Dear fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, Съ праздникомъ!
Greetings for this radiant feast of St Spyridon, especially to Father Spyridon. Many, blessed years, dear Father!
It is always a joy to arrive at the feast of St Spyridon, and to see how God can take the lowly and seemingly ordinary, and make it into something not only glorious, but in the case of our beloved saint and heavenly-intercessor, into a radiant beacon of the Faith celebrated throughout the whole Christian world.When we regard many hierarch-saints of the Church, we are talking of men of learning, trained in universities and the great theological schools; men of letters and spiritual literati who left writings and books of spiritual counsel, scriptural exegesis, or dogmatic theology; bishops, archbishops and patriarchs who counselled emperors, kings and princes…
Then we encounter our beloved St Spyridon: a simple Cypriot shepherd; a widowed husband and father; a family man with a sense of communitas, who used what God had given him and what he earned from his own labours for the relief of the poor, to feed the hungry, to help his neighbours, to assist the homeless, to reach out to those in need.
He had not studied in the ancient universities; Plato and Aristotle, Homer and the wealth of classical Greek learning were not the foundation of his “education”; rhetoric, logic and mathematics were far from his formation and world; he had not spent his years learning oratory and philosophy among the bright young minds of the Hellenic world.
No! As a family man and as a shepherd protecting and caring for his beloved sheep, learning from the Gospel, and taught by the Saviour in the power of the Holy Spirit, the great wonderworker and shepherd of souls was a “home grown” spiritual force and bearer of the Light of Christ.
In English, we have a proverb that you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear… but time and again we see that in spiritual terms, this proverb is earthbound, wrong and mistaken, in as much as God constantly affects this transformation.
Our All-Powerful and All-Merciful God took the dust of the ground, and fashioned man, the very apex of creation, and his created humanity became the chosen robe of the Saviour in which He ascended the Cross, conquered hell and death, rose again and ascended into heaven, where that glorified humanity (once nothing but dust) is worshipped by the angelic hosts.
Having received the joyful proclamation of the archangel, and having conceived Christ within her womb, the All-Holy Mother of God proclaimed the upside-down-ness of the Gospel, as God exults the humble and meek, as He most certainly did with St Spyridon, whose lack of learning and cultural sophistication was no obstacle to God.
After the death of his wife, during the reign of the Saint Constantine, the Equal-to the-Apostles (306-337), St Spyridon was elected and consecrated as bishop of Tremithus, where combined his hierarchical duties and pastoral service to the local Church with still going to care for his beloved sheep – wearing his famous plaited- straw shepherd’s hat.
What valuable spiritual lessons he must have learned from his shepherding labours: the need for nourishment, the vital necessity of assuaging the hunger and thirst of his sheep, the threat of wolves and predators, how to defend and protect his flock – all vital lessons for him as a bishop and shepherd of souls with his human flock.
His hierarchical service was one of great simplicity, in which God’s power and confirmation of his great holiness was constantly seen, as was evident at the First Ecumenical Council, where St Spyridon confuted the heresy of Arius not with eloquent words, but with a simple miracle. Taking a brick from which water trickled and fire shot out, leaving nothing but the dust in his hand, St Spyridon said simply and boldly, “There was only one brick, but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God.”
Imploring and receiving God’s help in times of both drought and crop-destroying rains, healing the sick, casting out demons and even raising the dead, St Spyridon lived for his flock, among his flock, and with his flock – not as a great prelate and prince of the Church, but as a humble spiritual-shepherd.
His earthly falling asleep did not bring his miraculous care to an end, but rather, freed St Spyridon to work greater wonders for those who have and still turn to him in faith and in need, and with his relics having been taken to Corfu (though his right hand in is Rome), he wondrously and lovingly embraced the island and its people, saving them for the Ottomans and caring for them for centuries, as a father caring for his children.
It is the joy of so many Christians, to be able to make their pilgrimage to Corfu to venerate his darkened but incorrupt relics, knowing that St Spyridon is not only constantly praying for us, but constantly helping us, wherever we are.
God truly shows the wonder of Faith and the power of Christian holiness in St Spyridon, and he is a reminder that true theology comes from our intimate, loving relationship with the Living-God; not learned from books and lectures; not as the fruit of study; that it does not depend on intelligence or intellectual prowess; that it is not a system of sacred, dogmatic theory – but is rather the realisation of a life dedicated wholly and solely to God, in which the Divine will and human will have been joined in a sacred union, and in which God indwells in His beloved children, revealing profound truth and manifesting His Grace.
In St Spyridon we see that love, charity, compassion and mercy are not theories, but actions, and that the Sermon on the Mount is not a series of lofty ideals, but a command to go out and do all of the things with the Saviour will bring blessedness.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Like St Nicholas, celebrated less than a week ago, St Spyridon is not only the concrete demonstration of Faith-in-action, but a sign of how ordinary people like us can be raised up to the glory of God, becoming living manifestation of His love, vessels of His Grace and beacons of Truth.
It was not the simple, unsophisticated “Spyridons” of the ancient world who proposed heretical teachings, and attacked the Church, but the learned intellectuals of the academies, with their knowledge of the classics, their skills in logic, rhetoric, oration, philosophy and academic theology. The arch-schismatics and arch-heresiarchs were men of learning and intellect – as are those attacking the Church in Ukraine, today, and betraying Orthodoxy in the ecumenical melting-pot of compromise.
Thus, though the Church will always need it’s “Chrysostoms”, “Gregories” and “Basils”, it increasingly needs its “Spyridons”: home-grown people who aspire to serve the Church in holiness, selfless giving, defence of Truth and the fullness of Orthodoxy.
The Church needs “Spyridons” to say NO to compromise, to renovationism, to betrayal of Orthodoxy in the name of modernism, reform, or false-science.
Whether our lowly “Spyridons” are lay people or clergy, men, women or children – the Church needs us to selflessly dedicate ourselves to the Lord with fervent Faith, built on the Gospel, on the fulness of Orthodox Tradition, and always in pursuit of love, truth and peace – and always defending our Faith!
Let us be inspired – to prayer, to selfless love, to charity and works of mercy, to serving the Church and defending it by that wonderful name and glorious example of our Orthodox Christian Faith: ST SPYRIDON!
In Christ – Hieromonk Mark
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.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Troparion, Tone I: Thou wast shown forth as a champion of the first Council * and a wonderworker, O Spiridon, our God-bearing father. *Wherefore, thou didst speak to one dead in the grave, * and didst change a serpent into gold. * And, whilst chanting thy holy prayers, thou didst have angels serving with thee, O most sacred one. * Glory to Him that hath given thee strength! * Glory to Him that hath crowned thee! **Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee!
Saint Spyridon of Tremithus was born towards the end of the third century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd, and had a wife and children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbours and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with a gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick, and cast out demons.
After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity.
According to the witness of Church historians, Saint Spyridon participated in the sessions of the First Ecumenical Council in the year 325. At the Council, the saint entered into a dispute with a Greek philosopher who was defending the Arian heresy. The power of Saint Spyridon’s plain, direct speech showed everyone the importance of God’s wisdom before human wisdom: “Listen, philosopher, to what I tell you. There is one God Who created man from dust. He has ordered all things, both visible and invisible, by His Word and His Spirit. The Word is the Son of God, Who came down upon the earth on account of our sins. He was born of a Virgin, He lived among men, and suffered and died for our salvation, and then He arose from the dead, and He has resurrected the human race with Him. We believe that He is one in essence (consubstantial) with the Father, and equal to Him in authority and honor. We believe this without any sly rationalisations, for it is impossible to grasp this mystery by human reason.”
As a result of their discussion, the opponent of Christianity became the saint’s zealous defender and later received holy Baptism. After his conversation with Saint Spyridon, the philosopher turned to his companions and said, “Listen! Until now my rivals have presented their arguments, and I was able to refute their proofs with other proofs. But instead of proofs from reason, the words of this Elder are filled with some sort of special power, and no one can refute them, since it is impossible for man to oppose God. If any of you thinks as I do now, let him believe in Christ and join me in following this man, for God Himself speaks through his lips.”
At this Council, Saint Spyridon displayed the unity of the Holy Trinity in a remarkable way. He took a brick in his hand and squeezed it. At that instant fire shot up from it, water dripped on the ground, and only dust remained in the hands of the wonderworker. “There was only one brick,” Saint Spyridon said, “but it was composed of three elements. In the Holy Trinity there are three Persons, but only one God.”
The saint cared for his flock with great love. Through his prayers, drought was replaced by abundant rains, and incessant rains were replaced by fair weather. Through his prayers the sick were healed and demons cast out.
A woman once came up to him with a dead child in her arms, imploring the intercession of the saint. He prayed, and the infant was restored to life. The mother, overcome with joy, collapsed lifeless. Through the prayers of the saint of God, the mother was restored to life.
Another time, hastening to save his friend, who had been falsely accused and sentenced to death, the saint was hindered on his way by the unanticipated flooding of a stream. The saint commanded the water: “Halt! For the Lord of all the world commands that you permit me to cross so that a man may be saved.” The will of the saint was fulfilled, and he crossed over happily to the other shore. The judge, apprised of the miracle that had occurred, received Saint Spyridon with esteem and set his friend free.
Similar instances are known from the life of the saint. Once, he went into an empty church, and ordered that the lampadas and candles be lit, and then he began the service. When he said, “Peace be unto all,” both he and the deacon heard from above the resounding of a great multitude of voices saying, “And with thy spirit.” This choir was majestic and more sweetly melodious than any human choir. To each petition of the litanies, the invisible choir sang, “Lord, have mercy.” Attracted by the church singing, the people who lived nearby hastened towards it. As they got closer and closer to the church, the wondrous singing filled their ears and gladdened their hearts. But when they entered into the church, they saw no one but the bishop and several church servers, and they no longer heard the singing which had greatly astonished them.
Saint Simeon Metaphrastes (November 9), the author of his Life, likened Saint Spyridon to the Patriarch Abraham in his hospitality. Sozomen, in his Church History, offers an amazing example from the life of the saint of how he received strangers. One time, at the start of the Forty-day Fast, a stranger knocked at his door. Seeing that the traveller was very exhausted, Saint Spyridon said to his daughter, “Wash the feet of this man, so he may recline to dine.” But since it was Lent there were none of the necessary provisions, for the saint “partook of food only on certain days, and on other days he went without food.” His daughter replied that there was no bread or flour in the house. Then Saint Spyridon, apologising to his guest, ordered his daughter to cook a salted ham from their larder. After seating the stranger at table, he began to eat, urging that man to do the same. When the latter refused, calling himself a Christian, the saint rejoined, “It is not proper to refuse this, for the Word of God proclaims, ‘Unto the pure all things are pure’” (Titus 1:15).
Another historical detail reported by Sozomen, was characteristic of the saint. It was his custom to distribute one part of the gathered harvest to the destitute, and another portion to those having need while in debt. He did not take a portion for himself, but simply showed them the entrance to his storeroom, where each could take as much as was needed, and could later pay it back in the same way, without records or accountings.
There is also the tale by Socrates Scholasticus about how robbers planned to steal the sheep of Saint Spyridon. They broke into the sheepfold at night, but here they found themselves all tied up by some invisible power. When morning came the saint went to his flock, and seeing the tied-up robbers, he prayed and released them. For a long while he advised them to leave their path of iniquity and earn their livelihood by respectable work. Then he made them a gift of a sheep and sending them off, the saint said kindly, “Take this for your trouble, so that you did not spend a sleepless night in vain.”
All the Lives of the saint speak of the amazing simplicity and the gift of wonderworking granted him by God. Through a word of the saint the dead were awakened, the elements of nature tamed, the idols smashed. At one point, a Council had been convened at Alexandria by the Patriarch to discuss what to do about the idols and pagan temples there. Through the prayers of the Fathers of the Council all the idols fell down except one, which was very much revered. It was revealed to the Patriarch in a vision that this idol had to be shattered by Saint Spyridon of Tremithus. Invited by the Council, the saint set sail on a ship, and at the moment the ship touched shore and the saint stepped out on land, the idol in Alexandria with all its offerings turned to dust, which then was reported to the Patriarch and all the bishops.
Saint Spyridon lived his earthly life in righteousness and sanctity, and prayerfully surrendered his soul to the Lord. His relics repose on the island of Corfu (Kerkyra), in a church named after him (His right hand, however, is located in Rome).
Canon to the saint, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone II.
Ode I, Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. * But the Incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. * Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, * for gloriously hath He been glorified.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having attained unto the land of the meek, being thyself meek, merciful and pure, O father, calm thou the present tempest of my heart, that, in divine tranquillity, I may hymn thee.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having cleared thy soul of the overgrowth of the passions through godly cultivation, O father Spyridon, thou didst become god-like and wast enriched by the most radiant splendour of the divine Spirit. Wherefore, thou dost illumine those who sincerely bless thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Taking thee from a flock as He had David, the Creator appointed thee as a most eminent shepherd of the rational sheep, shining forth in simplicity and meekness, and adorned with guilelessness, O venerable pastor.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most holy and pure Virgin, enlighten and hallow my thoughts and soul, I pray thee, dispelling the clouds of mine ignorance, and removing the darkness of sin, that I may bless thee as is meet.
Ode III, Irmos:Thou hast established me on the rock of faith, * and my mouth hath been emboldened against mine enemies. * For my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: * There is none as holy as our God * and none more righteous than Thee, O Lord.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having illumined thy mind with dispassion and adorned thyself with divine humility, thou didst receive the gifts of the Spirit to cast out evil spirits and to loose the infirmities of those who faithfully honour thee, O most sacred one.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having slain the serpent, the author of evil, and trampled down the inclination towards avarice, O holy hierarch, taking pity on him who was in need, thou didst transform a serpent into a golden ornament by thy sacred prayers, O venerable father.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst ascend the mountain of dispassion; thou didst enter the darkness of the vision of God, and didst receive the law of salvation on the tablets of thy heart, in that thou art the most sacred and faithful favoured one of thy Master.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal thou the wounds of my soul, O Bride of God, and illumine my mind which hath been darkened by neglect, that I may chant: There is none blameless save thee, O immaculate one, and none pure, but thee, O Lady!
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom …”: Thou didst shine forth as a divinely appointed pastor, O Spyridon, raised from the tending of sheep by God, Who entrusted thee to preside over the Church of Christ. Thou didst drive away the wolves of false teaching by thy words, grazing thy flock on the pasture of piety. Wherefore, thou didst affirm the Faith by the wisdom of the Spirit in the midst of the God-bearing fathers, O blessed hierarch. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memory with love.
Ode IV, Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come forth, not as an ambassador, * nor as an Angel, * but the very Lord himself incarnate, * and didst save me, the whole man; * wherefore I cry unto Thee: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Set afire by the burning coal of the honoured Spirit, thou didst burn up all the readily kindled fuel of the passions, O all-blessed one, enlightening the world with the fiery rays of thy virtues.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having slain the movements of thy flesh, O divinely inspired one, thou didst raise up the dead by thy life-imparting call. Wherefore, I beseech thee: Enliven my slain soul, O father!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O father, the dead woman, obeying thee, spake, and by thy commands the raging of the river was restrained. For thou wast revealed as a worker of wonders endowed with divine grace, O blessed one.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The prophets foretold the incomprehensible abyss of thy mystery, for thou alone, O pure one, didst give birth unto the Unknowable One, Who, in His unutterable tender compassion, became incarnate.
ODE V, Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, the enlightenment of those lying in the darkness of sin. * I rise early to hymn Thee O King of Peace, * enlighten me with Thy radiance, * for I know no other God than Thee.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
The river of the gifts which are within thee doth water every heart, O venerable one, and richly granteth health unto all, moving all to glorify God, Who hath glorified thee and honoured thee with all manner of wonders.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
The earthly emperor clearly recognised thee as a true servant of the heavenly King, full of divine gifts, O blessed one, when thou didst come to him, proclaiming the great Physician, Who is God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Emulating the hospitable character of Abraham, thou didst open the doors of thy house unto all, and wast all things to all people, mindful of those who were in evil straits, O blessed Spyridon.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
For us hast thou given birth unto a new-born Babe, Who before the ages was begotten of the unoriginate Father, O Maiden. Him do thou entreat as thy Son and God, that He spare those who, with a pure soul, proclaim thee to be the Theotokos.
Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Gold was as mire to thee who shone forth in dispassion more brightly than gold, and wast enriched by thy most golden gifts of the Spirit, O venerable one.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Serving thy Master in purity, O venerable one, thou didst have a multitude of the angelic hosts serving thee with unseen voices, O most sacred one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O most glorious and all-wise father, thy life hath made thee most glorious to the world. Wherefore, rejoicing, we that hymn thee celebrate thy divine memory.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More spacious than the heavens was thy womb, which contained God Whom no place can contain, O all-holy virgin Bride of God, who knewest not a man.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: “Seeking the Highest …”:O most sacred one, wounded with love for Christ, * and giving wings to thy mind through the radiance of the Spirit, * thou didst find thy work fulfilled in the activity of divine vision. * O thou who art pleasing to God, thou divine oblation, ** beseech Him that divine illumination be granted unto all.
Ikos: Let us now praise Spyridon, the hierarch of the Lord, sanctified from his mother’s womb, who received the tablets of the grace of divine glory, as one most glorious in miracles from all of creation, as a fervent witness of the divine radiance, intercessor for the poor, and spiritual guide for the sinful; for he hath become a divine oblation for the throne of Christ, asking divine illumination for all.
Ode VII, Irmos: The godless order of the lawless tyrant * fanned the roaring flame; * but Christ bedewed the God-fearing children with the Spirit, * therefore He is blessed and supremely exalted.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Having acquired the guilelessness of Moses, the meekness of David and the blamelessness of Job of Uz, thou didst become a dwelling-place of the Spirit, chanting most sacredly: Blessed and supremely glorious art Thou!
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
The showers of heaven rained down upon thy head during the harvest and prefigured the future; for, as thou didst say, God glorified thy divine memory, sanctifying the faithful by thy mediation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
In the council of the fathers God glorified thee, who guarded thy words in judgment, O blessed one. Thou didst bring them forth with faith, openly disclosing the follies of the most irrational Arius and destroying his opposition.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the ineffable Word, O Virgin, thou didst put forth the Cluster of grapes as the Branch which alone was uncultivated and which poureth forth the wine gladdening all mankind, sanctifying mortals and dispelling all the drunkenness of the wicked.
Ode VIII, Irmos: In Babylon, the activity of the fire was once divided, * for, by the command of God it consumed the Chaldeans, * but bedewed the faithful, who chant: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Thou didst extinguish the furnace of the passions with divine outpourings of the divine Spirit, O father, pouring forth a dew which taketh away the fever of the ailing who ever have recourse unto thee in faith, O blessed Spyridon, thou who art most noetically rich.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Guileless, upright, meek, merciful, not mindful of the wrongs done thee, loving and hospitable wast thou, O most sacred hierarch, adorned with the wisdom of Orthodoxy, O venerable one. Wherefore, we honour thee with faith.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Of old the dead woman when questioned by thee O father, replied as though alive. Oh what a most marvellous wonder! Oh, what a most glorious mystery! Oh, the grace which thou hast received, having adorned thyself with an angelic life, O right wondrous one!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal thou the passions of my heart with thy mercy, O all-hymned one; calm thou my mind, enlighten my soul, and guide me to walk the paths of salvation, that I may ever hymn thee, O all-hymned one.
Ode IX, Irmos:The Son of the Unoriginate Father, God and Lord, * hath appeared to us incarnate of a Virgin, * to enlighten those in darkness, * and to gather the dispersed; * therefore the all-hymned Theotokos do we magnify.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
Exalted among the God-bearing fathers, thou didst openly proclaim the Son of the unoriginate Father to be of one essence and equally everlasting with the Father, and didst stop the mouths of the iniquitous, O all-blessed and holy hierarch.
Hierarch of Christ, Spyridon, pray to God for us.
O all-radiant sun, adornment of the fathers, glory of priests, converser with angels: By thy prayers grant the unwaning Light unto those who now joyously celebrate thy light-bearing memory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With a voice of rejoicing have the divine mansions, the heavenly city and the beauteous choir of those who hold festival received thy soul, which hath been hallowed and adorned with the virtues, O all-blessed one.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The great mystery of thy birthgiving, which passeth understanding doth astound the angels, O divinely joyous one, delighting the assembly of the venerable and making glad the sacred fathers who hymn thee, the hope of our souls, in a godly manner.
Troparion of the Hierarch, Tone IV:The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, * icon of meekness, and teacher of temperance; * wherefore, thou hast attained the heights through humility and riches through poverty; * O hierarch Spyridon our father, ** entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.
Another troparion, Tone I: Thou wast shown forth as a champion of the first Council * and a wonderworker, O Spyridon, our God-bearing father. *Wherefore, thou didst speak to one dead in the grave, * and didst change a serpent into gold. * And, whilst chanting thy holy prayers, thou didst have angels serving with thee, O most sacred one. * Glory to Him that hath given thee strength! * Glory to Him that hath crowned thee! **Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee!
Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and didst flee into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:
Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.
Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.
Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;
Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;
Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.
Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;
Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.
Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;
Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 2: Seeing the dominance of pagan polytheism in thy city, all-glorious Menas, thou didst languish in thy righteous soul; but in the midst of the darkness of sin, like a light, shining with a virtuous life, thou didst sing unceasingly to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 2: Having an enlightened mind, having fulfilled the commandments of God, O passion-bearer of Christ, thou didst spend thy blameless life among lawless people, serving the Lord day and night with love, and we, glorifying God who strengthened thee, call to thee from the heart thus:
Rejoice, thou who teachest the faithful Christian hope;
Rejoice, thou who destroyest the wiles of the enemy through thine intercession.
Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with the sweetness of thy prayers;
Rejoice, for in thy wondrous life thou didst give the despondent courage to drink.
Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Lord’s commandments;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of piety and the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, thou who coverest with love those who honour thee;
Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in temptations.
Rejoice, glorious creator of spiritual peace;
Rejoice, honourable vessel, filled with grace.
Rejoice, thou who waterest the faithful with the currents of thy miracles;
Rejoice, thou who anointest the wounds of our souls with the oil of thy prayers.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 3: Guided by the power of God, thou didst forsake worldly glory and military honour for Christ’s sake and chose to serve the Lord in the deserts and mountains, like an angel unceasingly calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3: Having thy heart inflamed with zeal for the glory of God, thou didst stand boldly before the impious prince, O long-suffering one of Christ, denouncing the madness of the idols; but he, inflamed with rage and unable to bear the words of grace coming from thy lips, betrayed thee to many torments, but we, remembering the feat of thy confession, with love call to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who wast wounded by thorns at the hands of the lawless;
Rejoice, thou who wast scorched by fire for the sake of confession.
Rejoice, thou who didst endure the cutting of thy members;
Rejoice, for thy body was pierced by sharp needles.
Rejoice, thou who wast cruelly struck on the head with a hammer;
Rejoice, thou who didst receive many wounds for Christ’s sake.
Rejoice, for thy feast of struggles satisfiest the faithful with courage;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us patience in temptations.
Rejoice, for by thy sufferings thou didst convert many to Christ;
Rejoice, thou who didst conquer thy tormentors with the firmness of thy faith.
Rejoice, for in thy labours thou hast revealed an image of spiritual strength;
Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the vanity of idolatrous wickedness.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 4: The storms of persecution against the Church of Christ passed through the days of Constantine the Great, and Christians erected a church in Alexandria in honour of thy glorious name, most honourable Menas, where they placed thine honourable relics, which we now venerate and sing to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 4: Hearing of the feat of thy confession, O glorious martyr, we sing to thee with warm love and glorifying thy wondrous patience, with tenderness we bring thee songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who enrichest our poverty with faith;
Rejoice, thou who showest thy merciful intercession to the faithful.
Rejoice, thou who revealest to us the treasure of the spiritual world;
Rejoice, thou who coverest the cities and villages in which thy name is revered.
Rejoice, protector of Christian homes from fiery destruction;
Rejoice, comforter of those who suffer unjustly.
Rejoice, good guide of travellers;
Rejoice, carefree passage for those sailing upon the sea.
Rejoice, thou who deliverest the faithful from sudden death;
Rejoice, gracious intercessor for the grieving.
Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in our sorrows;
Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou turnest our sorrows into joy.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 5: Thou hast passed through thy life as a God-bearing star, O all-praised Menas, day and night serving the Lord with ardent love; therefore, at the end, by the feat of martyrdom, thou hast sealed thy faith and received from God a crown of incorruptible glory, and in heaven with the faces of the saints thou singest to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 5: Seeing our sorrows and illnesses, blessed Menas, thou intercedest for us before the Throne of the Lord and with thy constant prayers thou protectest those who honour thy name from many troubles and misfortunes. Therefore, even now, protect those who come to thine intercession, so that we always may cry to thee thus:
Rejoice, unashamed intercessor of the faithful;
Rejoice, excellent helper of the suffering.
Rejoice, merciful intercessor for us before God;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of the Law of God.
Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer unto God;
Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, thou who through thy prayers reconcilest those in enmity;
Rejoice, thou who protectest the faithful with peace and love.
Rejoice, for by thy righteous life thou teachest pious living;
Rejoice, constant helper of good deeds.
Rejoice, good teacher of repentance;
Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 6: A preacher of the truth of God, a certain Jew, appeared to be blessed by thee, O glorious Menas; for he, having seen a miracle by which a Christian, who unlawfully wanted to hide his treasures, was exposed, having renounced his wickedness and having received the faith of Christ, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6: The light of the Christian faith shone in the heart of that Jew, when thou miraculously returned, O victorious Menas, his treasures, unlawfully hidden by the Christians, his friends: for by thine intercession evil was turned into good; and the Jew received Christian baptism and forgiveness of sin. And we, constantly remembering this wondrous thing, say to thee from the heart:
Rejoice, thou who transformest evil into good through thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who turn evildoers to repentance.
Rejoice, enlightener of those blinded by passions;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of God’s truth.
Rejoice, thou who correctest evil paths through thine intercession;
Rejoice, thou who guide our feet to the haven of the law of the Lord.
Rejoice, O noble adornment of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, constant help of God’s servants.
Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us;
Rejoice, God-given protector in sorrows.
Rejoice, inexhaustible source of miracles;
Rejoice, gracious comforter of those who honour thy memory.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 7: Wishing to reveal to the world the inexhaustible sources of Thy mercy, O Christ our God, Thou hast granted us advocates and intercessors before Thee, Thy bold holy martyrs, who have testified to the firmness of their faith, even to the point of suffering blood; in whom, glorifying Thee, the only good God, we tenderly cry out to thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 7: Filling thy heart with the evangelical grace of the New Testament, O Great Martyr Menas, thou wast burnt with the fire of love for the Divine Lord, and united with the ranks of the holy martyrs, with whom, standing before the Throne of the Almighty, do thou pray for those who honour thy memory with faith, who bless thou with songs such as these:
Rejoice, glorious martyr of the Lord;
Rejoice, victorious warrior of Christ.
Rejoice, merciful intercessor of Christians;
Rejoice, our constant intercessor.
Rejoice, merciful healer of our ailments;
Rejoice, holy deliverer from various misfortunes.
Rejoice, powerful helper in the struggle with passions and enemy attacks;
Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou preservest us from sinful falls.
Rejoice, O All-Rich Treasury of God’s Gifts;
Rejoice, O cup filled with spiritual consolation.
Rejoice, thou who dispelest our sorrows with thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who kindlest our hearts with love for God.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 8: Thou hast appeared as a wanderer on earth, O glorious Menas, always seeking the Lord with a pure heart; therefore, having received the crown of martyrdom, thou hast gloriously ended thy life; and now, being established in the Kingdom of Heaven with the angels, thou cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8: Having submitted thyself entirely to God, O victorious Menas, thou hast passed harmlessly through the sea of earthly temptations and wast established in the haven of Divine peace in the Abode of the Heavenly Father. Therefore, remember us, who honour thy memory, at the Throne of God, who praise thee with songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who hast revealed an image of immaculate service to God;
Rejoice, thou who hast strengthened many for the feat of confession.
Rejoice, for thou now teachest us patience through thy life;
Rejoice, thou who instructest each one to bear his cross without complaint.
Rejoice, perfect teacher of spiritual poverty;
Rejoice, thou who enlightenest our hearts with the light of humility;
Rejoice, excellent champion of Orthodox Christians;
Rejoice, protection of faithful people from misfortunes and evils.
Rejoice, constant help to those who suffer;
Rejoice, merciful healing of the sick.
Rejoice, most honourable sufferer of Christ;
Rejoice, intercessor, given to us by the Lord.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 9: Thou hast cast away all worldly sweetness from thy soul, O Martyr Most Rich, and therefore, having left behind thy military honour, thou hast appeared as a warrior of the Heavenly King, shining forth with firmness of faith and righteous courage. Now in Heaven, standing before Christ, thou criest out with the angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 9: The wordy orators cannot recognise the power of Christ, with which thou hast clothed thyself like a weapon, O glorious Menas, and have conquered the lawless tormentors in thy patience. But we, with humble hearts and contrite souls, praising thy feat, with tenderness we call out to thee such songs:
Rejoice, consolation of those who suffer unjustly;
Rejoice, all-effective admonition to those who have offended.
Rejoice, good land, which hast brought forth the fruit of virtues;
Rejoice, for with thine honest sufferings thou hast illuminated the Syrian land.
Rejoice, for thou hast shown many glorious miracles after thy death;
Rejoice, holy lily, which didst flourish in the midst of idolatrous impiety.
Rejoice, for thou wast tested like gold in the furnace of sorrows;
Rejoice, thou who didst shine with the light of the truth of the Gospel.
Rejoice, thou who warmest those who flow to thee with the warm rays of thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who protectest those who honour thee from unexpected evils.
Rejoice, praise of the Holy Mountains of Athos;
Rejoice, constant protection of Orthodox people.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 10: Thou didst miraculously grant salvation to a merchant who was coming to venerate thy local relics; for he suffered death from a lawless money-lover, and, resurrected by thou, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10: Thou didst appear as a warm protector and defender to that merchant, O Holy Menas; for having raised him who was killed for gold, thou didst expose the unjust murderer; and we, remembering this miracle, tenderly sing to thee:
Rejoice, glorious miracle worker;
Rejoice, O gracious intercessor.
Rejoice, terrible rebuke of evildoers;
Rejoice, constant protection of those who honour thee.
Rejoice, thou who didst resurrect the murdered merchant;
Rejoice, thou who didst convert a lover of money and a murderer to repentance.
Rejoice, thou who hast made good sacrifices;
Rejoice, thou who givest warmth from thine heart to thine intercessor.
Rejoice, quick listener to those who humbly pray before thine icon;
Rejoice, O faithful guardian from the wiles of the evil one and evil people.
Rejoice, thou who destroy life’s misfortunes with thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with spiritual peace.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 11: We bring thee a song of praise, O praiseworthy martyr, opening the lips of our humble heart with love: we glorify thy wondrous life and glorify thy martyr’s death, calling out to God who strengthenst thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 11: With the light of the glorious miracle of the appearance, thou hast enlightened the heart of Eutropius, darkened by the love of money, O Saint, for he thought to leave for himself the silver plate with thy name prepared as a gift to thee, and he saw his beloved servant and that plate sinking in the depths of the sea; but nevertheless, by thine intercession, the servant was again saved, singing songs of gratitude to thee; and we, praising this miracle, tenderly cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who turned the heart of Eutropius to repentance;
Rejoice, thou who didst save that slave in the depths of the sea.
Rejoice, for by the manifestation of thy miracle thou didst transform sorrow into joy;
Rejoice, thou who didst save thy faithful servant from drowning.
Rejoice, constant helper of the upright in heart;
Rejoice, O intercessor before God for those who honour thy name.
Rejoice, thou who protectest us from evil misfortunes;
Rejoice, thou who showest thy help to Orthodox people.
Rejoice, thou who teachest truthful and honest living;
Rejoice, thou who helpest in the fulfillment of good undertakings.
Rejoice, thou who protectest us from the temptations of sin;
Rejoice, thou who fulfillest our requests for good and salvation.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 12: A certain woman named Sophia recognised the grace of thy merciful intercession, O glorious Menas, for she, coming to thy church to worship, was saved by thee from the dishonour of the lawless soldier and cried out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 12: Singing of thy many miracles, all-praiseworthy great martyr, we remember the lame and the mute who prayed fervently in thy church; for thou didst appear to them and didst miraculously heal them; and we, remembering this miracle, fervently pray to thee: and strengthen our feet, weakened by many iniquities, and open the lips of our hearts worthily to sing to thee with songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the paralytic’s legs;
Rejoice, thou who didst loosen the bonds of the mute tongue.
Rejoice, merciful healer who hast appeared to many;
Rejoice, thou who didst bring many unbelievers to faith with glorious miracles;
Rejoice, joy and praise for the lovers of God;
Rejoice, refuge and consolation of strangers.
Rejoice, gracious feeder of the poor;
Rejoice, unashamed intercessor for widows and orphans.
Rejoice, deliverance of the faithful from misfortunes and evils;
Rejoice, O firm protection of those who honour thee.
Rejoice, good comforter in times of trouble;
Rejoice, holy helper in life’s sorrows.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 13: O holy and glorious Great-Martyr of Christ, Menas, accept now this small song brought to thee with zeal, and cover with thy prayers those who come running to thy holy icon and who lovingly honour thy honourable memory, so that by thine intercession we may always be protected from evil in peace and piety for the rest of our life, praising God, who is wondrous in His saints, singing the Angelic song: Alleluia. [This kontakion is said three times.]
Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and fled into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:
Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.
Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.
Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;
Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;
Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.
Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;
Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.
Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;
Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Prayer to the Great Martyr Menas: O passion-bearer, holy martyr Menas! Looking at thine icon and remembering the healings thou givest to all who come to thee with faith and reverence, we fall down before thou and, bending the knees of our hearts, with all our souls we pray to thee, be our intercessor before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our infirmities, accompany and comfort us in times of our sorrows, granting us the memory of our sins, help in misfortunes and troubles of this world, and in all the troubles that befall us in this vale of tears. Amen.
Some of our parishioners, who are praying the akathist to St John the Wonderworker for the intention of our parish, after the news of its eviction from St John’s by the (Anglican) Local Ministry Team, have asked for a canon to pray to the great wonderworker, for his help.
The following canon was published by our late Bishop Alexander of Buenos Aires, and, I believe, is the one written by Father Seraphim (Rose) of Platina.
A Canon to St John the Wonderworker Tone 2, the Acrostic wherewith is: Holy John, Wonderworker of the latter times.
Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the depths of the Red Sea with dry-shod feet, Israel of old vanquished the might of Amalek in the wilderness by Moses’ arms stretched out in the form of the Cross.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Help me, O Christ my Lord, to praise with purity of heart Thy blessed servant John, whose life of unceasing labour and prayer Thou hast revealed to us as both a reproof and a source of inspiration for our feeble faith.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
O Hierarch John, Thou art a lamp that shineth forth out of the dark apostasy of our evil times, beckoning us to follow Thee out of the nether chaos of our passions and to abide with Thee in Christ the Light that dieth not.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Love for the all-wise and all-compassionate God, the simple Unity in Trinity, did give Thee both the divine wisdom of the great Elders of ancient times and the simple guilelessness of a child, O blessed John, enabling Thee to touch countless souls with the grace bestowed upon Thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Young, defenceless orphans flock to Thee, the old and infirm beg consolation from Thee, and all we who have fallen into sin seek the healing balm of Thy heavenly intercession. Holy Hierarch John, saint and wonderworker in our midst, pray for us.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
John Thou didst behold prostrated before Thy sacred images, praying alone in the deep hours of the night warring with sleep and keeping constant vigilance over his soul. O blessed Mother of God, warm our hearts that we too may pour out such ardent love for Thee.
Ode III, Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over my enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: there is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
O blessed one, Thou didst have as Thy ancestor a saint, whose name Thou wast given as a monk. Truly did his spirit rest upon Thee, for Thou didst become, like the great John of Tobolsk, a holy hierarch, a zealous missionary to foreign lands, and a miracle-worker even after Thy repose.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Having the heavenly saints as Thy instructors, Thou wast as a child taught the life of ascetic struggle and unconquerable faith in Christ. Preferring this learning above all other, Thou didst become an earnest student of Orthodox sanctity.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Never ceasing to nourish Thy soul with the Lives of Saints, Thou didst carefully study their every thought, word and action, thereby perceiving their otherworldly mind and spirit and acquiring these for thyself: for indeed Thou didst become like Thy instructors, a saint by whom God is glorified.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
When a child in Kharkov, the blessed John devoutly prayed before Thine Ilyetskaya icon. O Sovereign Lady, cleanse our unclean hearts and grant us such childlike faith.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 2: Who can fathom the mysterious ways of sanctity? Who can perceive the celestial beauty of Thy life enshrouded in the garments of humility? Thou, O John. wast illumined by the Light that came into the world, and the world knew it not. (Twice).
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Queen of Heaven, Thou abidest now with all the saints whom Thou didst strengthen and console during their sojourn on earth. And behold! A new saint is among them, the righteous John, praising Christ with Thee forever.
Ode IV, Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Oholy Hierarch, Thou wast sent as a shepherd at Christ’s flock to Shanghai, where Thou didst become known as a wonderworker and healer of diseases, a great ascetic who gavest no repose or comfort to the temple of Thy body, but rather sanctified it through the constant work of prayer.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Neglecting no opportunity of helping those in need, Thou didst boldly walk through the slums and dark alleys of Shanghai, gathering sick and starving orphans and providing them with Thy fatherly protection. Do Thou take us, too, under Thy care.
Deliverer of the oppressed, Thou didst see no separation between Thy good works and Thy constant prayers, for in both didst Thou serve God and raise people from the mire of suffering.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Ever following the injunctions of Christ, Thou didst feed Him when He was hungry, take Him in when He was homeless, clothe Him when He was naked, visit Him when He was sick and in prison: for in everyone didst Thou see His divine image.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Receive our prayers, O Mother of God, as Thou didst once receive the prayers of the blessed John while he served in the Shanghai Cathedral dedicated to Thee, the Surety of Sinners, and besought Thee to save those languishing in sin and Sorrow.
Ode V, Irmos: Thou Who art the light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the hopeless, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of peace, Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know no other God beside Thee.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
When Thou didst bring Thy flock to the Philippine Islands, O Hierarch John, Thou didst show thyself to be a new Moses, leading Thy people out of bondage and always trusting in the protection of the merciful God.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
O protector of those in danger and tribulation, through Thy holy prayers Thou didst deliver Thy flock on the island from certain destruction, averting the violent typhoons even as Thy Master Christ calmed the stormy waters of Galilee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Revealing from East to West, from the remote corners of the world, the glory with which God doth endow His saints, Thou didst allow no earthly distance to hinder Thy heavenly ministry. Even now, from where space is effortlessly traversed by the angelic powers, come to our aid and bring our petitions before the Lord.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Keeping vigil on a remote island, the blessed John prayed before Thy wondrously renewed icon. O Thou Who art the Quencher of Sorrow and the relief of affliction, we run to Thy motherly protection and tell the burdens of our hearts.
Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: from corruption raise me up, O God.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Endeavouring to find refuge for Thy flock, who had no secure place whereon to lay their heads, Thou didst bring them under Thy mantle to the New World. Let us likewise find refuge in Thy prayers.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Reaching then the land wherein the ancient ascetics of Gaul attained to holiness, Thou didst once more grace it with the presence of a saint, returning the French people to the Orthodox and apostolic faith, and tirelessly labouring to ground them on the firm Rock of salvation.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Of all the saints, both of East and West, wast Thou an ardent disciple, O holy Hierarch; wherefore, in Thy travels Thou didst learn of the saints of different lands, introducing the faithful to yet more residents of the heavenly mansions, with whom Thou art now glorified.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Foretelling future events, seeing mystically within the hearts of men, hearing prayers and thoughts across great distances, Thou wast shown to be in the presence of the realm beyond earthly limitations, amazing all who had eyes to see and moving them to greater faith and devotion.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou gavest birth to Him who gave me life, O Most Pure Virgin. Let me not squander this gift by desiring that which endeth in death, but like our blessed John let me seek that fountain which springeth up into everlasting life, Thy Son Christ our God.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone VIII: Chosen Wonderworker and superb servant of Christ, who pourest out in the latter times, inexhaustible streams of inspiration and multitudes of miracles. We pray thee with love and call out to thee, O holy hierarch John, Wonderworker of the latter times.
Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order, thrown into the fire they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Having purified thyself in Thy work of prayer, O holy one, Thou wast deemed worthy to behold the ineffable light that cometh directly from God. Surrounded by the uncreated essence of Divinity, Thou wast lifted above the earth, knowing the bliss of wordless prayer, of the silence of the future age.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Elder in the tradition of the desert saints of Thy native Russia. seer of the heart and well-spring of God-revealed counsel, Thou wast sent at a time when men of Thy stature had disappeared from the face of the earth. In Thee we see precious gift from God and thus do honour Thy words of wisdom.
Leaving behind the vain wisdom of this world, Thou didst choose the foolishness of God which is wiser than men, and thus wast Thou chosen of Him to confound the prudent and mighty, bringing to naught their carnal understanding. Marvelling at His ways past speech, we cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Awe and wonder are born in us as we behold Thy life, O blessed one, for Thou wast both a wise teacher of theology and a Fool for Christ’s sake, a hierarch and a humble servant of the poor. Thou was a compassionate friend of all, yet was alone with God in the secret chambers of Thy spirit.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The blessed John did always wear Thy Optina icon upon his heart, O Most Holy Virgin: likewise let us always remember Thee in the tabernacles of our hearts, for Thou art the sacred Tabernacle which did wondrously bear God.
Ode VIII, Irmos: O ye work, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Thy flock of Shanghai rejoiced at they return to them in America, where Thou didst end Thy days as an unrelenting champion of Orthodoxy, experiencing sorrows from those who despised Thee for Thy holy life, yet meeting Thy false accusers with the meekness made invincible through Christ.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Even as Thy great ascetic preceptors did teach Thee, Thou didst know the love of God as suffering of heart endured in the spirit of devotion, and didst call out in Thine hour of trial: O ye works, praise the Lord God, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Rare are those who can go on the narrow and rugged path that Thou hast trod. O saint, for in Thy sorrows Thou didst with courage place Thy trust only in God, being tested like gold in the forge and thereby entering the celestial habitations purified in spirit.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
To Thee, O Joy of All Who Sorrow, the ever-present recourse of the blessed John in his tribulations, we cry with faith: grant us that spiritual joy which is undiminished in adversity.
Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from god, and who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and who ineffably took flesh from the holy virgin for our sake, him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
In a divine manner was Thy soul’s departure known beforehand to Thee, and Thou didst prepare to meet the mystical Bridegroom, Christ, to Whom Thou dost not cease to pray for us sinners.
Holy Hierarch John, pray to God for us.
Marvelling at the death of a newly manifested saint, Thy flock did find their sorrow turned to gladness, feeling the victorious joy of Pascha and glorifying God for giving them a new intercessor in heaven.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Even after Thy blessed repose Thou dost grant instruction, healing and consolation to all who come to Thee, O blessed John. As Thou dost now give miraculous help to the blind, sick and sorrowing, so also pour the healing balm of Thy prayers on us who bear the wounds of sin.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Silently praying before the Kursk Icon of God’s Mother, the new apostle John departed from earth to paradise. And let us, knowing not the hour of the end of our sojourn here, offer such heartfelt devotion to Her who reigns with the King of glory.
Troparion, Tone VI: Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief, invested with the grace-filled power of the saints of old, divinely-illumined seer of heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, Thou didst enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of judgment; pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.
St. Alfred (born 849) was King of Wessex from 886 until his death on October 26 899. He was the fifth son of his father, Æthelwulf, and never expected to become king. He loved learning and loved the Lord Jesus Christ, and most likely looked forward to a life of contemplation in the Church. Such was not to be his fate.
He was thrust into kingship at the age of 22, during a time of near-constant serious threat from the heathen Viking Danes. Through much hardship and wise preparation, he defeated Guthrum the Dane in a decisive battle, ending the Viking threat for many years. As a term of the surrender, Guthrum received Holy Baptism as Æthelstan, along with 30 of his jarls (Danish noblemen), with Alfred himself standing as godfather to Guthrum and his men. This is an example of the justice and mercy of the saint, as he showed care for the souls of not only his own people, but his former enemies.
When he was finally able to rule in peace, he began a program of education, requiring that all of his Thegns and Aldermen (nobility) learn to read and write, and that all freemen of England teach their sons the same. He personally translated Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” and St. Gregory’s “On Pastoral Care,” among many other books, and had them propagated throughout his land, spreading the light of holy knowledge to all his people.
The Canon of the Saint, Tone VIII
Feast Day: November 8, 2024 / October 26
Ode I, Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us sing unto our Deliverer and God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. Twice
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.
Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard of the mystery of Thy providence; I have understood Thy works and glorified Thy Divinity.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.
Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.
Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord and to Him I declare my sorrow; for my soul is full of evil and my life has drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-pure one.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.
Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.
Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!
Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him above all for all ages!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.
Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.
Ode I, Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us sing unto our Deliverer and God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
O Thou, the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourite Alfred, Who sought wisdom and truth from his youth up and took consolation in psalms and prayers, free my lowly soul from sin.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
As one who loved the kingdom on high, O great Alfred the Wise, England’s Shepherd and England’s Darling, believing with a pure mind and loving God’s saints, thou dost worship and preach the King and Master of all.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Illumined by the divine light, O righteous Alfred, thou knewest that true nobility is in the mind and so rebuilt a House of Wisdom, most sincerely entrusting thyself to the King of the ages and teaching thy people the commandments of Christ.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Sovereign Lady, thou portal of the divine Dayspring, open to me the door of repentance and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Shaper of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Striving to receive heavenly rewards, O right-believing Alfred, thou hast followed Him Who called thee, in no wise being tempted by the demon darkness of the heathen, but becoming a beacon of light unto them through the divine Spirit.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, thou, O wise King, hast shown that true greatness is in forgiveness, thus attaining the heavenly kingdom, granted unto us by the All-good God through His all-pure sufferings.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Burning with faith, O blessed one, thou hast shown forth the Wisdom of God by bearing thy cross, the weapon of salvation, the invincible victory, the hope of all Christians and ever the glory of thy land.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having fallen from heavenly citizenship, O all- pure one, I have become like unto a wild beast and am wholly condemned, O thou who gavest birth to the Judge, save me from all condemnation.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional hymn of the saint, Tone VIII: Having yearned for the kingdom of heaven and beheld its beauty in creation, thou wast taught the mysteries of the Lord of all. The Cross shone forth in thy midst, signifying that thou shouldst conquer therein. Therefore, the eyes of thy soul opened, O wise Alfred, beseech Christ our God that He may grant remission of sins to those who with love celebrate thy holy memory. Twice
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb not being consumed, thou, O Mother of God, gavest birth for the world to Him Who sustains the world, and didst bear in thine arms Him Who upholds all things, the Creator of all. Therefore, O most holy Virgin, I beseech thee and glorify thee with faith, that I may be delivered from transgressions and on the day of judgement, when I stand before the face of my Maker, grant me thine aid, O pure Virgin and Sovereign Lady.
Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard of the mystery of Thy providence; I have understood Thy works and glorified Thy Divinity.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Christ the Lord granted thee holy baptism and instructed thee from childhood through thy noble and godly parents, teaching thee, O wise Alfred, to worship Him as the only King, so preparing thee for kingship both on earth and in heaven.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Christ the Sun of Righteousness enlightened thee, O righteous Alfred, with His most bright grace, revealing thee, together with thy companion the holy King Edmund, as a valiant warrior and beacon of light to the benighted heathen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou, O blessed one, wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works, therefore this little island has brought forth a great man, a new David who overcame a new Goliath, and thee do we glorify with faith.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Ever-virgin who gavest birth to the Sun of righteousness, enlighten my soul which has been darkened by sin.
Ode V, Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry unto Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having risen at dawn to the never-waning Sun and Master, O learned Alfred, thou wast filled with light, keeping fast and feast, preaching the faith and restoring the Church, and so wisdom has taken the place of the sword.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Arrayed in love and justice as a robe of royal purple, thou becamest a law-giver like unto Moses, teaching the commandments of Christ and establishing His word as law in the King’s English, and now thou hast gone to dwell in the kingdom on high.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Alfred, unshakeable pillar of the English Church and people, thou hast joined the choirs of the saints, having trampled down Odin and all his demons underfoot, pleasing the White Christ by thy virtuous works and words.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Cleanse my soul, which has been defiled by fleshly pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.
Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord and to Him I declare my sorrow; for my soul is full of evil and my life has drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thou didst gather the faithful remnants of the Church together, O righteous Alfred, and through them didst calm the storm-tossed hearts of all and return them to the fold together with the newly baptised, glorifying the Word and Wisdom of God; so gather us together in these latter times anew.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having believed in the White Christ Who grants life to all, thou, O wise Alfred, didst make the heathen to spurn the worship of Odin and receive the kingdom of heaven with joy; so help us in these latter times to trample down the old demons anew.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the King brought the heathen to cast aside the deepest darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and come unto the calm havens of piety with joy; so in these latter times bring us unto the calm havens of piety with joy anew.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O holy Maiden, heal my heart, which has fallen sick, grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, and by thine entreaties vouchsafe healing unto me and save me who trust in thee, O all-pure one.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion of the saint, Tone II: Today the wise Alfred glorifies the White Christ among his faithful people and so builds a House of Wisdom. Therein he puts to shame all the heathen, showing the Cross to be the greatest weapon of kings against all enemies. Pray for us, O righteous one, and build a House of Wisdom among us today that there we may glorify the White Christ anew. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.
Ikos: Today let us honour the great Alfred, for, hearing the words of David, he recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, in which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And, victorious, he set it before all the heathen, that they might bend their necks before the Son of God, accepting illumination from the Church of God. For this great battle standard has appeared for our sakes and for our salvation.
Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Keeping Thy precepts, the peace-loving Alfred submitted to Thy law and has given this law to all. In this wise he has vanquished the heathen hordes, knowing that the only true conquest is the conquest of the heart, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thy Cross, which has drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right-believing Alfred, has been revealed as the vanquisher of the demons forever and the salvation and glory and greatness of our land.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By godly works thou hast made thy heart into a temple of God, O greatly loved Alfred, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, making one thy land and becoming the first of the Kings of the English.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Committing sins by my will and enslaved by shameful habits, now do I flee to thy habitual loving-kindness, O all-holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!
Ode VIII, Irmos: In his folly the Chaldean tyrant heated the furnace sevenfold for the pious youths; but, beholding them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: Ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him above all for all ages!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Adorned in a raiment of loving-kindness and goodly meekness, thou, O wise Alfred, wast crowned with a mind great in the virtues; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou criest: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Beholding thee in joy in the kingdom of God, O righteous Alfred, we magnify Christ Who has revealed thine honoured festival, which, brighter than the rays of the sun enlightens us who sing with faith: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Wise is thy desire and godly is thy cast of mind, O wise Alfred, thou boast of kings. For having restored thy people to the true faith, thou didst adorn thy land with fair churches, crying: Ye people, exalt Christ above all forever!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Birthgiver of God, enlighten the eyes of my soul which have been blinded by my many transgressions; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by divers temptations, I pray thee, and save me who cry: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt the pure one above all for all ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was awe-struck and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared in the flesh and thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Therefore, the ranks of men and angels magnify thee as the Birthgiver of God.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Thy memory inspires all who honour thee, O wise Alfred, and from thy capital in Winchester that is saved by God, the House of Alfred became the House of England, as the holy Cuthbert foretold thee, driving away the darkness of divers passions and enlightening those who praise thee with the never-waning light.
Holy, Right-Believing King Alfred, pray to God for us.
Having finished thy life in holiness, now thou dwellest with the saints, full of holiness and wisdom. Therefore, as once before thou didst restore the faith of the White Christ to thy land, O blessed Alfred, revelation to the latter times, pray to Christ our God that the true faith may be restored in this land once more.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O immortal King from everlasting, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the righteous Alfred, whom of old Thou didst grant to reign piously on earth and who loved Thee in purity together with his holy family. By his supplications have mercy on us all, O Lord.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having conceived, thou gavest birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen now dost thou stand at His right hand. Therefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgement deliver me from standing on the left side and number me with the sheep on the right side.
Troparion, Tone IV: Hearkening to the White Christ, thou camest forth from thy flood-girt fastness to overcome the heathen and lead them forth to holy baptism. Thou didst build churches, strongholds, shires and swift ships, restoring the law of God and making thyself beloved of all. O wise King and glory of free England, who reignest in the Winchester of the heavenly England, thou who didst vanquish heathendom by Christendom, establish anew the Orthodox Faith in thy land that we may glorify God, Who alone made thee great.
Prayer: O holy right-believing Alfred, great king of Wessex and father of the English nation, hear our supplication.
Thou hast shown us an indelible example of courage and faith in the marshes of Æthelney, when all England was suffering the depredation of the heathen Danes. Thou didst build up the defenses of thy kingdom as thou didst also strive to increase the Christian Faith in thy kingly heart, showing an example of true wisdom to friend and foe alike; enlightening thy people, showing mercy to thy vanquished foes, wisely preparing for war, but striving always for a holy peace.
Thou didst love learning and render into English many holy books, sending them out to all thy people, raising up their minds and hearts in the light of true knowledge. Thou didst renew the ancient laws of England, becoming a new Justinian, showing an example of the righteous judgement required by God of all who are in seats of power.
We, thy spiritual children, ask now thy strong intercession before the King of kings; help us in our time of trouble. Be like Elijah and grant us a double portion of thy spirit that thirsted after these virtues of courage, faith, steadfastness in the face of uncertainty and fear, the love of the Lord that bringeth holy wisdom, and righteous and merciful judgement in the fear of God.
O Alfred, wise king, do thou entreat Him to guide us steadily, as He guided thee, and to grant order, justice, peace, and tranquility to our native land.
In the name of the Father to Whom thou drawest nearer every day, the Son Whose love thou didst teach to all, and the Holy Spirit Who fillest thy heart, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Ode I, Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Ye are a rule for monastics, O healers of the infirm and sorrowful. O shepherds of lost sheep, teach us to offer hymnody worthily unto you.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Rejoice, O honoured Paisius our father, chief shepherd of the monastic folds, who guided ranks of monks to the heavenly pasture and hast instructed the ends of the Russian land!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Theodore, the monk of Svir, with many tears and a life of sorrow endured evils; yet, being steadfast and strong of mind, he spiritually begat a son, Leo, amid his pangs.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin Mother Theotokos, entreat Christ Who was incarnate of thee, that He preserve the Russian land, and that He save our souls, in that He is merciful.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Thou didst set Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, as the firm foundation of thy struggles, and didst become the first of the company of elders, O Leo; and thou didst receive the grace to dispel the infirmities of those who suffer cruelly.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
O Leo, thou didst cry out thus to those who oppressed thee: “I shall chant unto my God for as long as I have my being! Who will separate me from His love? Therein will I remain until the end, doing His will with boldness!”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Truly blessed was the venerable Macarius, for he fed the souls of the hungry, freely nourishing all with his grace-filled discourse, doing away with their spiritual starvation, and bringing peace to souls beset by the tempest of the passions.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
From thee, O Mother of God, hath a torrent of sweetness poured forth, watering all men and washing away the defilement of their souls, O Virgin Theotokos; wherefore, from all tribulations do thou save those who venerate thy precious image.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast appeared…”: Ye have been shown to be instruments of the Holy Spirit, O venerable fathers, and have been vouchsafed gifts of prophecy; for in your souls the unapproachable light shone forth. (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: At a loss how to hymn thee worthily, who art more exalted than all creation, O Theotokos, we beseech thee: Freely have mercy upon us!
Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
O most wise Macarius, thou didst glean spiritual grain from the writings of the holy fathers, and didst feed hungry souls.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
As the instructor of monks in the Monastery of the Forerunner, by thy life of abstinence, O Anthony, pray thou for those who praise thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As brethren in the flesh and spirit, O divinely wise pastors Moses and Anthony, ye guided your sheep to the pasture.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O pure Theotokos, divine flower and root which put forth a Shoot, unceasingly pray for us who hymn thee as the Theotokos.
Ode V, Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Elisha received a twofold measure of grace from Elijah, and upon thee, O father Ambrose, did the grace of fathers Leo and Macarius rest.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
O Ambrose, thou didst acquire within thyself love, the perfection of the virtues; for thou wast all things to all men, and a refuge for the poor.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Ambrose, with divine food thou didst nourish starving hearts, and didst nurture thy sheep on the pasture of the Word.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Mother of God, our fervent helper: illumine us who pray to thee, ever making entreaty for us, thine unworthy servants.
Ode VI, Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Thou wast a true son, O Joseph, having acquired unfeigned obedience, the begetter of dispassion; and as one meek, pure and merciful, thou didst humbly say: “I am useless without my father!”
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
The chaste-minded Joseph faithfully followed in the steps of his father: he humbled himself even unto death, thus emulating Christ the Master. Wherefore, we beseech him: Teach thou humility even to us sinners!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having acquired the love of thy father, O Anatolius, with him thou didst shepherd the reason-endowed flock; and now, O father, forget us not, but be thou mindful of thy sheep and guide them, seeking thy lost children and leading us all to salvation.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I know thee to be the helper of my life and my steadfast preserver, O Virgin, who doest away with the tumult of temptations and fendest off the assaults of the demons; and I ever pray thus, that thou mayest deliver me from my passions.
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, VIII: Spec. Mel. “To thee, the champion leader…”: Having withdrawn from this vain world and discovered a treasure through your pure life, ye have not ceased your care for sinners in this world; but, as guides for the lost, deliver us from the vanity of this world, that we may say: Rejoice, O divinely wise elders!
Ikos: Emulating the angels, ye withdrew from the world, desiring to make your abode in the wilderness; yet forget us not who are still in the world, we sinners pray, that, delivered from delusion, we may address you thus: Rejoice, physicians of spiritual sicknesses; rejoice, healers of bodily ailments! Rejoice, ye who transcended the understanding of the wise; rejoice, ye who guided the unwise to understanding! Rejoice, ye who offered up unceasing prayers; rejoice, mediators before God for sinners! Rejoice, O divinely wise elders!
Ode VII, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
O father Hilarion, having withdrawn from the world, abandoning all that is therein and considering it but dung, thou didst cleave unto the elders Leo and Macarius, and hast received from Christ the authority to drive out evil spirits.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Isaacius, the compassionate monk, comforted those who came to him, helping them in every way, as parents help their children.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
No prophet is without honor, save only in his own house, for they drove away all the prophets; and thou, O venerable father Barsanuphius, being driven out, wast vouchsafed blessedness, having endured exile for righteousness’ sake.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin Theotokos, pray to thy Son for us who with faith have recourse to thy mercy and worship Him, that we may be delivered from tribulations and temptations.
Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Nectarius hath come to share in eternal glory, having spurned the glory of this life; for every one who humbleth himself will be exalted.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Let the fathers Anatolius, Nectarius, Isaacius and Nicon be blessed; for, having suffered lawfully, they join chorus for all ages.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Driven out by apostates, the fathers were not troubled, but cried aloud: “Our life is in the heavens!”
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Disdain not those who require thine aid, O Virgin, and who hymn and exalt thee supremely forever.
Ode IX, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
Truly ye acquired every virtue, and every gift was given you. Yet save your flock, praying for them.
Venerable fathers of Optina, pray to God for us.
We have accepted the commandment, Give thanks for all things, that we may praise God, in that He hath given you to us, O holy guides to His kingdom.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O our intercessors, pray ye earnestly for the land of Russia, and save all who celebrate your memory with faith.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O holy Mistress, help us sinners, and deliver our homeland from the evil foe. We beseech thee: keep us under the shelter of thy wings.
Troparion, Tone I: Abiding in unceasing prayer, and embracing the wicked as well as the good with love, O venerable elders of Optina, ye served God and your neighbours, and through vigils, tears and fasting received the gift of divers miracles. Glory to Him Who hath given us such mediators! Glory to Him Who hath glorified you! Glory to God Who is wondrous in His saints!
Dear brothers and sisters, having discussed book club with parishioners today, and the idea of it moving to Lazarus and Liz’s flat, I suggested that as parishioners are reading “On Christian Doctrine and Practice”, by St Basil the Great, it would be good to pray the canon to the great Cappadocian father at the beginning of each meeting.
So… I have formatted and published the canon, below.
Anyone wishing to buy a copy of the book might want to make the most of Blackwell’s on-line sale!
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
O Heavenly King… Holy God etc.
Our Father…
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
O come, let us worship…
Psalm 50
Creed.
The Canon to St Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappodocia
Ode I, Irmos: Come, ye people, let us chant a hymn to Christ God, Who divided the sea and guided the people whom He had led forth from the bondage of Egypt, for He hath been glorified.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
It hath been fitting that thy voice come unto those desiring to sing thy praises, O father Basil. Accepting their entreaty, grant us grace in abundance.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Thou didst tread the difficult path of the virtues, and didst attain unto the smooth and pleasant entry to heaven, O Basil, and hast shown thyself to be a model for all.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
By thy desire for the love of wisdom thou didst suppress the uprising of the passions which tormenteth the flesh; wherefore, thou dwellest in the incorrupt mansions of heaven, O father Basil.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
With the sword of the Spirit thou didst right profitably cut down the passions of both soul and body, O Basil; and thou didst bring thyself to the Master as a sacrifice.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As an initiate of the ineffable mysteries, O sacred father Basil, thou didst manifestly instruct the Church of Christ in His mysteries and hast shone upon us the light of the Trinity.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Who can fittingly describe thy conceiving, which is beyond words? For thou hast given birth in the flesh to God Who hath shown Himself to be our Saviour and Lord, O most pure one.
Ode III, Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Thy memorial hath arrived and shone forth at the same time as the nativity of Christ, the ineffable mystery whereof thou didst manifestly reveal by thy teachings.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Made steadfast in the fear of God, in that it is the beginning of wisdom, thou didst soar aloft in the highest love of wisdom, O Basil.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Full of all instruction, O Basil, thou wast shown to be a light unto the world, not only that which is below and is trodden upon by our feet, but that which is more sublime.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O all-wise Basil, thou hast shown activity to be the entry into vision most divine, and by activity thou didst enter therein; and thou hast manifestly taught the understanding of all that existeth.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Without seed thou didst conceive in thy womb, and didst ineffably give birth to God incarnate, upon Whom the hosts of heaven dare not gaze, O pure Ever-virgin.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having learned the wisdom of the Word and set aside the writings of the law, thou didst proclaim to all the word of grace, and by thy words thou didst erase the tablets of men’s souls, and thereon didst inscribe divine doctrines. Wherefore, passing through the darkness, a cloud protecting thy body, thou didst shine forth in the Spirit, O holy hierarch Basil. Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with faith honor thy holy 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.
Repeat the Sessional Hymn
Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, and have glorified Thee Who alone lovest mankind.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
As the Church of Christ is adorned like a bride by His nativity, so is it also adorned by thy memorial, O most blessed one.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Doing battle for God, thou wast shown to be invincible, O Basil, making all subject to His precepts.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Thou hast been given to the Church by God as a firm rampart and bulwark, O most blessed Basil.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O father Basil, thou hast been shown to be a scythe cutting down the adversary, and a fire consuming falsehood.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
We beseech thee, O pure one who didst conceive God without seed: Pray thou ever for thy servants.
Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Today the Church doth truly introduce a twofold feast: that of the Master Who hath appeared on earth as a babe, and the memorial of His wise and thrice-blessed servant.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Christ, the Light unapproachable, resting in thee, O venerable one, hath shown thee to be a radiant lamp unto the world; wherefore, we hymn thy memory, O Basil.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
The Genesis described by Moses on Sinai amid great darkness hast thou described for all, giving utterance from the storehouses of divine wisdom, O all-blessed Basil.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Neither Moses the law-giver, nor Joseph, the chief of pharaoh’s granaries, who lived before the law, were like unto thee; for thou, O Basil, didst show thyself to break the Flesh of God.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
To thee, who gavest birth to Christ, the Creator of all, do we cry: Rejoice, O pure one! Rejoice, O thou who hast shone forth upon us the Light! Rejoice, O thou who didst contain the uncontainable God!
Ode VI, Irmos: The great abyss of sin encompasseth me, and, emulating the prophet, I cry to thee: Lead me up from corruption, O Lord!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Thou didst abundantly feed the souls of the poor tormented by starvation, O Basil, and didst fill the hearts of the hungry with all divine gladness.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Thou didst richly feed the hungry with heavenly food; for thy discourse is angelic bread, O Basil, and thou becamest an excellent issuer of the grain thereof.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Like a bee thou didst industriously gather honey from the flowers of all the virtues, O Basil, and as a wise man thou art blessed therein.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst yearn to depart this world and to live with God; wherefore, forsaking things inconstant and corrupt, O most blessed Basil, as a wise man thou hast acquired things which are abiding.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Save thy servants from misfortunes, O Theotokos, for after God it is to thee that we flee as to an impregnable rampart and intercession.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast appeared today…”: Thou hast been shown to be the unshakable foundation of the Church, bestowing upon all men a dominion which cannot be taken away, and sealing them with thy precepts, O venerable Basil who revealest heavenly things!
Ikos: Basil the Great, the cup of chastity, the mouth of wisdom, the foundation of doctrines, shineth forth noetically upon all. Come ye, therefore, and let us stand in the house of God, gazing upon him with fervour, adorning ourselves with his miracles, having been illumined with the splendour of his life, and been cooled by his pure spirit, emulating his faith, ardour and humility, whereby he became a habitation of the essence of God; and, crying aloud unto him, let us chant: O venerable Basil who revealest heavenly things!
Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
The Son is the image of the Father, and the Spirit is the image of the Son; and thou, O Basil, art the pure reflection of the Spirit and the abode of the whole Trinity. Blessed is thy memory, and those who glorify it are themselves glorified!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Having plunged thy mind into the unfathomable depths of God and gathered precious pearls of understanding, thou didst fill the world with wisdom, and didst teach it to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
O the single inspiration of mind of the sacred twain! For, united in divine desire, Basil was in Gregory, and Gregory in Basil, like a single soul, inseparable, in two bodies. Entreat Christ now in behalf of your flock.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
The father of orphans and defender of widows, the riches of the poor, the consolation of the sick, the guidance of the wealthy, the staff of old age and instruction of youth, and the rule of virtue for monastics wast thou shown to be, O Basil.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having purified thy mind of all filthy defilement, O Basil, thou didst examine spiritual things with the Spirit Whom thou didst desire; wherefore, hymning the Trinity, with boldness thou hast cried out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
On Mount Sinai Moses foresaw as a bush which burned with fire thee who received, without being consumed, the unbearable Effulgence of the ineffable Essence, Who united Himself to the coarseness of the flesh, He being One of the holy Hypostases.
Ode VIII, Irmos: God the Word, Who in His ineffable wisdom created all things and brought them out of oblivion into existence, do ye bless as Lord, O ye works, and exalt supremely for all ages!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord Who, in His ineffable providence, hath given Basil to the world as a light of piety and clarion of theology!
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord Who, in His rich activity, made His abode within the wise Basil, and through Him piously gave utterance to theology.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Delighting in thy divine discourses, O Basil, and revelling unceasingly in thy memory, we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, ye works of the Lord!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Basil, thou hast emitted thy discourses upon the world like brilliant rays which by light instruct all to worship the single Essence of the Trinity, crying: Bless the Lord, ye works of the Lord!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord, the timeless Word of God, Who issued forth from the Father before time began, and shone forth from the Virgin in latter times.
Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the Luminary Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the flesh.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
O Basil, like a sheep faithful to Christ, the Chief Shepherd, thou didst follow His life-bearing steps; for thou didst expose thy soul to the tyrant, O most blessed father, valiantly braving danger for the sake of the Church.
Hierarch of Christ, Basil, pray to God for us.
Beholding the most sacred unity of the Church of Christ, which was adorned by thine episcopate, O wise one, the tyrannical destroyer of all fell as though struck by a bolt of thunder; for he was unable to endure the radiance of the Spirit which was within thee, O Basil.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Basil, thou wast vouchsafed an apostolic see, a place in the choir of the athletes of Christ, the tabernacle of the patriarchs, the delight of the righteous and the joy of the prophets; for thou wast a servant of the Theotokos and an initiate of the mysteries of the Trinity.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lord Who alone covereth the chambers with waters, Who restraineth the sea and drieth up the depths, and Who received flesh of thee, O pure one, doth hasten from Bethlehem to the Jordan, to be baptised in the flesh.
It is truly meet…
Glory… Now and ever…
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord bless.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most-pure Mother, of our holy and God-bearing father, Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, of our venerable fathers, and all the saints, have mercy upon us and save us, for Thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind. Amen.
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At the end of the evening…
Troparion, Tone I: Thy sound hath gone forth into all the earth, which hath received thy discourse, whereby thou didst divinely teach and make clear the nature of things, and didst adorn the ways of men. O venerable father, thou royal priesthood, entreat Christ God, that our souls 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.
Kontakion, Tone IV, Spec. Mel. “Thou hast appeared today…”: Thou hast been shown to be the unshakable foundation of the Church, bestowing upon all men a dominion which cannot be taken away, and sealing them with thy precepts, O venerable Basil who revealest heavenly things!
The faithful have traditionally turned to St Paisius to pray for those who have died without repentance, but we can equally pray to him to guide us to repentance in this life – trusting in the power of his prayers.
CANON – TONE VI
Ode I, Irmos: A helper and protector hath He been unto me for my salvation. He is my God, and I shall glorify Him. He is the God of my fathers, and I shall exalt Him, for gloriously hath He been glorified.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Unto God, Who maketh all wise, do thou pray, O venerable father, that He open mine unworthy lips and move mine ignorant tongue in behalf of His servant [handmaid]. By the grace of the Holy Spirit which abideth in thee, O father, overcome my reluctance and lack of eloquence, that I may hymn thy wonders.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Let me therefore begin by recounting thy right laudable and spiritually profitable life from infancy. Egypt of old produced Moses, great among the prophets, who was glorified by His closeness to God and his great miracles. And now Egypt hath shown itself to be glorified a second time, for thy sake, O father Paisius, enriched by thine honourable name and the many virtues, which the Lord bestowed upon thee. Him to thou entreat, that He save our souls.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Entering the kingdom of heaven by the narrow and onerous path, according to the commandment of the thy Master Christ, O venerable father Paisius, having hated the wide and spacious road, dispel the darkness which hath spread over my mind, that I may be able to offer this meagre supplication in thine all-pure memory.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O good one, grant me a contrite spirit, a humble heart, a pure mind, correction of life and remission of transgressions.
Ode III, Irmos: On the rock of Thy commandments, O Lord, establish Thou mine unsteady heart, for Thou alone art our holy Lord.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Thou wast a rock of faith like the Apostle Peter, O venerable Paisius, having crucified thyself to the world throughout all thy life; and thou didst direct thy feet straight to the heavenly path and didst attain the Jerusalem on high. Standing with the saints before the Holy Trinity, on my behalf entreat the Good One Who loveth mankind.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
The Lord chose thee as a most splendid shoot sprung forth from a pious root; for an angel told thy mother: “This one is pleasing unto God!” And taking up thy cross from childhood, thou didst follow Him without turning back, and by the grace of God didst grow in age and understanding. Pray thou that He grant me remission of sins.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Master Lord Jesus Christ, who doth not marvel at Thy love for mankind? For when the desire came upon the venerable one to undertake the monastic life so as to fulfil Thy commandments, like an unblemished lamb he was led by Thy grace into the wilderness, where he came upon the reason-endowed flock and was brought to the blessed shepherd Pambo and clothed in the monastic habit. O Lord, through the supplications of the venerable Paisius make me steadfast also in the doing of Thy commandments!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
By thy supplications, O Virgin, free me from grievous torments, from outermost darkness and Gehenna; for thou hast the will and the power so to do, O thou who gavest birth to the one all-good Lord.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, Tone II: Having bound thy soul with the love of Christ and hated all earthly things, O wise and venerable father, thou didst make thine abode among the deserts and mountains; and tasting of the noetic tree, thou didst shine forth like an angel. Wherefore, having traversed the gloom of thy flesh, thou didst drive away the darkness of the demons. O Paisius, foremost among monastics, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love honour thy holy memory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Speedy protection, help and mercy do thou show thy servant, O pure one. Still thou the waves of vain imaginings, and lift up my soul, O Theotokos, for I know that thou canst do whatsoever thou desirest.
Ode IV, Irmos: The prophet heard of Thine coming, O Lord, and was afraid, for Thou didst desire to be born of the Virgin and reveal Thyself to men; and he said: “I have heard report of Thee and was afraid. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Taking up the ascetic life from thine earliest years, O divinely wise Paisius, thou didst persevere to the end of thy days, receiving as a divine victor the crown of triumph from the King of all, that by thy supplications thou mayest deliver sinners from torment, of whom I am the first. Forget me not!
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Having thee as a mighty advocate and comforter of the grieving, an intercessor, ally and pious mediator, we are saved from all misfortunes, perils and evil circumstances.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
He Who hath a great abyss of judgments said unto thee: “Behold, I give thee a gift: Whatsoever thou shalt ask of My Father in My name will be given thee: for whichever sinner thou shalt pray, his sins will be forgiven.” Wherefore, I who have an abyss of offences fall down before thee, O father Paisius, praying that He Who made thee this promise may through thy supplications remit my sins, in that He is good and loveth mankind.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Direct thy words to thy Son, O all-immaculate one, when I will be justly judged, that I may then find thee to be a refuge and most mighty help, delivering me from all torments.
Ode V, Irmos: Enlighten me who rise at dawn out of the night, I pray, O Thou Who lovest mankind, and guide me in Thy precepts; and teach me to do Thy will, O Savior.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Having laid waste to thy body by fasting, O father Paisius, thou didst once abide for seventy days without bodily food, possessing ineffable divine strength after communing of the Body and Blood of Christ, able to maintain the power of life by thy grace more than the strengthening of food. Glory to Thy might, O Lord!
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Like John the Baptist thou didst desire to walk the straight and narrow path. He, seeing thy Creator at the Jordan, was afraid and cried aloud: “I who am straw cannot approach Fire!” And once, in the desert, thou, O father Paisius, unable to look upon the face of the Lord Who appeared unto thee, didst fall down, overcome by trembling. But He said to thee: “Fear not! I will fill this desert with ascetics for thee.” And with them we pray to thee: In thy prayers forget us not, O father, that we may find mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
To begin I admit to Thee mine offenses; and I entreat Thy loving- kindness toward mine iniquities, that Thou mayest forgive and cover the multitude of my sins with Thy compassion, and grant me to pass the remaining time of my life without sin, that having easily walked the path to salvation, I may without hindrance attain unto a good end with thy help, for without Thine aid and guidance I can accomplish naught that is good, and can receive mercy only with Thee.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I, who am a fool, offer thee this servile entreaty and flee unto thy compassionate loving-kindness: Turn me not away, ashamed, O pure one.
Ode VI, Irmos: With all my heart I cry out to the compassionate God, and He heard my cry from the uttermost depths of Hades, and hath led my life up from corruption.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Jordan, a creation which lacketh a soul, stood in awe of its Creator and cried aloud: “I cannot wash the Sinless One!” But when thou, O saint, didst see the Lord, thou didst take water and touch the Untouchable One, washing His feet. And when thou didst drink of that water, thou didst receive the gift to heal infirmities and to drive demons away from men. Wherefore, we fall down before thee, O father, praying: By thy supplications have mercy on us, delivering us from every demonic assault.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
To the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ we have found in thee, O father Paisius, a great refuge and a fervent advocate and helper amid our sins. For once, a monk died who had apostatised from Christianity and was brought down into the depths of hell for his pernicious unbelief; but when his elder sensed this, he had recourse unto thee, begging thee to pray to the most Merciful One. And the Compassionate Lord appeared to thee, and said: “O my favoured one, it is a good thing that, emulating My love, thou carest for sinners, willing to assume torment for their deliverance.”
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Thy prayers and tears were borne aloft to God like incense of sweet savour and a sacrifice without blemish and right acceptable. Forget me not in thy mediation before the all-holy Theotokos. Grant me tears of compunction; wash away the depths of my sins; deliver me from the abyss of death; grant great mercy to the hopeless, and forgive them their offences.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
I am seized by incomprehension when I ponder in mind the dread hour of my trial by my Judge and God; and I weep, groan and lament, mindful of the abyss of my sins. Wherefore, at the supplications of Thy favoured one, the venerable Paisius, O Thou Who lovest mankind, save and deliver me from torment, in that Thou art full of loving-kindness.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
From the depths of my heart I offer thee groans, I all-immaculate one, begging thy timely aid. Have mercy on my passion-fraught soul, O greatly merciful Mother, and take pity and deliver me from damnation and the lake of fire.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone II: Forsaking the tumults of life, thou didst love the life of stillness, emulating the Baptist in all ways; and we honour thee with him, O Paisius, chief among the fathers.
Ikos: Hearkening to the voice of Christ, thou didst follow His commandments; and stripping thyself bare of life, thou didst put aside all cares, all possessions and property, and thy brethren and the love of thy mother, O God-bearing Paisius. And, in the desert thou didst in mind converse alone with God, and didst receive gifts, which do thou send also unto me who praise thee in hymns, O Paisius, chief among the fathers.
Ode VII, Irmos: We have sinned, we have committed iniquity, we have dealt unjustly before Thee. We have neither done nor acted as Thou hast commanded us. But forsake us not utterly, O God of our fathers.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Full of many sins am I; wherefore let thy prayer ascend like incense of sweet savour, O father. Abolish the abyss of my sins, still the raging sea of mine evil life, drive away the flood of rage, and with thy chaste supplications make steadfast my mind, O father Paisius.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Having thee as an instructor, a fervent advocate, a speedy helper, a firm rampart and unshakable bulwark, and a mighty and invincible commander, we beseech thee: Forget not those who pray to thee, deliver us from ever grief and assault of the enemy!
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
O great wonder! One day, while thou wast sitting in thy cave, O father Paisius, there came to thee a voice, saying: “Peace be unto thee, my beloved favourite!” And overcome with fear and trembling, thou didst arise and fall prostrate, saying: “Behold, I am Thy servant, O Lord!” Wherefore, we beseech thee: Entreat Him Who loveth mankind, that He save our souls.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Christ, grant me understanding and patience, that I may not judge sinners with the arrogance of the Pharisee; but accept my repentance as Thou didst that of the publican and the prodigal son, O God; and through the prayers of the venerable Paisius show me to be worthy of Thy Supper, and grant me forgiveness of sins.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Arise, O my passion-fraught soul! Stand forth, O wretched one! Beat thy breast, and from thine inner depths put forth springs of tears, that the kind-hearted Mother of Christ God may have mercy on thee, who art accursèd.
Ode VIII, Irmos: Let every creature that hath breath hymn, bless and supremely exalt for all ages Him Whom the armies of heaven glorify and before Whom the cherubim and seraphim tremble.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Disdain not this grateful hymnody which I offer thee, O father Paisius; rather, accept it, and fill it with spiritual joy, that without hindrance I may venerate thine icon, where it is inscribed: “He who imparteth healings unto all”.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Emulating the most venerable life of the God-pleasing fathers who in ages past lived in humility and asceticism for the sake of Christ, O father Paisius, thou didst live thy whole life martyrically, and didst suffer greatly from the attacks of the demons, vanquishing them. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O father: By thy supplications drive far from me violence, wrath and indifference.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
O Master Christ God, most Compassionate One: By the judgments which Thou knowest grant that I may hate the works of the evil one, for Thou art our God, Who didst say: “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Grant me love, that through the supplications of the venerable father Paisius I may do Thy saving will with all my soul.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
I beseech Thee: O Master: Be Thou long-suffering to me, a sinner, and do not visit me with the severing of death as Thou wouldst a barren tree, sending me into the fire; but, entreated by the supplications of the venerable one, show me to be fruitful, and grant me time for repentance, in that Thou lovest mankind.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Send me streams of tears and groans from the depths of my soul, O pure one, that when I fall down before thy protection I may find remission of my sins at thy supplication.
Ode IX, Irmos: O Virgin who received the angel’s salutation and gavest birth to thine own Creator, save those who magnify thee.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
Even during thy lifetime thou wast a speedy helper, O venerable one: for once a certain elder had a disciple who died in disobedience and was led down into hell; but that elder fell prostrate, entreating the most Compassionate One on behalf of his disciple; and thou, as a speedy listener and maintainer of love, didst set thy hope on the most compassionate God and stretched forth thy hands in prayer. And the greatly Merciful One, Who is true to His promises, did the will of those who feared Him and hearkened to thy supplications, and led forth that soul from hell. Wherefore, I the unworthy one, falling down, beseech Thee: O father Paisius, by thy prayers deliver me from torment and from unquenchable fire.
Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!
I have become the object of the demons’ mockery, the disparagement of men, the lamentation of the righteous, the weeping of the angels, the defilement of air, earth and water. By mine actions I have sullied my body and rendered my mind vile beyond description, and have made myself an enemy to God. Woe is me! I have sinned! At the supplications of the venerable Paisius forgive me!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Like the one who fell among thieves and was wounded, so have I also fallen through many sins, and my soul hath been wounded. To whom can I flee, guilty as I am, if not to Thee, the merciful Physician of souls? Accept the venerable Paisius as a fervent advocate, and by his supplications pour forth the oil of Thy great mercy upon me.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
My transgressions have multiplied, and I deserve threatening and condemnation. O pure one, falling down, I cry unto thee: Before the end grant me cleansing, compunction and the correction of my ways.
Troparion, Tone II: Consumed by divine love from thy youth, O venerable one, thou didst despise all the beautiful things in the world, and didst love Christ alone. Wherefore, thou madest thine abode in the desert, where thou wast vouchsafed a visitation of God, upon Whom the eyes of the angels found in impossible to gaze, and didst fall prostrate. And He Who loveth mankind, as the great Bestower of gifts, said unto thee: “Fear not, my beloved! Thy works are pleasing unto Me! Behold, I grant thee a boon: For whichsoever sinner thou shalt pray, I will remit his sins.” And afire in the purity of thy heart, thou didst take water and touch the Intangible One, washing His feet; and when thou didst drink that water thou wast enriched with the gift of miracles, so that thou wast by thine entreaty able to deliver sinners from torment, to heal the sick, and to expel demons from men, O venerable father Paisius. Wherefore since I am first among such sinners, I beseech thee to entreat Him Who made thee this promise, that He grant me time to repent and forgive mine offences, in that He is good and loveth mankind, that with all others I may chant unto Him: Alleluia!
The Holy Great Martyr Mamas was born in Paphlagonia, Asia Minor in the third century of pious and illustrious parents, the Christians Theodotus and Rufina. The parents of the saint were arrested by the pagans for their open confession of their faith and locked up in prison in Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Knowing his own bodily weakness, Theodotus prayed that the Lord would take him before being subjected to tortures. The Lord heard his prayer and he died in prison. Saint Rufina died also after him, after giving birth to a premature son. She entrusted him to God, beseeching Him to be the Protector and Defender of the orphaned infant.
God heard the dying prayer of Saint Rufina: a rich Christian widow named Ammia reverently buried the bodies of Saints Theodotus and Rufina, and she took the boy into her own home and raised him as her own son. Saint Mamas grew up in the Christian Faith. His foster mother concerned herself with the developing of his natural abilities, and early on she sent him off to study his grammar.
The boy learned easily and willingly. He was not of an age of mature judgment but distinguished himself by maturity of mind and of heart. By means of prudent conversations and personal example young Mamas converted many of his own peers to Christianity.
The governor, Democritus, was informed of this, and the fifteen-year-old Mamas was arrested and brought to trial. In deference to his illustrious parentage, Democritus decided not to subject him to torture, but instead sent him off to the emperor Aurelian (270-275). The emperor tried at first kindly, but then with threats to turn Saint Mamas back to the pagan faith, but all in vain. The saint bravely confessed himself a Christian and pointed out the madness of the pagans in their worship of lifeless idols.
Infuriated, the emperor subjected the youth to cruel tortures. They tried to drown the saint, but an angel of the Lord saved Saint Mamas and bade him live on a high mountain in the wilderness, not far from Caesarea. Bowing to the will of God, the saint built a small church there and began to lead a life of strict temperance, in exploits of fasting and prayer.
Soon he received a remarkable power over the forces of nature: wild beasts inhabiting the surrounding wilderness gathered at his abode and listened to the reading of the Holy Gospel. Saint Mamas nourished himself on the milk of wild goats and deer.
The saint did not ignore the needs of his neighbours. Preparing cheese from this milk, he gave it away freely to the poor. Soon the fame of Saint Mamas’s life spread throughout all of Caesarea.
The governor sent a detachment of soldiers to arrest him. When they encountered Saint Mamas on the mountain, the soldiers did not recognize him, and mistook him for a simple shepherd. The saint then invited them to his dwelling, gave them a drink of milk and then told them his name, knowing that death for Christ awaited him. The servant of God told the servant of the Emperor to go on ahead of him into Caesaria, promising that he would soon follow. The soldiers waited for him at the gates of the city, and Saint Mamas, accompanied by a lion, met them there.
Surrendering himself into the hands of the torturers, Saint Mamas was brought to trial under a deputy governor named Alexander, who subjected him to intense and prolonged tortures. They did not break the saint’s will, however. He was strengthened by the words addressed to him from above: “Be strong and take courage, Mamas.”
When they threw Saint Mamas to the wild beasts, these creatures would not touch him. Finally, one of the pagan priests struck him with a trident. Mortally wounded, Saint Mamas went out beyond the city limits. There, in a small stone cave, he gave up his spirit to God, Who in the hearing of all summoned the holy Martyr Mamas into His heavenly habitation. He was buried by believers at the place of his death.
Christians soon began to receive help from him in their afflictions and sorrows. Saint Basil the Great speaks thus about the holy Martyr Mamas in a sermon to the people: “Remember the holy martyr, you who live here and have him as a helper. You who call on his name have been helped by him. Those in error he has guided into life. Those whom he has healed of infirmity, those whose children were dead he has restored to life, those whose life he has prolonged: let us all come together as one, and praise the martyr!”
Canon of the Great-Martyr Mamas, the composition of Theophanes, in Tone 8.
Ode 1, Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a miracle, striking the sea in the form of the Cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh and saved Israel, who fled on foot, chanting a hymn unto God.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Traversing the heavens as an excellent martyr, filled with thrice-radiant effulgence, O glorious one, vouchsafe divine illumination unto those who on earth honour the precious and radiant day of thy repose.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
The Word, foreknowing the nobility and perfection of thy mind in all things, filled thee with understanding from thine earliest infancy and adorned thee in manifold ways with the sweetness of good works, O most lauded martyr and athlete Mamas.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thy parents, braving danger for the inviolate Faith in time of persecution by falsehood, were cast into prison; and there, at the command of God, they brought thee forth, who hast broken the bonds of polytheism.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In generations of generations all-glorious things are said of thee who, having contained God the Word within thy womb, remainest pure, O Mary Theotokos. Wherefore, we all honour thee, our intercessor before God.
Ode 3,Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church, establish me in the love of Thee, O summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Upon the pinnacle of His Church hath Christ placed the athlete Mamas like a radiant star, illumining the whole world with the splendours of his sufferings and all-glorious miracles.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Ascending the mountain of true knowledge, and illumined with purity of mind through visions, O blessed one, by the commands of God thou didst elevate the nature of dumb beasts to rational hymnody.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou wast a youth comely in beauty. Wherefore, thou wast shown to be unapproachable to those who sought iniquitously to seize thee, and thou didst bring thyself to the Lord of all, Who Himself had gone to suffering.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
He Who stretched out the sky and sustaineth its whole vault by His divine nature was held in the flesh in thine embrace, O all-pure one, and hath shown thee to be the confirmation of all the faithful.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sedalion of the martyr, Tone 8: As the precious offspring of piety, by the power of the Spirit thou wast shown to be the destroyer of impiety, O Mamas; for thou didst denounce the falsehood of idolatry in the arena and didst right boldly proclaim that the Trinity is to be hymned. Wherefore, cast to the wild beasts, O athlete, thou didst slay the beast, the serpent who is the author of evil. For this cause we cry out to thee: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offences unto those who honour thy holy memory with love. (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: Thou wast the divine tabernacle of the Word, O only all-pure Virgin Mother, who dost surpass the angels in purity. With the waters of thy supplications cleanse me who, more than all other men, am dust and have been defiled by carnal transgressions, granting me great mercy, O pure one.
Stavrotheotokion. The unblemished ewe-lamb of the Word, the incorrupt Virgin Mother, beholding Him Who sprang forth from her without pain suspended upon the Cross, cried out maternally, lamenting: “Alas, O my Child! How is it that Thou sufferest, desiring to deliver man from the indignity of the passions?”
Ode 4, Irmos: Thou art my strength, O Lord, Thou art my power; Thou art my God, Thou art my joy, Who, without leaving the bosom of the Father, hast visited our poverty. Wherefore, with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
With wisdom and unafraid thou didst of thine own will commit thyself to struggles; for thou didst have Christ helping thee with divine power, making thy weakness strong and showing thee forth as a witness to His sufferings, a partaker of splendour on high.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
The most rational wild beast became tame, given thee by God as a companion, for with divine love thou didst subdue the irrational passions and wast shown to be adorned with a most wise intelligence, vanquishing the irrationality of the enemy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Before the tyrants’ tribunal thou didst stand O blessed one, most manifestly proclaiming the incarnation of the Word, casting down the savagery of ungodliness and teaching all to chant with confidence: Glory to Thy power, O Thou Who lovest mankind!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
By the supernatural offspring of thy birthgiving, O most immaculate Theotokos, the pangs of sin were loosed, the nature of mortals was released from the curse, the heavens were opened for thy sake to those below, and men join chorus with the angels.
Ode 5, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange light covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Lacerated, the glorious Mamas in nowise paid heed to his body, setting aside the grossness of corruption to be torn asunder and the garments of his skin to be rent apart; receiving instead the vesture of incorruption.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Grateful praises didst thou chant to thy Creator when thy side was pierced with a spear, O most blessed one, and thou didst hear a voice from heaven, strengthening thy mind for that which is more exalted and easing the pain of thy sufferings.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As thou lay in prison a most beautiful dove appeared to thee in an all-glorious vision, O most blessed and much-suffering athlete, bearing thee the food of incorruption; for thou didst pass beyond the bounds of corruption.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Thou wast the mediatress of the divine incarnation and of ineffable deliverance, having given birth to Him Who was begotten of the Father before the sun shone forth; for through thee hath the nature of those on earth been joined to God and set upon the throne of glory.
Ode 6, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, for many are mine iniquities, and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray; for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened unto me, O God of my salvation.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Burning with zeal for God, O most sacred and valiant athlete, bedewed by divine rain from heaven thou didst in nowise take heed of the burning flame.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
He Who in manifest light transformed the furnace into dew for the three youths rescued thee, O most blessed and divinely wise one, from the flame, and all-gloriously showed thee to be mightier than the fire.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Undergoing tremendous struggles, thou didst show thyself to be most supreme, wondrous among athletes, a martyr tried and tested. Wherefore, the Judge of the contest vouchsafed thee greater rewards.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Through thy divine birthgiving, O all-pure one, we have come to share in the divine nature; and, praising thee with ranks of the angels, we have inherited heavenly rest in Christ.
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 Martyr, Tone 3: With the staff given thee by God, O holy one, thou didst shepherd thy people in life-bearing pastures; and thou didst crush the invisible and untamed wild beasts beneath the feet of those who hymn thee. For all who find themselves amid misfortunes have thee as their fervent intercessor, O Mamas.
Ikos: Throughout all the world we hymn thee as an all-glorious martyr who joinest chorus with the angels in the heavens, O Mamas, who before wast manifestly suckled by a deer in the wilderness, and now, as a good shepherd, dost shepherd the rich people of the Lord with a staff of power, guiding them to a place of verdure, where the sweetness of paradise is truly to be found. For this cause thou didst forsake the world, that all may have thee as a fervent intercessor, O Mamas.
Ode 7, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the fire stood in awe of the condescension of God; wherefore, the youths, dancing with joyous step in the furnace as in a meadow, chanted: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
The aspect of the furnace was full of the coolness which thou didst need; for, shut up within it for many days, O Mamas, thou wast not consumed, but didst cry out to the Creator: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
In the midst of the flame, O martyr, thou didst have angels as companions, dancing with thee and sharing in ineffable hymnody; and with them thou didst cry out to the Master of all: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Issuing forth from the furnace, thou wast truly like a never-fading rose, like a most comely bridegroom departing from a bridal chamber, consuming the mindless, but illumining those who beheld thee, chanting: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lo! the prophecy of the divinely eloquent one hath now been fulfilled! For thou didst contain God the Word in thy womb, O Virgin, and gavest birth to the Bestower of life: To Him do we all cry out: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Ode 8, Irmos: Madly did the Chaldean tyrant heat the furnace sevenfold for the pious ones; but seeing them saved by a higher Power, he cried out to the Creator and Deliverer: ye children, bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Like Daniel thou didst shut the mouths of the wild beasts with a divine invocation of the Master, O glorious one; thou didst slay a serpent, didst put the ungodly to shame, and livest in gladness as a victor, chanting in the heavens: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Stony of heart, the all-iniquitous ones who worshiped stones cast stones at thee, O blessed martyr, as thou didst lift the sacred eyes of thy soul to the unhewn and unshakable Stone; and thou didst fervently chant: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Judge of the contest, extending the crown of victory from on high to thee as victor when thou hadst passed through thy good contest, O thou who art most rich, called thee to hasten to Him, running the honourable and sweet course, and chanting fervently: Ye priests, bless; ye people, exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.Supernaturally thou didst conceive Him Who was begotten of the Father without mother, yet thou didst remain virgin even after giving birth, O pure one; for in thee doth the divine Union renew nature and restore the boundaries of existence. Wherefore, in Orthodox manner, we hymn thee for ever as the Theotokos who truly gave birth unto God.
Ode 9, Irmos: Heaven was filled with awe, and the ends of the earth were amazed, that God appeared to men in the flesh, and that thy womb became more spacious than the heavens. Wherefore, the ranks of angels and men magnify thee, the Theotokos.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Thou didst lay down thy life for thy Deliverer and didst ardently hasten to Him, splendidly adorned with the beauties of thy sacred struggles and wondrous contests, O most lauded warrior, thou beacon of the whole world and ornament of the Church.
Holy Great-Martyr, Mamas, pray to God for us.
Thou hast joined the angels, having acquired an angelic life on earth, and with them thou dost in praise joyously chant sacred hymnody to the Trinity with great laudation, O Mamas, deified by divine communion and enriched with glory unsurpassed.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As thou hast boldness before God, O most blessed martyr, be thou mindful of those who joyously celebrate this thy divine festival and praise thine honourable and sacred suffering with pure faith; and save us from tempest, misfortune and trials.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Who hath ever heard that among those on earth there was a mother who knew not man yet gave birth to a child, and that the Child to which she gave birth supernaturally was the unoriginate God Who is consubstantial with the all-unoriginate Father? O awesome mystery! O the divine fellowship whereby we have been united to God!
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Troparion, Tone 4: In his suffering, O Lord, Thy martyr Mamas received an imperishable crown from Thee, our God; for, possessed of Thy might, he set at nought the tyrants and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. By his supplications save Thou our souls.
Ode 1, 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 Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Taking delight in the garden of sweetness and joining chorus with the angelic hosts as is meet, as a warrior of Christ, pray thou that He grant effulgent radiance unto me who hymn thee, O blessed Laurence.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Entering upon the feats of honoured torment, O Laurence, in steadfastness of soul thou didst show thyself to be a victorious spiritual athlete, magnificently arrayed in the crown of righteousness and a diadem of victory.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As thou wast a child of the light and of the day, thou hast shone forth upon us sensibly like the sun from the west, illumining the ends of the earth with a most splendid radiance, O all-glorious martyr Laurence.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Delivered from the bonds of Hades and corruption, and from the condemnation of the law, by thine honoured birth giving, O most holy Virgin, we cry to thee in thanksgiving: Rejoice, O thou who art full of joy, thou saving portal of grace!
Ode 3, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath waxed feeble / and the weak have girded themselves with strength: / therefore is my heart established / in the Lord.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
With the Cross as thy standard, thou didst valiantly array thyself against the enemy, and wast shown to be crowned with victory, O right-wondrous one.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Protected by the law of Christ, as one invincible thou didst oppose the laws of the impious with courageous endurance, O all-blessed one.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened by the power of God, thou didst destroy the feebleness of polytheism and didst elucidate the pre-eternal divinity of Christ.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Equal to the Father and the Spirit in nature, essence and divinity, and to men also, was the Word Who didst become incarnate of thee, O all-immaculate one.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional Hymn, in Tone 8, Spec. Mel – “Of the Wisdom …”: Having amassed heavenly riches and brought them to the poor, thou didst distribute them, and gave thy bread also to the hungry, and thereby having acquired life incorruptible, thou didst shine forth in thy confession of Christ, O glorious one. Wherefore, having courageously suffered under the law, thou didst receive from God a crown for thy labours, O spiritual athlete Laurence. Entreat Christ God, that He grant forgiveness of sins unto those who with love honour thy holy memory. Repeat sessional hymn.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn of the feast, same tone: On the holy mountain thou didst show forth the lightning of the divine majesty hidden under the flesh of Thy nature, O Christ our Benefactor, shining forth upon the 1disciples who were with Thee. And comprehending Thine unbearable glory, they cried out: Holy art Thou! For though unapproachable, thou wast seen by the world in the flesh, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Ode 4, Irmos: He who sitteth in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, / Jesus the true God, / is come in a swift cloud / and with His sinless hands he hath saved those who cry: / Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
For love of the Word, the servant of the Word, adorned with eloquence and spirituality, hath been slaughtered, and now reigneth in righteousness with the Word, enjoying gladness and His glory.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Piously fighting off the slumber of impiety with divine vigilance, O sacred martyr of Christ, by thy martyr’s stand thou didst cut off from thine eyes the sleep which is unto death.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Protected by the true armour of piety against the proponents of the impious opposition, for the sake of the Faith thou didst utterly cast down the memory of them by thy love of morality.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having put aside all the defilement of the primeval food, we are nurtured with the Grain of Life from heaven, Which arose from the earth from the Virgin. Let us hymn her as the mediatress of good things.
Ode 5, Irmos: The wicked will not behold Thy glory, O Christ, / but we who rise early to hymn Thee shall behold Thee, / the Only-Begotten effulgence of Thy Father’s divinity, / O Lover of mankind.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Thine eyes fixed with unwavering vision upon divine beauties, O right wondrous Laurence, Thou didst spurn all the beautiful things on earth and the cruel pangs of thy body.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Having recognised Christ, Who became a servant for us, through gifts received from the Father, and having become His servant, thou didst depart unto Him through the shedding of thy blood, O most blessed one.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O blessed one, thou didst offer thyself unto Christ as a sacred oblation and a magnificent adornment; and having adorned the tabernacle of heaven, thou dost now abide there delighting in radiance.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The only-begotten Son, of the same essence and like unto the Father, of His own will becameth akin to mankind, the Most High being incarnate from thy womb, O Virgin Mother.
Ode 6, Irmos: I have reached the depths of the sea / and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me; / but do Thou raise up my life from the abyss / O Greatly-Merciful One.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Kindling a material fire, thou didst prepare thyself as sweet food for the King of all, Who loveth and craveth our salvation, O all-glorious one.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Thou didst draw nigh wholly to the light of the ruling Trinity, and being radiant, as God’s servant, thou dost illumine those who hymn thee, O spiritual athlete.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened with divine power, lying on the heated grill thou didst endure torment for the love of Christ, enkindling thy soul with fire and spiritual dew.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin Mother, thou wast the place of God’s lodging, an animate throne, the holy mountain, the ark, the divinely wrought tabernacle, and the golden candle-stand.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 2: Kindling thy heart with divine fire, / thou didst utterly reduce the fire of the passions to ashes, / O God-bearing martyr Laurence, / thou confirmation of spiritual athletes; / and in the midst of thy sufferings / thou didst cry aloud with faith: // Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ!
Ikos: Assembling, O ye faithful, with hymns let us all honour the spiritual athlete Laurence, who shone forth in the world like a steady beacon, as an initiate of ineffable mysteries; for by his supplications we are delivered from grievous transgressions. And having cleansed our hearts, let us glorify Christ Who glorifieth him who is mighty amid sufferings and who saith: Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ!
Ode 7, Irmos: Thou didst save the children of Abraham in the fire / and slay the Chaldeans, / who unjustly entrapped the righteous ones. / O supremely hymned Lord, God of our fathers, / blessed art Thou.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Fore-chosen to celebrate the Mysteries and serve the Word, thou wast shown to be a sacred vessel and oblation of the temple of heaven, chanting unto the Creator: O supremely hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Covered by the law of the life which is in Christ, O most blessed Laurence, thou didst not bow thy mind to those who imposed laws of death and corruption, but chanted: O supremely hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Clad in a body as one who manifestly felt no pain, O most blessed one, with valorous mind, and as one most noetically rich, thou didst dare the all-devouring fire, crying aloud: O supremely hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou wast shown to be the noetic eastward portal of the Most High Who, in a manner beyond speech and understanding, appeared to mankind on earth through thee, O Bride of God: the blessed God of our fathers.
Ode 8, 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 Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
In thy steadfastness of mind thou wast mightier than the unbearable flame, burning as if in another’s body, O blessed one, yet chanting with faith: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Like unto the three children, thou didst quench the burning embers of the fire with the dew of divine grace, crying aloud and chanting: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As Christ was thine enlightenment, He girded thee about with His own might, and led thee up to Himself as thou didst piously chant: All ye works bless and hymn the Lord!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
A rod sprung forth from the root of Jesse wast thou, and in a manner past nature thou gavest rise to Christ my God and Lord, the Flower of the Godhead. Let all works bless thy birthgiving, O Virgin!
Ode 9, 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 Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Thou didst offer thyself as a perfect sacrifice and incense pleasing unto the Master, being tried by the fire of suffering like gold in a crucible; whereby thou didst become a foremost adornment of the Church, O right wondrous one.
Holy Archdeacon Laurence, pray to God for us.
Deified by the direct sight of God and by a higher union, O Laurence, in word and by divine vision thou wast radiantly illumined by the uttermost Light. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.
Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst shine forth from the West like the sun, O blessed one, O great and most glorious wonder; illumining all the Church with thy beams, O right wondrous one; and warming all with the fervor of faith. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The prophets, beholding images of thy birthgiving, O all-immaculate one, were instructed thereby from afar by divine inspiration, loudly proclaiming it to the world, and we now marvel at their fulfilment.
Troparion, Tone 4: In his sufferings, Thy martyr Laurence O Lord, / received an imperishable crown from Thee, our God; / for, possessed of Thy might, / he set at naught the tyrants and crushed the feeble audacity of the demons. // By his supplications save Thou our souls.
Then we encounter our beloved St Spyridon: a simple Cypriot shepherd; a widowed husband and father; a family man with a sense of communitas, who used what God had given him and what he earned from his own labours for the relief of the poor, to feed the hungry, to help his neighbours, to assist the homeless, to reach out to those in need.
Dear brothers and sisters, having discussed book club with parishioners today, and the idea of it moving to Lazarus and Liz’s flat, I suggested that as parishioners are reading “On Christian Doctrine and Practice”, by St Basil the Great, it would be good to pray the canon to the great Cappadocian father at the beginning of each meeting.
Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.
The Holy Great Martyr Mamas was born in Paphlagonia, Asia Minor in the third century of pious and illustrious parents, the Christians Theodotus and Rufina. The parents of the saint were arrested by the pagans for their open confession of their faith and locked up in prison in Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Ode 1, 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.