Hieromartyr Anthimos of Nikomedia and
Venerable Theoktistos, companion of Euthymios the Great
Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places, and fillest all things, Treasury of good things, and Giver of life, come, and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain; and save our souls, O good One.
Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting to Thy people victory over all their enemies, and by the power of Thy Cross preserving Thy commonwealth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Do Thou, Who of Thine own good will wast lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ our God, bestow Thy bounties upon the new Nation which is called by Thy Name; make glad in Thy might those who lawfully govern, that with them we may be led to victory over our adversaries, having in Thine aid a weapon of peace and a trophy invincible.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O fearsome champion, who cannot be put to confusion, despise not our petitions, O good and all- praised Theotokos; establish the way of the Orthodox; save those who have been called upon to govern us, leading us all to that victory which is from heaven, for thou art she who gavest birth to God and alone art blessed.
EKTENIA
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) in this litany until noted.
Again, we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our father and metropolitan, N., (our bishop, N.,) and all our brotherhood in Christ.
For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen. Bless, father, in the name of the Lord.
Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving and undivided Trinity, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men. (thrice)
O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. (twice)
PSALM 3
O Lord, why are they multiplied that afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy mountain. I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all who without cause are mine enemies; the teeth of sinners hast Thou broken. Salvation is of the Lord, and Thy blessing is upon Thy people.
I laid me down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
PSALM 37
O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, nor chasten me in Thy wrath. For Thine arrows are fastened in me, and Thou hast laid Thy hand heavily upon me. There is no healing in my flesh in the face of Thy wrath; and there is no peace in my bones in the face of my sins. For mine iniquities are risen higher than my head; as a heavy burden have they pressed heavily upon me. My bruises are become noisome and corrupt in the face of my folly. I have been wretched and utterly bowed down until the end; all the day long I went with downcast face. For my loins are filled with mocking, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly, I have roared from the groaning of my heart. O Lord, before Thee is all my desire, and my groaning is not hid from Thee. My heart is troubled, my strength hath failed me; and the light of mine eyes, even this is not with me. My friends and my neighbors drew nigh over against me and stood, and my nearest of kin stood afar off. And they that sought after my soul used violence; and they that sought evils for me spake vain things, and craftinesses all the day long did they meditate. But as for me, like a deaf man I heard them not, and was as a speechless man that openeth not his mouth. And I became as a man that heareth not, and that hath in his mouth no reproofs. For in Thee have I hoped, O Lord; Thou wilt hearken unto me, O Lord my God. For I said: Let never mine enemies rejoice over me; yea, when my feet were shaken, those men spake boastful words against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare mine iniquity, and I will take heed concerning my sin. But mine enemies live and are made stronger than I, and they that hated me unjustly are multiplied. They that render me evil for good slandered me, because I pursued goodness. Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
Forsake me not, O Lord my God, depart not from me. Be attentive unto my help, O Lord of my salvation.
PSALM 62
O God, my God, unto Thee I rise early at dawn. My soul hath thirsted for Thee; how often hath my flesh longed after Thee in a land barren and untrodden and unwatered. So in the sanctuary have I appeared before Thee to see Thy power and Thy glory. For Thy mercy is better than lives; my lips shall praise Thee. So shall I bless Thee in my life, and in Thy name will I lift up my hands. As with marrow and fatness let my soul be filled, and with lips rejoicing shall my mouth praise Thee. If I remembered Thee on my bed, at the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee; Thy right hand hath been quick to help me. But as for these, in vain have they sought after my soul; they shall go into the nethermost parts of the earth, they shall be surrendered unto the edge of the sword; portions for foxes shall they be. But the king shall be glad in God, everyone shall be praised that sweareth by Him; for the mouth of them is stopped that speak unjust things.
At the dawn I meditated on Thee. For Thou art become my helper; in the shelter of Thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hath cleaved after Thee; Thy right hand hath been quick to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (thrice) Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
PSALM 87
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication, for filled with evils is my soul, and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh. I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man without help, free among the dead, like the bodies of the slain that sleep in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more, and they are cut off from Thy hand. They laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness and in the shadow of death. Against me is Thine anger made strong, and all Thy billows hast Thou brought upon me. Thou hast removed my friends afar from me; they have made me an abomination unto themselves. I have been delivered up, and have not come forth; mine eyes are grown weak from poverty. I have cried unto Thee, O Lord, the whole day long; I have stretched out my hands unto Thee. Nay, for the dead wilt Thou work wonders? Or shall physicians raise them up that they may give thanks unto Thee? Nay, shall any in the grave tell of Thy mercy, and of Thy truth in that destruction? Nay, shall Thy wonders be known in that darkness, and Thy righteousness in that land that is forgotten? But as for me, unto Thee, O Lord, have I cried; and in the morning shall my prayer come before Thee. Wherefore, O Lord, dost Thou cast off my soul and turnest Thy face away from me? A poor man am I, and in troubles from my youth; yea, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Thy furies have passed upon me, and Thy terrors have sorely troubled me. They came round about me like water, all the day long they compassed me about together. Thou hast removed afar from me friend and neighbor, and mine acquaintances because of my misery.
O Lord God of my salvation, by day have I cried and by night before Thee. Let my prayer come before Thee, bow down Thine ear unto my supplication.
PSALM 102
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee, Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities, Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion, Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s. The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged. He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed. Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy; not unto the end will He be angered; neither unto eternity will He be wroth. Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us. For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us. Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust. As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth. For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them. The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words. Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will. Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul.
In every place of His dominion, bless the Lord, O my soul.
PSALM 142
O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth. He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled. I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name’s sake, O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me. In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies. And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.
Hearken unto me, O Lord, in Thy righteousness and enter not into judgment with Thy servant. (twice) Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God (thrice) our Hope, O Lord, glory to Thee!
THE GREAT LITANY
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” to each petition.
Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house and those who with faith, reverence and fear of God enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.
For our father and Metropolitan, Saba, (our bishop, N.,) the honorable presbytery, the diaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our country, its president (or appropriate head of state), civil authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
For this village and every city and countryside and the faithful who dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.
For healthful seasons, abundance of the fruits of the earth and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
For travelers by sea, by land and by air, the sick, the suffering, the captive, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
“GOD IS THE LORD” 1st Mode.
Choir: God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us. Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Verse 1. O give thanks unto the Lord and call upon His Holy Name. (Refrain)
Verse 2. All nations compassed me about: but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. (Refrain)
Verse 3. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. (Refrain)
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. ANTHIMOS 1st Mode (**While Gabriel was saying**)
O godly-minded Anthimos, as a staunch defender * of thy flock, thou eagerly sheddest thy blood for its protection. * Unbending and wholly unafraid * of all thine adversaries’ fearful threats, * thou rejoicest now in Heaven, standing before * the throne of the Three-Sun Godhead. * Glory to Christ Who hath given thee strength.
* Glory to thy manly bravery. * Glory to thy patient endurance in martyrdom.
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. THEOKTISTOS Plagal of 4th Mode
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert: and by thy sighings from the depths, thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O Theoktistos our righeous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
THEOTOKION from the HOROLOGION Plagal of 4th Mode
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
With hymns let us the faithful magnify the Theotokos, the unshaken foundation of the faith, and the hallowed gift to our souls. Rejoice, thou who in thy womb didst contain the Rock of life. Rejoice, O hope of the ends of the world, and succour of the afflicted. Rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
SESSIONAL HYMNS from the OCTOECHOS, for the 1st Mode (Plain Reading)
First Kathisma
Having been conceived in iniquities, I, the prodigal, dare not gaze upon the height of heaven. But trusting in thy love for man, I cry: O God, be gracious unto me, and save me.
If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall I, the sinner, appear? I have not borne the burden and heat of the day; number me together with those of the eleventh hour, O God, and save me.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Possessing the Theotokos Mary as an indestructible wall, O ye faithful, come, let us worship and fall down before her; for she hath boldness with him that was born of her, both to intercede and to save our souls from wrath and death.
Second Kathisma
Thy fatherly embrace open wide to me quickly, for like the prodigal I have wasted my whole life. O Saviour, have regard to the unfailing wealth of thy compassions, and do not disdain a heart made poor as a beggar. For, to thee, O Lord, do I cry out in compunction: I have sinned against thee, save me.
Thy judgment seat is dreadful, and just is thy judgment; my deeds fill me with fear; but, O merciful Saviour, do thou thyself swiftly come to redeem me from
punishment; save me from the portion of the goats, O good Master, and account me worthy yet to stand at thy right hand, O holy and righteous Judge.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Cast off the sleep of sloth, O my soul, and be wakeful; light up the shining lamp of repentance in splendour; now go forth rejoicing from the confusion of earthly life, so to meet the great immortal Bridegroom, while saying: Cast me not away, O Word, but freely receive me, through thy holy Mother’s prayers.
Third Kathisma
Thou who of old didst baptize in Jordan’s swift waters the Cleansing of the whole world, O blessed John Baptist, though I am sunk deep in many transgressions and works of sin, draw me up and wash me clean of every defilement, as a well-accepted intercessor at all times entreating the Friend of man.
O martyrs, as good soldiers, of one mind in divine faith, fearing not the threats of the tyrants, and making brave confession, ye earnestly drew nigh unto Christ, while taking up the venerable Cross. Having kept the faith and finished the course, O saints, from heaven ye gained the victory. Glory to him that hath given you strength. Glory to him that hath crowned you. Glory to him that worketh healings for all through you.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
While John once leapt for joy in the womb of his mother, by grace divine he recognized him borne in thy womb as God, O pure Virgin, and he then worshipped him faithfully; now I pray of thee, O Lady, with the Forerunner supplicate the Word to whom thou gavest a body, to save me thy servitor.
PSALM 50
Lord, have mercy (thrice). Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth
shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built up. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
KONTAKIA of Ss. ANTHIMOS & THEOKTISTOS (plain reading)
Among God’s priests wast thou distinguished for fervour; and in completing well thy course as a martyr, thou didst quench all the power of idolatry; for thou wast the champion of thy flock; hence, it crieth unto thee now mystically, as it showeth thee honour: Deliver us from perils by thy prayers, O godly-minded and glorious Anthimos.
Thou didst perserve the dignity of thy soul free of every stain, which, as God’s crature, thou wholly didst dedicate unto the Lord, O righteous one; and divinely enlightened, thou didst rise to the pinnacle of true godliness, O godly Theoktistos, confirming thy name in very deed.
THE SYNAXARION (Plain Reading)
On September 3 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Anthimos of Nicomedia.
Verses
Though the sword cut off thy head, O Anthimos Martyr, Even when dead, thou sproutest hair unto God’s glory.
On the third, the sharp sword killed Anthimos.
Anthimos governed as Bishop during the cruel and violent persecution of Christians under the villainous Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. He retreated to the village of Semana to continue encouraging his flock in the feat of martyrdom, so that no one would fall away out of fear. Maximian eventually dispatched twenty soldiers to find Anthimos and bring him to court. When they found him, Anthimos welcomed them into his home. The soldiers encouraged him to run for his life, saying they would lie to the emperor to cover him. However, Anthimos would not transgress God’s commandment against falsehood to save his life, and he went with the soldiers, whom he baptized on the journey back to the emperor. Anthimos was beheaded and returned to the Lord in the fourth century.
On this day, we also commemorate our righteous father Theoktistos, fellow ascetic with Euthymios the Great. The pursuit of the same ideal and communal labors united their hearts in a very strong friendship in the Pharan Lavra just outside of Jerusalem. Their souls were blended in such a great spiritual affection that each was, so to speak, in the soul of the other. Considerable crowds would come to Euthymios for spiritual nourishment. The great anchorite shared the care of all who came to him with the blessed Theoktistos, who never having known disobedience,
gave himself at once to the assistance of his master and disposed of everything material. Both holy monks served the flocks of Christ in the fifth century.
By the intercessions of Thy saints, O Christ God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
8th HEIRMOS from the MENAION Plagal of 4th Mode
We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord.
The Chaldee tyrant, mad with rage, fired his furnace of blazing flame seven times more hot against the worshippers of God; but seeing them kept in safety by a power greater than his, he then cried aloud: Ye children, bless the Creator, the Savior and Redeemer; O ye priests, sing His praises; exalt Him, O ye people, to all the endless ages.
Priest: The Theotokos and Mother of the Light let us honor and magnify in song.
MAGNIFICATIONS Plagal of 4th Mode
Choir: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
Refrain: More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word, and art truly Theotokos, we magnify thee. (Repeat after each verse.)
+ For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. (Refrain)
+ For He that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is His Name; and His mercy is on them that fear Him, throughout all generations. (Refrain)
+ He hath showed strength with His arm; He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. (Refrain)
+ He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the empty with good things, and the rich hath He sent empty away. (Refrain)
+ He remembering His mercy hath helped His servant Israel, as He promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. (Refrain)
9th HEIRMOS from the MENAION Plagal of 4th Mode
The heavens were astonished and stood in awe, and the ends of the earth, Maid, were sore amazed, for God appeared bodily to mankind as very man. And lo, thy womb hath proved to be vaster and more spacious than heaven’s heights. For this, O Theotokos, the choirs and assemblies of men and Angels magnify thy name.
“IT IS TRULY MEET” in the same mode
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, who art ever-blessed and all-blameless, and the mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. Thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word; and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.
THE LITTLE 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 keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise Thee, and unto Thee do they ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
EXAPOSTEILARION for ST. ANTHIMOS 2nd Mode
(**While Thy disciples looked on Thee**)
Strike up today an annual choir with gladness, * all ye of the great city of Nicomedia;
* now on your good shepherd’s mem’ry leap for joy, * having him as your sure defense * keeping you safe and beyond reach * of all your enemies’ malice.
EXAPOSTEILARION & THEOTOKION for ST. THEOKTISTOS 2nd Mode
(**Upon that mount in Galilee**)
Living the Angels’ life on earth, * with that great luminary, * the truly great Euthymios, * thou also wast distinguished * in fasts and prayers, O wise Father, * God-bearing Theoktistos, * achieving many mighty works * in divine deed and vision. * As now with him, * thou dost stand before Him Whom none approacheth,
* the light-transcending Trinity, * pray for us who revere thee.
O Virgin, thou in song wast called * a curdled butter mountain * by David, thy progenitor; * a rod, by great Isaiah; * and godly Solomon clearly * called thee a couch, O Lady, * in his prophetic Song of Songs; * in a ladder did Jacob * see thee portrayed, * O pure Theotokos; while yet another * called thee a gate by which our God * renewed man’s fallen nature.
THE PSALMS OF PRAISE (Plain Reading)
Ps 148
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all ye shining stars! Praise Him, ye highest heavens, and ye waters above the heavens! Let them praise the Name of the Lord! For He commanded, and they were created. And He established them for ever and ever; He fixed their bounds which cannot be passed. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye sea monsters and all deeps; fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling His command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together; old men and children! Let them praise the Name of the Lord, for His Name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for His people, praise for all His saints, for the people of Israel who are near to Him.
Ps 149
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the faithful! Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise His Name with dancing, making melody to Him with timbrel and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands; to wreak vengeance on the nations and chastisement on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the judgment written! This is glory for all his faithful ones.
Ps 150
Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His exceeding greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
THE LITTLE DOXOLOGY (Plain Reading)
+ To Thee belongeth glory, O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
+ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.
+ We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee; we give thanks unto Thee for Thy great glory.
+ O Lord, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit.
+ O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takest away the sin of the world, have mercy on us; O Thou Who takest away the sins of the world.
+ Receive our prayer, O Thou Who sittest at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
+ For Thou only art holy, Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father.
Amen.
+ Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy Name forever; yea, forever and ever.
+ Lord, Thou hast been our refuge in all generations. I said: Be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee.
+ Lord, I have fled unto Thee: teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God.
+ For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light.
+ O continue Thy loving-kindness unto them that know Thee.
+ Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified be Thy Name forever.
Amen.
+ Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we do put our hope in Thee.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Master; make me to understand Thy statutes.
+ Blessed art Thou, O Holy One; enlighten me with Thy statutes.
+ Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever. O despise not the works of Thy hands. To Thee belongeth worship, to Thee belongeth praise, to Thee belongeth glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
COMPLETION LITANY
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” to the first two petitions:
Priest: Let us complete our morning prayer unto the Lord.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
The choir responds “Grant this, O Lord” to the remaining petitions until noted.
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.
All things good and profitable for our souls and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defense before the fearful judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.
Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: For Thou art the God of mercy and compassion and love toward mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
THE PEACE
Priest: Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Priest: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O holy Lord, Who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of heart and with Thine all-seeing eye dost behold all creation, unto Thee have we bowed the neck of our soul and body, and we entreat Thee: O Holy of holies, stretch forth Thine invisible hand from Thy holy dwelling-place, and bless us all. And if in aught we have sinned, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, forgive, inasmuch as Thou art a good God, and lovest mankind, vouchsafing unto us Thy earthly and heavenly good things.
For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
APOSTICHA OF PRAISES from the OCTOECHOS 1st Mode
Another world doth await thee, O my soul, and a Judge who shall make public thy hidden and grievous deeds. Abide not, therefore, in things present, but be quick to cry unto the Judge: O God, be gracious unto me, and save me.
Vs. In the morning fill us with Thy love, so that we may rejoice and be glad in all our days. Repay us in joy the times which Thou didst afflict us, the many years when disgrace was our lot. Let Thy work be manifest to Thy servants, and Thy glory to their children.
O my Saviour, reject me not who am held fast by the slothfulness of sin. Rouse my thoughts unto repentance, and show me forth as an approved labourer of thy vineyard, giving me the wages of the eleventh hour and thy great mercy.
Vs. And may the brightness of the Lord our God shine upon us; and may He prosper the works of our hands for us; may He prosper the works of our hands.
These soldiers of the great King withstood the decrees of the tyrants. They boldly despised the torments, and having trampled upon every error, they were worthily crowned; and they ask of the Saviour peace and great mercy.
DOXASTIKON for the hieromartyr 4th Mode
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Every city and countryside celebrateth today with the great city of Nicomedia, on the memorial of her venerable guardian. The ends of the earth also strike up a feast, rejoicing on the present festival of the hieromartyr. With songs as with flowers, let us also weave crowns for him, and let us cry out: Rejoice, O good shepherd, who didst lay down thy life for the sheep, thou sacrifice and sacrificer, priest and victim. Thee do we beseech, together with thy fellow contenders, O Anthimos: Entreat Christ to deliver this flock of thine from barbarian wolves, and to deem us worthy of the heavenly sheepfold.
THEOTOKION same mode, **Unto them that fear Thee**
Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Carelessly reclining in the bed of languor and heedlessness, * I most slothfully pass through life; * and I fear the hour of death, * lest that wicked serpent, * like a savage lion, in snatching up my lowly soul, * rend it asunder with ruthless villainy; * O blameless Theotokos, in thy goodness, hasten before the end * to bestir me and raise me up * to repentance and change of life.
Priest:
It is a good thing to confess unto the Lord, to sing praises to Thy name, O Most High, to declare Thy mercy in the morning, and Thy truth by night.
Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory: of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. ANTHIMOS 1st Mode (**While Gabriel was saying**)
O godly-minded Anthimos, as a staunch defender * of thy flock, thou eagerly sheddest thy blood for its protection. * Unbending and wholly unafraid * of all thine adversaries’ fearful threats, * thou rejoicest now in Heaven, standing before * the throne of the Three-Sun Godhead. * Glory to Christ Who hath given thee strength.
* Glory to thy manly bravery. * Glory to thy patient endurance in martyrdom.
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. THEOKTISTOS Plagal of 4th Mode
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert: and by thy sighings from the depths, thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O Theoktistos our righeous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
THEOTOKION from the HOROLOGION Plagal of 4th Mode
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O immaculate Virgin, save us by thine intercessions, stirring up thy motherly compassions before thy Son and our God.
THE APOSTLE (For the Eleventh Tuesday after Pentecost)
Priest: Let us attend!
Reader: The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord.
Vs: Hearken unto my voice, O God.
Priest: Wisdom!
Reader: Reading from the 2nd Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (2: 14-17, 3: 1-3-38)
Priest: Let us attend!
Brethren, thanks be to God… [The Book of the Epistles, 140]
Priest: Peace be to thee that readest!
Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
THE GOSPEL (For the Eleventh Tuesday of Matthew)
Priest: Wisdom! Stand upright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.
Choir: And to thy spirit.
Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. (23: 23-28)
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Priest: Let us attend! The Lord said to the Jews…
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
FERVENT EKTENIA
The choir responds “Lord, have mercy” (thrice) to all the petitions.
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our father and metropolitan, N., (and our bishop, N.).
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, hieromonks, deacons, hierodeacons and monastics and all our brotherhood in Christ.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and remission of sins for (the servants of God, NN., and) all Orthodox Christians of true worship, who live and dwell in this community.
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church (and for the servants of God, NN.,) and all of our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all- venerable temple, those who serve and those who sing and all the people here present, who await thy great and rich mercy.
Priest: For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
Priest: Wisdom!
Choir: Father, bless.
Priest: Christ our God, the Existing One, is blessed, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen. Preserve, O God, the holy Orthodox Faith and all Orthodox Christians, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Choir: More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to thee.
Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (thrice). Father, bless.
Priest: May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all- blameless holy Mother; by the might of the Precious and Life-giving Cross; by the protection of the honorable Bodiless Powers of Heaven; at the supplication of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable apostles; of the holy, glorious and right-victorious Martyrs; of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers; of Saint N., the patron and protector of this holy community; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of the holy hieromartyr, Anthimos of Nikomedia, and of our venerable father, Theoktistos, fellow ascetic with Euthymios the Great, whose memory we celebrate today, and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, forasmuch as He is good and loveth mankind.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
Choir: Amen.
Portions of the Archdiocesan Service Texts include texts from The Menaion, The Great Horologion, The Pentecostarion, The Octoechos, The Triodion-Holy Week, and The Psalter of the Seventy, which are Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, Massachusetts, and are used with permission. All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, beyond printing out a single copy for personal non-commercial use, without the prior written authorization of Holy Transfiguration Monastery.