The reading of "The Hours" provides a most meaningful opportunity for direct participation in the Divine Services of the Orthodox Church. The Hours are the services which are held in the four Watches of the day.

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee!

(After Pentecost): O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who art everywhere and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings, and Giver of Life. Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).

Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen. Come let us worship God, our King! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God (3X).

Holy God. Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).

Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Lord, have mercy (40X).

Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us.

Reader: Amen. O God the Master, Father Almighty, O Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son, and Thou, O Holy Spirit, one God-head, one Power, have mercy upon me a sinner, and according to Thy divine judgement save me, Thine unworthy servant: for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. AMEN!

Reader: (During Easter before Pentecost only): Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life (3X).

(After Pentecost): Come, let us worship God, our King! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God (3X).

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3X).

Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Reader: Amen.

Lord, have mercy (40X).

Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us.

Reader: Amen. O God, the Lord of hosts, and Author of all creation, who in Thine ineffable tender mercy hast sent down Thine Only-begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our kind, and through His Holy Cross hast torn up the handwriting of our sins and thereby triumphed over the princes and dominions of darkness: do Thou, O Master, who lovest mankind, accept these prayers of thanksgiving and supplication even from us sinners, and deliver us from every deadly and dark transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek to do us harm.

Troparion: When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou who lovest mankind.

Kontakion: As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Thyself, Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!

Troparion: When Thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life! Christ our God! Glory to Thee!

Kontakion: Hell became afraid, O almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.

Troparion: Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm! He has trampled down death by death! He has become the first-born of the dead! He has delivered us from the depths of hell, and has granted the world great mercy!

Kontakion: On this day Thou didst rise from the tomb, O Merciful One, leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices; with the prophets and patriarchs they unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Thy power!

Troparion: When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel the joyous message of Thy resurrection; they cast away the ancestral curse and elatedly told the apostles: Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.

Kontakion: My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!

Troparion: Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on the Cross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Kontakion: Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty; resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we all cry to Thee: O Lord, save us!

Troparion: The angelic powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure Body. Thou didst capture hell, not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord who didst rise from the dead: glory to Thee!

Kontakion: When Christ God, the Giver of Life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.

Troparion: By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! For the myrrh bearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that Thou art risen, granting the world great mercy!

Kontakion: The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive, for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: The Savior has come to those in faith! Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!

Troparion: Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!

Kontakion: By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, and the world celebrates Thy Rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!

Troparion, Tone 4: Thy nativity, O Theotokos Virgin, hath proclaimed Joy to all the world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse, and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life eternal.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Joachim and Anna were freed from the reproach of childlessness and Adam and Eve from the corruption of death, by thy holy nativity O immaculate one. which thy people, redeemed from the guilt of offences, celebrate by crying to thee: The barren woman giveth birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life.

Troparion, Tone 1: Save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto Orthodox Christians victory over enemies; and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy mercies upon the new community named after Thee, O Christ God; gladden with Thy power the Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over enemies; may they have as Thy help the weapon of peace, the invincible trophy.

Troparion, Tone 4: Today is the prelude of God's good will and the heralding of the salvation of mankind. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and she proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her, then, with a great voice let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation.

Kontakion, Tone 4: The most pure temple of the Saviour, the most precious bridal-chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasury of the glory of God, is on this day brought into the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace that is in the Divine Spirit. And the angels of God chant praise unto her: she is the heavenly tabernacle.

Troparion, Tone 4: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; for thereby, they that worshipped the stars were taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the Virgin giveth birth to Him Who is transcendent in essence; and the earth offereth a cave to Him Who is unapproachable. Angels with shepherds give glory; with a star the Magi do journey; for our sake a young Child is born, Who is pre-eternal God.

Troparion, Tone 1: When Thou wast baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory be to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Thou hast appeared today unto the whole world, and Thy light, O Lord, hath been signed upon us who with knowledge chant unto Thee: Thou hast come, Thou hast appeared, O Light Unapproachable.

Troparion, Tone 1: Rejoice thou who art full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.

Kontakion, Tone 1: Thou Who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by Thy birth, and didst bless Symeon's hands as was meet, by anticipation didst even now save us, O Christ God. But grant peace in the midst of wars unto Thy commonwealth, and strengthen Orthodox Christians whom Thou hast loved, O only Lover of mankind.

Troparion, Tone 4: Today is the fountainhead of our salvation and the manifestation of the mystery which was from eternity. The Son of God becometh the Virgin’s Son, and Gabriel proclaimeth the good tidings of grace; wherefore, we also cry to the Theotokos with him: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Kontakion, Tone 8: To thee the champion leader we, thy servants, dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded.

Troparion, Tone 7: Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure; shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, Thy light ever-unending through the prayers of the Theotokos. O Light-giver, glory to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 7: On the mount Thou was transfigured, and Thy disciples, as much as they could bear, beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God; so that when they should see Thee crucified, they would know Thy passion to be willing, and would preach to the world that Thou, in truth, art the Effulgence of the Father.

Troparion, Tone 1: In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou deliver our souls from death.

Kontakion, Tone 2: The grave and death could not hold the Theotokos, who is sleepless in her intercessions and an unfailing hope in her mediations. For as the Mother of Life she was translated unto life by Him Who dwelt in her ever-virgin womb.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Let us flee the bragging of the Pharisee, and learn the humility of the Publican, while crying out unto the Saviour with groanings: Be gracious unto us, O Thou Who alone dost readily forgive.

Kontakion, Third Tone: Having foolishly abandoned Thy paternal glory, I squandered on vices the wealth which Thou gavest me. Wherefore, I cry unto Thee with the voice of the Prodigal: I have sinned before Thee, O compassionate Father. Receive me as one repentant, and make me as one of Thy hired servants.

Kontakion, Tone 1: When Thou, O God, shalt come to earth with glory, and all things tremble, and the river of fire floweth before the Judgment Seat and the books are opened, and the hidden things made public, then deliver me from the unquenchable fire and deem me worthy to stand at Thy right hand, O most righteous Judge.

Kontakion, Tone 6: O Thou guide unto wisdom, bestower of prudence, instructor of the foolish and defender of the poor: Establish and grant understanding unto my heart, O Master. Grant me speech, O Word of the Father; for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying unto Thee: O Merciful One, have mercy on me who have fallen.

Troparion, Tone 2: We worship Thine immaculate Icon, O Good One, asking the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ God; for of Thine own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh that Thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our Saviour, when Thou camest to save the world.

Kontakion, Tone 8: The Uncircumscribable Word of the Father was circumscribed when He took flesh of thee, O Theotokos; and when He had restored the defiled image to its ancient state, He suffused it with divine beauty. As for us, confessing our salvation, we record it in deed and word.

St. Gregory Palamas Troparion, Tone 8: Light of Orthodoxy, pillar and teacher of the Church, adornment of monastics, invincible champion of theologians, O Gregory thou wonderworker, boast of Thessalonica, herald of grace, ever pray that our souls be saved.

Kontakion, Tone 8: O sacred and divine organ of wisdom, clear trumpet of theology: we praise thee with one accord, O Gregory of divine speech; but as a mind standing before the Primordial Mind, direct our mind to Him, O father, that we may cry: Rejoice, O herald of grace!

Kontakion of the Sunday, Tone 4: The season of the virtues hath now been revealed, and judgment is at the doors; therefore let us arise and keep the Fast, offering tears of compunction together with our alms, and let us cry: Our sins are more than the sands of the sea; but do Thou pardon us, O Creator of all, that we may receive incorruptible crowns.

Troparion, Tone 1: Save, O Lord, Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto Orthodox Christians victory over enemies; and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy mercies upon the new community named after Thee, O Christ God; gladden with Thy power the Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over enemies; may they have as Thy help the weapon of peace, the invincible trophy.

Another Kontakion, Tone 7: No longer doth the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a strange extinction hath come upon it, even the Tree of the Cross. The sting hath been taken from death, and the victory from Hades. And Thou, my Saviour, didst appear unto those in Hades, saying: Enter ye again into Paradise.

Troparion, Tone 3: Having raised up a sacred ladder by thy words, thou wast shown forth unto all as a teacher of monastics, and thou dost lead us, O John, from the purification that cometh through godly discipline, unto the light of divine vision. O righteous Father, do thou entreat Christ God that we be granted great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 1: Offering teachings from thy book as ever-blossoming fruits, O wise one, thou dost sweeten the heart of them that attend to them with vigilance, O blessed one; for it is a ladder that, from earth unto the heavenly and abiding glory, doth lead the souls of those who with faith do honour thee.

Troparion, Tone 5: Enlightened by the grace of the (Cross, thou wast shown forth as a radiant lamp of repentance, dispelling the darkness of the passions, O all-holy one. Wherefore, thou didst appear as an angel in the flesh unto the sacred Zosimas in the wilderness. O Mary, our righteous mother, do thou intercede with Christ for us.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Thou who once of old wast filled with all manner of fornication, art now seen today to be a bride of Christ by thy repentance. Thou didst love and emulate the life of the angels. By the Cross, thou didst annihilate the hordes of demons; for this cause thou art a bride now in the kingdom of the heavens, O Mary, thou all-modest one.

Another Kontakion, Tone 4: Having escaped the darkness of sin, and having illumined thy heart with the light of repentance, O glorious one, thou didst come to Christ and didst offer to Him His immaculate and holy Mother as a merciful intercessor. Hence, thou hast found remission of thy transgressions, and thou ever rejoicest with the angels.

Troparion, Tone 4: As by baptism we were buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy Resurrection we were deemed worthy of immortal life; and praising Thee, we cry: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Kontakion, Tone 6: Being borne upon a throne in heaven, and upon a colt on the earth, O Christ God, Thou didst accept the praise of the angels and the laudation of

Troparion, Tone 7: While the tomb was sealed, Thou, O life, didst shine forth from the grave, O Christ God. And while the doors were shut, Thou didst come unto Thy disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing through them an upright Spirit in us according to Thy great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 8: With his searching right hand Thomas did probe Thy life-bestowing side, O Christ God; for when Thou didst enter while the doors were shut, he cried out unto Thee with the rest of the disciples: Thou art my Lord and my God.

Troparion, Tone 2: When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the Hosts of the heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 2: When Thou didst cry, Rejoice, unto the myrrh-bearers, Thou didst make the lamentation of Eve the first mother to cease by Thy Resurrection, O Christ God. And Thou didst bid Thine apostles to preach: The Saviour is risen from the grave.

Kontakion, Tone 3: As of old Thou didst raise the paralytic, O Lord, by Thy Divine presence, raise my soul, which is paralyzed grievously by all manner of sins and unseemly deeds, that being saved I may cry out: O compassionate Christ, glory be to Thy power.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Having come to the well in faith, the Samaritan woman saw Thee, the Water of Wisdom, whereof having drunk abundantly, she, the renowned one, inherited the kingdom on high forever.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Blinded in the eyes of my soul, I draw nigh unto Thee, O Christ, like the man blind from his birth, and in repentance I cry to Thee: Thou art the exceeding radiant Light of those in darkness.

Troparion, Tone 4: Thou hast ascended in glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit; and they were assured by the blessing that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.

Kontakion, Tone 6: When Thou didst fulfill Thy dispensation for our sake, uniting things on earth with the heavens, Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, departing not hence, but remaining inseparable from us, and crying unto them that love Thee: I am with you, and no one shall be against you.

Troparion, Tone 8: Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast established our holy fathers as luminous stars upon the earth, and through them didst guide us all to the true Faith. O Most-merciful One, glory be to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 8: The preaching of the apostles and the doctrines of the fathers confirmed the one Faith of the Church. And wearing the garment of truth, woven from the theology on high, She rightly divideth and glorifieth the great mystery of piety.

Troparion, Tone 8: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast shown forth the fishermen as supremely wise, by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them, didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory be to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 8: Once, when He descended and confounded the tongues, the Most High divided the nations; and when He divided the tongues of fire, He called all men into unity; and with one accord we glorify the All-Holy Spirit.

Troparion, Tone 4: Adorned in the blood of Thy martyrs throughout all the world, as in purple and fine linen, Thy Church, through them, doth cry unto Thee, O Christ God: Send down Thy compassions upon Thy people; grant peace to Thy flock and to our souls great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 8: To Thee, the Planter of creation, the world doth offer the God-bearing martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their intercessions preserve Thy Church, Thy commonwealth, in profound peace, through the Theotokos, O Greatly-merciful One.

Troparion, Tone 8: As a beautiful fruit of the sowing of Thy salvation, the land of Russia doth offer to Thee, O Lord, all the saints that have shone in her. By their intercessions preserve the Church and our land in profound peace, through the Theotokos, O Greatly-merciful One.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Today the choir of the saints who pleased God in the land of Russia stand before us in Church and invisibly doth pray for us to God. With them the angels glorify Him, and all the saints of the Church of Christ keep festival with them; and they all pray together for us to the Eternal God.

Troparion: O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by virtue of Thy Cross preserve Thy habitation.

Kontakion: As Thou wast voluntarily crucified for our sake, grant mercy to those who are called by Thy name; make all Orthodox Christians glad by Thy power, granting them the invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.

Troparion: Apostles, Martyrs, and Prophets, holy Hierarchs, Saints and Righteous, having fought the good fight and kept the faith you have boldness towards the Savior. Intercede for us with Him, for He is good, we pray, that He may save our souls.

Kontakion: The world offers to Thee, O Lord, as the Father of creation, the God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. By their prayers through the Theotokos keep Thy Church in deep peace, O Most Merciful One.

Troparion: Holy Apostles, intercede with our merciful God, that He may grant to our souls the forgiveness of our sins.

Kontakion: Thou hast taken the firm and divinely inspired Preachers, O Lord, the chiefest of Apostles, for the enjoyment of Thy blessings and for repose. For Thou hast accepted their labors and death as above every burnt offering, O Thou Who alone knowest the secrets of our hearts.

Troparion in Tone 4: O Blessed Father Herman of Alaska, North Star of Christ’s Holy Church; The light of your holy life and great deeds Guides those who follow the Orthodox Way. Together we lift high the Holy Cross You planted firmly in America. Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ Singing His Holy Resurrection.

Kontakion in Tone 3: The Eternal Light of Christ our Savior Guided you, O Blessed Father Herman, On your evangelical journey to America, Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace. Now you stand before the Throne of Glory; Intercede for your land and its people, Peace for the world and salvation of our souls

Troparion in Tone 2: O Apostle, beloved of Christ the God, hasten to set free the people that have no word of defence: thee fallen down in adoration will accept He Who hath received thee whenever thou fellest on His breast. Entreat then, O Theologian, Him that He may disperse also the thick darkness with which heathens are surrounded, asking for us peace and the great mercy.

Kontakion in Tone 2: Who can recount all thy great deeds, O chaste one: for thou lettest spring miracles and cures flow, and intercedest for our souls as theologian and friend of Christ.

Troparion in Tone 4: Athlete in virtue, true warrior of Christ our God, you fiercely fought the good fight against the passions during this earthly life and have been an example to your disciples by your spiritual labors in song, vigil, and fast. Wherefore, the Holy Spirit took up His abode in you and operating there adorned you with radiant beauty: O you who have boldness to approach the Holy Trinity. Remember your flock gathered by your wisdom and never forget it, visiting your children, according to your promise, O holy Father Sergius.

Kontakion in Tone 8: O Saint, smitten with the love of Christ, you followed Him without looking back, and you hated all pleasures of the flesh and shone like the sun upon the land of your birth: therefore Christ has enriched you with the gift of working wonders. Remember us who honor your radiant memory that we may call to you: Hail O Sergius, wise in God.

Troparion, Tone 4: O Holy Father Innocent, in obedience to the will of God you accepted dangers and tribulations, bringing many peoples to the knowledge of truth. You showed us the path; now by your prayers help lead us into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Another Troparion, Tone 2: You evangelized the Northern people of America and Asia, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to the natives in their own tongues, O Holy Hierarch Father Innocent, Enlightener of Alaska and All America, whose ways were ordered by the Lord. Pray to Him for the salvation of our souls, in His Heavenly Kingdom.

Kontakion, Tone 2: A true celebration of the Providence and Grace of God is your life, O Holy Father Innocent, Apostle to our land. For in hardships and dangers toiling for the Gospel’s sake, you were preserved unharmed and often-delivered, while from obscurity you were highly exalted as an example to the faithful everywhere, that truly the Lord guides a man in the way he should go.

Troparion, Tone 4: With the Apostles your message has gone out to the ends of the world, with the Confessors you endured sufferings for Christ; you are like the Hierarchs by your preaching of the Word, with the monks who are saints you were radiant with God’s grace. Therefore the Lord exalted the abyss of your humility above the heavens and has given us your name as a source of most wonderful miracles. And so, O Wonderworker, living in Christ forever, with love have mercy on those who are in trouble and hear your children who with faith call upon you, O righteous John, our beloved shepherd.

Kontakion, Tone 4: O you who from infancy were chosen by God, and miraculously received from Him in childhood the gift of teaching, and were gloriously called to the priesthood in a vision during sleep: you proved to be a wonderful shepherd of the Church of Christ, O Father John, namesake of grace. Pray Christ our God that we may all be with you in the kingdom of heaven.

Troparion, Tone 4: As a rule of faith and model of tenderness and teacher of abstinence hath the reality shown thee unto thy flock; therewithal hast thou acquired by humility greatness, by poverty —riches; O Father Hierarch Nicholas, intercede before Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Thou wast a faithful minister of God in Myra,/ O Saint Nicholas./ For having fulfilled the Gospel of Christ,/ thou didst die for the people and save the innocent./ Therefore thou wast sanctified as a great initiator of the grace of God.

Troparion, Tone 1: After Christ Who for our sake was born of the Virgin, thou didst, O venerated Mary Magdalene, follow, keeping His statutes and laws; wherefore celebrating today thine all-holy memory we obtain, through thine intercessions, the remission of sins.

Kontakion, Tone 3: Standing at the Savior’s cross with many others, and grieving with the Mother of the Lord and shedding tears, thou, O most glorious, didst in praise utter these words: what is this unheard of wonder? He that upholdeth the whole creation, hath deigned to suffer: glory to Thy might.