Today's Saint: Honor to Whom Honor Is Due [Archive]

CopticOrthodox

26th June 2003, 10:07 AM

June 26/Paona 19: St. George the new martyr: (full: http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?month=10&day=19&sa=1#3 )

...She gave him a portion of the blessed Eulogia bread, that they distributed to the people, and it tasted in his mouth like that of honey. He meditated in his heart and said, "If the taste of this bread that was not consecrated by prayers tastes like this, what will be the taste of the Offering?" His longing for the faith in Christ increased from that time....

was baptized there and was called George...When the Moslems of the city of Demerah knew his history, they seized him, and delivered him to the governor who put him in prison. The Moslems assembled and broke the door of the prison. They beat the Saint severely, split open his head, and left him between life and death. When some of the believers came on the morrow to bury him, for they thought that he was dead, they found him alive. ...
His wife strengthened him, and comforted him. She taught him to believe that the punishment which had come upon him was because of his sins; lest Satan lead him astray and he might boast that he became like the martyrs. The angel of the Lord appeared to him, comforted him, strengthened him, and informed him that he would receive the crown of martyrdom on the next day. ...

Philip

27th June 2003, 09:17 AM

Friday, June 27:
St Joanna the Myrrhbearer, Witness to the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord

Saint Joanna the Myrrhbearer, wife of Chuza -- the household steward of king Herod -- was one of the women following and attending the Lord Jesus Christ during the time of His preaching and public ministry. And together with the other Myhrbearing Women, after the death on the Cross of the Saviour, Saint Joanna went to the Sepulchre to anoint with myrh the Holy Body of the Lord, and she heard from the Angels the joyful proclamation of His All-Glorious Resurrection.

St Joanna, pray for us.

CopticOrthodox

27th June 2003, 10:26 AM

Friday, June 27/Paona 20:
The Departure of Elisha the Prophet: http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?month=10&day=20&sa=1#1

"...Elisha had performed many signs and miracles. He prophesied for about fifty years. When Elisha died, they buried him. And the raiding bands from Moab invaded the land in the spring of the year. So it was, as they were burying a man, a plundering band was seen, and they cast the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, stood on his feet, and went back to his people. (2 Kings 13:20-21)"

Philip

28th June 2003, 12:01 PM

Saturday, 28 June

Translation of the Relics of the
Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenary John and Cyrus (AD 412)

Troparion
O Christ our God, You did grant us the miracles of Your holy martyrs
As a stronghold and protection.
Through their prayers, strengthen those in authority in every good deed,
For You alone are merciful and love mankind!

Kontakion
O holy ones, you received as a grace the power of miracles:
Do not cease to pour out your wonders on us.
By spiritual skill, cut out our passions, O two great physicians,
Divinely inspired Cyrus and Holy John!

Philip

29th June 2003, 09:20 PM

Sunday, June 29
The Holy Glorious and All-Praised Leader of the Apostles, Peter & Paul

Troparion in tone 4
First-enthroned of the apostles,
teachers of the universe:
Entreat the Master of all
to grant peace to the world,
and to our souls great mercy!

Kontakion in tone 2
O Lord, You have taken up to eternal rest
and to the enjoyment of Your blessings
the two divinely-inspired preachers, the leaders of the Apostles,
for You have accepted their labors and deaths as a sweet-smelling sacrifice,
for You alone know what lies in the hearts of men.

Philip

30th June 2003, 09:30 PM

Monday, June 30:
The Holy, Glorious and All-Praised Twelve Apostles

Apostle Peter
Apostle Andrew
Apostle James, the Son of Zebedee
Apostle John, the Son of Zebedee
Apostle Philip
Apostle Bartholomew
Apostle Thomas
Apostle Matthew
Apostle James, the Son of Alphaeus
Apostle Jude, the Brother of James
Apostle Simon Zealotes
Apostle Matthias

Troparion
O holy Apostles of Christ
Pray to our merciful God,
That he may grant us remission of our sins.

Philip

30th June 2003, 09:33 PM

Tuesday, July 1
Holy and Wonderworking Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian

Troparion
O Holy unmercenaries and wonderworkers, Cosmas and Damian,
Visit us in times of illness.
Freely have you received; freely grant unto us!

Kontakion
Having obtained the grace of healing,
You grant health to those in need!
O Cosmas and Damian, physicians and most glorious wonderworkers,
Visit us, putting down the insolence of our enemies,
And by your miracles, bring healing to the universe!

Philip

2nd July 2003, 08:54 AM

Wednesday, July 2

St Juvenal, Patriarch of Jerusalem

St Juvenal served the Church in the fifth century. He supported St Cyril in the defence of the Faith against Nestorius at the Third Council.

CopticOrthodox

4th July 2003, 10:43 AM

Friy, July 4/Paona 27

1. The Martyrdom of St. Ananias, the Apostle.
On this day, St. Ananias, the apostle, departed. The apostles ordained this saint bishop for the city of Damascus. He preached therein with the life-giving gospel, as he preached also in the city of Beth-Gabriel and converted many of its people to the faith, and baptized them and their children.

St. Ananias was the one to baptize the apostle Paul when the Lord sent him to him. When he baptized St. Paul, something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight at once. God wrought many great miracles by his hands; and many of the Jews and Gentiles believed through his preaching. Afterwards, Lucianus the governor seized St. Ananias, and tortured him with sever tortures, such as burning his sides with fiery torches. Finally, Lucianus took him outside the city, and commanded him stoned until St. Ananias delivered up his pure soul in the hand of the Lord.

May his prayers be with us. Amen.

MariaRegina

5th July 2003, 09:53 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=110

July 5, 2003

Our Holy Godbearing Father Athanasius of Mt. Athos, and
Righteous Father Lampadus the Wonderworker

The feast day of St. Athanasius of Mt. Athos

Kontakion: Second Tone

The yoke of thy Christ, thou tookest on thyself with faith, while bearing thy cross upon thy shoulders as a true and unrivalled emulator of His dread Passion and sharer of His great glory, partaking of divine and unending joy, O Athanasius.

Reading:

Saint Athanasius had Trebizond for his homeland. He first entered the monastic life on the mountain called Kymaeos or Kyminas, which is in Mysia of Bithynia, then he went to Mount Athos and founded a large monastery, which is known as the Great Lavra. He became so renowned for his virtue that from Rome, Calabria, Georgia, and elsewhere, rulers, men of wealth and nobility, abbots, and even bishops came to him and were subject to him. When the time for his departure was at hand, God revealed to him how it would take place, so that he was able to instruct his spiritual children not to be troubled when it should come to pass. A new church was being built for the sake of the many who came to him, and only the dome had not been finished. Together with six of the brethren, the Saint went to the top of the church to help the workmen. The dome collapsed, and they fell. Five were killed at once, and the Saint died three hours later. His holy body remained incorrupt and he worked many miracles after his death. He reposed about the end of the tenth century.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

6th July 2003, 05:30 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/search.asp

Our Righteous Father Sisoes the Great
July 6

Apolytikion: First Tone

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Sisoes, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

In thy struggles, thou wast as an earthly Angel, shining light upon the minds of all the faithful ceaselessly with thy divine signs; and for this cause, righteous Sisoes, we honour thee faithfully.

Reading:

This Saint, great and renowned among the ascetics of Egypt, lived in the fourth century in Scete of Nitria. After the death of Saint Anthony the Great, he left Scete to live in Saint Anthony's cave; he said of this, "Thus in the cave of a lion, a fox makes his dwelling." When Sisoes was at the end of his long life of labours, as the Fathers were gathered about him, his face began to shine, and he said, "Behold, Abba Anthony is come"; then, "Behold, the choir of the Prophets is come"; his face shone yet more bright, and he said, "Behold, the choir of the Apostles is come." The light of his countenance increased, and he seemed to be talking with someone. The Fathers asked him of this; in his humility, he said he was asking the Angels for time to repent. Finally his face became as bright as the sun, so that the Fathers were filled with fear. He said, "Behold, the Lord is come, and He says, 'Bring Me the vessel of the desert,'" and as he gave up his soul into the hands of God, there was as it were a flash of lightning, and the whole dwelling was filled with a sweet fragrance.

Reading, Apolytikion, and Kontakion are COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

Philip

7th July 2003, 12:17 PM

Monday, July 7

Martyr Cyriaca of Nicomedia

Troparion in tone 5
O virgin martyr Cyriaca,
You were a worthy sacrifice
When you offered your pure soul to God;
Wherefore Christ has glorified you,
And through you pours forth graces abundantly on all the faithful,
For He is the merciful Loving God!

CopticOrthodox

7th July 2003, 01:13 PM

Monday, July 7: On this day, the church celebrates the nativity of St. John the Baptist. more: http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?id=300#1

MariaRegina

8th July 2003, 03:55 PM

The information below is taken from www.goarch.org

Holy Martyr Procopius

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Second Tone

Devoutly aflame with godly zeal for Christ thy Lord, and armed with the strength and power of the precious Cross, thou didst cast down headlong thy foes' exalted pride, O Procopius, exalting Christ's holy Church, advancing in faith and shedding light on us.

APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

9th July 2003, 03:43 PM

July 9

On this day the Church honors:

Enlightened Struggler of Athos Metrophanes
Holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenus
Our Righteous Father Dionysius of Rhetoros
St. Patermuthius the Monk

Holy Hieromartyr Pancratius, Bishop of Tauromenus

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Pancratius. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Third Tone

He that breathed with tongues of fire upon the holy Apostles gave thee, O Pancratius, the selfsame mystical graces; as the heir and true disciple of Simon Peter, thou didst shine upon the West with the saving Gospel and with blood didst seal thy preaching both as a hierarch and faithful Martyr of Christ.
Reading:

This Saint, who was a contemporary of the Apostles, had Antioch as his homeland, where he was guided to the Faith of Christ by Peter, the Chief of the Apostles. Later, he came to Sicily, where he brought many to the Faith, and was finally put to death by the pagans.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

http:/www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/saints.asp?contentid=117

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

CopticOrthodox

9th July 2003, 04:08 PM

July 9 '03: On this day, St. Thaddaeus, the Apostle, departed. The Lord had chosen him among the twelve disciples. When he received the grace of the Comforter along with the disciples, he travelled around the world preaching the Gospel. He returned many of the Jews and Gentiles to the knowledge of God and Baptized them. Then he went to the land of Syria and preached to its people and many believed through his hands. He suffered from the Jews and Gentiles, much humiliation and many tortures, then departed in peace.

May his prayers be with us, and Glory be to God forever. Amen.

MariaRegina

10th July 2003, 03:15 PM

from: http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/search.asp

On this, the tenth day of the month of July, we commemorate the

45 Martyrs of Nicopolis, Armenia

Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Assa

Through the intercessions of the holy 45 Martyrs of Nicopolis, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

45 Martyrs of Nicopolis, Armenia

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (tone 8)

For love of Christ our God, ye endured many torments valiantly, destroying polytheistic idolatry, O Martyrs of Nicopolis; and by Christ's mighty power, ye destroyed all the error of wicked godlessness. Teach us with faith and boldness to cry aloud: Alleluia.

Reading:

The Forty-five Martyrs of Nicopolis contested during the reign of Licinius, in the year 315. After many torments, they were burnt alive.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

CopticOrthodox

10th July 2003, 03:48 PM

Thurs July 7 '03: Today is the feast of St. Cyril Pope of Alexandria, whose books on the Incarnation, and on the Gospel of Luke are still available. He participated in the Council of Ephesus.

Today is also the feast of St. Celestine, Pope of Rome who faught agasint the Nestorian heresy

more: http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?id=303#1

Philip

11th July 2003, 11:41 AM

Friday, July 11
Remembrance of the Miracle of Saint Euphemia the All-Praiseworthy (http://www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/Feasts-and-Saints/September/Sep-16.html#1)

The Holy GreatMartyr Euphemia the All-Praiseworthy was the daughter of Christians -- the senator Philophronos and Theodosia. She suffered for Christ in about the year 304 in the city of Chalcedon, located on the banks of the Bosphorus opposite Constantinople.

The Chalcedon governor Priscus circulated an order to all the inhabitants of Chalcedon and its surroundings to appear at a pagan feast for worship and to offer sacrifice to an idol of Ares (Mars), threatening grave torments for whomever failed to appear. During the time of this impious feast 49 Christians had hidden away at one house, where they secretly made Divine-services to the True God. The young maiden Euphemia was also among those praying there. Soon the hide-out of the Christians was discovered, and they were brought before Priscus to answer for themselves. Over the course of 19 days the martyrs were subjected to various tortures and torments, but none of them wavered in their faith nor consented to offer sacrifice to the idol. The governor, beside himself with rage and not knowing still any further means of forcing the Christians into renunciation, sent them for trial to the emperor Diocletian, but he separated from them the youngest -- the maiden Euphemia, hoping that she, alone by herself, would not hold out.

Saint Euphemia, separated from her brethren in faith, fervently prayed the Lord Jesus Christ, that He Himself would strengthen her in the impending ordeal. Priscus at first urged the saint to recant, promising her earthly blessings, but then he gave the order to torture her. The Martyr was tied to a wheel with sharp knives, which in turning cut at the body. The saint prayed loudly. And here it happened, that the wheel stopped by itself and would not move even with all the efforts of the executioners. An Angel of the Lord, having come down from Heaven, removed Euphemia from the wheel and healed her of her wounds, and with gladness the saint gave thanks unto the Lord.

Not perceiving the miracle that had occurred, the torturer ordered the soldiers Victor and Sosthenes to take the saint to a red-hot oven. But the soldiers, seeing amidst the flames two fearsome Angels, refused to carry out the order of the governor and became themselves believers in the God, Whom Euphemia worshipped. Boldly proclaiming that they too were Christians, Victor and Sosthenes bravely went to suffering. They were given over for devouring by wild beasts. During the time of execution they cried out for mercy to God, that the Lord should receive them into the Heavenly Kingdom. An heavenly Voice answered their cries, and they expired unto life eternal. The beasts however did not even touch their bodies.

Saint Euphemia, cast by other soldiers into the fire, remained unharmed. And with the help of God she emerged unharmed after many another torture and torment. Ascribing this to sorcery, the governor gave orders to dig out a new pit, and filling it with knives he had it covered over with ground and grass, so that the Martyr would not know about the preparation for her execution; but here also Saint Euphemia remained safe, easily passing over the pit. Finally, they sentenced her to be devoured by wild beasts at the circus. Before execution the saint began to implore, that the Lord deem her worthy to die a violent death. But none of the beasts, set loose at her in the arena, attacked her. Finally, one of the she-bears struck her a small wound on the leg, from which came blood, and the holy GreatMartyr Euphemia instantly died. During this time there occurred an earthquake, and both the guards and the spectators ran in terror, so that the parents of the saint were able to take up her body and reverently bury it not far from Chalcedon.

MariaRegina

11th July 2003, 03:09 PM

Also on this day the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Olga Equal to the Apostles

July 11 St. Olga, Equal to the Apostles

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Let us offer praise to God, our Benefactor, Who hath greatly glorified divinely-wise and ven'rable and sacred Olga, that by her prayers He grant our souls the forgiveness of trespasses.

Reading:

Saint Olga, renowned for her wisdom and sobriety, in her youth became the wife of Igor, Great Prince of Kiev, who ruled during the tenth century. After her husband's death, she herself ruled capably, and was finally moved to accept the Faith of Christ. She traveled to Constantinople to receive Holy Baptism. The Emperor, seeing her outward beauty and inward greatness, asked her to marry him. She said she could not do this before she was baptized; she furthermore asked him to be her Godfather at the font, which he agreed to do. After she was baptized (receiving the name of Helen), the Emperor repeated his proposal of marriage. She answered that now he was her father, through holy Baptism, and that not even among the heathen was it heard of a man marrying his daughter. Gracefully accepting to be outwitted by her, he sent her back to her land with priests and sacred texts and holy icons. Although her son Svyatoslav remained a pagan, she planted the seed of faith in her grandson Vladimir (see July 15). She reposed in peace in 969.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/saints.asp?contentid=121

CopticOrthodox

12th July 2003, 09:17 AM

July 12: The Martyrdom of Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?id=305#1

MariaRegina

12th July 2003, 01:26 PM

On this, the 12th day of July, we commemorate the
feast days of:

Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilarion of Ancyra,
Our Holy Father Michael of Maleinus, and
The Venerable Veronica

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilarion, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilarion of Ancyra

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Second Tone

As kinsmen, ye did prove to be of like spirit in your life and of one accord in all things, O renowned Martyr Proclus and godly-minded Hilary; for having yourselves become images of the Passion of Christ, ye were counted worthy of glory, and ye grant divine forgiveness unto all.

Reading:

These Martyrs contested in Ancyra in 106, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Saint Proclus was seized as a Christian and, confessing his faith, was burned on his sides and belly, was hung upon a beam with heavy stones tied to his feet, and finally was taken away to be shot with arrows. As he was being led forth, his nephew Hilary encountered him and greeted him, and was himself seized. After his uncle had been slain with arrows, Hilary, because he would not deny Christ, was tormented, then beheaded.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=124

MariaRegina

13th July 2003, 06:25 PM

July 13, 2003

Sunday of the Holy Fathers

Apolytikion: Plagal of the 4th Tone (8th tone)

Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our Fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most Merciful One, glroy be to Thee.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (8th tone) - see url below

Reading:

On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of the present month, we chant the Service to the Holy and God-bearing Fathers who came together in the Seven Ecumenical Councils, that is: the First Council, of the 318 Fathers who assembled in Nicaea in 325 to condemn Arius, who denied that the Son of God is consubstantial with the Father; the Fathers of the First Council also ordained that the whole Church should celebrate Pascha according to the same reckoning; the Second Council, of the 150 Fathers who assembled in Constantinople in 381 to condemn Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who denied the Divinity of the Holy Spirit; the Thrid Council, of the 200 Fathers who assembled in Ephesus in 431, to condemn Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who called Christ a mere man and not God incarnate; the Fourth Council, of the 630 who assembled in Chalcedon in 451, to condemn Eutyches, who taught that there was only one nature, the divine, in Christ after the Incarnation, and Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who illegally received Eutyches back into communion and deposed Saint Flavian, Patriarch of Constantinople, who had excommunicated Eutyches; the Fifth Council in 535, of the 165 who assembled in Constantinople for the second time to condemn Origen and Theodore of Mopsuestia, the teacher of Nestorius; the Sixth Council in 680, of the 170 who assembled in Constantinople for the third time, to condemn the Monothelite heresy, which taught that there is in Christ but one will, the divine; and the Seventh Council in 787, of the 350 who assembled in Nicaea for the second time to condemn Iconoclasm

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION (see url listed below) NARTHEX PRESS

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=1182

MariaRegina

13th July 2003, 06:26 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/saints.asp?contentid=508

On July 13, we also celebrate the feast days of

Holy Martyr Golindoux

Reading:

Saint Golinduc was a Persian, living in the reign of Chosroes II, King of Persia (590-628), and of Maurice, Emperor of New Rome (582-602). Moved by a divine revelation to become a Christian, she was betrayed to Chosroes by her husband and was cast into a dungeon called Oblivion for eighteen years, withstanding all attempts to make her deny Christ, and preserved by the grace of God. Set at liberty through the visitation of an Angel, she went to Jerusalem, and then to Constantinople, where she fell asleep in peace. She was called Mary in holy Baptism.

Our Righteous Father Stephen of St. Sabbas Monastery

Apolytikion: Plagal of the 4th Tone (8th tone)

The guide of Orthodox beliefs, and sacred teacher of true religion and of dignity, the luminary of the world, the God-inspired adornment of the episcopate, O Stephen the wise, through your instructions you have illumined all, O harp of the Spirit. Intercede with Christ our God for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion: Third Tone

Since thou wast a man of prayer and an ascetic, O Stephen, thou wast pleasing to the Lord, Who crowned thy labours with wonders; having sought the light of Heaven throughout thy whole life, thou dost now rejoice on high, chanting with the Angels. Hence we honour thee with longing, O righteous Father, as an initiate of God.

Reading:

According to some, the Saint Stephen celebrated today was a nephew of Saint John of Damascus, different from the one celebrated on October 28, who later also became a Bishop.

The Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! "

Kontakion: Plagal of the Second Tone (6th Tone)

As thou beholdest the glory of God in Heaven, and on earth dost bestow grace from on high, O leader of Angels, wise Gabriel, minister of the glory of God, and divine defender of the world, save and keep them that cry to thee: Be thyself our helper, and no one can be against us.

Reading:

It is believed that the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel was transferred to this day from March 26 so that it could be celebrated more festively than in the period of the Great Fast; and, in fact, all the miracles of the Archangel are celebrated on this feast day, which has been listed here in the church books since the ninth century.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF FR. SERAPHIM DEDES
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

14th July 2003, 10:13 PM

Today, July 14, 2003, we celebrate the feast days of

Holy Apostle Aquila of the Seventy

Apolytikion: Third Tone

O Holy Apostle Aquila, intercede to our merciful God, that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Ranked with the Apostles' choir as their companion, O Apostle wise in Christ, thou madest all the world to shine with thy bright doctrines and miracles, O famed Aquila, while gaining a glorious crown.

Reading:

Saint Aquila, who was from Pontus of Asia Minor, was a Jew by race and a tent-maker by trade. In the year 52 he and his wife Priscilla were in Corinth when Saint Paul first came there. They gave him hospitality, and the Apostle remained with them for many days, himself working at the same trade as they (Acts 18:2-3). And having believed in Christ through Paul, they followed him from that time on, working together with him and suffering perils with him for the sake of the preaching of the Gospel, as he himself testifies concerning them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus: who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the nations" (Rom. 16:3-4). When and where they reposed is unknown.

AND

Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Stephen. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Second Tone

The divinely-sounded harp of thy teachings hath glorified the Saviour's majesty, and proclaimed to all the clarity of true doctrine and the honour that is due unto the august icons, O wise Joseph, thou glory of the Fathers.

Reading:

Saint Joseph was the brother of Saint Theodore the Studite (see Nov. 11). He also is called Studite, especially when he is mentioned together with his brother. According to Codinus, both of them composed the canons of the Triodion during the reign of Leo the Armenian, while in the Church of Saint Romanus (see Nov. 18); he is not to be confused with Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (Apr. 3). When Saint Joseph became Archbishop of Thessalonica, he was exiled thrice because of his godly zeal for the holy icons, suffering many hardships, imprisonments in dark dungeons, hunger, thirst, and every tribulation, in the midst of which he departed unto eternal life in 833.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

http://www.goarch.org/en/chapel/index.asp?D=7/14/2003&T=19

CopticOrthodox

15th July 2003, 04:46 PM

Today is the feast of St. Pishoi http://saintmark.com/classes/synex.php?id=308#1

St. Pishoi saw Christ when he prayed, and the other monks begged him to pray that they could see Him like he did. He prayed, and Christ revealed to them a time and a place where they could see Him. On the way there was a feeble man asking for help, but they all ran past him in their egarness to see Christ, except for St. Pishoi who carried him. As they went the man became heavier and heavier until St. Pishoi realized that it was the Lord. The other monks eventually returned to learn how they had missed seeing Him.

MariaRegina

15th July 2003, 07:56 PM

Today, July 15, we celebrate the feast day of

Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (Tone 8)

Like the great Apostle Paul, O most glorious Vladimir, in thy maturity thou didst forsake all zeal for idols and a childish sophism, and as a full-grown man thou wast adorned with the royal purple of divine Baptism. And now as thou standest in joy in the presence of Christ our Saviour, pray that thy land of Russia be saved, and that Orthodox people be granted peace and great mercy.
Reading:

Grandson of Saint Olga, Saint Vladimir ascended the throne of Kiev in 980. Though a zealous idolater, he was illumined by the grace of God, accepted the Christian Faith, and completely changed his ways. He was baptized in Cherson in 988, receiving the name Basil; he came forth from the font not only healed of a blindness lately afflicting him, but also from being passionate and warlike, he became meek, peaceable, and exceedingly godly. Whereas his grandmother had refused marriage with the Emperor in Constantinople (see July 11), he married Anna, sister of the Emperors Basil and Constantine, and was accompanied home by priests from Constantinople. Diligently seeking to spread Christianity throughout his realm like a new Constantine, he destroyed the idols (having the chief diety Perun scourged and then cast into the Dnieper River), and summoned all his subjects to Holy Baptism. He reposed in peace in 1015.

AND

Holy Martyr Cyricus ( Quiricus ) and His Mother Joulitta

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

As the Martyr of Christ God, the chaste Julitta, in her arms bare Cyricus, she cried out in the stadium with manful courage and boundless joy: Thou art the strength of the Martyrs, O Christ my God.
Reading:

Saint Julitta was from the city of Iconium. Fearing the persecution of Diocletian, she took her son Cyricus, who was three years old, and departed for Seleucia; but finding the same evil there, she went over to Tarsus in Cilicia, where the ruler arrested her. He took her son from her and tried with flatteries to draw the youth to himself. But the little one, in his childish voice, called on the Name of Christ and kicked the ruler in the belly so hard, that the tyrant became enraged and cast him down the steps of the tribunal. In this manner, the child's head was crushed, and he gave up the spirit. As for his blessed mother, she first endured many torments, and finally was beheaded in the year 296.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

MariaRegina

16th July 2003, 01:37 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 16, we celebrate the feast days of

Holy Hieromartyr Athenogenes, Bishop of Pedaxthoe
and St. Julia the Virgin Martyr

Through the intercessions of the holy Hieromartyr Athenogenes, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Hieromartyr Athenogenes, Bishop of Pedaxthoe

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Athenogenes. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Having followed the Lord's teaching, as an eminent shepherd thou didst lay down thy life for Christ's sheep, O Hieromartyr Athenogenes. Wherefore, we praise thee and thy ten disciples who suffered with thee, guided by the fear of God and thy teaching; for the Lord hath crowned you as Saints with His life giving right hand. Pray then to Him in behalf of us all.

APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

17th July 2003, 01:41 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 17, 2003, we celebrate the feast day of:

Holy Marina the Great Martyr

Through the intercessions of the Holy Great Martyr Marina, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Apolytikion: Plagal of the 4th Tone (Tone 8)

Kontakion: Third Tone

APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS

MariaRegina

18th July 2003, 12:42 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On this day, July 18, 2003, we celebrate the feast days of:

Holy Martyr Emilian
Holy Martyrs Paul, Thea and Oulalentine
Our Holy Father John, Archbishop of Constantinople

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Emilian, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyr Emilian

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Third Tone

O divine Emilian, since zeal for God burned within thee, thou wast not afraid of fire, thy fellow creature and servant; fearlessly and of thine own will, thou wentest forward and wast not consumed therein by the flames' hot fury, as a sacrifice to Christ God, O glorious martyr; pray that we all may be saved.

Reading:

This Martyr was from Dorostolum in Thrace, the servant of a certain pagan in the days of Julian the Apostate (361-363). As a fervent Christian, Emilian abominated the error of the pagans, and one day entered the temple and broke all the idols with a hammer. Seeing that others were arrested and beaten for this, he gave himself up of his own accord. He was mercilessly whipped, then cast into a fire, in which he gave up his soul without his body suffering harm.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

19th July 2003, 09:50 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 19, 2003, we celebrate the feast days of

Our Holy Mother Macrina, Sister of St. Basil the Great
Our Righteous Father Dius, and the
Translation of the Holy Relics of Righteous Seraphim of Sarov

Through the intercessions of the Holy Mother Macrina, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Our Holy Mother Macrina, Sister of St. Basil the Great

Apolytikion: Plagal of the 4th Tone (Tone 8)

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Macrina, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Since the light of righteousness shone brightly in thee, thou wast an example of the life of piety for all, teaching the virtues to them that cry: Rejoice, Macrina, thou boast of virginity.

Reading:

Saint Macrina, the elder sister of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, was sought after by many as a bride because of her beauty, wisdom, and illustrious birth, and in tender youth was espoused by her parents to a bridegroom of fitting nobility. When her betrothed died, Macrina refused any other suitors, and devoted herself to a life of virginity, asceticism, and prayer. When her brother Basil returned from a brilliant career in the best schools of Constantinople and Athens, puffed up with not a little youthful pride-for knowledge puffeth up-it was the ardent admonitions and holy example of his blessed sister that persuaded him to turn from seeking worldly glory to the service of God. Saint Macrina founded a convent, where she ended her earthly life in the year 379, and was buried by her brother Gregory, who wrote a moving account of her last days and his grief at seeing such a light pass out of the world.

Our Righteous Father Dius

Apolytikion: First Tone

Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker, O Moses, our God-bearing Father. By fasting, vigil, and prayer thou didst obtain heavenly gifts, and thou healest the sick and the souls of them that have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him that hath given thee strength. Glory to Him that hath crowned thee. Glory to Him that worketh healings for all through thee.

Kontakion: Second Tone

In God, thou wast armed with purity of heart and soul; and taking in hand unceasing prayer as though a spear, Father Dius, thou didst mightily cut down all the demonic hordes, thou who workest wonders and signs and prayest unceasingly for all of us.

Reading:

Saint Dius, who was from Antioch in Syria, later came to Constantinople and established a monastery there, and wrought many wonders. He flourished in the time of Saint Theodosius the Great (379-395).

Translation of the Holy Relics of Righteous Seraphim of Sarov

Kontakion: Second Tone

Having left the beauty of the world and what is corrupt therein, O Saint, thou didst settle in the Monastery of Sarov. And having lived there an angelic life, thou wast for many the way unto salvation. Wherefore, Christ hath glorified thee, O Father Seraphim, and hath enriched thee with the gift of healing and miracles. And so we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Seraphim, our holy Father.

Reading:

The uncovering of the holy relics of Saint Seraphim of Sarov on July 19, 1903 was attended by many thousands, among them the foremost of the clergy and royalty; the holy Tsar Nicholas II (see July 4) was one of the bearers of the relics in procession, and the Grand Duchess Elizabeth (see July 5) wrote an eyewitness account of the many miracles that took place. Not only had the Saint foretold the coming of the Tsar to his glorification, and that from joy they would chant "Christ is Risen" in summer, but he had also left a letter "for the fourth sovereign, who will come to Sarov." This was Nicholas II, who was given the letter when he came in 1903; the contents of the letter are not known, but when he had read it, the Tsar and future Martyr, though not a man to show his emotions, was visibly shaken. For the life of Saint Seraphim, see January 2.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

20th July 2003, 04:25 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 20, 2003, we celebrate the feast day of

The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias the Tishbite.

Through the intercessions of the Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias the Tishbite

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone - see url above

Kontakion: Second Tone - see url above

Reading:

Elias of great fame was from Thisbe or Thesbe, a town of Galaad (Gilead), beyond the Jordan. He was of priestly lineage, a man of a solitary and ascetical character, clothed in a mantle of sheep skin, and girded about his loins with a leathern belt. His name is interpreted as "Yah is my God." His zeal for the glory of God was compared to fire, and his speech for teaching and rebuke was likened unto a burning lamp. From this too he received the name Zealot. Therefore, set aflame with such zeal, he sternly reproved the impiety and lawlessness of Ahab and his wife Jezebel. He shut up heaven by means of prayer, and it did not rain for three years and six months. Ravens brought him food for his need when, at God's command, he was hiding by the torrent of Horrath. He multiplied the little flour and oil of the poor widow of Sarephtha of Sidon, who had given him hospitality in her home, and when her son died, he raised him up. He brought down fire from Heaven upon Mount Carmel, and it burned up the sacrifice offered to God before all the people of Israel, that they might know the truth. At the torrent of Kisson, he slew 450 false prophets and priests who worshipped idols and led the people astray. He received food wondrously at the hand of an Angel, and being strengthened by this food he walked for forty days and forty nights. He beheld God on Mount Horeb, as far as this is possible for human nature. He foretold the destruction of the house of Ahab, and the death of his son Ohozias; and as for the two captains of fifty that were sent by the king, he burned them for their punishment, bringing fire down from Heaven. He divided the flow of the Jordan, and he and his disciple Elisseus passed through as it were on dry land; and finally, while speaking with him, Elias was suddenly snatched away by a fiery chariot in the year 895 B.C., and he ascended as though into heaven, whither God most certainly translated him alive, as He did Enoch (Gen. 5:24; IV Kings 2: 11). But from thence also, after seven years, by means of an epistle he reproached Joram, the son of Josaphat, as it is written: "And there came a message in writing to him from Elias the Prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father, Because thou hast not walked in the way," and so forth (II Chron. 21:12). According to the opinion of the majority of the interpreters, this came to pass either through his disciple Elisseus, or through another Prophet when Elias appeared to them, even as he appeared on Mount Tabor to the disciples of Christ (see Aug. 6).

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see url above) NARTHEX PRESS

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

21st July 2003, 11:51 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 21, we celebrate the feast days of:

Our Holy Father John and Simeon, the Fool for Christ
Our Holy Father Parthenius, Bishop of Radobysidius

Through the intercessions of our Holy Father John and of Simeon, the Fool for Christ, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Our Holy Father John and Simeon, the Fool for Christ

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion: Second Tone

With faith and love let us acclaim angelic and God-bearing Symeon who, though in the flesh, appeared as one without flesh and shone supernaturally with virtues; and with him let us praise renowned John, for they intercede with the Lord unceasingly for us all.

Reading:

These Saints were from the city of Edessa in Mesopotamia and flourished during the reign of Justin the Younger (565-578). After a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were moved with a desire to forsake the world; they were tonsured monks by the Abbot Nicon, and soon after left the monastery to struggle together in the wilderness near the Dead Sea. When they had passed a little more than thirty years together in silence and prayer, Symeon, having reached the heights of dispassion, departed for Emesa in Syria, where he passed the rest of his life playing the fool, saving many souls from sin while hiding his sanctity with seemingly senseless behavior. He reposed in 570; by the providence of God, John, who had remained in the wilderness, departed soon after.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

22nd July 2003, 10:44 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 22, we celebrate the feast days of:

St. Mary Magdalene the Myrrhbearer and Equal to the Apostles and the Holy Virgin Martyr Marcella of Chios

Through the intercessions of the Holy Myrrhbearer St. Mary Magdalene, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Mary Magdalene the Myrrhbearer and Equal to the Apostles

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

When God, the Mighty, the Transcendent in essence, came in the flesh into the world, He received thee, O Mary, as His true disciple as was meet. For thou hadst thy whole desire and thy love set upon Him; wherefore, thou didst bring to pass many cures for the ailing; and now translated to the Heavens' heights, thou ever fervently prayest for all the world.

Reading:

Saint Mary was from Magdala in Galilee on the Sea of Tiberias, and for this was named Magdalene. When the Lord Jesus cast out seven demons from her, from which she had been suffering, she became His faithful and inseparable disciple, following Him and ministering unto Him even to the time of His crucifixion and burial. Then, returning to Jerusalem together with the rest of the Myrrh-bearers, she prepared the fragrant spices for anointing the body of the Lord. And on the Lord's day they came very early to the tomb, even before the Angels appeared declaring the Resurrection of the Lord. When Mary Magdalene saw the stone taken away from the tomb, she ran and proclaimed it to Peter and John. And returning immediately to the tomb and weeping outside, she was deemed worthy to be the first of the Myrrh-bearers to behold the Lord arisen from the dead, and when she fell at His feet, she heard Him say, "Touch Me not." After the Lord's Ascension, nothing certain is known concerning her. Some accounts say that she went to Rome and later returned to Jerusalem, and from there proceeded to Ephesus, where she ended her life, preaching Christ. Although it is sometimes said that Saint Mary Magdalene was the "sinful woman" of the Gospel, this is nowhere stated in the tradition of the Church, in the sacred hymnology, or in the Holy Gospels themselves, which say only that our Lord cast seven demons out of her, not that she was a fallen woman. "Madeleine" is a form of Magdalene.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Holy Virgin Martyr Marcella of Chios

Apolytikion: First Tone

Submitting to the laws of the Lord's divine teachings, you strove to keep them blamelessly, O Martyr Markella. And fearing the violence of your father, you fled from him and dwelt in the mountains. Pursuing you he found you and slew you, O undefiled bride of Christ. Glory to Him who strengthened you. Glory to Him who crowned you. Glory to Him who works healings for all through you.

APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF FR. SERAPHIM DEDES

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

23rd July 2003, 04:38 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 23, we celebrate the feast days of:

Righteous Mother Pelagia of Tinos
St. Anna of Levkadio
St. Phocas the Priest-martyr
The Holy Prophet Ezekiel

Through the intercessions of the Holy Prophet Ezekiel, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Phocas the Priest-martyr

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phocas. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Second Tone

The Master hath established thee as a divinely-radiant, luminous, and spiritual sun shining upon the multitude of the church's faithful, O glorious Martyr Phocas; for He hath accepted thy life, faith, and contests as fragrant myrrh, since He alone is abundant in mercy.

Reading:

Concerning Saint Phocas, see the 22nd of September.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

The Holy Prophet Ezekiel

Apolytikion: Third Tone

As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Ezekiel, O Lord, through him we beseech Thee to save our souls.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

O divine Ezekiel, as God's true Prophet, thou foretoldest unto all the Incarnation of the Lord, the Lamb of God, the Artificer, the Son of God, the Eternal made manifest.

Reading:

The Prophet Ezekiel ("God is strong") was the son of Buzi and a priest by rank. He was taken captive and brought to Babylon during the reign of Jechonias. In the fifth year of this captivity, about 594 or 593 B.C., he began to prophesy. Having prophesied for about twenty-eight years, he was murdered, it is said, by the tribe of Gad, because he reproached them for their idolatry. His book of prophecy, divided into forty-eight chapters, is ranked third among the greater Prophets. It is richly filled with mystical imagery and marvelous prophetic visions and allegories, of which the dread Chariot of Cherubim described in the first Chapter is the most famous; in the "gate that was shut," through which the Lord alone entered, he darkly foretold of the Word's Incarnation from the Virgin (44:1-3); through the "dry bones" that came to life again (37:1-14), he prophesied both of the restoration of captive Israel, and the general resurrection of our race.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

24th July 2003, 11:27 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 24, we celebrate the feast days of:

Athenagorus the Apologist
Holy Great Martyr Christina
Holy Martyrs and Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb of Russia

Through the intercessions of the Holy Great Martyr Christina, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Great Martyr Christina

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

O dove of golden wings, thou shonest like lightning, and flewest up unto the height of the Heavens, august Christian; therefore we all celebrate thy glorious festival, as we faithfully rev'rence the worshipful shrine wherein thy pure relics are treasured, whence thou dost truly well forth unto all divine cures both for the body and for the soul.

Reading:

Saint Christina was from Tyre in Syria, the daughter of a pagan named Urban. Enlightened in her heart to believe in Christ, she broke her father's idols, made of gold and silver, and distributed the pieces to the poor. When her father learned this, he punished her ruthlessly, then cast her into prison. The rulers subjected her to imprisonments, hunger, torments, the cutting off of her breasts and tongue, and finally impalement, in the year 200, during the reign of the Emperor Septimius Severus.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Holy Martyrs and Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb of Russia

Kontakion: Third Tone

On this day your memory hath shone forth, splendid with glory, O ye noble sufferers and Passion-bearers of Christ God. It hath called us to give glory to Christ our Saviour; wherefore those that draw nigh to the shrine of your relics, do ye swiftly heal as wise and divine physicians, O hallowed Boris and Gleb.

Reading:

The holy Passion-bearers Boris and Gleb, named Romanus and David in sacred Baptism, were the pious sons of the holy Great Prince Vladimir. In 1015 they were slain at the command of their brother Svyatopolk-Saint Boris, on July 24 on the Alta River, near Pereyaslavl, and Saint Gleb, on September 5 on the bank of the Smyadinya River, near Smolensk. Although both had understood their brother's designs against them, they refused to take up arms against him and bring civil war upon their land, preferring to fulfill the commandment, "Resist not evil" (Matt. 5:39). The holy relics of Saint Boris were then buried in Vyshgorod, to which the holy relics of his brother were transferred five years later. Miracles were worked through the holy relics of the meek and guileless brothers during the consecration in Vyshgorod of a church in their honor on this day in 1021.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

24th July 2003, 11:28 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 25, we celebrate the feast days of:

St. Eupraxia, the Virgin of Tabenna
The Dormition of Anne, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos
The Righteous Women Olympias and Eupraxia

Through the intercessions of the Holy St. Anne, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

The Dormition of Anne, the Mother of the Most Holy Theotokos

Kontakion: Second Tone

We celebrate now the mem'ry of Christ's ancestors, while asking their help with faith, that we may all be saved from all manner of tribulation as we fervently cry aloud: Be thou with us, O Lord our God, Whose pleasure it was to glorify them both.

Reading:

According to tradition, Anna, the ancestor of God, lived for sixty-nine years, and her spouse Joachim, for eighty; according to one account, Saint Joachim died two years before Saint Anna. The Theotokos had been orphaned of both her parents already when she was eleven years of age, when she was living in the Temple (see Sept. 8 and Nov. 21). Saint Anna is invoked for conceiving children, and for help in difficult childbirth.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

26th July 2003, 08:56 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 26, we celebrate the feast days of:

Holy Hieromartyr Hermolaus and those with him: Hermippus and Hermocrates
Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskevi
St. Prisca, the Righteous Martyr

Through the intercessions of the Holy Righeous Martyr Paraskevi, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Righteous Martyr Paraskevi

Apolytikion: First Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (Tone 8) - see url listed above

Reading:

Saint Paraskevi, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskevi), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140.
The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments. [emphasis mine]

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS

Holy Hieromartyr Hermolaus and those with him: Hermippus and Hermocrates

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Third Tone

O wise Hermolaus with the God-bearing Hermippus, and august Hermocrates, as sacred priests of the Most High, ye who offered the Unbloody Sacrifice rightly were yourselves stained with your own blood as sacrifices offered up to Christ the One God; and now with boldness ye pray that all may be saved.

Reading:

Saint Hermolaus and those with him were priests of the Church in Nicomedia, living in hiding after the Emperor Maximian had burnt to death the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia (see Dec. 28). It was Hermolaus who converted Saint Panteleimon to Christ. When Saint Panteleimon was seized as a Christian and was asked by Maximian who it was that had turned him from the idols, the Saint, enlightened by God that the time of his teacher's martyrdom also was at hand, revealed to Maximian that it was Hermolaus the priest. Saint Hermolaus was taken with Saints Hermippus and Hermocrates, and when they had confessed Christ to be the only true God, they were beheaded in the year 305. Saint Hermolaus is one of the Holy Unmercenaries.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

27th July 2003, 06:25 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, Sunday, July 27, the 6th Sunday of Matthew, we celebrate the feast days of:

Holy Great Martyr and Healer St. Panteleimon

St. Nicholas of Novgorod, the fool-for-Christ

Through the intercessions of the Holy Great Martyr and Healer St. Panteleimon, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Holy Great Martyr and Healer St. Panteleimon

Apolytikion: Third Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: Plagal of the First Tone (Tone 5) - see url listed above

Reading:

This Saint, who had Nicomedia as his homeland, was the son of Eustorgius and Eubula. His father was an idolater, but his mother was a Christian from her ancestors. It was through her that he was instructed in piety, and still later, he was catechized in the Faith of Christ by Saint Hermolaus (see July 26) and baptized by him. Being proficient in the physician's vocation, he practiced it in a philanthropic manner, healing every illness more by the grace of Christ than by medicines. Thus, although his parents had named him Pantoleon ("in all things a lion"), because of the compassion he showed for the souls and bodies of all, he was worthily renamed Panteleimon, meaning "all-merciful." On one occasion, when he restored the sight of a certain blind man by calling on the Divine Name, he enlightened also the eyes of this man's soul to the knowledge of the truth. This also became the cause for the martyrdom of him who had been blind, since when he was asked by whom and in what manner his eyes had been opened, in imitation of that blind man of the Gospel he confessed with boldness both who the physician was and the manner of his healing. For this he was put to death immediately. Panteleimon was arrested also, and having endured many wounds, he was finally beheaded in the year 305, during the reign of Maximian. Saint Panteleimon is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is held in special honor among them, even as Saint George is among the Martyrs.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

28th July 2003, 12:33 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 28, we celebrate the feast days of:

Our Righteous Father Paul of Xeropotamos
Our Righteous Mother Irene Chrysovalantou
Ss. Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon and Parmenas the Apostles and Deacons

Through the intercessions of the Holy Saints Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon and Parmenas the Apostles and Deacons, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Our Righteous Father Paul of Xeropotamos

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

The angel incarnate and the ascetics' pedestal, the first to build the monastery on the torrent, Paul the glorious above together summons the array of the angel, below he brings together the throng of his disciples to celebrate in song his holy memory.

APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF FR. SERAPHIM DEDES

Our Righteous Mother Irene Chrysovalantou

Kontakion: Third Tone

Leaving all the world behind with its impermanent glory, thou wast wedded unto Christ, the King immortal and holy, bringing Him as precious dowry thy maiden beauty and thy trophies won through abstinence over demons. O Irene, our righteous Mother, entreat thy Bridegroom to show His mercy to us.

Reading:
Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael (842-867); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Ss. Prochorus, Nikanor, Timon and Parmenas the Apostles and Deacons

Apolytikion: Third Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: First Tone

By faith ye were shown forth as the Word's hallowed deacons, His ven'rable eye-witnesses, and chosen vessels, Nicanor and Prochorus, glorious Timon and Parmenas; hence we celebrate today your sacred memorial, and with joy of heart, we keep the feast now in gladness, whereon we all call you blessed.

Reading:
These Apostles of the Seventy are mentioned in Acts 6:5. Saint Prochorus became Bishop of Nicomedia and reposed in peace. Saint Nicanor was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saint Timon became Bishop of Bostra in Arabia and ended his life in martyrdom by fire at the hands of the pagans. Saint Parmenas died in peace in Jerusalem.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

29th July 2003, 02:26 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

Today, July 29, we celebrate the feast days of:

Holy Martyr Callinicus
Our Holy Father Constantine, Archbishop of Constantinople
Pius King Theodosius the New
St. Seraphima the Martyr
Theodote and her Children

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Callinicus, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Holy Martyr Callinicus

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Second Tone

Thou rightly hast now inherited delight on high, for thou didst wax hot with burning love for Christ thy God, O Callinicus, for Whose sake thou didst courageously brave the fire; as thou standest before Him now, cease not interceding with Him for us all.

Reading:
Saint Callinicus was from Cilicia. Because he preached Christ and turned many pagans away from the idols, he was seized by Sacerdon the Governor, who subjected him to many tortures, then had him shod with shoes in which nails had been fixed upright, and compelled him to run to the city of Gangra, where he was burned alive in a furnace.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Theodote and her Children

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

As a mother doth rejoice over her children, so is Theodota now filled with divine and boundless joy over the martyrdom she hath borne, which is her glory and comfort for evermore.

Reading:

Concerning Saint Theodota, little is known except that she was a virgin who was horribly tormented and slain for her confession of Christ.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

30th July 2003, 05:01 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On this day, July 30, we celebrate the feast days of:

Ss. Silas, Silvanus, Crescens, Epaenetus and Andronicus of the Seventy

St. Julitta of Caesaria

Through the intercessions of the Holy Saints Silas, Silvanus, Crescens, Epaenetus and Andronicus of the Seventy, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Ss. Silas, Silvanus, Crescens, Epaenetus and Andronicus of the Seventy

Apolytikion: Third Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Ye have appeared as great and fruit-bearing branches of Christ the Vine, O God-proclaiming Apostles, bearing the virtues in great clusters, wisdom's fruit, which pour forth upon us all the sweet wine of salvation; which when we receive within, we are drunken with gladness, and celebrate your honoured memory. Pray that our sins be forgiven and we be saved.

APOLYTIKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

31st July 2003, 02:05 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On this day, July 31, we celebrate the feast days of:

Forefeast of the Procession of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord,
St. Eudocimus the Righteous of Cappadocia, and
St. Joseph of Arimathea

Forefeast of the Procession of the Precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord

Apolytikion: First Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: Second Tone

With far-shining beams, the Cross of Christ doth go about throughout all the earth, bestowing life and grace on all. Let us draw nigh as to a saving beacon in the night of this world; for the Lord, Who was nailed thereto, through it doth bestow forgiveness on all men.
APOLYTIKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

St. Eudocimus the Righteous of Cappadocia

Kontakion: Third Tone

Thine august memorial this day hath called us together at the sacred and divine shrine of thy ven'rable relics. Wherefore they that come and worship are all delivered from all harm caused by the demons' accursed malice, O Eudocimus most blessed, and they are rescued swiftly from every disease.

KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

1st August 2003, 09:54 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Friday, August 1, 2003 we celebrate:

The Procession of the Holy and Life-giving Cross and
The Seven Maccabean Youths and their Mother Salome and their Teacher Eleazar

The Proodos of the Holy and Life-giving Cross

Apolytikion: First Tone - see url listed above

Kontakion: Fourth Tone - see url listed above

Reading:

Because of the many diseases that occur in the month of August, the custom prevailed of old in Constantinople to carry the precious Wood of the Cross in procession throughout the city for its sanctification and its deliverance from illnesses. It was brought forth from the imperial treasury on the last day of July and placed upon the Holy Table of the Great Church of the Holy Wisdom; and beginning today, until the Dormition of the Theotokos, it was carried in procession throughout the city and was set forth for veneration before the people.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see url listed above) NARTHEX PRESS

The Seven Maccabean Youths and their Mother Salome and their Teacher Eleazar

Kontakion: Second Tone

The Wisdom of God's own seven pillars are ye all, a seven-branched lamp that shineth with the Light Divine, ye Great Martyrs that were before the Martyrs, O all-wise Maccabees, with them pray ye the God of all that we who now sing your praises may be saved.

Reading:

The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not sparing to assail the most sacred matters of their Faith, he constrained them, among other things, to partake of swine's flesh, which was forbidden by the Law. Then these pious youths, on being apprehended together with their mother and their teacher, were constrained to set at nought the Law, and were subjected to unspeakable tortures: wrackings, the breaking of their bones, the flaying of their flesh, fire, dismemberment, and such things as only a tyrant's mind and a bestial soul is able to contrive. But when they had endured all things courageously and showed in deed that the mind is sovereign over the passions and is able to conquer them if it so desires, they gloriously ended their lives in torments, surrendering their life for the sake of the observance of the divine Law. The first to die was their teacher Eleazar, then all the brethren in the order of their age. As for their wondrous mother Solomone, "filled with a courageous spirit, and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly wrath" (II Macc. 7:21), she was present at her children's triumph over the tyrant, strengthening them in their struggle for the sake of their Faith, and enduring stout-heartedly their sufferings for the sake of their hope in the Lord. After her last and youngest son had been perfected in martyrdom, when she was about to be seized to be put to death, she cast herself into the fire that they might not touch her, and was thus deemed worthy of a blessed end together with her sons, in the year 168 before Christ.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

2nd August 2003, 02:19 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Saturday, August 2, 2003 we celebrate:

Holy Glorious New Martyr Theodore of Dardanelles

Translation of the Bones of Stephen first among Martyrs and Archdeacon

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Translation of the Bones of Stephen first among Martyrs and Archdeacon

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (Tone 8)

Thou wast the first to be sown upon earth by the Heavenly Husbandman, O all-famed Stephen; thou wast the first to shed thy blood upon the earth for Christ, O blessed one; thou wast the first to be honoured by Him with the crown of victory in Heaven, as the spearhead of the athletes, O first crowned champion of the Martyrs.

Reading:

After the First Martyr had been stoned to death (see Dec. 27), Gamaliel, his teacher, encouraged certain of the Christians to go by night and take up the Saint's body and bury it in his field, which was at a distance of some twenty miles from Jerusalem and was called by his name, "Kaphar-gamala," that is, "the field of Gamala," where Gamaliel himself was later buried. About the year 427, a certain pious man called Lucian, who was the parish priest of a church near to that field, received from God a revelation in a dream concerning the place where the First Martyr was buried. He immediately made this known to John, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Thus, coming to the place indicated, and digging there, they found a box with the word "Stephen" in Aramaic letters. On opening it, they took these most sacred relics and transferred them to Jerusalem with great honor and in the company of a very great multitude of the faithful.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

3rd August 2003, 11:52 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Sunday, August 3, 2003 we celebrate:

7th Sunday of Matthew

Our Righteous Fathers Isaacius, Dalmatius and Faustus

Through the intercessions of the our Holy Righteous Fathers Isaacius, Dalmatius and Faustus, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen

Our Righteous Fathers Isaacius, Dalmatius and Faustus

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

O God of our Fathers, ever dealing with us according to Thy gentleness: take not Thy mercy from us, but by their entreaties guide our life in peace.

Kontakion: Second Tone

With hymns let us extol Isaacius, Dalmatus, and Faustus as Christ's servants, who shone forth brilliantly in asceticism in the world, and overturned the heresies by faith; for they cry out in behalf of us all.

Reading:

Of these, Saint Isaacius is celebrated also on May 30. He became a monk at an early age and was a worker of every virtue; a zealot for the Orthodox Faith, he was also deemed worthy of the gift of prophecy. The Saint dwelt in a small hut near Constantinople. When Valens the Arian marched against the Goths, who were at the Danube River, this righteous one went out himself to meet the Emperor and, taking in hand the reins of the Emperor's horse, said to him with boldness that God had incited the barbarians to come against him, since he himself had incited many to speak against God in blasphemy, and had driven God's true worshippers out of the divine houses of prayer. Furthermore, he told him, if he ceased fighting against God by means of heresy and returned the good shepherds (that is, the Orthodox bishops) to the flock of Christ, he would easily gain the victory over his enemies. However, if he did not desist from these things, nor have God as his ally, at the very outset of the battle both he and his army would certainly be destroyed. "Learn from experience," he said, "that it is hard to kick against the pricks. Thou shalt not return, and this expedition will be destroyed." But the Emperor became angry and had the righteous one locked in prison that he might punish him and put him to death on his return after he conquered the barbarians. But he was utterly defeated and was burned alive in a certain village in the year 378 (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Eccl. Hist., ch. 4: 31-32). When his surviving soldiers returned from the war, wishing to tempt the Saint, they came to him and said, "Prepare to make thy defense before the Emperor, who is coming to fulfil what he spoke against thee." But the Saint answered, "It has already been seven days that I smelled the stink of his bones, which were burned in the fire." Thus the righteous one was released from prison. All marveled because of his prophecy, and he became even more wondrous by means of the zeal he displayed in behalf of Orthodoxy in 381, when the Second Ecumenical Council was convoked. After this, a monastery was built in Constantinople for him, and he piously shepherded those struggling with him in asceticism. Having served as an example of the monastic life for them, he reposed in peace about the end of the fourth century, leaving Dalmatus as his successor.

As for Saint Dalmatus, he was at first a soldier in the second division of the soldiers known as the Scholarii. Later, however, he forsook all things and taking his son Faustus, went to the above-mentioned monastery of Saint Isaacius, where he donned the monastic habit. Through his virtue he became venerable in the sight of all. He was present at the Third Ecumenical Council that was convoked in Ephesus in 431, and there displayed his zeal for Orthodoxy against Nestorius. The Council elected him Archimandrite of the monasteries in Constantinopie. Having lived for more than eighty years, he reposed in the Lord.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

4th August 2003, 11:33 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Monday, August 4, 2003 we celebrate:

The 8th Monday after Pentecost

The Holy Seven Youths of Ephesus

Through the intercessions of the Holy Seven Youths of Ephesus, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

The Holy Seven Youths of Ephesus

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

They that scorned all things in the world as corrupted and found the gifts that nothing ever corrupteth, behold, they died, and yet corruption touched them not. Wherefore after many years once again they all rose up, burying all unbelief of malicious revilers. Ye faithful, let us laud the seven youths with hymns of praise on this day, while extolling Christ.

Reading:

See October 22 for the account of these Saints.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

5th August 2003, 01:45 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Tuesday, August 5, 2003 we celebrate:

8th Tuesday after Pentecost,

Forefeast of the HolyTransfiguration of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Holy Martyr Eusigenius, and

Our Righteous Father Eugene of Aitola

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Eusigenius, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Forefeast of the HolyTransfiguration of Our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

All of mortal nature now divinely shineth on this day with the divine Transfiguration ere the time; and in great gladness, she crieth out: Christ is transfigured, and saveth the race of man.

Holy Martyr Eusigenius

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (Tone 8)

As to a man of godly mind and Martyr for true piety, today the Church doth give honour and glory to the supremely wise Eusignius; and his all-hallowed contests doth she praise, as she ever crieth out: By his prayers, preserve Thy lowly servants, O Thou Who art greatly merciful.

Reading:

This Martyr was from Antioch, and had been a soldier from the time of the reign of Constantius Chlorus (the father of Saint Constantine the Great) to that of Julian the Apostate. He censured Julian's ungodliness and reminded him that he was the nephew of Saint Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor. He reminded him further, that from his tender youth he had been nourished on the milk of piety and instructed in the Faith of Christ, had been a fellow student of Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, had been a reader of the Church of Nicomedia, and that he had set all these things at nought and become a transgressor of the promises made in his divine Baptism, and had offered to the idols the adoration that is due to God alone. Reminding the Apostate of all these things and reproving him, he was beheaded in the year 361, having lived altogether 110 years, and been a soldier for more than sixty.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

6th August 2003, 09:07 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Wednesday, August 6, 2003 we celebrate:

Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Apolytikion: Grave Tone (Tone 7) - see url above

Kontakion: Grave Tone (Tone 7) - see url above

Reading:

Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5).

Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION and KONTAKION (see website listed above) NARTHEX PRESS

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

7th August 2003, 02:20 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Thursday, August 7, 2003, we celebrate:

Afterfeast of the Transfiguration

Our Holy Father Nicanorus the Wonderworker

St. Domitius, the Righteous Martyr

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr St. Domitius, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Domitius, the Righteous Martyr

Reading:

This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

8th August 2003, 01:40 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Friday, August 8, 2003 we celebrate:

8th Friday after Pentecost

Holy New Martyrs Triantaphillus of Zagoras and Anastasius of Thessolonica

Our Holy Father Myronus the Wonderworker, Bishop of Crete

Our Righteous Father Emilianus the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus

Through the intercessions of our Righteous Father Saint Emilianus the Confessor, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Our Righteous Father Emilianus the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus

Reading:

This Saint was one of the illustrious Orthodox Bishops called to Constantinople by the holy Patriarch Nicephorus to defend the veneration of the holy icons against Leo the Armenian (see Mar. 8). Saint Emilian was sent into exile by Leo about the year 815, and gave up his soul to the Lord amidst many afflictions and sufferings for the sake of his confession.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

9th August 2003, 01:01 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Saturday, August 9, 2003 we celebrate:

8th Saturday after Pentecost

Holy Apostle Matthias

Through the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Matthias, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Apostle Matthias

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Truly, into all the world thy sound hath gone forth as a brightly-beaming sun; and it enlighteneth by grace the Church of all nations on the earth, O wonderworking Matthias, Apostle of Christ.

Reading:

After Judas by transgression fell from his apostleship (Acts 1: 25), and hanging himself out of despair ended his life with a wretched and shameful death (Matt. 27: 5), then, that the number of the Twelve not be lacking, all the disciples gathered in one place after the Ascension of the Savior (the number of men and women being 120), and they chose two men from among them, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was also surnamed Justus, and Matthias, and they set them in the midst. Then they prayed to God and cast lots, "and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven Apostles" (Acts 1: 15 ? 26). And thus, having taken the place of Judas, Matthias fulfilled the work of apostleship and the prophecy concerning Judas, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David: "And his bishopric let another take" (Ps. 108:7). After this, it is said, Matthias preached the Gospel in Ethiopia, and completed his life there in martyrdom.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION (see website listed above) NARTHEX PRESS
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

10th August 2003, 04:23 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Sunday, August 10, 2003 we celebrate:

8th Sunday of Matthew

Chitus of Athens, Bishop of Rome

Holy Archdeacon and Martyr Laurence

Through the intercessions of the Holy Archdeacon and Martyr Laurence, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Archdeacon and Martyr Laurence

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Second Tone

Aflame in thy heart, O Laurence, with the fire divine, thou burntest away the fire of passions utterly, O firm staff of athletes, O thou God-bearing Martyr; and thou in truth while contesting didst cry with faith: Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ.

Reading:

This Saint, who was born in Spain, was the Archdeacon of the Church of Rome, caring for the sacred vessels of the Church and distributing money to the needy. About the year 257, a harsh persecution was raised up against the Christians by Valerian. Pope Sixtus, who was from Athens, was commanded to worship the idols, and refused; before his martyrdom by beheading, he committed to Laurence all the sacred vessels of the Church. When Laurence was arrested and brought before the Prefect, he was questioned concerning the treasures of the Church; he asked for three days' time to prepare them. He then proceeded to gather all the poor and needy, and presented them to the Prefect and said, "Behold the treasures of the Church." The Prefect became enraged at this and gave command that Laurence be racked, then scourged with scorpions (a whip furnished with sharp iron points - compare II Chron. 10:11), then stretched out on a red-hot iron grill. But the courageous athlete of Christ endured without groaning. After he had been burned on one side, he said, "My body is done on one side; turn me over on the other." And when this had taken place, the Martyr said to the tyrants, "My flesh is now well done, you may taste of it." And when he had said this, and had prayed for his slayers in imitation of Christ, he gave up his spirit on August 10, 258.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

11th August 2003, 11:43 PM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Monday, August 11, 2003, we celebrate:

9th Monday after Pentecost

Holy Martyr. Euplus the Deacon

Memorial of the Miracle of Our Holy Father Spyridon

Our Holy Father Niphonus, Patriarch of Constantinople

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr, Euplus the Deacon, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyr. Euplus the Deacon

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyr, O Lord in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: First Tone

While bearing in thy hands the divine laws of Christ God, thou camest to thy foes, in the stadium crying: Now being self-called, I come to contend with most firm resolve. Wherefore, having bent thy neck in great jubilation, thou was then beheaded with the sword, O wise Euplus, completing thy valiant course.

Reading:

This Martyr was from Catania in Sicily and contested during the reign of Diocletian. He presented himself of his own accord to Calvisianus the Governor, who put him to exceedingly harsh torments. As Euplus was on the rack, Calvisianus commanded him to worship Mars, Apollo, and Aesculapius; he answered he worshipped the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He was beheaded in the year 304.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/

MariaRegina

13th August 2003, 03:14 AM

http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/search.asp

On Tuesday, July 12, we celebrate:

Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilarion of Ancyra
Our Holy Father Michael of Maleinus
The Venerable Veronica (who wiped Christ's face)

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs, Proclus and Hilarion of Ancyra, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyrs Proclus and Hilarion of Ancyra

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Thy Martyrs, O Lord in their courageous contest for Thee received the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Kontakion: Second Tone

As kinsmen, ye did prove to be of like spirit in your life and of one accord in all things, O renowned Martyr Proclus and godly-minded Hilary; for having yourselves become images of the Passion of Christ, ye were counted worthy of glory, and ye grant divine forgiveness unto all.

Reading:

These Martyrs contested in Ancyra in 106, during the reign of the Emperor Trajan. Saint Proclus was seized as a Christian and, confessing his faith, was burned on his sides and belly, was hung upon a beam with heavy stones tied to his feet, and finally was taken away to be shot with arrows. As he was being led forth, his nephew Hilary encountered him and greeted him, and was himself seized. After his uncle had been slain with arrows, Hilary, because he would not deny Christ, was tormented, then beheaded.

READING COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY, BROOKLINE, MA
APOLYTIKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY
KONTAKION COURTESY OF HOLY TRANSFIGURATION MONASTERY

Note: Permission has been received to reproduce these copyrighted texts here, but with the condition that all texts used are reproduced by permission from Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, and that the selections are taken from their Great Horologion. You may visit them at http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/