Books - Sources

Menaion Supplement - February 19

Memory of St. Philothea the Athenian

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 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 pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

The illustrious city of Athens now extols * Philothea, the woman monastic martyr saint, * and salutes her most divine holy relic with a kiss; * for in holiness she lived, and exchanged her death for life * through martyrdom and her contests. * And now she intercedes with the Savior, * that He grant to all His great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

The illustrious city of Athens now extols * Philothea, the woman monastic martyr saint, * and salutes her most divine holy relic with a kiss; * for in holiness she lived, and exchanged her death for life * through martyrdom and her contests. * And now she intercedes with the Savior, * that He grant to all His great mercy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Hail, gate of the Lord, through which no man has passed! * Wall and shelter of all who rely on you, rejoice! * Port and haven undisturbed by any tempest, rejoice! * You gave birth to your Creator and God in the flesh, * ever remaining a virgin. * Never cease interceding for us who worship and extol your Son. [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

The grace of Jesus Christ, which for all is salvific, * with you made its abode, O divine Philothea, * and made you a paradise of the virtues and chastity. * Holy was your life and full of good deeds and mercy; * you received as well the laurel crown of a martyr; * and therefore we honor you. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

We know you as the Mother of God and all-blameless, * for you remained a virgin indeed after childbirth. * With longing we flee to you and appeal to your tender love. * We are sinners all, but we have you to defend us. * We rely on you, O Lady. Rescue and save us * when we are in dire straits. [GOASD]

Kathisma II.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

In spirit you were fervent, O holy Martyr of Christ; * you lived in the world and nonetheless were serving the Lord, and ardently prayed to Him. * Patient in tribulations, you in hope were rejoicing; * contributing to the needs of the saints in earnest. * And therefore, O Philothea, we honor your memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Come quickly, O Lady, and receive our prayers from us, * and bring them to the attention of your Son and our God, O only immaculate. * Quickly resolve the troubles of your servants, O Virgin; * frustrate the schemes of ambush and the brazen behavior * of those who take up arms against us who call on you. [SD]

Kathisma III.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Being adorned with the laurel of a martyr, * having been bathed in your own blood, O holy Mother, * ever pray to the Savior, who for our salvation * was crowned with a crown of thorns, and who with a spear * was pierced in the side, and thus with His holy blood * washed away Eva’s primal curse, and once again opened the way * to heaven and to Paradise, * for the race of humanity. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

O Lady, pure, graced by God, and ever-blessed, * join with the Powers in the heavens, the Archangels, * all the Bodiless Hosts and ceaselessly petition * the Lord, who in His compassion was born from you, * entreating on our behalf that before the end * He will grant us correction and the expiation of our sins, * amendment of our way of life, * so that mercy await us all. [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

First Antiphon.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

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 39.

I waited patiently for the Lord, and He heeded me; and He heard my supplication. (2)

Verse: And He established my feet on a rock and kept straight my steps.

I waited patiently for the Lord, and He heeded me; and He heard my supplication. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( 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 to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever 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.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

PRIEST (from the gate)

Mt. 6:19-21

The Lord said to His Disciples, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” [RSV]

( 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 the holy Martyr, 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 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]

On your shoulders you took up the Cross of Christ, and you followed in His footsteps; then, O Philothea, you renounced yourself, and you counted all things as refuse, for you found nothing to give in exchange for your soul. You gave up your life in order to save your soul; you were deprived of the visible light, and now you see the Sun of glory. Entreat Him, O Mother, that He save our souls. [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 most pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, 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 wonder-workers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore Teron, and Theodore Stratelates; 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; the glorious devout martyr Philothea the Athenian, 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, together with Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Menaion Supplement - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day with utmost joy * we honor St. Philothea, * and with faith we venerate * her holy icon and relic. * For on earth, she spent her life doing good deeds, * as a nun, ending her life as a holy martyr. * She became our intercessor, * and prays that we all receive eternal life. [SD]

Oikos.

Let every tongue move in praise of Philothea, who is worthy of all praise. Every race and every age, young men and virgins of Christ, let us crown with hymns the devout nun and martyr. For legitimately behaving like a man, through ascetic labors and martyrdom, she has brought down the tyrant foe. And now adorned by a heavenly crown, she requests from Christ, that that we all receive eternal life. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

On February 19, we commemorate our devout mother Philothea of Athens.

Verses

When Philothea departed from earth,

she ascended with joy to heavenly mansions.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostles Archippos, Philemon, and Apphia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Maximus, Theodotos, Hesychios, and Asklepiodoti.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Rabulas.

On this day we also commemorate our devout fathers and confessors Eugene and Makarios.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Conon.

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Theotokos

Ode i. Mode 4.

I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [SD]

Ode iii.

Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [SD]

Ode iv.

When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [SD]

Ode v.

Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [SD]

Ode vi.

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [SD]

Ode vii.

Godly-minded three * did not adore created things in the Creator’s stead; * rather, disdaining the threat * of fire, they trampled it, and joyfully they sang: * “O supremely praised * and most exalted Lord and God * of the fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [SD]

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 4.

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. [SD]

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. [SD]

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. [SD]

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. [SD]

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. [SD]

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. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.

All you born on earth, * with festival lamps in hand, in spirit leap for joy; * and all you the heavenly angelic orders, join in and celebrate; * and honoring the sacred wonders of the Mother of God, * sing the joyful salutation, “O rejoice, * Theotokos, all-blest, ever-virgin pure!” [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Today the congregation of the Church of Athens leaps for joy, * as it devotedly honors the mem’ry of Philothea. * For she devoutly lived her life, and then accepted martyrdom. * And now, with Saints consorting, * she ceases not interceding * on our behalf to the Master. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

You have become the vessel of the Trinity that none contains, * O all-holy Virgin Mary, the purest and golden censer. * The Father was well pleased in you, the Son came down and dwelt in you, * the Holy Spirit came on you * and overshadowed you, Maiden, * thus making you Theotokos. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 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 Holy Woman.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 4. When you were called.

Ὁ ἐξ ὑψίστου κληθείς.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

O Philothea, to you who are in heaven, * where our Savior welcomed you, the Martyr and the Nun, * we pray that you intercede for us, and for the City * in which you lived out your life monastically. * Influence the Master to be merciful to us, * so that forgiving us He bestow * peace and salvation * on us who keep your most sacred memory. * For you have proved to be the patroness * who protects those who travel the sea of life, * Philothea, the glory * of the Martyrs and monastic Saints. [SD]

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

O Philothea, to you who are in heaven, * where our Savior welcomed you, the Martyr and the Nun, * we pray that you intercede for us, and for the City * in which you lived out your life monastically. * Influence the Master to be merciful to us, * so that forgiving us He bestow * peace and salvation * on us who keep your most sacred memory. * For you have proved to be the patroness * who protects those who travel the sea of life, * Philothea, the glory * of the Martyrs and monastic Saints. [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Today the city of Athens is rejoicing, * for the holy relics of the Martyr and devout * St. Philothea are on display, for veneration; * and all the people salute them lovingly. * Holy virgins maidens, who honor her on this day, * devoutly sing festal hymns and songs * to Philothea. * For truly mediatress has she become, * mother and nurse, asylum and retreat, * for the women who faithfully run to her * and who seek her protection * in the shelter of our loving God. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Come and adorn the divine St. Philothea * with inspired songs today, O virgin maidens all; * and with a loud voice cry out to her, with great devotion, * Rejoice, all-honored monastic-martyr Saint! * When you had dispersed your earthly riches to the poor, * and congregated around yourself * so many virgins, * you then appeared as an endless source of love. * And thus to you the crown of martyrdom * has been worthily granted by Christ our God. * Therefore earnestly pray Him * to illumine us and save our souls. [SD]

Glory.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode pl. 1.

Today the city of Athens cheerfully celebrates the memorial of Saint Philothea. So come, you lovers of piety, let us honor the devout Martyr, and reverently chant to her. Rejoice! for during your life you exercised the virtue of love, applying oil and wine on people’s sores, as did the Good Samaritan. Rejoice! for like the Savior, you persevered in prayer, and you were taken up and led to undergo martyrdom, for the sake of Him who for us died like a martyr. Rejoice, O Philothea, extolled by all! Together with the Saints, never cease entreating the Savior, to guard your city, and to preserve her in peace forever, and to save our souls. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [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 pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

The illustrious city of Athens now extols * Philothea, the woman monastic martyr saint, * and salutes her most divine holy relic with a kiss; * for in holiness she lived, and exchanged her death for life * through martyrdom and her contests. * And now she intercedes with the Savior, * that He grant to all His great mercy. [SD]