October

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MONTH OF OCTOBER

It has 31 days. The day has 11 hours and the night 13.

1. The Protecting Veil of Our Holy Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary [See the Appendix, at the end of the page]. Of the holy Apostle Ananias, one of the Seventy; and the venerable Deacon Romanos the Singer.

Ananias came from Damascus, where, through a divine revelation, he baptized the Apostle Paul in the year 36. He finished his course as a martyr, being stoned under the governor Lucian.

Romanos flourished around 496, in the reign of Anastasios. He came from Emesa in Syria and had been deacon of the church of Beirut. He was the first writer of Kontakia, and the very first which he composed was that for the Nativity of Christ, ‘To-day the Virgin gives birth’.

Apolytikia: of the Apostle. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostle Ananias, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Of the Saint. Tone 8. In you, Mother. [Common]

In you, Father, was preserved unimpaired that which is according to the image, for you took up the cross, and you followed Christ; and by your deeds you have taught us to despise the flesh, for it passes away; but to care for the soul, which is a thing immortal; and therefore your spirit, holy Romanos, rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion of the Apostle. Tone 2. Nor tomb nor death [Aug. 15th].

Most fervent helper in intercessions and swift to answer those who ask, accept our prayer, Ananias, and implore Christ, who alone is glorified among the saints, to have mercy on us.

Of St Romanos. To you, my Champion. [By Monk Gerasimos]

As wisdom’s all melodious harp, expounder of ascents inspired by God, we praise you, Romanos, with holy songs. But as a lyre of gifts beyond our ken, to godly wakefulness rouse us who cry to you, ‘Hail, Father possessed by God!’

2. Of the holy Bishop Martyr Cyprian and the holy Virgin Martyr Justina.

Justina was from Damascus and had dedicated her virginity to Christ; Cyprian came from Antioch in the region of Coele-Syria and Arabia and was given to magic and was a worshipper of demons. He learned their impotence because having tried all his craft in order to entice Justina to love, he was smitten by the sign of the Cross and acknowledged the truth. He abandoned demonic error and came to Christ; he burned all his magic books, was baptized and later succeeded to the episcopal throne of his native country. He was arrested with Justina by the count of Damascus. They both endured numerous tortures at his hands and were sent finally to Diocletian at Nikomedia, where their heads were cut off in around the year 304.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. You shared their way of life. [Common]

You shared their way of life and you succeeded to the Apostles’ thrones; you found the practice, O God-inspired, to climb the heights of contemplation; rightly proclaiming the word of truth; and in faith you struggled to shedding of blood, Bishop and Martyr Cyprian; intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion. Tone 1. The angelic choir [The soldiers watching].

From the magic art, O Cyprian inspired by God, you turned to the knowledge of God, and you were declared a wise healer for the world, granting cures to those who honour you with Justina. With her intercede with the Master who loves humankind that your servants may be saved.

3. Of the holy Bishop and Martyr Dionysios the Areopagite.

He was an Athenian, a learned man and one of the councillors of the famous court of the Areopagos; hence he is called the Areopagite. He first believed in Christ in the year 50, when Paul preached in Athens, of which he was appointed by him as its first bishop, in the opinion of some people. Others, doubtless correctly, say that he was the second, and the successor of Hierotheos, whom Dionysios calls his friend and teacher after Paul (On the Names of God, 3.2). According to an ancient tradition he died a martyr in Athens in around the year 96.

Apolytikion. Tone 4.

You were taught goodness and, sober in all things, you vested yourself in a good conscience as befitted a priest. You drew ineffable mysteries from the Vessel of election, kept the faith and finished the same course as his, Bishop and Martyr Dionysios. Intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion. Tone 8. To you, my Champion.

You passed through the gates of heaven, having become the disciple of the Apostle who reached beyond the third heaven, Dionysios. You were enriched with complete knowledge of ineffable mysteries and shed your rays on those who had previously slept in the darkness of ignorance. And so we cry: Hail, universal Father.

4. Of our father among the Saints Hierotheos, bishop of Athens.

In the opinion of some he was also a member of the court of the Areopagus. When he had been instructed in faith in Christ by Paul, he was ordained as bishop of Athens. It was he again who initiated the godly Dionysios more completely into the truths concerning Christ. Dionysios later explained his comprehensive and summary teachings more clearly and exactly. He was brought by a cloud to the Dormition of the Mother of God, when he, after the Apostles, was the initiator of the divine hymns. ‘Wholly absent from, wholly outside himself and experiencing communion in things that are celebrated in hymns, and held to be by divine inspiration the hymnwriter of all that he had heard and seen, of things known and unknown’ as Dionysios himself says (On the Names of God, 3.2). After a good and holy life he went to his rest in the Lord.

It is worth noticing here that in the sacred songs for the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God the hymnwriters have borrowed a great deal word for word from the above chapter by Dionysios.

Apolytikion. Tone 4.

You were taught goodness and, sober in all things, you vested yourself in a good conscience as befitted a priest. You drew ineffable mysteries from the Vessel of election, kept the faith and finished the same course as his, Bishop and Martyr Hierotheos. Intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion. Tone 8. To you, my Champion.

We praise you as Athens’ high priest, as we have been initiated through you into strange and ineffable mysteries; for you were declared to be a hymn writer inspired by God. But all-blest Hierotheos intercede that we may be delivered from every kind of sin, that we may cry: Hail, inspired Father.

5. Of the holy martyr Charitini.

She was martyred under Diocletian in 290.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Joseph was amazed. [Common]

O Jesu, your lamb cries aloud: O my Bridegroom, I long for you; and seeking you I struggle, and I am crucified and buried with you in your baptism; and I suffer for your sake, that I may reign with you; and I die for you, that I may live in you; but as a spotless victim now accept one who with longing is slain for you. Through her prayers, as you are merciful, save our souls!

6. Of the holy, glorious Apostle Thomas.

His name means Twin. He was one of the Twelve and came from Galilee. He preached to the Parthians, Persians, Medes and Indians, by whom he was tortured and died as a martyr, possibly in the city of Meliapur, or Maliapur, according to some, and which is still called St Thomas. It lies on the eastern side of the Indian peninsula of Coromandel.

Permission for wine and oil

Apolytikion. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostle Thomas, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Kontakion. Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

Filled with God’s grace Christ’s Apostle and true servant cried in repentance: You are my God and Lord.

7. Of the holy martyrs Sergios and Bacchos.

They suffered in Rome under the Emperor Maximianus, around 296.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Your Martyrs, O Lord, by their struggles obtained the crown of incorruption from you, our God; for with your might they destroyed tyrants, and shattered the feeble insolence of the demons: at their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

Let us assemble to crown with holy praises the noble Martyrs and brothers in the faith, Sergios, stout soldier of the Trinity, and Bacchos, who bravely fought beside him in tortures, as they hymned Christ, the Prizegiver and Creator of the universe.

8. Of our venerable mother Pelagia.

She was from Antioch and lived around 284. At first she was a pagan and lived a dissolute life. But after she had been catechized and baptized by a certain bishop Nonnos, she left for the Mount of Olives, where she spent the rest of her life in sanctity and died in peace.

Apolytikion. Tone 8. Model Melody. [Common]

In you, Mother, was preserved unimpaired that which is according to the image, for you took up the cross, and you followed Christ; and by your deeds you have taught us to despise the flesh, for it passes away; but to care for the soul, which is a thing immortal; and therefore your spirit, holy Pelagia, rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion. Tone 2. Seeking things on high.

You wore out your body with fasts, vigils and prayers as you besought the Creator for complete forgiveness for your deeds. This, Mother, you truly obtained and you showed the way of repentance.

9. Of the holy Apostle James, son of Alphaios; and of our venerable father Andronikos.

The Apostle James was one of the Twelve. He preached Christ to many nations and suffered death by crucifixion.

Andronikos was from Antioch. He died after a life of asceticism around 500.

Apolytikia: of the Apostle. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostle James, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Of the Saint. Tone 1. When the stone had been sealed. [Common]

Citizen of the desert and Angel embodied, and wonder-worker you have been declared, O God-bearing father Andronikos. By fasting, and by vigil, and by prayers receiving gifts of grace from heaven, you heal the sick and the souls of those who have recourse to you in faith. Glory to him who gave you strength; glory to him who crowned you; glory to him who through you works healing for all!

Kontakion of the Apostle. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

James was revealed as a wondrous fisherman of the nations and most honoured of disciples, companion of the Apostles. He dispenses to the world the wealth of healings, he frees from troubles those who praise him. And so with one accord we cry to him: Save us all, O Apostle, by your prayers.

10. Of the holy martyrs Evlampios and Evlampia his sister.

They were from Nikomedia. They suffered under Maximianus in the year 296.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Your Martyrs, O Lord, by their struggle obtained the crowns of incorruption from you, our God; for with your might they destroyed tyrants, and shattered the feeble insolence of the demons: at their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

Let us honour the noble Martyrs, brother and sister in the flesh, the wise Evlampios and Evlampia; for they put to shame the devices of tyrants through the power of the Crucified; and so have been declared the glory and boast of Martyrs.

11. Of the holy Apostle Philip, one of the Seventy; and of our venerable father Theophanes the Branded.

Philip was from Caesarea in Palestine and had seven daughters, who were prophetesses. He preached in Samaria in 35. He met the eunuch of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was reading the prophet Isaias, and when he had instructed him he baptized him. Later he preached among the Trallians in Asia, where he died.

Theophanes was a Palestinian and brother of Theodore the branded. Both were monks of the monastery of St Sabbas. They were called ‘Branded’ because Theophilos, the last of the iconoclast emperors, had inscribed on their foreheads with a red hot iron thirteen lines of iambics and sent them into exile, where Theodore died, probably in 823. Theophanes, however, who was born in 778, outlived the death of Theophilos in 842 and was elected metropolitan of Nicea. He died on the 11th of October in 845. Both wrote numerous Canons and Hymns, which adorn the services of the Church.

Apolytikia: of the Apostle. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostle Philip, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Of the Saint. Tone 8. Orthodoxy’s guide. [Common]

Orthodoxy’s guide, teacher of piety and reverence, beacon of the world, fair ornament of high priests, O wise Theophanes, inspired by God, by your teaching you have enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit; intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion of the Apostle. Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

Enlightened by the all-holy Spirit you enlighten the whole earth by your teachings and the brightness of your wonders, O sacred initiate, Apostle Philip.

Of the Saint. Same melody.

You dawned on the Church like a second sun, venerable Theophanes, enlightening her with the beams of your teachings as a priest of Christ our God.

NOTE

On the eleventh of this month, if it falls on a Sunday, or on the first Sunday following it, is sung the office of the 367 Holy Fathers, who assembled in the 7th Ecumenical Council at Nicea against the iconoclasts, in the reign of the Empress Irene and of her son, Constantine Porphyrogenitos.

Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council.

Apolytikia: of the Resurrection; and of the Fathers. Tone 8.

You are glorified above all, Christ our God, who established our Fathers as beacons on the earth, and through them guided us all to the true faith: Greatly compassionate Lord, glory to you!

Kontakion. Tone 8.

The preaching of the Apostles and the doctrines of the Fathers sealed for the Church the faith as one; wearing the robe of truth, woven from contemplation on high, she rightly proclaims and glorifies the great Mystery of true religion.

Or: Kontakion. Tone 2. Not honouring an image made by hands.

The Son who shone ineffably from the Father, was born twofold in nature from a woman; knowing him we do not deny the representation of his form; but depicting it devoutly, we honour it faithfully; and so, holding to the true faith, the Church, greets the image of Christ’s incarnation.

12. Of the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachos and Andronikos.

They suffered under Diocletian in 296.

Apolytikion. Tone 5. Let us believers.

The Powers of heaven marvelled at the achievements of the holy Martyrs, because by the power of the Cross they struggled nobly and invisibly overcame while in mortal bodies the bodiless foe; and they intercede with the Lord to have mercy on our souls.

Kontakion. Tone 2. Seeking things above.

The noble soldiers of Christ, the godly Martyrs Probus, Andronikos and Tarachos, have shown us the glory of the Trinity; they confounded all the godlessness of the tyrants as in the faith they nobly struggled.

13. Of the holy martyrs Karpos, Papylos, Agathodoros and Agathoniki.

Karpos was Bishop of the Church of Thyateira, Papylos a deacon, Agathodoros their slave, while Agathoniki was Papylos’ sister. They suffered under Decius at Sardis in Lydia around 250.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Kontakion. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

As a precious treasure and a spring flowing with streams of healings the Master has granted your relics to those on earth; they cleanse diseases of every kind and give grace to souls in a never-ending stream; and so with one accord, Karpos and Papylos we celebrate with love your festival.

14. Of the holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervase, Protasius and Celsius; and of our venerable father Kosmas of the Holy City, the poet, Bishop of Ma�ouma.

All the Martyrs suffered at Milan under Nero in 64.

Kosmas was a native of the Holy City, that is Jerusalem. He was a contemporary and the same age as John of Damascus (December 4th), with whom he was brought up, having been adopted because he had been orphaned by the latter’s father Sergius. He was also his fellow student under the same teacher. In about 743 he was consecrated bishop of Maiouma, a coastal city of Palestine, which, having been formerly subject to Gaza, was known as the harbour of the Gazeans. But under Constantine the Great it was completely rebuilt and named Constantia, after his son Constantine (Sozomen, History of the Church 5.3). Kosmas became a fine hymn-writer, and is therefore called both ‘poet’ and ‘melodist’.

Apolytikion of the Martyrs. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

And of the Saint. Tone 8. Orthodoxy’s guide. [Common]

Orthodoxy’s guide, teacher of piety and reverence, beacon of the world, fair ornament of high priests, O wise Kosmas, inspired by God, by your teaching you have enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit; intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakia: of the Martyrs. Tone 2. Seeking things on high.

Appearing as shining lamps, godly Martyrs, you flood all creation with the light of your wonders, as you destroy on every occasion the deep night of diseases and implore Christ, the only God, to grant us mercy.

And of the Saint. Tone 8. To you, my Champion.

Adorned with virtues, O Kosmas inspired by God, you have become an adornment of Christ’s church, which you have adorned with hymns, blest Saint. But intercede with the Lord that we may be delivered from every wile of the opponent who cry to you: Hail, thrice-happy Father!

15. Of the holy martyr Lucian, presbyter of the Church of Antioch.

He was from Samosata of devout parents. He opened the catechetical school of Antioch where he taught the orthodox doctrines of the faith and explained the difficult passages of the divine Scriptures. He translated the Old Testament from the Hebrew and produced a first class edition of the text, purged of any trace of heresy. He went to Nikomedia to encourage the faithful to struggle for the sake of Christ and was denounced to Maximus; to whom he spoke with great boldness and made a defence of the faith of the Christians. He was condemned to prison, where he died from starvation and thirst in 311.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Your Martyr, O Lord, by his struggle obtained the crown of incorruption from you, our God; for with your might he destroyed tyrants, and shattered the feeble insolence of the demons: at his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

16. Of the holy martyr Longinus the Centurion at the Cross.

It was he who served under Pilate during the passion of the Saviour Christ, over whom he kept guard by the Cross. When he saw the earthquake and all that took place, he cried out in fear: ‘Truly this man was the son of God’ (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection he abandoned his military career and returned to his native country of Cappadocia, where he preached Christ. He was taken through the activity of Pilate for Tiberius Caesar and beheaded.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Kontakion. Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

Gladly the Church rejoices at the commemoration to-day of the revered champion, Longinus, as she cries: You, Christ, are my might and my stronghold!

17. Of the holy Prophet Osee [Hosea]; and of the holy monk-martyr Andrew of Krisis.

Andrew came from the island of Crete, where he led the ascetic life. Under the emperor Constantine Copronymous he left for Constantinople and there suffered much for the honour of the holy icons. Finally as he was being dragged through the market place with his feet bound, he was struck with a butcher’s axe by a certain fishmonger, and so gave up his spirit to God in the year 761. He holy remains were laid up in a place called Krisis.

Osee was from the tribe of Issachar, or rather that of Ruben, a son of Beiri, and is first in order of the twelve Minor Prophets, and the oldest of them. He prophesied for more than sixty nine years. He lived for more than eighty, between 810 and 720 BC. His prophecy is divided into fourteen chapters.

Apolytikion of the Martyr. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

Trained by the ascetic life on the mountain, with the panoply of the Cross you destroyed the spiritual assaults of hostile powers, blest Saint. Again you bravely stripped for combat and slew Copronymous with the sword of faith; for both struggles you have been crowned by God, as monk and martyr, honoured Andrew.

Kontakion. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

Today the Queen of cities celebrates the radiant feast of your light-bearing memory, and invites to join her every city and country. She rejoices for she has gained a great treasure: your body of many struggles, blest Andrew, beacon of orthodoxy.

18. Of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke.

He was from Antioch, a doctor by profession, disciple and travelling companion of Paul, at whose suggestion he wrote the Gospel that bears his name, after Matthew and Mark, around the year 60 AD. Then he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, dedicating both books (in the opinion of some people) to the governor or Achaia, Theohilos. He lived more than 80 years and died in Achaia, possibly at Patras, the metropolis of that province. The emblem on his icon is the Ox, the third of the symbolic living creatures of Ezekiel [1,10], because his Gospel starts from the worship under the old law, under which oxen were frequently offered in sacrifice.

Permission for wine and oil

Apolytikion. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

Kontakion. Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

You became a disciple of the divine Word, and with Paul you led the whole world to he light and dispelled the gloom by writing the Gospel of Christ.

19. Of the holy Prophet Joel; and of the holy Martyr Varus.

Varus competed under Maximianus in 304.

Joel was of the tribe of Reuben, son of Bathouel, 818-750 BC. His prophecy is divided into 3 chapters and is placed second among the Minor Prophets.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

20. Of the holy great Martyr Artemios; and of our venerable and god-bearing father Gerasimos the new ascetic of the island of Kephallenia.

Artemios lived in the reign of Constantine the Great and was appointed by him as governor of Alexandria. He was later honoured with the rank of Patrician. In the reign of Julian the Apostate, who was punishing the Christians, in the year 361 Artemios with outspoken boldness rebuked his apostasy. And so, after suffering many torments, his head was cut off.

Gerasimos was a Peloponnesian by birth, son of Demetrios and Kali, by whom he was devoutly brought up and taught the sacred scriptures. He left his native country and after journeying through various places, reached Kephallenia. There he restored an old church and round it built a nunnery, which survives to this day, in a place called Omala. Here he ended the ascetic course of his life in 1579. His holy relics, which have remained incorrupt, are exposed to the faithful for their sanctification.

Apolytikia: of the Martyr. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

And of the Saint. Tone 1.

A champion of the Orthodox and angel in the flesh, a god-bearing wonder-worker newly revealed to us, godlike Gerasimos, let us believers praise. For worthily he received from God the ever-flowing grace of healings from God. He gives strength to the sick and heals those possessed by demons. And so for those who honour him he is a source of healings.

21. Of our venerable father Hilarion the great.

He lived for 80 years and died in 333.

Apolytikion. Tone 8. Model Melody. [Common]

With the streams of your tears you cultivated the barren desert, and with your deep groans you made your toils bring forth fruit a hundredfold, and you have become a beacon, shining in all the world by your wonders: Venerable Father Hilarion, intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

As an unsetting beacon of the spiritual Sun, assembled to-day we praise you in hymns; for you shone out for those in the darkness of ignorance, leading all to the heights of God, O Hilarion, as they cried: Hail Father, rampart of Ascetics!

22. Of the holy equal of the Apostles Averkios, Bishop of Hierapolis, the wonder-worker; and of the seven holy youths of Ephesus, Maximilian, Iamblichos, Martinianus, Dionysios, Antony, Exakoustodian and Constantine.

Averkios flourished around 186.

The Seven Youths fell asleep in a cave in 250 and slept for 184 years, until the reign of Theodosios the Less. When they had awoken, or risen again, and by divine command slumbered for a little, they departed to the Lord in 434.

Apolytikia: of the Saint. Tone 4. The truth of your actions. [Common]

The truth of your actions proclaimed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of meekness and a teacher of self-control; and so you gained through humility the things on high, through poverty riches, O Father and Hierarch Averkios; intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Of the Martyrs. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Kontakion. Tone 8. As first fruits of nature.

The whole Church of the faithful honours you, Averkios, as a great high priest and fellow of the Apostles: by your entreaties guard her unconquered, unshaken and undisturbed by any heresy, O blessed and most-admirable.

23. Of the holy Apostle James, the Lord’s brother, first bishop of Jerusalem.

According to some he was the son of Joseph the Betrothed, by the wife the latter had before he was betrothed to the Ever-virgin. He was therefore known as her son and the Lord’s brother, just as He was considered to be Joseph’s son (Matt. 13:55). According to others he was Joseph’s nephew, the son of Joseph’s brother Cleopas or Clopas, who was also called Alphaeus, and of his wife Mary, who was the sister, or rather the first cousin, of the Mother of God. But he was again called the Lord’s brother because of this relationship, in accordance with the idiom of Holy Scripture.

By one of the Evangelists (Mark 15.40) he is therefore called ‘James the Less’, to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, who is called ‘the Great’. He was appointed the first bishop of Jerusalem in 34, having been chosen for the episcopal throne, according to some, by the Lord himself; but according to Eusebius, by the Apostles. He was nicknamed ‘Olvias’, that is to say ‘just’, because of his outstanding holiness and justice. He climbed to the pinnacle of the temple, that is to the highest point of its roof, on the day of Pascha to the amazement of all, and from there he gave what they sought of him: a testimony concerning Jesus. He proclaimed in a loud voice that Jesus is seated on the right hand of the Great Power, and is going to come on the clouds of heaven. At this testimony many of those present shouted out: ‘Hosanna to the son of David!’. But the scribes and Pharisees cried: ‘Ah! Even the Just has been led astray!’ and on the orders of the High Priest Annanas he was cast down from there and then stoned as he prayed for his murderers. His head was crushed with a fuller’s board, and so he breathed his last in the year 62 (Eusebius, History of the Church, II.23). The first of the Catholic Epistles to the Jews in the diaspora was written by this James.

Permission for wine and oil.

Apolytikion. Tone 4.

As the Lord’s disciple, O Just one, you received the Gospel; as a Martyr you have unflinching courage; as God’s brother, boldness; as a High Priest, power to intercede. Intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

When the only-begotten of the Father, God the Word, came to live among in these last days, he declared you, venerable James, to be first shepherd and teacher of Jerusalem and faithful steward of the spiritual Mysteries; and so we all honour you, Apostle.

24. Of the holy Martyr Arethas and his companions.

They were martyred in 542 at Negra [Najran], a city in Arabia Felix.

Apolytikion. Tone 1. Be entreated. [Common]

Be entreated by the sufferings, which the Saints endured for you, O Lord; and heal all our pains, we beg, O Lover of mankind.

Kontakion. Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

To-day a herald of joy, the light-bearing feast of the Champions, has come to us; as we hymn it we glorify the Lord who is in the highest.

25. Of the holy Martyrs and notaries Markianos and Martyrios.

They were put to death by the Arians in Constantinople in 346.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Your Martyrs, O Lord, by their struggles obtained the crowns of incorruption from you, our God; for with your might they destroyed tyrants, and shattered the feeble insolence of the demons: at their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

Competing well since childhood, Markianos with wise Martyrios, you overthrew the apostate Arius and kept the orthodox faith unharmed as you followed Paul, the wise teacher; and so you have found life with him as noble champions of the Trinity.

26. Of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios Myrovlitis; and commemoration of the Great Earthquake.

The latter occurred at Constantinople in 741, the 24th year of the reign of Leo the Isaurian, the first of the iconoclast emperors.

Saint Demetrios was from Thessaloniki, a most devout son of devout parents and a teacher of Christ’s faith. And so, when Maximianos came to Thessaloniki in 290, Demetrios was arrested by him and kept chained in prison. Games were being held in the city and Maximianos was present as a spectator. A certain barbarian, a friend of the Emperor’s and a noted wrestler, named Lyaios, outstanding both for his physical bulk and his strength, was vaunting himself in the stadium and challenging the citizens to wrestle with him. All those who took up the challenge he threw. Seeing this a certain youth named Nestor, an acquaintance of Saint Demetrios, came to him in the prison and asked for his blessing for single combat. This he received by being signed with the precious Cross. Then he entered the stadium and cried boldly: ‘O God of Demetrios, help me!’ He got a hold on Lyaios and striking him a timely blow below the heart, he left the former champion lifeless on the ground. Maximianos, greatly grieved at this, when he learned the reason, ordered Demetrios to be run through at once with lances in the prison where he was being held, but Nestor he slew with his own sword.

Apolytikion of the Saint. Tone 3. Your confession.

The whole world has found you as a mighty champion in dangers, O victor, who rout the nations. Therefore, as you destroyed the pride of Lyaios in the stadium by giving Nestor courage, holy Great Martyr Demetrios, implore Christ God to grant us his great mercy.

And of the Earthquake. Tone 8.

Christ, our God, who look upon the earth and make it tremble, deliver us from the fearful threat of earthquake, and send down upon us your rich mercies, at the prayers of the Mother of God, O only lover of mankind.

Kontakion. Tone 2. Model Melody.

With the streams of your blood, Demetrios, God has dyed the Church in purple, the God who gives you unconquerable might and keeps your City unharmed, for your are its strength.

27. Of the holy Martyr Nestor.

He suffered under Maximianos, as stated above under the 26th.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Or: Apolytikion of the Saint. Tone 3. Your confession.

Kontakion. Tone 2. Seeking things on high..

You struggled nobly and have now inherited immortal fame; at the prayers of the Martyr Demetrios you became a valiant soldier of the Master. With him, wise Nestor, do not cease to intercede on behalf of us all.

28. Of the holy martyrs Terence and Neonilla, his wife, and of their seven children, Savilos, Nitas, Ierax, Theodoulos, Photios, Vili and Evniki; and of our venerable Father Stephen the Sabbaite.

Their country and the date of their martyrdom are uncertain. They were all beheaded after enduring bitter tortures.

Saint Stephen passed his life in asceticism in the monastery of St Sabbas; hence he was named ‘Sabbaite’. Here he was ordained bishop. He died around 790, leaving the Church a number of poetic troparia.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

And of the Saint. Tone 8. Orthodoxy’s guide. [Common]

Orthodoxy’s guide, teacher of piety and reverence, beacon of the world, fair ornament of high priests, O wise Stephen, inspired by God, by your teaching you have enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit; intercede with Christ God that our souls may be saved.

29. Of the holy virgin martyr Anastasia the Roman; and of our venerable father Avramios.

Anastasia was arrested while still young and living in a monastery. She confessed Christ with boldness and when she had endured many forms of torture she was beheaded in 256, under Valerian and Gallienus.

Saint Avramios died in about 390.

Apolytikia. Of the Saint. Tone 4. Joseph was amazed. [Common]

And of the Saint. Tone 8. In you, Mother. [Common]

Kontakia. Of the Martyr. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

Venerable Anastasia, hallowed by streams of virginity and washed in the blood of martyrdom, you grant healing to those in the toils of diseases and salvation to those who approach you from the heart; for Christ, who pours forth grace without limit, gives you strength.

And of the Saint. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

You appeared on earth as an angel in the flesh, and by your ascetic life you became like a tree planted by the water of self-control and grew well; you washed stains away with the streams of your tears. And so you have been revealed, Avramios, as a godlike vessel of the Spirit.

30. Of the holy martyrs Zenovios and Zenovia, his sister.

They suffered under Diocletian in 290.

Apolytikion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Kontakion. Tone 8. As first fruits of mature..

Let us honour with inspired songs the Martyrs for truth and heralds of true religion, the brother and sister Zenovios with Zenovia, who lived united and who through martyrdom have received an incorruptible crown.

31. Of the holy Apostles of the Seventy, Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus and Aristoboulos, and of the holy martyr Epimachos.

Of these Apostles, Stachys was ordained and appointed first bishop of Byzantium by the Apostle Andrew. He shepherded his flock for 16 years and went to his rest in the Lord. According to tradition Apelles became bishop of Heracleia and died in peace. Amplias and Urban were ordained by Andrew, the first called, Amplias as bishop of Odyssopolis and Urban of a city in Macedonia. They were both slain by idolaters. Narcissus was ordained bishop of Athens and met a martyr’s death. Aristoboulos was bishop of a city whose name is unknown. The godly Apostle Paul mentions Stachys, Amplias, Urban and Narcissus (Rom. 16, 8.9.11).

The Martyr Epimachos was from Egypt and led the ascetic life by mount Pelusion. He went down to Alexandria in the time of Decius, was arrested by the governor Apellianos and underwent a martyr’s death in 251.

Apolytikia. Of the Apostles. Tone 3. Holy Apostle. [Common]

Holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins.

And of the Martyr. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate. [Common]

Kontakion. Tone 8. As first fruits of nature.

As precious treasures of the all-holy Spirit and rays of the Sun of glory let us fittingly hymn the wise Apostles, Apelles, Urban, Aristoboulos, Amplias, Narcissus and Stachys, whom the grace of our God has brought together.

APPENDIX

1 [or 28]. The Protecting Veil of the Most Holy Mother of God. In the Sacred Monastery of Docheiariou on Mount Athos, the holy wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God, Gorgoypikoos [She who answers swiftly].

Apolytikia. [by Monk Gerasimos]

Tone 1. Citizen of the desert.

We sing the praise of the graces of your Protectng Veil, O Virgin, which like a light-bearing cloud you unfold beyond understanding, and you spiritually protect your people from every assault of their foe. For we have gained you as Protection, defender and helper, as we cry out to you: Glory to your mighty deeds, O Pure one; glory to your Protection; glory to your providence towards us, O Immaculate!

Another. Tone 8. Mother of God Ever-Virgin.

Mother of God Ever-Virgin, you have given your holy Protection, through which you protect those who hope in you, as a mighty refuge for your race. For as of old so now you have wondrously saved us, enveloping your people like a spiritual cloud. And so we implore you to grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls God’s great mercy.

Kontakion. Tone 8. To you, my Champion. [by Monk Gerasimos]

Like a cloud brightly overshadowing the whole company of the Church, O All-pure, you appeared of old in the royal City. But as Protection and Champion of your people, protect us from every affliction as we cry to you: Hail, Protection wholly light.

Of the Icon. Tone 1. Citizen of the desert. [By Monk Gerasimos]

Made rich by your icon that works marvels, Mother of God, as by a spring of your spiritual graces that flows from God, we draw from it abundantly the streams of marvels, as from Eden. For you are a helper who answers quickly those who cry out to you, ‘Glory, pure Virgin, to gifts of grace; glory to your virginity; glory to your ineffable care for us, O Immaculate!’

Of the Icon. To you, my Champion. [By Monk Gerasimos]

Taking refuge in your help, O Mother of God, as in a sheltered haven we are saved from many kinds of dangers and disease. For as a helper who answers quickly you have appeared to those who with faith take refuge in your Icon and who cry out to you, ‘Hail, helper of all the world!’

In Cyprus and in some other places, on the first Sunday of October the feast of All Saints of Cyprus is celebrated.

Apolytikion for the Saints of Cyprus
Tone 1. Citizen of the desert.

The Saints of Cyprus, Apostles and Martyrs, High Priests and Ascetics, let us Cypriots, as is fitting, having formed a new choir, honour with spiritual songs, as glorious adornments and defenders of the isle, as we cry, ‘Glory to the One who made you strong! Glory to the One who crowned you! Glory to the One who through you grants us gifts divine!’

All texts and translations on this page are copyright to
Archimandrite Ephrem �

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This page was last updated on 10 February 2001