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Menaion - July 15

Memory of the Holy Martyrs Cyricus and Julitta

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MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

The holy martyrs of the Lord, Saint Julitta * and her all-blessed son, the three-year-old Cyricus, * appeared before the governor’s tribunal to be judged * and courageously proclaimed that they called themselves Christians. * They were not at all afraid of the threats of the tyrants. * And now in heaven they are wearing crowns * as they are standing near Christ with exultant joy. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

The holy martyrs of the Lord, Saint Julitta * and her all-blessed son, the three-year-old Cyricus, * appeared before the governor’s tribunal to be judged * and courageously proclaimed that they called themselves Christians. * They were not at all afraid of the threats of the tyrants. * And now in heaven they are wearing crowns * as they are standing near Christ with exultant joy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [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 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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Amazed were all the hosts of immaterial Angels, * beholding how, although you were a baby in body, * invincible Cyricus, you were stunning in victory, * when you wrestled with the incorporeal dragon, * and you threw him down, and you defeated him, crushing * his skull with the rock of faith. [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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

How can we properly extol your martyrdom, * or crown with hymns of praise the pain and suffering * that you endured with such resolve for our Creator, O St. Julitta? * For you let your body be lacerated torturously, * while your soul experienced piercing arrows of sympathy, * when you beheld the crushing of your son’s head. * Along with him entreat that we all be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. Automelon.

You were so beautiful in your virginity. * Archangel Gabriel admired your purity, * which was resplendent; and amazed, he said to you, Theotokos, * “As there are no accolades that can worthily honor you, * I am at a loss for words to address you, so awed am I. * But I will say what I was commanded: * Rejoice, O favored Maiden full of grace!” [GOASD]

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]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

In her arms the Martyr Saint of Christ Julitta * held her baby Cyricus; * and brought to trial she confessed * in exultation and cried aloud, * “O Christ my Savior, the strength of the Martyrs are You!” [SD]

Oikos.

O Christ, illumine my mind with the light of Your commandments, that I may worthily extol Your Saints, and tell of their contests. Which tongue can fully recount the ordeals they endured and their rewards? Therefore I implore You, O benevolent Lord. Give relief now to my sorry soul, and grant me time to repent. After all, this is why you willingly took flesh, so that You might restore everyone to life; which life the Martyr Athletes have obtained, and they unceasingly sing to You: * “O Christ my Savior, the strength of the Martyrs are You!” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On July 15, we commemorate the holy Martyrs Cyricus and Julitta.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Lollianus.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Abudimus.

By their holy intercessions, 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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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.” [GOASD]

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.” [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 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. [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]

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!” [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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

You were mature in frame of mind * although a boy in stature, * O medaled Martyr Cyricus, * which was truly amazing. * With your mother Julitta, * you shared the godly longing * to wear the crown of martyrdom * with all the Saints together. * By their intercessions, may we * also obtain God’s mercy. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

O Virgin Theotokos, * we salute you and say, “Rejoice!” * Throne and seat of the Lord and King; * His luxurious palace. * Rejoice! Magnificent scepter. * Rejoice! O cloud swift and light. * Rejoice! O golden censer. * Fair and calm haven, rejoice! * Protectress of all, rejoice, * O all-immaculate Mother! [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

From Menaion - - -

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]

What a paradoxal miracle! A little boy, three years old * who was held in him mother’s arms, * dashed the ancient dragon down * to the earth and he ground him to dust. * The divine power of Christ gave him the strength, * and he displayed the mettle of an adult; * thus he brought down the foe, * that inventor of all evil, full of pride; * and the child toyed with him as if a bird in a cage. [SD]

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

What a paradoxal miracle! A little boy, three years old * who was held in him mother’s arms, * dashed the ancient dragon down * to the earth and he ground him to dust. * The divine power of Christ gave him the strength, * and he displayed the mettle of an adult; * thus he brought down the foe, * that inventor of all evil, full of pride; * and the child toyed with him as if a bird in a cage. [SD]

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

Glorious Martyr Julitta, you are held in highest esteem, * as a model for mothers all * of faith and integrity; * for you happily watched your son * and fellow martyr, the fruit of your own womb, * brutally killed and be bathed in his own blood. * Steadfastly you endured * your maternal anguish for the sake of Christ. * As you reign with Him on high, remember us to Him. [SD]

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

By your firm resolve and fortitude, O holy Martyrs of Christ, * you amazed the angelic hosts; * but the demons crouched in fear, * and idolatry’s champions, * in their defiance of God, came after you; * but they were beaten, embarrassed, and undone. * You marked your victory * for the sake of true belief in God; and Christ * splendidly awarded you the victor’s halo and crown. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Rejoice and make merry and celebrate, O city of Iconium, for you produced a famous fruit, namely, Julitta the all-lauded and victorious Martyr, and her precious child, Cyricus, whose name means herald. They valorously trampled every machination of Belial the tyrant, and therefore worthily they were awarded the crowns of victory. They were heralds, telling people everywhere to believe in and worship the Holy Trinity. We now have confidence to pray to the One who glorified them, yes, to Christ our God, that He bring peace to the world, and that He save our souls. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4.

Guard your servants from dangers of every kind, O blessed Theotokos, so that we may glorify you, the hope of 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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

The holy martyrs of the Lord, Saint Julitta * and her all-blessed son, the three-year-old Cyricus, * appeared before the governor’s tribunal to be judged * and courageously proclaimed that they called themselves Christians. * They were not at all afraid of the threats of the tyrants. * And now in heaven they are wearing crowns * as they are standing near Christ with exultant joy. [SD]