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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - August 2

Memory of the Transfer of the Relic of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr

__________

MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 4.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and consented to a three-day burial, to free us from the passions. O Lord, our life and resurrection, glory to You! [GOASD]

Glory. For Protomartyr.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Stephen, a crown of royalty was laid on your head * for contests you courageously endured for Christ our God, * as first among Martyr saints. * You refuted the ravings of the Jews who accused you, * and you saw your Savior at the right hand of the Father. * We pray that you will ever entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

O Life of all, You rose from the dead; and an Angel, * his countenance like lightning, called out to the women, * “Weep no more! But go quickly and bring to the Apostles the tidings of joy. * Sing out in exultation, ‘Truly risen from the dead is Christ the Lord, * who was well pleased to save the human race, as God our only Savior.’” [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Having risen indeed from the tomb, O Lord, * as recorded in Scripture, You told the devout * women to proclaim Your resurrection to the Apostles. * Then Peter came out and he ran to the tomb; * he was amazed beholding the light in the sepulcher. * Looking in he saw that Your holy body was missing; * the napkin and linen cloths were by themselves, lying separately. * Then he believed it and cried aloud, * “Glory to You, Christ God, for You save all people, O Savior! * You are the reflection of the Father’s glory!” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were born of a Virgin, and You endured crucifixion for us, O good Lord. By Your death You divested death of spoils, and You displayed resurrection, as God. Please do not despise us, the work of Your hand. Demonstrate Your loving kindness, O merciful Master. Defer to Your Mother, the Theotokos, when she intercedes on our behalf, and save us, Your people in despair, O Savior. [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Mode pl. 4.

Human beings put a seal on Your tomb; an Angel rolled the stone away from its door. Women saw You risen from the dead, O Savior, and they brought the joyful news to Your disciples in Zion, that You the life of all had risen, and that the bonds of death were shattered. Glory to You, O Lord! [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

The women who were taking the burial spices * heard an angelic voice from the sepulcher saying, * “Weep no more! And instead of your sorrow take with you the tidings of joy. * Sing out in exultation, ‘Truly risen from the dead is Christ the Lord, * who was well pleased to save the human race, as God our only Savior.’” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

In you, O Lady full of grace, all creation rejoices, the hosts of Angels and the human race. O consecrated temple and allegorical Paradise, virgins boast of you. For God became incarnate from you, yes, our eternally existing God became a child from you. He made a throne of your womb, and He made your body wider than the heavens. In you, O Lady full of grace, all creation rejoices. Glory to you! [GOASD]

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Resurrectional Evlogetaria.

Mode pl. 1.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone. [SD]

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.

When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”

Glory.

We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.

Both now.

Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Mode pl. 4.

The Myrrh-bearing Women went to the tomb of the Giver of Life, seeking the immortal Master among the dead. And receiving good tidings of joy from the Angel, they reported to the Apostles, that the Lord had risen, granting the great mercy to the world. [GOASD]

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CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Mode pl. 4.

From my youth the enemy tempts me, with the pleasures he inflames me. But trusting in You, O Lord, I repel and vanquish him. [GOASD]

Let those who hate Zion become like the grass before it is plucked up. For Christ will cut their necks in pieces with the cutting blade of torments. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the life of all things living. He is light from light and great God. We extol Him with the Father and the Logos. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

Let my heart be humble-minded and covered with the fear of You, O Lord, lest it be exalted and fall from You, all-compassionate Master. [GOASD]

Whoever hopes in the Lord will not fear when He will judge and punish all things with fire. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit every holy person sees and speaks as a prophet. They do sublime miracles, praising the one God in three persons. For though It shines with three-fold light, yet the Godhead rules as monarch. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

I cried to You, O Lord. Attend to me. Incline Your ear to me who am crying, and purify me prior to taking me from this life. [GOASD]

Everyone who sets in the earth, his mother, will again return thence, to receive the torments or honors for his life’s actions. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

From the Holy Spirit comes theology. One God, thrice-holy: The Father is without beginning, and the Son came from Him eternally, and the Spirit, sharing form and throne, shone at once from the Father. [GOASD]

Antiphon 4.

Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brethren to dwell together? For in this the Lord has promised life everlasting. [GOASD]

He who adorns the lilies of the field commands us not to be concerned about our clothing. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, the unifying Cause, all things are sustained in peaceful coexistence. This is so for He is God, with the Father and the Son being truly one in essence. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. (2)

Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul!

The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

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PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 9

John. 20:19 – 31

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me.

Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged.

For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me.

Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom.

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice.

Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit.

I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness.

O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings.

A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.

Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.

Then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings.

Then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [SD]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalampus and Eleutherius, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Catherine, Kyriaki, Photini, Marina, Paraskevi and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the transfer of whose holy relic we celebrate, and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Ode 1: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

The rod of Moses working wonders once submerged Phar’onic charioteers * when it smote the waters * in the figure of a cross and thereby split the sea in two; * while it rescued on dry land wayfaring fugitive Israel, * which to God resoundingly sang a song. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

How can we all not be amazed by the almighty divinity of Christ! * From the Savior’s Passion * pour out incorruption and dispassion to believers all; * from His holy side that was pierced ever flows an immortal fount; * from His empty tomb, everlasting life. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The holy Angel, whom the women see today, appears so glorious, * wearing the resplendent * emblems of intrinsic and immaterial purity, * his appearance alone indicating the resurrection’s light, * crying out, “The Lord is risen indeed!” [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

All generations call you blest, proclaiming glorious things concerning you, * as the only woman * who held God the Logos in her womb, remaining ever pure, * Virgin Mother of God; therefore we the faithful all honor you * as our mighty champion after God. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The rod of Moses.)

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Standing crowned before the Master, and illuminated with the glittering lightnings of the Spirit, O all-blessed Stephen, the crown of Martyrs, illumine us who praise your steadfast contest and your super-human struggles. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You became the first-fruit of those who run the race, and the topmost crest of the martyric crown, and you were counted worthy to see the Setter of the contest holding out the divinely woven wreath to you with His life-bearing right hand, O glorious Stephen inspired by God. [SD]

Glory.

As You alone are the treasury of goodness, O Savior, You have made Stephen the First Martyr to appear from the bosom of the earth as a precious treasure, as inexhaustible riches, as a blessing that cannot be taken away, as wealth that nothing can destroy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-blameless Virgin, you gave birth to the Father’s divinely sovereign Logos, Who, though bodiless before, took on a body for our sakes. You are the tabernacle of virginity and vessel of chastity, O temple of purity, O Bride of God and Sovereign Lady of the world. [SD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

When the hosts of Israel crossed the Red Sea, * passing through the midst of the sea on foot, and did not get wet, * they beheld Pharaoh’s army, * the horsemen and chosen captains, submerged beneath the waters. * With great rejoicing they sang this song, * “Let us sing to our God, for He is greatly glorified.” [GOASD]

Ode 3: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.

In the beginning, You O Christ, * established all of the heavens, * and You made firm the earth upon the waters, * with intelligence divine. Confirm me on the Church’s rock. * No one but You is holy, and only You are benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Condemned was Adam when he ate * and tasted sin in the Garden. * But Your physical Passion that has saved us * vindicated him, O Lord, because You were not liable * to have to undergo death, * since You were sinless, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The resurrection’s brilliant light, * my God and Savior Lord Jesus, * shined on people who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. * And by His own divinity, * He bound the strong man devil, * and then He plundered his house and goods. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You are superior to all * the Angels, O Theotokos, * the Cherubim and Seraphim, O Virgin. * Only you held in your womb God, who is uncontainable. * And therefore all believers * ever extol you and call you blessed. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (In the beginning.)

Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You showed yourself to be a theologian and a sacred instructor in holy things, O most excellent Martyr Stephen, contending with the assemblies of the Hebrews and unerringly convicting their godlessness and God-opposing temper. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Come, and with one accord let us honor in hymns inspired by God that companion of the Angels, Christ’s First Martyr and First Deacon, who illustriously drew the starting line of the race for other Martyrs. [SD]

Glory.

The first of Martyrs and foremost of Deacons, that treasure hidden beneath the earth, is made manifest and has filled the whole world with a sweet divine fragrance and abundant gifts. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

You are the spiritual gate of the Dayspring from on high, Who appeared upon the earth, O immaculate Virgin; for through you, the Logos came to us, to save all from irrationality. [SD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Weakened is the bow of mighty men, * and those who are weak are girded with strength from our righteous God. * For this reason, as it is written, my heart is strengthened in the Lord. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Secondary Kontakion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4.

First to be sown on earth by the heavenly Husbandman, O all-famed Stephen; first to shed your blood on the earth for Christ, O blessed one; you were the first to be honored by Him with the crown of victory in heaven, as the beginning of martyr athletes, O first crowned champion of the Martyrs. [SD]

Oikos.

Looking at the flowers of Paradise, which fill the whole world with their delightful sweetness, I am astonished at the strange sight of them; for even in the freezing cold of winter, they blossom all the more, a thing unheard of for flowers. Such is Christ’s Martyr, who blossomed first of all, and became a door to those who compete lawfully and flower in the cold of torments. He has shown the unerring path to those who desire to compete, he is the good leader of the race, who shone forth brightly in labors, the first crowned champion of the Martyrs. [SD]

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

With the light of the Spirit, you brilliantly shone forth, * and were lifted together with true wisdom, O Saint; * thus you drove away the darkness of the disbelieving Jews; * as an athlete in the fray you defeated the foe. * You are the crown of the Martyrs. * Now intercede with the Master, * to be merciful to our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

You are fervent protection that is invincible, * and the hope that is sure and is never put to shame, * shelter, haven, and high wall for those who flee to you, * with the angelic hosts on high, make entreaty with your Son and God, O pure Ever-virgin, * that He grant peace and great mercy and His salvation to all the world. [SD]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

You are my strength. * You are my power, O Christ my Lord. * God my Savior, You are my exceeding joy. You came to us, never absent from the bosom of the Father, * and You assumed human poverty. * And so I join the Prophet Habakkuk, singing: Glory * to Your strength, O benevolent Lord my God! [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You loved me much, even when I was an enemy. * By Your novel emptying, O merciful Savior, You came down to me on earth; * You were not ashamed of my degradation’s profundity. * Remaining in the heights, with Your ineffable glory * You have glorified me who was once abased. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Master Christ, who does not marvel when they observe * how through Passion death has been destroyed, and also through the Cross decay disappears; * by Your death, O Savior, Hades is plundered of all its wealth. * This wondrous feat of Your divine power is amazing, * O benevolent Lord who were crucified Lord. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin Bride, You are the boast of believers all. * You protect us Christians and you shelter us, for you are both harbor and a wall. * O all-blameless Lady, you bring petitions before your Son. * With faith and love we know you as the pure Theotokos, * and you save us from danger and tragedy. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (You are my strength.)

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Stephen, that celebrated first of Martyrs, who was full of faith and divine power and grace, has today gushed forth to us a stream of myrrh; a fountain of sweet fragrance and river of divine blessings issues forth, and a torrent of delight has flooded us. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

How sacred, how bright and auspicious is the day of the First Martyr! It has appeared in the Queen of Cities full of light and true spiritual gladness, preserving the dominion of the holy Church, and driving away the boldness of barbarians. [SD]

Glory.

Blessed Stephen, you have worthily obtained the good inheritance, wherein Christ, the King of all, has made you to dwell. For you served Him as His Deacon, performing mighty signs and wonders and granting healing to the sick. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Redeemer and Savior of all, the truly Immortal Life against death, You became the new Adam for the sake of the first Adam, and you were born of a Virgin for our first mother’s sake. Therefore, knowing that she who bore You is the Mother of God, we call her blessed as is right. [SD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

I have heard about Your glorious divine economy, O Christ my God, * that You were born of the virgin Maiden, * so as to free from error those who cry to You, * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Leading up to Your Passion, * You endured the mocking when a robe was put on You, * covering in this way first-formed Adam’s inglorious nakedness. * Naked You were fastened unto the Cross, O Christ my Savior; * thus You stripped off the garment of death, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You refashioned my being, * fallen human nature, from the dust of death, O Christ, * by Your resurrection; and You made it to have immortality * and restored within it Your undistorted kingly image, * so it shines with divine incorruption’s light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-pure holy Virgin, * when you speak to Christ you have maternal confidence. * Therefore we implore you to remember your kindred concern for us. * For we Christians have you, our gracious Lady, interceding * with your Son and our Lord, to forgive our sins. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Why reject me.)

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Manfully you rebuked the truly vain Sanhedrin of the lawless Hebrews, O prophetic Stephen, and though buried under the stones they cast, you were lifted up in spirit to the heavens as a victor. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

YOU have appeared to the world like a beautiful daybreak, O glorious Stephen, driving off the gloom, chasing away demonic specters, and healing the sufferings of the sick and the sores of spiritual maladies, O God-inspired Saint. [SD]

Glory.

You now noetically rejoice with Angels, O blessed one, and you truly sanctify the ends of the earth by your arrival and your grace, making them fragrant with sweet spiritual myrrh and rescuing all men from perils and storms. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Since you have motherly access to your Son, O all-pure one, do not forget to care for us your kindred; for you alone do we Christians bring forth as gracious reconciliation with the Master. [SD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

You divided the light from the primordial darkness, * so that Your works, in the light, may sing praises to You, * the Creator, O Christ. * We now entreat You: * In Your light make straight our ways. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The evil one through a tree * brought down humanity mightily. * When You were hung on a tree, * O Christ, You were mightier. * Through the Cross You brought him down, * displaying his weakness, * and You raised fallen humanity. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Lord, You rose from the tomb * and had compassion on Zion, making her new instead of old, * O Christ, by Your divine blood, * our God most compassionate; * and now and forever, * as the King of all, You reign in her. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

May we, by your earnest prayers, * avoid committing the grievous sins, * Mother of God, and attain * the divine enlightenment * of the Son of God, who was ineffably incarnate of you, O all-immaculate one. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Be gracious to me.)

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You acquired an angelic likeness, being by will an imitator of the Angels. Now as you rejoice in their company, O blessed Stephen, preserve those who extol you. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The power of your divinely inspired words thundered clearly like the rolling of thunder in the ears of the transgressors, and it blinded their eyes, O blessed and divinely speaking Stephen. [SD]

Glory.

You were counted worthy to see the Father’s Glory, and His Effulgence of the same nature, who showed you the shining crowns of your contests, O all-venerable Stephen, proclaimer of the things divine. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

The God of my salvation, the Only-begotten Son, who was invisible before the ages, became physically visible in these last times as the Only-begotten of you, O Mother of God. [SD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

When I was afflicted, I cried out to the Lord my God, * the Lord of Deliverance. I prayed and He heard my voice. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

When You rose from the grave, You also raised the dead, and You resurrected Adam. Because of Your Resurrection, Eve is rejoicing, and people the world over celebrate Your resurrection from the dead, O very merciful Lord. [GOASD]

Oikos.

When You ransacked the realm of Hades, and You raised the dead, O long-suffering Master, You met the Myrrh-bearing Women, and You gave them joy in place of sorrow. You showed Your Apostles the marks of Your victory, O Savior and Giver of Life, and You illumined creation, O benevolent God. Therefore the world also celebrates Your resurrection from the dead, O very merciful Lord. [GOASD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On August 2, we commemorate the recovery of the Relic of Saint Stephen, the Protomartyr and Archdeacon.

On this day we also commemorate the finding of the relics of the holy Martyrs Maximus, Dadas, and Quintilian.

On this day we also commemorate the consecration of the holy Church of Saint John the Theologian, Apostle and Evangelist, near the most-holy Great Church.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyr Phocas, and also the Emperor Justinian of pious memory, in the Church of the Holy Apostles.

By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy and save us. Amen.

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Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.

The fire in Babylon * withdrew in fear from the condescension of God. * For this reason the Servants * within the furnace as in a moist meadow danced * with feet exultant, and sang that immortal hymn, * saying, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your glorious emptying, * the divine riches of Your poverty, O Christ, * caused amazement to Angels, * as they were watching You being crucified * for the salvation of all who believe in You * and sing, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ God, by Your descent * into the netherworld, it was filled with light; * and the darkness that chased us * was chased away; and the prisoners from all time * were resurrected; and rising they cried aloud * and sang, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

For the Trinity.

We call You the Lord of all, * as we profess Orthodox theology; * and we name You the Father * of one and only only-begotten Son; * we know the consubstantial, co-eternal Comforter, * the one and right Holy Spirit proceeding from You. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The fire in Babylon.)

Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The spilling of your blood opened the heavenly gates and showed you the Setter of the contest standing and holding out the crowns to you as you shouted: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Those men who murdered God seized the revealer of God with their bloodstained hands and killed him, as he earnestly prayed for his killers and sang: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Glory.

Using the Law you convicted the transgressors of the Law, as a most lawful imitator of the Savior; you proved them to be the enemies of God, and when stoned by them you sang: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Without intercourse, you gave birth in time to the Timeless One, O pure Virgin; and you brought forth the Logos when He assumed flesh, for He was previous without flesh; and with one voice we sing and shout to Him: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [SD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Servants in Babylon, of old, * those three descendants of Abraham, trampled on the furnace fire. * In hymns they cried out to You, * “O Lord and God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]

Ode 8: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Jesus in His divinity is above every so-called god, * and His divine might shone forth in what He did for us. * He physically tasted death, * death on a Cross, for the sake of all, * and destroyed the might of Hell. Unceasingly bless Him, * you Servants; sing a hymn, O you priests; and you people, * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He who was crucified arose; * he who boasted has fallen down; * he who fell and shattered has been raised and stands again. * Corruption is driven out, * as incorruption blossoms forth; * perishable nature has by life now been swallowed. * You Servants, bless and praise Him; O you priests and you people, * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

For the Trinity.

Single is the Divinity that is shining with triple light, * radiance from one nature in three hypostases: * Father unoriginate, * and the Father’s connatural Word, * and the consubstantial, co-reigning Holy Spirit. * You Servants, bless and sing hymns, O you priests and you people, * exalting beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Glowing with supernal brilliance, O most excellent Stephen, your face shone like an Angel’s, abundantly giving off the grace that had been hidden within your soul. And you shouted: O you priests, bless Christ, O you people, supremely exalt Him to all the ages. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O crowned Stephen, blot out the wounds of my soul and the scars of sin with drops of your blood; for I flee to your help, and your compassion, and your Christ-like disposition, crying out: O you priests, bless Christ, O you people, supremely exalt Him to all the ages. [SD]

Glory.

The impartial Judge has placed on your venerable head the crown of graces, for which crowns you are named, O glorious Martyr; for you piously preached Him to be the Creator and God and King of all, and you continually cried out: O you priests, bless Christ, O you people, supremely exalt Him to all the ages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure Lady, you became the dwelling place of the unwaning Light; for you gave birth to the Light for those in darkness and shadow. He illumines the uttermost parts of the earth with the grace of divine knowledge, and to Him we the faithful unceasingly sing: You children, bless Him; O you priests, sing His praises; O you people, exalt Him to all the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Once in Babylon, those Servants, * on fire with divine zeal and longing, * courageously defying the threat * of both the tyrant and the flame, * were thrown into the midst of the furnace. * As they were refreshed with dew, * they were singing, “O all you works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord.” [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

Oikos.

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Oikos.

bookmark

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On August 2, we commemorate the recovery of the Relic of Saint Stephen, the Protomartyr and Archdeacon.

On this day we also commemorate the finding of the relics of the holy Martyrs Maximus, Dadas, and Quintilian.

On this day we also commemorate the consecration of the holy Church of Saint John the Theologian, Apostle and Evangelist, near the most-holy Great Church.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyr Phocas, and also the Emperor Justinian of pious memory, in the Church of the Holy Apostles.

By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy and save us. Amen.

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Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Summer

Ode i. Mode 4.

Ode iii.

Weakened is the bow of mighty men, * and those who are weak are girded with strength from our righteous God. * For this reason, as it is written, my heart is strengthened in the Lord. [GOASD]

Ode iv.

Ode v.

Ode vi.

When I was afflicted, I cried out to the Lord my God, * the Lord of Deliverance. I prayed and He heard my voice. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

Servants in Babylon, of old, * those three descendants of Abraham, trampled on the furnace fire. * In hymns they cried out to You, * “O Lord and God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Eothinon Gospel (EP / GOA)