Also On The 19th Day Of The Month Of October

Commemoration Of Our Holy & Venerable Father John Of Ryla

At Great Vespers

After the Introductory Psalm, we chant “Blessed is the man…”, the first antiphon.

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 6 stichera: 3 in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “O wondrous marvel…” —

With the words of hymnody, O ye faithful, let us all praise the paragon who shone forth in asceticism, the scion of the wilderness, the lamp of men’s hearts, crying: Rejoice, O all-blessed one, thou great glory who hast shone forth in our days!

In the midst of two ways of life didst thou wisely set thy balance in God-pleasing manner, O father, for thou didst forsake corruptible things; and with thy mind on Christ Who abideth forever, O blessed John, thou didst set Him as the rule of thy soul.

Thou rejoicest, seeing the goal of thy labors, which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard; and having the beauties of paradise as the splendid reward of thy struggles, thy tomb poureth forth grace and thy body remaineth untouched by corruption.

And 3 stichera, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O all-glorious wonder…” —

Those things which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, and which have not entered into the heart of men, which have been prepared by God for those who love Him, didst thou desire, O divinely inspired John. Thou didst hate the confusion of the world and didst hasten to God alone, ever delighting in His grace. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that our souls be saved.

Adorned with the splendor of understanding, with the commandments of God thou didst illumine thy soul. Thou didst spurn corrupt things which pass quickly away, and, forsaking all earthly things, didst desire to dwell in the wilderness. Thou didst keep the commandments of Christ, O venerable John. Him do thou entreat, that He save our souls.

With love thou didst desire the Master, observing His precepts from earliest childhood, and thou wast raised more on piety than on milk. Thou didst adorn thy body with chastity and purity, and, ever desiring to be in the house of God, didst find Christ. Him do thou beseech, O all-blessed one, that He save our souls.

Glory…, in Tone VIII —

The Spirit of God hath been poured forth, as the holy Joel prophesied; and, moved thereby, and having received His activity, the venerable John manifestly revealeth the mysteries of God to us, the faithful. Wherefore, he hath illumined us with the light of God and with grace.

Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion, in the same tone —

In His love for mankind, the King of heaven appeared on earth and dwelt among men; for He Who received flesh from the pure Virgin and came forth from her having received human nature, is the only Son of God, two in nature but not hypostasis. Therefore, proclaiming Him to be truly perfect God and perfect man, we confess Christ our God. Him do thou beseech, O Mother unwedded, that our souls find mercy!

Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. 3 Readings:

A Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon

The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall He cover them, and with His arm shall He protect them. He shall take to Him His jealousy for complete armor, and make the creature His weapon for the revenge of His enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment for an invincible shield. His severe wrath shall He sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with Him against the unwise. Then shall the right-aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty. Hear, therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations. For power is given you by the Lord, and sovereignty from the Most High.

A Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. Those who put their trust in Him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him: for grace and mercy is to His saints, and He hath care for His elect.

A Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon

Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted He to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and understood not, neither laid they up this in their minds: that His grace and mercy is with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.

N.B.: There are no Litia stichera provided for this service.

At the aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “O most praised martyrs…” —

Thou wast a beholder in mind of the noetic hosts, as a doer of the words of God, laying them up in thy heart, wherein thou didst establish thine ascents as they were a ladder. O John our venerable father, pray that peace and great mercy be granted to the world.

Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

O venerable John, from childhood thou didst found thy life upon Christ our God; and, strengthened by Him, thou didst subject the passions of the flesh to thy mind, making that which is baser submit to that which is higher. Wherefore, pray thou, that our souls be saved.

Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments shall he greatly delight.

O divinely wise John our father, thou wast shown to be a great beacon, enlightening the whole world with the effulgence of miracles and divine works. Wherefore, after thy repose thou hast received the Light which waneth not. Pray, therefore, that our souls be saved.

Glory…, in Tone VIII —

O ye chosen flock of Christ, ye councils of the faithful, ye newly consecrated people, come, let us all hasten to the honored memorial of our venerable father John, Who shone forth in heart and hath come to us. For, lo! his sacred body lieth before us, a precious confirmation of our Faith, a true adornment of the venerable. Let the assemblies of the heretics who believe not in the resurrection be put to shame! For, behold, even after death he preserveth his countenance: he enableth the lame to walk and the blind to see, and empowereth the paralyzed; and he strengtheneth our pious Orthodox hierarchs against all heresies; and, standing in spirit before the throne of the Master, he prayeth that our souls be saved.

Now & ever…: Theotokion —

O unwedded Virgin who ineffably conceived God in the flesh, Mother of God Most High: accept the entreaties of thy servants, O most immaculate one, granting unto all cleansing of transgressions; and, receiving now our supplications, pray thou that we all be saved.

Troparion, in Tone I —

Thine angelic life hath been the foundation of repentance, the medicine of compunction, a model of consolation and spiritual perfection, O venerable father John, who abode in prayers, fasting and tears. Entreat Christ God in behalf of our souls.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

When Gabriel announced to thee, Rejoice! O Virgin, the Master of all became incarnate within thee, the holy tabernacle, at His cry, as the righteous David said. Thou wast shown to be more spacious than the heavens, having borne thy Creator. Glory to Him Who made His abode within thee! Glory to Him Who came forth from thee! Glory to Him Who hath set us free by thy birthgiving!

At Matins

On “God is the Lord…’, the troparion of the venerable one, twice; Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Go thou quickly before…” —

With abstinence thou didst cause the carnal passions to wither away, O father, and through the giving of alms thou didst receive great spiritual grace. Wherefore, thou wast well-pleasing to God, and even after thy death wast shown to be a worthy vessel of miracles, cleansing us from the passions. O venerable John, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love honor thy holy memory. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

By thy divine birthgiving, O pure one , thou hast restored the dead nature of mortals which had become corrupt in the passions, and thou hast raised all up from death to the life of incorruption. Wherefore, as is meet, we all bless thee as thou didst foretell, O all-glorious Virgin.

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone V: Spec. Mel.: “The Word Who with the Father and the Spirit is equally without beginning…” —

With hymns let us honor the ascetic of the Lord as one who struck down the assaults of the passions with steadfast abstinence, with patience truly put to shame the adverse foe and set his arrogance at nought, and now prayeth that our souls find mercy. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

Awesome is the miracle of thy conceiving, and the ineffable image of birthgiving known in thee, O pure Ever-virgin, filleth my mind with awe and amazeth my thoughts. Thy glory hath spread over all, O Theotokos, unto the salvation of our souls.

Polyeleos, and this magnification —

We bless thee, O venerable father John, and we honor thy holy memory, O instructor of monks and converser with the angels.

Selected Psalm verses —

A With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive unto me, and He hearkened unto my supplication. [Ps. 39: 2]

B He set my feet upon a rock, and He ordered my steps aright. [Ps. 39: 3]

A Lo, I have fled afar off and have dwelt in the wilderness. [Ps. 54: 8]

B I am become like a pelican of the wilderness. [Ps. 101: 7]

A I have watched, and am like a sparrow that sitteth alone upon the housetop. [Ps. 101: 8]

B My knees are grown weak through fasting. [Ps. 108: 24]

A And my flesh is changed for want of oil. [Ps. 108: 24]

B With tears will I water my couch. [Ps. 6: 4]

A For many dogs have encircled me, the congregation of evil doers hath surrounded me. [Ps. 21: 17]

B They have bent their bow, a bitter thing. [Ps. 63: 4]

A That they may shoot in secret at the blameless man. [Ps. 63: 4]

B I beheld the Lord ever before me, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. [Ps. 15: 8]

A All the nations compassed me round about, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off. [Ps. 117: 10]

B Blessed be the Lord Who hath not given us to be a prey to their teeth. [Ps. 123: 6]

A Let all Thy works, O Lord, give praise to Thee. [Ps. 144: 10]

B And let the righteous ones bless Thee. [Ps. 144: 10]

A Know also that the Lord hath made wondrous His righteous one. [Ps. 4: 4]

B He hath labored forever, and shall live to the end. [Ps. 48: 9-10]

A The Lord preserveth the souls of His saints. [Ps. 96: 10]

B The saints shall boast in glory and shall rejoice upon their beds. [Ps. 149: 5]

A Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. [Ps. 115: 6]

B Chant unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. [Ps. 29: 5]

Glory…, Now & ever…

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God! Thrice

After the Polyeleos, this sessional hymn, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom…” —

Receiving pastoral ability, O pillar and foundation of monastics, thou didst tend thy flock with understanding; for, having desired the divine teachings of Christ, thou didst find illumination therein, O venerable one. Wherefore, thou didst inspire all to zeal for the angelic life, that they might glorify God with oneness of mind. O God-bearing John, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who honor thy holy memory with love. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

O all-pure Virgin Mother of God, heal thou the grievous passions of my soul, I pray, and grant me forgiveness of the transgressions which I have committed, defiling my soul and body, wretch that I am. Woe is me! What shall I do at that hour when the angel will separate my soul from my passion-plagued body? Then be thou my helper and most fervent intercessor; for thee do I, thy servant, have as my hope.

Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV —

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?

Let every breath praise the Lord.

Gospel according to Matthew, §43

[Mt. 11: 27-30]

The Lord said to His disciples: “All things are delivered unto Me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI —

O venerable father John, the sound of thy corrections hath gone forth into all the earth; wherefore, thou hast found the reward of thy labors in the heavens, hast destroyed hordes of the demons, and attained unto the ranks of the angels, whose life thou didst blamelessly emulate. As thou hast boldness before Christ God, ask peace for our souls.

Canon of Supplication to the Theotokos [the Paraclysis], with 6 troparia, including the irmos; and that of the venerable one, with 8 troparia.

Ode I

Canon of the venerable one, the acrostic whereof is: “O most blessed luminary, I hymn thy wonders”, in Tone IV —

Irmos: The people of Israel, having fled across the watery deep of the Red Sea with dryshod feet, beholding the mounted captains of the enemy drowned therein, sang with gladness: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Illumined with divine light, thou dwellest now with the angels, O father. By thy supplications ever save those who keep thy sacred memory, chanting with joy: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Without wandering thou didst tread the path which leadeth to life, O blessed one, fleeing the tumults of the world, and thou didst destroy the vexations of the demons, O father John, crying out with joy: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Having mortified carnal-mindedness with bouts of fasting, thou didst make it subject to the divine Spirit with the guidance of divine power, and didst joyously cry out: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Thou didst forsake all beautiful things, O father, and didst love constant beauty in the house of the Lord, where the sound is heard of those who keep festival, joyously chanting: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Theotokion: Having conceived in thy womb the timeless Son of the unoriginate Father, Who became flesh among men for our sake, thou gavest birth ineffably to Him in time. To Him do we cry, rejoicing: Let us chant unto our God, for He hath been glorified!

Ode III

Irmos: The bow of the mighty is become weak, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power; wherefore, my heart is established in the Lord.

Thou didst submit to the law of the Spirit, which thou didst present unto all, O venerable one; and of thy volition thou didst not submit to the law of sin.

Directing thy thoughts above to God, O father, thou didst abandon those things which are on earth, unceasingly exalted by the pangs of abstinence.

Breaking the bonds of nature, O God-bearing John, by thy pure and supernatural life thou didst receive the ability to accomplish things beyond nature.

That thou mightest converse with God without interruption, O father, thou didst resolve to live in the wilderness, withdrawing from tumult.

Theotokion: Desiring to save man for his benefit, as a Benefactor Who loveth mankind He made His abode in thy womb without being circumscribed, O Mother of God.

Sessional hymn, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “Thy tomb, O Savior…” —

Tried like gold in the crucible by the fire of asceticism, thou wast shown to be most lustrous, O wise and venerable John; for which cause thou hast passed over to the heavenly kingdom. Wherefore, praising thee with faith, we cry: O father, ask for us grace, mercy and purification. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

To the path of repentance do thou guide me who have angered the all-good Lord, O blessed Mary who knewest not wedlock, thou refuge of despairing people and dwelling-place of God.

Ode IV

Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

Thou didst straightway cast off the old man and the sinful passions, O most honored father, and through much ascetic labor didst clothe thyself in the new man, following Christ.

Thy splendid life, O father, was shown in thee to be an excellent rule of divine virtue, in prayer and fasting, in vigils and entreaties directed to Christ, Who loveth mankind.

Thou gavest no slumber to thine eyes, O venerable father, until thou hadst made thyself an all-beauteous temple for the all-seeing Master, to Whom thou criest: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Theotokion: Thou hast brought life to mortal men, O all-pure one, in giving birth to the Bestower of life, Who delivereth from corruption those who cry to Him: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Ode V

Irmos: Send down upon us Thine enlightenment, O Lord, and free us from the gloom of transgressions, O Good One, granting us Thy peace.

O blessed one, thou didst show forth wisdom in thy youth, understanding in thine old age, patience and long-suffering throughout thy whole life, and love for all.

Giving wings to the understanding of thy soul, and directing thy senses, O wise one, thou becamest an honorable temple consecrated to God.

Thou didst adorn the three parts of thy soul, O venerable one, making thy mind the master, for it hath Christ guiding thee to the heavenly way.

Theotokion: The Virgin gave birth to the all-pure God Who setteth down the law, the Savior of all men, who proclaimeth piety to all on earth.

Ode VI

Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial, the Prophet Jonah, praying within the sea monster, cried out: Deliver me from corruption, O Jesus, King of hosts!

Thou didst sincerely love to dwell in the wilderness, O God-bearer, receiving therein God Who delivereth thee and guardeth thy steps.

Thou didst endure, unwavering, in the wilderness, O divinely wise one, preserving the purity of thy life unadulterated even until thy repose; therefore thou hast been vouchsafed delight.

Thou didst live an angelic life on earth and hast fittingly received honor equal to that of the angels, standing with the angels before God.

Theotokion: In thy womb, O Mother of God, thou didst conceive the Word of the unoriginate God, Who became like us among men for our sake, being known immutably in two natures.

Kontakion, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “To thee, the champion leader…” —

Emulating the life of the angels, O venerable one, forsaking all things of earth thou didst hasten to Christ; and guarding thyself with His commandments, thou wast shown to be a tower unshaken by the assaults of the enemy. Wherefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O father John, thou all-radiant luminary!

Ikos: Come, all ye faithful, let us hymn the venerable John, who in his mortal body supernaturally emulated the life of the angels and joinest chorus with them in the heavens. For he considered all the beauties of this world but dung, that he might receive the things of heaven, and, having ascended the mountain, like the great Moses and Elijah of old, and purified himself by fasting, he hath been vouchsafed to behold the effulgence of the Trinity, not in darkness, nor in the whirlwind, but in the light of the grace of God. Wherefore, radiantly emitting beams of miracles, and pouring forth rivers of healing from his tomb, he is like a living healer of infirmities; for which cause we cry to him: Rejoice, O father John, thou all-radiant luminary!

Ode VII

Irmos: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, Who saved the children of Abraham in the fire, slaying the Chaldæans whom justice rightly overtook: blessed art Thou!

With the most sublime power of the help of God thou didst cast down the enemy, and wast a victor, crying out: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Having done away with the darkness of the passions and been illumined with the enlightenment of dispassion, O venerable one, thou didst cry: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Having wounded thy soul with the beauties of the virtues, thou becamest comely in beauty, and, rejoicing, thou chantest to the Lord: O all-hymned Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Theotokion: The Lord Who loveth mankind, having made His abode in thy womb and become incarnate, O Virgin, hath called us captives to the state we enjoyed in the beginning.

Ode VIII

Irmos: The birthgiving of the Theotokos saved the pious children in the furnace—then in figure, but now in deed—and it moveth all the world to chant to Thee: Hymn ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Taking the words of life everlasting to heart, O all-blessed one, thou didst lay waste to thy flesh; and having mortified thyself to the world, thou didst clothe thyself in life-bearing mortality, chanting: Hymn ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

O God-bearer, entreat the only Benefactor, that He be merciful unto those who celebrate thine all-honored memorial and grant them remission of offenses.

Unceasingly directing thy gaze toward God, and receiving the radiance of effulgence therefrom, like a mirror thou dost reflect the never-waning Light upon those who chant: Hymn ye the Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Thou didst mount the ladder stretching upward to the heavens, whereon the Lord appeared, O venerable father, making divine ascents until thou hadst achieved the perfection of thy desires, chanting: Hymn ye the Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Theotokion: We hymn thee, O joyous one, for thou gavest birth for us to the incarnate God. Wherefore, we all call thee the Theotokos, the God-receiving womb, the beauty of Jacob, hymning the Lord, and exalting Him supremely for all ages.

Ode IX

Irmos: Eve, through weakness, abode under the curse of disobedience; but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, hast put forth blessing for the world through the Offspring of thy child-bearing. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

With the tears of ascetic endeavor thou didst water thy furrow, O God-bearing father, and thou rejoicest now, gathering in the sheaves of the honor of thy struggles with joy. Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.

The never-waning Light shone within thee, and thou hast received everlasting gladness where thou joinest chorus with the angels around the King and Lord. O most blessed father, be thou mindful of those who keep thy memory with faith.

Enabled to elude the demons’ arrows and evil wiles, thou wast saved, O blessed one; wherefore, thy soul, which is holy, pure and undefiled, hath been vouchsafed heavenly delight. Remember those who honor thee.

Training thyself in the law of asceticism, thou didst vanquish hordes of the demons, O father; wherefore, He Who alone is the Bestower of honors crowneth thee with glory and hath vouchsafed thee divine enjoyment of the effulgence of God.

Theotokion: Having given birth to the Author of all created things, O Mother of God, thou hast surpassed all creation in divine glory, holiness and grace, and art greater than all in virtue. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Exapostilarion: Spec. Mel.: “Heaven with stars…” —

Desiring the life of the angels, thou didst withdraw to the wilderness; and having brought the carnal passions under control, thou wast shown to be the peer of the angels, O John our God-bearing father. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion —

By thy mighty protection, O pure one, preserve all of us, thy servants, unharmed by the assault of the enemy; for thee alone among women do we have as a refuge.

On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O all-glorious wonder…” —

O venerable father John, having taken the yoke of Christ upon thy shoulders, thou didst manfully trample underfoot the visitation of the enemy. Wherefore, with faith we all honor thee, O all-blessed boast of monastics. For which cause, entreat Christ unceasingly, that He save our souls. Twice

Assembling with faith, we all honor thee, O wise John, as an ascetic of Christ; for, rejoicing, thou didst journey into the impassable wilderness, becoming our honored guide. Wherefore, we cry to thee with faith, O blessed one, thou boast of fasters; pray for us to the Lord, that our souls find mercy.

O John our venerable father, for the sake of the life which is to come thou didst confine thyself to rocky defiles and forests, in nowise daunted by the invisible foe who assailed thee many times. But by thy supplications thou didst cause them to vanish, O thou who art steadfast of soul, thou wondrous sheep in the wilderness of Ryla, who hast Christ the Lamb as thy Shepherd. Wherefore, we all honor and bless thee with faith.

Glory…, in the same tone —

Mounting the chariot of the virtues, bound for heaven, O wondrous one, thou didst attain unto the most sublime way of life through abstinence. Dwelling in the wilderness, looking toward the beauty of the Jerusalem on high, and having received honors for thy struggles and pangs, thou rejoicest with the heavenly ranks, O all-blessed one, having become a dweller in the kingdom, an heir to eternal good things. Yet entreat the Savior of all, O God-bearing John, that He grant peace to the world and save our souls.

Now & ever…: Theotokion —

O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all want and grief.

Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.

At Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of the venerable one.

Prokimenon, in Tone VII —

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?

Epistle to the Galatians, §213 [5: 22-6: 2]

The Lord said to His disciples: “All things are delivered unto Me of my Father; and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him. Come unto Me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”

Alleluia, in Tone VI —

Stichos: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments shall he greatly delight.

Stichos: His seed shall be mighty upon the earth.

Gospel according to Luke, § 24 [Lk. 6: 17-23].

At that time, Jesus stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all. And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples and said: “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye who hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye who weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

Communion Verse —

In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.