September Menaion

September Menaion

Copyright (c) 1998 by Sophia Press. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, and any retrieval system, without the written permission of Sophia Press, PO Box 248, Newton Center, MA 02459. Printed in the United States of America.

In preparing this translation, we gratefully acknowledge the French works of Deacon Denis Guillaume, which were extensively consulted, and Byzantine Daily Worship, from which several Troparia and Stichera are taken, with permission. All texts from Byzantine Daily Worship are used with permission of the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Menaion.

(Service Books of the Byzantine Churches; 1-)

Contents: v. 1 September v. 2 October v. 3 November v. 4 December v. 5 January v. 6 February v. 7 March 10. June v. 11. July 12.August.

1. Divine office - Texts. 2. Catholic Church - Byzantine Rite, Melkite - Liturgy - Texts. I. Melkite-Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton (Mass.) II. Title. III. Series: Service Books of the Byzantine Churches; 3, etc.

BX4711.365.M56 1984 264'.015 83-26559

September 1

Beginning of the New Year and the Indiction,

Commemoration of our Holy Father Simeon the Stylite;

Synaxis of the Mother of God of Miasenes;

Holy Martyr Aeithalas,

the Forty Holy Women Martyred with Their Instructor Ammon the Deacon;

the Three Brothers and Holy Martyrs Callistos, Evod and Hermogenes;

and the just Joshua, Son of Nun

(3rd Class)

VESPERS

First Kathisma: Blessed the man

At "O Lord, to you I call..."

(Tone 1)

10. Having learned the prayer which Christ Himself has taught us in His own words, let us offer it each day to the Creator, saying: Our Father, who art in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses."

9. O Christ our incarnate God, You once wrote the tablets of the Law on Mount Sinai; now in the city of Nazareth, You have received the scroll of the prophet to read. Rolling it up, You taught that all Scripture was fulfilled in You.

8. Just as, in all justice, the desert was once strewn with the bodies of the Hebrews who rebelled against You, O Creator of the universe, now once again, O Christ, as the psalm says, "Let the bones of the unfaithful and impious be scattered in the underworld."

(Tone 5)

7. O holy father, you have found the ladder of all beauty by which you ascended to the heights. Elijah found a fiery chariot, and none other after him made such an ascent. But you preserved your pillar even after death. Heavenly man, earthly angel, holy Simeon, vigilant torch of the universe, intercede for the salvation of our souls.

6. O holy father, if your pillar ever had the power of speech, it would ceaselessly speak of your trials, your tears and your struggles, Although it seemed to lift you up, in truth, it was raised up like a tree which your tears made grow. Your patience, O venerable Simeon, caused amazement among the angels, wonder for men, and terror for the demons. Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

5. O holy father, imitating your Master, you ascended on a pillar as He went up on the cross, by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord wiped away the ancient sentence against us, whereas you destroyed the rebellion of corruptive passions. He became a Lamb, and you became a victim. He ascended a Cross, and you a pillar. Holy Simeon, intercede for the salvation of our souls.

(Tone 2) 4. An excellent vine has put forth and excellent fruit: Simeon, consecrated from his infancy, nourished more by grace than by milk. His body was lifted up on the stone, and his spirit was lifted up even higher toward God. He built up a heavenly dwelling through virtues. Making his way on high with the heavenly powers, he became the dwelling-place of Christ our God, the Savior of our souls.

3. O Simeon, holy father and blessed servant, your memory and the lowliness of your heart remain throughout the ages. Although you have been taken from us, O good shepherd, your spirit has never left us, since in the presence of God, your love for Him has united you to the choirs of angels in heaven. Intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.

2. O illustrious father, the chest holding your relics is a fountain of healing, and your holy soul rejoices fittingly with the angels. Thus, O holy father, with the boldness you possess before the Lord, as you exult with the angels in heaven, implore Him for the salvation of our souls.

1. O God-bearing father, you cherished the love of wisdom to the fullest. Beyond this world, you surpass visible things by your life. You were a pure mirror of our God. Ceaselessly united to His radiance, you share His light and have obtained endless blessedness and the fulness of splendor. O blessed Simeon, intercede for our souls!

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

(Tone 6)

Divine grace overshadows the chest of your relics; thus we are drawn to the fragrance of the perfume of your miracles, O holy Simeon, to receive healing for our ills. O holy father, pray to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls!

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

You are united to the Holy Spirit, O eternal Word and Son of God; You are Author, the Creator of the visible and invisible world: Bless the crown of the year, keep the flock of the Orthodox faithful in peace, by the intercession of the Mother of God and the prayers of all Your saints.

Entrance. "O Joyful Light" Prokimenon of the day.

Readings: 1) Isaiah 61:1-9 2) Leviticus: Composite 3) Wisdom 4:7-15.

Aposticha

(Tone 1)

1. Behold, the threshold of the year has come: it invites us to sing of Evod, Hermogenes and Callistos, those brilliant athletes, the brothers and sister by blood, Simeon, equal to the angels, Joshua, son of Nun, the seven sleepers of Ephesus and the choir of holy women, those forty torches. Communicating in their memorial, O feast-lovers, let us sing with fervor: "O Lord, bless the work of Your hands and allow us to run the course of the year with success!"

v. To You our praise is due in Sion, O God. To You we pay our vows, You who hear our prayer.

2. O Christ our God, You created all things in wisdom and brought them out of nothing into being. O Lord, bless the crown of the year, keep our city in peace. Bring joy to the Christian faithful by Your power, granting them victory over their enemies by the intercession of the Mother of God, grant them great mercy.

v. May we be filled with the good things of Your house, the holy things of Your temple.

3. Great are You, O Lord, and wonderful are Your works, and no word can do justice to the praise of Your wonders. You are the Wisdom of God, its support and power for perfection, in a common action without beginning or end. Thus, in Your sovereign power, You came down to the world to seek Your creature, which You had once adorned with Your beauty. You became incarnate of the Virgin Mother in an ineffable manner, and without abandoning Your divine condition. Thus we sing to You, immutable Lord, who have marked boundaries for the time of our salvation: O God of goodness, glory to You!

v. You crown the year with Your goodness. Abundance flows in Your steps.

4. O Word of God, who exist before all time, You have created all things in wisdom; and by Your all-powerful word, You organized the whole cosmos. O Lord, bless the crown of the year, which in Your goodness You have allowed us to begin; and cast down all heresies, O Lover of Mankind, through the prayers of the Mother of God.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the holy Spirit.

(Tone 5)

@BODY TXT IND = O holy father, you have found the ladder of all beauty by which you ascended to the heights. Elijah found a fiery chariot, and none other after him made such an ascent. But you preserved your pillar even after death. Heavenly man, earthly angel, holy Simeon, vigilant torch of the universe, intercede for the salvation of our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = O God our King, who are and who remain for all ages, receive the prayer of us sinners asking Your salvation. In Your love for mankind, grant abundance of the fruits of the earth through the favorable times You will give. As in the times of King David, be the defense of the Christian people to save them from godless barbarians. For they have come into Your temple, they have defiled Your holy dwelling-place. O Savior, grant us triumph by the prayers of Your Mother, O Christ our God, for You are the triumph and glory of the Christian people.

Troparion of the New Year

(Tone 2)

Maker of the universe, O Lord who alone have power over seasons and times: bless this year with Your bounty, preserve our country in safety and keep Your people in peace, through the prayers of the Mother of God, and save us.

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

Troparion of Simeon

(Tone 1)

You became a column of endurance and rivalled the forefathers, O holy one, becoming like Job in your sufferings, like Joseph in your trials, like the bodiless angels though you lived in the flesh. O simeon, our holy father, intercede with Christ God that he may save our souls!

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Mother of God

(Tone 7)

Hail, O Woman full of grace, ever-virgin Mother of God, harbor and protectress of the human race: The Savior of the universe received flesh from you, for you are the only one to be both mother and virgin, forever blessed, forever glorified. Intercede with Christ God that He may grant peace to the whole inhabited earth.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 8)

From heaven, You grant to those on earth weather favorable for crops and rain. Receive today the prayers of Your servants; deliver Your faithful from all misfortune, for all Your works call upon Your compassion. Bless our undertakings at their beginning and at their end; direct the works of our hands, O Lord. Grant us the remission of all sin, for You are the One who have brought all things from non-existence into being, O all-powerful God!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From heaven, You grant....(Repeat)

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 5)

Abstinence was the adornment of your life. Mortifying your body, O blessed Father, you repelled the assaults of the enemy. You have passed to God as a worthy heir of eternal life. Thus ceaselessly intercede before Him that He may have mercy on our souls.

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

(Tone 4)

With faith, you set out to the trials of martyrdom, O Callistos, confessing Christ our God in company with your two brothers. Nourished by His love, you became like the spiritual vessels of the Church of Christ, and were joined to them to live in heaven, O holy martyr.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 4)

O Virgin, hasten to receive the prayers we pour out to You. All-holy Lady, present them to your Son and God. Bring peace to the distress of those who have recourse to you. Frustrate the schemes of the evil One and overthrow the madness of the enemy who attacks your servants.

Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos

(Tone 4)

With faith we prostrate before You, O Master of the universe, who grant us all good things; and we fervently sing out to You, "O Savior, be moved by compassion and receive the intercessions of the Mother who bore You and of all the just who have ever pleased You. In Your goodness, grant that those who venerate You in two natures and glorify You in faith may offer a year acceptable in Your sight!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.

With faith we prostrate before You...(Repeat)

Prokimenon

(Tone 4)

O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful.

How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me?

Gospel (of Simeon). Psalm 50.

Through the intercession of Simeon, O merciful One, wipe out...

O God, have mercy on me in the greatness...

(Tone 6)

@AFTR TONE LFT = O Word of God, who exist before all time, You have created all things in wisdom; and by Your all powerful word, You organized the whole cosmos. O Lord, bless the crown of the year, which in Your goodness You have allowed us to begin; and cast down all heresies, O Lover of Mankind, through the prayers of the Mother of God.

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

Seeking the things above, conversing with men below, and making your pillar a chariot of fire, you became a companion of the angels, O holy Father. Ceaselessly you intercede with them for us before Christ our God.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = What tongue here below would ever be able to praise the pure life of Simeon? Thus, I wish to sing in the wisdom of God of the victorious struggles of that hero, who appeared as a torch to every man on earth. In the choirs of angels, he is resplendent because of his endurance. Having acquired purity through temperance, he ceaselessly sings with the angels and intercedes with them for us before Christ our God.

Synaxarion

On September 1, we celebrate the new year and the beginning of the Indiction.

You are the Ancient of Days and the new Adam: O Christ, bless the Indiction of our new year.

On the same day, we commemorate the miracle worked by the holy Mother of God in the monastery of Miasenes, and the memory of the great fire.

A miraculous catch in fishing: only the intact icon of the Virgin emerges from the depths of the river.

On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father Simeon the Stylite.

Finishing his career as a stylite, Simeon finds his merited place close to Christ. On the first day of September, united to his Creator, Simeon goes from height to height.

On the same day we commemorate the forty holy women and consecrated virgins martyred with their instructor, the deacon Ammon.

For the forty virgins, the sword and fire gain a bridegroom: the very Son of God. Having the shell of his flesh clothed in red-hot iron, Ammon joyfully takes off the garment of his body.

On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyrs Callistos and his brothers Evod and Hermogenes.

Under the sword, Callistos and his brothers received an end full of blessedness.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

Tri-Personal Nature, unapproachable, eternal, uncreated, Lord, God of gods, almighty Creator of all: we all prostrate before You and beg, "In Your goodness, bless the present year and keep our rulers and all Your people in peace, O compassionate Lord!"

O venerable Father, like a star your light-giving life illumines the whole world with radiant miracles. O holy Father, by your pillar - as by a ladder - you climbed to God, to the place where the Object of all desires is experienced. Now you intercede continually for us who honor you, O blessed Simeon.

Author and head of all creation, under whose power lie all times and all seasons, O compassionate Lord: crown the cycle of this year with Your generous blessings. We beg You to keep Your people in peace, safe and sound from all harm, through the intercession of Your Mother and the holy angels.

Praises

(Tone 3)

4. O Word of the Father, existing before all ages, divine by Nature, you brought all created things from nothingness into being. All times and seasons are subject to Your power. Bless the crown of this year which, in Your goodness, You have allowed us to begin. Grant peace to Your Churches, victory to all Orthodox Christians, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and great mercy to us all.

(Tone 4)

3. O Christ our God, Your Kingdom is a reign for all ages, and Your Lordship is over all. In wisdom, You have wrought all things and have established proper times and seasons for our lives. In all circumstances and for all things, we cry out to You in joy: "Bless the crown of this year which Your goodness has allowed us to begin. Grant that, without condemnation, we may sing: "Lord, glory to You!"

2. Your ways, O Lord our God, are wonderful ways, worthy of all praise. Thus we magnify the power of Your work of redemption, O Light from Light, who came down to this, Your suffering world. Of Your own will, O Word, You took away the first curse of the old Adam. And You also set down in Your wisdom times and seasons that we may glorify Your life-creating goodness: Lord, glory to You!

(Tone 2)

1. Lord, when You strengthened the universe by Your power, then the tottering girded themselves with power. Women showed a manly courage in the face of the cruelest tyrants. Overcoming the defeat of the mother of the human race, they regained the delights of Paradise and were able to glorify You, who were born of a woman and saved the human race.

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

(Tone 2)

@AFTR TONE IND = An excellent fruit has blossomed from an outstanding branch: Simeon, consecrated from his infancy and nourished more by grace than by milk. Lifted up bodily on the pillar, and lifting up his spirit toward God even higher, he built a heavenly dwelling through the virtues. Passing through the skies with the heavenly powers, he became the tabernacle of Christ our God, the Savior of our souls!

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR TONE IND = Lord, whose ineffable wisdom made all things, O Word, Christ our God, You set down for us all times and seasons. Bless the work of Your hands, grant strength to all Orthodox Christians, permitting them to triumph over the Foe in Your unique goodness and love for mankind.

Great Doxology. Troparia: 1) of the New Year... Glory be to the Father...; 2) of Simeon... Now and always...; 3) of the Mother of God. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 2

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Mammas;

and our Father among the Saints, John the Faster,

Patriarch of Constantinople

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

For Mammas

6. Having defeated the beasts of the unruly passions, O blessed and victorious Athlete, you bridled the roaring mouths of the lions and the violence of the beasts, remaining free from harm by your intercessions. You were not afraid of fire nor the anger of the tyrant; for you preferred nothing to the love of Christ, O blessed martyr!

5. With a young body, you defeated the old deceiver, receiving in your flesh the marks of the wounds of Christ. Now you bear the crown with the choir of martyrs, O Mammas, worthy of all praise. You reflect the radiance of the three-sunned Light, for in the purity of your heart, for all times you contemplate the summit of your desires.

4. You followed the footsteps of our God, who for us was incarnate and destroyed the tyrant by the suffering of the Cross. O victorious Athlete, with a martyr's joy, you entered the arena. By the sufferings to which your body was exposed, O holy martyr, you completely brought down the one who had boasted that he could wipe away the sea.

For John

3. Venerable and wise Father John, like a second Aaron, robed in your sacred vestments, you entered beyond the second veil of the temple, where you now contemplate the Holy of Holies. Ineffable is the Light in which you rejoice, O divine ornament of holy hierarchs.

2. Venerable and wise Father John, you grew in the likeness of God by the sincerity and uprightness of Your life. Now divinized in His presence by union with the highest Good and never-failing Condescension, you are filled with the radiance of the Age to come in the splendor of your soul and purity of your spirit, O divine ornament of holy hierarchs.

1. Venerable and wise Father John, leaving behind the troubled cares of this life, you hastened to the calm of Christ. The blessed splendors of your good deeds and your divine contemplation truly became your treasure, which you share with all believers by the radiance of your life, truly worthy of God.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Holy Spirit.

(Tone 2)

@AFTR TONE IND = You were like an olive shoot around the table of the Lord, like a son of those seen the good things of the heavenly Sion, delighting in divine joy forever with your parents, O wondrous Mammas. Make us partakers of that glory through your intercession.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@AFTR STAVRO = Dragged down by my dark deeds, I have freely and fully tarnished the splendor of my baptism, wretched as I am. I have put on the dark robe of the condemned. Thus I pray you, O Virgin worthy of all praise, to destroy the rags of my passions, cover my nakedness with the garment of passionlessness, and save me!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@AFTR STAVRO = When the spotless Ewe saw her Lamb willingly led to the slaughter, she cried out in tears: "O Christ, will You now deprive me, Your Mother, of her Child? Why do You do this, O Savior of the world? Lover of Mankind, I still sing and glorify Your ineffable and supreme Goodness!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with

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

(Tone 4)

@AFTR TONE IND = Come, O faithful, let us celebrate with one voice the memory of the martyr Mammas: for he is revealed to us as a new Abel. Indeed, like the first Abel, he became a shepherd of sheep, went as a lamb to the sacrifice, and received the crown of victory. In the same way, the glorious and triumphant athlete, famous among herdsmen, offered himself as a sacrifice acceptable to Christ through martyrdom. Having boldness before Him now, he asks peace for the world and great mercy for our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@AFTR TONE IND = Those who take refuge in your divine temple, O pure Virgin, bathing the ground in faith with their tears of repentance, obtain the remission of their sins and receive grace; for you, O Mother of God, fervently intercede with your Son, the Master and Savior of the world.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@AFTR TONE IND = Seeing her Lamb and Shepherd on the Cross, the Mother Ewe who bore You cried out with a mother's tears: "O my beloved Son, how can You be nailed to this Cross, O long-suffering Lord? How can Your hands and feet be pierced by the impious, O Word? How can You pour out Your Blood, O divine Master?"

Troparion of Mammas

(Tone 4)

O Lord our God, Your holy martyr Mammas has deserved the crown of immortality on account of his good fight. Armed with Your strength, he has vanquished his persecutors and crushed Satan's dreadful might. Through his supplication, O Christ God, save our souls.

Troparion of John

(Tone 4)

O father and hierarch John the Faster, the holiness of your life was set before your flock as a rule of faith, an example of meekness and a teaching of temperance. Wherefore, you acquired greatness through humility and spiritual wealth through poverty. Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.

ORTHROS

Kontakion of Mammas

(Tone 3)

@AFTR TONE LFT = Holy Mammas, with the staff God gave you, lead your people as a flock to life-giving pastures; crush the invisible and fierce enemies beneath the feet of those who honor you: for all those in danger have received you as their fervent intercessor.

Ikos

@AFTR TONE LFT = Let us sing to the martyr celebrated throughout the earth, holy Mammas, who has been united to the choirs of angels in heaven. He once herded animals in the wilderness: now he leads the multitude of the people of the Lord as a good shepherd with his staff of power, guiding them to the verdant pastures where they may find the true delights of Paradise. In the midst of all the dangers that threaten us, we have received the holy martyr as our fervent intercessor.

Synaxarion

On September 2, we commemorate the holy martyr Mammas.

The side of Mammas, the ardent servant of God the Trinity, is pierced by the points of a trident. On the second, he goes to the One, slain by three wounds.

On this same day, we also commemorate our Father among the Saints, John the Faster, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Holy John, you fasted from passing pleasures; now you taste the joys that last forever.

By their holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

We who love your words now celebrate your holy, light-bearing memory. In faith we venerate you, O hierarch John, for you were the divine preacher of repentance, the defender of the awesome and holy Trinity; in His presence now, O blessed Father, remember us all.

The herds nourished you with their milk when you lived in the mountains, O Mammas, holy martyr. In the arena, struggling with all your heart, you were nobly shown to be the stronger.Thus, by your victory, you have received your reward before the Lord.

He who once envied me my divine life and bliss in Paradise, the cunning and cruel enemy who brought about my expulsion from Eden, has been put to death by your maternity, O Virgin.

September 3

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Anthimos, Bishop of Nicomedia;

our Holy Father Theoctistos, Companion in Asceticism of Euthymios the Great

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to you I call..."

(Tone 1)

For Anthimos

6. O blessed hierarch, you joyfully dyed your sacred priestly vestments with the purple of your own blood. You reverently grew in strength and glory; and now you pray that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

5. As a priest, you offered the unbloody Sacrifice to God. Then, O venerable preacher, you offered yourself in your own blood as a holocaust, a victim acceptable to Jesus Christ. As a true martyr, entreat Him for those who honor you.

4. O venerable father Anthimos, by your teaching and wise exhortations you have brought a whole troop of martyrs to Christ. You instructed them not only by your words, but also by the example of your life. O venerable hierarch, pray with them that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

For Theoctistos

@AFTER TONE = 3. O holy father Theoctistos, your light-bearing memorial brings joy to all monks because of the wondrous beauty of your life, the grace of your splendid miracles and your radiant chrisms. Intercede before Christ God that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

2. O holy father Theoctistos, your constant asceticism was a terror to the enemy, who was brought down by your continual prayers. O illustrious father, you had Christ to assist you in the struggle. Now pray to Him that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

1. O holy father Theoctistos, in preserving the image of God within you by the life you led and the holy habit you assumed, O monk worthy of all praise, you became even more worthy of your name, which means "creature of God." Pray to Christ that our souls be granted peace and great mercy.

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

Tone 6

@AFTR TONE IND = Blessed Anthimos, you persevered as a holy priest to the end, for as you celebrated the ineffable and divine Mysteries, you shed you blood for Christ our God and offered yourself to the Lord as an acceptable sacrifice. By the boldness you have before Him, pray for those who celebrate your holy memory in faith and love, that they may be delivered from all affliction, danger and need.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@AFTR TONE IND = O friend of the just, pray to your Son to grant me parson for my countless sins; enable me to avoid the left hand and the company of the condemned, judging me worthy of the Kingdom of heaven.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = At the hour of the crucifixion, the Virgin stood by the Cross with the virgin disciple and cried out in tears: "Alas, how You suffer, O Lord, who grant all men immortality!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

Tone 6

@BODY TXT IND = Venerable Father, the whole world is filled with the fame of you holy deeds; through them, you have received the recompense for your labors in heaven. You destroyed hordes of demons and have been united to the choirs of angels, whose pure lives you imitated. By your boldness with Christ our God, ask peace for our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Envious of your flock, O pure Virgin, the enemy daily entices me evilly to do his work; but deliver us from such a calamity, O Mother of God!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Seeing You hung upon the Cross, the all-holy Mother of God cried out to You in tears: "O my Son and my God, my beloved Child, how can You suffer this unjust Passion?"

Troparion of Anthimos

Tone 4

@AFTR TONE LFT = O holy hieromartyr Anthimos, you lent yourself to the apostles' way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of the truth, fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Troparion of Theoctistos

Tone 8

@AFTR TONE LFT = You abundant tears made the wilderness bloom, and your sufferings made your labors fruitful a hundredfold; you became a shining torch over the world. Venerable father Theoctistos, pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.

ORTHROS

Kontakion

Tone 4

@AFTR TONE LFT = O you who stood out among the bishops and went all the way to martyrdom, who became the assailant of pagan idol worship and the protector of your flock, we now honor you, crying out to you in spirit: "Deliver us from dangers through your intercession, O blessed Anthimos, hierarch and martyr!"

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Granting me knowledge of God by your intercession, drive away the shadows of ignorance from my heart, that I may faithfully sing of your sacred memory which brings joy today to the choirs of angles and martyrs. Weaving a wreath of fitting praises, mankind crowns your head with those flowers, asking you to shelter their path from all evil and to deliver them from visible and invisible enemies by your intercession, O blessed Anthimos, hierarch and martyr!

Synaxarion

On September 3, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Anthimos, Bishop of Nicomedia.

For the glory of God, Anthimos stretched out his head to the sword. On the third, a blade pruned Anthimos like a plant for the Lord.

On the same day, we commemorate our venerable Father Theoctistos, the companion in asceticism of Euthymios the Great.

Father, seeking God who created you, in keeping with your name, you preferred Him to all creatures.

By the prayers of Your saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

Tone 2

Rejoice, O city of Nicomedia! Celebrate today the annual feast of your Pastor! Exult, for you have him as a protector to guard you from the ravages caused by the enemy.

You lived on earth like an angel, O God-bearing father, with Euthymios, that great light. O Theoctistos, you excelled in fasting and prayer, in just deeds and divine contemplation! Standing with him in the presence of the unapproachable Trinity, O blessed father, intercede for us who honor you.

O all-pure Virgin, your ancestor David sang of you, O holy Theotokos, as a fertile and fruitful mountain of God; the divine Solomon clearly described you as a litter in his Canticle; Jacob saw you as a ladder, Isaiah as a branch; another prophet saw you as the Gate of the Lord, through which our God came to renew the human race.

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

@AFTER TONE = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = Every village and country-place celebrates a feast today with the city of Nicomedia in honor of its venerable protector. All the ends of the earth applaud the solemnity of the hieromartyr. Weaving a wreath with the flowers of our hymns, we sing, "Hail, O good shepherd who laid down your life for your sheep, offering yourself as a victim and sacrificing yourself as a priest! We pray to you and to those who were your companions in martyrdom to intercede before Christ our God that He deliver your flock from the cruel wolves and gather it into the heavenly fold, O Anthimos."

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Lying on a couch of laziness and passing my whole life in lethargy, I fear the hour of death; may the cunning serpent not destroy my soul in his rage! O Mother of God and spotless Virgin, make haste before the end to stir up repentance in my heart!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Seeing Christ deprived of life after putting the Deceiver to death, the all-pure Virgin cried out with bitter tears to Him who had come forth from her womb, at whose long-suffering she was amazed: "Do not forget Your handmaid, O beloved Son! O Lover of Mankind, do not delay in coming to console me!"

September 4

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch;

the Holy Prophet Moses

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For Babylas

(Tone 6)

@AFTER TONE = 6. Dying your sacred vestments in your own blood, you were sanctified, O illustrious Babylas, and thus entered into the Holy of Holies. You rejoice now forever in the presence of God, radiant with beauty in your martyrdom, sharing the life of the angels in all purity. Thus we venerate you, celebrating your holy solemnity with love, O blessed hierarch.

5. Bound by iron chains, you unswervingly followed the path leading to the heavenly city, O venerable hierarch Babylas, adorned with your wounds as with precious jewels. There, as a true conqueror, an invincible martyr, a holy priest, you sing with the angels the pure and holy hymn: "Holy, holy, holy are You, O Consubstantial Trinity!"

4. At the head of your spiritual flock, O venerable hierarch Babylas, you led them to safe pastures of the Faith in the depth of your wisdom. You protected them from the beasts, delighting in the Most High God, your Shepherd, whom you preached before the impious, O blessed one, rejoicing to be immolated as a spotless lamb in the company of innocent children. With them, you were offered as a victim of pleasing fragrance in a whole-burnt offering.

For Moses

(Tone 4)

@AFTER TONE = 3. In the storm, you contemplated, insofar as it was possible, the Bodiless One. In the cloud, you saw the Immaterial One; the divine glory made you radiant in God, and that enabled you to penetrate the mysteries of God, but grace was given to those who wished the things above.

2. For the people who awaited the Lord, you were a priest according to the Law, O Moses, a valiant general for their armies, striking Egypt with blows, dividing the Red Sea with your staff, drowning the base and arrogant Pharaoh with his troops. And, despite their ingratitude, you led and nourished Israel in the desert.

1. "Moses, make haste to remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. Do not wear that garb, for their leather is symbolic of having been put to death. Behold, in the burning bush you see the wondrous mystery of the virginal handmaid of God." Thus spoke the Lord to Moses on Mount Horeb.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = The Church holds your holy struggles to be a support and foundation, O hieromartyr Babylas: you keep it protected, a refuge from the ravenous wolves, as it proclaims your sublime accomplishments and magnifies together with you the infants immolated for Christ in your company, O blessed one.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Since you have no compunction, impenitent soul, why do you delay? Death is approaching to carry you off, the end arrives unexpectedly like a thief. Hasten to bow before the Mother of God.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Seeing our Life suspended on the Cross, the all-pure Mother of God cried out in maternal pain, "O my Son and my God, save the faithful who sing to You!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Fighting for the faith before the tribunal of the tyrant, you cried out, "Here I am, with the children which God has given me!" You were crowned together with them in the heavens, O hieromartyr Babylas, and you ceaselessly intercede before God that our souls be saved from the snare of the enemy.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = All-pure Virgin, implore the King of All, the Creator whom you bore, to have pity on me, your servant, at the hour in which He comes to judge mankind.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Seeing the lawless people nail You to the Cross, the pure Virgin, Your Mother, O Savior, was pierced in her soul, just as Simeon had once foretold.

Troparion of Babylas

(Tone 4)

@AFTR TONE LFT = O holy hieromartyr Babylas, you lent yourself to the apostles' way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the Faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Troparion of Moses

(Tone 2)

O Lord, we celebrate today the memory of Your Prophet Moses; wherefore we implore You to save our souls!

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 8)

Glorious Babylas, today the Church glorifies you as a preacher of the Faith and a support for martyrs. By the boldness you have before Christ, ask Him to keep in perfect peace the faithful who venerate you, O martyr who endured many struggles.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Clearly understanding the vanity of the world, you lived as a stranger to this world, imitating the sufferings of Christ and mortifying your bodily passions. Taking up your Cross, you followed your Creator; now you dwell with Him. Intercede for those who truly venerate you, O martyr who endured many struggles.

Synaxarion

On September 4, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Babylas, Bishop of Antioch the Great, and the three children who died by the sword in his company.

Having offered Christ in the Eucharist as a Bishop, Babylas himself was immolated as a victim for Christ. On the fourth, the blade struck Babylas and the three children.

On this same day, we commemorate the holy prophet Moses, who saw God.

It is not now merely the back, nor from a hollow in the rock, that Moses finally beholds the God of gods. But, having entered into the presence of his Creator, he now sees Him entirely, face to face, with his own eyes.

By their holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Babylas, you have been revealed as being both the sacrificer and the victim for God. You offered Him the unbloody Sacrifice; and by the blood you shed, you were immolated with the children, who thus reached a mature perfection. With them, we acclaim you with our whole heart.

O Virgin, may the impious who refuse to bow down in sincere faith before your image and that of your Son, our God, be cast down and delivered to Gehenna!

September 5

Commemoration of the Holy Prophet Zecheriah, the Father of the Forerunner

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

@AFTER TONE = 3. Clothed in your holy vestments and your anointing, you ministered before God like an angel, O Zecheriah, prophet all worthy of our praise, serving as a mediator between creatures and their Creator. You openly received the revelation of the Holy Spirit; thus we call you blessed as we celebrate your holy feast today, singing the glory of the Savior.

2. O Zecheriah, divinely inspired Prophet, you beheld the Son, coeternal to the Father, as an Infant born of the Virgin. Of your own son, you clearly foretold, "You shall be the prophet preparing the way for God!" With him, we call you blessed, O God-bearer filled with eternal joy, and we reverently celebrate you feast.

1. You were the incarnate Temple, the living dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit, O illustrious Prophet. As you approached your God with a pure heart in the midst of the Temple, you ended your course, slaughtered unjustly in martyrdom, O wondrous Zacheriah. Thus you were lifted up to the heavenly Temple where, with the price of your blood, you beg forgiveness for the faithful who venerate you.

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

(Tone 8)

@BODY TXT IND = Robed in your vestments as a priest of the Law, you served in the priesthood of Aaron. In the middle of the Temple, you clearly saw the form of an angel, O blessed Zecheriah. Thus, as is right, we sing of your death, celebrating you with hymns as the branch from which, despite old age, flowered the illustrious John. Intercede for our salvation before the compassionate God.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = At the prayers of the Mother who bore You, preserve the flock You redeemed by Your blood. Protect it from hostile threats, O compassionate Lord, so that we may glorify Your infinite condescension as we sing to You, O our God.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Lord, when the sun beheld You, the Sun of Justice, hanging on the Cross, it dimmed and hid its rays. The brightness of the moon was changed to shadows; and the heart of Your holy Mother was pierced.

Aposticha

(Tone 8)

@AFTER TONE = 1. O wonder which fills us with amazement! The Archangel who stands before God in the heights of heaven comes to the holy servant Zecheriah to announce the conception of the Forerunner, born of a barren woman in her old age. Ineffable is Your Providence, O Lord! By it, save our souls, O compassionate Christ!

v. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; He has come to His people and set them free.

2. O wonder which fills us with amazement! The silencing of the Old Testament and the announcement of the New are both clearly prophesied by the muteness of Zecheriah. Passing through the fulfillment of the Law in silence, he clearly manifests the light of grace. Wise is Your Providence, O Lord! By it, guard us, O almighty Lover of Mankind!

v. You, my child, shall be called the Prophet of the Most High.

3. O wonder which fills us with amazement! Zecheriah is seen bearing a triple crown, O Lord, because of his fidelity as a priest, his excellence as a martyr, and his mission as a prophet announcing Your coming. Immeasurable is the richness of Your gifts! By them, make us worthy of Your Kingdom, O Christ, our Beloved!

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

(Tone 2)

@AFTR APOSTICA = In your priestly purity, you entered into the Holy of Holies, robed in your sacred vestments. In all innocence, you ministered before God, following the prescriptions of the Law, like Aaron. Like Moses, you led the tribes of Israel in the pure ringing of golden bells. Likewise, you were put to death; but your just blood was a saving remedy for us, a perfume of sweet fragrance, which opened the way to pass to eternal life. Thrice-blessed Zecheriah, husband of Elizabeth, father of John, ceaselessly intercede for our souls before God.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = The multitude of my offenses truly reaches above my head, O spotless Virgin, and in the multiplication of my sins, I carry too heavy a burden, wretched and incorrigible as I am. But by your fervent intercession, hasten to save me, for in you, sinners rediscover the way.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Holy Virgin, when your Son and God was sent to the Cross, you experienced great anguish. Weeping, mourning, you cried out bitterly, "Alas, my beloved Child! How can You suffer unjustly, You who wish to save the race of Adam! Thus, O Virgin, we beg you with faith: obtain for us the favor of your Son!

Troparion

(Tone 4)

@AFTR TONE LFT = Arrayed as a priest, O wise Zecheriah, you offered a worthy holocaust in proper priestly manner according to God's Law. You became a shining light and a seer of the mysteries, by the sword in God's Temple. O prophet of God, together with the Forerunner, beseech Him that He may save our souls!

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 3)

Today the Prophet Zecheriah, the priest of the Most High and father of the Forerunner, has prepared a banquet on the faithfuls' behalf and mixed the drink of holiness; wherefore we praise him as a mystical seer of God's grace.

ORTHROS

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The great priest accepts the silence of the Law until, at the voice of the angel, he and the sterile and chaste Eliza<->beth receive the Forerunner and Prophet of the coming of Christ. Behold, his birth marks the beginning of grace, redemption and universal reconciliation. For the Lamb and Creator who renews nature and gives fruit to the barren one, the Son born of the Virgin, is announced by the mystical seer of God's grace.

Synaxarion

On September 5, we commemorate the Prophet Zech<->eriah, father of the Forerunner.

On the fifth, between the porch and the altar of the Temple, the Prophet Zecheriah is slain, slaughtered like a lamb, for the sake of the Word and Lamb.

By his holy Prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

You faultlessly served Almighty God in the Priesthood of the Old Law, O prophet Zecheriah. As you offered incense, the angel appeared to you and said, "From you will be born the Forerunner of Christ, the Mediator between the Law and the grace of God!"

Behold, O Virgin Mary, the shadowy images once presented by the Law have been surpassed, for without seed you have given birth to the divine Law-Giver for the redemption of mankind. I have fallen under the law of sin: confirm me in the divine law and save me!

September 6

Commemoration of the Miracle Worked by the Archangel Michael at Colossus (Chone)

(4th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

3. O Archangel Michael, chief captain of the Powers on high, you are seen full of radiance beside the threefold Sun of the Godhead. You joyfully shout: "Holy is the Father! Holy is the coeternal Word! Holy also is the divine Spirit: one glory, one Majesty, one nature and power, One God!"

2. O Michael, foremost of the angels, your appearance is like fire and your beauty is wonderful! In your bodiless nature, you cross over the ends of the earth, carrying out the commands of the Creator. We recognize your power and might, and you have made the church dedicated to you become a source of healing.

1. As written in the Scriptures, Lord, You make spirits Your messengers and flaming fire Your attendants. You show Michael to be the chief captain, holding the first place among the ranks of archangels. He carries out Your wishes, O Word, and cries aloud with awe the thrice-holy hymns of Your glory!

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = Rejoice with us, all you hosts of angels, for your choirs and our protector, the great archangel captain Michael, sanctifies this holy day as he appears in a wondrous fashion in his holy temple. Praising him, as is right, we sing to him, "Keep us under the shelter of your wings, O archangel Michael!"

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = Rejoice with us, all you choirs of virgins, for our advocate and mediator, our protection and great refuge, comes today to console the afflicted in her divine and holy providence. Praising her, as is right, we sing to her,"Keep us safe under your divine protection, O pure Mother of God!"

Aposticha

(Tone 1)

1. As chief of the heavenly hosts, as the powerful protector of men on earth, their deliverer and guardian, we sing to you with faith, O great captain Michael, asking you to deliver us from all evil.

v. You make spirits Your messengers and flaming fires Your attendants.

2. The chief of the Powers on high today invites the choirs of men to celebrate with the angels on the joyful festivity of their synaxis, as they sing a hymn to the thrice-holy God.

v. Bless the Lord, O my soul! You are very great, O Lord my God.

3. The faithful take refuge under the shadow of your wings, O pure spirit, archangel Michael. Protect them, guard them along their way. Assist each one of us also at the hour of our death, and in your good will grant us your aid.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = As captain of the angelic hosts, deliver from every need and affliction, grievous sin and sickness, those who sing your praises and entreat you, O glorious captain, Michael. As a bodiless Power, you look clearly upon the Immaterial One. You shine with the unapproachable radiance of the Lord of glory, who in His love for us men, assumed our flesh and was incarnate of the Virgin to save mankind.

Troparion

(Tone 4)

@AFTR TONE LFT = O Captain and Leader of the armies of heaven, unworthy as we are, we beseech you without cease to surround us with your intercessions and cover us beneath the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory. We bend our knee and cry out with perseverance: "Deliver us from danger, O Prince of the Powers on high!"

ORTHROS

Festal Format, for Fourth Class Feasts.

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

Standing within your sacred temple, we reverently magnify you as the chief of the bodiless armies, O divine and great Captain Michael. We ask you in faith: snatch us from the tyranny of the enemy and from the Gehenna that hangs over us; by your holy prayers, deliver us.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

In spite of our unworthiness, we never cease to praise your majesty, O Mother of God. For if you would not intercede for us, who would deliver us from so many pe<->rils? It is you who keep us in freedom. O our Lady, be not far from us, for you save your servants from all danger.

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

Great Captain of the bodiless ministers, you stand in the presence of God, illumined by the radiance of the Age to come. Enlighten and sanctify the faithful who sing to you: deliver them from the tyranny of the enemy and ask for a peaceful life for the Christian people and for all the world.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Let us sinners humbly come before the Mother of God. Full of repentance, let us prostrate before her, crying out from the bottom of our hearts: "Compassionate Virgin, come to our aid. Make haste, for we are lost. You see the multitude of our sins: do not leave your servants helpless. Our only hope rests in you!"

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

@AFTR TONE LFT = O prince of the leaders of God's armies, servant of the divine glory, instructor of men and commander of angels, ask whatever is good for us, and bountiful mercy, O Prince of the leaders of the angels!

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Immortal Lover of mankind, in the Scriptures You have said that the multitude of angels rejoices in heaven at the repentance of one sinner. Thus, O only sinless Lord, who know all hearts, from the depths of our misery we dare to call upon Your goodness each day that You have mercy on us, granting us compunction and pardon, despite our unworthiness. For we have one who intercedes for whatever is good for us, and bountiful mercy: the Prince of the leaders of the angels.

Synaxarion

On September 6, we commemorate the wondrous miracle worked at Colossos in Phrygia by the Archangel Michael.

The leader of the angels, Michael, has appeared as a new Noah, saving his own nave. On the sixth, by a miracle, he made a rock appear as a shield before the advancing flood.

By his holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Come, all you mortals, and behold! See the miracle worked at Chone by the Archangel Michael: with his commander's staff, the bodiless one pierced the rock and diverted the river threatening the holy source of its streams.

Wretched as I am, by the intemperance I formerly manifested, I have departed far from the beautiful image in which I was created by a divine work. But in the tenderness of Your heart, O Christ, and through Your ineffable communion with me, You have taken my pitiful image upon Your self, renewing my whole being, O Savior, in the womb of the spotless Virgin.

Praises

(Tone 1)

4. Like the angels in heaven, let us on earth celebrate God, seated on His throne of glory, and sing to Him: "Holy are You, heavenly Father, coeternal Word, and All Holy Spirit!"

3. Like the angels in heaven...(Repeat)

2. Great commander of the angels, Michael, eye-witness of the ineffable Majesty, you boldly command the heavenly spirits as you stand before the throne of resplendent glory. By your prayers, save us from trials and perils, for we pray to you from the depths of our misery.

1. Great Prince Michael, leader of the bodiless angels, you are an initiate, eye-witness and servant of the divine Light which shines in the Age to come. Save all of us who venerate your memory each year as we sing with faith to the Trinity.

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

(Tone 5)

@AFTR PRAISES = O Archangel Michael, the power of the devil is expelled from every place protected by your grace: for after his fall, Lucifer could not endure your light. Thus we beg you to extinguish the fiery darts which he hurls against us, O Archangel Michael, all-worthy of our praise. Save us from his snares by your holy mediation.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = All we the faithful call you blessed, O Virgin Mother of God, and we fittingly glorify you as the unshakeable city, indestructible rampart, and fearless protector and refuge of our souls.

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Archangel. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 7

Forefeast of the Nativity of the

Most Holy Mother of God;

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Sozon

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Preparation

(Tone 1)

6. In your birth, O spotless one, spiritual rays of universal gladness have shone upon the world, announcing the Sun of Glory, Christ our God, for you are truly the mediatrix of grace and joy.

5. O spotless Virgin, today the glory of your Forefeast announces to all people in advance the benefits of your favor; now you obtain for them joy and a share in the delights of God; for you, the cause of our joy, have come.

4. The pure Mother of God, the Virgin whom He chose as His dwelling, the glory of the prophets, the daughter of David, is born in a chaste manner today from Joachim and Anne. By her birth, she turns aside the curse transmitted to us by Adam.

For Sozon

(Tone 4)

3. Strengthened in your weakness by the power of him who willed to take our weakness upon Himself, you joyfully followed the path of the martyrs. Bearing the Good News, your feet crushed the impotent enemy, O blessed Sozon. Thus a crown of victory was woven for you by Jesus, the Lover of Mankind and Savior of our souls.

2. By your wounds, you wounded the enemy and you brought him down to the ground, armed as you were with the Cross. Covered by an unshakeable armor, and rapt in love for Him who made you pass to the immaterial Kingdom, you were an invincible martyr, like a man already belonging to heaven.

1. Victorious martyr Sozon, imitating the Savior and Lord who endured His voluntary Passion for you, you willingly handed yourself over to torments, butchering and unbearable torments. As a reward, He granted you the gifts of heaven and made you a fountain of healing for those who love you.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = Together with the multitude of angels in heaven, O all-holy, spotless Virgin, all mankind on earth calls your Nativity blessed; for you became the Mother of the Creator of All, Christ our God. Implore Him ceaselessly, we beg, on our behalf. After God, we place all our hope in you, O divine, unwedded Mother, all-worthy of our praise.

Aposticha

(Tone 8)

1. O wonder which fills us with amazement: today the unwedded Mother of God is born from a childless mother and fruitless sterility, from the just Joachim and Anne, like a rod which suddenly flowers. The assembly of the Prophets now rejoices and the Patriarchs exult with joy at her birth!

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. Today David exults; Jesse dances with joy; Levi magnifies the Lord; the just Joachim rejoices in spirit, and Anne is delivered from barrenness by your birth, O Virgin Mary, full of grace. Together with us mortals, the choirs of angels bless the womb that bore you.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. All mankind joyfully sings to you: "Hail, Temple of the Lord! Hail, divine table and sacred mountain! Hail, radiant lampstand, glory of the Orthodox! Hail, Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ our God! Hail, fiery throne, unconsumed bush, tabernacle, hope of all Christians!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 4)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Universal joy, the fruit of the just, has risen for us from Joachim and Anne. It is the Virgin all-worthy of our hymns, who through her deep purity became the living Temple of God and alone is recognized in truth to be His spotless Mother. By her prayers, O Christ our God, send peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

Troparion of Sozon

(Tone 4)

O Lord our God, Your holy martyr Sozon has deserved the crown of immortality on account of his good fight. Armed with Your strength, he has vanquished his persecutors and crushed Satan's dreadful might. Through his supplications, O Christ God, save our souls.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Forefeast

(Tone 4)

Today is born for us, from the stem of Jesse and the loins of David, Mary, the Maiden of God. Wherefore the whole creation rejoices and is renewed. Rejoice together, heaven and earth, and you peoples of the world sing to her a joyful hymn of praise. Joachim is elated and Anne shouts for joy: "The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life!"

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 1)

Born wondrously from a sterile woman in her anguish, you surpassed nature when you conceived in your virginal womb. Budding forth like a splendid branch, you made Life flower for the world. Thus the heavenly Powers sing to you, O Mother of God: "Glory to your venerable nativity! Glory to your virginity! Glory to your maternity, O only spotless one!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 5)

All heavenly beings now rejoice and mankind celebrates this feast with them. The prophets mystically exult with joy; for today is born the one whom they once had seen in past generations as a vessel, scepter, bush, gate, throne, light-bearing cloud and great mountain.

Kontakion of the Forefeast

(Tone 3)

Today the Theotokos, the virgin Mary, by divine design is born of one thought sterile. She is the eternal bridal chamber of the heavenly bridegroom, the chariot of the divine Word. For this

was she predestined, as the gate of heaven and Mother of Life.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The divine Handmaid Mary is granted as a fruit to the barren one. She whom the holy prophets once foresaw in spirit is today seen seated on the lap of holy Anne. With the faithful Joachim, let us hasten to this feast in spirit, inviting those who are absent by saying, "Behold, from a barren womb has arisen the recall of the world to God, the gate of heaven and Mother of Life!"

Synaxarion

On September 7, we commemorate the holy martyr Sozon.

Sozon endured bodily torments with his soul fixed only on the Savior of the world. Beaten by an enraged hand, he radiantly enters the heavenly mansions on the seventh.

By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Protected by the armor of Your Cross, O Word, Your victorious martyr triumphed over the enemy powers, confounded the tyrants and struggled for You, O Christ, King of All. Now he reigns in heaven with you.

(Tone 2)

O all creation, rejoice! Experience the joy of holy Joachim and the Chaste Anne, named for grace: for against all hope, they have given birth to the pure Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, whose Fruit is salvation for all mankind, Christ our God, who ineffably received flesh from her.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. Descendents of Adam, come and sing of the descendant of David, the all-pure Virgin Mary, who brought Christ into the world.

v. Listen daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. Let us offer hymns to the Redeemer, to the Lord who has given us, as fruit from a barren womb, the only ever-Virgin, who became the holy Mother of our God.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. In a wondrous fashion, the holy Mother of the Lord our God, the joy of the universe, came to the world today from a barren womb.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = The Queen of all, predestined by God from all time as His dwelling, the Temple of His eternal Divinity, today advances, full of glory, from the womb of the once fruitless Anne. By her, the impudence of Hades is brought down; and Eve, the mother of the human race, will enter forever into the assurance of life. Let us cry out to her, as is right, "Blessed are you among women, O Virgin Mary, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!"

After the Trisagion Prayers, the Troparion of the Forefeast.

September 8

Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God

(2nd Class)

@VES/ORTH = GREAT VESPERS

First Kathisma: Blessed the man

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 6)

6. Today, God who dominates the Spiritual Thrones of heaven, welcomes on earth the holy throne which He prepared for Himself. In His love for mankind, He who established the heavens in wisdom has fashioned a living heaven. From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother as a branch full of life. O God of miracles, and hope of those who have no hope, Lord, glory to You!

5. This is the day of the Lord: Rejoice, therefore, O nations! Behold: the Chamber of Light, the scroll of the Living Word, has come forth from the womb. The gate that opens to the Rising Sun and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest is here today. She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into this world for the salvation of our souls.

4. Indeed, some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God. But the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities in honor and splendor, as it is worthy of the majesty of God, for she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother, and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all, incarnate in her womb without human seed, against the laws of nature. She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God has passed while leaving it sealed, as He had planned in His eternal wisdom. Thus did He bring salvation to all mankind!

3. Today the barren gates are opened and the Virgin, the Gate of God, comes forth. Today grace begins to bear fruit, showing forth to the world the Mother of God, through whom earth is united to heaven for the salvation of our souls.

2. Today glad tidings go forth to the whole world; today sweet fragrance is wafted forth by the proclamation of salvation; today is the end of the barrenness of our nature, for the barren one becomes a mother, the mother of the one who by nature will not cease to be a virgin, even after giving birth to the One who by nature is Creator and God. He it is who took from her His flesh by which He wrought salvation for the lost: He, the Christ, the Lover of Mankind and Savior of our souls!

1. Today Anne the barren one gives birth to the maiden of God who had been chosen from all the human generations to become the dwelling-place of the Creator, Christ our God and King of all. In her, He fulfilled His divine plan through which our human nature was renewed and by which we were to be transferred from corruption to eternal life.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = Today, God who dominates the Spiritual Thrones of heaven, welcomes on earth the holy throne which He had prepared from Himself. In His love for mankind, He who established the heavens in wisdom had fashioned a living heaven. From a barren stem He has brought forth for us His Mother as a branch full of life. O God of miracles, and hope of those who have no hope, Lord, glory to You!

Entrance. "Joyful Light..." Prokimenon of the day.

Readings: 1) Genesis 28:10-18 ; 2) Ezechiel 43:27-44:5 ; 3) Proverbs 9:1-11.

Lete

(Tone 1)

@AFTR LETE = Today brings the first fruits of our salvation, O peoples! She who was predestined from past generations, the Mother and Virgin, the tabernacle of God, is born of a barren woman: a bud has blossomed from the root of Jesse. Let our forefather Adam rejoice, and let Eve be glad with joy! Behold, our first mother, who was formed from the side of Adam, proclaims her daughter and descendant blessed as she says, "Deliverance has been born for me! I am going to be set free from the bonds of Hades!" David rejoices with his harp and blesses the Lord our God, for today the Virgin comes forth from a sterile womb for the salvation of our souls!

(Tone 2)

@AFTR LETE = Come, O friends of the Virgin! All you who love purity, draw near with all your heart to the glory of virginity, the fountain of life flowing from the barren rock, the bush born from the childless barren one in order to contain the immaterial Fire that cleanses and enlightens our souls.

@AFTR LETE = What is this present sound of feasting? Anne and Joachim mystically exult with joy as they say, "Rejoice today with us, O Adam and Eve: for if you once closed Paradise by your transgression, we have now been given an illustrious fruit, Mary, the handmaid of God, who reopens the entrance to Eden to all mankind!"

@AFTR LETE = The Queen of all, whom God had predestined forever to be the temple of His eternal divinity, comes forth today, filling with glory the womb of the once barren Anne. Through her, the impudence of Hades has been trampled; Eve, the mother of the human race, enters forever into the assurance of life. Let us cry out to her as is right, "Blessed are you among woman, O Virgin Mary, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR LETE = On this glorious feast day, which is all ours, let us play as with a harp, for on this day is born from the stem of David the Mother of Light who dispelled darkness. She is the source of immortality, the renewal of Adam and Eve. Through her we were made godly and delivered from death. O Faithful, let us then cry out to her in the words of Gabriel: "Hail, O woman full of grace, the Lord is with you! Through you the Lord will bestow great mercy upon us all!."

Aposticha

(Tone 4)

1. On this day a great joy has shone upon us from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne; and this joy is the most honorable Virgin who, because of her purity, will become a living temple of God, and who alone will be recognized as the Mother of God. Through her intercessions, O Christ our God, send down peace upon the world and Your great mercy upon our souls!

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. O Virgin, today you were born a most noble child from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne, as the angel had promised in his announcement. To God you are a heaven, a throne, and a vessel of holiness. To the whole world, a herald of joy the cause of our life, the blessing that wiped out the curse. You are the reason for all the blessings of God. O Maiden whom God has chosen, on this day of your nativity, obtain peace and great mercy for our souls.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. Today Anne the barren one claps her hands for joy, the earth is bathed in light, kings sing their happiness, priests enjoy all blessings, and whole universe rejoices: for the Queen and spotless Bride of the Father comes forth from the stem of Jesse. Behold: no woman will ever again bear a child in sorrow or anxiety, for joy has come forth in abundance and life has filled the world. Joachim's offerings shall no more be rejected, for the tears of Anne have now been turned into joy. And now Anne can say: "Rejoice with me, all you chosen ones of Israel, for the Lord has given me the palace of His divine and living glory, to be a place of joy and happiness for the whole universe and for the salvation of our souls!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Come, all you faithful, let us hasten to the Virgin: for long before her conception in the womb, the one who was destined to be born from the stem of Jesse was destined to be the Mother of our God. The one who is the treasury of virginity, the flowering Rod of Aaron, the object of the prophecies, the child of Joachim and Anne, is born today and the world is renewed in her. Through her birth, she floods the Church with her splendor. O holy Temple, Vessel of the Godhead, Model of virgins and Strength of kings: in you the wondrous union of the two natures of Christ was realized. We worship Him and glorify your most pure birth, and we magnify you!

Troparion of the Feast (3 times)

(4th Tone)

@AFTR TONE LFT = Your Nativity, O Mother of God, heralded joy to the whole universe, for from you rose the Sun of Justice Christ our God, Christ our God; taking away the curse, He imparted the blessings, and by abolishing Death, He gave us everlasting life.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

Tell us, O David, what has the Lord our God promised you? "I have seen the fulfillment of His promise," you say, "for He has given me the Virgin as the fruit of my loins. She will give birth to the Creator, Christ, the new Adam, a King to sit upon my throne. Behold, He now reigns, and His Kingdom shall have no end." The barren ones gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Tell us, O David...(Repeat)

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

From the root of Jesse and from the loins of David, Mary, the handmaid of God, is born for us today. The whole creation rejoices and is renewed. Heaven and earth exult together. O families of nations, praise her! Joachim is glad and Anne cries out in celebration, "The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the root of Jesse...(Repeat)

Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos

(Tone 8)

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Heaven of our God, the divine Bride, has come to earth according to the promise. The barren one nurses Mary, her child. Joachim rejoices at this birth, saying, "Behold, to me has been born the branch from which will blossom Christ, from the root of David! O wonder which truly causes amazement!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Let the heavens rejoice...(Repeat)

Prokimenon

(Tone 4)

@AFTR PROKIM = They shall remember your name from age to age.

v. My heart has uttered a good word, I declare my works to the King.

Gospel. Psalm 50.

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

@AFTR PROKIM = Through the intercession of the Theotokos, O merciful One, wipe out....

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PROKIM = Through the intercession of the Theotokos, O merciful One...

v. O God, have mercy on me in the greatness...

(Tone 4)

@AFTR PROKIM = On this day a great joy has shone upon us from the two just ones, Joachim and Anne; and this joy is the most honorable Virgin who, because of her purity, will become a living Temple of God, and who alone will be recognized as the Mother of God. Through her intercessions, O Christ our God, send down peace upon the world and Your great mercy upon our souls!

Canons: we use two Canons for the Feast: the first, in Tone 2, by St. John of Damascus; the second, in Tone 8, by St. Andrew of Crete. The Katavas are of the Cross (Tone 8)

@CANONS = CANONS

Ode1

@ODE TEXT = Come, O people, let us sing for Christ our God who divided the sea for the people whom He led out of slavery in Egypt, for He is gloriously triumphant!

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -Come, O faithful, let us rejoice in the divine Spirit! With our hymns, let us honor the ever-Virgin, who has come forth today from a barren womb for salvation of mankind.

@ODE TEXT = -Exult together with Anne, O Joachim, for from your loins has come the Virgin chosen by God; from her will be born Christ our Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -Hail, O spotless Mother and handmaid of Christ our God! You restore mankind to its former blessedness, as is right, we all glorify you in our hymns.

@ODE TEXT = -Today the Bridge of Life is born. Having found salvation through her after their fall into Hades, mortal men glorify Christ, the Giver of Life, in their hymns.

@CANON INDENT = -He who shattered the enemy by the power of His arm and made israel pass through the Red Sea, let us praise Him as our Redeemer, for He is gloriously triumphant!

@CANON INDENT = -Let the whole creation exult and let David rejoice, for from his lineage has come forth the branch that bears as a flower the Lord and Redeemer of all.

@CANON INDENT = -She who is holier than all the Saints is led as an

infant to the holy Temple to be nourished by the hand of an angel. Let us celebrate her nativity with faith.

@CANON INDENT = -Anne did not remain barren and childless before God, for she was destined from all ages to become the mother of the pure Virgin from whom the Maker of all creation would be born in the form of a servant.

@CANON INDENT = -You, the only Ewe without fault, offered Christ from your womb our human nature as a fleece. We glorify you with our hymns on this day on which you were born from holy Anne.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -I sing, proclaim and glorify the Three Persons sharing the one Essence, eternity and holiness. It is one God who is glorified in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -Who has ever seen a child nourished by his mother's milk without having been begotten by a father? Or who has ever seen a Mother who is a virgin? This is your double mystery, O Mother of God!

@KATAVAS SMALL = Tracing a Cross upon the waters, Moses marked out a straight line before him with his staff and divided the Red Sea, opening a path for Israel, which went through with dry feet. Then he marked a second line across the water, uniting them in one, overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore, let us sing to Christ our God, for He is gloriously triumphant.

Ode3

@ODE TEXT = Lord, strengthen our hearts in Your love, for You put sin to death on the Cross. In still a reverence for Your Name in the hearts of those who praise You.

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -Having lived without reproach before God, the parents of the one who would give birth to our divine Creator have brought forth the salvation of all.

@ODE TEXT = -The Lord, who makes life pour forth for all, has brought forth the Virgin from a barren woman. In her He takes up His dwelling, preserving her virginity inviolate after childbirth.

@ODE TEXT = -Today holy Anne offers a fruit, who is Mary, the woman who brought forth the life-giving Cluster; let us sing to her as the Mother of God, the help and protection of all.

@ODE TEXT = -O only ever-virgin Mother, unwedded, you became the golden censer for Christ, the living Coal. Pour out your fragrance over my soiled heart.

@CANON INDENT = -My heart is strengthened in the Lord, my power is exalted in my God, my mouth is opened before my enemies, for Your salvation has made me dance with joy.

@CANON INDENT = -Blessed is your womb, O holy Anne, for it carried the fruit of virginity, who without seed would give birth to Jesus, the Redeemer and Sustainer of creation.

@CANON INDENT = -The whole creation calls you blessed, O Virgin, whom holy Anne bore today as the pure branch springing from the root of Jesse to bud forth that flower which is Christ.

@CANON INDENT = -Showing you to be higher than the whole creation, O pure Mother of God, your Son magnifies your holy nativity and fills all things with joy today.

@CANON INDENT = -Raised in the Holy of Holies, O pure Virgin and Mother of God, you are seen to be higher than all creation, for you gave birth to the Creator in the flesh.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -We worship before the Father without beginning; we sing to the everlasting Son; we venerate the coeternal Spirit: one God in three Persons.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -In bearing the Light-Giver and Source of Life for mankind, O pure Mother of God, you have become the treasure of our life and the gate of the unapproachable Light.

@KATAVAS SMALL = The rod of Aaron is an image of this mystery, for when it budded, it showed who would be priest. So in the Church that was once barren, the wood of the Cross has now put forth a flower, filling her with strength and perseverance.

Little Litany.

Hypacoi

(Tone 2)

@AFTR HYPACOI = The Prophet spoke of the holy Virgin as the sealed Gate reserved for our God alone. Through her, the Lord passed. From her, the Most High came forth. She was left sealed both after and before His passage, by Him who rescued our life from the tomb.

or Sessional Hymn

(Tone 4)

Today the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, has shone upon us as a cloud of Light. For our glory, she is born from her just parents. Adam is no longer condemned; Eve is forever freed of her bonds. Thus, let us lift up our voices to say with confidence to the only pure one, "Your nativity heralds joy to the whole creation!"

Ode4

@ODE TEXT = Lord, I have heard of Your saving economy, and I glorify You, O only Lover of mankind!

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -Lord, we sing to You for You have given the Mother who bore You to every believer as a harbor of salvation.

@ODE TEXT = -Divine Bride, Christ has made you the strength and pride of all those who celebrate your mystery with faith.

@ODE TEXT = -Having pleased You, O Lord, Joachim and Anne gave birth to the hope of us all.

@ODE TEXT = -Absolved of our faults by your intercession, we call you blessed in our hymns of thanksgiving, O unwedded Queen.

@CANON INDENT = -Lord, I heard Your voice and was filled with awe: in Your ineffable plan, being the eternal God, You came forth from the Virgin, bearing our flesh. Glory to Your power and glory, O Jesus Christ!

@CANON INDENT = -Glorifying the august nativity of the Mother of God with psalms and hymns, O faithful, let us bow down before Him who never lies. He promised David that He would grant him the fruit of his loins who would reign after him.

@CANON INDENT = -Lord, You opened the womb of Sarah, granting her Isaac as the fruit of her old age. Today, O Savior, You have given Your spotless Mother as the fertile fruit of the womb of Anne.

@CANON INDENT = -Let Anne say to You: "Lord, You have heard my prayer, for today You have given me the fruit of the promise: she who from among all women and generations is to fittingly become Your spotless Mother!

@CANON INDENT = -Today the whole world shares your joy, O holy Anne, for the Mother of its Redeemer has blossomed from you, she who produced the rod of power, the branch from the root of David budding the flower which is Christ.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -Indivisible, eternal Trinity, I glorify You like the cherubim, crying aloud, although my tongue is stained, "Holy, holy, holy is He who remains throughout the ages, the one God!"

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -The sayings of the prophets are fulfilled at your birth, O spotless Virgin: in faith, they called you the tabernacle, the gate, the spiritual mountain, the bush, and the rod of Aaron flowering from the root of David.

@KATAVAS SMALL = O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Your economy. I have considered Your works and I glorify Your Divinity.

Ode5

@ODE TEXT = You have scattered the obscurity of dim sayings, making truth rise from their outlines, when You enlightened the souls of believers through the divine Child. In Your light, O Christ, show us the way!

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -O people, let us sing to the Cause of all things, who caused Himself to become like us. The Prophets rejoice before Him, for they witnessed to the images of His salvation.

@ODE TEXT = -You alone explored the depths of the virginal womb and were carried in the flesh in the holy arms of the spotless Virgin, although no place could contain You. Lead me, O Christ, to the harbor of peace.

@ODE TEXT = -The flowering of a dry staff revealed the priesthood of Aaron for Israel. Now the illustrious child who was born of a barren woman wondrously reveals the splendor of her parents.

@CANON INDENT = Lord our God, grant us peace! Lord our God, make us Your own! We know no other God but You: we call upon Your Name, O Lord!

@CANON INDENT = -Spotless was your nativity, O spotless Virgin; ineffable was your conception and your maternity. Past speech was your child-bearing, O unwedded Bride, for it was God Himself who was robed in my nature.

@CANON INDENT = -Let the hosts of angels rejoice today; let the sons of Adam sing together, for the branch is born who will bear, as a flower, Christ the only Redeemer of mankind.

@CANON INDENT = -Today Eve is freed from condemnation; Adam is delivered from the ancient curse. At your nativity, O pure Virgin, he cries aloud, "Behold, through you we have been freed from corruption!"

@CANON INDENT = -Glory to You who have today glorified the barren one! She has brought into the world the ever-verdant branch from which, according to the promise, Christ will bud as the flower of our life.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -We bow down before You, O Trinity, undivided, uncreated, coeternal and consubstantial. We confess You forever as one God in three Persons.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -Your womb has become a holy table; your purity has remained inviolate, O Virgin, as it was before: for Christ, your Son, has come forth from you as a Groom from the bridal chamber.

@KATAVAS SMALL = Blessed are you, O Tree on which Christ the King and Lord was stretched out. Through you, the Tempter fell, the devil who had seduced the human race through a tree. He was caught in the trap set by God, who was crucified on you, granting peace to our souls.

Ode6

@ODE TEXT = From within the whale, Jonah cried out to the Lord: "Lead me up from the pit of Hades, I beg, O Redeemer, that I may offer You a sacrifice with chants of praise in the spirit of truth!"

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -The pious parents of the Mother of God cried out to the Lord in their barren affliction; then from among all generations, they gave birth to her for the salvation and glory of the world!

@ODE TEXT = -The pious parents of the Mother of god received a heavenly and truly divine gift, surpassing the chariot of the cherubim: the Mother of the Word and Creator!

ORTHROS

@ODE TEXT = -Having in you, O holy Mother, an unshakeable rampart, an unparalleled protectress, we are delivered from our passions and bring beneath our feet the pride of the enemy.

@CANON INDENT = I am sinking beneath the storms of this life as beneath the waves of the sea. O Word, I call out to You like Jonah: "Lord of compassion, snatch my life from the pit!

@CANON INDENT = -We sing of your holy nativity; we venerate your virginal conception, O divine Bride and unwedded Virgin; the angels and souls of the just exult with us.

@CANON INDENT = -Pure Virgin, more holy than the Saints, your chaste parents led you to the temple of the Lord to be raised in a holy manner and prepared for your divine maternity.

@CANON INDENT = -Let barren women and mothers both dance with joy! Let the childless take courage and exult! For the barren one gives birth to the Mother of God who is going to deliver Adam and Eve from the curse and from their pains.

@CANON INDENT = -I hear David singing of you: "The virgins in her train shall be brought into the temple of the King!" With him, I sing to you as the Daughter of the King.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -In you, O pure Virgin, is sung and glorified the mystery of the Trinity: the Father is well-pleased; the Word has pitched His tent among us; and the Holy Spirit has overshadowed you.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -You, O pure Mother of God, are the golden censer, for in your womb, as in a tabernacle, rested the divine Fire, the Word, through the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus He was manifested to our eyes in a human nature.

@KATAVAS SMALL = Jonah stretched out his hands in prayer in the form of a Cross within the belly of the whale, plainly prefiguring the saving Passion. cast out from there after three days, he foreshadowed the marvellous Resurrection of Christ our God, who was crucified in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising on the third day.

Little Litany

Kontakion

(Tone 4)

Through your holy birth, O Immaculate One, Joachim and Anne were delivered from the shame of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death. Your people redeemed from the debt of their sins celebrate your birth crying out to you: the barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Both the prayer and the sighs of Joachim and Anne, weeping for their barreness and childlessness were acceptable and reached the ears of the Lord. They produced a fruit which bore life for the world. The first prayed on a mountain, while the other meditated on her reproach in the garden; but the barren one gave birth in joy to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life.

Synaxarion

On September 8, we celebrate the Nativity of our Lady, the Most Holy Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary.

Holy Anne is more blessed than all mothers, until the Virgin becomes a Mother in her turn. On September eighth, she brings into the light of day the woman who will give birth to the infinite Light.

By her holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Ode7

@ODE TEXT = The bush burning without being consumed and the heated flame bringing dew prefigured your mystery, O divine Bride. Your womb was not burned by the divine Fire it received. Thus we sing to the Fruit of your womb, "Blessed are You, Lord God of our Fathers!"

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -O Virgin, the Giver of the Old Law was able to discern your great mystery in your immaterial manifestations, for he had been taught to reject all earthly thoughts before the sign of revelation. Thus, astonished at this wonder, he cried out, "Blessed are You, Lord God of our Fathers!"

@ODE TEXT = -Mountain, mystical ladder and gate of heaven are the divine names which the Prophets gave you beforehand, for from you was hewn the Stone, not quarried by the hand of man; and through your gate has passed only the Lord, the worker of wonders, the god of our Fathers!

@ODE TEXT = -Without seed you gave birth to the Lord who existed before the ages in His eternity, the Son of the Father, the Wisdom and Power of God, who took flesh in these later days in order to refashion mankind. Thus, all-pure, spotless Virgin, we say to your Son, "Blessed are You!"

@CANON INDENT = -With the help of God, the fiery furnace of the Chaldaeans was covered with dew by the Spirit; and the young men sang out in wonder: "Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers!"

@CANON INDENT = -O pure Virgin, we celebrate your holy nativity; with faith we worship before this fruit of the promise. By it, we have been freed from the ancestral sentence through the coming of your Son.

@CANON INDENT = -Anne exults and cries out with fervor: "Although barren, I have given birth to the Mother of God; through her Eve is no longer subject to the condemnation, and woman will forever forget her pains in travail!"

@CANON INDENT = -Adam is freed and Eve dances with joy. They say to you in spirit, O Mother of God, "In you we are delivered from the original curse by the coming of your Son!"

@CANON INDENT = -Fruitless souls, barren and childless, hasten, for holy Anne now rejoices and is enriched by countless descendants; mothers, exult in joy with the Mother of God!

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -Let us glorify the Father, the Son and the Spirit: the all-Holy Trinity in one Divinity, undivided and uncreated, consubstantial and coeternal.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -You remained virgin after giving birth; you alone gave birth to our God. By this, you renewed our nature, O Mary. You delivered Eve from the original curse, O pure Mother of God!

@KATAVAS SMALL = The senseless decree of the wicked tyrant, threatening and blasphemous, made confusion for the people. Yet neither threats nor the roaring fire frightened three young men. Standing together in the flames, fanned by the dew-bearing wind, they sang, "Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our Fathers!"

Ode8

@ODE TEXT = You once prefigured Your Mother beforehand in the furnace of the young men, O Lord; this image delivered them from the flames in which they walked. We sing of her on this day of her manifestation to all, and we exalt her throughout the ages.

v. Most holy Theotokos, save us! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -The predestined tabernacle of our reconciliation with God now begins to exist. She will give birth to the Word, appearing to us in material flesh. He has brought us out of nothing into being; we sing to Him and exult Him throughout the ages!

@ODE TEXT = -The transformation brought about in the barren one delivers the world, which had been barren in good works; this wonder prefigured the descent of Christ among mortal men. He has brought us out of nothingness into being; we sing to Him and exalt Him and exalt Him throughout the ages!

@ODE TEXT = -On behalf of your flock, O holy Mother, ceaselessly beseech the compassionate Christ to deliver us from all harm. We sing of you as the Mother of God, the infallible and wondrous help of Christians, and we exalt you throughout the ages.

@CANON INDENT = -You made Your dwelling above the heavens and put a boundary to the sea: the sun sings to You, the moon glorifies You; to You belongs the praises of all creation, O Creator God, through all ages!

@CANON INDENT = -You worked wonders for the barren Anne; you opened her sterile womb and made it fruitful; as the Son of the Virgin, O Holy God, You assumed flesh in the virginal Mother of God!

@CANON INDENT = -You seal the abyss and open it; You lift up waters

above the clouds and grant rain to the world; from the infertile branch of Anne, You made a stem bud, the all-pure fruit which is the Mother of God.

@CANON INDENT = -You shattered the unbreakable bonds of barreness; to the barren one, You gave an illustrious fruit, the fertile child, from whom would come the Son as a shoot. She was Your Mother according to the flesh when You came among us, O God of compassion.

@CANON INDENT = -Gardener of our souls and hearts, You have made the barren earth fertile. You have made a parched land a fruitful seat of harvests. From holy Anne, you brought forth the all-pure fruit which is the Mother of God.

@CANON INDENT = v. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -Holy and eternal Trinity, Most High God, the multitudes of angels sing to You with trembling; heaven, earth and the sea quake before You; mankind serves You; fire is Your servant; all creation obeys You in fear.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -O wondrous news! God Himself is born, becoming the Son of a woman; and without seed, the Unwedded One becomes the Mother of a Son. Wondrous spectacle, amazing conception, ineffable maternity which surpasses sight and thought!

@KATAVAS SMALL = O young men, equal in member to the Trinity, bless God the Father and Creator; sing the praises of the Word who came down and changed the fire to refreshing dew; and exalt above all else forever the Most Holy Spirit, who gives life to all.

(The Canticle of Mary is not sung today)

Ode 9

v. O my soul, magnify the glorious Nativity of the Mother of God! (between the Troparia)

@ODE TEXT = -The divine Light that rose before the dawn and dwelt bodily among us ineffably took flesh from your virginal womb: we magnify you, O blessed Virgin and Mother of God.

@ODE TEXT = -He who made springs of water gush forth from the hard rock for a disobedient people gives you to us, the obedient Gentiles, as the fruit of a barren womb, much to our joy, O pure Mother of God, whom we magnify as is right.

@ODE TEXT = -You were born from just parents by a decision of divine counsel, so that the Word might dwell among us in the flesh and save us. You are the divine Mother of Christ our Life; today we celebrate your glorious Nativity.

@ODE TEXT = -You are the one who takes away the ancient condemnation, repairing the fall of the mother of all the living, reconciling mankind with God, the bridge leading the creature to the Creator. O Mother of God, we magnify you!

v. O my soul, magnify the Virgin Mary, the daughter of the barren one! (between the Troparia)

(Tone 8)

@CANON INDENT = Mothers cannot be virgins, now virgins mothers and yet in you, O Mother of God, both virginity and motherhood were planned and fulfilled. Wherefore all the peoples of the earth unceasingly we extol you.

@CANON INDENT = -According to the promise O holy Mother, you inherited a birth worthy of your purity; you were granted as a holy fruit to the barren one. All the families of the nations, from age to age, magnify you.

@CANON INDENT = -Behold the accomplishment of the prophecy which said, "I will raise up the fallen hut of David." This prefigured you, O pure Virgin. Through you, the dust of mankind has been refashioned completely in the body of our God.

@CANON INDENT = -We prostrate before your swaddling-clothes, O Mother of God; we glorify Him who gave you as a fruit to the woman once barren. By a miracle, He opened the womb that had been childless. All that He wills, He does, as the Mighty God.

@CANON INDENT = -O holy Anne, mother of the Bride, against all hope you have produced from your womb the virginal flower, according to the promise, as the divine splendor of purity. Thus we all call you blessed as the root of our life.

@CANON INDENT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@CANON INDENT = -It is alien to the impious to praise Your Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, eternal Trinity, all-powerful and uncreated. Through You the whole world was established as a sign of Your divine will.

@CANON INDENT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@CANON INDENT = -In your womb, O Virgin Mother of God, you sheltered One of the Holy Trinity, Christ our King. The entire creation sings to Him; before Him the thrones on high tremble. Intercede with HIm that our souls may be saved.

@KATAVAS SMALL = O Mother of God, you became a Mystical Paradise, when without tilling you brought forth Christ our God, by whom the life-giving Tree of the Cross was planted on earth. Therefore seeing Him on the Cross, we adore Him and we magnify you.

@KATAVAS SMALL = Today the death that came to man through eating of the tree is made ineffective through the Cross. For the curse of our mother Eve that fell on the human race is destroyed by the pure fruit of the Mother of God, whom all the powers of heaven magnify.

Exapostilaria

Today the ends of the earth exult with joy on the feast of your nativity, all-holy and divine unwedded Bride, Virgin Mary; for it removes the shame and opprobrium of your parents; it ends barreness, the cause of their pain, and takes away the curse on our first mother. (Twice)

Be clothed with a new glory, O Adam and Eve! In company with the holy Apostles, O Prophets, sing and rejoice together with all the just. Let there be a common joy among angels and men, for on this festive day, the just Joachim and Anne have brought into the world the Mother of our God.

Praises

(Tone 1)

4. O marvellous wonder! The source of Life is born from a barren woman; grace begins to grant its radiant fruit! Rejoice, O Joachim, who begot the Mother of God: there is no earthly father like you, O divinely inspired, for through you we have been given the Virgin who bore God, His divine tabernacle, His holy mountain.

3. O marvellous wonder! The source of life...(Repeat)

2. O marvellous wonder! The fruit of the barren one, which shone forth at the will of the Mighty Creator of all, delivered the world which had been barren in good deeds. O mothers, exult with the grandmother of God, and say, "Hail, O full of grace; the Lord is with you,. Through you, He grants the world great mercy!

1. Living pillar of purity, resplendent vessel of grace, the illustrious and holy Anne has brought to the world the crown of virginity, its holy flowering. It is she who bestows the beauty of virginity to every virgin and to all who love this gift. She obtains great mercy for all the faithful.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = This is the day of the Lord: Rejoice, therefore, O nations! Behold: the Chamber of Light, the scroll of the Living Word, has come forth from the womb. The gate that opens to the rising Sun and is ready for the entrance of the High Priest is here today. She is the only one who introduced Christ, and Christ alone, into this world for the salvation of our souls.

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Feast. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 9

Second Day of the Feast;

Commemoration of the Holy and Just Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anne;

and of the Holy Martyr Severian

(4th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

6. O feast-lovers, come, let us now and exult and sing; let us celebrate this feast with faith, glorifying the memory of Joachim and Anne, that holy couple: for they have brought forth for us the spotless Virgin, the Mother of God. They have left this passing world for eternal life, in the everlasting mansions. There they intercede for our salvation.

5. Today, O holy Mother all worthy of our hymns, the whole creation, radiant with joy, celebrates with one heart the annual memorial of your parents, the feast of the admirable Joachim and Anne. Giving birth to you against all hope, they obtained joy for us by offering us the woman who would make the Light shine, the Sustainer of our life.

4. Today Anne rejoices; her heart is exalted; she exults with joy. She sees the fulfillment of the desire for fruitfulness which she had long cherished. She brings forth as her holy offspring the woman promised as a blessing, Mary, the spotless Virgin, who would bear our God, to shine like the sun upon those sitting in darkness.

3. Scourged for Christ, hung on a gibbet, your flesh cruelly torn because of the order you received to sacrifice to the false gods, you did not deny the Lord of all, O blessed martyr. But by your sufferings, you proved the weakness of the idols, their lack of power; and you became a companion to the angels.

2. Let away as a captive and covered with wounds, you inspired those who saw you to follow in your foot steps, O blessed one. They looked to the incorruptible reward in heaven and gained the bliss and joy, the goods that remain forever, which are the inheritance of the servants of Christ our God.

1. Your jaw broken and your flesh torn, scraped by a large rock from head to foot, cruelly broken, O illustrious martyr, you crushed the head of the dragon by your perseverance in the struggle and your patience, which the barbarity of the tortures could not overcome.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 5)

@BODY TXT IND = O blessed couple, you surpassed all couples on earth when you gave birth to the woman who surpasses all creation. Hail, blessed Joachim, for being the father of such a daughter! O Anne, blessed is your womb which produced the Mother of our Life! Blessed are the breasts which nourished her who sustained with her milk the Sustainer of all that has life and breath. Beg Him to grant our souls great mercy!

Aposticha

(Tone 1)

1. Anne and Joachim rejoice at having for their daughter the only Theotokos, the first fruits of our salvation. With them, let us also celebrate the feast today, saying, "Blessed is the Virgin the pure fruit from the root of Jesse!"

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. The pure Mother of God, the Virgin whom He chose as His dwelling-place, the glory of the Prophets, the daughter of David is born today in a chaste manner from Joachim and Anne. By her birth-giving, she will overthrow the curse transmitted to us from Adam.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. The once barren soil gives birth to a ground rich in fruit; the childless one nourishes with milk the fruit of her own womb! O great wonder! Behold: she who sustains our Life, the woman who received in herself the Bread from heaven, is nourished at the breast.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 2)

@AFTR APOSTICA = A formerly barren womb produced the divine Mother, the holy branch from which would spring Christ our God, the salvation of the world. The holy Couple, Joachim and Anne, have passed to the heavenly courts. With their daughter, the spotless Virgin, they now exult in the company of the angels, constantly interceding for the world. Joining them in faith, we sing to them and say, "Through the handmaid of God, the all-pure Mary, you have become the grandparents of her Son, Jesus Christ; intercede for our souls!"

Troparion of Joachim and Anne

(Tone 8)

We celebrate the memory of Your holy Ancestors, O Lord, and through them we beseech You to save our souls.

v. Glory be the Father and to the Son and to the Holy spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Feast

(Tone 4)

Your Nativity, O Mother of God, heralded joy to the whole universe; for from you rose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Taking away the curse, He imparted the blessings; and by abolishing death, He gave us everlasting life.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 1)

Wondrously born of the barren one in her travails, you surpassed nature when you conceived in your virginal womb. Sprouting as a splendid branch yourself, you flowered forth Life for the world. Thus the heavenly Powers sing to you, O Mother of God: "Glory to your venerable Nativity! Glory to your virginity! Glory to your maternity, O only spotless one!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 5)

All in heaven now rejoice, and mankind keeps feast with them. The Prophets mystically exult with joy; for today is born the woman whom in former generations they had seen in signs as a vessel, a scepter and bush, a gate, a throne and radiant cloud, and a holy mountain.

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

Now that Anne is fertile and nurses the most pure one, she rejoices and calls us all to sing a hymn of praise to Christ who gave mankind the only ever-virgin Mother.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Delivered by prayer from the bonds of her former barreness, holy Anne invites us to celebrate this wonder with joy. Let us offer gifts to her daughter, calling upon her before whom choirs of virgins once gathered and said, "Behold the one who turns us back toward God and who delivered Adam from his bonds; for Anne has brought forth the only ever-virgin Mother!"

Synaxarion

On September 9, we celebrate the Synaxis of the just Joachim and Anne.

Joachim exults with Anne today; for on this day, the salvation of the world is at hand. On the ninth, the ancestors of Him who frees us from evil have received their festive synaxis.

On this same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Severian.

Although his feet are attached to a heavy stone, the martyr Severian rejoices as he hangs, for he dies lifted up above the earth like an angel.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

She who takes away the curse from the mother of all the living is born of Joachim and Anne is their barren old age. Let all of us, the faithful, acclaim her with the angels, as is right!

You were the leader of forty martyrs who gave witness in the pool, O blessed Severian. Together with them, O illustrious martyr, be mindful of all the faithful who celebrate your radiant memorial, venerating you with their whole heart, O victorious witness to Christ.

Be clothed with a new glory, O Adam and Eve! In company with the holy Apostles, O Prophets, sing and rejoice together with all the just. Let there be a common joy among angels and men, for on this festive day, the just Joachim and Anne have brought into the world the Mother of our God!

Praises

(Tone 2)

4. Let us give thanks to the Redeemer, the Sustainer of the universe: for He willed that the barren one give birth to the Mother of God, against all hope.

3. Let us give thanks...(Repeat)

2. Come, let us ceaselessly magnify Mary, the descendant of David, sprung from the tribe of Judah, the Mother of God: through her, salvation has come to us.

1. Today Anne gloriously and wondrously gives birth to the gate of Light, the Virgin Mary: O peoples and tribes, exult with joy!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = Today the spotless Virgin comes forth from the barren one. Today her Nativity brings joy to the world. Adam is delivered from his bonds. Eve is freed from the curse. The heavens rejoice; peace is granted to mankind. Singing her glory, let us say, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will toward men!"

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Nativity of Mary. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 10

Third Day of the Feast;

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the feast

(Tone 2)

6. How could we speak with unprepared lips of the blessed Virgin who has been born? She is more venerable than all creation, more holy than the Cherubim and all the angels of heaven! She is the unshakeable Throne of the King, the dwelling-place of the Most High, the salvation of the world, the sanctuary of God, the woman who - by her Nativity - grants the faithful peace and great mercy.

5. What spiritual hymns can we sing to you, O all holy Virgin? As you were born of a barren woman, you sanctified the whole creation. by you, Adam was freed of his bonds and Eve of her pains. The angels celebrate this feast in their choirs; heaven is joined to the joy of the earth; the souls of the just sing spiritual hymns, faithfully raising up their praise of your holy Nativity.

4. What hymns can the young maidens address to you today, O Virgin, as they stand around your cradle? Filled with wonder, they cry out: "Behold the Palace of the great King is born! Behold, the Ark of His holiness shines forth! The barren gates are opened: the holy Gate introduces an abundance of virtues, granting us peace and great mercy!

For the martyrs

(Tone 4)

3. You were robed in the royal purple of your own blood, O young virgin martyrs! In an incorruptible manner, you were united to the One who is radiant in beauty, Christ our God, who keeps you in perfect virginity in the eternal and immaterial bridal chamber, in His dwelling not made by hands in the abodes of heaven.

2. In the youthfulness of your bodies and the maturity of your hearts, O illustrious martyrs, you struggled by the power of the Spirit against the prince of evil, the ancient dragon; and you reduced his strength to impotence. Thus you were given the crown of victory, O Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora, equal in number to the Holy Trinity!

1. In your tortured bodies, burned by fire, torn by iron instruments, tied to the gibbet and beheaded by the sword, you never denied Christ, O illustrious martyrs. Thus you were given the crown of victory, O Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora, equal in number to the Holy Trinity!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = O Virgin an angel had foretold that you would be born today from the just Joachim and Anne as a consecrated offspring, the heaven and throne of God, a vessel of holiness, announcing joy to the whole world and bringing us our Life, who takes away the curse and grants us a blessing. Thus, O Virgin chosen by God, on this day of your Nativity, seek peace and great mercy for our souls!

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. Rejoice, O choir of Prophets! Behold, the barren one has budded forth the fruit through which your prophecies are fulfilled.

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend you ear.

2. Exult, Joachim, as you see that through Anne, you have been given the fruit of the womb who in her turn will give birth to redemption and life for the world.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. Joachim exults with Anne: he in his old age, she in her barreness, for they have given youth and renewal to mankind which had once grown old.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 4)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Mother of God, receive this praise from my stained lips and grant me the remission of my sins, that I may turn toward God and away from evil.

Troparion of the Martyrs

(Tone 4)

You exchanged cruel torments and bitter death for eternal life. Three virgins professed the uncreated Trinity before a false judge at a lawless trial. You followed in the footsteps of the slaughtered Lamb when they pierced you with the sword. Intercede for all those who honor your holy memory.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Feast

(Tone 4)

Your Nativity, O Mother of God, heralded joy to the whole universe; for from you rose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Taking away the curse, He imparted the blessings; and by abolishing death, He gave us everlasting life.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 4)

Tell us, O David, what has the Lord our God promised you? "I have seen the fulfillment of His promises," you say, "for He has given me the Virgin as the fruit of my loins. She will give birth to the Creator, Christ, the new Adam, a King to sit upon my throne. Behold, He now *reigns, and His Kingdom shall have no end," The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

From the root of Jesse and from the loins of David, Mary, the handmaid of God is born for us today. The whole creation rejoices and is renewed. Heaven and earth exult together. O families of nations, praise her! Joachim is glad and Anne cries out in celebration, "The barren one gives birth to the Mother of God, the Sustainer of our life!"

Kontakion

(Tone 4)

You suffered bravely for the Trinity, and you vanquished the cunning enemy. You have been robed in light for your sisterly love for one another, and now you join the company of the five wise virgins. Now you stand with the angels in that happy, heavenly court in the presence of the King of all.

Synaxarion

On September 10, we commemorate the holy martyrs Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora.

For Menodora, Metrodora and Nymphodora, the cruel tortures seemed to be gifts, for through them, on the tenth, mounting the heights of heaven, they passed to the Lord, who is adored by all the faithful.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

In the presence of the tyrants who made them suffer, the three virgins confessed the Trinity as the God whom they loved; thus they received the incorruptible crown in heaven.

O sweetness of the angels, light of mankind, protectress of the world, O Virgin Mary: save from sin the faithful who sing to you as the Mother of God.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. The Virgin, the child of Anne and Joachim, has appeared to mankind, so that the whole human race might be delivered from the bonds of sin.

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. Holy Anne in her barreness has been revealed as an overshadowed mountain; through her, salvation has passed to all believers.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. Having broken the bonds holding holy Anne in barrenness, the spotless Virgin has come forth to mankind, bring the remission of sins.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O faithful, let us glorify the spotless Virgin. She has been born from a barren mother so that our barren nature might be renewed.

September 11

Fourth Day of the Feast;

Commemoration of our Holy Mother

Theodora of Alexandria

(5th Class)

Today we also sing the Office of the holy hieromartyr Autonomos because of the Leave-taking of the Feast on September 12.

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For Theodora

(Tone 4)

6. In a woman's body, but clothed as a man, you waged manly combats, dwelling in the midst of men, dominating the passions and rooting out completely the assaults of pleasures by your asceticism, O Theodora. You did this through your continuous prayer and the holy inclination which ceaselessly carried you toward the Lord.

5. The sun which daily sets never saw you commit a sin; and the Lord , the never-setting Sun, who knows the secrets of all hearts, knew you and illumined the eyes of your heart with the light of repentance. Thus you devoted yourself to serving Him in continual abstinence and the perfection of the virtues.

4. Aware of the traps laid by the enemy, you loved the child whose father you were falsely accused to be, O illustrious Mother. Raising him with a truly fatherly love, you piously endured the reproach and terrible slander. Thus, O Theodora, we celebrate your venerable feast.

For Autonomos

(Tone 4)

3. Resplendent with virtues and clothed in the Faith, O holy priest, you were like a radiant sun crossing over the world as you sowed the seed of your holy preaching in all places. Using your tongue as a scythe, you cut down all falsehood and error, O Autonomos, priest and witness to our God!

2. You went forward into painful struggles, manly combats, wounds and death. Buried under a hail of stones, O holy martyr, you used them as steps of a ladder to mount up to God, wearing your crown, where you were united to the angels in heaven. There you intercede for us all.

1. O Autonomos you made your priestly vestments resplendent with the grace of the Holy Spirit and your blood in martyrdom. You entered in spirit into the greatest sanctuary in heaven, preceded by Jesus, the Great High Priest. You received from God the crown of victory in company with all those who poured out their blood for Him.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = Indeed, some famous barren women have given birth by the will of God. But the nativity of Mary surpasses all nativities in honor and splendor, as it is worthy of the majesty of God, for she was born in a miraculous way of a barren mother, and she herself gave birth in the flesh to the God of all, incarnate in her womb without human seed, against the laws of nature. She alone is the door through which the only-begotten Son of God has passed while leaving it sealed, as He had planned in His eternal wisdom. Thus did He bring salvation to all mankind!

Aposticha

(Tone 1)

1. Anne and Joachim rejoice, for they have brought into the world the only Theotokos, the first fruits of our salvation. With them, we celebrate the feast today, blessing the pure Virgin from the root of Jesse.

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. The Virgin in whom God chose to dwell, the pure Theotokos, the glory of the prophets, the daughter of David, is born today of Joachim and Anne in a chaste manner. By her birthgiving, she overthrows the curse which was transmitted to us from Adam.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. The formerly barren soil gives birth to a fertile ground; and the barren one nourishes with milk the fruit of her womb. O awesome wonder! She who sustains our life, who received in her body the Bread from Heaven, is now nourished at her mother's breast!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = On this glorious feast day, which is all ours, let us play as with a harp, for on this day is born from the stem of David the Mother of Light who dispelled all darkness. She is the source of immortality, the renewal of Adam and Eve. Through her we were made godly and delivered from death. O Faithful, let us then cry out to her in the words of Gabriel: "Hail, O Woman full of grace, the Lord is with you! Through you, the Lord will bestow great mercy upon us all!"

Troparion of Theodora

(Tone 8)

In you, O Mother Theodora was restored the likeness of God, for you carried your cross and followed Christ; you taught by your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away, and how to value the soul for it is immortal. wherefore, your soul is forever in happiness with the angels.

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

Troparion of Autonomos

(Tone 4)

The Church call us to celebrate your memory with faith, O illustrious and glorious Autonomos, for you were pleasing to the Trinity. She rejoices as she praises you. Intercede with the Lover of Mankind that He may save our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Feast

(Tone 4)

Your Nativity, O Mother of God, heralded joy to the whole universe, for from you rose the Sun of Justice Christ our God, taking away the curse, He imparted the blessings, and by abolishing Death, He gave us ever lasting life.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 4)

Your Nativity, O Virgin Mother Mary, has made universal joy shine upon earth, giving light to the hearts that sing to you with love.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Clothed in spiritual brocade by the immaterial Spirit, the entire earth cries out to you with joy at your holy nativity: "Hail, O Virgin, pride of Christians!"

Kontakion

(Tone 1)

O blessed one, you fled from the dark night of the passions and drew near in spirit to the Sun of Glory, mortifying the desires of the flesh by asceticism. You became a model of life for monks and an encouragement for those who have fallen. Thus we glorify your memory.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Your holy life is a model for those who have fallen and who desire to draw near in repentance to Him who can forgive sins, as the Scriptures say. Like the adulteress of old, you offered Him streams of tears instead of myrrh. By them, you submerged and drowned the serpent and received the crown of victory, O blessed Theodora. Having put the beast to death by your prayers, you raised up a dead man by the power of the Creator for whom you had mortified your body. Thus we glorify your memory.

Synaxarion

On September 11, we commemorate our venerable Mother Theodora of Alexandria.

Theodora, the penitent of Alexandria, appears as a man in both heart and habit. Her humility causes shame and a deep wound to the proud enemy. On the eleventh, she enters the heavenly homeland.

By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Changing your clothing, you dwelt among monks without being recognized, O Theodora, bride of Christ, wounded by love for your God. O venerable Mother, what a wondrous patience you showed in the face of slander, thus putting to flight the seducer of the mother of all the living.

Among priests, you are the glory of the martyrs, and you received a double crown, O holy father: for you brought down the error of idolatry, O thrice-blessed hierarch Autonomos. Thus you were given a victor's reward.

From Anne, the barren one, a flower has blossomed today: the Mother of God. She pours forth a sweet fragrance over all, filling the whole creation with eternal joy. Thus we sing to her, as is right, celebrating her as the greatest of our mortal race.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. The divine vision of your chaste maternity, O holy Anne, was prefigured in the rod of Aaron, which began to flower although it had been dry.

v. Listen, daughter, and behold and lend your ear.

2. When, in Your good pleasure, You decided to assume our human nature, O Lord, You caused Your holy Mother to be born from the barren one.

v. The rich among the people shall seek your favor.

3. As though in heaven, You took up Your dwelling in a new heaven, the womb of the virginal Theotokos, in order to deify mankind, O Lord.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Children of Adam, come, let us sing to the child of David who gave birth to Christ: the all-pure Virgin Mary.

September 12

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God;

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Autonomos

At Vespers: the six stichera of the Feast (September 8) are sung at the Lamplighting Psalms. Glory... Now... of the Feast. (On Friday evening, Glory... of the Feast; Now... Dogmaticon of the Tone). Prokimenon of the day, without readings. Entrance. Troparion of the Feast (3 times)

At Orthros: Troparion of the Feast (3 times). Sessional Hymns of the Feast (without the Polyeleos or Gospel). Psalm 50 without the idiomela of the feast. Canons of the Feast (after the 3rd Ode, sessional hymns of the feast; after the 6th Ode, Kontakion and Ikos of the feast with the Synaxarion of Automomos below; at the 9th Ode, the Canticle of Mary is not sung, but rather the proper ninth ode) Exapostilaria and praises of the Feast. Great Doxology. Troparion of the feast.

If the leavetaking falls on Sunday: follow the normal rules for the occurrence.

Synaxarion

On September 12, we celebrate the passion of the holy hieromartyr Autonomos.

At the Table of the Lord, the martyr Autonomos is offered as both victim and sacrificer. Climbing the stones which were hurled upon him, causing death, he attained to the Kingdom of Heaven on the twelfth.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

September 13

Dedication of the Anastasis;

Forefeast of the Exaltation of the Cross;

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion

(3rd Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Dedication

(Tone 6)

6. The ancient Law commanded the celebration of the dedication, and it did well. But it is better to celebrate a dedication by a renewal; for, as Isaiah says, "the islands are renewed at the presence of God." These islands are the Churches of the Gentiles, which came to be founded and established in God. Thus, as we commemorate the dedication, let us celebrate a renewal!

VESPERS

5. Brethren: renew yourselves and begin a new life, putting aside your old nature. Let us control our passions which lead to death, re-dedicating all the faithful, so that they can hate the taste of evil. Let us no longer remember the former things, except to flee from them. In this way, man is renewed and the feast of the dedication may be celebrated.

4. O Christ, who are the eternal Word, establish Your Church as a tower of strength. Because You have founded it upon the Rock of Faith, it remains unshaken from age to age, since it contains You who became man for the Church in these latter days. We thank You, praising and singing: "You are from the beginning and eternal; O our King, glory to You!"

For Cornelius

(Tone 4)

3. Since your prayers and your generosity rose in God's sight, O wondrous Cornelius, Christ sent a holy angel to enlighten you. And the chief of the Apostles came from Joppa to renew you through water and the Holy Spirit. You and your entire household were introduced to the greatest good through the grace of the Spirit.

2. Robed in the priesthood through anointing, you travelled throughout the world to preach the message of salvation to the nations, rooting out the thorns of error from souls and planting the most stable teachings in all. Thus we joyfully bless you as an inspired hierarch and invincible martyr.

1. Following the example of your goodness, the ignorant were made wise. After your death, going down into the tomb according to the law of nature, you became a fountain of miracles, pouring out streams to heal the sick and afflicted, and to expel the harmful spirits by the grace of the Holy Spirit, O inspired hierarch.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = As we celebrate the memorial of the Dedication, O Lord, we glory in You as the Source of all sanctification. We pray You to sanctify our understanding through the prayers of Your illustrious martyrs, O God of goodness and all-powerful Savior.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = Today the wood of the Cross has been made visible. Today the plots of the impious were confounded. Today the Rulers of the faithful brought about the triumph of our Faith. Once the demons brought about our fall through the tree of Adam; now the tree of the Cross fills them with terror. Glory to You, O all-powerful Lord, glory to You!

Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. readings

Readings: 1) I Kings 8:22-23, 27-30; 2) Proverbs 3:19-34; 3) Proverbs 9:1-11.

Aposticha

(Tone 5)

1. Hail, life-bearing Cross of the Lord, invincible triumph of Orthodoxy! You are the gate to Paradise, the strength of the faithful, the stronghold of the Church. Because of you, corruption no longer has any meaning nor any power: we have been lifted up by you from earth to heaven. You are an invincible weapon against evil, a glory indeed for saints and martyrs and a haven of salvation; you are a source of mercy to the world.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. Hail, most honorable Cross of the Lord! Through you, mankind has been relieved of the curse. You are a sign of joy indeed, and of terror to our spiritual enemies; you are the help of Christians, the glory of kings, the strength of the just, the splendor of priests, a staff of power to your people and a source of peace. Around you the angels gather in awe: you are glory of Christ, who grants great mercy to the world.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. Hail, precious Cross of the Lord, guide to the blind, physician to the sick and resurrection to all the dead. You lifted us out of corruption and removed the curse; through you, we have been made godly, and the power of Hades has been destroyed in full. Wherefore, seeing you today lifted up by our priests, we exalt Christ who was suspended on you, and we bow deeply before you, seeking forgiveness and great mercy.

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

(Tone 2)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Lord, we glorify You as we celebrate the dedication of the all-holy temple of Your divine Resurrection. You have consecrated and completed the Church with Your all-sufficient grace. You are pleased in the divine and mystical services, the bloodless and pure sacrifices which are celebrated by the faithful, and accepted from the hands of Your servants. You give in exchange to those properly offering the mysteries, the cleansing of their sins and Your great mercy.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = The divine treasure hidden in the earth, the Cross of the life-giving Lord, appears in the sky to the pious emperor, showing him the spiritual sign for his victory over the enemy. With love, in joy and faith, he is divinely inspired to seek the exaltation of the object of his vision. He carefully has it lifted from the bosom of the earth for the redemption of the world and the salvation of our souls.

Troparion of the Dedication

(Tone 4)

As You had shown from on high the splendor of the firmament, so did You show on earth the splendor of the dwelling-place of Your holy glory: make it stand firm forever and ever, and accept the supplications which we offer there to You, unceasingly, through Your Mother, O You the Life and Resurrection of all!

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

Troparion of Cornelius

(Tone 4)

O holy hieromartyr Cornelius, you lent yourself to the apostles' way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Forefeast

(Tone 2)

We offer You, O Lord, as a means of intercession, the life-giving Cross, a sign of Your bounty You have given us in spite of our unworthiness. Save our county and Your people who offer You their supplications through Your Mother, O You who alone are the Lover of Mankind.

ORTHROS

Use the Festal Format

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 4)

By His coming, Christ enlightened the cosmos; and by His divine Spirit, He has renewed the whole world. Souls experience renewal, for a temple has been raised to the glory of the Lord. It is there that Christ our God renews the hearts of believers in order to grant great mercy to mankind.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Today, the Feast of the Dedication, O believers, is the chosen day of the Lord. This day invites us all to renewal. With radiant faces, hearts warmed by faith, let us sing to Christ, our Redeemer, who grants renewal to us all.

There is no Gospel, Polyeleos, nor Idiomela after Psalm 50.

Kontakion of the Dedication

(Tone 4)

You have made of the Church a resplendent heaven, enlightening all the faithful: wherefore we stand in the midst of this holy dwelling-place and we cry out to You: "Make firm this house, O Lord!"

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The Word dwelt among us in the flesh; and the son of thunder tells us in the Scriptures, "We have seen His glory: the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love. Any who did accept Him, He impowered to become children of God!" We who were born again, not by blood nor by carnal desire, but by placing our faith in the Hply Spirit, stand in the house of prayer, built by our hands, and sing, "Make firm this house, O Lord!"

Synaxarion

On September 13, we commemorate the Dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Resurrection of Christ our God.

Following the old Law, the new Israel celebrates the annual solemnity of the Renewal. On the thirteenth of September, we thank God for the dedication of His Church of the Anastasis.

On this same day, we commemorate holy Cornelius the Centurion.

You became the first-fruits of the Gentiles in the Church, O Cornelius: an honor well-deserved.

Through his prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

Lifted up on the Cross on Golgotha, the Lord brought about our salvation and renewed the whole creation. Laid in His life-giving tomb, He rose on the third day as God. All of us, together with the choirs of angels, celebrate the Dedication of the radiant and venerable Anastasis.

The Lord God brought about salvation in the midst of the earth by the Cross, after willingly assuming our flesh for the renewal of the world. Laid in the tomb, He rose on the third day. As a pledge of life, we always have the divine Anastasis, whose Dedication we celebrate with the angels of God.

O Virgin, in joy we say to you, "Hail, deliver of Adam and Eve from the ancient curse! Hail, for through you, human nature was elevated to the heavenly glory of your Son and God! Hail, Mother of God and Virgin Mary, for thanks to you, angels worship before it in heaven at all times!"

Praises

(Tone 4)

6. Today the divine and sacred house, the venerable and radiant temple of the Resurrection of Christ celebrates its resplendent renewal. The holy sepulchre offers life to the world and pours out immortality upon us. From it flow streams of the grace of God, granting abundant miracles and bestowing healing upon the faithful who sing of it.

5. The radiant brightness of heaven has shone forth and given light, illuminating the creation with its rays. We the faithful venerate the Anastasis of Christ our Redeemer, celebrating in hymns the life-giving and divine feast of its holy Renewal to the melody of psalms, in order to obtain the grace of the Lord and Savior.

4. Wishing to contemplate beforehand the scepter of the Cross elevated in the midst of the earth, let us purify our souls and enlighten our spirits with radiant light in advance. Resplendent with divine power, let us sing to Christ, who by the venerable wood of His Cross of His Cross sanctifies the faithful who glorify and praise Him with fervor.

(Tone 1)

3. Celebrate your renewal, O new Jerusalem, for your Light has come and the glory of the Lord shines upon you. This house was built by the FAther. This temple was made firm by the Son. This dwelling is renewed by the Holy Spirit, who enlightens, strengthens and sanctifies our souls.

2. When he dedicated the temple, O Lord, Solomon once offered You sacrifices and holocausts of brute animals. But since You willed that images fade away and reality be known, O Savior, the ends of the earth now offer unbloody sacrifices to Your glory, O Master of the cosmos, who sanctify all things by the Holy Spirit.

(Tone 4)

1. The Church of the gentiles is renewed today by the venerable and life-giving blood flowing from the pure side of Him who took flesh from the holy Virgin, Christ our God. Thus, we the faithful gather together in choir to glorify the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one God who rules the world.

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

(Tone 3)

@BODY TXT IND = Return within yourself, O man, taking off the old man and being clothed in the new. Celebrate the renewal of your soul. And since there is time, let your whole life be renewed, because the old things have passed away, and behold, all is made new. Let the fruit of this feast be for you a change for the good; to the extent that man is renewed, the Feast of the Renewal is fittingly is fittingly celebrated.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = Christ our God, who deigned to suffer the crucifixion for the resurrection of the whole human race, on the Cross You signed the royal decree of our liberation with the purple of Your own blood. Do not abandon us in the dangers surroundings us of being separated again from You. In Your unique goodness, take pity on Your people in distress. Rise up and fight against our adversaries, O all-powerful Lord.

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Dedication. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 14

Feast of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross

(1st Class)

@VES/ORTH = GREAT VESPERS

Before Vespers, the Holy Cross is brought forth to the Holy Place, and a lamp burns before it.

On Saturday or Sunday evening, the First Kathisma of the Psalter; "Blessed the man." On other days there is no reading from the Psalter.

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 6)

6. By its elevation, the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation to adore the blessed Passion of Christ our God who was suspended on it, for Christ destroyed by this Cross the one who had destroyed us. In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead, and He beatified us and made us worthy of heaven, for He is merciful. Wherefore, we exalt His name with great rejoicing and glorify His infinite condescension.

5. By its elevation...(Repeat)

4. O precious Cross of the Lord, Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven and thus defeated the haughty Amalek. You are the pride of the faithful, the strength of those who struggle. You are the beauty of the apostles, the courage of the just and salvation of all the saints. Wherefore, at the sight of your elevation, the whole creation rejoices and exults and glorifies Christ whose goodness tied all things into one.

3. O precious Cross...(Repeat)

2. O most venerable Cross of the Lord, the angels surround you with joy. By your elevation today, you raise those who had been cast down and delivered to death for having eaten of the forbidden tree. Wherefore we honor you in the faith of our hearts and praise you with our lips, begging for sanctification and saying, "Exalt the supreme goodness of Christ our God, O you nations, and adore His divine footstool forever!"

1. O most venerable...(Repeat)

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 2)

@BODY TXT IND = Come, all you nations, let us bow in worship to the blessed Cross of the Lord through which eternal justice came to us. He who deceived Adam, the first man, was conquered by a tree; and the same who fettered the royal creation by his guile has been cast down into nothingness. The serpent's venom has been washed away by the divine blood of Christ, and the curse of sin has been lifted by a rightful sentence when the just Christ was condemned unjustly. By God' plan, death that had come from a tree would be conquered by a tree, and suffering would be healed by the suffering of the Lord. Glory be to the active presence of Your providence in our lives, O Christ our king: Through it, You have brought about salvation for all, O You who are gracious and the Lover of mankind!

Entrance. "O Joyful Light." Prokimenon of the day.

On Friday evening, however, we sing this Prokimenon before the Readings:

(Tone 7)

@PROKIM LEFT = Our God is in heaven and on earth. Whatever the Lord wills He does.

@PROKIM LEFT = v. When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue, Judah became His sanctuary.

@PROKIM LEFT = v. The sea lfled at the sight; the Jordan turned back on its course.

@PROKIM LEFT = v. Why was it, O sea, that you fled? That you turned back, Jordan, on your course?

@PROKIM LEFT =

Readings: 1) Exodus 15:22 - 16:1; 2) Proverbs 3:11-18; 3) Isaiah 60:11-16.

Lete

(Tone 1)

-Today the holy words of David have truly received their fulfillment; for in the sight of all the world we venerate the footstool of Your undefiled feet. And putting our hope in the shadow of Your wings, we cry aloud to You, all-compassionate Lord: Mark us with the light of Your countenance, and lift up the horn of Your Orthodox people, by the Exaltation of Your precious Cross, O Christ of many mercies.

-The Tree of true life was planted in the Place of the Skull; and upon it, You, the eternal King, worked salvation in the midst of the earth. Exalted today, it sanctifies the ends of the earth, and the Church is renewed in the Resurrection. Angels in heaven greatly rejoice and men upon earth make glad, crying aloud with David and saying, "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy, granting the world great mercy!"

-Prefiguring Your Cross, O Christ, Jacob the Patriarch, when he gave his blessing to his descendants, laid his hands cross wise on their heads. And today as we exalt Your Cross, O Savior, we cry out, "Give victory to Your Orthodox people as You once gave it to Constantine!"

(Tone 2)

-Divine treasure hidden in the earth, the Cross of the Giver of Life appeared in the heavens to the pious King; and its inscription spiritually signified his victory over the enemy. Rejoicing with faith and love, inspired by God, he made haste to raise on high the Cross which he had seen in his vision and with great zeal he brought it forth from the bosom of the earth, for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our souls.

-The crossing of his hands by the Patriarch Jacob at his blessing of his children foreshadowed the mighty token of Your Cross. Having it as our safeguard that cannot be overthrown, we drive out with invincible strength the hosts of demons; and casting down the arrogance of Belial, we put to flight the all-destroying power of hateful Amalek. And now that it is lifted on high, we the faithful offer it in piety to Your goodness for the cleansing of our sins, crying aloud in all the fulness of our voices: "Have mercy, O Lord, made flesh of the Virgin! O You who are good, take pity works that You fashioned in Your wisdom!"

-O three-branched Cross of Christ, you are my strong protection. Sanctify me by your might, that I may venerate and glorify you in faith and love.

(Tone 4)

-Let us make glad today and sing in honor of the feast, and with joyful face and tongue openly cry aloud: "O Christ, for us You accepted condemnation, being spat upon and scourged. You were wrapped in a purple robe and went up on the Cross. Seeing You, the sun and moon hid their light; the earth quaked in fear, and the veil of the temple was torn in half. Grant us now Youir precious Cross as guardian andd protector and driver away of demons, that embracing it, we may all cry aloud, "Save us, O Cross, by your might. Make us holy by your splendor, O precious Cross, and strengthen us through your Exaltation; for you have been given to us the light and salvation of our souls."

-O Cross, sign radiant with light among the stars, you have in prophecy revealed a trophy of victory to the pious King; and when his mother Helen found you, she displayed you in the sight of all the world. And today the choirs of the faithful shout aloud as they raise you up on high: "Enlighten us by your radiance, O life-giving and all-venerable Cross: make us holy by your might; and lifted on high before the battle-line, strengthen us through your Exaltation.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

-O Christ our God, Moses prefigured the salutary effects of Your precious Cross when he defeated the haughty Amalek in the desert of Sinai, for while he extended his arms crosswise, the people were victorious. All these symbols have now attained their perfection before our eyes: today, as the Cross is lifted up, evil spirits are cast away; today the whole creation is delivered from corruption, for all blessings have been bestowed upon us by the Cross. Wherefore we joyfully kneel to You and say: "How great are Your works, O Lord! Glory to You!"

Aposticha

(Tone 5)

1. Hail, life-bearing Cross of the Lord, invincible triumph of Orthodoxy! You are the gate to Paradise, the strength of the faithful, the stronghold of the Church. Because of you, corruption no longer has any meaning nor any power: we have been lifted up by you from earth to heaven. You are an invincible weapon against evil, a glory indeed for saints and martyrs and a haven of salvation; you are a source of mercy to the world.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. Hail, most honorable Cross of the Lord! Through you mankind has been relieved of the curse. You are a sign of joy, indeed, and terror to our spiritual enemies. You are the help of Christians, the glory of Kings, the strength of the just, the splendor of priests, a staff of power to your people and a source of peace. Around you the angels gather in awe. You are the glory of Christ who grants great mercy to the world.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. Hail, precious Cross of the Lord,guide to the blind, physician to the sick and resurrection to all the dead. You lifted us out of corruption and removed the curse; through you, we have been made godly, and the power of Hades has been destroyed in full. Wherefore, seeing you today lifted up by our priests, we exalt Christ who was suspended on you, and we bow deeply before you, seeking forgiveness and great mercy.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Christ God, we poor sinners bow deeply today before Your precious Cross. Moses had prefigured it in himself when he defeated Amalek, and David the Psalmist, when he told us to "worship at His footstool". Wherefore, with unworthy lips we sing a hymn of praise to You who condescended to be nailed on this Cross and with the thief, we cry out to You: "O Lord, make us worthy of Your Kingdom!"

Troparion

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to our country over its enemies; and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross (Three times).

Soson, Kyrie, ton laon sou, Keh evloghison tin klironomi-an sou, nekas tees vasilevsi kata varvaron doroumenos, keh to son philatton dia tou Stavrou sou politevma.

Khallss ya Rab sha'bak wa barek meerathak, wamnah muloukan all-ghalabah 'alal barbar. Wahfaz be qouwat saleebika ra'lyataka.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 1)

O Lover of Mankind, we venerate the Wood of Your Cross, for You, the Life of all, were nailed upon it. O Savior, You opened Paradise to the thief who turned to You in faith, and you counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed You by crying out: "Remember me, O Lord!" Accept us, like him, for we cry out: "We all have sinned; in Your merciful kindness, do not reject us!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

O Lover of mankind... (Repeat)

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 6)

No sooner had the Wood of Your Cross been set up, O Christ our Lord, than the foundations of death were shaken. For that which Hades had swallowed eagerly, it soon let go in trembling. You have shown us Your salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify You. Have mercy on us, O Son of God!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever ever. amen.

No sooner had the Wood...(Repeat)

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos

(Tone 8)

In past times, Joshua, the son of Nun, stretched out his hands in the form of a cross, O my Savior, mystically prefiguring Your Cross; and the sun stood still until he had defeated the enemy that resisted You, O God. and now this same sun is darkened, seeing You upon the Cross as You destroy the power of death and empty Hades.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

In past times... (Repeat)

Prokimenon

(Tone 4)

@PROKIM LEFT = All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.

@PROKIM LEFT = v. Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done wondrous deeds.

Gospel. "Now that we have seen the Resurrection of Christ..." (as on Sundays, whatever day of the week on which the Feast falls). Psalm 50.

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

(Tone 2)

O three-branched Cross of Christ, you are my strong protection. Sanctify me by your might, that I may venerate you in faith and love.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

O three-branched Cross... (Repeat)

v. God, have mercy on me in the greatness of Your love, in the abundance of Your tender mercies, wipe out my offense.

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = O Cross of Christ, hope of Christians, guide of those who have gone astray haven of the storm-tossed, victory in warfare, firm foundation of the inhabited earth, physician of the sick and resurrection of the dead: Have mercy on us.

@CANONS = Canon

The Canon of the feast, by St. Comas, in the acrostic "Trusting in the Cross, I address a hymn to it."

Ode1

@ODE TEXT = Tracing a Cross upon the waters, Moses marked out a straight line before him with his staff and divided the Red Sea, opening a path for Israel, which went through with dry feet. Then he marked a second line across the waters, uniting them in one, overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore, let us sing to Christ our God, for He is gloriously triumphant!

(v. Glory to Your precious Cross, O Lord!)

@ODE TEXT = -In past times, Moses stood between Aaron and Hur, two men of God, and prefigured sign of victory, and overthrew the power of destructive Amalek. Therefore, let us sing to Christ our god, for He is gloriously triumphant!

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -Moses set up on a wooden pole a cure against the deadly, poisonous bite of serpents: for crosswise on the wood - as a symbol of the Cross - he placed a bronze figure of a serpent that crawls over the earth; and thus he triumphed over calamity. Therefore, let us sing to Christ our God, for He is gloriously triumphant!

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -Heaven showed the Cross as a sign of victory to Constantine, the holy King and defender of the Faith. Through it, the insolence of his enemies was cast down, deceit was overthrown, and the true Faith was spread to the ends of the earth. Therefore, let us sing to Christ our God, for He is gloriously triumphant!

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = Tracing a Cross upon the waters...

Ode3

@ODE TEXT = The rod of Aaron is an image of this mystery, for when it budded, it showed who should be priest. So in the Church that was once barren, the wood of the Cross has now put forth a flower, filling her with strength and perseverance.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -The rock that was struck and gushed forth water in the wilderness for a hard-hearted and disobedient people, is a sign of the Church, chosen by God: for the Cross is her strength and perseverance.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -When the spear pierced Your spotless side, water flowed forth with blood, thereby establishing the New Covenant You wished, and washed away all sin. For the Cross is the glory of the faithful, their strength and perseverance.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = The rod of Aaron is an image...

Little Litany.

Sessional Hymn

(Tone 8)

In Paradise of old, the wood stripped me bare; for by giving its fruit to eat, the enemy brought in death. But now the wood of the Cross that clothes men with the garment of life has ben

set up in the midst of the earth; and the whole world is filled with boundless joy. Beholding it exalted, O you people, let us with one accord raise in faith our cry to God: "Your Temple is filled with glory!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

In Paradise of old... (Repeat)

Ode4

@ODE TEXT = O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Your Economy; I have considered Your works, and I glorify Your divinity!

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory to Your precious Cross, O Lord

@ODE TEXT = -In times past, Moses transformed the bitter wells in the wilderness at Marah with a piece of wood, prefiguring the bringing of the Gentiles to the true Faith through the Cross.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory to Your precious Cross, O Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -The Jordan received into its bosom a sharp axehead; then it was forced to give it back again by a stick of wood through Elisha; this was a symbol of the cutting of error by the Cross at Baptism.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the tSon and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -The people of Israel formed an army drawn up in four divisions; they marched in this figure before the Ark of the Covenant, gaining glory by their ranks formed in the sign of the Cross.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -Stretched out in wondrous fashion, the Cross sent forth rays as the sun, and the heavens declare the glory of our God!

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = O Lord, I have heard the mystery...

Ode5

@ODE TEXT = Blessed are you, O Tree on which Christ the King and the Lord was stretched out. Through you, the tempter fell, the devil who had seduced the human race through a tree. He was caught in the trap set by God, who was crucified on you, thus opening Paradise and granting peace to our souls.

@ODE TEXT = v. Gory to You precious Cross, O Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -O Wood, famous in hymns, O Cross on which Christ was outstretched, the flaming sword that guarded and closed Eden was afraid of you; the dread cherubim gave way before you, and Christ was crucified on you, thus opening Paradise and granting peace to our souls.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -The powers beneath the earth, our adversaries, tremble when they see the sign of the Cross displayed in the air in which they dwell. The inhabitants of heaven, together with those born on earth, bow down in worship before Christ who grants peace to our souls.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -Shining with pure rays, the holy Cross sheds its divine light upon the peoples darkened by the seduction of error, and it reconciles them to Christ who was crucified upon it, granting peace to our souls.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = Blessed are You, O Tree...

Ode 6

@ODE TEXT = Jonah stretched out his hands in prayer in the form of a cross within the belly of the whale, plainly prefiguring the saving Passion. Cast out from there after three days, he foreshadowed the marvelous Resurrection of Christ our God, who was crucified in the flesh and enlightened the world by His rising on the third day.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -Bent with age and wasted with sickness, Jacob was straightened when he crossed his hands to bless his grandsons, showing thereby

the power of the life-giving Cross. For God, who was crucified on it in the flesh, rewrote the words of the old law which had been written in shadows, and drove away the soul-destroying disease of error.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -Holy Jacob, by laying his hands crosswise on the heads of the children, showed that the people of the Old Testament would enjoy for a while the honor due to the first<->born. When suspected of error in doing this, he did not change the life-giving figure; he cried out that the new people of Christ, fortified by the Cross, would take the higher place.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = Jonah stretched out...

Little Litany.

Kontakion

(Tone 4)

O Christ our God, who chose by Your own free volition to be elevated upon the Holy Cross, grant Your mercies to Your new people who are called by Your name. In Your power, gladden the hearts of our public authorities; strengthen them in every good deed so that Your true alliance may be for them a weapon of peace and a standard of victory.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Paul ascended to the third heaven. He heard unutterable and heavenly things which human beings cannot express. Study the Scripture and you will read and understand what he wrote to the Galatians: "May I never boast of anything but the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, on which He suffered the Passion, putting to death our passions!" Therefore, let us continue to praise this Cross of the Lord with confidence. Its Wood saves us; it is a weapon of peace and a standard of victory.

Synaxarion

On September 14, we commemorate the universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross.

Seeing Your Cross elevated, the whole creation lifts up its voice to praise Your exaltation, O Savior. On the fourteenth, the cross was elevated on Zion.

Through the power of Your Cross, O Lord, save us. Amen.

Ode 7

@ODE TEXT = The senseless decree of the wicked tyrant, threatening and blasphemous, made confusion for the people. Yet neither threats nor the roaring fire frightened the three young men; standing together in the flames, fanned by the dew-bearing wind, they sang: "Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our Fathers!"

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory to Your precious Cross, O Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -By eating from a tree, the first man went to dwell in corruption. Banished from life, he fell prey to bodily corruption, which he transmitted to all of us like some kind of pollution from disease. But the inhabitants of the earth, finding healing and restoration in the wood of the Cross, cry aloud, "Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our Fathers!"

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -God's law was broken through disobedience, and the forbidden eating of the fruit of the tree brought death to mortal man. From then on, the tree of precious life was kept under guard, until the confession of the good thief opened our way to it again, as he perished in agony, crying out: "Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our Fathers!"

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -Jacob, foreseeing the future, did reverence to the top of Joseph's staff, revealing how in times to come, the most glorious Cross should be the safeguard of royal power. For it is a glory to kings and a light to those who cry out with faith: Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our Fathers!"

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = The senseless decree...

Ode 8

@ODE TEXT = O young men, equal in number to the Trinity, bless God the Father and Creator; sing the praises of the Word who came down and changed the fire to refreshing dew; and exalt above all else forever the Most Holy Spirit, who gives life to all.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory to Your precious Cross, O Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -As the Wood that is sprinkled with the blood of the incarnate Word of God is elevated, sing praises, O powers of heaven, celebrating the restoration of the human race; O people, venerate the Cross of Christ by which Resurrection has been granted to the world for all ages.

@ODE TEXT = v. We bless the Lord, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -O priests, earthly dispensers of God's grace, reverently lift up your hands, elevating the Cross on which hung Christ our God and the lance that pierced the body of God the Word. Let all nations see the salvation of our God and glorify Him through all ages.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -O faithful Christian public authorities, chosen by God's will, rejoice! Receive the precious Cross from God and make it your glory; for by it, peace is gained and violence is overcome.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = O young men, equal...

The Canticle of Mary is not sung.

Ode9

@ODE TEXT = v. O my soul, magnify the most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord!

(Tone 8)

@ODE TEXT = O Mother of God, you became a Mystical Paradise,when without tilling you brought forth Christ our God, by whom the life-giving Tree of the Cross was planted on earth. Therefore seeing Him on the Cross, we adore Him and we magnify you.

@ODE TEXT = v. O my soul, magnify the most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -Let all the trees of the forest shout with joy, for their nature is made holy by Christ, who planted them at the beginning and who was stretched out on a tree. At its exaltation today, we worship Him and magnify you.

@ODE TEXT = -The Cross is elevated as the sacred strength of all God's people, upon whose foreheads it is marked. Thus the spiritual powers of the wicked are crushed. At its exaltation today, we worship Him and magnify you.

@ODE TEXT = v. O my soul, magnify the exaltation of the life-giving Cross of the Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -Today the death that came to man through eating of the tree is made ineffective through the Cross. For the curse of our mother Eve that fell on the human race is destroyed by the pure fruit of the Mother of God, whom all the powers of heaven magnify.

@ODE TEXT = v. O my soul, magnify the exaltation of the life-giving Cross of the Lord.

@ODE TEXT = -You did not want the deadly bitterness of the tree to remain, so You destroyed it through the Cross. In the same way in times past, the wood destroyed the bitterness of the waters of Marah, prefiguring the strength of the Cross that all the powers of heaven magnify.

@ODE TEXT = v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@ODE TEXT = -Through the Cross, O Lord, today You have raised us up again. We were plunged continually in the gloom of our father Adam. Unrestrained greed thrust down our nature into error; but now we have been restored to our full inheritance by the light of the Cross, which we, the faithful, magnify.

@ODE TEXT = v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@ODE TEXT = -To show that the Cross was to be reverenced in all places as being glorious, O Lord, You formed it in the sky, shining with boundless light, as an unconquerable sign for Constantine. All the power of heaven magnify this Holy Cross.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Katavasia

@KATAVAS SMALL = O my soul, magnify the most precious Cross of the Lord.

@KATAVAS SMALL = O Mother of God..

@KATAVAS SMALL = Magnify, O my soul, the exaltation of the life-giving Cross of the Lord.

@KATAVAS SMALL = Today the death....

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

The Cross is the protector of the whole world; the Cross is the splendor of the Church; the Cross is the glory of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the terror of demons.(Twice)

(Tone 3)

Today the Cross is exalted and the world is sanctified. For You, who are enthroned with the Father and the Holy Spirit, have spread out Your arms on it and drawn the whole world to knowledge of You, O Christ! Make those who have put their trust in You worthy of divine glory! (Once)

Praises

(Tone 8)

4. O marvellous wonder: the most holy Cross, the life-giving Tree, is lifted up on high today and shown to the world. All the earth gives glory; the devils tremble. How great a gift is given to the human race! Through Your Cross, save our souls,O Christ, who alone are full of compassion.

3. O marvelous wonder: the most holy Cross... (Repeat)

2. O marvelous wondrous: the Cross which carried the Most High as a Cluster of Grapes full of life is seen today exalted high above the Earth. Through the Cross, we are all drawn to God, and death has been swallowed up forever. O undefiled wood! Through you, we enjoy the immortal fruit of Eden, as we glorify Christ.

1. O marvelous wonder! The length and width of the Cross is equal to that of the heavens, for by divine grace it sanctifies the whole world. By the Cross, godless nations are won; by the Cross, the scepters of Kings are made firm. O divine ladder, you permit us to go up to heaven, exalting Christ our God in song.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

Today the Cross of the Lord goes forth, and the faithful welcome it with love; and they receive healing of soul and body and of every weakness. Let us kiss it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy, because of sin; with joy, for upon it Christ our God was in His great mercy crucified, granting the world salvation.

Great Doxology

If the Procession of the Cross is held at the end of the Liturgy, as it is in many parishes, Orhros ends as normal.

If the Procession is held at the traditional point, we proceed as follows:

During the Doxology, the priest puts on all his vestments, and stands with incense before the Holy Table, on which lies the Holy Cross, upon a tray with branches of basil and flowers as well as lit candles. When the choir begins to sing "Holy God," he incenses the Cross three times, with three strokes. Then, when the final, solemn "Holy God" is sung, he makes three metanies and takes up the Cross, carrying it at the level of his head. He is preceded by the deacon, who holds a candle in his left hand and the censer in his right. He proceeds around the Holy Table and out of the sanctuary through the north door. The procession is led by processional candles, ripidia, and the deacon with the candle and incense - then the priest with the Cross.

The procession goes three times around the church. The priest stops in front of the stand before the Royal Doors, facing east. When the final "Holy God" is ended, the priest chants: "Wisdom, let us stand!" and places the Cross on the analogion prepared. He incenses it from the four sides, with the deacon holding the candle on the opposite side. Meanwhile, the Troparion of the Feast is sung three times:

@ODE TEXT = O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant vict'ry to our country over its enemies, and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

The priest makes three prostrations, whatever day of the week it may be, and , taking the Cross with the branches of basil, he faces toward the east, raises it up above his head, and says in a loud voice:

@ODE TEXT = Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great mercy; we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.

The choir sings "Lord, have mercy" a hundred times. In many Melkite parishes, forty are sung, in groups of ten by alternate choirs, as in many of the Offices. The priest makes the sign of the Cross three times with the Holy Cross, then slowly bends to the ground with it, after which he slowly rises again, finally elevating the Cross above his head. As the choir comes to the end of the first set of "Lord, have mercy," he lowers the Cross to his chest, and again makes the sign of the Cross three times.

Then he stands on the right side of the analogion; and facing toward the north, he says:

@ODE TEXT = Again we pray for our civil authorities, protected by God, that they enjoy peace, health and salvation, and that the Lord God strengthen them in every good deed.

And he elevates the Cross as before, as the choir sings the second set of "Lord, have mercy" (100 or 40)

He then stands on the east side of the table and, facing west, and says:

@ODE TEXT = Again we pray for our most reverend Archbishop N., and for all our brethren in Christ.

The choir sings the third set of "Lord, have mercy," (100 or 40) as the priest elevates the Cross as above.

He then goes to the left side of the table, and turning toward the south, he says:

@ODE TEXT = Again, we pray for all Orthodox Christians, and for their health, salvation and the remission of their sins.

The choir sings the fourth set of "Lord, have mercy," with the same ceremonies with the Cross as above.

Finally, the priest returns to the front of the analogion, and facing towards the east again, he says:

@ODE TEXT = Again, we pray for all who serve or have served in this holy church, for their health, salvation, and the remission of their sins.

The choir sings the final set of "Lord, have mercy" (100 or 40) as the Cross is elevated for the fifth and final time.

Holding the Cross above his head, the priest slowly makes the sign of the Cross over the people while the following is sung:

@ODE TEXT = O Christ our God who chose by your free volition to be elevated upon the Holy Cross, grant your mercies to your new people who are called by your name, in your power gladden the hearts of our Public Authorities, strengthen them in every good deed so that your true alliance may be for them a weapon of peace and a standard of victory.

Then the priest lays the Cross on the table, and while the following is sung three times, he makes two prostrations in front of the Cross, kisses it, and makes a third prostration.

@ODE TEXT = We bow in worship before your Cross, O Master, and we give praise to your Holy Resurrection (Three times).

The Cross is then venerated by the other clergy in order of rank and by all the people. Each makes three prostrations: two before kissing it and one after venerating it. Each one receives from the priest a small branch of basil or one of the flowers.

During the veneration, the following is sung:

(Tone 2)

@ODE TEXT = Come, O faithful, let us adore the life-giving Cross of Christ, the King of Glory, for when he extended His arms on it of His own free will, He restored us to the original bliss - we who had been stripped of His grace when the devil tempted us with the pleasures of life and led us away from God. Come, O faithful: let us adore the Cross through which we have been made worthy to crush the devil's head. Come, all you nations of the earth: let us sing hymns of praise to the Lord's Cross. O Salvation and Perfection of the fallen Adam, the great of this world are glorified in You and obtain from You their victories. We the People of God embrace You now with devotion. We glorify God who was nailed on You, and we cry out, "O Lord, who were crucified on the Cross, have mercy on us, for You are gracious and the Lover of Mankind!"

(Tone 5)

@ODE TEXT = Come, O people, and look on this marvelous wonder; let us venerate the might of the Cross. For a tree put forth the fruit of death in Paradise - but life is the flower of this Tree on which the sinless Lord was nailed. Reaping incorruption from it, all the nations cry aloud, "O You, who through the Cross have laid death low and set us free, glory to you!"

(Tone 5)

@ODE TEXT = O God, the words of Your prophets Isaiah and David are fulfilled, saying "All the nations shall come and worship before You, O Lord!" For behold, O Good One, the people filled with Your grace in Your courts at Jerusalem. O You who endured the Cross for us and have brought us life by Your Resurrection: guard us and save us!

(Tone)

@ODE TEXT = Today is lifted up from the hidden places of the earth the Tree of Life on which Christ was nailed, confirming our faith in the Resurrection. And exalted on high by priestly hands, it proclaims His Ascension into heaven, whereby our nature, lifted from its fallen state, is made a citizen of heaven. Therefore, let us cry out in thanksgiving: "O Lord who were raised on the Cross, You have raised us up with Yourself! Count us worthy of the joy of heaven, for we praise You!"

(Tone 6)

@ODE TEXT = The four ends of the earth, O Christ our God, are sanctified today by the Exaltation of Your Cross with its four arms; and with it, the horn of Your faithful people is exalted, who thereby dash to pieces the horns of their adversaries. Great are You, O Lord, and wonderful are Your works! Glory to You!

(Tone 6)

@ODE TEXT = The sayings of the prophets foretold the holy Wood, whereby Adam was set free from the ancient curse of death. And today, at the Exaltation of the Cross, all creation raises its voice, asking of God abundant mercy. O Master, who alone are boundless in compassion, be our atonement and save our souls!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@ODE TEXT = O God, the words of Your prophet Moses are fulfilled, saying, "You shall see your life hanging before your eyes!" Today the Cross is exalted and the world is set free from error. Today the Church is renewed in Christ's Resurrection, and the ends of the earth rejoice greatly; with cymbals, like David, they offer You their song, saying, "O God, You have brought about salvation in the midst of the earth through the Cross and Resurrection by which You have saved us, O You, who are good and the Lover of mankind. Glory to You, O all-powerful Lord!

September 15

Second Day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Nicetas

(5th Class)

GREAT VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call...

(Tone 5)

For the Cross

6. Hail, life-bearing Cross of the Lord, invincible triumph of Orthodoxy! You are the gate to Paradise, the strength fo the faithful, the stronghold of the Church. Because of you, corruption no longer has any meaning nor any power: we have been lifted up by you from earth to heaven. You are an invincible weapon against evil, a glory indeed for saints and martyrs and a haven of salvation; you are a source of mercy to the world.

5. Hail, most honorable Cross of the Lord! Through you, mankind has been relieved of the curse. You are a sign of joy indeed, and of terror to our spiritual enemies; you are the help of Christians, the glory of kings, the strength of the just, the splendor of priests, a staff of power to your people and a source of peace. Around you the angels gather in awe: you are the glory of Christ who grants great mercy to the world.

4. Hail, precious Cross of the Lord, guide to the blind, physician to the sick and resurrection to all the dead. You lifted us out of corruption and removed the curse. Through you, we have been made godly, and the power of Hades has been destroyed in full. Wherefore, seeing you today lifted up by our priests, we exalt Christ who was suspended on you, and we bow deeply before you, seeking forgiveness and great mercy.

For Nicetas)

(Tone 1)

1. O holy martyr, you struggled against the evil one, that criminal, with the force of your Faith in the Savior; and you were able to endure your torments, O Nicetas. Thus you turned a barbarian people to the Master and Creator of all; and they glorify you forever.

2. O holy martyr, as you died in witness to the Holy Trinity, you presented to Christ, for His glory, the first-fruits of the barbarians. Thus you received a radiant crown, and now you shine like a torch upon the world, O athlete worthy of admiration.

1. O Nicetas, victorious martyr, having put on the armor of the Faith, you entered combat as a faithful soldier of Christ our King. Like another Gideon, you bravely turned back the hosts of the enemy by your courage.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = O Nicetas, athlete of Christ, we recognize you to be a light for martyrs. Laying aside the glory of earthy honors and renouncing your pagan ancestry, you broke the power of the false gods. By your victory, the barbarians were confounded; you bore witness as you confessed Christ in martyrdom, serving the God of heaven as His soldier. Intercede before the Benefactor of all, that He may save our souls and take pity on us.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = The sayings of the prophets foretold the holy wood, whereby Adam was set free from the ancient curse of death. And today, at the Exaltation of the Cross, all creation raises its voice, asking of God abundant mercy. O Master, who alone are boundless in compassion, be our atonement and save our souls.

Entrance. Joyful Light. Great Prokimenon. (On Saturday evening, we use the Prokimenon of the day, and the Great Prokimenon is sung on the Vespers of the Feast itself.)

Great Prokimenon)

(Tone 7)

Our God is in heaven; whatever He wills, He does.

v. When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of alien tongue, Judah became His sanctuary.

v. The sea fled at the sight; the Jordan turned back on its course.

v. Why was it, O sea, that you fled? That you turned back, Jordan, on your course?

Asposticha)

(Tone 6)

1. By its elevation the Cross is like an appeal to the whole creation to adore the blessed Passion of Christ our God who was suspended on it, for Christ destroyed by this Cross the one who had destroyed us. In His great goodness, He brought us back to life after we had been dead, and He beatified us and made us worthy of heaven, for He is merciful. Wherefore, we exalt His name with great rejoicing and glorify His infinite condescension.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O precious Cross of the Lord, Moses prefigured you when he stretched out his arms to heaven and thus defeated the haughty Amalek. You are the pride of the faithful, the strength of those who struggle. You are the beauty of the apostles, the courage of the just and the salvation of all the saints. Wherefore, at the sight of your elevation, the whole creation rejoices and exults and glorifies Christ whose goodness tied all things together into one.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. O most venerable Cross of the Lord, the angels surround you with

joy. By your elevation today, you raise those who had been cast down and delivered to death for having eaten of the forbidden tree. Wherefore we honor you in the faith of our hearts and praise you with our lips, begging for sanctification and saying, "Exalt the supreme goodness of Christ our God, O you nations, and adore His divine footstool forever!"

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O venerable martyr Nicetas, in keeping with your name, you were victorious as you proclaimed Christ our God in the arena, confessing Him before rulers and tyrants. Intercede ceaselessly for the peace of the world before the only Lover of Mankind, that deliverance from all danger be granted to the faithful who love Christ and to all who celebrate your sacred memory.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O God, the words of Your prophet Moses are fulfilled, saying, "You shall see your life hanging before your eyes!" Today the Cross is exalted and the world is set free from error. Today the Church is renewed in Christ's Resurrection, and the ends of the earth rejoice greatly; with cymbals, like David, they offer You their song, saying, "O God, You have brought about salvation in the midst of the earth through the Cross and Resurrection, by which You have saved us, O You who are good and the Lover of Mankind. Glory to You, O all-powerful Lord!"

Troparion of Nicetas)

(Tone 4)

You lovingly took up the Cross for armor, and you sallied forth to fight the enemy. You were burnt to death for Christ, and thus you offered up your priestly soul to the Lord. You have been rewarded with the gift of healing, O Nicetas, so beg Christ our God to save our souls.

Troparion of the Cross)

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. grant victory to our country over its enemies, and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns)

(Tone 1)

O Lover of Mankind, we venerate the wood of Your Cross, for You, the Life of All, were nailed upon it. O Savior, You opened Paradise to the thief who turned to You in faith, and You counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed You by crying aloud, "Remember me, O Lord!" Accept us, like him, for we cry out, "We all have sinned; in Your merciful kindness, do not reject us."

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

You stretched out Your hands on the Cross, O God of tenderness, to gather back the people who had wandered far from You, in order that they might glorify Your great goodness. Look upon Your inheritance, O Lord, and drive away the enemy by Your precious Cross.

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

O glorious Nicetas, you crushed the power of error by your perseverance in the Faith, and earned the crown of victory by your struggle, wherefore you are now enjoying the company of angels in heaven. With these angels, do not cease to intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Place wisdom in my soul, purify my heart, O Savior, and make me an instrument of Your divine precepts, that I may be able to combat the assaults of my passions. May I receive immortality as the prize of victory, O Lover of Mankind, through the prayers of Your valiant martyr Nicetas. Today he invites us to celebrate his sacred memory, and he does not cease to intercede with You that You may save our souls.

Synaxarion

On September 15, the Passion of the holy great-martyr Nicetas.

Thrown into the furnace, Nicetas became the glowing bearer of a prize of victory. Indeed, he became a true and holy light-bearer. On the fifteenth, he shone with a brilliant glory.

Through the prayers of Your martyr, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

As you once overcame the boldness of the barbarians and the rage of tyrants by the power of the Cross, O valiant martyr Nicetas, so now by your prayers root out the desires of our flesh and the assault of the passions. Obtain the pardon of our sins through the boldness which you possess before God.

The Cross is the protector of the whole world; the Cross is the splendor of the Church; the Cross is the glory of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the terror of demons.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. The Cross of Christ is exalted today, the life-giving Wood on which was fastened in the flesh the One who restores all mankind.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. Hail, Cross of the Lord, divine protection of the faithful, invincible rampart, by which we have lifted up from earth to heaven.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. Come, let us kiss with joy the Wood of salvation, upon which was stretched out Christ the Redeemer!

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = On this day of the passion of the victorious martyr, the whole creation rejoices. Adorned with flowers, the Church of Christ cries out to you, O Nicetas, servant of Christ and our fervent intercessor: "Do not cease to intercede for the faithful who venerate you!"

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Today is lifted from the hidden places of the earth the Tree of Life on which Christ was nailed, confirming our faith in the Resurrection. And exalted on high by priestly hands, it proclaims His ascension into heaven, whereby our nature, lifted from its fallen state, is made a citizen of heaven. Therefore, let us cry out in thanksgiving: "O Lord who were raised on the Cross, You have raised us up with Yourself! Count us worthy of the joy of heaven, for we praise You!"

@AFTR APOSTICA =

September 16

Third day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of the Holy Great-Martyr and All-Celebrated Euphemia

(4th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Cross

(Tone 2)

6. The fruit which our first parents tasted to their shame in Eden from the forbidden tree brought death to the whole human race. But now, through the Holy Cross, we are restored to the fulness of life and to a better lot. Exalting this Cross, let us sing to the Lord who was elevated upon it in order to lift up the world with Him to heaven.

5. You took the lost sheep upon Your shoulders and brought him back to Your Father by Your venerable and life-giving Cross. You united him to the angels in the Holy Spirit. In place of the forbidden tree, You placed before us the tree of Your Cross, O Christ. Now that we exalt it with faith, we glorify You who were elevated upon it in order to lift us up with You to heaven.

4. Let us bring an abundance of our holy deeds into the house of our God, O faithful, and contemplate the Place of the Skull in the purity of our heart. Then, O mortals, in company with the angels, we shall see the exaltation of the thrice-holy Tree upon which Christ our God willingly stretched out His hands to rescue us and lift us up with Him to heaven.

For Euphemia

(Tone 4)

3. You adorned yourself with the beauty of purity and the blood of martyrdom, O glorious Euphemia, and made a gift of yourself to your Creator, who keeps you in incorruption for ever. Now you rejoice with the hosts of angels and archangels, and with the choir of apostles, prophets and martyrs.

2. Tormented by the wheel, wild beast, fire and water, you were strengthened in you endurance by the Holy Spirit. You drowned the Prince of darkness in the rush of your blood as you crossed over to the heavenly dwelling-places, bringing martyrdom to your Bridegroom O virgin martyr Euphemia, as your marriage dowry.

1. O holy martyr, in dying, you poured out your blood as a stream of life to the praise of the Lord. With it, you refreshed the faithful, enlightening them with the knowledge of God, as you drowned in its flow the enemies of the Faith. Thus, the Council documents were entrusted to your keeping, and you strengthened the dogmas of the Church for all ages.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = You who blossomed in virtues and were radiant in your thoughts, now bring a sweet fragrance to the hearts of believers. You rose in the East like a resplendent star and brought together the holy Fathers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. O illustrious Euphemia, ceaselessly intercede with the Lord that He may save our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = The four ends of the earth, O Christ our God, are sanctified today by the Exaltation of Your Cross with its four arms: and with it, the horn of Your faithful people is exalted, who thereby dash to pieces the horns of their adversaries. Great are You, O Lord, and wonderful are Your works! Glory to You!

Aposticha

(Tone 6)

1. O long-suffering Lord, You endured scourging, crucifixion, and shame, wishing to deliver us from the hand of the seducer. You suffered all that, O God of compassion, who alone give us life.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O God of goodness, I venerate Your Cross, the nails and lance, O Redeemer, by which You delivered us from death, O only Lover of mankind and our Benefactor, O Savior who alone give us life.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. For me, You were nailed to the Cross, O all-good Savior. You endured the outrages and the scourging. You tasted the vinegar. You were pierced by a lance, and You suffered all this, O sinless Redeemer!

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Every tongue celebrates the praises of the glorious Euphemia. Let every man, all elders, maidens and young people, crown the virgin martyr of Christ with hymns. Having struggled like a man and shaken off the frailty of her female nature she overcame the hostile tyrant by her ascetic struggles according to the Faith. Her head adorned with a divine and heavenly crown, she prays to Christ her Spouse to grant our souls great mercy.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Christ God, we poor sinners bow deeply today before Your precious Cross. Moses had prefigured it in himself when he defeated Amalek; and David the Psalmist, when he told us to "worship at His footstool." Wherefore, with unworthy lips, we sing a hymn of praise to You who condescended to be nailed on this Cross; and with the thief we cry out to You: "O Lord, make me worthy of Your Kingdom!"

Troparion of Euphemia

(Tone 4)

O Jesus, Your lamb Euphemia cries out to You with great love: "O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain; I am crucified with You and in Baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for Your sake in order to reign with You. I die for you in order to live in You. Accept me as a spotless victim, since I am immolated for Your love!" Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Cross

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance: grant victory to our country over its enemies; and preserve Your community, by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Use the Festal Format

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

Having cherished Christ, your Spouse, and holding your lamp prepared, you were resplendent in the radiance of the virtues and went into the wedding banquet with Him. You received the crown of victory from Christ. Deliver from all danger those who celebrate your holy memory with faith.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

O Christ our God, who chose by Your own free volition, to be elevated upon the Holy Cross: grant Your mercies to Your new people who are called by Your power, gladden the hearts of our public authorities; strengthen them in every good deed, so that Your true alliance may be for them a weapon of peace and a standard of victory.

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

The crown earned by your struggles, O virgin martyr, and your wondrous efforts, have covered the devil's triumph with shame. For, since you loved Christ, your Bridegroom, with your whole heart, you feared neither scourging nor death for His sake, but offered yourself completely to your God, bearing the crown of Faith.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

After the sad fall from Paradise, instigated by the bitter advice of the enemy, O Christ, on Calvary You lifted me up, breaking the ancient curse by Your Cross. Slaying the serpent, whose cunning had murdered me, You gave me the gift of life. Glory to Your divine crucifixion, O Savior.

Kontakion

(Tone 4)

A struggle well completed, O all-celebrated Euphemia! Even after death, you pour out healings upon us to sanctify us. We stand by your venerable remains to honor your holy dormition, so that we may be delivered from our nature's weaknesses and profit by the grace of your miracles.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The temple of the illustrious martyr has become a Paradise, for it possesses in its midst that tree of immortality which is her body: whoever receives its fruits is sanctified speedily. There is wonder in that place at seeing how her body is perceived as though alive, still shedding blood whose sweet perfume is noticed by all. Come, then, all of you, along with me, poor as I am: as we are purified of all ill, let us honor her relics and profit by the grace of her miracles!

Synaxarion

On September 16, we commemorate the holy and illustrious great-martyr Euphemia.

Euphemia, the martyr torn by wild beasts, well merits our most vibrant praises. As September passed half its days, Euphemia passed to dwell near Christ throughout the ages.

By her holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Let us all celebrate together the memory of the illustrious Euphemia. She received the formula of Orthodoxy from the Fathers; by holding on to it, she clearly demonstrated who it was that professed the true Faith.

The Cross is the salvation of the whole world; the Cross is the staff and support of all the Saints, the scepter and power of kings, the refuge and fortress of believers; the Cross is the strength of all mankind!

Praises

(Tone 3)

4. On the feast of the holy martyr Euphemia, O brethren, let us sing in thanksgiving to God, who is wonderful in His wisdom; for He has overcome the enemy through this woman, and has made His power known through a woman's weakness. Through her prayers, may He grant our souls great mercy!

3. On the feast... (Repeat)

2. The illustrious martyr of Christ has mingled the cup of truth with her blood. She calls to the children of the Church: "Drink the cup of salvation, a protective and purifying sign of the Resurrection which preserves those who say to the Savior, "You have filled us with the living water of the Spirit; now save us!"

1. Joyfully let those sealed in the Blood of Christ against the day of redemption now praise the blood of the martyrs, for it speaks of the Savior's passion and eternal glory. Let us say to Him: "O Lord, whom we admire in Your Saints, save us through the prayers of Your illustrious martyr Euphemia!"

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

(Tone 1)

@AFTR PRAISES = Today, O Euphemia, the Choir of Fathers assembled by Christ entrusted to you the scroll containing the clear definition of the Orthodox Faith. Receiving it in your hands, you kept it until the end. Thus, we, the assembly of mankind, glorify together your martyrdom and say, "Hail, holy Euphemia, who have faultlessly kept the Orthodox Faith, that heritage handed down to us by the Fathers! Hail, O you who intercede for our souls!"

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = Today the holy words of David have truly received their fulfillment: for in the sight of all the world, we venerate the footstool of Your undefiled feet. And putting our hope in the shadow of Your wings, we cry aloud to You, all-compassionate Lord: "Mark us with the light of Your countenance, and left up the horn of Your Orthodox people, by the Exaltation of Your precious Cross, O Christ of many mercies!"

Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 17

Fourth Day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Sophie and of Her Three Daughters, Faith, Hope and Charity

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Cross

(Tone 4)

6. O Savior, today Your venerable Cross shone more brilliantly than the sun when it was lifted up on the glorious Calvary. O Christ, on Your mountain of holiness, its exaltation was clearly revealed: for by it, O almighty Lover of Mankind, You lifted up our nature to heaven.

September 17

VESPERS

5. Today, O Lord, the heavens declared Your glory to mankind, for they were not able to withhold it. For the sign of Your Cross, joyously radiant in an unapproachable light, was a stumbling block to the blind murderers of our God. Thus, O Lover of mankind, we glorify Your saving work, O Savior of our souls, almighty Jesus!

4. The all-holy Cross, the indestructible trophy which was brought to light from under the earth, today comes to us as a hidden treasure to enlighten the whole world with the wondrous benefits which it has in store for all creation. Thus, O Lover of Mankind, we glorify You saving work, O Savior of our souls, almighty Jesus!

For the Martyrs

(Tone 4)

3. United by the bonds of nature and strengthened by love for their Creator, by their faith, three young maidens broke the chains of error and courageously trampled under their feet the impotent enemy. The crown of victory was their splendid adornment as they joyfully entered into the chamber of the Bridegroom.

2. Faith, Hope and Charity, those illustrious martyrs wise in God, named for the most radiant virtues, struggled and triumphed over the evil one who had treacherously seduced the mother of all the living. They merited to enter into Paradise where, divinized, they intercede for us all.

1. Faith, Hope and Charity, the venerable daughters of Sophie, scorned the fire, the various torments and even death. Having faithfully sought the wondrous beauty of the heavenly Bridegroom, they were radiant in their sufferings as they were united to Him forever. By their prayers, O Christ, deliver us from all adversity.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = The sayings of the Prophets foretold the holy wood, whereby Adam was set free from the ancient curse of death. And today, at the Exaltation of the Cross, all creation raises its voice, asking of God abundant mercy. O Master, who alone are boundless in compassion, be our atonement and save our souls!

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. As we see the Wood of the Cross exalted on high, let us magnify our God who in His goodness was crucified upon it in the flesh.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. When it was exalted, the holy Cross of Christ our God offered mankind deliverance from adversity and the acquisition of all good.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and he has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. When Moses, prefiguring the sufferings of Christ, put Amalek to flight, he foretold by the sign of the Cross the defeat of the demons.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Come, let us all kiss with joy the Wood of salvation, upon which was extended Christ God, our Redeemer!

Troparion of the Martyrs

(Tone 4)

The Church celebrates and is truly happy over the newly-born children and their radiant mother. Like the holy wisdom, she gave birth to three children equal to the three theological virtues. In the company of these wise virgins, she gazes upon the Word, the chaste Bridegroom. We join her in her happiness and sing: "O triple triumph - Faith, Hope and Charity - make us firm in faith, hope and charity!"

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Cross

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; grant victory to our country over its enemies; and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 4)

Filled with joy by you, O thrice-blessed and life-giving Cross, the people celebrate the present feast in company with the bodiless choirs of angels. The hierarchs exalt you with faith; multitudes of monks prostrate before you. We all glorify Christ who went up on the Cross.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Radiant with light, Your cross drove away the hordes of darkness, O Lord. it gives light to the faithful who sing, "O Cross of Christ, you are in truth the joy and pride of the world.

Kontakion

(Tone 1)

Faith, Hope and Charity were to venerable Sophie like three buds of great holiness. By the grace of Christ, they confused Greek sophistry; they struggled and won and obtained an incorruptible crown from Christ, the Master of All.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = When the criminal edict was promulgated to the whole world, ordering sacrifice to the idols and the offering of libations to them, the honoring of the temples and altars of demons to the shaming of mankind, then the illustrious maidens shone like stars, driving away the shadows and ignorance of the godless. In the hearts of the faithful, they enkindle the light of faith, as they proclaim aloud, "The Most High God in whom we glory has allowed Himself to be crucified, then rose again on the third day!" Thus they merited to obtain an incorruptible crown from Christ, the Master of All!

Synaxarion

On September 17, we commemorate the holy and victorious virgin martyrs Faith, Hope and Charity, with their mother Sophie.

Worshippers of the Holy Trinity, the three holy sisters, Faith, Hope and Charity bowed down their heads under the blade of the sword. Their souls were lifted up to glory on the seventeenth.

By their holy prayers, O Christ our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

The three virgins who enkindled their zeal for the Trinity, and have the same name as the trinity of virtues - Faith, Hope and Charity - were united by the same intentions and scorned their torments.

O Virgin who brought the Savior to the world, the Creator of the ages and the angels, beg Him to allow your faithful servants to stand at His right hand in heaven.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. Let us exalt the lance and the Cross as well as the nails which pierced the life-giving body of Christ; let us venerate them as we prostrate before them.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O my Savior exalted on the wood of Your Cross, burn away the pernicious weeds of sin in order to give light to the whole world!

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. O Word, Your Church is radiantly robed like a bride in the water flowing from Your side and Your blood; she sings the glory of Your Cross.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Hail, Cross of the Lord, divine protection of the faithful, invincible rampart, raising us up form the earth!

September 18

Fifth Day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of our Holy Father Eumenios the Wonderworker, Bishop of Gortyna in Crete

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Cross

(Tone 1)

6.The Tree of our salvation, the Wood on which Christ willed to be nailed to give life to the world, on the day of its exaltation invites all believers to bow down before the footstool of our God with hymns of praise.

5. O faithful, celebrating the memory of the dedication of the holy Anastasis, which made the great light of immortal life shine upon those sitting in darkness, come, let us exalt the life-giving Wood of the Cross, prostrating before Christ our Savior!

4. The great Moses once lifted up his arms on Mount Sinai in the form of a cross. O Christ our God, he prefigured Your Cross which is exalted today, sanctifying all the faithful on earth who bow down before Your holy Crucifixion.

For the Hierarch

(Tone 4)

3. Your body and soul purified of the passions became a dwelling-place of the Holy Spirit. Adorned by the priesthood, whose anointing you had received, O Eumenios, you stand close to our God at His right hand in company with the holy angels. As an heir of the glory of the Lord, you intercede on behalf of the faithful who sing to you.

2. Your wondrous life, illumined by the virtues, shines with radiant miracles and makes you known throughout the world, O blessed hierarch, establishing you as a sure-guiding star, a companion of all the saints, a citizen of the holy city, a fellow-citizen of the angels in heaven, O wonder-worker worthy of all praise.

1. The adornment of Crete, the bishop of Gortyna, the unshakeable foundation of the Church, the hierarch Eumenios has obtained renown by his great deeds and wondrous miracles. He is known as one who brings light to darkened hearts, a lamp for believers, a herald's voice. Let us all venerate him.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. amen.

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = O Christ our God, Moses prefigured the salutary effects of Your precious Cross when he defeated the haughty Amalek in the desert of Sinai, for while he extended his arms crosswise, the people were victorious. All these symbols have now attained their perfection before our eyes: today the whole creation is delivered from corruption, for all blessings have been bestowed upon us by the Cross. Wherefore, we joyfully kneel to You and say, "How great are Your works, O Lord! Glory to You!"

Aposticha

(Tone 6)

1. Long-suffering Lord, You endured scourging, cruci<->fixion and shame, wishing to deliver us from the hand of the seducer. You suffered all these things, O God of compassion and only Giver of Life.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship st His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O God of goodness, I venerate Your cross, the nails and the lance, O Redeemer, by which You delivered us from death, O only Lover of Mankind and our Benefactor, O Savior and only Giver of Life!

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. For me, You were nailed to the Cross, O all-good Savior. You endured outrages and scourging. You tasted the vinegar and were pierced by a lance, suffering all these things, O sinless Redeemer.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Today the Wood of the Cross was seen! Today the plots of the impious were destroyed. Today the rulers of the Orthodox people brought about the triumph of our Faith. Although Adam once fell through a tree, the demons are now filled with fear through the Tree of the Cross. Glory to You, all-powerful Lord! Glory to You!

Troparion of Eumenios

(Tone 7)

You enriched your life with fasting. You loved the poor and gave them all you had. You were brighter than the sun in virtue, cheering the sad and comforting the mourning. By virtue of these riches, O father Eumenios, beg Christ to forgive our sins by your prayers.

v. Glory by to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Troparion of the Cross

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to our country over its enemies; and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Session Hymns

(Tone 1)

O Lord, although as God You have the heavens as Your throne and the earth as Your stepping-stone, O Christ our Savior, You revealed the Holy Cross to be Your footstool. As David the Psalmist has taught, we all bow down before it, claiming it as our help and protection as we glorify it in the fervor of our faith.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.Amen.

(Tone 4)

After the sad fall from Paradise, brought about by the bitter advice of the enemy, O Christ, on Calvary You lifted me up, removing the ancient condemnation by Your Cross. Slaying the serpent whose cunning had murdered me, You gave me the gift of Your life. O Savior, glory to Your divine Crucifixion!

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

Illumined by the divine light, O blessed Eumenios, hierarch and father, enlighten us who sing of your glorious and holy dormition with love. Pray without ceasing for us all.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Lord, take pity on Your servant: pardon me all my sins; grant me the compassion of Your heart, so that I may glorify You with unceasing hymns and crown with canticles today Your faithful servant, the Bishop of Gortyna, Eumenios, that lamp of goodness who is revealed as a treasure for the whole world, the support of the Church and the divine splendor of Crete: for he prays with out ceasing for us all.

Synaxarion

On September 18, we commemorate our holy father Eumenios, Bishop of Gortyna.

Eumenios, the apple of the eye of Gortyna, contemplates the kindly gaze of the Savior. On the eighteenth, Eumenios of Gortyna, the great-hearted hierarch, enters into the vision of God.

By his holy prayers, O our God, have pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

O Eumenios, hierarch inspired by God, companion of the archangels in heaven: by the boldness which you possess before Christ, near whose throne your stand in glory now, remember the faithful who celebrate your light-bearing memory and venerate you with their whole heart.

(Tone 2)

The Cross is the protector of the whole world; the Cross is the splendor of the Church; the Cross is the glory of kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the terror of the demons.

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. As we see the Wood of the Cross exalted on high, let us magnify our God who in His goodness was crucified upon it in the flesh.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O Word, Your Church is radiantly robed like a bride in the water flowing from Your side and Your blood: she sings the glory of Your Cross.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. Let us exalt the lance and the Cross as well as the nails which pierced the life-giving body of Christ; let us venerate them as we prostrate before them.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Come, let us all kiss with joy the Wood of salvation, upon which was extended Christ God, our Redeemer!

September 19

Sixth day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Trophimos, Sabbatios and Dorymedes

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Cross

(Tone 8)

6. O new wonder! The life-giving Tree, the holy Cross, is lifted up on high before us today. All the ends of the earth glorify it; all the demons stand in terror; all mankind gives thanks for this great gift! Through it, O Christ, save our souls in Your unique love for mankind.

5. O new wonder! Today the Cross, carrying the Most High as a rich cluster of grapes pouring forth life, is seen elevated on high above the earth. It is this Cross which lifts us up toward God; and by it death has been swallowed up totally. As we eat of this pure Tree, the food of immortality of Eden, we glorify the Savior!

4. O new wonder! The Cross reaches as high and as wide as the heavens, for its divine grace extends out to sanctify the entire creation. By it, pagan peoples are won and the scepters of Kings are made firm. It is a divine ladder permitting us to mount up to the heavens, exalting Christ God with our hymns.

For the martyrs

(Tone 8)

3. Wishing to inherit the inexhaustible delights of heaven, O holy martyr Trophimos, you drank deeply of the cup of bodily suffering. You passed from corruption to incorruption, adorned with the joy of a martyr. By your prayer, O blessed one, ask great mercy for us all.

2. The illustrious Sabbatios patiently endured countless punishments, and has now entered into the Sabbath rest of the joyful mansions of heaven, having received the reward for his struggles in the midst of the countless hosts of angels. By his prayers, O Christ our God, grant great mercy to Your people.

1. Spurning the counsel of the wicked in order to walk in the law of his God, Dorymedes put his spirit on guard and resolutely set out to the trials of his torments. Having received the deserved reward of a victor, he reigns now with Christ forever, interceding ceaselessly for us all.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 8)

@BODY TXT IND = O Lord, today we see the fulfillment of the oracle of Moses, who said "Behold, you shall see your life hang before your eyes!" Today the Cross is exalted and the world is set free from error. Today the Church is renewed in the Resurrection of Christ, and the ends of the earth rejoice greatly. With cymbals, like David, they offer You their song of praise and say, "O God, You brought about salvation in the midst of the earth through the Cross and Resurrection by which You have saved us, O You who are good and love mankind. O all-powerful Lord, glory to You!

Aposticha

(Tone 6)

1. Let us worship at the place where the feet of Christ rested; and let us exalt His thrice-blessed Cross, upon which the blood of the Lord was poured out to cause the divine Resurrection to flow over the world.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. Mortifying the passions of both body and spirit, O faithful, let us hasten to rise from the earth to heavenly rest, crucifying ourselves along with our Master in the exaltation of His Cross.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. From the divine side of the Savior flowed forth a spring with streams of life which water the souls of believers as they worship His Passion, His Cross and His holy Resurrection.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Today, O Christ our God, the four ends of the earth are sanctified by the four extremities of Your elevated Cross. With it is lifted up the hope of the Christian faithful, who by it have broken the power of the enemy. Great are You, O Lord, and wonderful are Your works! Glory to You!

Troparion of the Martyrs

(Tone 8)

God is praised in the Trinity, and He praises a trinity of martyrs; Trophimos, Sabbatios and Dorymedes. By their faith, they conquered the enemy. By their prayers, have mercy on us, O Christ our God.

Troparion of the Cross

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to our country over its enemies; and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 1)

O Lover of Mankind, we venerate the Wood of Your Cross, for You, the Life of All, were nailed upon it. O Savior, You opened Paradise to the thief who turned to You in faith, and You counted him worthy of blessedness when he confessed You by crying out: "Remember me, O Lord!" Accept us, like him, for we cry out, "We all have sinned. In Your merciful kindness, do not reject us!"

ORTHROS

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. amen.

You stretched out Your hands on the Cross, O God of compassion, in order to draw back to You all those alienated far from You, that they might glorify Your supreme goodness, O Lord. Look upon Your inheritance and cast down the enemy by Your precious cross

Kontakion

(Tone 8)

The Church venerates you as a pillar of athletes and support for the Faith; and she glorifies your radiant martyrdom. O blessed Trophimos, illustrious and brave martyr, together with your companion in suffering, obtain pardon for those who sing to you because you are unconquerable.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The Powers of heaven were amazed at the deeds of the holy martyrs: in a mortal body, they vanquished the bodiless enemy by the power of the Cross. Thus, they are called blessed throughout the ages. They obtain for us the pardon of our sins, and we venerate them because they are unconquerable.

Synaxarion

On September 19, we commemorate the holy martyrs Trophimos, Sabbatios and Dorymedes.

As though they had but one soul, Trophimos and Dorymides undergo the same death under the sword. Torn by iron instruments of torture, Sabbatios gave the gift of his life and entered in to his Sabbath rest. On the nineteenth, Trophimos reached the goal in his race as an athlete, together with his companions.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

O You who, being God, adorned the heavens with stars and enlightened the whole world with Your saints, O Creator of all, save those who sing Your praises!

(Tone 2)

The Cross is the protector of the whole world; the Cross is the splendor of the Church; the Cross is the glory of Kings; the Cross is the support of the faithful; the Cross is the glory of angels and the terror of the demons!

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. O my Savior, exalt the wood of Your Cross; consume all the pernicious weeds of sin in order to grant light to the whole world.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. When it is exalted, the Holy Cross of Christ our God offers deliverance from shame and the acquisition of all good to the human race.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. Moses once prefigured the sufferings of Christ when, with his arms stretched out in the form of the Cross of Christ out God, he put Amalek to flight.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O come, let us all kiss with joy the wood of salvation, upon which was stretched Christ the Redeemer.

The rest of Orthros, as usual, and the Dismissal.

September 20

Seventh Day of the Holy Cross;

Commemoration of the Great-Martyr Eustathios, His Wife Theopista and Their Two Children Agapios and Theopista

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For the Cross

(Tone 2)

6. Once Moses, who saw God, elevated a brazen serpent upon a pole in order to drive away the venomous saraph-serpents. When You were elevated upon the Wood, O Savior, You gave life to all men by Your divine and holy Cross. Elevated in our presence now, it burns the hosts of demons and puts to flight the braying hordes of the godless.

5. O Savior, having assumed the mortal condition of my being when You were born from the Virgin Mother of God, You made it incorruptible and turned it toward life and the delights that never end. You drew back all those who sing to You, O Christ our God, and granted the faithful Emperor Your divine Cross as a powerful weapon in his struggles, O Word and Lord.

4. Shine Your unapproachable Light upon us, for we are all the works of Your hands, O Christ our God. Girded with Your armament, the faithful Christians win the victory over the enemy, for You have given them Your Holy Cross as their inviolate treasure, their fortress and rampart, O Savior who rested in the womb of a human Mother, O Most High God.

For the Martyrs

(Tone 4)

3. O Eustathios, the divine call did not come to you from men, but from on high; for Christ Himself, the Lover of Mankind, appeared to You and caught you in the nets of the holy Faith, O blessed one. In Baptism, He purified you of your sins; He strengthened your patience in the supreme trial of your life; and the Master made you an illustrious conqueror.

2. In your youth, O Eustathios, you joyfully received an apprenticeship in virtue; separated from your wife and children, you patiently endured your condition as a prisoner, suffering dishonor in your captivity. But your courage in you struggle won for you the esteem of all and the triumph of your return to God.

1. With your whole family, you were presented as first-fruits to our God, as a divine incense exuding its sweet odor in the fire, a total offering, a living and perfect sacrifice. And together with them, you have received a dwelling in heaven in the company of the saints.

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

(Tone 2)

@BODY TXT IND = Eustathios, like another Job, appears to us as a pillar of patience and model of virtues because of his life. Indeed, with his wife and children, he truly surpassed him in virtue, for he was faithful in his life, unshakeable in his trials and triumphant in his struggle. We present him to Christ as our intercessor, so that our souls be granted enlightenement and the remission of our sins.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = Divine treasure hidden in the earth, the Cross of the Giver of Life appeared in the heavens to the pious King, and its inscription spiritually signified his victory over the enemy. Rejoicing with faith and love, inspired by God, he made haste to raise on high the Cross which he had seen in his vision; and with great zeal he brought it forth from the bosom of the earth, for the deliverance of the world and the salvation of our souls.

Aposticha

(Tone 6)

1. O long-suffering Lord, You endured the beating, the crucifixion and the dishonor, wishing to deliver us from the hand of the Deceiver; and You suffered all of it, O God of compassion, who alone give us life.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. O God of all goodness, I venerate Your Cross, the nails and the lance, O Redeemer, by which You delivered us from death, O only Lover of mankind and our Benefactor, O Savior who alone give us life.

v. The Lord is King from of old, and He has brought about salvation in the midst of the earth

3. For my sake You were nailed to the Cross, O Savior who are so good; and You endured the outrages, the beating, the vinegar, the piercing of Your side by a lance, suffering all of it, O sinless Redeemer.

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = How can we celebrate you worthily, O Eustathios, whose soul was tempered like steel? You surpassed nature, in effect: separated from your wife, your children and your goods, you repeated the blessed and renown words of Job: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." But the God whom you loved, whom you ardently cherished, returned your loved ones to you, foreseeing that they would be your companions in your struggles. With them, you arrived at a blessed end after a variety of torments. Having them as your companions now in heaven, intercede together with them, asking the Lord that we be delivered from our faults.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = Today the Cross of the Lord goes forth, and the faithful welcome it with love. And they receive healing of soul and body and of every weakness. Let us kiss it with joy and fear: with fear, for we are unworthy because of sin; with joy, for upon it Christ the Lord was in His great mercy crucified, who grants salvation to the world.

Troparion of the Martyrs

(Tone 4)

O Lord our God, Your holy martyrs Eustathios and Theopista, Agapios and Theopista, have deserved the crown of immortality on account of their good fight. Armed with Your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors and crushed Satan's dreadful might. through their supplications, O Christ God, save our souls!

Troparion of the Cross

(Tone 1)

O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to our county over its enemies, and preserve Your community by the power of Your Cross.

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns

(Tone 8)

In the middle of Eden, a tree brought about death. In the midst of the earth, a Tree has made life blossom forth. Eating from the first tree, we came to know corruption. From the second, we have obtained joy and immortality, for on the Cross, O God, You saved the human race.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

In times past, Joshua, the son of Nun, stretched out his hands crosswise, O my Savior, mystically prefiguring the sign of the Cross. And the sun stood still until he had defeated the enemy that resisted You, O God. And now this same sun is darkened, seeing You upon the Cross, destroying the power of death and despoiling Hades.

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

O holy Eustathios, you were an imitator of Christ in His passion: you drank of His cup with courage and became a sharer of His glory. Wherefore, the God of us all granted you a divine power to work wonders.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Lord, grant me to chant and celebrate the struggles of Your martyr, so that I may worthily praise Eustathios, that brave passion-bearer, that conqueror of enemies, that giant of the Faith, who shines in the choirs of martyrs. With them, together with the angels, he sings to You ceaselessly, having received from You a divine power to work wonders.

Synaxarion

On September 20, we commemorate the holy great-martyr Eustathios, his wife Theopista, and their two children: Agapios and Theopista.

Enclosed in a bronze ox which was heated white hot, Eustathios and his family earned our hymns of praise; for on the twentieth, slaughtered like cattle, they triumphed and found salvation in the presence of the Word.

By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

In the company of your blessed wife and your children, you obtained immortal glory and never-ending life when you left the pleasures here below; thus we celebrate your holy and divine memory with love.

Placing our hope in you, O Mother of God, we powerfully triumph over enemies two times as numerous as we; for in the Cross of your Son, we possess our armor, our standard, our spear, sword, arrows and shield, which save us from Belial.

Praises

(Tone 4)

4. O Eustathios, who would not celebrate your blessed life? You nobly withstood the attacks of the prince of this world in his hostility; separation from your wife and children did not cause you to despair, but you gave thanks and said, like Job, "Naked I came forth from my mother's womb, and naked shall I go back again to the only Creator, the Savior of our souls!"

3. O Eustathios... (Repeat)

(Tone 6)

2. O holy martyr, make us acceptable to the uncreated Trinity; you are the dwelling-place of the Son of Mary, and you live forever in the uncreated Light.

(Tone 8)

1. Entering into the impenetrable cloud to be united to Christ, the Sun of Justice, and encountering the mystic and divine vision which appeared to you from on high by means of the stag, you became a living image, O blessed Eustathios. Receiving the power coming to you through Baptism in water and the Spirit and washed in the blood of martyrdom, you exult with the multitudes of angels in heaven, where you intercede that we too may be united to Christ, our Savior and our God.

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

@AFTR PRAISES = You left behind the armor of the empire, enamored as you were of the Savior, who appeared to you in a vision by means of a stag. In company with your wife and children, you exult forever with the citizens on high, O blessed martyr Eustathios. Thus we beg you to intercede with Christ that our souls be saved.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = O Christ our God, we poor sinners bow deeply today before Your precious Cross. Moses prefigured it in himself when he defeated Amalek, and David the psalmist, when he told us to "adore Your footstool." Wherefore, with unworthy lips we sing a hymn of praise to You who condescended to be nailed on this Cross, and with the thief, we cry out to You: "O Lord, make us worthy of Your Kingdom!"

Aposticha

(Tone 2)

1. As we behold the Wood of the Cross exalted on high, let us magnify God who in His goodness was crucified upon it in the flesh.

v. Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy.

2. Clothed in the water and blood flowing from Your side, O Word, the Church, like a radiant Bride, sings the glory of Your Cross.

v. The Lord is king from of old, and He is brought about salvation in the midst of the earth.

3. O my Savior, exalt the wood of Your Cross; consume all the pernicious weeds of sin in order to grant light to the whole world.

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Like Paul, you did not receive the divine call from men, O martyr Eustathios, but from God Himself, in whom you believed with all the assurance of the Cross, to the point of nobly confounding the impiety of tyrants, mocking their cruel torments. You resisted sin even to the shedding of your blood, struggling against invisible foes. You continually intercede with the King, our God, that He grant the gift of peace to the world and salvation to our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Lord, today we see the fulfillment of the oracle of Moses who said, "Behold, you shall see your life hanging before your eyes!" Today the Cross is exalted and the world is set free from error. Today the Church is renewed in the Resurrection of Christ, and the ends of the earth rejoice greatly. With cymbals, like David, they offer you their song of praise and say, " O God, You brought about salvation in the midst of the earth through the Cross and Resurrection by which You have saved us, O You who are good and love mankind. O all-powerful Lord, glory to You!"

September 21

Commemoration of the Holy Apostle Codratos of Magnesia;

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross

The Office of September 14, is chanted. The Office of Saint Codratos is transferred to tomorrow.

At Vespers: At the Lamp-lighting psalms, 6 stichera of the Feast. Glory..., Now..., of the Feast. (On Friday evening, Glory... of the feast; Now...the Dogmaticon of the Tone). Prokimenon of the day. No readings. Deign, O Lord. Aitesis. Aposticha of the feast. No Lete nor Artoclasia. Troparion of the Feast (3 times)

At Orthros: Troparion of the feast (3 times) Sessional Hymns of the Feast (no Polyeleos) Psalm 50. Canon of the Feast. After Ode 3, Sessional Hymn of the Proper 9th Ode. Exapostilaria and Praise of the Feast. Great Doxology. Troparion of the Feast. Litanies and Dismissal.

If this day falls on Sunday:

At Vespers on Saturday evening: the first Stasis of the Psalter. At the Lamp-lighting psalms, 4 stichera of the occurring Tone of the Resurrection, 6 of the Feast. Glory... of the Feast. Now... Dogmaticon of the Tone. Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Aposticha of Sunday, with Glory... Now... of the Feast. Troparia of Sunday and the Feast.

At Orthros: Troparia of Sunday and the feast. Sessional Hymns of Sunday. Evlogitaria of the Resurrection. Hypacoi, Anavathmi and Prokimenon of the occurring Tone. Gospel and what follows of Sunday. Canon of the Resurrection, the Mother of God, and the Feast. After Ode 3, Kontakion, Ikos and Sessional Hymn of the feast. after Ode 6, Kontakion and Ikos of the Tone. At the Praises, 4 stichera of the Tone, then 4 of the Feast (not doubling the first, but using the Doxastikon as the 4th) with the psalm verses of the feast replacing the two of the Resurrection. Glory, Eothinon, Now, You are truly most blessed... Great Doxology. Sunday Troparion. Litanies and Dismissal.

Synaxarion

On September 21, we commemorate the holy apostle Codratos.

Denying any type of worship to holy rocks, Codratos was stoned by those who adored them. On the twenty-first, the apostle exulted in heaven, having received the crown of immortal light.

Through his holy prayer, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the priest comes out from the sanctuary with the censor, preceded by the deacon with a candle. He goes to the table where the Cross is resting and incenses it. Then he takes it, carrying it into the sanctuary, the deacon going in front and incensing the Cross. Then the priest places the Cross on the holy Table and incenses it from the four sides, going around the Holy Table.

September 22

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Phocas, Bishop of Sinope, and of the Holy Apostle Codratos of Magnesia

(transferred from September 21)

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

For Codratos

(Tone 1)

6. Radiant with the splendor of celestial graces, O Codratos, you were a flaming torch for the world, making the divine preaching shine forth; we the faithful honor you as an apostle and martyr.

5. You walked the narrow way, saving wandering mankind from the treacherous paths of impiety, O illustrious apostle. Thus we the faithful glorify you as an infallible guide and a mediator with God.

4. God, whom we admire in His saints, glorified you in this world with an inexhaustible wealth of divine charisms, permitting you to heal both the souls and bodies of the faithful who celebrate you, O holy apostle Codratos.

For Phocas

(Tone 1)

3. Having overthrown the vain idols of false gods, you strengthened weakened hearts in the faith by your holy words; and, as a hierarch, you led them toward life. Struggling in keeping with the rule of faith, you became a witness for the Lord, O Phocas.

2. Having dyed your sacred vestments in your own blood, O holy father, you received a double crown from Christ. You exult with the angels in heaven, O blessed one, interceding for our salvation.

1. O holy father, you give light to the whole world through your radiant miracles; daily you come to the aid of mariners; you drive out demons and bring an end to maladies and the weaknesses of body and soul, O blessed Phocas, for you received power from the Lord.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the son and to the Holy Spirit.

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = From childhood, you loved the Lord, O blessed Phocas, witness for Christ; taking on your shoulders the armor of the Cross, you unswervingly set out on the way of salvation; thus you became the companion of the holy angels, the adversary to demons, and a powerful intercessor for the world.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

The frightening shadows of death assail my soul, O holy Bride of God; the grievances of the demons make me tremble with fear. Deliver me from their dominion in your goodness, O unwedded Virgin, and lead me toward the harbor of salvation and the light that knows no evening in the company of all the Saints.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@AFTR STAVRO = Seeing Christ deprived of life after having put the Tempter to death, the all-pure Virgin cried out in bitter tears to the One who came forth from her womb. In wonder, she marvelled at His long-suffering and said, "Do not forget Your handmaid, O beloved Child, Lover of Mankind; do not delay in coming to console me!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

Troparion of Codratos

(Tone 3)

O holy apostle Codratos, intercede with the all-merciful God that He may grant us forgiveness of our sins.

Troparion of Phocas

(Tone 4)

O holy hieromartyr Phocas, you lent your self to the apostles' way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the Faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

ORTHROS

Kontakion of Phocas

(Tone 2)

O glorious martyr Phocas, Christ established you in the Church as a mystical sun of divine brightness to enlighten all the faithful. He alone who is most merciful accepted your life, your faith and your efforts as a perfume of delightful odor.

ORTHROS

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = O Savior, pour out on me the never-setting Light of knowledge of You, driving far from me the shadows and darkness of the passions. O Word, by compunction, grant that I may speak with Your wisdom and knowledge. Thus in hymns and canticles, I may crown Phocas, Your martyr so worthy of all praise. For You are the help of those in distress, the treasure of the poor, the Source of all good gifts, O Merciful One, who fill all with a perfume of delightful odor.

Kontakion of Codratos

(Tone 8)

To You, O Lord, the universe offers the holy apostle Codratos, the venerable hierarch and courageous martyr, as it glorifies his holy memory in hymns, ceaselessly asking that remission of sins be given those who sing: Alleluia.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Let us honor the holy hierarch as a faithful pastor and teacher; for, in the meadows of martyrdom, he has blossomed like a sacred rose, bringing a sweet fragrance to all of us believers by the shower of his miracles and wondrous deeds. He illumines the whole world with the radiance of his healings, for the Lord has done great things for those who sing: Alleluia.

Synaxarion

On September 22, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr and wonder-worker Phocas, who perished in a pool of fire.

Having already received the bath of rebirth in baptism, Phocas was plunged into the bath of martyrdom. On the twenty-second, this martyr took his leave of this life for the life with which Christ rewarded him in heaven.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Apostle, martyr and divine hierarch, initiate of the Word, O Codratos, by wisely preaching the holy Gospel of Christ, you gave light to the whole world and delivered its children from error by teaching men to worship the Holy Trinity.

Splendor of hierarchs and glory of martyrs, sublime protector of mariners, O blessed Phocas, save from all peril those who celebrate your sacred memory.

O Virgin, you brought into the world the Lord, the Creator of the ages and the angels: beg Him to allow your faithful servants to stand close to Him at His right hand in the heavens.

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

September 23

Conception of the Honorable and Glorious Prophet, the Forerunner, John the Baptist

(4th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 4)

6. At the time that Zecheriah officiated as a priest in the holy Temple, presenting the prayers of the people to the compassionate Benefactor, he saw an Angel of God, who began to speak to him and said, "Your prayer has been heard! Take courage, old man, and do not doubt. You will have as your child the holy Forerunner, who will be the greatest of those born of women; and in the power of Elijah, he will go before Christ!"

5. At the time that Zecheriah... (Repeat)

4. "Your appearance seems strange to me, and strange are your words," replied Zecheriah, not trusting the announced news. "For I have come here to pray for the salvation of the people, and not to obtain a child, as you claim. I do not find in you a response to my prayers, and I harbor the suspicion that you are far from the truth. How can what you say be supported! Elizabeth is barren, and I myself am an old man, as you well know."

3. "Your appearance..." (Repeat)

2. "Why do you not believe my words, O Zecheriah? Why do you bring the accusation of falsehood against the joyful news I came to bring you? I am an archangel of God; at His command I speak to you in this appearance. But because you have doubted rather than believe, you will be mute, unable to speak, until you see my words are fulfilled. When Elizabeth brings forth for you the eminent spokesman for the Word, the Forerunner, then in a loud voice you will bless the God of Israel!"

1. "Why do you not believe..." (Repeat)

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = Today the fruit of prayer has taken root in a barren womb: behold, holy John the Forerunner. Rejoice, O wilderness! Exult, O human race! The herald of repentance begins to take flesh in his mother's womb. Come, O feast-lovers, let us exult in the joy of his illustrious conception and say, "You are the greatest among those born of women; never cease to intercede for the faithful who honor your holy conception, that we might find the pardon of sins and great mercy!"

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = Who would not call you blessed? Who would not sing a hymn of praise to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail, O Virgin most holy? The only-begotten Son Himself, begotten of the Father before all ages, was made flesh out of you in a manner that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure! And for our sake He who is God by nature assumed the nature of man. He is not divided into two persons; He is understood to have two natures without commixtion or confusion. O noble and blessed woman, intercede with Him that he may have mercy on our souls.

Aposticha

(Tone 6)

1. As it is written, a holy angel came to a holy priest and prophet in the Holy of Holies. He addressed him, saying "Your prayers have been heard; the barreness of Elizabeth has now come to an end. She will give birth to a son in spite of her advanced age. It will be the Forerunner, John, the lampstand for the Sun, the Prophet of the Most High, the voice of the Word, who will be raised up from the virginal Handmaid of God.

v. You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High.

2. "How can I know this? Tell me clearly," replied the blessed old man to the Angel. "For I am full of years, as you see. Elizabeth is barren. How can you contradict nature in what you say to me? In my misery, I suspect that you are lying. Leave me now. I am praying for the salvation of the people - not to obtain the impossible, a child."

v. We should serve Him devoutly and through all our days be holy in His sight.

3. "I am an archangel of Almighty God; my name is Gabriel," the Bodiless One said to the old man. "Now you shall remain mute; you shall keep silence since you doubted what I have said. When your wife brings forth for you the Herald of the Word, the Holy Spirit will loosen your tongue so that you can say, 'And you, O child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you shall go before the Lord to prepare the path in grace with is pleasing to Him!'"

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = As an angel, you came forth from the grief of a barren woman, O holy John. On leaving your swaddling clothes, you went to dwell in the desert, becoming the seal of all the prophets. For the One whom they had seen in manifold ways, whom they had announced in hidden signs, you were worthy to baptize in the Jordan. You understood the voice of the Father from heaven bearing witness to His divine sonship, and you saw the Spirit, in the form of a dove, bearing that message over the One baptized. As you surpassed all the former prophets, intercede ceaselessly for us who celebrate your memory with faith.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with the Fruit of Life; wherefore, we implore you, O Lady, to intercede together with the Forerunner and all the saints that we may obtain mercy for our souls.

Troparion

(Tone 4)

Joy to you, O barren one unable to give birth! Behold, you conceive today the one who is really a Torch of the Sun, who will enlighten the whole world that suffered from blindness. Rejoice, O Zecheriah, and cry out in all confidence: "The one who will be born is a Prophet of the Most High!"

Theotokion

(Tone 4)

The mystery which was hidden from eternity, and unknown to the angels, has been revealed through you, O Theotokos, to those on earth. For God took flesh in a union without commixture, and willingly took up the Cross by which He elevated the first man and saved our souls from death.

@BODY TXT IND =

ORTHROS

Use the Festal Format, for Fourth Class Feasts.

Sessional Hymns after the First Reading form the Psalter

(Tone 5)

Elizabeth was delivered from barreness, and the Virgin preserved her virginity, when she conceived in her womb at the voice of Gabriel; and John the Forerunner leaped within his mother when he recognized in the virginal womb the presence of the Master and his God incarnate for our salvation.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever ever. Amen.

Hail, holy mountain which the Lord crossed on His journey! Hail, O burning bush which did not go up in flames! Hail, bridge between the world and God, which takes the dead to eternal life! Hail, purest Lady, all innocent, who gave birth to the Savior of the world without the seed of man!

Sessional Hymns after the Second Reading from the Psalter

(Tone 4)

The dove from the wilderness, the Baptist of the Lord, after preaching repentance and pointing out Christ, God made man, has become an advocate for all sinners; for he ceaselessly comes to the aid of those shipwrecked in this life. By his prayers, O Christ, save Your world!

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

You alone conceived the Creator of the universe, and you alone adorned humanity by your divine childbearing, O pure Virgin. Save me form the nets of the enemy. Establish me on the rock of the commandments of Christ. Ceaselessly pray to Him who took flesh from your womb.

Kontakion

(Tone 1)

Zecheriah, the great priest, greatly with his wife Elizabeth, for she has conceived John the Forerunner, whom the angel announced in gladness. As for us, we honor him as the forerunner of the grace of God.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Let us open the holy Gospel which the wondrous Saint Luke wrote for us: let us contemplate the honorable and radiant conception of John the Forerunner. It tells us that the just and elderly Zecheriah, on the day of his service, entered into the temple to incense the Holy of Holies. Gabriel arrived and announced the good news, saying, "Great priest, despite your old age, you will have as a son the Prophet and Precursor, the voice, the herald, the resplendent lampstand, the forerunner of the grace of God!"

Synaxarion

On September 23, we celebrate the conception of the holy and illustrious prophet, the Forerunner and Baptist John.

Through an archangel, an oracle announces to a prophet the coming of a prophet, and more than a prophet. On the twenty-third, he who went before his Master was conceived six months before Him.

By his holy prayers, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

The glorious conception of the Forerunner announces the King who will be born of a Virgin, for he himself is the offspring of Elizabeth, barren and without fruit, and a holy old man, the grat priest Zecheriah. By their prayers, those of the Baptist and the mother of God, save us, O Lord, and have mercy on us.

Delivered from the ancient curse by your divine childbearing, O all-holy one, with thanksgiving and joy we address to you the greeting of the angel: "Hail, O holy Virgin! Through you, Adam and Eve have been redeemed! Hail, for through you we have been delivered from death and have found the Kingdom of heaven.

Praises

(Tone 1)

4. Creation rejoices at your holy conception, O Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John; for your birth heralds to us the Nativity of the Lord; thus, uniting our voices, we mortals here below acclaim you as is right.

3. Creation rejoices... (Repeat)

2. The barren one's conception was a marvellous sign which the angel gave Mary as proof. We celebrate it together with John, Elizabeth - the formerly barren one - and Zecheriah, her husband.

1. The lampstand divinely prepared for the eternal Light, the best man, the friend of the Bridegroom, who precedes the Sun of Glory like the morning star, the living voice of the Word of God, the Forerunner of the Coming of the Lord, is now conceived at the voice of the angel.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

(Tone 6)

@AFTR PRAISES = Elizabeth has conceived the Forerunner of the grace of God, and the Virgin has conceived Christ, the Lord of Glory. The mothers embrace, and the child leaps with joy, the servant acclaims his Lord. In her surprise, the mother of the Forerunner exclaims, "Who am I that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?" The Lord saves His people from despair. O Treasure of mercies, glory to You!

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Feast . Litanies and Dismissal.

September 24

Commemoration of the Holy Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles Thecla

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

6. O Lord, Thecla was united to You in love here below, only seeing You as through a cloudy window. Now that she stands before Your throne on high, she marvels at Your incomparable splendor, O Lover of Mankind, who were incarnate to save our souls.

5. O Lord, Thecla was united... (Repeat)

4. O Lord, Thecla followed in the footsteps of the Apostle in chains, casting off the chains of earthly passions; captivated by the power of Your love, she was firmly bound to You, O Savior of our souls.

3. O Lord, Thecla followed... (Repeat)

2. O Lord, Thecla was separated from her Master against her will, but rejoiced in Your presence at the hour of her passion. When she was stripped bare, Your glory covered her. Crowned by Your hand, she now protects our souls.

1. O Lord, Your spotless Protomartyr was delivered over to the fire, but was not burned since she possessed You as a refreshing dew. She remained safe in the midst of the wild beasts, protected as she was by Your hand, O Savior of our souls.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = As an athlete in your struggles, you overcame the enemy, O blessed Thecla; in martyrdom, you destroyed his schemes. You fled far from Thamyris in order to be espoused to Christ, your true Love. You were the companion of Paul and imitated Stephen in his trial. As the first woman to bear witness to Christ, you have boldness before Him: save our souls from all danger as, in faith, we festively celebrate your sacred memory.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = You are my most sure refuge, my hope, my protection, O spotless Virgin Mother: make haste, come speedily to save me from the disgrace that surrounds me.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Seeing You crucified, O Christ, the Mother who bore You cried out in her maternal sorrow, "O sweet Child, my Son and my God, how can You suffer the shameful Passion?"

Aposticha

(Tone 1)

1. Equal to the apostles, first woman to bear witness, virginal glory of martyrs, O illustrious Thecla, I cry out to you: "You heal my soul of its wounds and deadly passions! Save me from the never-dying fire, I beg you, through your prayers which are always heard by the Lord!"

v. Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words to the limits of the universe.

2. By means of a cloud bearing rain, the power of Christ divinely covered you with dew and burned up the unfaithful, as was right, O faithful Thecla. Protecting you from being torn apart from the wild beasts and bulls, it covered you with glory.

v. He set my feet upon a crag; He made firm my steps.

3. Rapt in love of your pure Bridegroom, radiant with beauty, you renounced your earthly betrothed, O Thecla, in order to follow the words of holy Paul, the betrothed of the Church. With him you went on to a blessed end, being espoused to Him whom you loved.

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O apostle and protomartyr, you curbed the attacks of the wild beasts and put off Thamyris in order to follow Christ, your Bridegroom. And you cried out to Him: "I am drawn to the fragrance of Your perfume!" Likewise, with holy Paul as your companion, you received grace from heaven and the crown of the divine inheritance from the Judge of all struggles. You never cease to intercede that remission of sins be granted to the faithful celebrating your sacred memory.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = You are my hope, my fervent protection, my refuge, my advocate before God, and the salvation of the faithful, O spotless one. Thus, O all-pure Sovereign Lady, I fly to you for refuge, crying out in a loud voice, "I have sinned! Save me, O Virgin, who are the only security for sinners!"

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = "O my Son, how I suffer at seeing You, who grant Resurrection to all, now asleep in a deadly dream because of the forbidden fruit!" Thus spoke the spotless Virgin in tears. With our hymns, we piously magnify her.

Troparion

(Tone 4)

O Jesus, Your lamb Thecla cries out to You with great love: "O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain; I am crucified with You, and in baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for Your sake in order to reign with You; I die for You in order to live in You. Accept me as a spotless victim, since I am immolated for Your love!" Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 8)

O glorious Thecla, virginity was your splendor, the crown of martyrdom your adornment, and the Faith your trust. You turned a burning fire into refreshing dew, and with your prayers, appeased pagan fury, O first woman martyr!

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = The splendor of this august festivity joyously shines more brightly than the sun; radiant in its luminous brilliance, it is reflected in the eyes of believers. Exulting with the angels, let us acclaim God our Savior and cry out to Him together, "You have worked wonders of love for Your people in offering them the perfect gift of the first woman martyr!"

Synaxarion

On September 24, we commemorate the holy great-martyr Thecla, equal to the Apostles.

Thecla, to save you, the rock was opened by the Lord, who on the day of His own passion caused the rocks to split. On the twenty-fourth, the saint, worthy of admiration, drew near to the Rock of her salvation.

By her holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Strengthened by the teachings of Paul, the divine Preacher, you followed after him, leaving behind your earthly betrothed, O Thecla, protomartyr and equal to the apostles, who confronted many a struggle. Now you have received the crown of victory from Christ.

We justly recognize you to be the Mother of God, since we have been saved through you; for you have ineffable conceived the God who delivered us from death through His Cross, drawing after Him a whole company of Saints. With them, we celebrate your glory, O Virgin Mother of God.

Praises

(Tone 1)

4. The arena of the martyrs lies before our eyes today. O people, come with joy and contemplate the marvels taking place in it. A spotless lamb, the virgin Thecla, a divine fiancee, is handed over for immolation for the sake of Christ, our immolated God. By her faith in the Trinity, she casts down the impiety of tyrants. Forever in the choir of angels, she intercedes before the Savior for the salvation of our souls.

3. Having Christ our God as your Bridegroom in heaven, you disdained your earthly betrothed and an earthly marriage, O holy Thecla, first to suffer. You wisely turned away from your mother's pleading in order to follow the apostle Paul, taking up the sign of the Cross. Not terrified by the fire, you changed the ferocity of the wild beasts into tame docility. You put to death the monsters lurking in the waters through your immersion into Christ in holy Baptism. You excelled in all your noble combats; do not cease to pray to the Lord for the faithful who celebrate your venerable memory.

(Tone 2)

2. Abandoning yourself to the plans of the Almighty, and with the strength of the first athlete for Christ, you laid aside an earthly love in order to possess the flame of eternal life. A multitude of women have entered into life by following you into eternal rest, O blessed Bride. With them, O apostle Thecla, pray to Christ for the salvation of our souls.

(Tone 4)

1. Form choirs, O friends of the martyrs, for the time has come to celebrate their exploits. The yearly memorial of the protomartyr invites us to glorify our God. Thecla, the first woman to have born witness, having run the race in the stadium of the athletes, is marked out also as the first to bear the crown of victory; and she never ceases to intercede for our souls.

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

(Tone 4)

@AFTR PRAISES = Your superhuman combats, O protomartyr of Christ, astonish not only the human race, but leave even the savage beasts in amazement. You passed through the flames as though fire could not burn. O virgin Thecla, for love of Christ you Bridegroom, you did all this, for you rejoiced to suffer for Him and to be separated from this world in order to find the blessedness of heaven, where you never cease to intercede for our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Cover my soul with dew through the sprinkling of the Holy Spirit, O all-pure Virgin, who bore Christ, the living water, cleansing the immense iniquity of mankind in His love. Dry up the springs of my passions; and through your prayers, make me worthy to drink from the streams of eternal delight, O spotless Virgin.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O Lord, seeing you nailed to the Cross, the Virgin, Your Mother, was struck with wonder. She said, "What vision is this, O my beloved Son? Is this the recompense You receive from a thankless people whom You have filled with so many benefits? They have turned away from Your Law, rather than sing 'Glory to Your ineffable condescension, O Lord!'"

ORTHROS

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

(Tone 2)

@AFTR PRAISES = Come, O friends of the Athletes, with canticles let us venerate Thecla, the pride of women, the first to bear witness, for she cast down the enemy by the power of the Cross and earned the crown by her triumphant victory. Bearing her trophy, she always intercedes before Christ that the faithful who wholeheartedly celebrate her sacred memory may be delivered from perils and the coming judgment.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = We have none other but you as our sure refuge, our fortress, our defense, and our unassailable rampart, O all-pure Virgin. Seeking refuge in you, we cry out: "Come to our aid! For, if you do not, O Lady, we shall perish! To all of us, manifest your grace, the glory of your power, and the greatness of you mercy toward us!"

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = When you saw hanging on the cross the ripe Cluster of Grapes which you had produced without pain, O Virgin, you cried out in mourning and in tears: "O my Son, let a sweet nectar flow forth to bring an end to the drunkenness of the passions. Manifest Your mercy, O Lord, for my sake, for I gave birth to You, O Benefactor!"

@BODY TXT IND =

September 25

Commemoration of our Venerable Mother Euphrosyne

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 5)

3. O Mother Euphrosyne, venerable and worthy of all admiration, for love of Him who is our joy, you set out on the road leading to Him. You exchanged your wealth for the greatest poverty, your earthly betrothed for the One who lives throughout all the ages; and by temperance, you exchanged the passing delights of life for those that last forever. The difficulties of asceticism became your repose, and a transcendent life replaced that of this world. You hastened toward it, in company with the wise virgins who had their lamps ready, meriting, as a virgin and bride of Christ, to enter with Him into the bridal chamber.

2. You watered your soul with your tears, and by asceticism brought forth the fruits of the virtues. You bore beautiful clusters of grapes, like a fruitful vine: full us with their divine wine; sharpen our spiritual senses to imitate you, so that, exulting with divine joy, we may overcome the drunkenness of sin and cry to you, "O venerable one, ceaselessly pray to Christ to grant the world peace, harmony and great mercy.

1. O strange sight that nature cannot comprehend! How could you forget the deadly machinations which Eve used to submit to the ancient Tempter, in order to dwell among men in the perfection of your spirit? How could you pass through the midst of flames without being burned? How could you hide your womanly frailty? Surely it was by taking strength from the power of God, who assumed our frailty and was born of a Virgin without the aid of man. You exult now with the angels in heaven; intercede with Him to grant the world peace, harmony and great mercy.

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

(Tone 2)

@BODY TXT IND = Faultlessly keeping the pure treasure of your virginity while living in a community of men, O Euphrosyne, you became a bride of Christ, dimming your passing bodily attractiveness through the labors of asceticism; but grace adorned your soul with a most wondrous beauty. Hiding your womanhood under the guise of a man, you forgot the snares of Belial and lived like an angel on earth. Pray for peace for all those who wholeheartedly acclaim you, who were named for joy.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Hail, O star as bright as the sun! Hail, all-pure cause of all good! Hail, O you who offer a place to the infinite God, you who make the harvest of immortal life come forth! Hail, O shining gate and divine chariot! Hail, O Virgin who abolished the ancestral curse, gaining the eternal blessing for us!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = When the spotless Ewe saw her Lamb willingly led as man to be slaughtered, she said in tears, "O Christ, will You deprive Your Mother of her only Son? Why do You do this, O Redeemer of the world? O Lover of mankind, I still sing and glorify Your ineffable and surpassing goodness!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

Troparion

(Tone 8)

In you, O venerable Mother Euphrosyne, the faithful image of God shone forth, for you carried you Cross and followed Christ. You taught by your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away, and how to value the soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore, you soul is forever in happiness with the angels.

ORTHROS

Kontakion of Euphrosyne

(Tone 2)

When you longed for the life of the spirit, you turned away forcefully from the delights of the world. You put on a man's clothing to live among monks. O venerable mother Euphrosyne, worthy of all praise, you abandoned your earthly betrothed for love of Christ, your Bridegroom.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Jubilant with happiness and joy in our souls, let us hasten to hear a new wonder: every spirit is astounded and filled with amazement at the telling: for a woman, dwelling among men, has triumphed over Belial. She has crushed beneath her feet the fire of pleasures and was in no way burned, that virgin who abandoned her earthly betrothed for love of Christ, her Bridegroom.

Synaxarion

On September 25, we commemorate our venerable mother Euphrosyne, daughter of Paphnutios the Egyptian.

You disguised your female nature under a manly form in order to contemplate Him who sees all things, O Euphrosyne. On the twenty-fifth, the Saint goes to stand forever near the throne of her Master for all eternity.

On this same day, we commemorate the great earthquake, during which a child was lifted up in the air.

Lifted up in the air, a child lifts up a hymn from earth to heaven, singing the Trisagion.

By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Having fled the Prince of darkness, you revealed his folly under the guise of wisdom. You who were a virgin in soul and body lived as a man in your heart and faith, O Euphrosyne, splendor of virgins and pride of holy monks.

The Thrones, Dominations, Powers, Virtues, Angels and Archangels serve your Son as their Lord and God. They constantly celebrate you; ceaselessly pray to Him to save me from eternal pain, O spotless Virgin Mother!

September 26

Commemoration of the Passing of the Apostle and Evangelist, John the Theologian

(3rd Class)

@VES/ORTH = GREAT VESPERS

First Kathisma: Blessed the man

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 1)

6. Beholder of revelations past speech, spokesman of the mysteries of God on high, John, the son of Zebedee, has written down the Gospel Christ for us; he has taught us to acknowledge God as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

5. Beholder of revelations... (Repeat)

4. The divine lyre of the hymns of heaven, having written their secrets down, John sings the Song of Songs, his mouth inspired by the Spirit. With his lips, he forms a hymn of intercession for us to God.

3. The divine lyre... (Repeat)

2. Resounding like thunder, your tongue expresses the hidden wisdom of God. O beloved Apostle, you open your mouth and say to us, "In the beginning was the Word!" You give light to all men to lead them to the knowledge of God.

1. Resounding like... (Repeat)

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

(Tone 2)

@BODY TXT IND = Let us men celebrate, as is right, the son of thunder, the originator of divine sayings, the chief theologian, the first preacher of the true wisdom of God, John, the beloved virgin apostle; he carried within himself the continual presence of God, saying "In the beginning was the Word", who was always with the Father and of the same essence as the Father. He taught us the truth of the Holy Trinity. He showed us the Word as the Creator, always with the Father, the true Light bringing life. O awesome wonder and amazing thing: that, being full of love, you were also filled with theology. That brought with it glory, honor and belief, becoming the foundation of our pure Faith, through which we shall obtain eternal goods on the day of judgement.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BODY TXT IND = O Virgin, the shadow of the Law passed away with the realization of grace, for as the bush had burned without being consumed, so you gave birth while a virgin and you remained a virgin. Instead of the pillar of fire, there rose the Sun of Justice; instead of Moses, Christ God came forth, the Savior of our souls.

Entrance. "Joyful Light" Prokimenon of the day and Readings.

Readings: 1) I John 3:21-4:6; 2) I John 4:11-16; 3) I John 4:20-5:5.

Lete

(Tone 1)

@AFTR LETE = O Apostle, rivers of theology have poured forth from your venerable mouth. Watered by them the Church of God worships the consubstantial Trinity in the orthodox faith. Intercede that the Church be made strong and that we may be saved, O John the Theologian.

@AFTR LETE =

@AFTR LETE = The lily of purity, the fragrant myrrh, has again come upon us in this present feast so that we may cry aloud, "O John, the Apostle who reclined against the chest of the Master and made the word fall on the world like rain, who watched over the Virgin as the apple of your eyes, ask Christ that we may receive great mercy.

@AFTR LETE =

@AFTR LETE = O Disciple of the Savior, on the Cross, Christ entrusted the pure Virgin, the Mother of God to you, O virginal Theologian; and you protected her as the apple of your eye. Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

@AFTR LETE =

@AFTR LETE = As an eyewitness of the ineffable mysteries, you cried aloud that the pre-eternal Word was in the beginning with God and that He is God, O John, beloved Apostle of Christ and His true friend, delight of the Trinity, unshaken pillar of Ephesus and Patmos, and our helper. Intercede, O blessed Theologian, for the people who faithfully keep your memory to be delivered from impious enemies, both visible and invisible.

(Tone 2)

@AFTR LETE = Come, O faithful, and let us bless the highest of the apostles, the trumpet of theology, the spiritual general who subjected the whole inhabited earth, John, the disciple worthy of our hymns. Translated from earth, he does not remain aloof from it, but lives in heaven awaiting the awesome second coming of the Master. O mystic friend of Christ, who rested on His bosom, ask that we who lovingly celebrate your sacred memory may meet Him uncondemned.

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

(Tone 4)

@AFTR LETE = Beloved Disciple, reclining on the bosom of Christ at the Supper of the Lord, you drew forth from it ineffable mysteries which you were permitted to reveal; and your heavenly voice thundered out to all: "In the beginning was the Word; and the Word was in God's presence; and the Word was God!" He is Christ our God and the Savior of our souls, the true Light that enlightens every man coming into this world.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR LETE = The Son, glorified on high with the Father and the Spirit by the Cherubim, wished to restore the first man; He ineffably emptied Himself in your womb, O Theotokos, who are praised by all. Having shone forth from you, He has enlightened the whole world with the splendor of His divinity, delivering it from the madness of idolatry. And Christ our Lord and the Savior of our souls, having made man God-like by Himself, led him back with Him to heaven.

Aposticha

(Tone 4)

1. You confessed the Son of the Most High to be coeternal and consubstantial with the Father, Light from Light, changeless, the very Image of the Father, shining forth from Him from all ages, the Creator, Logos and Lord of the ages. Then, O beloved apostle John, you preached Him to the world as Christ our God, the Light that leads us out of darkness.

v. Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words to the limits of the universe.

2. You received the Light of the Comforter Spirit and spoke of divine things. You taught us all about the Paraclete who proceeds from the Father and appeared to mankind through the Son, coequal and consubstantial with the Father and the Word. We honor you in hymns, O John, as an Initiator of the Faith. By your prayers, keep that faith firm and unshaken.

v. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of His hands.

3. Ascending to the heights of theology, you learned the unspeakable mysteries of God: that God is always and essentially One, divided into Three Persons, yet undivided in essence in a union without confusion. By glorifying the undivided Trinity, you proclaimed God to us. Pray that we may be saved and enlightened, O John the Theologian.

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = O apostle and evangelist of Christ, John the Theologian, you penetrated unspeakable theology and thundered forth your teachings to us, plainly declaring them as a beloved friend and companion of Christ, as Isaiah and Moses, who saw God. In your boldness before Him, pray earnestly for us.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR APOSTICA = All-holy Virgin, Christ, who is the Maker, Deliverer and Lord, came forth from your womb; clothing Himself in our nature, He set us free from the original curse of Adam. Thus, all-pure Virgin, we sing to you unceasingly as the Mother of God and true Virgin in the words of the angel: "Hail, O Lady, advocate, defender and salvation of our souls!"

@AFTR APOSTICA =

ORTHROS

Sessional Hymns of the First Kathisma

(Tone 8)

You were called a son of thunder, and you deafened the ears of the ungodly, O apostle John; yet you gently rang out the sweet sound of the Incarnation of the Word to upright hearts. As a true friend, you reclined close to Christ's breast, from which you drew a profound knowledge enabling you to proclaim to all the Word who proceeds from the Father without beginning. O John, intercede with Christ God for those who keep your holy memory with love that they may receive the remission of their sins.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Having ineffable conceived in your womb the Wisdom and Word of God, O Theotokos, you brought forth into the world the very Sustainer of the world, holding in your arms the One who holds creation in His hands, the Nourisher of the universe, the Author of creation. Thus I entreat you, all-holy Virgin, for the remission of my sins. At the hour in which I stand before my Creator, O pure Virgin and Lady, grant me your help, for you can accomplish whatever you wish.

Sessional Hymns of the Second Kathisma

(Tone 8)

O praiseworthy John, you abandoned your fishing in the deep sea, and with the rod of the Cross, you became a fisher of men for all the people. Christ told you that you would net men for holiness. Having shown Patmos and Ephesus the knowledge of God the Word, you reaped a rich harvest there through your preaching. O John, apostle and theologian, intercede with Christ our God for those who keep your holy memory with love, that they may receive the remission of their sins.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

I reflect on the judgment and stand afraid. having done deeds worthy of shame, I am brought low, and I entreat you, O Theotokos who are praised by all men: "Before the darkness overtakes me, turn, me back from death, guiding me to the way of repentance, that I may thankfully venerate you and praise your immeasurable power and your divine protection, O all-holy Bride of God, who intercedes with Christ our Lord. For His sake, I beg you to grant me remission of sins and great mercy!"

Sessional Hymns after the Polyeleos

(Tone 8)

Having the familiarity of a disciple, you reclined on the breast of Jesus and asked who His betrayer would be. Since you are His beloved friend, the answer was given through the mystery of the bread. Understanding the depths of theology, you taught the world about the Incarnation of the Word. O apostle and theologian, John, intercede with Christ God for the remission of offenses to be given to those who keep your holy memory with love.

v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

O all-holy Virgin, Mother of God, heal the grievous passions of my foolishness, defiling both my soul and body in my wretchedness. Alas, what shall I do at the hour when the angels separate my soul from my poor body? Then, O Lady, be my help and my warm advocate, for I am your servant and I have you as my hope.

Prokimenon

(Tone 4)

@AFTR PROKIM = Their voice has gone forth over the whole world, and their words to the limits of the universe.

v. The heavens proclaim the glory of God and the firmament shows forth the work of His hands.

Gospel. Psalm 50

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

Through the intercession of Your Apostle, O merciful One, wipe out the multitude...

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Through the intercession of the Theotokos, O merciful One, wipe out...

v. O God, have mercy on me in the greatness of Your love, in the abundance...

(Tone 2)

O virginal Theologian, beloved Disciple of the Savior, we entreat you to save us by your prayers from all harm, for we are the flock of your fold.

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

Who can describe your titles of glory, O virginal Saint? You pour upon us every miracle and healing, interceding also for the salvation of our souls, for you are a Theologian and the beloved friend of Christ.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = It is a presumption on our part to try to grasp or understand the depths of the sea. Just as one cannot count all the stars nor the grains of sand on the shore, so it is impossible to say enough about John the Apostle and Theologian. Christ has crowned the disciple whom He loved with many crowns. he reclined on His breast and ate with Him at the Last Supper, as a beloved friend of Christ.

Synaxarion

On September 26, we celebrate the Falling Asleep of the holy and illustrious Apostle and Evangelist, the virgin disciple and beloved friend of Christ, who reclined on His breast, John the Theologian.

Behold, you are in heaven in the presence of the Son beloved of the Father. You were loved by the Word more than all the others among the Apostles, O John, son of thunder, and on the twenty-sixth, you fell asleep.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

Being a son of thunder, you spoke loudly to men about God, saying, "In the beginning was the Word"; faithfully reclining on the bosom of your Master, O John the Apostle, you drew from Him streams of theology with which you watered the whole creation.

O all-pure Virgin, standing with the virginal Disciple, John, at the foot of the Cross of your Lord, you heard the Creator say,"Woman, there is your son!" And to the Disciple, He declared, "There is you Mother, O beloved Theologian!" With him, we all praise you, O Virgin and Mother of God!

Praises

(Tone 8)

4. Blessed John, by your warm love for Christ, you became the beloved disciple of the Word who judges the whole world with justice. Your body and mind shone with purity and chastity, O blessed Apostle.

3. Flower of purity, filled with virtues, instrument of wisdom temple of the Spirit, bearer of the light of grace, bright enlightener of the Church: we praise you, O John, with spiritual hymns as a servant of Christ.

2. O John, reclining at the breast of Wisdom Himself, you drew streams of theology and watered the world. With knowledge of the Trinity, you dried up the sea of godlessness. As a pillar of fire and living cloud, guide us toward our heavenly inheritance.

1. Evangelist John, son of thunder, you announce the Source of all blessings, an unshaken Kingdom, eternal life, untold joy and the delights of divine contemplation. You enlighten our mind with the richly given gifts of the grace of Christ.

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR PRAISES = Evangelist John, equal of the angels, virgin theologian taught by God, you proclaimed to all the true knowledge of that pure side from which blood and water flowed to give us eternal life.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = O Lady, receive the prayers of your servants, and deliver us from all need and sorrow.

Great Doxology. Troparion of the Apostle. Litanies and Dismissal.

September 27

Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Callistratos and His Companions

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. O martyr Callistratos, enlightened in your spirit by the radiance of faith, you unswervingly followed the path leading to the blessedness of the future life, triumphing over all the snares of the enemy. Thus we call you blessed, O holy one, and glorify your sacred memory.

2. O martyr Callistratos, having heard the word of Life in your contemplation, you guided those who had been held in death through ignorance toward the true Life. We believe that those who are eager to die for Christ are really alive in Him who is the Resurrection of all. With them, remember us in the presence of the Lord, the Highest Good.

1. O martyr Gymnasios, beheaded by the sword, you drowned the treacherous Pharaoh in the streams of your own blood. You pour forth healing for the faithful who approach your temple, O blessed one, to glorify your illustrious struggles and to celebrate your sacred memory.

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

(Tone 4)

@BODY TXT IND = Before Your venerable death on the Cross, mankind stood in terror of death. But after Your glorious Passion, it is death that stands in fear of man. Thus, Your holy martyr stood fast and overthrew all the strength of the enemy. By his prayers, O Lord, grant salvation to our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Hail, O star as bright as the sun! Hail, all-pure cause of all good! Hail, O you who offer a place to the infinite God, you who make the harvest of immortal life come forth! Hail, O shining gate and divine chariot! Hail, O Virgin who abolished the ancestral course, gaining the eternal blessing for us!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = The all-pure virgin, seeing Christ deprived of life after having put the Tempter to death, cried out with bitter tears to Him who had come forth from her womb. In amazement, she marvelled at His patience. "Do not forget Your handmaid, O beloved Child, Lover of mankind. Make haste to console me!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos

Troparion

(Tone 4)

O Lord our God, Your holy martyrs Callisratos and his companions have deserved the crown of immortality on account of their good fight. Armed with Your strength, they have vanquished their persecutors and crushed Satan's dreadful might. Through their supplications, O Christ God, save our souls!

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 4)

Today the Church honors all of you and sings to you a hymn of spiritual praise, for you have fought on its behalf, O holy, divine, triumphant and all-wise martyrs.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = Let us the faithful, united in hymns, celebrate joyfully the athlete of Christ, His great soldier, the friend of the Holy Trinity, the initiate of ineffable secrets, the imitator of Jesus. Let us glorify his struggles, his deeds, the pains he suffered for Christ our King, asking through his prayers that we be given the supreme life of Paradise, where festive choirs cry out with joy: "Hail, Callistratos, glorious leader of the holy, divine, triumphant and all-wise martyrs!"

Synaxarion

On September 27, we commemorate the holy martyr Callistratos and the forty-nine holy martyrs who bore witness along with him.

Callistratos joins the army of the triumphant athletes as a general. Forty-nine martyrs, imitating that soldier, fought the good fight together with him on the twenty-seventh.

By their holy prayers, O Christ our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 2)

Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, the victorious martyrs, the most wise Callistratos, the admirable Gymnasios, and their companions in suffering, endured for the sake of Christ the countless trials of their torments and overcame the impudence of the tyrants. Celebrating their light-bearing memory, we can find salvation for our souls.

What words could express the importance of the grace You divinely grant, and which You permit us to approach and receive, O Lord, in the tenderness of You heart? Fallen as we were from the divine life because of our shamefulness, You lifted us up again by taking our whole human nature from the Virgin in order to save us in Your love, O compassionate Lord!

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

September 28

Commemoration of our Venerable Father Chariton the Confessor

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

3. By temperance and constant prayer, you weakened the bodily passions, drowning the treacherous serpent in the flood of your tears, O venerable father Chariton. Being wondrously acceptable to God, you were adorned with divine charisms by Jesus, the Lover of Mankind and Savior of our souls.

2. Toiling at the labors of asceticism, you extinguished the burning embers of the passions. When you were exposed to the fire of pains and torments, in the presence of the impious who were judging you, you confessed the Word who emptied Himself and became incarnate for our sake. Thus you became a witness, branded by the marks of your countless torments, O admirable and blessed God-bearing father.

1. Fleeing to the mountains and wilderness, you sought solitude, O holy father, keeping your soul spotless, so that now, O Chariton, you have become the dwelling of the of the Trinity. By His power, you built up three holy communities, dwellings for the salvation of the monks who venerate your holy memory, all-worthy of our hymns.

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

@BODY TXT IND = O God-bearing father Chariton, immediately after your death, you saw Christ in heaven, for whose sake you had crucified yourself to the world. For, being a stranger both to the world and to the flesh, you transcended visible things in your life; for it was not you who lived, but Christ our God who lived in you. Pray to Him to save our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O all-pure one, protect me, whether I am sailing the sea, travelling the road, or sleeping at night. Grant me a watchful spirit. Grant that I may do the will of the Lord, so that at the hour of judgment, I may find absolution for the deeds of my life, for I take refuge in your holy protection.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O Lord, seeing You nailed to the Cross, Your Virgin Mother was struck with wonder: "What vision is this, O my beloved Son? Is this the return You receive from a thankless people whomYou filled with so many benefits? They have turned away from Your Law rather than sing, "Glory to You ineffable condescension, O Lord!'"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

(Tone 8)

@AFTR APOSTICA = All the monks honor you, O venerable Chariton, as a spiritual guide. Through you, we have set out on the narrow path; blessed are you for having served Christ and for having broken the power of the enemy, O companion of the angels, the just and the saints. With them, ask the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = Hail, O safeguard of believers, harbor for sinners, amendment for the fallen! Hail, O guide of souls, help of the afflicted! Hail, O perfect consolation, healing for our spiritual ills, messenger of peace, intercessor before God, O pure Virgin, surpassing the assembly of the Seraphim in your eminent holiness!

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = "O Lord, what vision stands before my eyes? You who hold the whole world in Your hands are nailed to the Cross! You, the Author of life, are put to death!" Thus spoke the all-holy Mother of God as she saw the God-Man whom she had borne in a wondrous manner, hanging on the Cross.

Troparion

(Tone 8)

Your abundant tears made the wilderness sprout and bloom, and your deep sighings made your labor fruitful a hundred fold. You became a star shining over the world with miracles, Holy Father Chariton Pray to Christ God that He may save our souls.

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

O divinely-minded Chariton, you found your delight in the monastic life. You conquered the passions of your body, increased in faith, and blossomed forth like the Tree of Life in the midst of Paradise, O most blessed and holy Father!

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = O faithful, with hymns let us acclaim that giant among monks and divine light of Iconium. With holy songs, let us crown the head of blessed Chariton. He brought down the threatening pride of vain idols and also put to death the power of the demons. He endured the torments, but received the reward in truth. Singing his praises, let us glorify him as the light illuming the whole world, a most blessed and holy father!

Synaxarion

On September 28, we commemorate our venerable father Chariton, the Confessor.

Having overcome earthly pleasures, Chariton now rejoices in happiness, enjoying the object of his desires in heaven. On the twenty-eighth, he died in extreme old age.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilarion

(Tone 3)

Having first succeeded in the trial of witnessing, you then ran the race to a good end in asceticism, O venerable father Chariton. You went up to heaven, arriving at the presence of Christ, where you pray for us who sing to you with love.

O Virgin worthy of our hymns, you gave birth to Christ, the Messenger of the Father, the Angel of Great Counsel, the King of Glory. The ascetics and martyrs took up their Cross to follow Him. With them, O holy Mother, ceaselessly intercede with Him for us.

Praises

(Tone 4)

4. The grace of the Spirit shone upon you, O holy father Chariton, flooding you with light. You left the night of the passions and attained to the life of impassibility in the full daylight. As you live forever in the purest light, O illustrious father, do not forget the faithful who celebrate your sacred memory.

3. The grace of the Spirit... (Repeat)

2. Bearing grace like a blossoming flower, you paid no heed to the things here below: as though bodiless, you chose to live in the midst of suffering so that you would be able to enjoy the delights of eternity. By your tears, you dried up the troubled sea of the passions, O venerable father Chariton, in order to water the plants of the virtues by which you nourish our souls.

1. By divine grace, you received justly the grace of healing. O Chariton, you cast down the errors which the evil spirits use to lead us astray, and you put to flight the ravages of illness. You made grace flow forth in torrents; and you permit us to drink from their streams as we celebrate your holy memory.

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR PRAISES = Venerable father, the whole world is filled with the fame of your holy deeds; through them, you have received the recompense for your labors in heaven. You destroyed hordes of demons and have been united to the choirs of angels, whose pure lives you imitated. By your boldness with Christ our Gos, as peace for our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@AFTR PRAISES = O hope of all Christians, by your prayers call me back, incorrigible as I am; save me from all pain, punishment and the eternal fire, O Mother of God.

The Great Doxology may be sung, if wished. If not, the Small Doxology, followed by the Aposticha of the Octoechos.

September 29

Commemoration of our Holy Father Cyriacos the Anchorite

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 8)

3. Mastering your bodily passions by the bridle of temperance, O wonder-working father Cyriacos, you put on the garment of self-control. You stripped bare the total perversity of the one who had once stripped our first parents; and now you dwell in the eternal joys of Paradise. Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

2. Taking up your Cross, you followed Christ without ever looking back. Renouncing the pleasures of this life, O Cyriacos, and mortifying your bodily passions, O venerable father, you received through your vigils and continuous prayers the grace of healing maladies. Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

1. You lived in the desert, O holy father, eating bitter roots as your nourishment, O venerable Cyriacos. Mortifying your senses, you pruned your soul of all the roots of carnal pleasures, O blessed one. Thus, with heavenly joy you hastened to the end of a life which you had lived like an angel. Intercede for the salvation of our souls.

v. Glory be to the Father an to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

@BODY TXT IND = All the monks honor you, O holy father Cyriacos, as a spiritual guide. Through you, we have set out to walk the narrow path; blessed are you for having served Christ and for having broken the power of the enemy, O companion of the angels, the just and the saints. With them, ask the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

v. Now and always and forever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O ever-virgin Mother of God, unwedded, who has ever taken refuge in you protection and has not obtained a prompt deliverance from shame? He finds a fearless help in you, most sure protection, an unshakeable tower, an unassailable fortress. O refuge of Christians, divine and spotless Theotokos, intercede for the salvation of your faithful servants.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = When she saw her Lamb, her own Son, nailed to the Cross, the mother Ewe was wounded in her soul by a sword of sorrow. Shaken by lamentation, torn by grief, her heart filled with mourning, she cried out: "Alas, O my Son, how can You suffer this? O long-suffering Lord, I glorify Your patience toward us!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = Venerable father, the whole world is filled with the fame of your holy deeds; through them, you have received the recompense for your labors in heaven. You destroyed hordes of demons and have been united to the choirs of angels, whose pure lives you imitated. By your boldness with Christ our God, ask peace for our souls.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = The greatest benefit to us all was the virginal childbearing of the Mother of God, for it renewed our corrupt nature and recreated the human race.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O Christ, when Your Mother saw You crucified, she cried out: "O my Son, what amazing mystery arrests my sight? How can You die, hung on a Cross, You who give life to all?"

Troparion

(Tone 1)

You made the wilderness your dwelling, O our father Cyriacos, the bearer of God; you became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. Through fasts, vigils and prayers, you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick and sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. Glory to the One who gave you strength! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who, through your intercession, grants healing to all!

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 8)

Your holy monastery honors you today, and gladly offers you a yearly tribute, for you are a courageous and strong upholder of truth. Since you have a special acceptance with the Lord our God, keep us safe from our enemies so that we may cry out: "Joy to you, O our father Cyriacos thrice-blessed!"

Synaxarion

On September 29, we commemorate our venerable father Cyriacos the Anchorite.

Cyriacos, by bitter penance you corrected the sweetness of that fruit which was seized in disobedience by those who closed the heavens through their sin. On the twenty-ninth, full of years, Cyriacos closed his eyes.

By his holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

O Cyriacos, you rejoice in divine glory before the Almighty One together with Chariton, the holy confessor. O holy father, constantly be mindful of those who celebrate your light-bearing memory, venerating you with love as a servant of Christ.

We just recognize you to be the Mother of God, since we have been saved through you; for you have ineffably conceived the God who delivered us from death through His Cross, drawing after Him a whole company of saints. With them, we celebrate your glory, O Virgin Mother of God.

Aposticha of the Octoechos

September 30

Commemoration of the Holy Hieromartyr Gregory, the Illuminator of Greater Armenia

(5th Class)

VESPERS

At "O Lord, to You I call..."

(Tone 6)

3. Dying you sacred vestments in the purple blood of martyrdom, you entered into the Holy of Holies, where the ineffable Light shines in the radiant glory of God and where there is always the sound of festive rejoicing. There, O admirable martyr, you received as the reward for your labors the imperishable crown, eternal renown and a dwelling in Paradise. O holy Gregory, as you stand before the Lord, intercede with boldness for our souls.

2. You soul was not broken by the storm of torments, nor by your long imprisonment in the dark pit into which you had been thrown; but you shone as a light upon those who were threatened by the shadows of vain idols. You converted them into sons of the day through Baptism, that bath of rebirth which brings about salvation, and through the divine life in truth, O Gregory, illustrious martyr and inspired hierarch.

1. O Master of the universe, cherishing You as her immortal Bridegroom, Rhipsime endured the flaying of her skin from her body after having already stripped herself of the dark tunic of the passions through her temperance. With her also suffered the illustrious Gayana, followed by a whole company of virgins who fought the good fight valiantly, overcoming the ancient seducer of Eve, the mother of all the living. O Christ, we glorify You as we celebrate their merits.

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

(Tone 6)

@BODY TXT IND = Who could worthily describe the victory of your virtues? What mouth could speak of the patience with which you endured martyrdom? You excelled in all things, O Gregory! Never cease to intercede by your prayers, so acceptable to Christ. And with the boldness you have before Him, pray for the salvation of our souls, O holy hieromartyr.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = All my hope, O place in you, O Virgin; do not turn away from me, but in your goodness hasten to deliver me from the passions which daily afflict and grieve me.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = "The Sun was darkened at seeing You nailed to the Cross, You who had created the light, O my Son! And the earth trembled with fear; but Your own people were not moved with pity, O my beloved Son!"

Aposticha of the Octoechos, with:

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

(Tone 6)

@AFTR APOSTICA = The martyr and hierarch, having spiritually entered into the inaccessible cloud of ineffable Light, was initiated into the inexpressible secrets of the divine mysteries, after having been first enlightened as a martyr, then initiated as a pastor. Thus he also received a double crown of glory on high and ceaselessly prays to Christ that our souls may be saved.

v. Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

@BOLD TITLE IN = Theotokion

@BODY TXT IND = O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with the Fruit of Life: Wherefore we implore you, O Lady, to intercede together with the apostles and all the saints that we may obtain mercy for our souls.

@BOLD TITLE IN = or StavroTheotokion

@BODY TXT IND = When You were nailed fast to the Cross at the hour of Your crucifixion, the Virgin stood with the virginal disciple and cried out in tears: "Alas, how You suffer, O Lord, who grant immortality to all mankind!"

Troparion

(Tone 4)

O holy hieromartyr Gregory you lent yourself to the apostles' way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

ORTHROS

Kontakion

(Tone 2)

O faithful, let us extol today with songs and spiritual hymns the glorious hieromartyr Gregory, the shepherd of souls, the vigorous teacher, the bright star and fighter for truth. He intercedes with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Ikos

@AFTR IKOS = O faithful,let us acclaim with spiritual hymns the shepherd and defender, the divine light of Armenia. Let us celebrate with spiritual songs that giant among the victorious passion-bearers. He chased away the darkness of vain idols, and with them he brought an end to the power of the demons. With a firm heart, he endured his sufferings by the grace of God, and he intercedes with Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

Synaxarion

On September 30, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Gregory of Greater Armenia.

"Stay awake!" commanded Christ in His agony. Knowing this, O Gregory, you did not slumber. On the thirtieth, Gregory, the Illuminator of Greater Armenia, saw his God with an illumined eye.

By his holy prayers, O Christ our God,take pity on us and save us. Amen.

Exapostilaria

(Tone 3)

The unfaithful were struck with awe at seeing the wondrous spectacle: he whom they thought to be dead in the pit of the beast, was lifted out alive. Then they bowed down and said, "Great is the God who shows His clear light through Gregory!"

The One carried on the cherubic throne wished to take flesh, and now He rests in you arms, O spotless Virgin, in order to make us children of God through His grace, we who believe in Him and acclaim you ceaselessly as the steward of salvation!

Aposticha of the Octoechos.