumined with the most pure light, O all-praised ones, ye brought body and soul to the Creator of all as an unblemished sacrifice, and have been numbered among the choirs of the martyrs.

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

The splendid and divine choir of the martyrs, the divinely wise Menas, Hermogenes and Eugraphus, were taken up to the mansions of heaven and stand before the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, manifestly delighting in deification.

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

The effulgence of the splendour of thy birth-giving hath our rejected nature seen, O all-immaculate one, and it hath been delivered from the night of unbelief and the dark tumult of the passions. Wherefore, we honour thee as the cause of our salvation.

Troparion, Tone VIII: Having mortified the fiery movements of the passions by abstinence, O martyrs of Christ, * ye received the grace to dispel the ailments of the infirm, * and living even after your death, ye work miracles. * O truly most glorious wonder! Bare bones pour forth healing! ** Glory be to Thee the only God and Creator!