Today's Saint: Honor to Whom Honor Is Due

[MariaRegina]

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On October 1, 2003, we celebrate

St. Ananias the Apostle
Our Righteous Father Romanus the Melodist
Feast of the Holy Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

Through the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Ananias, our Righteous Father Romanus, and the Most Holy Theotokos, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Ananias the Apostle

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Since ye were equal in character to the Apostles, and teachers of the Slavic lands, O divinely-wise Cyril and Methodius, pray to the Lord of all to strengthen all nations in Orthodoxy and unity of thought, to convert and reconcile the world to God, and to save our souls.

Kontakion: Second Tone

Our most fervent advocate in intercession who dost hearken most quickly to them that pray to thee, receive our supplication, O Ananias, and implore Christ, Who alone is glorified in the Saints, to have mercy on us.

Reading:

Saint Ananias, whose name means "God is gracious," was from Damascus, where by divine revelation he was commanded to baptize the Apostle Paul (Arts 9: 10-17). He completed the course of martyrdom when he was stoned to death during the proconsulate of Lucian.

Our Righteous Father Romanus the Melodist

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

The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Father. 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 Romanus, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (8th tone)

As a harmonious harp of lofty wisdom from on high and an expounder of things seen in God-inspired ascents, we extol thee, Father Romanus, and we hymn thee. As a trumpet of the gifts that pass the mind of man, do thou rouse us to divine and saving watchfulness, as we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father elect of God.

Reading:

Saint Romanus flourished during the reign of Anastasius (491-518). He was from Emesa of Syria, and apparently was born of Jewish parents, for a hymn written in his honour in Greek says he was "of Hebrew stock," and it has furthermore been noted that he uses many Semitic idioms in his writings. He was baptized an Orthodox Christian, and at some time became a deacon in the Church of Beirut. He was the first composer of the kontakia, the foremost of which is that of the feast of Christ's Nativity, On this day the Virgin .... In composing many of his kontakia. Saint Romanus was inspired by the hymns of Saint Ephraim of Syria.

Feast of the Holy Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

Apolytikion: First Tone

O Virgin, we extol the great grace of thy Protection, which thou didst spread out like a bright cloud beyond all understanding; for thou dost invisibly protect thy people from the foe's every assault. Since we have thee as our shelter and certain help, we cry to thee with our whole soul: Glory to thy great deeds, O most pure Maid. Glory to thy shelter most divine. Glory to thy care and providence for us, O spotless one.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone

Let us the faithful hasten to the Theotokos now and venerate her sacred veil, as we chant unto her, singing hymns to praise and honour her, as is fitting; for she shelt'reth with her shelter and all her faithful flock and preserveth them unharmed from all calamities, as they cry to her: Rejoice, Protection most radiant.

Reading:

The Feast of the Protection commemorates the appearance of the most holy Theotokos in the Church of Blachernae in Constantinople in the early sixth century, as recorded in the life of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ's sake. While the multitudes of the faithful were gathered in church, Epiphanius, the friend of Saint Andrew, through the Saint's prayers, beheld the Virgin Mary above the faithful and spreading out her veil over them, signifying her unceasing protection of all Christians. Because of this we keep a yearly feast of gratitude, imploring our Lady never to cease sheltering us in her mighty prayers.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikia courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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On Thursday, October 2, 2003 we celebrate:

Thursday of the 2nd Week

Holy Martyrs Rusticus and Eleutherius
Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and Virgin-Martyr Justina

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Rusticus, Eleutherius, and the Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and the Virgin-Martyr Justina, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian and Virgin-Martyr Justina

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 Cyprian. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: First Tone

When thou, O godly-minded one, hadst been converted from magic art to knowledge of God, thou becamest a most skilful healer for the whole world, O wise Cyprian, granting cures to them that honour thee with Justina; with her, pray the man-befriending Master to save us, thy servants who sing thy praise.

Reading:

Saint Justina who was from Damascus, lived in virginity for the sake of Christ. Saint Cyprian, who was from Antioch, began as an initiate of magic and worshipper of the demons. A certain foolish young man who had been smitten with Justina's beauty hired Cyprian to draw her to love him; when Cyprian had wed every demonic device he knew, and had failed, being repulsed by the power of Christ Whom Justina invoked, he understood the weakness of the demons and came to know the truth. Delivered from demonic delusion, he came to Christ and burned all his books of magic, was baptized, and later ascended the episcopal throne in his country. Later, he and Justina were arrested by the Count of Damascus, and having endured many torments at his hands, they were sent finally to Diocletian in Nicomedia, where they were beheaded about the year 304.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Friday, October 3, 2003 we celebrate:

Friday of the 2nd Week

Holy Hieromartyr Dionysios the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens

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

Holy Hieromartyr Dionysios the Areopagite, Bishop of Athens

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Since thou hadst been instructed in uprightness thoroughly and wast vigilant in all things, thou wast clothed with a good conscience as befitteth one holy. Thou didst draw from the Chosen Vessel ineffable mysteries; and having kept the Faith, thou didst finish a like course, O Hieromartyr Dionysius. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (tone 8)

In spirit, thou dist pass through Heaven's gates, instructed by the great Apostle who attained to the third Heaven's heights, and wast made rich in all knowledge of things beyond speech; and then thou, O Dionysius, didst illuminate them that slumbered in the darkness of their ignorance. Hence we all cry out: Rejoice, O universal Father.

Reading:

This Saint was from Athens, a learned man, and a member of the famous judicial court of Mars Hill (in Greek Aeros Pagos, hence the name Areopagite (see Acts 17:19-34). When Saint Paul preached in Athens, he was one of the first them to believe in Christ, and, according to some, became the first bishop of that city. Others say -- and this may be more probable--that he was the second Bishop of Athens, after Saint Hierotheus, whom Dionysius calls his friend and teacher "after Paul" (On the Divine Names, 3:2). With Saint Hierotheus he was also present at the Dormition of the most holy Theotokos; the Doxasticon of the Aposticha for the service of the Dormition is partly taken from a passage in Chapter III of On the Divine Names. According to ancient tradition, he received a martyr's end (according to some, in Athens itself) about the year 96.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Saturday, October 4, 2003 we celebrate:

Our Holy Father Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

Through the intercessions of our Holy Father Hierotheus, Dionysios, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Our Holy Father Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens

Apolytikion: Fourth Tone

Since thou hadst been instructed in uprightness thoroughly and wast vigilant in all things, thou wast clothed with a good conscience as befitteth one holy. Thou didst draw from the Chosen Vessel ineffable mysteries; and having kept the Faith, thou didst finish a like course, O Hieromartyr Hierotheus. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (Tone 8)

As Athens' Hierarch, we acclaim thee, since through thee we have received instruction in things awesome and ineffable; for thou wast a God-inspired writer of divine hymns. O Hierotheus all-blessed, do thou pray to God, so that we may be redeemed from all calamities, that thus we may cry: Rejoice, O Father wise in things divine.

Reading:

According to some, Hierotheus, like Saint Dionysius, was a member of the court of Mars Hill. Having first been instructed in the Faith of Christ by Paul, he became Bishop of Athens. He, in turn, initiated the divine Dionysius more perfectly into the mysteries of Christ; the latter, on his part, elaborated more clearly and distinctly Hierotheus concise and summary teachings concerning the Faith. He too was brought miraculously by the power of the Holy Spirit to be present at the Dormition of the Theotokos, when, together with the sacred Apostles, he became a leader of the divine hymnody. "He was wholly transported, wholly outside himself and was so deeply absorbed in communion with the sacred things he celebrated in hymnology, that to all who heard him and saw him and knew him, and yet knew him not, he seemed to be inspired of God, a divine hymnographer," as Dionysius says (On the Divine Names, 3:2). Having lived in a manner pleasing to God, he reposed in the Lord.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Sunday, October 5, 2003 we celebrate:

2nd Sunday of Luke

St. Charitine the Martyr

Righteous Mother Methodia of Cimolus

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Charitine and the righteous Mother Methodia, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Charitine the Martyr

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

Reddened with martyric blood, thou wast arrayed in Heaven's beauty splendidly, when thou hadst overcome the foe, O Charitina, and thou didst cry: Thou art the joy of the Martyrs, O Christ our God.

Reading:

Saint Charitina contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 290. The handmaid of a certain Claudius, she was betrayed as a Christian to Dometian, the Count, before whom she fearlessly confessed Christ. After suffering the most terrible tortures, including the uprooting of her teeth and nails, she gave up her soul into the hands of the Lord.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Monday, October 6, we celebrate
St. Thomas the Apostle
Holy Martyr Erotidus

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

St. Thomas the Apostle

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Christ's Apostle, who was filled with God's divine grace, he who was His genuine and faithful servant in all truth, all-lauded Thomas exclaimed aloud in deep repentance: Thou art both my God and Lord.

Reading:

The name Thomas means, "twin." He was one of the Twelve, a Galilean by birth. Sophroneus (not the famous Patriarch of Jerusalem [7th Century, celebrated March 11], but a friend of Jerome's), quoted also by Jerome, says that Saint Thomas preached to the Parthians, Pesians, Medes, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and neighbouring nations. According to Heracleon, the Apostle died a natural death; according to other accounts, he was martyred at Meliapur His tomb was known by Saint John Chrysostom to be at Edessa in Syria, to which city his holy relics may have been translated from India in the fourth century.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Tuesday, October 7, 2003 we celebrate:

Tuesday of the 3rd Week

Hieromartyr Polychronus

Martyrs Julian the Priest and Caesar the Deacon

Holy Martyrs Sergius and Baccus

Through the intercessions of the Holy Hieromartyr Polychronus, the Holy Martyrs Julian the Priest and Caesar the Deacon, and the Holy Martyrs Sergius and Baccus, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyrs Sergius and Baccus

Kontakion: Third Tone

As we gather, let us crown with sacred hymns of laudation those two brethren in the Faith, the great and valorous martyrs: Sergius was the Triune Godhead's most steadfast warrior; and with him, wise Bacchus manfully suffered torments; and they both confessed Christ Saviour as God, the Maker and sacred Trainer of all.

Reading:

These holy Martyrs were Romans of high rank in the service of the Emperor Maximian, to whom it was reported that they did not take part in the festivals of the idols. When he called them into his presence, they confessed their Faith in the one God. He had them arrayed in women's clothes and paraded through the streets in mockery. They were afterwards scourged, from which Saint Bacchus died. This was about the year 296. Saint Sergius was then taken to Resapha in Syria, where he was tortured and beheaded. His tomb in Resapha became a very famous shrine, to which pilgrims came from as far away a Western Europe; Resapha was later renamed Sergiopolis in his honour.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Wednesday, October 8, 2003 we celebrate:

Wednesday of the 3rd Week

Righteous Mother Pelagia

Pelagia the Virgin

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

Righteous Mother Pelagia

Apolytikion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone

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 Pelagia, your soul rejoices with the angels.

Kontakion: Second Tone

With fasting didst thou consume thy body utterly; with vigilant prayer didst thou entreat thy Fashioner that complete forgiveness of thy former deeds be granted thee, which, O Mother, thou didst receive. The path of repentance hast thou shown to us.

Reading:

This Saint was a prominent actress of the city of Antioch, and a pagan, who lived a life of unrestrained prodigality and led many to perdition. Instructed and baptized by a certain bishop named Nonnus (Saint Nonnus is commemorated Nov. 10), she departed for the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem, where she lived as a recluse, feigning to be a eunuch called Pelagius. She lived in such holiness and repentance that within three or four years she was deemed worthy to repose in an odour of sanctity, in the middle of the fifth century. Her tomb on the Mount of Olives has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Thursday, October 9, 2002, we celebrate

Martyr Poplia
Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus
Our Righteous Father Andronicus and Athanasia his wife

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyr Poplia, the Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus and our Righteous Father Andronicus and Athanasia his wife, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

The wondrous fisherman that caught in the nations, James, the most ven'rable of Jesus' disciples, and the companion of the apostolic choir, doth dispense unto the world the great wealth of his healings, freeing from adversities them that rightly acclaim him. Wherefore, we cry to him with one accord: O blest Apostle, save all of us by thy prayers.

Reading:

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

Our Righteous Father Andronicus and Athanasia his wife

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (tone 8)

Let us the faithful crown with laurels of befitting hymns the wise Andronicus, who lived in blameless righteousness, with the godly Athanasia, his spouse in Christ God; who have shown the type of lawful wedlock to the world and became divine examples of monastic life. Let us cry to them: Rejoice, O yoke-mates in holiness.

Reading:

Saints Andronicus and Athanasia were from Antioch, and finished their lives in asceticism about the year 500.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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On Friday, October 10, 2003 we celebrate:

Friday of the 3rd Week

Holy Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia

Our Righteous Father Theophilus the Confessor

Through the intercessions of the Holy Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia and Our Righteous Father Theophilus, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia

Kontakion: Third Tone

To the wise Eulampious and brave Eulampia with him, to those siblings in the flesh and Martyrs valiant in courage, we now offer praise and honour, for with the power of Him that dies on the Cross, they have shamed and vanquished all the tyrants' schemes; for they are the Martyrs' glory and their rejoicing and boast.

Reading:

The Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia were from Nicomedia, and contested for Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 296.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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On Saturday, October 11, 2003 we celebrate:

Saturday of the 3rd Week

St. Philip the Apostle, one of the Seven Deacons

Our Righteous Father Theophanes the Confessor and Bishop of Nicaea

Holy Martyrs Zenais and Philonilla

Through the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Philip, the Righteous Hierarch Theophanes and the Holy Martyrs Zenais and Philonilla, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Philip the Apostle, one of the Seven Deacons

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

Since thou wast enlightened by the Holy Spirit, thou enlightenest the earth and all its fullness with the beams of thy wise teachings and miracles, Apostle Philip, thou sacred initiate.

Reading:

Saint Philip, who had four daughters that prophesied, was from Caesarea of Palestine. He preached throughout Samaria; it was he also who met the eunuch of Candace, the Queen of the Ethiopians, as the eunuch was reading the Prophet Esaias, and he instructed and baptized him (Acts 8:26-39). He reposed in Tralles of Asia Minor while preaching the Gospel.

Our Righteous Father Theophanes the Confessor and Bishop of Nicaea

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

To the Church thou hast appeared like a new daystar, for thou dost enlighten her with all thy doctrines' brilliant beams, O righteous Father Theophanes, since thou indeed art a true priest of Christ our God.

Reading:

Saint Theophanes, the brother of Saint Theodore the Branded, was a Palestinian by race. Both were monks at the Monastery of Saint Sabbas. They were called "the Branded" because Theophilus, the last of the Iconoclast emperors, had twelve iambic verses branded by hot irons on their foreheads and then sent them into exile, where Theodore died in the year 838. After the death of Theophilus in 842, Theophanes was elected Bishop of Nicaea. Both brothers composed many canons and hymns, thereby adorning the services of the Church.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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On Sunday, October 12, 2003 we celebrate:

Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council

St. Symeon the New Theologian

Ss. Probos, Tarachos and Andronicos the Martyrs

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Father Symeon the New Theologian, and the Holy Martyrs Probos, Tarachos and Andronicos, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Symeon the New Theologian

Apolytikion: Third Tone

Since thou hadsts received within thy pure soul God's enlightenment, O righteous Father, thou wast shown to the world as a blazing light which drave away its thick darkness and moved all men to seek the grace of the Spirit which they had lost. O all-holy Father Symeon, intercede with Him to grant great mercy unto us who honour thee.

Kontakion: Third Tone

Shining with the Three-Sun Light, thou wast a true theologian of the Holy Trinity, the Lord divinely-transcendent; from on high, thou wast made rich with wisdom of discourse and didst pour forth the divine streams of godly wisdom; whereof having drunk, we cry out: Rejoice, thrice-blessed Symeon, taught from above.

Reading:

Saint Symeon became a monk of the Studite Monastery as a young man, under the guidance of the elder Symeon the Pious. Afterwards he struggled at the Monastery of Saint Mamas in Constantinople, of which he became abbot. After enduring many trials and afflictions in his life of piety, he reposed in 1022. Marvelling at the heights of prayer and holiness to which he attained, and the loftiness of the teachings of his life and writings, the church calls him "the New Theologian." Only to two others, John the Evangelist and Gregory, Patriarch of Constantinople, has the church given the name "Theologian." Saint Symeon reposed on March 12, but since this always falls in the Great Fast, his feast is kept today.

Ss. Probos, Tarachos and Andronicos the Martyrs

Kontakion: Second Tone

The hoplites of Christ, those Martyrs noble and divine, have shown unto us the glory of the Trinity. For brave Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus have convicted all of the tyrants' ungodliness, for they have contested nobly for the Faith.

Reading:

The holy Martyrs contested for Christ during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 296 or 304. Tarachus was advanced in years, of Roman birth, and had been a soldier; Probus was from Side in Pamphylia, and Andronicus from Ephesus. They were taken together in Cilicia and subjected to manifold exceedingly cruel tenures. Tarachus was beaten on his checks and neck with stones, his hands were burned, he was hanged on a post and smoke was put underneath him to choke him; vinegar was forced down his nostrils; after enduring further tortures, he was carved to pieces. Probus was thrashed with whips, his feet were burned with red hot irons, his back and sides were pierced with heated spits; finally he also was cut up with knives, and received the crown of martyrdom. Andronicus suffered similar tortures, and also finished his course being cut to pieces, commending his soul into the hands of God.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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On Monday, October 13, 2003 we celebrate:

Monday of the 4th Week

Holy Martyrs Carpus and Papylus

Benjamin the Deacon

Holy New Martyr Chryse Moglenon

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Martyrs Carpus and Papylus, Benjamin the Deacon and the New Martyr Chryse Moglenon, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Martyrs Carpus and Papylus

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

To those on earth our Sovereign Master hath granted your sacred relics as a most precious treasure and as a fountain pouring forth great streams of cures. For they purge away the ills of the manifold passions and bestow upon our souls grace divine without ceasing. Wherefore with one accord we keep your feast with fervent longing, O Carpus and Paphylus.

Reading:

Saint Carpus was Bishop of the Church of Thyatira in Asia Minor and Papylus was his deacon, whom he had ordained. Seized as Christians and tormented in Thyatira, they were taken to Sardis, whither Agathadorus, their servant, followed them, and also confessed Christ, and was tormented with them. Together with Agathonica, the sister of Saint Papylus. they were all beheaded during the reign of Decius, in the year 250.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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

On Wednesday, October 15, 2003 we celebrate:

Wednesday of the 4th Week

Holy Righteous Martyr Lucian, the Priest of Great Antioch

Righteous Sabinus

Barsus the Confessor

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Martyr Lucian, Righteous Sabinus and Barsus the Confessor, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Righteous Martyr Lucian, the Priest of Great Antioch

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

We all glorious acclaim thee with hymns, O Lucian, thou most brilliant luminary, who wast first illustrious in asceticism and then shonest forth in contest: Intercede unceasingly for us all.

Reading:

This Saint was from Samosata, the son of pious parents. He established a catechetical school in Antioch, and taught the correct doctrines of the Faith and made clear the parts of the divine Scriptures that were difficult to understand. He edited the Old Testament translation from the Hebrew tongue, and published it in an excellent edition, free from every heretical corruption and interpolation. He travelled to Nicomedia to strengthen the faithful there in their contests for Christ, and was accused before Maximinus, with whom he conversed openly. When he had made a defence of the Christian Faith, he was condemned to imprisonment where, in 311, he died of hunger and thirst.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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

On Thursday, October 16, 2003 we celebrate:

Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion

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

Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion

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: Fourth Tone

With great joy the Church of Christ today rejoiceth on the festive memory of blest Longinus, the all-famed and godly prizewinner. And she doth cry out: O Christ, my foundation and might art Thou.

Reading:

This Martyr was in the service of Pontius Pilate at the time of Christ our Saviour's Passion. While standing guard at the Cross and beholding the earthquake and all that came to pass, he cried out with fear, "Truly this was the Son of God" (Matt. 27:54). After the Resurrection, he forsook the military and departed for Cappadocia, his homeland, where he preached Christ. By the agency of Pontius Pilate, Tiberius Caesar had him arrested and beheaded.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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]

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

On Friday, October 17, 2003 we celebrate:

Friday of the 4th Week

Holy Righteous Martyr Andrew in "The Judgment"

St. Hosea the Prophet

Holy Martyrs Cosmas and Damian of Arabia

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Martyrs Cosmas,
Damian, and Andrew, and the Holy Prophet Hosea, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Righteous Martyr Andrew in "The Judgment"

Kontakion: Third Tone

On this day the Church of Christ with great rejoicing observeth the resplendent festival of thine illustrious mem'ry summoning all of the faithful to come together. She is glad, for she possesseth the precious treasure of thy much-afflicted body, O Martyr Andrew, light of the Orthodox Faith.

Reading:

Saint Andrew was from the island of Crete, where he lived the monastic life. During the reign of Constantine Copronymus, he came to Constantinople and suffered many things in defence of the veneration of the holy icons. Finally, he was dragged through the market, bound by the feet, one of which was severed by a fishmonger wielding a cleaver, and thus the Saint surrendered his spirit unto God in the year 761. His sacred relics were buried at a certain place called "The Judgment."

St. Hosea the Prophet

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (tone 8)

Initiated by divine illumination, thou wast deemed worthy of the lofty gift of prophecy and foretoldest of the promise of grace, O Prophet. O Hosea, since thou dwellest in God's glory now, do thou rescue from all manner of adversity us who cry to thee: Rejoice, thou vessel of grace divine.

Reading:

According to some, Hosea, whose name means "God is help," was from the tribe of Issachar, or more likely, from that of Reuben; he was the son of Beeri. He is the first in order of the twelve minor Prophets and the most ancient of all. He prophesied in the days of the divided Kingdom; the Lord told him to take a harlot to wife (Hosea 1:2), and then an adulteress (ibid., 3:1). The harlot, a known sinner, was a figure of the Kingdom of Israel in Samaria, which openly worshipped idols; the adulteress, lawfully married yet sinning secretly with her lovers, was a figure of the Kingdom of Judah in Jerusalem, which, while having the Temple, and the priesthood, and the divine worship according to the Law, stealthily served the idols also. The Prophet Hosea prophesied for sixty years, and lived for some ninety years, from 810 to 720 B.C. His book is divided into fourteen chapters.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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

On Saturday, October 18, 2003 we celebrate:

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

Martyr Marinus the Elder

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke and the Holy Martyr Marinus, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: Fourth Tone

As a disciple of the Word of God, with Paul you illuminated all the earth and dispelled the gloom in writing Christ's divine Gospel.

Reading:

This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, and a disciple and companion of Paul. He wrote his Gospel in Greek after Matthew and Mark, after which he wrote the Acts of the Apostles, and dedicated both works to Theophilus, who, according to some, was Governor of Achaia. He lived some eighty-six years and died in Achaia, perhaps in Patras, the capital of this district. His emblem is the calf, the third symbolical beast mentioned by Ezekiel (1:10), which is a symbol of Christ's sacrificial and priestly office, as Saint Irenaeus says.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
Kontakion courtesy of Holy Cross Press, 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]

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

On Sunday, October 19, 2003 we celebrate:

3rd Sunday of Luke

St. John of Rilas
St. Joel the Prophet
St. Varys the Martyr

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Martyr Varys, Our Holy Prophet Joel, and Saint John of Rilas, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. John of Rilas

Kontakion: Plagal of the Fourth Tone (tone 8)

Emulating the life of the Angels, O Saint, and leaving behind all earthly things, thou didst run unto Christ. And protecting thyself with His commandments, thou wast shown to be a pillar that no attacks of the enemy could shake. Wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father John, most brilliant light.

Reading:

Saint John of Rila founded the renowned monastery of that name in Bulgaria in the tenth century. Over the centuries, great and wondrous healings have flowed from his holy relics.

St. Joel the Prophet

Apolytikion: Third Tone

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

Kontakion: First Tone

Since thou hadst seen the glory of God in the spirit, thou truly didst foreknow His divine dispensation; for as thou didst say, God's Spirit is poured forth upon all flesh that believeth in Him Who appeared to the earthborn in a servant's form and made thee wondrous for ever, O Joel, thou seer of God.

Reading:

The Prophet Joel, whose name means "Yah is God," was of the tribe of Reuben, the son of Bathuel, and lived from 810 to 750 B.C. (but some say in the 7th century B.C.). His book is divided into three chapters, and is the second in order of the minor Prophets. He foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, and quoted by the Apostle Peter in Acts 2:17), and the saving power of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Joel 2:32).

St. Varys the Martyr

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

Since thou hadst put on thyself thy Master's Cross as a breastplate, thou didst blunt and bring to nought the tyrants' wicked devices. Thou didst bear most savage tortures upon thy body; valiantly didst thou then finish thy godly contest. Hence from God, O noble Varus, thou wast adorned in a crown august and divine.

Reading:

Saint Varus contested for the sake of Christ during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304. He was a soldier in the service of the Emperor Maximian, and held in honour for his courage. While in Egypt, he visited the Christians held in prison and comforted them. Among them, he visited seven monks imprisoned together; when one of them died from his torments' Saint Varus took his place. When this became known to the governor, Saint Varus was arrested and tortured to death.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikia courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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

On October 20, we celebrate the blessed memory of

St. Artemius the Great Martyr
Righteous Father Gerasimus, the New of Cephalonia
Holy Mother Matrona of Chiopolitidon

Through the intercessions of Our Holy Great Martyr Artemius, our Righteous Father Gerasimus and our Holy Mother Matrona, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

St. Artemius the Great Martyr

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

Let us now gather and worthily acclaim with hymns the pious and crowned Martyr Artemius, the greatest among Martyrs and richest bestower of miracles, who raised the trophies of victory over the enemy; for he intercedeth with the Lord for us all.

Reading:

Saint Artemius lived during the years of Saint Constantine the Great, and was appointed by him to be Governor of Alexandria; later, he was honoured with the rank of patrician. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, in the year 361, Artemius appeared before the Emperor and censured him for his apostasy. For this, he endured many torments and was finally beheaded.

Righteous Father Gerasimus, the New of Cephalonia

Apolytikion: First Tone

O believers, let us praise the protector of the Orthodox, The God-bearing miracle-worker lately appearing to us, the incarnate angel, divine Gerasimos. For he has rightly received from God the ever-flowing grace of performing healing. He strengthens those with diseases and he heals those with demons. And therefore he pours out healings to those who honor him.

Kontakion: Third Tone

Now doth Cephalonia, with sacred songs of thanksgiving, call upon the multitudes of all the Orthodox Christians to extol the boast and glory of Orthodoxy, the divine and great Gerasimus, who is truly her deliverer and champion, who doth preserve her from all the harm of her foes.

Reading:

Saint Gerasimus was from the Peloponnesus, the son of Demetrius and Kale, of the family of Notaras. He was reared in piety by them and studied the Sacred writings. He left his country and went throughout various lands, and finally came to Cephalonia, where he restored a certain old church and built a convent around it, where it stands to this day at the place called Omala. He finished the course of his life there in asceticism in the year 1570. His sacred relics, which remain incorrupt, are kept there for the sanctification of the faithful.

Readings courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Apolytikia courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakia 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]

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

On Tuesday, October 21, 2003, we celebrate the memory of:

Our Righteous Father Christodoulus, the Wonderworker of Patmos

Our Righteous Father Hilarion the Great

Martyrs Theodote and Socrates

Through the intercessions of Our Righteous Fatherd Christodoulus and Hilarion the Great, and our Holy Martyrs Theodote and Socrates, O Christ our God have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Our Righteous Father Hilarion the Great

Kontakion: Third Tone

As we gather on this day, we sing thy praise and acclaim thee as a never-setting light of the bright spiritual Daystar. Those whom ignorance benighted, thou didst illumine with thy beams; and thou dost raise unto the divine heights, O Hilarion, our Father, all them that cry out: Height of ascetics, Rejoice!

Reading:

This Saint was born at Tabatha, near Gaza in Palestine, of pagan parents. Sent as a young man to Alexandria to be educated, he learned the Christian Faith and was baptized. White in Egypt he heard the fame of Saint Anthony the Great, and upon meeting that truly great man, the Father of monks, Saint Hilarion determined to devote himiself also to die ascetical life. He returned to Gaza, when, he gave himself over to extreme fasting and unceasing prayer. Because of the miracles which he soon began to work, he found himself compelled by his growing renown to leave Gaza, to escape from the throngs of people coming to ask his prayers. In his journeys he visited Egypt, and came again with longing to the place where Saint Anthony had lived; but he was not able to remain in any one place for long, since despite all his attempts to conceal himself, the light of the grace that was in him could not be bid. After passing through Egypt and Libya, and sailing to Sicily, he came at last to Cyprus, where he ended the course d his life at the age of eighty, in the year 372.

Reading courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA
Kontakion 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/