Books - Sources
Menaion Supplement - August 16
Memory of our devout father Gerasimos of Kephallenia
__________
MATINS
CHOIR
Mode 1.
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.
Apolytikion.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 1. As a citizen of the desert.
Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης.
Most venerable God-bearing father Gerasimos, * God who cares for all things manifested you on the earth * a protector of believers everywhere, * and their helper who is quick to offer aid. * For you remedy the ailments of both the soul * and body by the grace you have. * Glory to Christ, who glorified you! * Glory to Him for your miracles! * Glory to Him for all the cures that He works through you. [SD]
Glory. Another.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 1. As a citizen of the desert.
Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης.
As the offspring of Trikkala, the pride of Cephalonians, * protector of Omalon Monastery, we extol you, O Gerasimos. * For truly in this life you lived on earth * as a heavenly angel of God. * And therefore your precious body was counted worthy of glory and incorruption. * Glory to Christ who glorified you; * glory to Him who kept you from decay: * glory to Him who gave you to the faithful, as one who sleeplessly intercedes. [SD]
Both now.
Apolytikion of the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Mode 1.
You gave birth yet preserved your virginity. You fell asleep in death yet did not desert the world, O Theotokos. You were transported to life, as you are Mother of Life and, by virtue of your intercessions, deliver our souls from death. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 19. Then the 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
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.
CHOIR
Kathisma I.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
Appearing recently unto the universe, * O wise one, being rich in godly virtues all, * you clearly proved yourself to be a bright shining luminary. * Therefore, celebrating you, * who were placed as a firm support * of the Church, we sing to you, * who are sparkling with gifts of grace. * And we, thus blessed with you as protector, * honor your memory with anthems. [SD]
Glory.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
Menaion Supplement - - -
When He beheld your mind’s exceeding purity, * and your persistence in ascetic discipline, * and your angelic way of life, the Giver of crowns of honor * glorified you splendidly * and adorned you with gifts of grace, * and He has assigned you to us * as our helper and guardian. * And therefore to the Lord does your Island * gratefully send up hymns of glory. [SD]
Both now. For the Feast.
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Seedless conception once preceded childbirth, * and in dormition now is death without decay. * This twofold miracle is seen in you only, Theotokos. * Virgin Mary, how did you * nurse a babe while remaining chaste? * Being buried, now are you * emitting fragrance, O Mother of God! * And therefore with the Angel we sing to you: * Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace. [SD]
The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. Then the 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
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 You are good and benevolent 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.
CHOIR
Kathisma II.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. On this day.
Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.
As if being bodiless on earth, excelling in virtue, * you became a practicer of a celestial life-style. * Blessed one, as an abode of the Holy Spirit, * you in turn were glorified with the grace of healing. * Therefore, all of us with longing * revere your body, divine Gerasimos. [SD]
Glory.
Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.
Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Donning the adornment of resplendent virtue, * you, O blessed Saint, received from God the ornament of grace, * and to the faithful your ven’rable * body was given, a wellspring effusing grace. [SD]
Both now. For the Feast.
Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.
Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.
Menaion Supplement - - -
All the world, noetically adorned in splendor * by the immaterial Spirit, at your august repose, * in exultation cries out to you: Rejoice, O Virgin, the boast of us Christians all. [SD]
The Polyeleos.
Psalm 134 (135).
Psalm 135 (136).
Selected Psalm Verses
Selected Psalm Verses for Monastic Saints
My supplication. Alleluia.
1. I waited patiently for the Lord, and He heeded me; and He heard my supplication. [SAAS] Alleluia. (39:2)
2. And He established my feet on a rock and kept straight my steps. [SAAS] Alleluia. (39:3)
3. Behold, I fled far away, and lodged in the wilderness. [SAAS] Alleluia. (54:8)
4. I kept watch, and have become like a sparrow alone on a housetop. [SAAS] Alleluia. (101:8)
5. My tears were my bread day and night. [SAAS] Alleluia. (41:4)
6. My knees were weak from fasting, and my flesh was changed because of the oil. [SAAS] Alleluia. (108:24)
7. Every single night I will dampen my bed; I will drench my couch with my tears. [SAAS] Alleluia. (6:7)
8. I was cut down like grass, and my heart became withered. [SAAS] Alleluia. (101:5)
9. For I forgot to eat my bread. [SAAS] Alleluia. (101:5)
10. Because of the sound of my groaning, my bones cleaved to my flesh. [SAAS] Alleluia. (101:6)
11. I held to hard ways because of the words of Your lips. [SAAS] Alleluia. (16:4)
12. My soul thirsts for You. How often my flesh thirsts for You, in a desolate, impassable, and waterless land. [SAAS] Alleluia. (62:2)
13. My eyes fail me from hoping in my God. [SAAS] Alleluia. (68:4)
14. Many times they warred against me from my youth. [SAAS] Alleluia. (128:1)
15. But I put on sackcloth when they troubled me, and I humbled my soul with fasting. [SAAS] Alleluia. (34:13)
16. Know that the Lord made His holy one wondrous. [SAAS] Alleluia. (4:4)
17. For the Lord loves judgment, and He will not abandon His holy ones. [SAAS] Alleluia. (36:28)
18. The Lord keeps the souls of His saints. [SAAS] Alleluia. (96:10)
19. The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds. [SAAS] Alleluia. (149:5)
20. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His holy ones. [SAAS] Alleluia. (115:5)
21. His praise in the assembly of His holy ones. [SAAS] Alleluia. (149:1)
22. Sing praises to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. [SAAS] Alleluia. (29:5)
Glory. For the Trinity.
Mode 1.
Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Mode 1.
We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [SD]
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 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.
CHOIR
Kathisma III.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
Being roused by the yearning of divine love, * and illumined as well by the light of grace, * you left all the world behind * and you followed the Master Christ, * angelically completing your life as if bodiless, * having in soul and body completely been purified. * Thus you have received as a reward for your labors * the grace to do miracles, * having been God’s receptacle, * O God-bearing Gerasimos. * Intercede with Christ our God, * that forgiveness of offenses be bestowed * on those observing your holy memory with faith and love. [SD]
Glory. Both now.
Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.
Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.
You conceived God without ever being sown, * incorruptibly bearing Him in the flesh. * And now you are putting on * the Spirit’s new incorruption. * For as you are the Mother of Life and the Queen of all, * you were transferred, O Virgin, to life immaterial. * Therefore, you were rightly manifested as truly, * the cloud, from which emanates * the water that gives us life, * O all-blameless Mother of God. * Intercede with your Son and our God, * that forgiveness of offenses be bestowed * on those who honor your holy Assumption with right belief. [SD]
Antiphon 1.
Mode 4.
From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. [GOASD] (2)
You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. [GOASD] (2)
Glory.
By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]
Both now.
From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]
Prokeimenon. Psalm 115.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His holy one. (2)
Verse: What shall I give back to the Lord for all He rendered to me?
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His holy one. [SAAS]
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.
PRIEST
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
PRIEST (from the gate)
Lk. 6:17 – 23
At that time, Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” [RSV]
CHOIR
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
READER
Psalm 50 (51).
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. [SAAS]
Menaion Supplement - - -
CHOIR
Glory. Mode 2.
At the intercession of Your holy Ascetic, 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]
Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]
From God to the faithful, O holy Gerasimos, has been given a treasure that is secure: your most venerable body. Therefore, you unceasingly pour out spiritual gladness, and the grace of healings, to those who run faithfully, to your sacred coffin, O blessed one. Intercede with Christ our God, that through all dangers He deliver us unharmed. [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; Athanasios, 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; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; our devout and God-bearing father Gerasimos the New Ascetic, whose memory 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.
From Menaion - - -
CHOIR
Ode i.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Πεποικιλμένη τῇ θείᾳ δόξῃ.
Adorned with glory divine, O Virgin, * is your most sacred and illustrious memorial, * gathering the faithful all together joyfully to sing * in processions led by Mariam, with timbrels and dancing, * to your Only-begotten Son. * For He has been greatly glorified. [SD] (2)
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Even as incorporeal orders * of heaven tended your divine body, O Virgin pure, * suddenly the multitude of the Apostles converged * from the ends of the earth, O Theotokos, in Zion, * and all stood before you. And with them * we glorify your solemn memory. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Trophies of victory over nature * did you, O virgin Maiden, raise in giving birth to God. * But in imitation now of your Creator and your Son, * you submit to nature’s laws in a way transcending nature. * And thus, though you die, you resurrect, * and with your Son you live eternally. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. I open my mouth.
Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
O blessed Gerasimos, today your Island’s inhabitants * present you a hymn of praise. And we all gaily exult. * Godly-minded one, you are you Island’s helper, * protector and guardian. Therefore, preserve us all. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Most blessed Gerasimos, on earth you led an angelic life, * and thus did you prove to be an excellent and true * servant of your God. So, by your intercessions, * guard your Island and your flock, as we invoke your name. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You God-pleasing longing for the things of heaven prepared in you * a place for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to dwell. * It established you most firmly in divine grace, * convincing you to observe the dictates of the Law. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
While standing before the throne of grace, O blessed Gerasimos, with pity look down upon us who are crowning you * with our canticles of honor, and redeem us * from all kinds of tribulations, by your fervent prayers. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. The rod of Moses.
Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
In sacred canticles and hymns of gratitude we gladly crown you today, * venerable father and evoker of our joy. * The wise Bestower of the crowns, for unspeakable reasons, * appointed you a most earnest guard * to be our protector and rescuer. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You are the beauty of monastics, truly the ascetics’ dignity, * the boast of the clergy. We are rich possessing you * and joyfully continue to be enriched; for you clearly * are an august gift from God to us, * and a precious treasure, Gerasimos. [SD]
Glory.
O blessed Saint, you truly blossomed as a rose, fragrant and marvelous. * And having abandoned all things, you bedecked your soul * with the unfading flowers of all the virtues, perfuming * all of your sense organs totally * with the Holy Spirit’s abundant light. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Shout to the Mother of our God most fervently, O humble soul of mine: “O shelter of Christians, please do not abandon me. * But save me and deliver me from eternal perdition, * and from adversities rescue me; * for you are the helper of hopeless ones.” [SD]
Ode 1: Katavasia
Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 1.
Adorned with glory divine, O Virgin, * is your most sacred and illustrious memorial, * gathering the faithful all together joyfully to sing * in processions led by Mariam, with timbrels and dancing, * to your Only-begotten Son. * For He has been greatly glorified. [GOASD]
Ode iii.
From Menaion - - -
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Ἡ δημιουργική.
O Wisdom of our God and His Power that has created * and is sustaining the universe, * reinforce Your Church, O Christ, * preserving her unshaken and unmoved. * For You alone are holy, * O Lord, and You repose in Your holy ones. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The glorious Apostles knew you to be a mortal woman, * and yet past nature the Mother of * God as well, O blameless one. * With hands atremble fearfully they touched * you whom they beheld to shine * with glory as the body that hosted God. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The glorious Apostles knew you to be a mortal woman, * and yet past nature the Mother of * God as well, O blameless one. * With hands atremble fearfully they touched * you whom they beheld to shine * with glory as the body that hosted God. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Vengeance was quickly wreaked on the insolent hands of the audacious one, * and amputation was wrought on them, * God thereby preserving, with * the glory of the Godhead, the respect * due unto the living Ark, * the Virgin’s body wherein the Word became flesh. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. Establish your servants.
Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
The course of repentance is delightful. From childhood you chose it for yourself. * Courageously you finished it, preferring nothing to the love * for your Creator and the way of life of angels, O holy one. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Your hon’rable relic, godly-minded Gerasimos, emanating streams * of healings to the faithful is a token of the grace of God, * by which you have become the vessel of the Spirit for noble use. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You came as a mighty benefactor. You rescued your Island from the dread * calamity of pestilence. You are the most compassionate * guardian. Therefore, evermore preserve it safe from adversity. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
With faith we take refuge in your shelter, Gerasimos holy man of God. * Deliver us from various temptations, in your tender love, * and save from all jeopardy, by your unceasing and fervent prayers. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. O divine Master Builder.
Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Unto us you have lately appeared. And we Orthodox * recognize you as a divine treasure of the Spirit of God, * a luminary of the Church. And therefore we honor * you with hymns and glorify you, St. Gerasimos. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Fully rapt with the longing for the intense love for God, * in your heart you painted the beauty of your authentic home * and fatherland on high in every detail and counted * everything as rubbish, like the great Apostle Paul. [SD]
Glory.
As we sing supplications to you, O Saint, joyfully, * and as we confer to your Relic honor and dignity, * we who possess you now as our protector entreat you: * Save your Island from all woes, father Gerasimos. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Endless tears, O my Lady, and ineffaceable grief * grant to me with ardent compunction, and holy inner fear, * and pure humility; and to my heart grant contrition. * This I pray. And save me, as the Mother of my God. [SD]
Ode 3: Katavasia
Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 1.
O Wisdom of our God and His Power that has created * and is sustaining the universe, * reinforce Your Church, O Christ, * preserving her unshaken and unmoved. * For You alone are holy, * O Lord, and You repose in Your holy ones. [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
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 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.
READER
From Menaion - - -
Kontakion of the Feast.
Mode pl. 2. Automelon.
Τὴν ἐν πρεσβείαις.
The Theotokos is undying in intercession.* Immovable is our hope in her for protection. * Neither death nor burial prevailed over her. * As she is Mother of Life, she was removed to life by Him, * the Lord who lived in her ever-virgin womb. [SD]
CHOIR
Kathisma.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. You were so beautiful.
Τὴν ὡραιότητα.
In sacred hymns of praise do we with faith extol * you, O Gerasimos, for you were equal to * the angels in your way of life, and Christ’s true and loyal servant. * Likewise do we longingly * kiss your body and reverence it. * Therefore, having found therein * a most precious gift, O blessed one, * and also a well of cures, we cry out: * Glory to God the Crown-bestower! [SD]
Glory. Another.
Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.
Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.
The most distinguished feast of your honorable mem’ry * has once again arrived, and we eagerly observe it. * We rev’rence your immaculate, sacred body, O Gerasimos, * which the multitudes of angels glorify also, * and they all rejoice in the salvation of mankind, * and magnify Christ our God.
Both now. For the Feast.
Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.
Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.
The honorable choir of the all-wise Apostles * miraculously came, O august Theotokos, * to bury your immaculate holy body with dignity. * Joining them, the hosts of holy Angels extolled you. * With solemnity they sang and praised your Assumption, * which we faithfully celebrate.
From Menaion - - -
Ode iv.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Ῥήσεις Προφητῶν καὶ αἰνίγματα.
Sayings of the Prophets and mysteries * revealed Your incarnation from a Virgin mystically, O Christ: * that Your lightning’s brightness as light for Gentiles would emanate. * The abyss calls out to You with a voice of gladness: * To Your strength be glory, benevolent Lord! [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Come and see, O peoples, and marvel. * For lo, the most remarkable * and holy mountain of our God * is exalted higher * than the celestial hills on high. * Having been a heaven on earth, she now is living * on celestial acres that perish not. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
O pure one, your death has become for you * a passage to superior * and everlasting life on high, * from the transitory * translating you, O Immaculate, * to the other life, truly divine and unfleeting, * there to gaze with great joy on your Son and Lord. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Heaven’s gates, O Lady, were lifted up, * and hosts of Angels sang in praise, * and Christ the Lord himself received * the most precious treasure * of His own Mother’s virginity. * Cherubim submitted to you in exultation, * and the Seraphim glorified you with joy. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. When the Prophet Habakkuk.
Τὴν ἀνεξιχνίαστον.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You became a house of the Spirit’s sublime * and supernal gifts, an instructor of virtuous conduct, * a practitioner and guide * and teacher of the active life * and the supernatural ascetic life. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Celebrating your shining festival now * and your joyous feast, O thrice-blessed one, * your Island and its people cry aloud to you, * inviting you to shelter them: * “Be for me a guard, O Gerasimos.” [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You most honored body is brightly adorned * with the grace of God, O Gerasimos. * The Crown-bestower has presented it to us, * a treasure from which miracles * issue and divine fragrance emanates. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
All of us with faith and with longing now pray, * O God-bearing father, and cry to you: * Come quickly, save us and your Island from all harm. * For us you are an advocate, * praying to the Lord who is merciful. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. You are my strength.
Σύ μου ἰσχύς.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Ever within your mind and heart did you bear about * the exalted Gospel of the Son of God. And being armed with the Spirit’s grace, * you went to the Holy Mountain of Athos, O holy one. * In purity of living, emulating the angels, * you most wisely became pleasing unto God. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Really, with God you were united through ardent prayer, * and by standing vigilantly, by the rivers of your tears you were purified * wholly and were brightened by your divinely inspired feats. * And as a thirsty dear you selected the Holy * Lands to glorify therein the Holy One. [SD]
Glory.
Ven’rable Saint, you were an intellect gazing up * at the Intellect. You were made brilliant by the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment. * As a wondrous vessel of virtue crowned with the awesome gift * of priesthood, to the maker did you offer up bloodless * sacrifices extraordinarily. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Reject me not, but be my shelter forevermore. * For the only refuge I possess is you, O Lady, you are my one defense * during my temptations, in tribulations my only joy, * deliverer in dangers, in distress my protectress, * cheer in sorrows, relief in calamities. [SD]
Ode 4: Katavasia
Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 1.
Sayings of the Prophets and mysteries * revealed Your incarnation from a Virgin mystically, O Christ: * that Your lightning’s brightness as light for Gentiles would emanate. * The abyss calls out to You with a voice of gladness: * To Your strength be glory, benevolent Lord! [GOASD]
From Menaion - - -
Ode v.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Τὸ θεῖον καὶ ἄῤῥητον.
O Christ, I shall tell of Your virtues * and of their beauty, divine and ineffable: * As coeternal and hypostatic radiance * you shone from glory eternal; and coming forth * incarnate from the Virgin’s womb, * You have risen as a Sun * on those in darkness and in the shadow of death. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
As if on the clouds being carried, * so the Apostles from the ends of the universe * were brought to Zion, assembling there to minister * to you the swift and the light cloud, O Virgin pure, * from whom the Most High God has shone * as the Sun of Righteousness * on those in darkness and in the shadow of death. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
As if on the clouds being carried, * so the Apostles from the ends of the universe * were brought to Zion, assembling there to minister * to you the swift and the light cloud, O Virgin pure, * from whom the Most High God has shone * as the Sun of Righteousness * on those in darkness and in the shadow of death. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Instructed by the Holy Spirit, * the Theologians’ divinely inspired tongues * sang to the Mother of God the hymn of burial * more resoundingly than trumpets: “O Undefiled, * rejoice, O fountain of our God’s * incarnation that imparts * life and salvation unto the universe.” [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. Amazed was the universe.
Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Considering all that is delightful in the world to be * fragile and unstable, holy father, * you fixed your gaze on the love of Christ the King. * But now you delight in endless joy * in the heavenly, divine habitations exultantly. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Respectable, virtuous, courageous, chaste, and decorous, * quiet, faithful, venerable, gentle, * modest and sober and irreproachable: * Such did you appear, having become * an organ of grace and a divine abode of the Trinity. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Unwaveringly did you aspire to the beauty of divine illumination and dispassion; * towards divine love did you completely direct * your spirit, O holy man of God, * by your unremitting fasts and your long and persistent prayers. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
O holy and ven’rable Gerasimos, we fervently * pray to you. Accept our supplications, * and in the day of temptation and distress, * of troubles and evils of all kinds, * urgently present them to the Creator and King of all. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. Why reject me, Your servant.
Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
As a singer of praises * unto the divine Source of brightness, rejoicingly * you ascended Sinai, * O most glorious Saint, on the wings of grace. * And you added longing unto your longing, and thus strengthened * your desire for God, O Gerasimos. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Near the Jordan exalted * by keeping the Master’s extraordinary fast, * you were there instructed * in the mystical way the divine ascent * into things of heaven, * and you received the grace of Moses * and Elias abundantly, blessed one. [SD]
Glory.
Through your brightness, O blest one, * God enlightens souls. You appeared as an intellect * that ever beholds Him. * With dispassion you lived by yourself in caves, * following the Baptists and Theodosius your mentors, imitating their fasts, O Gerasimos. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
As possessing the greatest * confidence before the Master who from you was born, every day, O Maiden, you receive what you wish. You can do all things, * for you are the Mother of the almighty God. And therefore * simply with my salvation and I am saved. [SD]
Ode 5: Katavasia
Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 1.
O Christ, I shall tell of Your virtues * and of their beauty, divine and ineffable: * As coeternal and hypostatic radiance * you shone from glory eternal; and coming forth * incarnate from the Virgin’s womb, * You have risen as a Sun * on those in darkness and in the shadow of death. [GOASD]
From Menaion - - -
Ode vi.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Ἅλιον ποντογενές.
Briny and born of the deep, * the fire in the maw of the whale * was a prefiguring of Your three-daylong burial; * and of this figure was Jonah the interpreter. * For, preserved unscathed as before he was swallowed up, he cried out: * I shall sacrifice to You with a voice of praise, O Lord. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Things past nature has the King * and God of all granted to you. * For as He kept you a virgin while you gave birth to Him, * so incorrupt He preserved your body in the tomb; * and He glorified you with himself through a heavenly assumption; * thereby, as a son his mother, rendering honors to you. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Things past nature has the King * and God of all granted to you. * For as He kept you a virgin while you gave birth to Him, * so incorrupt He preserved your body in the tomb; * and He glorified you with himself through a heavenly assumption; * thereby, as a son his mother, rendering honors to you. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
As the lampstand all aglow * with the immaterial fire, * the golden altar of incense bearing the divine coal, * the urn with manna, the rod, and the all-holy Ark, * within the Holy of Holies, O Virgin, your Son indeed installed you, * the table of the Bread of life and tablet inscribed by God. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. O godly-minded believers.
Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
How truly marvelous is the grace * that manifested you as another Moses, O Gerasimos. * For you yourself clearly did perform * a comparable fast, lasting forty days and nights. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
While still alive, O exalted one, * your ended instantaneously by prayer the dryness of the earth, * and after death brought out of a well * the woman who had been pushed into it by the fiend. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Alive you bore, O Gerasimos, * the fruits of incorrupt glory fit for God. And dead you have remained * without corruption, and live in soul * and body both in heaven and earth adorned with crowns. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Adorned with various gifts of grace, * from various calamities rescue this your Island and us all, * O holy father Gerasimos. * For we possess your name as our greatest pride and boast. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. Be gracious to me.
Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Surrounding yourself in bright apparel in the garment of light * and majesty of your works, you indeed became the light * of the world and likewise salt * of the earth, O wise one, * as a genuine servant of Christ. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Intelligent as your were, you dedicated yourself to Christ, * and bravely did you attain all the virtues in yourself, * and therefore the Master of all things glorified you, * who had glorified Him faithfully. [SD]
Glory.
Now we magnify the Lord, and singing hymns do we celebrate. * For He sent you unto us, Blessed St. Gerasimos, * in His own ineffable mercy as a treasure, * wholly bright with gifts of solid gold. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Pure Virgin, revive my soul, for it is dead from my many sins. * For you ineffably bore the Life of us mortals all. * And therefore enable me, * holy Theotokos, * to perform the wishes of the Lord. [SD]
Ode 6: Katavasia
Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 1.
Briny and born of the deep, * the fire in the maw of the whale * was a prefiguring of Your three-daylong burial; * and of this figure was Jonah the interpreter. * For, preserved unscathed as before he was swallowed up, he cried out: * I shall sacrifice to You with a voice of praise, O Lord. [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
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 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.
READER
Kontakion. For the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. O Champion General.
Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ.
God-bearing father and most glorious Gerasimos, * you ever come to our assistance in adversities, * as our helper and our earnest God-sent defender. * So with songs we praise you loyally, acclaiming you * as your Island’s very sympathetic guardian. * And we cry to you: O rejoice, ever-blessed one! [SD]
Oikos.
Let us be merry in God, at this most august and joyous feast of the newly appearing devout Saint; and with longing let us cry out to him: “O God-bearing father Gerasimos, glorified by God, you most wisely followed the angelic way of life on earth, and from God you received the crown in heaven, and by divine grace you were brightened with the incorruption of your body. By your intercessions, deliver your Monastery and your Island from any assault or hardship, and free them from impending distress. For both have you as their most earnest protector, and they do not cease from crying to you: O rejoice, ever-blessed one!” [SD]
Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.
Synaxarion
On August 16, we commemorate our devout father St. Gerasimos the New Ascetic from the island of Kefallinia.
Verses
Honors are due to Gerasimos the New,
crowned with the honors of Saints before him.
On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Diomedes.
On this day devout Saint Chaeremon died in peace.
On this day we also commemorate the holy 33 Martyrs from Palestine who died by the sword.
On this day we commemorate the entry of the Icon of the Face of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, which was not made by hands, from the city of Edessa into that God-protected Queen of Cities, Constantinople.
On this day we remember God’s immense and unsurpassed benevolence, which He demonstrated when He routed and put to shame the godless Hagerenes, by the mediation of our all-holy Lady the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.
On this day we remember when the water of the Life-giving Spring stopped and then started flowing again.
On this day we also remember when at that time our humane God delivered us, against all hope, from the threat of earthquake, which was fearful and yet tempered by tender mercy.
The holy Neo-martyr Stamatios of Volos, who witnessed in Constantinople in the year 1680, died by the sword.
Our devout father St. Timothy, Archbishop of Evripos, the founder of the Holy Monastery of Pendeli, reposed in peace.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
CHOIR
From Menaion - - -
Ode vii.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Ἰταμῷ θυμῷ.
Counterposed against audacious ire * and the furnace’s fire, the love for God * made the fire cool as dew, * while the ire it derided, * counteracting in the midst * of flames the musical organs with the three-toned, rational, * God-inspired lyre, * the three holy Servants chanting: Lord our God, * You are glorified, O God * of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Moses, given tablets made by God, * which by the Holy Spirit were inscribed, * once, in anger, shattered them. * But his Master protected * His own Mother from all harm, * and now has made her to dwell in heavenly mansions evermore. * And we leap in gladness * with her, and to Christ cry out: Lord our God, * who are glorified, and God * of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
With the cymbals of our lips made pure, * the melodious psaltery of our hearts, * and the sonorous clarion * of an uplifted reason, * on the celebrated day -- * the convocation for the pure Virgin’s Assumption into life -- * while our hands are clapping * with good works, we shout saying: Lord our God, * who are glorified, and God * of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
The godly-minded people has convened. * For the glorious tabernacle of God * is conveyed from Zion to * a celestial dwelling * where the sound is clearly heard * of a multitude keeping feast with a voice of speechless joy, * and in exultation * crying out to Christ, saying: Lord our God, * who are glorified, and God * of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. Godly-minded three.
Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
By the splendid light * of your achievement wrought in God and your angelic life, * you showed the way to enjoy * eternal salvation unto all, O holy one. * And rejoicingly you sang aloud, “O Lord and God of the fathers, You are blessed. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Let monastics now * together with the company of priests delightfully * in spirit clap their hands. * Let all glorify you, O divine Gerasimos. * For you are their wealth, * their glory and their cause of boast * and a model of devoutness. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Your ascetic feats * were splendid and illustrious; and you shone forth through these, * O noble vessel of God. * An angle on earth were you, and a celestial man; * for in deserts and caves * your life was incorporeal, * O God-bearing holy father. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
God-inspired Saint, * we ask for your salvific aid to be sent down to us, * in our time of distress * and hour of tribulation, when we faithfully * pray for this to you, * miraculous Gerasimos, * who defends us who entreat you. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. Servants, descendants.
Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Gladly to you your Island cries out, * “Father, I know you to be a gift from heaven * that was given to me. And thus, O Saint, your coming * do I proclaim to be from God, * and I glorify the Giver.” [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You, O Gerasimos thrice-blessed, * do I magnify with all my love and feeling. * You were sent unto me to bring to me a blessing, * like Abraham the righteous one, * and like Joseph and Elisha. [SD]
Glory.
O godly Saint, you are my very * earnest advocate. And all night long with fervor * do I offer up hymns unto the Lord of glory, * exalting Him who crowned you with grace * and the gift of working wonders. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
Hail, O God’s Mother, for you opened * Paradise’s gates, which Eve the primal mother * closed to mankind. And so open to me the gates of * repentance that will open to me * once again the gates of heaven. [SD]
Ode 7: Katavasia
Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 1.
Counterposed against audacious ire * and the furnace’s fire, the love for God * made the fire cool as dew, * while the ire it derided, * counteracting in the midst * of flames the musical organs with the three-toned, rational, * God-inspired lyre, * the three holy Servants chanting: Lord our God, * You are glorified, O God * of our fathers, You are blessed. [GOASD]
From Menaion - - -
Ode viii.
Canon 1 of the Feast.
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Φλόγα δροσίζουσαν Ὁσίους.
Unto the Servants in the furnace, * God’s almighty Angel showed a flame * burning the impious, but the saints * cooling as with dew. * Into a life-welling fountain He has made the Theotokos, * gushing destruction upon death, but life to those who sing the hymn: * We who have been redeemed chant in praise of the only Creator, * exalting Him supremely unto all the ages. [SD]
Troparia.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Clinging with words to the divine Ark * of the holiness, the multitude * of the Theologians cried aloud * unto her in Zion: * Where are you going now, O Tabernacle of the living God? * Cease not, we pray, from watching over those who sing out faithfully: * We who have been redeemed chant in praise of the only Creator, * exalting Him supremely unto all the ages. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Clinging with words to the divine Ark * of the holiness, the multitude * of the Theologians cried aloud * unto her in Zion: * Where are you going now, O Tabernacle of the living God? * Cease not, we pray, from watching over those who sing out faithfully: * We who have been redeemed chant in praise of the only Creator, * exalting Him supremely unto all the ages. [SD]
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
As the all-blameless one, departing, * lifted up her hands in orison -- * hands with which she had embraced * the incarnate God -- * she spoke with freedom as a mother, saying to her Son: * Keep them, whom You bequeathed to me, forever as they cry to You: * We who have been redeemed chant in praise of the only Creator, * exalting Him supremely unto all the ages. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. Guiltless were those Servants.
Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Who is not astounded by the struggles, * the labors, the hardships that your body underwent, * through which you were filled with joy * and desired exclusively * the radiating brilliance of the Holy Spirit of God, * and glorified the Lord without ceasing. * For He glorified you with the crown of incorruption. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
From works you appeared to be a hero, * for grace of the Holy Spirit dwelt in you. * Therefore, O Gerasimos, * ailments that are hard to cure * are remedied by you. And all demonic influence * is driven out. And therefore we praise you * and sing hymns exalting your most distinguished mem’ry. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
You became a noble chosen vessel, * for cheerfully you received the brightness from on high. * Joyfully you hastened to * the divine and heavenly * abodes. And by the grace of the all-holy Trinity, * O holy one, you became resplendent, * and you glorified God, in hymns unto the ages. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Joyfully we all proclaim your coming * to us to be truly sent from God, O blessed one. * For in situations of * tribulation and distress, * you have become our liberator through your fervent prayers * unto the Lord. And now do not fail to * unceasingly implore Him that we obtain His mercy. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. O extol Him.
Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.
Saint of God, intercede for us.
Utilizing your confidence before God, * you suspended the drought, and by your prayer ended * your people’s sorrow, blessed St. Gerasimos. * For you rendered glory to the Lord, and therefore He glorified you also. [SD]
Saint of God, intercede for us.
As a helper resplendent with the brightness * of the Spirit, you saved the woman, whom the demon * had caused to fall into the well by pushing her. * For you rendered glory to the Lord, and therefore He glorified you also. [SD]
Glory.
Having truly redeemed your Island’s people * from the dangers of plague, you have appeared a savior, * thus verifying your paternal sympathy. * For you rendered glory to the Lord, and therefore He glorified you also. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
I beseech you, accept this hymn, O Lady, * from abominable lips. Deliver me from perils * and from pollutions of the body, O most Pure. * Purify and cleanse me, for I am polluted by sins of every nature. [SD]
Ode 8: Katavasia
Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 1.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Unto the Servants in the furnace, * God’s almighty Angel showed a flame * burning the impious, but the saints * cooling as with dew. * Into a life-welling fountain He has made the Theotokos, * gushing destruction upon death, but life to those who sing the hymn: * We who have been redeemed chant in praise of the only Creator, * exalting Him supremely unto all the ages. [GOASD]
Stand for the singing of Ode ix.
DEACON
Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.
CHOIR
Ode ix.
The Magnificat. Mode 1.
Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]
Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]
Canon 1 of the Feast.
From Menaion - - -
Heirmos. Mode 1.
Νενίκηνται τῆς φύσεως.
Now all generations call you blessed, O only Theotokos.
In you the laws of nature are defeated,* O undefiled Virgin pure. * In virginity childbirth was accomplished, and death introduces life. * You, after bearing, are virgin, and after dying are living. * Mother of God, * ever save your inheritance. [SD]
Troparia.
Now all generations call you blessed, O only Theotokos.
Amazed were the angelic hosts of heaven * as they beheld their Lord himself * come to Zion receiving * with His own hands a woman’s departing soul. * For He addressed as a son should * her who had stainlessly borne Him: * O gracious one, * come be glorified with your Son and God. [SD]
Now all generations call you blessed, O only Theotokos.
Amazed were the angelic hosts of heaven * as they beheld their Lord himself * come to Zion receiving * with His own hands a woman’s departing soul. * For He addressed as a son should * her who had stainlessly borne Him: * O gracious one, * come be glorified with your Son and God. [SD]
Now all generations call you blessed, O only Theotokos.
The choir of Apostles wrapped in grave clothes * your body that had hosted God, * looking on with awe and reverence, * and addressed you in sweet and sonorous tones: * As you depart for the mansions * near to your Son now in heaven, * Mother of God, * ever save your inheritance. [SD]
Canon 1 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 4. All you born on earth.
Ἅπας γηγενής.
Let us crown with songs of praise and devotion, our savior in adversities, and our protector in dangers, as we extol him with longing.
Lovers of the feasts, * come let us embrace and kiss the relic of our Saint. * And with godly longing, come * and let us therefrom derive exultant joy, * having obtained it as a treasure, and wholeheartedly * let us cry to him, “Divine Gerasimos, * ever shelter us by your unceasing prayers. [SD]
Let us crown with songs of praise and devotion, our savior in adversities, and our protector in dangers, as we extol him with longing.
In these latter days, * God indeed established you herein, O holy one, * as the Faith’s unshakable * pillar and bulwark against the enemies. * He gave unto the adversaries your august and divine * body as a stone for them to stumble on, * thus confirming the Faith of the Orthodox. [SD]
Let us crown with songs of praise and devotion, our savior in adversities, and our protector in dangers, as we extol him with longing.
Your entire Isle * fervently cries out to you, “O saving guardian, * shelter me and keep me unharmed * by plague and earthquake, perils, adversities * through your accepted prayers to God, O St. Gerasimos. * And for those who celebrate you loyally, * be an earnest protector, O holy one. [SD]
Let us crown with songs of praise and devotion, our savior in adversities, and our protector in dangers, as we extol him with longing.
Since you are the one * who redeems your supplicants when they are in distress, * through your intercessions save * all who observe your most sacred memory * from perils and from illnesses and from adversities, * and preserve your Island, O Gerasimos, * and your people uninjured from every harm. [SD]
Canon 2 for the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. The heavens were astounded.
Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.
Let us offer inspired hymns of glory, to the new Ascetic, Gerasimos.
You, piously, O Saint, do we magnify, * glorifying your eminent miracles and all your bright * virtues and attainments, O holy one, * as well as the ascetical * struggles that you chose for the sake of Christ. * And therefore, O God-bearing Gerasimos, we pray you, * grant your protection to your votaries. [SD]
Let us offer inspired hymns of glory, to the new Ascetic, Gerasimos.
Most rev’rently we stand before your august * holy relic, and therefrom do we receive a divine gift, * spiritual fragrance and happiness. * And we observe the sacred feast * of your gladsome memory joyfully. * And therefore, O God-bearing Gerasimos, we pray you, * defend and shelter those who sing your praise. [SD]
Glory.
Faithfully we worship the try-hypostatic Divinity’s dominion.
“Now joyously I hold you in my embrace, * O most blessed Gerasimos, for I have obtained this wealth * as a very precious treasure from God. * And therefore I have you as my * champion and protector, helper and aid, * my shelter and physician,” cries unto you your Island. * So by your intercessions, shelter it. [SD]
Both now. Theotokion.
We faithfully extol the immaculate Virgin and only Theotokos.
Miraculous indeed was the thing you did. * For you gave birth, O Virgin, to your Creator and your Lord. * Now do something else wonderful for me, * and kindly have compassion and * mercy on a sinner who is condemned, * O Mother of the Savior. * Benevolently save me, * who am unworthy of benevolence. [SD]
Ode 9: Katavasia
Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.
Now all generations call you blessed, O only Theotokos.
In you the laws of nature are defeated,* O undefiled Virgin pure. * In virginity childbirth was accomplished, and death introduces life. * You, after bearing, are virgin, and after dying are living. * Mother of God, * ever save your inheritance. [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 all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR
Exaposteilarion.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. Apostles, you have assembled.
Ἀπόστολοι ἐκ περάτων.
O company of monastics * and the assembly of the priests, with songs and hymns let us honor, * together with all who love our feasts, * divine Gerasimos gaily, * as our newly founded glory. [SD]
Another.
Mode 3. Apostles, you have assembled.
Ἀπόστολοι ἐκ περάτων.
O God-bearing Saint, your body, * which was by God immortalized, * that divine vessel of virtues, * from which your wonders emanate, * do we revere now with longing, * keeping your sacred memory. [SD]
Another.
Mode 3. Apostles, you have assembled.
Ἀπόστολοι ἐκ περάτων.
In you, O God-bearing father, * we have a champion in perils, * and earnest helper in trials, * and before God and advocate, * O Saint Gerasimos. Therefore, * we worship the Lord who gives the crowns. [SD]
For the Feast.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 3. Automelon.
Ἀπόστολοι ἐκ περάτων.
Apostles, you have assembled * from every corner of the earth * here in Gethsemane today; * now come and bury my body. * And You, my Son and my God, * receive my departing spirit. [SD]
Lauds. Mode pl. 4.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]
Show Stichologia
Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.
Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.
For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.
He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.
Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.
Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.
Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.
Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.
His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.
A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.
Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.
Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.
Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.
For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.
The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.
The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.
To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.
To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.
To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.
Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Hide Stichologia
Stichera. For the Saint.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.
Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.
Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]
O godly father Gerasimos, you have been lately bestowed * as a gift of angelic life, * and established as the boast * of ascetics in recent times. * You are the newly acquired and adorned * monastic treasure. And thus do you invite * everyone to extol * all your wondrous miracles. Therefore preserve * those of us who celebrate your sacred memory. [SD]
Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]
O godly father Gerasimos, you have appeared now to all * as a lover of excellence, * and a sacred dwelling place * of the gifts of the Spirit of God, * a splendid miracle of accomplishments, * and an enormous wealth of advantages. * Therefore rejoicing now, * O sublime one, rev’rently do we in song * celebrate your holy feast, which ever gladdens us. [SD]
Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]
Ven’rable father Gerasimos, * in perils we always have * you as our zealous guardian, * and an advocate before * our benevolent Maker and God. * We now implore you, as we all stand around * your sacred miracle-emanating Corpse: * Hasten, O holy one; * from adversities and tribulations all * rescue us who every day beseech you fervently. [SD]
Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]
Ven’rable father Gerasimos, * you manifestly appeared * unto all as a newly lit * luminary of the church * by your virtues’ resplendent glow * and by your miracles’ radiating light, * and as the genuine servant of the Lord, * O great and wondrous man, * as a precious vessel of the grace of God, * as the gold of holiness, tested and purified. [SD]
Glory.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 1.
Let us sound the trumpet of songs. Let us dance solemnly, and let us leap in exultation, at the most august festival of our God-bearing father. Clergy and monastics, and you who love the feasts, with hymns let us pay tribute to him who has lately appeared, as one who is wondrously overflowing with graces, and with heavenly gifts of the Spirit. Let us come together and crown him with the laurels of praise, for he is the faithful initiate of the sacred mysteries of the sublime Trinity. Let us extol him: the guide in ascetic discipline, who draws us to virtue; the laborer of the Gospel, in the perfection of his life, adorned with the robe of grace; the true servant of the Master; the treasure that ever enriches; our God-given protector, who ever rescues us from evils. And let us say to him: “O God-inspired Gerasimos, come quickly and liberate us from our present trouble, and deliver your Island from every adversity.” [SD]
Both now. For the Feast.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode pl. 1.
Sing, people everywhere, sing to the Mother of our God! Today she commits her soul, full of light, into the immaculate hands of Him who became incarnate of her without seed. And now she intercedes with Him without cease, that He grant to the universe peace and great mercy. [SD]
Stand for the Great Doxology.
Great Doxology
Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.
Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.
Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.
Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.
Continue Your mercy to those who know You.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Apolytikion.
Menaion Supplement - - -
Mode 1. As a citizen of the desert.
Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης.
Most venerable God-bearing father Gerasimos, * God who cares for all things manifested you on the earth * a protector of believers everywhere, * and their helper who is quick to offer aid. * For you remedy the ailments of both the soul * and body by the grace you have. * Glory to Christ, who glorified you! * Glory to Him for your miracles! * Glory to Him for all the cures that He works through you. [SD]
LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION
DEACON
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Lord, have mercy. (3)
DEACON
Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.
Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).
Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.
PRIEST
For You are merciful and benevolent 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.
LITANY OF COMPLETION
DEACON
Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.
CHOIR (after each petition)
Grant this, O Lord.
DEACON
For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.
That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.
And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.
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 You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be with all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
DEACON
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.
PRIEST (aloud)
For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST: Wisdom.
READER: Father, bless!
PRIEST
Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
HIERARCH or READER
The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Dismissal
PRIEST
Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, our devout and God-bearing father Gerasimos the New Ascetic, whose memory we celebrate, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.
Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.
CHOIR
Amen.