1 May
+ Holy Prophet Jeremias
+ Saint Paphnutius of Borovsk
Troparion of the Holy Prophet Jeremias, Tone 1.
From thy mother’s womb thou wast sanctified by the Creator in His foreknowledge, and from thy swaddling bands thou wast filled with prophetic wisdom. O wise Jeremias, thou didst lovingly lament the fall of Israel. Honouring thee as a Prophet and Athlete we cry out to thee: Glory to Him Who has glorified thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who has given thee to us as a fervent intercessor.
Troparion of St Paphnutius of Borovsk, Tone 4.
Thou didst illumine thy fatherland with thy radiant life of prayer and fasting, and wast filled with divine gifts of the Spirit. Thou didst strive valiantly in this temporal life and show mercy to all, becoming an intercessor for the poor. And so we entreat thee, O Father Paphnutius, pray to Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion of the Holy Prophet Jeremias, Tone 3.
Thy pure heart was enlightened by the Spirit, O great Prophet and Martyr Jeremias. Thou didst receive the gift of prophecy from on high and cry aloud to the nations: This is our God and there is none other beside Him Who has appeared incarnate on the earth.
Kontakion of St Paphnutius of Borovsk, Tone 8.
Illumined by divine Light thou didst lead an ascetic life, O righteous Father. Thou didst excel as a guide of monks and adornment of fasters. God, beholding thy labours, enriched thee with the gift of wonderworking so that thou dost pour forth healings. In gladness we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Paphnutius.
2 May
+ Translation of the Relics of our Holy Father Athanasius the Great
+ Translation of the Relics of Saints Boris and Gleb
Troparion of St Athanasius the Great, Tone 3.
O Hierarch Athanasius, thou wast a pillar of Orthodoxy supporting the Church with divine doctrines; for thou didst proclaim the Son to be of one essence with the Father, and didst put Arius to shame. O righteous Father, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Troparion of Ss Boris and Gleb, Tone 2.
O Passion-bearers and fulfillers of the Gospel of Christ, chaste Boris and guileless Gleb: you did not oppose the attacks of the enemy, your brother, when he killed your bodies but could not touch your souls. Let him therefore mourn while you rejoice with the Angels standing before the Holy Trinity. Pray that those who honour your memory may find grace with God and that all Orthodox people may be saved.
Kontakion of St Athanasius the Great, Tone 2.
Thou didst plant the dogmas of Orthodoxy and cut out the thorns of false doctrine; thou didst water the seeds of Faith with the rain of the Spirit, O righteous Father. Therefore we call thee blessed.
Kontakion of Ss Boris and Gleb, Tone 3.
Today your memory shines forth, noble sufferers, and summons us to glorify Christ our God. Those who come to the shrine of your relics receive healing through your prayers, for you are holy physicians.
3 May
+ Saint Theodosius, Abbot of the Kiev Caves, Founder of Russian Monasticism
+ Holy Martyrs Timothy the Reader and His Wife Maura
Troparion of St Theodosius, Tone 8.
From thy youth on wings of virtue thou didst speed on thy monastic way and attain to thy desire. Thou didst settle in a cave and live radiantly fasting, persevering in prayer like the Bodiless Ones. Thou didst illumine Russia as a shining lamp. O Father Theodosius, pray to Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
Troparion of Ss Timothy and Maura, Tone 4.
Let us the faithful honour Timothy with Maura his faithful fellow-athlete, the bride of Christ, and let us praise their bold endurance; for being crucified they lovingly followed Him Who was slain and Who has nailed all our sins to the Cross.
Kontakion of St Theodosius, Tone 3.
Today we venerate the star of Russia, blessed Theodosius, who has shone from the east to the west; he has enriched his whole land with miracles and blessings and has established there the monastic life.
Kontakion of Ss Timothy and Maura, Tone 4.
Having endured many wounds and receiving crowns from God, O great Timothy and glorious Maura, pray to God for us who celebrate your memory, that He may grant peace to His flock and people; for He is the strength of the faithful.
4 May
+ Holy Martyr Pelagia, the Virgin Martyr of Rome
Troparion of St Pelagia, Tone 3.
Thou didst abandon dark ignorance through knowledge of the Faith, O Pelagia, fair virgin of Christ. Thou wast refreshed by His dew and didst finish thy contest by fire. O glorious Martyr, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion of St Pelagia, Tone 2.
Abandoning thy mortal betrothed to be wedded to the Immortal, thou didst offer thy dowry of chastity and contest. Wherefore, O Pelagia, we acclaim thee.
5 May
+ Holy Great Virgin Martryr Irene
Troparion of St Irene, Tone l.
Christ our God has called thee Irene, for thou grantest peace to those who hasten to thy church with hymns. Thou dost intercede for all before the Light-creating Trinity. Together we celebrate thy memory as we magnify God Who has glorified thee.
Kontakion of St Irene, Tone 3.
Adorned with the beauty of virginity and by martyrdom, O virgin Irene, reddened with the blood thou hast shed, thou didst overthrow the error of godlessness. Wherefore thou didst receive the prizes of victory from the hand of thy Creator.
6 May
+ Prophet and Patriarch Job, the Much Suffering
Troparion, Tone 4.
As an indestructible tower of manly courage, thou didst repulse the attacks of Belial and remain unmoved in temptations. Wherefore the Church sings of thee, O wise Job, as a model of endurance and an example of virtue; and she is made radiant by thine exploits.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
Thou wast true and just, pious, blameless and holy, O glorious servant of God. Thou didst enlighten the world by thy perseverance, O much-afflicted Job. Therefore we all honour and praise thy memory.
7 May
+ Commemoration of the Sign of the Cross that Appeared in the Sky in Jerusalem during the Third Hour of the Day during the Reign of the Emperor Constantine
+ Holy Martyr Acacius the Centurion of Cappadocia
Troparion of the Appearance of the Cross, Tone l.
The image of Thy Cross shone forth brighter than the sun, reaching from the Mount of Olives to the Place of the Skull; in this way Thou didst reveal Thy might, O Saviour thereby strengthening the faithful. Ever keep us in Thy peace through the prayers of Thy holy Mother, O Christ our God and save us.
Troparion of St Acacius, Tone 5.
O Martyr Acacius, by thy steadfast contest thou didst trample on the ancient serpent and receive the victor’s crown from God. By thine aid deliver us from the malice of the evil one, O prize-winner, and entreat Christ our God to have mercy on our souls.
Kontakion of the Appearance of the Cross, Tone 4.
The holy Cross which opened the closed heavens has appeared from thence and shone upon the earth. As we receive the glory of its power we are led to the unfading Light. We have it in wars as an unfading trophy, Thy weapon of peace.
Another Kontakion of the Precious Cross, Tone 8.
O thrice-blessed and worshipful Cross of Christ, all we faithful venerate and magnify thee, and we rejoice at thy manifestation. As the trophy and unconquered weapon that thou art, protect, cover and shelter by thy grace those who cry to thee: Rejoice, O Wood most blessed.
Kontakion of St Acacius, Tone 2.
Let us fittingly acclaim the godly witness and victor over the devil. Let us call him blessed as we pray: Cease not to entreat the Saviour, O Acacius, that thy servants may be saved; for thou hast great boldness before the Lord.
8 May
+ Synaxis of the Holy, Glorious, and All-Famed Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian
+ Our Holy Father Arsenius the Great
Troparion of St John the Evangelist, Tone 2.
Apostle beloved of Christ our God, hasten to deliver a defenseless people. He Who allowed thee to recline on His breast receives thee bowing in prayer, O John the Theologian. Implore Him to dispel heathen persistence and to grant us peace and mercy.
Troparion of St Arsenius The Great, Tone 5.
Thou didst spurn fleeting delights, when commanded from heaven like Abraham and in thy life thou didst emulate the Angels; thou wast famous in wisdom, word and deed. O Godbearing Arsenius, entreat Christ our God unceasingly that He will have mercy on our souls.
Kontakion of St John the Evangelist, Tone 2.
Who can tell of thy mighty works, O beloved Saint? Thou didst pour forth miracles. Thou art a source of healing and dost intercede for our souls as Theologian and friend of Christ.
Kontakion of St Arsenius the Great, Tone 2.
While living on earth thou didst show forth the life of the Angels, O Godbearing Arsenius, and thou wast granted their honour. Now as thou art standing with them before the throne of God, thou dost pray for forgiveness for all.
9 MAY
+ Holy Prophet Isaias
+ Holy Great Martyr Christopher
+Translation of the relics of our holy Father Nicholas to Bari
Troparion of the Prophet Isaias, Tone 4.
Thou didst proclaim the coming of Christ to the world, with a great voice like a trumpet, O most illustrious Prophet Isaias. Thou wast shown forth as a swiftly writing scribe of things to come. Wherefore we acclaim thee with hymns.
Troparion of St Christopher, Tone 4.
In beautiful garments woven from thy blood thou dost stand before the King of Heaven. For thou dost chant the Thrice-holy hymn with Angels and Martyrs. By thy supplications save thy servants.
Troparion of the Translation of the Relics of St Nicholas, Tone 4.
The day of splendid solemnity is come; the city of Bari rejoiceth, and with it the whole world doth exult with hymns and spiritual songs. For today is the sacred feast of the translation of the precious and much-healing relics of the hierarch Nicholas the wonder-worker. For like the never-setting Sun, he shineth with brilliant beams of light, driving away the darkness of temptations and misfortunes from them that cry out with faith: Save us, O Nicholas, for thou art our intercessor!
Kontakion of the Prophet Isaias, Tone 2.
O Prophet-Martyr Isaias, herald of God, through thy gift of prophecy thou didst make the Incarnation of God clear to all by proclaiming: Behold, the Virgin shall conceive in her womb.
Kontakion of St Christopher, Tone 4.
Thou wast terrifying both in might and countenance: thou didst willingly suffer temptation from thy persecutors; those men and women sought to arouse in thee fire of lust, but they followed thee to martyrdom. Wherefore thou art our strong protector, O Great Martyr Christopher.
Kontakion of the Translation, Tone 3.
Thy relics have moved like a star, from the East unto the West, O holy hierarch Nicholas; and the sea hath been sanctified by thy passage. The city of Bari receiveth grace through thee, for thou hast been shown forth for us as a wonder-worker: illustrious, most wondrous and merciful.
10 MAY
+ Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot
Troparion, Tone 3.
O glorious Simon, when God Incarnate revealed Himself to thee thou wast kindled with divine zeal. Thou wast a zealot among the Apostles and eager to emulate Christ’s death. Thou didst go forth to Him by crucifixion. Entreat Him to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion, Tone 3.
Let us praise Simon who preached God: his doctrines of wisdom took firm root in pious souls. He now stands before the throne and rejoices with the Angels, interceding unceasingly for us all.
11 MAY
+ Hieromartyr Mocius
Troparion, Tone 4.
As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles and didst occupy their throne, thou didst find thine activity to be a way to the vision of God, O divinely inspired one. Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, thou didst suffer for the Faith even to the shedding of thy blood. O hieromartyr Mocius, entreat Christ God, that our souls be
saved.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
Armed with the shield of faith, thou didst cut down legions of the ungodly, O hieromartyr Mocius, and hast received a crown from Christ; wherefore, rejoicing with the angels, from misfortunes save those who hymn thee, praying unceasingly in behalf of us all.
12 MAY
+ Saints Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus; and Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople.
Troparion of Ss Epiphanius and Germanus, Tone 1.
Let us honour the Church’s two divine trumpets, Hierarch Germanus and renowned Epiphanius; one censured Leo in defense of Christ’s icon, the other was a scourge of heresies. These two ever intercede for us.
Kontakion of Ss Epiphanius and Germanus, Tone 4.
Let us the faithful joyfully praise the two Hierarchs, holy Epiphanius and Germanus; they burned the tongues of the godless, and preached true doctrine for all who in right faith sing of the great Mysteries.
13 MAY
+ Holy Virgin Martyr Glyceria
Troparion of St Glyceria, Tone 3.
Let us honour Christ’s fair virgin who excelled in the struggle of contest. She trampled on the serpent although she was weak in the flesh. For love of Christ she despised her torments and was therefore glorified by God. Let us cry to her: Rejoice, O blessed Glyceria.
Kontakion of St Glyceria, Tone 3.
Through love for Mary the Virgin Mother of God thou didst preserve thy virginity, O Glyceria. Thou didst surrender thy heart to Christ thy God and bravely fight till death. Therefore He has crowned thee with a double crown.
14 MAY
+ Holy Martryr Isidore of Chios
+ Saint Isidore of Rostov, Fool for Christ
Troparion of St Isidore of Chios, Tone 4.
Enlisted by the King of the Ages, thou didst spurn the earthly king with his army and boldly preach Christ our God. Therefore thou didst complete thy contest and shine forth as His glorious Martyr. Entreat Him to save our souls, for we honour thee, blessed Isidore.
Troparion of St Isidore of Rostov, Tone 4.
Illumined by grace, O divinely-wise Isidore, thou didst chastely and patiently run the course of thy life. And after death thy splendid life has made thee famous: for thou didst shower grace of healing on all who faithfully venerate thy tomb. O blessed Isidore, pray to Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion of St Isidore of Chios, Tone 4.
Thou hast become a great guide to the world through thy prayers. Wherefore today we praise thee, O holy Martyr, glorious Isidore.
Kontakion of St Isidore of Rostov, Tone 8.
Let us praise him who is a champion and wonder among the righteous, and who has received the gift of wonderworking from Christ. We see that thou hast boldness before the Holy Trinity. Pray that we thy servants may be delivered from misfortunes that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O divinely wise Isidore.
15 MAY
+Saint Pachomius the Great
+Saint Isaiah, Bishop of Rostov, Wonderworker
Troparion of St Pachomius, Tone 5.
As a pastor of the Chief Shepherd thou didst guide flocks of monks into the heavenly sheepfold thyself illumined, thou didst instruct others concerning the Habit and Rule. And now thou dost rejoice with them in the heavenly mansions.
Troparion of St Isaiah of Rostov, Tone 8.
Guide of Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and modesty, light of Rostov, God-enlightened adornment of hierarchs, O wise Isaias, thou hast enlightened Russia. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion of St Pachomius, Tone 2.
O Godbearing Pachomius, after living the life of Angels in thy body thou wast granted their glory. Now thou art standing with them before God’s throne and praying that we all may be forgiven.
16 MAY
+ Saint Theodore the Sanctified, Disciple of Saint Pachomius
+ Saint Ephraim of Perekops
Troparion of St Theodore, Tone 3.
Thou wast a sanctified gift and didst glorify God the Word, O holy, godly Theodore. Filled with divine goodness, thou pourest grace on all who cry: Pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Troparion of St Ephraim of Perekops, Tone 4.
Serving God from thy youth, O blessed Ephraim, for His sake thou didst abandon home and family. Thou didst live austerely in the wilderness where thou didst receive the gift of wonderworking. Pray to Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion of St Theodore, Tone 2.
Thou didst flourish like a date palm in the house of God and produce fruits of virtue by thine asceticism, O Theodore. Therefore thou art now blessed and art rejoicing with the Angels.
Kontakion of St Ephraim of Perekops, Tone 8.
Thou didst strive for the angelic life, abandoning earthly things, and hasten to Christ, O righteous father. Thou didst guard thyself with His commandments and appear as an unassailable pillar. Wherefore we cry to thee: Rejoice O Ephraim, thou radiant lamp.
17 MAY
+ Holy Apostle Andronicus of the Seventy, with his companion Junia
Troparion of Ss Andronicus and Junia, Tone 2.
You shone forth as Apostles and heralds of Christ, sowing the preaching of grace among all men. Therefore we praise you, illustrious Andronicus and Junia, as we exalt Christ our God.
Kontakion of Ss Andronicus and Junia, Tone 2.
Let us praise these two Apostles of Christ Andronicus the star who enlightened the heathen, and Junia his fellow labourer; and let us cry: Pray to Christ our God unceasingly for us all.
18 MAY
+ Holy Martyrs Peter, Dionysius, Christine, Andrew, Paul, Benedimus, Paulinus, and Heraclius
Troparion, Tone 4.
Let us praise the eight-fold assembly of prize-winners: Paulinus, Dionysius, Peter, and Andrew, Benedimus, godly-minded Paul, glorious Heraclius and holy Christine: they ever intercede with Christ our God for the world.
Kontakion, Tone 4.
Having come from various cities, O holy ones, you proved to be citizens of the Heavenly City. As divine Martyrs you formed an illustrious choir, you champions of the Trinity.
19 MAY
+ Holy Hieromartyr Patric, Bishop of Prusa, with his Priests Acacius, Menander, and Polyenus
+ Saint Cornelius of Komel
Troparion of the Hieromartyrs, Tone 4.
You wisely proclaimed the uncreated Trinity to the enemy O four Godbearing priests: Patrick the inspired shepherd of Prusa, and godly Acacius, Menander and Polyenus, wherefore as noble Athletes you were found worthy of glory.
Troparion of St Cornelius of Komel, Tone 4.
Kindled from thy youth with the fire of divine love, thou didst forsake the turmoil of life, O blessed Cornelius. As a disciple of Anthony the Great thou didst serve Christ in toil and silence, in vigil, prayer and fasting. Entreat Him that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion of the Hieromartyrs, Tone 8.
You guided the Church from on high by your prayers to the Lord as godly-minded priests and invincible Athletes, O Patrick, proclaimer of the true Faith, with blessed Acacius, Menander and Polyenus. We fervently praise your holy contest.
Kontakion of St Cornelius of Komel, Tone 8.
From thy youth thou didst serve the Lord Who was made manifest in the world by being born of a Virgin. In His power thou didst make the wilderness a city and people it with a multitude of disciples; thou didst enlighten them by thy God-inspired teachings. Wherefore we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Cornelius, adornment of monks.
20 MAY
+ Holy Martry Thalelaeus and Companions.
+ Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Kiev (Translation of Relics)
Troparion of St Thalelaeus, Tone l.
O Thalelaeus, thou didst defeat idolatrous error by thy martyr’s contest. Thou wast a treasury of healing, freely curing all who run to thy church with faith and who cry out with love: Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has made thee wonderful; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.
Troparion of St Alexis, Tone 4.
The fervent protector of Apostolic dogmas, the pastor and teacher of the Russian Church: by celebrating the memory of the blessed bishop Alexis we glorify with our songs Christ our God. He has given us a faithful worker and a fountain of healing grace, the praise and confirmation of Orthodox Christians!
Kontakion of St Thalelaeus, Tone 3.
Thou wast a fellow athlete with the martyrs, O Thalelaeus, and didst become a soldier of the King of glory. Thou didst trample on the idolater’s pride through thy trials and torments. Wherefore we praise thy memory.
21 MAY
+ Great Sovereign and Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and His Mother Helena
Troparion of Ss Constantine and Helena, Tone 8.
Beholding the image of Thy Cross in the sky, and like Paul receiving a call not from men, Thine apostle among kings placed the imperial city in Thy hands, O Lord. Do Thou save it ever in peace, through the supplications of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
Kontakion of Ss Constantine and Helena, Tone 3.
Today Constantine and his mother Helena reveal the Cross, the most precious Tree, which putteth to shame all the Jews and is the weapon of faithful kings against the adversary. For our sake hath the great standard appeared, terrible in battle.
22 MAY
+ Holy Fathers of the Second Ecumenical Council
+ Holy Martyr Basiliscus, Nephew of Saint Theodore the Tyro
Troparion of the Second Ecumenical Council, Tone 8.
Most glorious art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast placed our holy Fathers like stars over the earth, and didst guide us all to the Faith through them. O most merciful Lord, glory to Thee.
Troparion of St Basiliscus, Tone 5.
O glorious Saint, thou wast offered, through thy steadfast contest, as a royal sacrifice to the King of Ages, the Prize-bestowing God. O Basiliscus, thou wast a valiant soldier of the Truth who didst destroy error and who dost pray to Christ our God for us all.
Kontakion of the Second Ecumenical Council, Tone 8.
The Apostles’ preaching and the Father’s doctrine confirmed the one Faith in the Church. She wears the garment of truth woven from the theology on high, and rightly divides and glorifies the great mystery of holiness.
Kontakion of St Basiliscus, Tone 4.
Thou art heir to the Kingdom of Heaven, O glorious Martyr Basiliscus. Save those who cry to thee: Rejoice, O holy adornment of Martyrs.
23 MAY
+ Our Holy Father and Confessor Michael, Bishop of Synnada
Troparion of St Michael of Synnada, Tone 4.
From thy youth thou didst dedicate thy life to God, and wast proclaimed shepherd and Hierarch of Christ. O holy Michael, thou didst endure afflictions and exile through honouring the icon of Christ, and dost now pour forth healings for us all.
Kontakion of St Michael of Synnada, Tone 8.
We venerate thee, O Michael, as a venerable hierarch and a champion of piety. For not fearing the notorious tyrant, thou didst overcome heresies and loudly proclaim: I do venerate the Icons of Christ and His Immaculate Mother.
24 MAY
+ Saint Symeon the Stylite of the Wondrous Mountain
+ Saint Nicetas the Stylite, Wonderworker of Pereyaslav
Troparion of St Symeon the Stylite, Tone 1.
A desert-dweller, an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker wast thou shown to be, O our God-bearing father Symeon. For, having acquired heavenly gifts through fasting, vigilance and prayer, thou dost heal the infirm and the souls of those who have recourse to thee with faith. Glory to Him Who gave thee strength! Glory to Him Who hath crowned thee! Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee!
Troparion of St Nicetas the Stylite, Tone 4.
O Nicetas, thou didst despise the lusts of youth with true discernment. In thy courageous life thou didst defeat the enemy and wast pleasing to God in thy prudence. Thou hast received the gift of wonderworking and dost cast out demons and healest infirmities. Entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion of St Symeon the Stylite, Tone 8.
Desiring the highest and putting away things here below, thou didst fashion a pillar like unto heaven. Thereby thou didst shine forth with the radiance of miracles, O venerable one, and prayest unceasingly to Christ, the God of all, in behalf of us all.
Kontakion of St Nicetas the Stylite, Tone 8.
Thou didst endure death from thy servants for the sake of Christ and didst receive from Him the incorruptible crown. O righteous Nicetas, who art praying for our souls, thou dost heal all who faithfully come to thy sepulchre.
25 MAY
+ Third Finding of the Precious Head of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
Troparion, Tone 4.
Like a divine treasure hidden in the earth hath Christ revealed thy head to us, O prophet and forerunner; wherefore, assembling for the feast of its discovery, let us all chant divinely sounding hymns to the Savior Who saveth us from corruption by his supplications.
Theotokion, Tone 4.
The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels, through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.
Kontakion, Tone 6.
The splendid and divine pillar in the world, the luminary of the Sun, the forerunner, showing forth his radiant and divine head to the ends of the earth, doth sanctify therewith those who bow down before it with faith and cry out: O all-wise baptizer of Christ, save us all!
26 MAY
+ Holy Apostle Karpus
Troparion of the holy Apostle Karpus, Tone 3.
Thou didst share in Paul’s bonds by divine grace, O blessed Apostle Karpus. And those who received the light of thy preaching thou didst reveal as partakers of glory. Therefore intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion of the holy Apostle Karpus, Tone 4.
The Church has thee as a shining star, O holy Apostle Karpus and is illuminated by thy many miracles. Save those who faithfully venerate thy memory.
27 MAY
+ Hieromartyr Therapon
Troparion, Tone 4.
By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, thou didst becom a successor to their throne. Through the practice of virtue, thou didst find the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God. By teaching the word of truth without error, thou didst defend the Faith, even to the shedding of thy blood. O Hieromartyr Therapon, entreat Christ God to save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 4.
As one who lived piously among Hierarchs and who underwent Martyrdom, thou, O divinely wise one, hast extinguished the sacrifices of idolatry and hast shown thyself to be a protector of thy flock. Wherefore, in honour we cry out heartily unto thee: Do thou, through thine intercessions, ever deliver us from all dangers that can be, O Therapon our Father.
28 MAY
+ Saint Nicetas, Bishop of Chalcedon
+ Saint Ignatius, Bishop of Rostov
Troparion of St Nicetas, Tone 4.
The truth of things revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, a model of meekness and a teacher of abstinence, wherefore thou hast attained the heights through humility and riches through poverty. O hierarch Nicetas our father, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.
Troparion of St Ignatius of Rostov, Tone 4.
Thy doctrine was a source of enlightenment; thou didst receive a flock as a Hierarch and wast an heir to the Apostles. Thou didst receive the gift of wonderworking: O holy Bishop Ignatius, entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion of St Nicetas, Tone 8.
Thou didst shine forth in the splendor of thy deeds, and becamest an heir to the throne of the apostles, O venerable Nicetas; and, wholly filled with divine doctrines, O father, thou didst shine forth like the sun upon the flock. Wherefore, we cry to thee: Rejoice, O adornment of Chalcedon!
Kontakion of St Ignatius of Rostov, Tone 4.
Thine illustrious memory shines forth today, O blessed Hierarch Ignatius. It illumines the world and reveals to all the radiance of divine glory.
29 MAY
+ Saint Theodosia the Virgin and Martyr
+ Saint John of Ustiug, Fool for Christ and Wonderworker
Troparion of St Theodosia, Tone 4.
Through thy struggles in contest, O noble Theodosia, thou didst offer thy virginity as a gift to God the Word. Now that He has brought thee to the heavenly bridal chamber, entreat Him to deliver us from all misfortune.
Troparion of St John of Ustiug, Tone 5.
By patience and nakedness thou didst expose the snares of the enemy, and reprove his evil work. Thou didst suffer from heat and cold, and wast protected by God’s help. Pray for those who faithfully celebrate thy memory and who hasten to venerate thy relics, that they may be delivered from misfortunes and avoid stumbling, O most wise John.
Kontakion of St Theodosia, Tone 4.
Thou wast betrothed to the King of Heaven as a pure and trophy-bearing Virgin Martyr. O praiseworthy Theodosia, entreat Him to save our souls.
Kontakion of St John of Ustiug, Tone 8.
Thou didst abstain from all sweetness below, desirous of the beauty of heaven. Possessing nothing in this vain world, thou didst long for the life of the Angels. After repose thou didst pass to them: with them entreat Christ our God for us all.
30 MAY
+ Saint Isaacius, First Abbot of the Monastery of Dalmatus in Constantinople
Troparion, Tone 3.
Thou wast a model of abstinence and a foundation of the Church, O Isaacius, bright light of the Fathers; for thy life was radiant with virtues and thou didst openly proclaim the Orthodox Faith. O righteous Father, pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
Thou model of observance for monks and teacher of piety, thy servants praise thee, O Godbearer. As thou art the dwelling-place of divine grace, make us temples of the light of the Spirit, for we cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father Isaacius.
31 MAY
+ Holy Apostle Hermes of the Seventy
+ Holy Martyr Hermes
Troparion of the holy Apostle Hermes, Tone 3.
Holy apostle Hermes of the Seventy; entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions.
Troparion of St Hermes, Tone 4.
Enlisted for Christ the King of all, thou didst hew down the enemy ranks, O glorious Hermes. After enduring many torments in thine old age thou didst contest as God’s warrior. Intercede with Him, O trophy-bearer, that all may be saved.
Kontakion of the holy Apostle Hermes, Tone 4.
The Church ever seeth thee as a shining star, O apostle Hermes. Thy miracles have manifested great enlightenment. Therefore we cry out to Christ: Save those who with faith honor Thine apostle, O Most Merciful One.
Kontakion of St Hermes, Tone 3.
Thou didst steadfastly confess the Name of Christ and endure grievous torments, O Hermes, and vanquish the ancient foe. With an aged body, in thy youthful ardour thou didst attain to the joys of Paradise.
Akroasis 