OCTOBER
1 OCTOBER
+ Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God
+ Holy Apostle Ananias of the Seventy
+ Saint Romanus The Melodist
+ Our Venerable Father Sabbas, Wonderworker of Vyshera
Troparion of the Protection, Tone 4.
Today we Orthodox people joyfully keep festival, overshadowed by thy coming among us, O Mother of God; and as we gaze upon thy most pure image, we say with compunction: Shelter us with thy precious Protection; and deliver us from every evil; and entreat thy Son, Christ our God, that He save our souls.
Troparion to the Apostle Ananias, Tone 3.
O holy Apostle Ananias, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Troparion to Saint Romanus, Tone 8.
In thee, O Father Romanus, the image of salvation was made manifest; for thou didst take up the cross and follow Christ, by thy deeds teaching us to disregard the flesh, because it passeth away, and to take care of the soul, which is immortal; therefore, O Saint, thy spirit doth also rejoice with the angels.
Kontakion to the Apostle, Tone 2.
To the melody of: The grave and death.
As an ardent advocate in prayer who dost hearken very quickly to them that entreat thee, accept our supplications, O Ananias, and implore Christ, Who alone resteth in those that are holy, to have mercy on us.
Kontakion to Saint Romanus, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
With the divine virtues of the Spirit wast thou adorned from thy youth, O Romanus most wise, and thou didst become a most precious ornament of the Church of Christ; for thou hast decorated it with hymns most sublime, O blessed one. We beseech thee to bestow a share of thy gift upon those who desire it, so that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, most blessed Father, thou beauty of the Church.
Kontakion to the Protection, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
The Virgin today doth stand before us in the church, and together with the choirs of the saints she doth invisibly pray to God for us. The angels worship with the hierarchs; the Apostles exult with the Prophets; for the Theotokos prayeth for us to Christ, the pre-eternal God.
Troparion to Saint Sabbas, Tone 4.
From thy youth thou didst give thyself over wholly to the service of God, O blessed one, and for love of Him thou didst leave thy family and thy fatherland, going to dwell in the wilderness and there demonstrating a severe way of life. Thou didst receive from the Lord the gift of working miracles, O venerable Sabbas. Entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Sabbas, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
Having left thy fatherland behind and taken up thy dwelling in the wilderness, thou didst mount a pillar, on which thou didst demonstrate an austere life. Many marvelled at thy way of life, in which thou didst receive from Christ the gift of working miracles. Remember us who venerate thy memory, that we may call out to thee: Rejoice, O Sabbas our father.
2 OCTOBER
+ Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian & Martyr Justina
Troparion, 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 Cyprian, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, Tone 1.
To the melody of: The choir of angels.
When thou hadst been converted from the wiles of magic to the knowledge of God, O Saint wise in God, thou didst become a most skillful physician for the world, granting cures to them that honour thee, O Cyprian, with Justina. With her do thou beseech Christ the Lord, Who loveth mankind, that our souls may be saved.
3 OCTOBER
+ Holy Hieromartyr Dionysius the Areopagite
Troparion, Tone 4.
By sobriety and vigilance in all things, thou didst acquire the habit of goodness, and thou wast endued with a good conscience, as befitteth a priest. Thou didst draw ineffable mysteries from the chosen vessel, and didst likewise finish thy course, having kept the faith, O Hieromartyr Dionysius. Entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
In spirit thou didst pass through the portals of heaven, O Dionysius, instructed by the Apostle who had reached the third heaven. Thou didst acquire the full wealth of the knowledge of his ineffable doctrine, and didst enlighten them that sat in the darkness of ignorance; therefore, we call out to thee: Rejoice, thou venerable and universal father.
4 OCTOBER
+ Discovery of the Relics of Saints Gurius and Barsanuphius
+ Holy Hieromartyr Hierotheus, Bishop of Athens
Kontakion to Saint Hierotheus, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
Like an unshakeable pillar thou wast not frightened by the threats of enemies, O Father Hierotheus, but rather thou didst destroy the fortress of error like quarried precious stone; therefore, since thou was pleasing unto the Master, He crowned thee with His life-originating right hand. Do Thou entreat Him on behalf of us all.
Common Troparion to the Saints of Kazan, Tone 3.
O ye first teachers of the city of Kazan, which before was dark but now is bright with new enlightenment: ye first heralds of the path to salvation, true guardians of the tradition of the Apostles, unshakeable pillars, instructors in piety and guides to Orthdoxy, Gurius and Barsanuphius, beseech the Master of all to grant peach to the world and to our souls great mercy.
Troparion to Saint Gurius, Tone 4.
From childhood thou didst flee far from earthly preoccupations and didst follow thy Lawgiver, Christ our God, along the path of afflictions; therefore, He hath rewarded thee with incorruption upon earth, while in heaven thou dost exult together with the bishops who were pleasing unto Him, O holy Hierarch Gurius. Entreat Christ our God to grant unto Orthodox Christians victory over their enemies, to the world peace, and to our souls great mercy.
Troparion to Saint Barsanuphius, Tone 4.
Guided by a calm disposition, O holy Hierarch Barsanuphius, thou didst reach a calm haven; because of thine humility thou didst easily escape the snares of adversaries, and thine holy soul hath taken flight up to the heavens, where it doth stand before Christ. Pray thou that we who honour thy memory may be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Barsanuphius, Tone 6.
By abstinence thou didst subjugate the body to the spirit, while thou didst make thy soul equal to the angels; hence, thou wast honoured by the dignity of the episcopate, and in purity dost thou stand before Him Who is purest of all. O holy Hierarch, entreat Christ our God to save thy people and all pious and Orthodox Christians, that we may all cry out to thee: Rejoice, O venerable Father Barsanuphius, boast and bulwark of our city of Kazan.
Kontakion to Saint Gurius, Tone 4.
Having conquered the sensual passions, thou didst shine with purity, like the sun. Thou didst preserve the purity of thy life to the very end, and didst bring many from unbelief to faith in Christ; therefore, thou wast honoured by God with incorruption, and wast made marvellous in miracles. We beseech thee, O holy Hierarch Gurius: By thy prayers deliver us from adversities, that we may call out to thee: Rejoice, O most marvellous Father, boast and bulwark of the city of Kazan.
5 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Hierarchs Peter, Alexis, and Jonah of Kiev and All Russia, Wonderworkers.
+ Holy Martyr Charitina
Kontakion to Saint Charitina, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
Thou didst make thy soul firm in faith with strength of mind, and thou didst openly put to shame the enemy who warred against thee. Thou hast taken thy place near Christ, O all-blessed one, wearing a robe dyed red by thy blood, and thou dost ever rejoice with the angels. Pray for us, O passion-bearer Charitina.
Troparion to the Three Hierarchs, Tone 4.
Ye primates of the Russian Church, true guardians of the tradition of the Apostles, unshakeable pillars, teachers of Orthodoxy, Peter, Alexis, and Jonah, beseech the Master of all to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy.
Kontakion to the Three Hierarchs, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
Among hierarchs ye lived piously; ye guided people to the knowledge of God, and pleased God well; therefore, ye were glorified by Him with incorruption and miracles, as disciples of the grace of God.
6 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostle Thomas
Troparion, Tone 2.
Thou wast a disciple of Christ and a member of the divine assembly of the Apostles. By thy disbelief thou didst make known Christ’s Resurrection, and by touching Him thou didst verify His most pure Passion, O Thomas worthy of all praise. Now do thou entreat for us peace and great mercy.
Kontakion, Tone 4.
To the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
Filled with wisdom and grace, O Apostle of Christ, as His true servant thou didst cry with boldness: Thou art my God and Lord.
7 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus
Troparion, Tone 5.
O adornments of Christ’s passion-bearers and eyes of Christ’s Church, enlighten the eyes of our souls. O much-suffering Sergius and most glorious Bacchus, pray to the Lord that we may flee from the darkness of sin and become partakers of the never-waning light by your prayers, O Saints.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
Ye manfully armed your minds against the enemy, and destroyed all their falsehood. Ye received trophies of victory from on high, O all-praised martyrs of Christ, as ye cried out in unanimity: It is good and beautiful to be with God.
8 OCTOBER
+ Our Venerable Mother Pelagia
Troparion, Tone 8.
In thee, O Mother Pelagia, the image of salvation was made manifest; for thou didst take up the cross and follow Christ, by thy deed teaching us to disregard the flesh, because it passeth away, and to take care of the soul, which is immortal; therefore, O Saint, thy spirit doth also rejoice with the angels.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
Thy flesh thou didst wear out with fasting, vigils, and prayers, while thou didst implore God the Creator to grant thee complete forgiveness for thy deeds; and thou didst receive pardon, O venerable Pelagia, who hast demonstrated thy way of repentance.
9 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostle James, Son of Alphaeus
Troparion, Tone 3.
O holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Into the enjoyment of repose.
With praises let us all bless James as a herald of God, who firmly planted the dogmas of wisdom in the souls of the pious; for he standeth before the throne of the Master’s glory and rejoiceth with all the angels, as he intercedeth ceaselessly for us all.
10 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia
Troparion, 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, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
We honour those valiant martyrs and siblings according to the flesh, the wise Eulampius and Eulampia; for by the power of the Cross they confounded the insidious schemes of the wicked, and therefore they were shown to be the glory and boast of martyrs.
11 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostle Philip, One of the Seven Deacons
+ Our Holy Father Theophanes the Confessor, Bishop of Nicea
Troparion to the Apostle Philip, Tone 3.
O holy Apostle Philip, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Troparion to Saint Theophanes, Tone 8.
Instructor in Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity, luminary for the world, divinely-inspired adornment of hierarchs, O Theophanes 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 Theophanes, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
When thou didst thunder forth the truth of the divine Incarnation of Christ, thou didst utterly put to shame the incorporeal enemies, O wondrous Theophanes; therefore, we all cry to thee in faith and piety: Pray unceasingly for us all.
Kontakion to the Apostle Philip, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
The fisherman of the world and companion of Christ’s disciples, the forechosen Apostle, Philip most marvellous, doth distribute a wealth of healing to the world today, protecting from dangers those who praise him; therefore, we call out to him with one accord: Save us all by thy prayers, O Apostle.
SUNDAY WITHIN OCTOBER 11 – 17
+ Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council
Troparion, Tone 8.
Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our fathers as luminaries on earth, and thereby hast guided us all to the true faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to Thee.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
The preaching of the Apostles and the teaching of the Fathers hath sealed the Church with a single faith; and wearing the garment of truth, woven from supernal theology, she doth define and glorify the great mystery of piety.
12 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus, and Andronicus
+ Our Holy Father Cosmas of the Holy City, Bishop of Majuma
Troparion to the Martyrs, Tone 5.
The heavenly powers were exceedingly amazed at the achievements of the holy Martyrs; for, while clothed in mortal flesh, they struggled admirably and invisibly conquered the fleshless foe by the power of the Cross; and they pray to the Lord that our souls may obtain mercy.
Troparion to Saint Cosmas, Tone 8.
Instructor in Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and purity, luminary for the world, divinely-inspired adornment of hierarchs, O Cosmas most wise, by thy teachings thou hast enlightened all, O harp of the Spirit. Entreach Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Cosmas, Tone 8.
Adorned with the virtues, O divinely-inspired Cosmas, thou didst become the adornment of the Church of Christ; for thou didst beautify it with hymns, O Saint blessed by God. We beseech thee: Pray to the Lord to free us from all the warfare of the foe, as we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O most blessed Father.
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
The brave Passion-bearers of Christ and Martyrs Probus, Tarachius, and Andronicus showed us the glory of the Trinity, when they rebuked all the godlessness of the tyrants and suffered for the faith nobly and ardently.
13 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Carpus and Papylus
Troparion, 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, Tone 4.
Wearing your crowns, O Carpus and Papylus most wise, today ye enlighten all those in the world who with faith and joy honour your memory.
14 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Nazarius, Gervase, Protase, and Celsus
+ Our Venerable Mother Paraskeva
Troparion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
Thy martyrs, O Lord, in their suffering 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 o fthe demons. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
Revealed as shining lamps, ye illumine creation with the brightness of your miracles, O divine Martyrs. At all times ye dispel the deep darkness of diseases, and ye pray unceasingly to Christ, our only God, for us all.
Troparion to Saint Paraskeva, Tone 4.
Thou didst love a silent and solitary life, and dist fervently follow Christ thy Bridegroom. In thy youth thou didst take for thine own His blessed yoke, courageously arming thyself with the sign of the Cross against spiritual enemies; and by thine ascetic labours, fasting, prayer, and tears thou didst extinguish the coals of the passions, O Paraskeva, worthy of glory. And now, as thou dost stand before Christ with the wise virgins in the heavenly bridal chamber, pray for us who venerate thine honourable memory.
Kontakion to Saint Parasceva, Tone 6.
Let us all piously hymn Saint Paraskeva, the swift helper of those in adversities; for she hath left behind the corruptible life here below and received the life which is incorruptible for ever; therefore, she hath obtained the grace of working miracles, by the command of God.
15 OCTOBER
+ Our Venerable Father Euthymius the New
+ The Holy Martyr Lucian, Presbyter of Antioch the Great
Troparion to Saint Euthymius, Tone 8.
In thee, O Father Euthymius, the image of salvation was made manifest; for thou didst take up the cross and follow Christ, by thy deeds teaching us to disregard the flesh, because it passeth away, and to take care of the soul, which is immortal; therefore, O Saint, thy spirit doth also rejoice with the angels.
Troparion to Saint Lucian, Tone 4.
By ascetic abstinence and the blood of martyrdom thou didst acquire an imperishable crown, O Hieromartyr Lucian, glory of Antioch. Pray to Christ our God for us who keep thine holy commemoration.
Kontakion to Saint Lucian, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
As a priest thou didst live piously, and thou didst receive the crown of a hieromartyr. Thou wast a good shepherd of Christ’s flock, and didst put out the fires of idolatrous sacrifices, O Lucian most wise; therefore, we honour thee with hymns, crying out: By thy prayers ever deliver us from adversities.
Kontakion to Saint Euthymius, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
While passing ove rhte many waves of this life without getting wet, thou didst mightily drown the fleshless foe in the streams of thy tears, O Saint Euthymius, wise in God; and having received the gift of working miracles, thou dost heal every sort of suffering. Pray unceasingly for us all.
16 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion, Who Stood at the Cross of the Lord
Troparion, Tone 4.
Thy Martyr Longinus, O Lord, in his sufferings received an imperishable crown from Thee, O our God; for since he possessed Thine invincible strength, he set his tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 4.
To the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
The Church of Christ rejoiceth with gladness today, on the commemoration of the ever-blessed sufferer, the renowned Longinus; and with faith she doth cry: Thou, O Christ, art my might and my bulwark.
17 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Prophet Hosea
+ The Monk and Martyr Andrew of Crete
Troparion of the Prophet Hosea, Tone 3.
Thou wast a mirror of the Comforter, O Prophet Hosea, and hast received the light of grace. Thou dost shine on the world with the knowledge of things to come. Intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Troparion to Saint Andrew, Tone 4.
Trained on the mountain in ascetical labours, thou didst vanquish all the troops of the noetic enemy with the weapon of the Cross, O most blessed one; and when thou didst manfully hasten to thy passion, thou didst slay Copronymus with the sword of the faith. For both of these things hast thou been crowned by God, O our Father Andrew, holy Monk and Martyr. Obtain for us from Christ peace and great mercy.
Kontakion of the Prophet Hosea, Tone 8.
O Seer enlightened by God, thou wast found worthy of the gift of prophecy and didst proclaim the promise of grace. Thou art a dwelling-place of glory; save from all misfortune those who cry to thee: Rejoice, Hosea, vessel of prophecy.
Kontakion to Saint Andrew, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
To the namesake of manliness and hierophant of piety let us lift up our voices in praise and thanksgiving. Since thou dost possess boldness before the Lord, save us from hidden dangers, that we may sing to thee: Rejoice, O Andrew, our ever-memorable Father.
18 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke
Troparion, Tone 5.
With sacred hymns let us praise the holy Apostle, the narrator of the Acts of the Apostles, the illustrious writer of the Gospel of Christ, Luke, who is incomparably most laudable for the Church of Christ; for he is also a physician who doth heal the infirmities of men, the illnesses of nature and the diseases of the soul; and he doth pray unceasingly for our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Into the enjoyment of repose.
Let us praise Luke the Divine, the preacher of true piety and speaker of ineffable mysteries, the star of the Church; for the Word, Who alone knoweth the secrets of men’s hearts, chose him, together with Paul the wise, as a teacher of the nations.
19 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Prophet Joel
+ The Holy Martyr Varus
Troparion to the Prophet Joel, Tone 4.
Thou wast revealed as a treasure of sacred virtues; God’s Prophet by the grace of the Spirit. Thou didst foretell the outpouring of the fountain of godliness from the House of the Lord for us who lovingly honour thee, O holy Prophet Joel.
Troparion to Saint Varus, Tone 4.
Thy Martyr Varus, O Lord, in his sufferings received an imperishable crown from Thee, O our God; for since he possessed Thine invincible strength, he set his tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Another Troparion to Saint Varus, Tone 4.
On seeing those who suffered for the law as an army of holy passion-bearers, thou didst bravely demonstrate thy strength, willingly hastening to suffer and desiring to die for Christ. O Varus, who hast received the honours of a victor for thy suffering, pray that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to the Prophet Joel, Tone 1.
Thou didst behold God’s glory and receive knowledge of things to come. For the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh that believed on Him Who appeared on earth and made Thee wonderful, O holy Prophet Joel.
Kontakion to Saint Varus, Tone 4.
In following Christ, O Martyr Varus, thou didst drink also His cup, and wast decorated with the crown of martyrdom. Now, as thou dost exult with the angels, pray unceasingly for our souls.
20 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Great Martyr Artemius
Troparion, Tone 4.
Made steadfast by true faith in Christ, O passion-bearer, thou wast triumphant over thy tormentor, the wicked king, and his audacious trust in idols; therefore, thou wast awarded a crown of victory by the Great King Who reigneth for ever. With amazing miracles of healing thou dost cure the illnesses of all who invoke thee with faith, O great Artemius. Entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Into the enjoyment of repose.
Let us father and with worthy hymns let us praise Artemius, the disciple of grace and bestower of abundant miracles, the pious crowned Martyr who triumphed in overcoming the enemy; for now he doth pray to the Lord for us all.
21 OCTOBER
+ Our Venerable Father Hilarion the Great
Troparion, 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 a hundredfold; and thou didst become a light for the inhabited earth, radiant with miracles. O our Father Hilarion, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
Let us gather today and extol thee in hymns as a never-waning luminary and a noetic sun; for thou hast dawned for those who were in the darkness of ignorance, leading them all to divine heights, O Hilarion; therefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O Father, thou fortification of all ascetics.
22 OCTOBER (I)
+ Our Father among the Saints Abercius, Equal of the Apostles and Bishop of Hierapolis, Wonderworker
+ The Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus
Troparion to Saint Abercius, Tone 4.
As a rule of faith, an image of meekness and a teacher of temperance the Lord revealed thee to thy flock, in the truth of things; therefore, thou didst attain the heights by humility and riches by poverty. O our father and holy hierarch Abercius, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Troparion to the Seven Holy Youths, 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 the Seven 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.
Kontakion to Saint Abercius, Tone 8.
To the melody of: As first-fruits of our nature.
As a great hierarch and a partner of the Apostles doth the whole Church of the faithful glorify thee, O blessed Abercius. By thy prayers do thou preserve it undefiled, unshaken and untroubled by any heresy, O thou who didst suffer greatly and wast an equal of the Apostles.
22 OCTOBER (II)
+ The Wonderworking Kazan Icon of our Most Holy, Most Pure, and Most Blessed Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary
Troparion, Tone 4.
O ardent advocate, Mother of the Lord Most High, thou dost pray for all to thy Son, Christ our God, and thou dost act to save all who have recourse to thy powerful protection. O Lady, our Mistress and Queen, defent all of us who in trials, troubles, and illnesses, burdened by many sins, stand in thy presence and pray to thee with tears, with compunction of soul and contrition of heart, before the most pure image of thy wonderworking icon: for we have unflagging hope in thee, that we will be delivered from all adversities. Grant to all what is good for us, and save us all, O Virgin Mother of God; for thou art the divine protection of thy servants.
Kontakion, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
Let us run, O ye people, to that quiet and good harbour, to the speedy helper, to the ready and cordial salvation of the Virgin’s protection. Let us hurry to prayer and hasten to repentance; for the most pure Mother of God doth pour copious mercies for us; she doth proceed us with her aid and doth deliver from great evils and woes her virtuous and God-fearing servants.
23 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord
+ The Translation of the Relics of Saint James of Borovichi, Wonderworker of Novgorod
Troparion to the Apostle, Tone 2.
As a disciple of the Lord thou didst receive the Gospel of righteousness; as a martyr and as the brother of God in the flesh thou dost possess boundless boldness before the Lord. O thou who dost also pray as a hierarch, entreat Christ our God to save our souls.
Kontakion to the Apostle, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
The Only-begotten of the Father, God the Word, Who came to us in these latter days, put thee forward, O divine herald James, as the first pastor and teacher of the citizens of Jerusalem and a faithful steward of spiritual mysteries; therefore, we all honour thee, O Apostle.
Troparion to Saint James of Borovichi, Tone 1.
Illumined by divine grace, even after thy death thou dost grant healing to them that come to the shrine of thy relics, O James most wise; therefore, we also honour the translation of thy venerable relics, which bring joy to our bodies and souls; and we all cry out to thee: Glory to Him Who gave thee strength; glory to Hm Who crowned thee; glory to Him Who giventh healing to all through thee.
Kontakion to Saint James of Borovichi, Tone 8.
To the melody of: To thee, our mighty leader in battle.
Protect and preserve from every evil and entitlement of the serpent those who celebrate thine honourable translation with faith and love, O blessed one; for thou hast boldness before the Master of all, Christ our God. Do thou beseech Him to save the Orthodox people who pray to thee, that we may all cry to thee: Rejoice, O Father James, thou adornment of the entire Russian land.
24 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyr Arethas and Companions
+ Our Father Among the Saints, Athanasius, Patriarch of Constantinople
+ The Holy and Righteous Elesbaan, King of Ethiopia
Troparion to Saint Arethas and Companions, 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 to Saint Arethas and Companions, Tone 4.
To the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
As a bringer of joy the resplendent day hath come, the feast of Arethas the Passion-bearer. As we extol him, we give glory to God Who is in the highest.
Troparion to Saint Elesbaan, Tone 4.
With divine zeal thou wast moved to avenge the blood of the righteous. As David was directed by Samuel, thou wast guided by Zeno most wondrous, who prophetically foretold to thee what was to be. By his enlightenment and his blessing thou didst win victories and conquer the enemy. Afterwards, laying aside the kingship, thou didst lead the lofty life of the ascetic monasteries. O King Elesbaan, entreat Christ, the heavenly King, to save our souls
Troparion to Saint Athanasius, Tone 1.
By the light of the purity of thy life thou didst burn up the thorns of the passions; and by the flow of thy tears thou didst water the barren earth, making of it a very fruitful spiritual field. O most blessed Athanasius, luminary of the Imperial City and adornment of patriarchs, entreat Christ our God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Elesbaan, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
In songs of hymnody let us praise the wise King Elesbaan, who for the love of Christ the King put aside the heights of an earthly kingdom, its splendid crown and purple robes. He exchanged a corruptible and transitory kingdom for one that is eternal, and now he is gloriously crowned by Christ in heaven, as an adornment of kings and a great intercessor for the world.
Kontakion to Saint Athanasius, Tone 2.
Spiritually clothed in splendid sacerdotal vestments, thou didst joyfully reach the kingdom of heaven. There thou wast received into the mansions of the just, wherein are unutterable gladness and glory and the choirs of all the saints. O holy hierarch Athanasius, pray unceasingly for all of us.
25 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius the Notaries
Troparion, 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, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
Ye struggled well even from earliest childhood, O Marcian most wise and Martyrius most honourable, and mightily vanquished the apostate Arius. Preserving the integrity of the Orthodox faith, ye followed your most sagacious teacher, Paul; therefore, with him ye also have found life, as valiant champions of the Trinity.
26 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica
+ The Commemoration of the Great and Terrible Earthquake
Troparion to Saint Demetrius, Tone 3.
The world hath found thee to be a great helper in times of trouble, O Passion-bearer, victorious over the pagans. Thus, as thou didst defeat the arrogance of Lyæus and didst fortify Nestor for struggle, O Saint Demetrius, do thou beseech Christ our God to grant us great mercy.
Troparion to the Saviour, Tone 2.
O Thou Who dost look on the earth and dost make it tremble, deliver us from chastisement and the dread earthquake, O Christ our God; and for the sake of the Theotokos send down upon us Thy mercies in abundance, since Thou alone art good and lovest mankind.
Kontakion to the Saviour, Tone 6.
To the melody of: When Thou hadst fulfilled Thy dispensation for our sakes.
Deliver us all, O Lord, from the disastrour earthquake and from wounds unbearable on account of our sins. Spare Thy people whom Thou hast purchased with Thine own blood, O Lord and Master; and deliver not Thy city to destruction by a terrible earthquake; for we know none other God than Thee. And to those who chant do Thou respond: I am with you, and no one shall prevail against you.
Kontakion to Saint Demetrius, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Into the enjoyment of repose.
God, Who gave thee invincible strength, O Demetrius, hath empurpled the Church with the streams of thy blood, and hath kept thy city unharmed; for thou art its support.
27 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyr Nestor of Thessalonica
Troparion, Tone 4.
Thy Martyr Nestor, O Lord, in his sufferings received an imperishable crown from Thee, O our God; for since he possessed Thine invincible strength, he set his tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Through his prayer, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion, Tone 2.
To the melody of: The grave and death.
On this day let us all worthily extol the great Nestor, the invincible warrior of piety, the supporter and soldier of truth; and let us cry out to him: Pray to Christ our God unceasingly for us all.
28 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla
+ Our Venerable Father Stephen the Sabbaïte
+ The Holy Martyr Paraskeva
+ Our Father Among the Saints Arsenius, Archbishop of Serbia
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. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to the Martyrs, Tone 4.
To the melody of: O Thou Who wast raised up.
The solemn commemoration of the martyrs, wise Terence and his spouse, is come today, bringing gladness to all. Let us hasten with fervour, therefore, that we may obtain healing; for they have received from God the Holy Spirit the grace to heal the infirmities and illnesses of our souls.
Troparion to Saint Stephen, Tone 5.
Thou didst adorn thy life with abstinence; thou didst mortify the passions and didst confound the designs of the enemy, O Father Stephen. Having been taken to God, thou art shown to be a wonderworker, and thou dost exult with the angels in everlasting glory. Together with them do thou pray that our souls find mercy.
Kontakion to Saint Stephen, Tone 4.
Thou didst plant a paradise of virtues and didst water it with the streams of thy tears, cultivating the tree of life, O ever-memorable Father. By thy prayers save us from dangers, as we fervently honour thee, O Stephen most wise.
Troparion to Saint Arsenius, Tone 8.
O teacher of mercy and treasure of compassion, which thou didst open to all, instructor in Orthodoxy and divine adornment of bishops, our father and holy hierarch Arsenius, thou wast the defender of the poor; therefore, beseech Christ our God to enlighten our souls, lest at any time we sleep unto death.
Kontakion to Saint Arsenius, Tone 2.
To the melody of: Thou didst seek the heights.
With the food of thy words thou dost spiritually nourish thy children, O God-bearing Arsenius, while with thy tongue dost thou sing praise and with thy lips dost thou offer hymns, calling out and proclaiming: O Christ, Thou art the ineffable Light.
Troparion to Saint Paraskeva, Tone 4.
The most wise Martyr for Christ Paraskeva, who is called Friday and is praised by all, received manly courage from on high and put aside womanly weakness. She was victorious over the devil and put her tormentor to shame, as she cried aloud, saying: Come, cut my body apart with swords and burn it in the flames; I shall go rejoicing to the temple of sanctification, to Christ my Bridegroom. Through her prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Paraskeva, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
When thou didst bring thine holy and unspotted martyrdom to Christ, the immortal Bridegroom, as a most precious dowry, thou didst fill the angelic choirs with joy, while defeating the devices of the demons; therefore, we rightly honour thee in faith, O Paraskeva, martyr of many sufferings.
29 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Nun and Martyr Anastasia of Rome
+ Our Venerable Father Abramius the Recluse
+ Our Venerable Father Abramius, Archimandrite of Theophany Monastery, Wonderworker of Rostove
Troparion to Saint Anastasia, Tone 4.
Thy lamb Anastasia doth cry out with a great voice, O Jesus: Since I love Thee and seek Thee, O my Bridegroom, I endure suffering; in Thy baptism I am crucified and buried with Thee. I am tortured for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; I die having hope in Thee, that I may live with Thee. Accept me, then, as a spotless sacrifice which is offered to Thee with love. Through her prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Troparion to Saint Abramius the Recluse, Tone 8.
In thee, O Father Abramius, the image of salvation was made manifest; for thou didst take up the cross and follow Christ, by thy deeds teaching us to disregard the flesh, because it passeth away, and to take care of the soul, which is immortal; therefore, O Saint, thy spirit doth also rejoice with the angels.
Kontakion to Saint Anastasia, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
Thou didst purify thy body with the water of virginity and wast crowned with the blood of martyrdom, O Anastasia. Thou dost bestow healing upon the sick and needy who diligently have recourse to thee, and Christ causeth His grace of unending life to flow.
Kontakion to Saint Abramius the Recluse, Tone 3.
To the melody of: Today the Virgin.
While yet in the flesh thou didst appear as an angel on earth, O Saint, and because of thine ascetic way of life thou wast planted like a tree near the waters of abstinence, fed by the streams of thy tears and washing away impurity; therefore, thou wast shown to be a vessel of the Spirit of God, O Abramius.
Troparion to Saint Abramius of Rostov, Tone 1.
Illumined by grace divine, and even after death shining with the bright light of thy life, thou dost pour fragrance upon the world for those who run with faith to the shrine of thy relics. Thou didst also guide unbelieving people to the light of the knowledge of God, O Abramius our father. Entreat Christ our God to grant us great mercy.
Kontakion to Saint Abramius of Rostov, Tone 2.
Accepting the yoke of Christ and taking His Cross upon thy shoulders, thou didst follow Him, O Abramius. Planted in the house of the Lord, thou didst flourish like a palm tree, and like a cedar of Lebanon thou didst multiply thy children, O thou man of spiritual desires. Having received grace from the beloved Apostle John the Theologian, thou didst shatter the idol with thy staff and scatter it to the dust; and thou wast shown to be a great wonderworker, O Saint; therefore, pray to Christ our God unceasingly for us all.
30 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Martyrs Zenobius and Zenobia
Troparion, 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, Tone 8.
To the melody of: As first-fruits of our nature.
With songs inspired by God let us now render fitting honour unto Zenobius and worthy Zenobia, a pair of witnesses to the truth and preachers of piety. Together they lived, and thus did they receive the incorruptible crown of martyrdom.
31 OCTOBER
+ The Holy Apostles Stachys, Amplius, Apelles, Urban, Narcissus, and Aristobulus
+ The Holy Martyr Epimachus
Troparion to the Apostles, Tone 5.
O holy Apostles, entreat the merciful God that He grant our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Troparion to Saint Epimachus, Tone 4.
Thy Martyr Epimachus, O Lord, in his sufferings received an imperishable crown from Thee, O our God; for since he possessed Thine invincible strength, he set his tormentors at nought and crushed the powerless presumption of the demons. Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Kontakion to Saint Epimachus, Tone 4.
To the melody of: Thou hast appeared.
Thou didst suffer multifarious wounds and didst receive a crown from Christ our God, O Epimachus. Do thou pray to Him for us who keep thy commemoration with faith, that He may save our souls.
Kontakion to the Apostles, Tone 8.
To the melody of: As first-fruits of our nature.
Let us duly praise the wise Apostles Appelles, Urban, Aristobulus, Amplius, Stachys, Narcissus, and others, as sacred habitations of the Most Holy Spirit and rays of the glorious Sun, which were gathered together by the grace of our God.
Last updated: 9 October 2020
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