AUGUST
1 AUGUST
+ Procession of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross
+ The Seven Maccabee Children, their Teacher Eleazar, and their Mother Solomonia
+ The Feast of the All-Merciful Saviour
Troparion of the Precious Cross, Tone 1.
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Granth Thou unto Orthodox Christias victories over adversaries, and by Thy Cross preserve Thy people.
Troparion of the Holy Maccabees, Tone 1.
By the sufferings of the saints, which they endured for Thy sake, be Thou entreated, O Lord; and do Thou heal all our sufferings and pains, we beseech Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Kontakion of the Precious Cross, Tone 4.
O Thou Who wast raised up on the Cross of Thine own will, do Thou bestow Thy bounties now upon Thy people which is named after Thee, O Christ our God. Gladden Orthodox Christians with Thy power, granting them victories over their adversaries; for they have for their aid Thy weapon, the invincible trophy of peace.
Kontakion of the Holy Maccabees, Tone 2.
to the melody of: Thou soughtest the heights.
O ye pillars of the wisdom of God, seven in number; ye lamps of the divine light, sevenfold in your radiance; ye Maccabees most wise, great martyrs before the martyrs: with them do ye entreat the God of all that those who honour you may be saved.
Troparion of the All-Merciful Savior, Tone 8.
O Thou Who lookest down from on high and receivest the poor, look upon us, O Saviour, and visit us who are afflicted with sins. O all-merciful Master, through the prayers of the Theotokos grant our souls great mercy.
Kontakion of the All-Merciful Saviour, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
O all-merciful Saviour, I have committed every kind of unclean act, and have fallen into the pit of despair; but from mine heart I groan and cry out to Thee, O Word: Make haste, O Compassionate One, and hurry to help us, for Thou art merciful.
2 AUGUST
+ Translation of the Relics of the Protomartyr and Archdeacon Saint Stephen
+ Saint Basil the Blessed, Fool for Christ, Wonderworker of Moscow
Troparion to Saint Stephen, Tone 4.
With a royal diadem hath thy brow been crowned on account of the sufferings which thou didst endure for Christ our God, O Stephen, first to suffer among the martyrs. Thou didst rebuke the madness of the jews and didst see thy Saviour at the right hand of the Father. Ever entreat Him to save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Stephen, Tone 6.
to the melody of: When Thou hadst fulfilled Thy dispensation for our sakes.
Thou wast the first to be sown on earth by the heavenly Husbandman, O blessed Stephen, worthy of all praise; thou wast the first to shed thy blood for Christ upon earth; thou wast the first to be honoured by Him with a crown of victory in heaven, as the beginning of the passion-bearers and the pre-eminent wearer of the martyrs’ crown, O first to suffer.
Troparion to Saint Basil, Tone 8.
Thy life, O Basil, was without guile, and thy purity unsullied. For the sake of Christ thou didst exhaust thy body with fasting and vigils, in the cold and in the heat of the sun, in bad weather and under clouds of rain; yet thy countenance became bright like the sun. And now there come before thee kings and princes and assemblies of all the godly people of Russia, glorifying thine holy repose; therefore, pray to Christ our God, O thou holy fool, and beseech Him to deliver us from barbarian captivity and from civil war, and do grant peace to the world, and to our souls great mercy.
Another Troparion, Tone 8.
Thou wast shown to be a true and unconquerable sufferer, pure in body and soul. For the sake of Christ thou didst wear out thy body with every kind of hardship; therefore, thou didst receive from Him the gift of healing. And now, O Basil most blessed, pray to God for us who glorify thine holy repose, that He may deliver us from barbarian captivity and from civil war and may grant to our souls great mercy.
Kontakion to Saint Basil, Tone 4.
Led by the Spirit of God, O Basil most blessed, thou didst cast aside the turmoil of this world and didst turn away in loathing from the tumult of this life. Thou didst take off corruptible clothing and didst clothe thyself in a garment of dispassion. Fleeing the snares of the deceitful ruler of this world, thou didst become a stranger among thine own people. Thou didst choose heavenly treasure instead of earthly wealth, and wast crowned with a crown of patience. And now, O most blessed Basil, pray to Christ our God for us who observe thine holy commemoration, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O Basil most blessed.
Another Kontakion, Tone 4.
Illumined by divine light, thou didst overcome the passions of the senses by thy purity, O Saint. From thy youth thou didst flee far from worldly ways of thinking and didst follow Christ God by the painful path of folloy for His sake; therefore, even on earth He did bestow upon thee bounties of miracles at all times. And now, O Basil most blessed, do thou ever intercede for those who observe thine honourable commemoration.
3 AUGUST
+ Saints Isaacius, Dalmatus, and Faustus
+ Saint Anthony the Roman, Wonderworker of Novgorod
Troparion to the Holy Fathers, Tone 4.
O God of our fathers, Who dost ever deal with us according to Thy condescension, take not Thy mercy from us, but by their prayers order our life in peace.
Kontakion to the Holy Fathers, Tone 2.
to the melody of: The grave and death.
In hymns let us faithfully extol Isaacius, together with Dalmatus and Faustus, who by their asceticism did shine like lights in the world and brought heresies to nought; for, as favourites of Christ and champions of Orthodoxy, they pray to the Lord for us all.
Troparion to Saint Anthony the Roman, Tone 4.
Leaving behind the old Rome, thy fatherland, thou didst mount a rock as if it were a swift-sailing ship; and upon it thou didst supernaturally take thy journey over the water, as if thou wert a fleshless angel. Directed by the providence of the Divine Mind, thou didst arrive at Novgorod the Great, and there thou didst found a monastery, wherein thou hast left thy body as a sanctified gift; therefore, we beseech thee, O Father Anthony, entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
to the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
Though thou wast raised in Rome, thou didst blossom with grace in Novgorod the Great; for there thou wast pleasing to God in many labours and ascetic struggles; hence, He didst vouchsafe thee the gift of working miracles, and kept thy body incorrupt throughout many years. As we kiss it, we cry to thee with heartfelt joy: Rejoice, O Father Anthony.
Another Kontakion, Tone 2.
Like a star thou didst arise from Rome, and when thou hadst reached divinely-saved Novgorod the Great, therein didst thou found a monastery, and build a church, and gather together a multitude of monks. With them do thou pray for us who honour thy memory, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Anthony.
4 AUGUST
+ The Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus
+ Holy Martyr Eleutherius
+ Holy and Venerable Martyr Eudocia
+ Uncovering of the Relics of Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia, Wonderworker
Troparion to the Holy Youths, Tone 4.
O great miracle of faith! The Seven Holy Youths stayed in the cave as in a royal chamber; they died without corruption, and after many years they arose as if from sleep, as an assurance of the resurrection of all men. By their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy on us.
Kontakion to the Holy Youths, Tone 4.
to the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
O Christ, Who hast glorified Thy saints on earth even before Thy dread Second Coming, by the most glorious raising of the youths and by showing their bodies and their garments to be incorrupt Thou didst manifest the resurrection to those who were ignorant of it, and didst convince the emperor to cry out: Truly, there is a resurrection of the dead.
There is no service to Saints Eleutherius or Eudocia.
Troparion to Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Tone 4.
The all-honourable feast of the uncovering of thy precious relics hath come, greatly gladdening thy flock and all faithful people, O holy hierarch Peter. Do not fail to pray for them to Christ God, that the fold which He gave thee be kept free from the attacks of enemies and that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Tone 8.
As thou art a most eminent physician and a well-spring of copious miracles, we, thy spiritual children, who have gathered together with love on this day of the uncovering of thy precious relics, beseech thee, O holy hierarch Peter: entreat Christ God to grant Orthodox Christians victories over their enemies through thy venerable translation; that by thy prayers to God we may be delivered from the evils that beset us and may gratefully cry out to thee with joy of soul and gladness of heart, saying: Rejoice, O Father Peter, adornment of bishops and of the whole Russian land.
5 AUGUST
+ Forefeast of the Transfiguration
+ Holy Martyr Eusignius
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4.
Let us welcome the Transfiguration of Christ, O ye faithful, and as we joyously celebrate the forefeast, let us cry out: The day of God-given gladness hath come; for the Master goeth up to Mount Tabor, there to reveal in a flash the beauty of His divinity.
Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
All human nature is divinely illuminated today by the divine Transfiguration, and it exulteth as it calleth out: Christ is transfigured, saving all men.
6 AUGUST
+ The Holy and God-befitting Transfiguration of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ
Troparion, Tone 7.
Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing Thy disciples Thy glory as far as they were able to bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine also upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Mother of God. O Giver of light, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, Tone 7.
Idiomelon.
On the mount wast Thou transfigured, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God, as far as they were able: that when they should see Thee crucified, they would know that Thy Passion was voluntary, and would preach to the world that Thou art truly the Brightness of the Father.
7 AUGUST
+ Holy and Venerable Martyr Dometius
Troparion to Saint Dometius, Tone 4.
After thine ascetic training on the mountain, thou didst destroy all the noetic armies of the enemy with the weapon of the Cross, O most blessed one. Then, thou didst manfully undertake to suffer, having slain Copronymus with the sword of faith. Thus, thou wast doubly crowned by God. O venerable martyr Dometius, our father, obtain for us from Christ peace and great mercy.
Kontakion to Saint Dometius, Tone 6.
Since thou didst spurn corruptible ways of thinking which drag man downward, O venerable martyr Dometius, thou wast shown to be a great instructor of monks. Thou didst not fear the anger of the emperor who would not venerate the image of Christ; and therefore thou didst die, chanting the hymn: God is with me, and no one can be against me.
8 AUGUST
+ The Translation of the Precious Relics of our Venerable Fathers Zosimas and Sabbatius, Wonderworkers of Solovki
+ Saint Emilian the Confessor, Bishop of Cyzicus
Troparion to Saints Zosimas and Sabbatius, Tone 8.
Ye were seen to be all-radiant luminaries on an island in the White Sea, O venerable fathers Zosimas and Sabbatius; for ye took the Cross of Christ upon your shoulders and zealously followed Him. Having drawn closer to God by your purity, ye were rewarded by Him with the power to work miracles; therefore, we also lovingly have recourse to the shrines of your precious relics, and with compunction we say: Holy Fathers, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saints Zosimas and Sabbatius, Tone 8.
Since ye were wounded by the love of Christ, O venerable fathers, ye took His Cross upon your shoulders and carried it, divinely arming yourselves against invisible enemies. With unceasing prayer like a spear in your hands, ye didst mightily overcome demonic armies. Possessing the grace of the Lord to heal the souls and bodies of those who approach the shrines of your relics with faith, ye shed beams of miracles everywhere; therefore, let us call out to you: Rejoice, holy fathers Zosimas and Sabbatius, adornment of monks.
Kontakion to Saint Emilian, Tone 3.
The Church, for which thou didst suffer, doth glorify thee in hymns as a valiant fighter for the Trinity, O Emilian; therfore, we honour thy memory. Do thou deliver thy servants from the attacks of the heathens.
9 AUGUST
+ Holy Apostle Matthias of the Seventy
Troparion to Saint Matthias, Tone 3.
O holy Apostle Matthias, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion to Saint Matthias, Tone 2.
Thou hast appeared as a never-setting sun, in that thou art united with the supreme Sun; and thus thou hast also enlightened them that were in the darkness of ignorance, dispelling their infirmites of soul and body, O Matthias, eyewitness of the mysteries and truly a servant of Christ. Do thou ever pray to Him for all of us.
10 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyr Lawrence, Archdeacon of Rome
Kontakion to Saint Lawrence, Tone 2.
to the melody of: Thou soughtest the heights.
Since thine heart was aflame with fire divine, thou didst utterly burn away the fire of the passions, O fortification of sufferers, God-bearing Lawrence. While thou wast suffering, thou didst cry aloud in faith: No one shall separate me from the love of Christ.
11 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyr Euplus, Archdeacon
Kontakion to Saint Euplus, Tone 4.
Thou wast worthy of the mysteries of Christ, O Euplus, wise in God. Thou didst shine with the radiance of the Spirit Divine; thou didst utterly extinguish all error; and thou didst divinely enlighten the hearts of the faithful; thus, in thy suffering thou overcamest the serpent. Thou wast brough to thy Creator as an acceptable sacrifice; therefore we cry out to thee: Pray to Christ our God on behalf of us all.
12 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyrs Photius and Anicetus
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 2.
to the melody of: The grave and death.
Let us bless this divine, valiant, and glorious pair of martyrs for Christ, O ye faithful. Let us extol Photius and Anicetus as steadfast preachers and zealots of piety, and let us crown them with hymns and paeans of praise.
13 AUGUST
+ Saint Maximus the Confessor
+ Leave-Taking of the Transfiguration
Troparion to Saint Maximus, Tone 8.
Instructor in Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity, luminary for the world, divinely-inspired adornment of hierarchs, O Maximus most wise, by thy teachings thou hast enlightened all. O harp of the Spirit, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Maximus, Tone 6.
to the melody of: When Thou hadst fulfilled Thy dispensation for our sakes.
The triply-radiant Light found a dwelling in thy soul and showed thee to be a chosen vessel, which revealeth to the ends of the earth things divine and difficult to understand, O all-blessed one; for thou, most blessed Maximus, didst clearly preach to all the Trinity, Which is beyond essence and without beginning.
14 AUGUST
+ Forefeast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God
+ Holy Prophet Micheas
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone 4.
Exult in anticipation, O ye people, clapping your hands with faith; gather together with love and jubilation today, and let us all raise our voices in radiant gladness; for the Mother of God is going to depart gloriously from earthly things to those on high, and we ever glorify her in hymns as the Theotokos.
Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
At thy glorious commemoration the whole world, clothed in many colours by the immaterial Spirit, noetically calleth out to thee with joy: Rejoice, O Virgin, thou boast of Christians.
15 AUGUST
+ The Dormition of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary
Troparion, Tone 1.
In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in thy Dormition thou didst not forsake the world, O Mother of God. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions thou dost deliver our souls from death.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
The grave and death could not hold the Mother of God, who is unsleeping in her intercessions and an unfailing hope in her mediation; for as the Mother of Life she was translated to life by Him Who dwelth within her ever-virgin womb.
16 AUGUST
+ Translation of the Holy Image of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, Not Made by Hands, the Holy Napkin, from Edessa to the Imperial City
+ Holy Martyr Diomedes, the Unmercinary Healer
+ Our Venerable Father Joachim of Sarandopor
Troparion to the Holy Image, Tone 2.
We venerate Thy most pure image, O Good one (prostration), and ask forgiveness for our transgresions, O Christ our God. For of Thine own will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross, that Thou mightest deliver from the bondage of the enemy them that Thou didst fashion. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou didst come to save the world.
Kontakion to the Holy Image, Tone 2.
As we behold the triumph of the image which was not painted but was divinely depicted, the image of Thine ineffable and divine condescension to man in Thy true Incarnation, O Word of the Father not subject to depiction, we venerate and kiss it.
The service to Saint Diomedes is chanted at Compline.
Kontakion to Saint Diomedes, Tone 2.
to the melody of: Thou soughtest the heights.
Thou wast shown to be a passion-bearer true and unconquerable, a heavenly initiate of piety and grace, O Diomedes most glorious. Thou didst overcome the tyrant and didst become a bearer of victory, glorified with crowns of triumph.
There is no service to Saint Joachim.
Troparion to Saint Joachim of Sarandopor, Tone 4.
Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker, O Joachim, 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 come 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 to Saint Joachim of Sarandopor, Tone 2.
to the melody of: Into the enjoyment of repose.
Giving thyself no rest in thy prayers, O Saint, thou didst receive power over the inimical foe; by thine endurance thou didst reach the heavens, O venerable father Joachim. Leaving behind corruptible life on earth, thou hast gone to live in heavenly incorruption; therefore, we all glorify thee with praise.
17 AUGUST
+ Holy Hieromartyr Myron
Kontakion to Saint Myron, Tone 4.
to the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
Since thou didst love Christ from childhood, O most glorious one, and didst keep His divine commandments, thou hast run to Him wholly and entirely, O Myron all-honourable. Thou dost pray assiduously with the angels; do thou entreat remission of sins for all who honour thy memory.
18 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus
Troparion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
O ye faithful, let us fittingly extol this most excellent, divinely-wise, and illustrious pair, Florus most blessed and Laurus all-honourable. They zealously and openly proclaimed to all the uncreated Trinity; therefore, they suffered even unto the shedding of their blood, and brilliant crowns were woven for them; and they entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 8.
to the melody of: As first-fruits of our nature.
As martyrs for piety and divinely-wise sufferers for Christ the whole world today doth honour Florus and Laurus with great glory, that by their prayers we may obtain grace and mercy, and that we may be delivered from adversities and assaults and from wrath and affliction on the day of judgment.
19 AUGUST
+ Holy Great Martyr Andrew the Commander, and the 2593 Martyrs with him
Troparion to Saint Andrew the Commander, Tone 5.
Forsaking earthly rank and fame, thou hast become an heir of the kingdom of heaven. With drops of thy blood thou didst decorate incorruptible crowns, as if with the most marvellous gems, and thou didst bring to Christ a legion of thy fellow-sufferers. In the light which knoweth no evening thou didst find Christ, the never-setting Sun, with the choirs of the angels, O holy Commander Andrew. Together with those who suffered with thee do thou ever entreat Him to save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Andrew the Commander, Tone 2.
Thou standest before the Lord in prayer like a star that goeth before the sun. Filled with ineffable joy, thou hast beheld the royal treasure of thy desire, O Andrew the Commander. Unto ages without end thou singest hymns to the immortal King Who is unendingly hymned by the angels, with whom do thou pray unceasingly for all of us.
20 AUGUST
+ Holy Prophet Samuel
Troparion to the Prophet Samuel, Tone 2.
As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Samuel, O Lord, through him we also beseech Thee: Save our souls.
Kontakion to the Prophet Samuel, Tone 8.
Even before thy conception thou wast dedicated to God as a most precious gift; from childhood thou didst serve Him like an angel, O all-blessed one, and thou wast vouchsafed to foretell things yet to come; therefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Samuel, prophet of God and great high priest.
21 AUGUST
+ Holy Apostle Thaddeus
+ Holy Martyr Bassa and her Three Sons
+ Saint Abramius, Archimandrite of Smolensk, Wonderworker
Troparion to the Apostle Thaddeus, Tone 3.
O holy Apostle Thaddeus, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion to the Apostle Thaddeus, Tone 4.
As a star exceeding bright hath the Church acquired thee, O Apostle Thaddeus, and it is for ever illumined by thy miracles. Save thou those who with faith honour thy memory.
Troparion to Saint Abramius, Tone 8.
Today thy commemoration hath dawned for us as a brightly-shining sun, which illumineth the whole world with its rays and driveth away from us the nocturnal darkness of evil spirits. Today the heavenly hosts of holy angels and the souls of the righteous noetically celebrate and rejoice. Today we sinners also fall down before thee and pray: O venerable Father Abramius, unceasingly entreat Christ our God to save the city and the people who venerate thee.
Kontakion to Saint Abramius, Tone 3.
to the melody of: Today the Virgin.
Upon Thy city, O Lord, the commemoration of him who pleased Thee hath dawned as a brilliant sun, joyfully illumining all with its rays; moreover, the prayers of Thy most pure Mother deliver us from all adversities and bring to nought the raging of the barbarians; therefore, we, Thy people, and our city, greatly glory and are saved by the prayers of Thy favourite, Abramius, our saintly father.
22 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyr Agathonicus and his Companions
Troparion to Saint Agathonicus and Companions, Tone 4.
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their sufferings received imperishable crowns from Thee, O our God; for since they possessed Thine invincible strength, they set their tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Agathonicus and Companions, Tone 1.
to the melody of: The choir of angels.
Possessing a good name, thou didst turn away from the beliefs of wicked men, unafraid of torture, O glorious Agathonicus, wise in God; therefore, thou didst become an heir of good things and didst receive well-deserved crowns with those who suffered together with thee.
23 AUGUST
+ Leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition
+ Holy Martyr Lupus
On this day the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God is brought to a close, and the whole service of the feast is sung.
Troparion, Tone 1.
In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in thy Dormition thou didst not forsake the world, O Mother of God. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions thou dost deliver our souls from death.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
The grave and death could not hold the Mother of God, who is unsleeping in her intercessions and an unfailing hope in her mediation; for as the Mother of Life she was translated to life by Him Who dwelth within her ever-virgin womb.
24 AUGUST
+ Holy Hieromartyr Eutyches, Disciple of Saint John the Theologian
+ Translation of the Precious Relics of our Father among the Saints Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev and all Russia, Wonderworker
Troparion to Saint Eutyches, Tone 4.
As thou didst share the ways of the Apostles and didst inherit their throne, O divinely-inspired Saint, through action thou didst find the way of ascent to divine contemplation; therefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also suffer for the faith even unto blood. O Hieromartyr and Apostle Eutyches, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Eutyches, Tone 3.
to the melody of: Today the Virgin.
Holding the throne of an apostle, thou didst become a jewel among hierarchs, O Eutyches. When thou hadst attained the glory of martyrdom, thou didst shine like the sun, shedding light upon all and dispelling the deep night of godlessness; therefore, we honour thee as a divine initiate of the mysteries of Christ, in truth.
Troparion to Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Tone 4.
The all-honourable feast of the translation of thy precious relics hath come, greatly gladdening thy flock and all faithful people, O holy hierarch Peter. Do not fail to pray for them to Christ God, that the fold which He gave thee be kept free from the attacks of enemies and that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow, Tone 8.
As thou art a most eminent physician and a well-spring of copious miracles, we, thy spiritual children, who have gathered together with love on this day of the translation of thy precious relics, beseech thee, O holy hierarch Peter: Entreat Christ God to grant Orthodox Christians victories over their enemies through thy venerable translation; that by thy prayers to God we may be delivered from the evils that beset us and may gratefully cry out to thee with joy of soul and gladness of heart, saying: Rejoice, O Father Peter, adornment of bishops and of the whole Russian land.
25 AUGUST
+ Recovery of the Relics of the Holy Apostle Bartholomew
+ Holy Apostle Titus of the Seventy
Troparion to the Apostles, Tone 3.
O holy Apostles, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Troparion to Saint Titus, Tone 2.
Thou didst become a companion of Paul, and with him thou hast preached to us the word of divine grace, O Apostle Titus, all-blessed revealer of the mysteries; therefore, we cry to thee: Cease not to pray for all of us.
Kontakion to Saint Bartholomew, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
Thou hast appeared to the Church as a great sun, enlightening with the brilliance of thy teaching and thine awesome miracles those who sing to thee, O Bartholomew, apostle of the Lord.
26 AUGUST
+ Holy Martyrs Adrian and Natalia
+ The Meeting of the Wonderworking Vladimir Icon
Troparion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their sufferings received imperishable crowns from Thee, O our God; for since they possessed Thine invincible strength, they set their tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Throug their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
The divine commemoration of the martyrs hath dawned, and it hath shone brightly upon all the ends of the earth, as they call out in gladness: O Christ, Thou art the Joy of the martyrs.
Another Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
Thou didst gratefully place in thine heart all the divine words of thy godly-minded wife, O Adrian, martyr of Christ, and together with thy fellow-sufferers thou didst ardently hasten to thy martyrdom, receiving crowns with thy spouse.
Troparion to Mother of God, Tone 4.
Today the most glorious city of Moscow is resplendently jubilant, receiving thy wonder-working icon as a ray of the sun, O Lady. As we now have recourse to it, we pray to thee and call out thus: O most wonderful Lady, Mother of God, pray to Christ our God, Who was incarnate of thee, that He deliver this city, and all Christian cities and countries, and preserve them without harm from all assaults of the enemy, and that He save our souls, since He is merciful.
Kontakion to the Mother of God, Tone 8.
to the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
To thee, our mighty leader in battle, we offer hymns of victory, for we have been delivered from dangers by the arrival of thy precious icon, O Lady, Mother of God. We joyously celebrate the feast of thy meeting, and we cry to thee as is our wont: Rejoice, thou that art highly favoured; the Lord is with thee.
Another Kontakion, Tone 8.
to the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
To our mighty leader in battle and our defender, the Virgin Mother of God, and especially to her wonderworking and most precious image, let us flee; for we, the peoples of Russia, have been confirmed in the faith in purity of conscience, and we have unflagging hope in her; and let us cry out to her: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded.
27 AUGUST
+ Our Holy Father Pimen the Anchorite
Troparion to Saint Pimen, Tone 8.
With the streams of thy tears thou didst water the barren desert, and with sighs from the depths of thy soul thou didst render thy labours fruitful an hundredfold; and thou didst become a light for the inhabited earth, radiant with miracles. O our Father Pimen, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Pimen, Tone 8.
As thou wast from thy childhood a spotless sacred offering given to God, O Pimen all-blessed, thou hast now become a planter of piety; and since thou art the adornment of holy monks and a desert-dweller worthy of praise, we thus cry out to thee: Rejoice, O father most glorious.
Another Kontakion, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
The holy commemoration of thine illustrious ascetic labours, O venerable father, hath come today, gladdening the souls of the pious, O Pimen, our father, wise in God.
28 AUGUST
+ Our Holy Father Moses the Ethiopian
Troparion to Saint Moses, Tone 1.
Thou didst prove to be a citizen of the desert, an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker, 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 come 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 to Saint Moses, Tone 4.
to the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
When thou hadst overcome the Ethiopian bandits, and spat in the faces of the demons, thou didst noetically shine brightly, like the sun, guiding our souls with the radiance of thy life and thy teachings.
29 AUGUST
+ The Beheading of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John
Troparion to Saint John the Forerunner, Tone 2.
The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou wast shown to be truly more venerable than the prophets, since thou wast granted to baptize in the river Him Whom they proclaimed, and then, after thou hadst joyfully suffered for the truth, thou didst announce to those in Hades the good tidings that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sins of the world and granting us great mercy.
Kontakion to Saint John the Forerunner, Tone 5.
Idiomelon.
The glorious Beheading of the Forerunner was a certain divine dispensation, that he might also proclaim the coming of the Saviour to those in Hades. Let Herodias lament, then, that she demanded a wicked murder; for she loved not the law of God, nor eternal life, but a life that is false and fleeting.
30 AUGUST
+ Our Fathers among the Saints, Alexander, John, and Paul, Patriarchs of Constantinople
+ Saint Alexander of the River Svir, Wonderworker
Troparion to Saint John the Forerunner, Tone 2.
The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou wast shown to be truly more venerable than the prophets, since thou wast granted to baptize in the river Him Whom they proclaimed, and then, after thou hadst joyfully suffered for the truth, thou didst announce to those in Hades the good tidings that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sins of the world and granting us great mercy.
Troparion to the Holy Fathers, Tone 4.
O God of our fathers, Who dost ever deal with us according to Thy condescension, take not Thy mercy from us, but by their prayers order our life in peace.
Kontakion to the Holy Fathers, Tone 8.
Aflame with the love of Christ, O glorious ones, and taking His yoke, the precious Cross, upon yourselves, ye were seen to be emulators of His life, and ye also became partakers of His divine glory, O divinely-wise Alexander, marvellous John, and glorious Paul; therefore, as ye stand before His throne, earnestly intercede for our souls.
Kontakion to Saint John the Forerunner, Tone 4.
Herod wrought iniquity, O Forerunner, when he rendered to a woman thine honourable head, which we festively venerate, while Herodias doth weep and mourn with Herod and the dancing girl.
Troparion to Saint Alexander of Svir, Tone 4.
With spiritual desire from thy youth, thou didst go to dwell in the wilderness, O divinely-wise one, and thou didst fervently wish only to follow in the footsteps of Christ; therefore, even the angelic ranks were amazed to see how thou didst struggle in the flesh against unseen snares; thou didst overcome the battalions of the passions by abstinence, and wast shown to be an equal of the angels on earth, O most wise Saint Alexander. Pray to Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Alexander of Svir, Tone 8.
Like a most brilliant star today thou hast shone forth in the Russian lands, O father. Having made the wilderness thy dwelling, thou ardently didst desire to folow in Christ’s footsteps; and having taken upon thy shoulders His holy yoke, the precious Cross, thou didst mortify the passionate inclinations of the body by the labours of thine asceticism; therefore we cry to thee: Save the flock which thou didst gather in thy wisdom, that we may call out to thee: Rejoice, Saint Alexander, our father.
31 AUGUST
+ Deposition of the Precious Belt of the Most Pure Mother of God
Troparion to the Precious Belt of the Mother of God, Tone 8.
O Ever-Virgin Mother of God, shelter of mankind, who hast remained unspoiled in giving birth without seed, thou hast bestowed upon thy city a regal vesture, the robe and sash of thy most pure body; for in thee nature and time are made new; therefore, we implore thee to grant peace to the whole world of Orthodox believers and to our souls great mercy.
Kontakion to the Precious Belt of the Mother of God, Tone 2.
Thy precious sash, which encircled thy womb that received God, is an invincible bulwark for thy city and an unfailing treasure of good things, O Theotokos, who alone didst give birth while remaining Ever-Virgin.
Latest edit/update: 28-July-2019
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