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All-Night Vigil Feast. A day when the faithful are highly encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy
AT GREAT VESPERS WITH LYTIA ON WEDNESDAY EVENING
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 1
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
O Josaphat, you are worthy of glory. * Your sacred vestment was stained with your martyr’s blood, * and now you have entered into the Holy of Holies * with the Lord who rejoices for you. * From Him you have received victory for your labours, * an eternal crown, everlasting beauty, and the life of Paradise. * O great martyr Josaphat, * now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
O Josaphat, you are worthy of glory. * Your sacred vestment was stained with your martyr’s blood, * and now you have entered into the Holy of Holies * with the Lord who rejoices for you. * From Him you have received victory for your labours, * an eternal crown, everlasting beauty, and the life of Paradise. * O great martyr Josaphat, * now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
O all-precious orator, * you first offered yourself as an unbloody sacrifice to God. * Like the unblemished fruit, your holy work was an acceptable sacrifice. * Then you brought yourself to Christ, by means of your blood, * as a true and great martyr. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.
O all-precious orator, * you first offered yourself as an unbloody sacrifice to God. * Like the unblemished fruit, your holy work was an acceptable sacrifice. * Then you brought yourself to Christ, by means of your blood, * as a true and great martyr. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
You destroyed the vanity of the dissenters * by your sanctifying words. * You also strengthened the faith of the weakened hearts. * You have entered into the eternal life, * having suffered for the cause of unity. * You were a witness to the Lord, O great martyr Josaphat. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
Your sacred vestments were stained crimson by your blood, O holy one.* So you received from Christ a two-fold crown, O generous father.* You also rejoice with the angels in heaven* as you stand in the presence of the Blessed Trinity.* Now also pray that God may grant unity and peace to our Churches* and great mercy to our souls.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O great martyr Josaphat,* in chastity you yearned for an honourable life.* You worshiped Christ the Almighty,* and you led the people into union with Him* by your precious words and by his grace.* You washed yourself with the blood of martyrdom, O blessed one of God.* You have entered into eternity.* Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches* and great mercy to our souls.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
In thought you ascended into the unsetting cloud of the ineffable Light.* You, a great martyr and shepherd,* knew the ineffable mysteries of Christ. * As a martyr you were enlightened, * and as a shepherd you were mystically taught. * Because of that, you also received two crowns from the glory on high. * Now also pray that He may grant unity and peace to our Churches * and great mercy to our souls.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O great martyr Josaphat, * you were a true priest until the time of your death. * As a priest you were a minister of the ineffable mysteries of Christ. * You poured out your blood as did Christ our God, * presenting yourself as an acceptable sacrifice. * Because of that, you are confident in his presence. * Pray for the faith of those who observe and venerate your all-holy memory, * so that your flock and the whole world * may be delivered from all dangers, invasions, enemies, and sieges.
Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?* Who would not sing a hymn of praise* to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?* The Only-begotten Son Himself,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* was made flesh out of you in a manner* that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!* And for our sake, He Who is God by nature* assumed the nature of a man.* He is not divided into two persons;* He is understood to have two natures* without commixion or confusion.* O noble and blessed Woman,* intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.
Readings
(1) Proverbs 3:13–16; 8:35, 4–6, 8–9
Blessed is the man who has found wisdom, and the mortal who knows prudence. For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver. And she is more valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her: she is well known to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value. For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory: out of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue. For my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favour from the Lord. You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men. O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge. Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn truths; and will produce right sayings from my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse. They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge.
(2) Wisdom 4:7, 16–20; 5:1–7
But though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest.
Thus the righteous that is dead shall condemn the ungodly which are living; and youth that is soon perfected the many years and old age of the unrighteous. For they shall see the end of the wise, and shall not understand what God in his counsel hath decreed of him, and to what end the Lord hath set him in safety. They shall see him, and despise him; but God shall laugh them to scorn; and they shall hereafter be a vile carcase, and a reproach among the dead for evermore. For he shall rend them, and cast them down headlong, that they shall be speechless; and he shall shake them from the foundation; and they shall be utterly laid waste, and be in sorrow; and their memorial shall perish. And when they cast up the account of their sins, they shall come with fear: and their own iniquities shall convince them to their face.
Then shall the righteous man stand in great boldness before the face of such as have afflicted him, and made no account of his labours. When they see it, they shall be troubled with terrible fear, and shall be amazed at the strangeness of his salvation, so far beyond all that they looked for. And they repenting and groaning for anguish of spirit shall say within themselves,
This was he, whom we had sometimes in derision, and a proverb of reproach: we fools accounted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: how is he numbered among the children of God, and his lot is among the saints! Therefore have we erred from the way of truth, and the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us, and the sun of righteousness rose not upon us. We wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness and destruction: yea, we have gone through deserts, where there lay no way: but as for the way of the Lord, we have not known it.
(3) Wisdom 5:15–6:3
But the righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with his right hand shall he cover them, and with his arm shall he protect them.
He shall take to him his jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature his weapon for the revenge of his enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment instead of an helmet. He shall take holiness for an invincible shield. His severe wrath shall he sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with him against the unwise.
Then shall the right aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they fly to the mark. And hailstones full of wrath shall be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them.
Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty. Hear therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations. For power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.
Litiya
In Tone 1
Come, let us all celebrate in spirit with heavenly priestly words* the memory of the great martyr Josaphat.* Because he cleared the thorns of division* and with abundant virtue through the fruit of the sanctuary,* he planted the teachings of salvation* for our souls.
As a priest you acted according to the divine gospel.* You sealed the divine teachings with your blood* at the hands of the flock in disunity, O great martyr Josaphat.* You dried up the river of demons,* and you went up into heaven* as a conqueror receiving the crown of victory.
O great martyr Josaphat, * the Eastern Church possessed you and your priestly works.* Now you protect her in an unshakeable manner from hostile wolves * as she preaches about your courage and extols you, O blessed one.
In Tone 5, Glory…
The Church celebrates your light-bearing feast, * and she rejoices, O great martyr Josaphat. * She faithfully venerates you. * As a shepherd do not cease to bless her. * Pray for the salvation of all.
Now…
O most pure Virgin,* you are the temple, the gate, the palace, and the throne of the king. * Christ, our Redeemer and Lord, * appeared through you to those who slumbered in darkness. * For He, as the Sun of Righteousness, * wished to enlighten those whom He created with his own hands * according to his own image. * Therefore, O Lady, whom we always praise In song, * we beseech you to intercede with Christ for the salvation of our souls, * for as his mother you can approach Him with the greatest confidence.
Aposticha
In Tone 4
Like a very bright sun * you shone upon the firmament of the Church. * By the splendour of your words, by your God-inspired teaching, * and by your life equal to that of an angel, * you enlightened the souls that were darkened by the wickedness of the enemy. * You led back onto the way of truth those who had strayed. * Because of that, we rejoice today * and observe your light-bearing and holy memory.
Your priests shall be clothed with holiness; your faithful shall ring out their joy.
O great martyr Josaphat,* you were equal in honour to the apostles.* You received an understanding like theirs.* You did not fear the cruelty of malicious torturers,* but manfully and courageously you preached the unity of the faith.* You suffered many varied wounds and torments.* And now you have received a great reward for your long-suffering* from the Source and Judge of victory, Christ our God.* Implore Him for all who in faith venerate your holy memory.
Precious in the eyes of the Lord Is the death of his faithful.
O great martyr Josaphat,* offering up precious service and a spotless sacrifice to the Master, Christ our God,* you offered yourself as a perfect holocaust to Him.* You courageously suffered out of love for Him by spilling your blood.* As a true shepherd and follower of Christ,* you did not cease to cry out:* O Father, protect everyone in your name.* All-blessed Josaphat, now pray that the Churches and all people be reunited* and that we may be saved.
Glory…
Your good deeds are radiant like the sun upon heaven and earth, * O conciliator of Christ, all-blessed great martyr Josaphat. * You rightly preached to us the true and spotless faith of Christ. * For this, as a good shepherd, you also laid down your life, * following the wellspring of shepherds, Christ our God. * O all-blessed sanctifier, O God-bearer, * Implore that all may be saved * who lovingly celebrate the precious memory of your sufferings.
Now…
O most pure Virgin, hear the petitions of your servants. * Remove the burdens which oppress us * and deliver us from our sorrows; * for you are the only firm and constant support on whom we rely. * O Mother of God, never permit us who call upon you * to be overwhelmed by our cares. * Hasten to fulfil the supplications of all who, in faith, cry out to you: * Rejoice, O Lady, helper of all mankind, * the joy, the refuge, and the salvation of our souls.
Troparia
In Tone 4
You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,** to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls. (twice)
In Tone 4
Rejoice, O Theotokos,* Virgin Mary full of grace, The Lord is with you.* Blessed are you among women,* and blessed is the fruit of your womb.* For you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Deliverer of our souls.
AT FESTAL MATINS ON THURSDAY MORNING
Usual Beginning
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God the Lord, Tone 4
Troparia, Tone 4
In Tone 4
You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.* Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,** to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls. (2)
Glory… Now…
O Mother of God, the mystery hidden from all eternity* and unknown even to the angels,* was revealed through you to those on earth:* God took on our human nature* and united it to His divine nature in a perfect but unconfused union.* Then, He willingly accepted the cross for our sake* and thereby raised again the first created man,*and saved our souls from death.
Psalter Reading
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I, Tone 8
Having put aside all earthly things,* and having lived chastely in the body like an angel,* in spirit your conversation was with angels.* Indeed you conquered the surging passions of the flesh.* You showed yourself to be pleasing to the Holy Trinity, O all-blessed one.* Because of that, you heal the sufferings of the sick* and cast out evil spirits through the grace of Christ.* O our God-bearing father and great martyr Josaphat,* implore Christ God to remit the sins of those who lovingly celebrate your memory.
Glory… Now…
Since you gave birth to Him Who is unchangeable as God, O gracious One,* through your maternal prayers make firm my heart.* Then I, who am constantly changed by sin, call to you:* O Virgin Theotokos, have mercy on the flock that belongs to you, O all-immaculate One.
Psalter Reading
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II, Tone 4
You made your heart a beautiful altar,* and as a priest you offered unbloody sacrifices to God.* You suffered intensely at the hands of the wicked enemies* and bore various torments.* For us you offered a pleasing sacrifice* to Christ our God who was also sacrificed.* O all-blessed great martyr Josaphat,* it is fitting that you always implore Him* that all who lovingly venerate you may be saved.
Glory… Now…
We sing hymns to you, O betrothed of God* and the Mother of Christ our God.* We glorify your incomprehensible birth-giving.* Through it, we have been delivered from the guile of the devil* and from all kinds of dangers, O Virgin Theotokos.* Therefore, we faithfully call out:* Have mercy on your flock, O ever-praised One.
Polyeleos
Magnification
We extol you,* O Josaphat, great martyr of Christ,* and we venerate your martyrdom* which you bore for the reunion of the Church.
verse: Hear this, all you peoples; give heed, all who dwell in the world!
verse: The just will flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon.
verse: The just shall be in everlasting remembrance. An evil report he shall not fear.
Glory… Now…
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn, Tone 4
Like a good shepherd and powerful soldier of the Master,* you put down the uprisings of the enemies* who sought to divide the people.* You received the crown of victory* from the right hand of the One on high,* the Wellspring of shepherds, Christ our God.* Today, therefore, we praise you as a good shepherd* and victorious sufferer of the passion,* and we observe your ever-celebrated memory.* Pray that we may be saved from visible and invisible enemies,* O much-suffering Josaphat and great martyr of Christ.
Gradual Hymns, Tone 4
Antiphon 1
From my youth do many passions war against me;* but do You Yourself defend* and save me, O my Saviour.
You haters of Sion shall be shamed by the Lord;* for like grass, by the fire* shall you be withered.
Glory… Now…
In the Holy Spirit, every soul is quickened,* and, through cleansing, is exalted* and made radiant* by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4
Precious in the eyes of the Lord* is the death of His faithful.
verse: How can I repay the Lord for His goodness to me?
Let everything that lives, Tone 4
Gospel
John 10:1-9
Psalm 50
Verses at Psalm 50
In Tone 6
Glory…
Through the intercession of the holy apostles, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Now…
Through the intercession of the Mother of God, O Merciful One, remit our many sins.
Have mercy on me, O God, in Your kindness. In Your compassion blot out my offense.
The Church joyfully celebrates your glorious feast,* O priest-martyr Josaphat,* and faithfully venerates you.* As a shepherd do not cease to bless her,* as you pray for all.
Canon
Ode 1
Irmos: Come, O you people, let us sing a song to Christ our God,* Who divided the sea, and made a way for the nation* which He had brought up out of the bondage of Egypt;* for He has been glorified.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Enlightened by the light of Christ, O glorious Hieromartyr Josaphat, enlighten by your intercessions my darkened soul, that I may hymn you, O most blessed one.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Your pure heart like an untarnished mirror reflecting the rays of divine enlightenment emits knowledge upon all through your salutary preaching, O blessed Father.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By fasting, you subdued the activity of the passions, by abstinence transformed your desire, and by manifold ascetic exploits you attained to the height of dispassion.
Glory… Now…
God who existed before all ages and before the creation of every creature, became incarnate from you without seed or the confused desire of man; Him we have come to know, wherefore we hymn you as the true Theotokos .
Ode 3
Irmos: O Lord, who slew sin upon the tree,* firmly establish us in You,* and in the hearts of us who hymn You* plant the fear of You.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the conscience of a Martyr, as one who suffered in the ascetic life, you have presented yourself to Christ through martyrdom as an all-perfect living sacrifice.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By your sacred life, through your divine words and with your divine deeds you made ascent in your heart attaining to the true contemplation of God.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
In a divinely-wise manner your directed your words in accordance with the commandments of the Saviour, wherefore you were revealed to be an invincible defender of the faith.
Glory… Now…
By giving birth to Immortality you have relieved our minds of the thought of our mortality, and with your birth-giving O Virgin you have woven for us a vesture of incorruption.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 3
O Hieromartyr Josaphat, enlightened by the Divine Spirit and through your great wisdom and pastoral boldness putting to shame the ferocity of Godless tyrants, you traversed the abyss of temporal life, reaching the divine refuge. O holy Father Josaphat, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Glory… Now…
Where does each one who is saved, rightly have recourse; and to what other such refuge can there be which protects our souls like you, O Theotokos?
Stavrotheotokion
Glory… Now…
Having obtained the Cross of your Son as a staff of strength, O Theotokos, therewith we cast down the arrogance of the enemy, and with love unceasingly magnify you.
Ode 4
Irmos: I have heard report of Your dispensation, O Lord,* and have glorified You Who alone are the Lover of mankind.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
As a divine whole burnt-offering and a pure sacrifice you were brought before the Saviour of all, O most wise Hierarch.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Instructing the flock of Christ in the light of the knowledge of God, you have driven away the darkness of godlessness.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the streams of your sweat, O Father and Hierarch, you have dried up the depths of godlessness.
Glory… Now…
With your light, O most pure one, enlighten my darkened soul, since you have given birth to the One Hypostatic Light.
Ode 5
Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages:* guide us in the light of Your commandments, for we know none other God than You.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Christ, the true wisdom, seeing your exceeding love for Him, has granted you, O blessed one, both riches and glory, length of days, and eternal life.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With the staff of faith you drove away the snares of heresies and uniting your flock in the bonds of love, you have, by love and faith preserved it unharmed.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
By your strict ascetic life, refusing temporal food, you have satisfied the needs of your soul with the food of unceasing prayer, instruction, and humility by which one is raised on high to God.
Glory… Now…
We have acquired in you, O pure one, our protection, a sure hope, a mighty shelter, a wall of refuge, and a bridge that leads into the Kingdom of heaven.
Ode 6
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Your compassion:* Raise me up from corruption, O God.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Both a sacrifice and a priest, you have wholly given yourself to God for the sake of the faith, and thus preserved undefiled the fulfilment of your ministry to Him.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
A spectacle seen as slain by the world, yet remaining alive in God, you, O godly-spoken one, passed over to Christ enriched by the life of incorruption.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Passing from earthly life into the never-waning glory, O holy one, by thy supplications fervently heal and cleanse my soul savaged by the passions.
Glory… Now…
O most pure and all-immaculate one, who conceived Christ, Who takes away the sins of the world, cease not to entreat Him that remission of sins be granted to your servants.
Kontakion, Tone 4
Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.
Ikos
Faithfully and with love we draw together in celebration of the memory of the sacred sufferer Josaphat, let us praise him today in song that we may obtain the enjoyment of his grace, for he, as a martyr and faithful hierarch and champion of the faith, delivers the souls of those that fervently beseech him, from all passions and pitfalls; wherefore let us cry out to him: Through your intercessions ever deliver us from misfortunes, O Josaphat, our Father.
Ode 7
Irmos: The wise children did not adore the golden idol in the plain of Dura,* but went themselves into the flame and defied the pagan gods.* They prayed in the midst of the flame,* and an Angel bedewed them saying: The prayer of your lips has been heard.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Appearing to all as a wellspring of wisdom full of virtue, by your preaching and sublime life you have gathered your flock, O divinely-wise one, and having well tended it, together with them, you cry out: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
O Father you have passed over from this temporal life and entered into the temples and habitations of honour, and now dwelling with the Angels therein you rejoice with them; wherefore honouring you, O most blessed one, we with boldness cry aloud: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Blessed are you and well it is with you, for now, in your heavenly dwelling where the legions of the righteous, the multitude of the Martyrs and the choirs of the most wise Apostles abide, you with them cry aloud: “Blessed is the God of our Fathers.”
Glory… Now…
You alone, O most pure Virgin, have become known as a Mother who knew not wedlock, and the Mother of Him Who created everything in His wisdom; wherefore we fervently call to thee, saying: “Blessed are you who have given birth to God in the flesh.”
Ode 8
Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children, and transformed the flame into dew,* all you works hymn and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
With fervour did you execute the ministry of the mysteries of Christ, and like a spiritual lamb offered yourself to Him as an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice, perfected with the spilling of your blood, O most blessed one.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Adorning your hierarchical vestments with virtues, O most wise one, you manifested yourself as a guardian of chastity, a partaker of the true food of abstinence, a teacher of prayer, and an instructor of repentance and law to eternal life.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
At the time of our oblation, let us always bring forth fruit worthy of repentance, since the barren fig-tree lives ever threatened of being cut off; fear such a curse O my soul, and worthily receive Christ, the abundant fruit of virtue.
Glory… Now…
O most venerated defender of Christian peoples do not despise the voice of us your servants and deliver us, O holy Virgin, from every danger and from every cruel advance of the enemy, for your motherly intercessions ever incline God to mercy.
Ode 9
Irmos: Let us faithful with one mind extol with hymns the Word of God,* Who with ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam* who badly fell into corruption because of eating,* and Who became incarnate of the holy Virgin.
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
You, O glorious One, were filled with the greatest wisdom and manifested to the world the light of unity. You sowed divine fear and brought forth the words of the Spirit. For that, you became, O illustrious One, the temple of the Holy Trinity, for this we extol you!
O holy hieromartyr Josaphat, pray to God for us!
Armed with love and hope, and fortified with faith, you destroyed the deceit and craftiness of the enemy. Now as a crowned victor you dwell in heaven, before the throne of the King of all, with the divine assembly of the angels and blessed ones.
Glory… Now…
Since you have confident access to God, O blessed priest-martyr Josaphat, intercede in our behalf for those, who joyfully celebrate your solemn feast and with faith venerate your holy martyrdom. Protect us from schism and from every evil and misfortune.
Katavasia: Let everyone on earth dance for joy in spirit. Let the heavenly ranks celebrate in honour of the sacred feast. O Mother of God, let them cry: Rejoice, O ever-blessed Theotokos and ever-Virgin!
Small Litany
Hymn of Light
Without mercy the enemy struck you on the head with an axe, O blessed sanctifier.* Christ God on high crowned you with the crown of victory.* You were a long-suffering martyr, a luminary of the whole world,* an inspiration of hierarchs, the glory of martyrs,* and the praise of all the venerable ones.
Praises
Stichera at the Praises
In Tone 4
Spiritual grace shining forth upon you, O Father Josaphat, greatly illumined you;* wherefore the night of passion was quickened within you* and within you the daylight of passionlessness dawned* wherefore you were united with the divine Light;* and abiding therein, forget not, O divinely eloquent Hieromartyr,* those who with faith hymn your memory.
As one possessing heavenly grace,* you, O Hieromartyr Josaphat, abandoned earthly possessions;* and like an angel desired the enjoyment of eternal spiritual food,* wherefore O god-pleasing one,* choosing a life of suffering and drying up the troubled sources of the passions by your tears,* you filled your soul with spiritual food.
In Tone 6
From your youth you dedicated your self entirely to Christ your Master.* You rose above sensual pleasures and love of the world.* You were a very zealous monk* and a haven of the Divine Spirit,* O most sacred father Josaphat.* You preserved purity of soul and body.* In monastic life you lived like an angel on earth.* In obedience and poverty, in love for God and neighbour,* in prayer and all night vigils,* you were a model for all the monks and a mirror of every virtue.* You focused your mind upon heaven* in order to see the ineffable goodness of Christ the King and God.* You loved Him with all your heart,* and you were strengthened by his power.* You suffered many tribulations and torments.* With boldness pray to Him for our souls.
As a bishop, O all-blessed one,* you adorned yourself with various virtues.* You taught salvation by words of instruction and also by acts of penance.* Having, therefore, armed yourself through chastity, prayers, vigils, and fasting,* like Christ the Master, you approached the passion and death of the cross.* Prostrating yourself in the form of a cross,* you prayed and you prepared yourself for martyrdom,* O great martyr Josaphat.* Then the wicked enemies who were like animals incapable of mercy fell upon you.* Though you were an innocent lamb,* they unjustly dragged you about and tore you apart.* Mightily and courageously you suffered martyrdom, and you pray for our souls.
Glory…
O all-blessed Josaphat,* you loved Christ our God from your childhood.* For His sake you lovingly put aside the world with all its beauty.* You followed the way of the Gospel* in monastic obedience, chastity, and poverty.* Christ our God, Who became poor for our sake,* was pleased by your life as a monk.* You courageously prepared yourself for suffering.* Then, as a good shepherd, in behalf of the union of the Church,* you patiently endured many sufferings.* You were dragged and beaten,* covered with many wounds over your whole body, and then you were struck on the head with an axe.* You were made worthy to receive a crown from Christ our God.* O all-blessed one, implore Him to deliver us,* who lovingly observe your ever-precious memory,* from every visible and invisible enemy, from passions and temptations of the wicked one,* as well as from the future judgment.* Ask Him to save our souls.
Now…
O Mother of God, you are the true vine laden with the Fruit of life.* Therefore, we implore you, O Lady,* to intercede together with the apostles and the saints* so that we may obtain mercy for our souls.
Great Doxology
Trisagion Prayers
Troparion
Insistent Litany
Litany of Supplication
Great Dismissal
AT DIVINE LITURGY ON THURSDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 4: You appeared as a radiant light,* O priest-martyr Josaphat.* Like the Good Shepherd, you lay down your life for your sheep;* killed by enemies who loved division, you entered the holy of holies to dwell with the bodiless powers.*Therefore we pray you, long-suffering saint:* beg Christ, the Prince of Shepherds,* to number us among the sheep at His right hand and to save our souls.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Enlightened in childhood* by the flame from the crucified Christ,* you resembled the angels in your life as a monk,* and as bishop you lived in godliness.* You clearly preached unity and with your martyr’s blood, you calmed hearts inflamed by love for dispute.* From Christ you received the crown.* And so remember us as we cry to you:* Rejoice, O unshakeable pillar of unity.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His venerable ones.
verse: What shall I render to the Lord for all the things He has rendered to me? (Psalm 115:15,12)
Epistle
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: Your priests shall clothe themselves with justice, and Your venerable ones shall rejoice.
verse: For the Lord has chosen Sion; He has chosen it for His dwelling. (Psalm 131:9,13)
Gospel
John 10:9-16
Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)