Day 6 of the Great Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients.
LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS ON FRIDAY EVENING
At Psalm 140
Tone 5
Lead my soul forth from prison* that I may give thanks to Your name.
Come, O faithful, let us fulfil the works of God in the light;* and let us walk with dignity as in the light of day;* let us tear up every unjust contract,* and let us cast aside every object of scandal for our neighbour.* Let us turn away from the pleasures of the flesh,* so that we may grow in our spiritual gifts.* Let us give food to the poor;* let us draw near to Christ, and in repentance, let us say:* O our God, have mercy on us.
The just shall gather around me* when You have been good to me.
Come, O faithful, let us fulfil the works of God in the light;* and let us walk with dignity as in the light of day;* let us tear up every unjust contract,* and let us cast aside every object of scandal for our neighbour.* Let us turn away from the pleasures of the flesh,* so that we may grow in our spiritual gifts.* Let us give food to the poor;* let us draw near to Christ, and in repentance, let us say:* O our God, have mercy on us.
Tone 3
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord;* O Lord, hear my voice!
Great is the power of Your martyrs, O Christ.* For, lying in their tombs, they drive out evil spirits* and fight in defence of godliness;* they subdued the power of the enemy by faith in the Trinity.
Let Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.
The prophets, apostles, and the martyrs of Christ* taught us to sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity.* They enlighten the nations that had gone astray,* and made us companions of the angels.
If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.
Your martyrs, O Lord, have been confirmed by faith* and strengthened by hope.* By the love of Your Cross they have been spiritually fortified,* and so have overcome the anguish of suffering.* They have obtained the crowns,* and, together with the angels, they pray for 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.
Great is the power of Your Cross, O Lord,* for though it was set in one place, it acts throughout the world.* It made apostles of fishermen,* and martyrs of Gentiles.* We beg them to intercede for our souls.
Tone 2
From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.
Come, all you friends of the martyrs,* let us celebrate this feast in the joy of the Spirit;* for, on this day, the holy martyr Theodore prepares a spiritual banquet for us,* the lovers of the feast;* he brings joy to our hearts,* and we cry out to him:* Rejoice, invincible warrior, who has vanquished powerful tyrants;* and for the love of Christ our God,* you have given over your body of flesh to torments.* Rejoice, for in the midst of dangers,* you showed yourself to be a valiant soldier of the heavenly army.* Therefore, we pray to you, O glory of martyrs,* intercede for the salvation of 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.
O holy martyr Theodore,* you generously grant the God-given grace of your miracles* to all the faithful who hasten to you.* We rejoice in this, and we sing:* You are the liberator of captives and healer of the sick,* the wealth of the poor and salvation of those who sail the seas,* the defender of those who cherish your holy memory;* now, for all of us who praise you,* beseech Christ for His great mercy.
Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.
O holy martyr Theodore,* you are truly the “gift of God,”* for, being alive even after your death,* you are attentive to the requests of those who come to you.* A son was once seized from his mother* and made a prisoner in the pagan army;* the widow bathed your sanctuary with her tears;* and you were moved with compassion.* You mounted a white horse and mysteriously returned her child;* and even now, you do not cease to work miracles.* Beseech Christ our God to save our souls.
Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.
O Theodore, thrice-blessed,* with your name, I praise the gift of God;* you are a shining torch of the divine brightness.* By your deeds you have illuminated the universe.* You have shown yourself to be stronger than fire,* and you crushed the head of the treacherous dragon.* Therefore, Christ has placed on your head the crown of victory.* And now that you enjoy the divine favour,* O holy and great martyr,* beseech God for the salvation of our souls.
Tone 6
Glory…
The enemy used the apostate emperor as his servant* against the Christian people who were purified by the Fast;* he tried to defile them with food polluted by the blood of sacrifices.* But, you more wisely foiled his plan,* by appearing in a dream to the bishop of that time* and warning him of the danger.* We also offer you our sacrifices of thanksgiving,* and we honour you with the title of protector* as we celebrate the annual memory of this event.* We beseech you to preserve us from the evil designs of the enemy* by interceding with God for us,* O holy martyr Theodore.
Now…
O Lady most honourable,* how could we but be rapt in wonder at your giving birth* to the incarnate God who without a mother was born of a Father before all ages.* You gave Him birth in the flesh without a father,* without a man’s instrumentality.* He is God and man whose two natures are intact, neither one losing any of its properties.* Therefore, O Virgin Mother, intercede with Him to save the souls* of those who believe and profess in true faith that you are the Mother of God.
Prokeimenon I, Tone 5
May the Lord answer in time of trial;* may the name of Jacob’s God protect you!
verse: May He send you help from His shrine and give you support from Sion!
Reading I
Genesis 2:20-3:20
Adam gave names to all the cattle, to all the birds of heaven, and to all the wild animals of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. Thus God brought a trance upon Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and filled up the flesh in its place. Then the Lord God built the rib He took from Adam into a woman, and brought her to him. So Adam said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh.” Now the two were naked, both Adam and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Now the serpent was more cunning than all the wild animals the Lord God made on the earth. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat from every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden; but from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You shall not eat from it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not die by death. For God knows in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like gods, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw the tree was good for food, was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree beautiful to contemplate, she took its fruit and ate. She also gave it to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of the two were opened, and they knew they were naked. So they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. Then they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden that afternoon, and Adam and his wife hid themselves within the tree in the middle of the garden from the presence of the Lord God. So the Lord God called Adam and said to him, “Adam, where are you?” He replied, “I heard Your voice as You were walking in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” Thus He said, “Who said you were naked? Have you eaten from the one tree from which I commanded you not to eat?” Then Adam said, “The woman You gave me, gave me of the tree, and I ate.” So the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Thus the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than all the wild animals of the earth. On your breast and belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall be on guard for His heel.”
To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply your pain and your groaning, and in pain you shall bring forth children. Your recourse will be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.” Then to Adam He said, “Because you heeded the voice of your wife, and ate from the one tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it,’ cursed is the ground in your labours. In toil you shall eat from it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground from which you were taken. Earth you are, and to earth you shall return.” So Adam called his wife’s name Life, because she was the mother of all living.
Prokeimenon II, Tone 6
O Lord, arise in Your strength;* we shall sing and praise Your power.
verse: O Lord, Your strength gives joy to the king; how Your saving help makes him glad!
Reading II
Proverbs 3:19-34
The ways of wisdom are good ways,
And all her paths are in peace.
She is a tree of life for all who cleave to her,
And she is security for those who lean upon her as upon the Lord.
God by wisdom founded the earth
And prepared the heavens with discernment.
With perception the depths were broken up,
And the clouds flowed with dew.
My son, do not be careless,
But keep my counsel and thinking,
That your soul may live,
And grace may be around your neck.
And there will be healing for your flesh
And care for your bones,
That you may walk confidently in peace in all your ways,
And your foot may not stumble.
For if you sit down, you will be without fear,
And if you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
And do not be afraid of intimidation when it comes upon you,
Nor of the attack of the ungodly when it comes at you;
For the Lord will be over all your ways,
And He will plant your feet firmly, that you may not be shaken.
Do not withhold doing good to the needy,
When you may give a helping hand;
Do not say, when you are able to do good,
“Come back tomorrow, and I will give you something”;
For you do not know what the next day will bring forth.
Do not devise evil things against your friend
Who dwells beside you and trusts in you.
Do not be ready to quarrel with a man in vain,
Lest he do you some harm.
Do not incur the reproach of evil men,
Neither seek their ways.
MATINS ON SATURDAY MORNING
Beginning Prayers
Hexapsalm
Great Litany
God is the Lord, Tone 2
Troparia, Tone 2
Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the holy martyr Theodore rejoiced as by the water of rest* for having been baked as a whole-burnt offering* he was brought to the Trinity as a sweet bread.* By his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Glory… Now…
All of your most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos;* for, your purity sealed and your virginity intact,* you are known to be a true Mother, having given birth to God.* Entreat Him that our souls be saved.
Kathisma Reading I
The appointed psalms are chanted.
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn I
To the Martyrs in the Tone of the week
Kathisma Reading II
The appointed psalms are chanted.
Small Litany
Sessional Hymn II
Tone 3
Burning with orthodox faith, you squelched the delusion of false teaching,* and destroyed the godless idols,* and being sacrificed as a whole burnt offering to God,* you bring joy to the ends of the earth by your miracles, O glorious martyr.* Pray to Christ God that we be granted great mercy.
Glory…
The Lord, who strengthened you in your sufferings,* has given you to all the inhabited earth as a divine gift.* O martyr Theodore, you who heal the diseases of our soul* and conquer the passions of our body,* pray to Christ God that we be granted great mercy.
Now…
O most pure Virgin, you have carried within your womb* the uncontainable God, who shone forth before all ages from the Father,* the hypostatic Word and consubstantial Son.* With the prophets and the martyrs, with the holy monks, the ascetics and the righteous,* entreat Him that we be granted the remission of our transgressions.
Psalm 50
Canon
For each ode, Canon to the patron Saint of the temple with 6 troparia,
and then two Canons to St. Theodore with 8 troparia, in Tone 4.
Ode 1
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore by John, Metropolitan of Euchaita
Irmos: I shall open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit,* and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother;* and be seen radiantly keeping festival,* joyfully praising her wonders.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
He who transcends all things has set you higher than all His elect, for you have given birth to Him ineffably. Therefore, today, O all-hymned Virgin, we bring before you the crowned passion-bearer, and we sing his praises.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Great among martyrs, the illustrious and renowned one, is famed for his miracles from one end of the earth to the other. Therefore, I hymn the praises of Theodore
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
A day of gladness has dawned in the season of mourning, and with its light it has dispersed the gloominess thereof. Through the grace of the holy martyr, it heralds from afar the coming feast.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
With the blood of holy sacrifice, the Lord purifies the Church. Therefore, He who was Himself offered in sacrifice, has accepted the sacrifice of the martyr who suffered for the sake of His divine glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Out of season but with splendour, we keep this festival while fasting. For, the Lady who beautifies all things, now shares in the memorial of the martyr, who endured with the shedding of his blood.
Second Canon to St. Theodore by the same John in Tone 6
Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land,* on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, they cried:* Let us sing to God* a song of victory.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O God, who are truly wonderful in Your saints, in Your mercy, O Christ, fill me with wonder; and grant me the words whereby I may praise Your martyr.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O Passion-bearer of Christ, you showed yourself to be steadfast in suffering and unflinching in affliction; and now be swift, O Theodore, in coming to our aid.
Glory…
The tyrant wickedly rejected from the depths of his soul the pious faith of the fathers, and desiring to embark on an unholy plan, he set himself at enmity with God.
Now…
The prophecies spoken by God through holy men of old have been manifest clearly in you, O Mother and Virgin: for by a birth fearful and transcending nature you have borne the true God.
Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and be filled with the Spirit,* and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother;* and be seen radiantly keeping festival,* joyfully praising her wonders.
Ode 3
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: O Theotokos, living and plentiful fount,* establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to you,* and in your divine glory* grant them crowns of glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The people of Christ, long to see the day of your Son; to symbolize this O Lady, they celebrate this present festival, honouring you and your glorious passion-bearer.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Victorious over the best of the multifarious Idols, the greatest among martyrs turns the sorrow of this present season into joy, granting us relief from the weariness of the holy Fast.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Fitting and appropriate is the gift which you were granted O martyr; of which you call us to partake in part thereof, therefore we joyfully offer you our gifts of praise.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
You laid a good foundation through your victory, O glorious martyr; for with courage transcending nature you overthrew the beast of destruction, which breathed fire and murder.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Raging as fiercely as the apostate of old, the new apostate sprinkled the blood of pagan sacrifices on the market food, polluting it as though with poison. But the plan of the cursed one failed, outwitted by the martyr.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The whole earth, O Virgin, is filled with the knowledge of the Lord who came forth into the world from you; and great is the grace of the divine martyrs who have confirmed the truth through their lives.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: There is none as holy as You, O Lord my God,* who has exalted the horn of the faithful O good One,* and strengthened us upon the rock* of Your confession.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Of old the deceiver whispered into the ears of Eve, and through her beguiled Adam by deceit; and now he once again pours forth the wicked poison of his deceit.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Bearing hatred and filled with rage against those who lived righteously; the deceiver sought opportunity to act upon his wicked hatred of them.
Glory…
We have entered now upon the beginning days of the Fast, when every Christian purifies himself by great abstinence.
Now…
O all-holy Virgin, firm hope of the world, our protection and Mediatress; O good one, turn not away from the prayer of us your servants, who with love ever call you blessed.
Katavasia: O Theotokos, living and plentiful fount,* establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to you,* and in your divine glory* grant them crowns of glory.
Sessional Hymn, Tone 8
Putting on the whole armour of God, you overthrew the falsehood of the idols,* therefore, the angels glorify your struggles.* With your mind on fire with divine love, you bravely scorned death in the flames.* Rightly are you named “The gift of God”,* for to all who ask, O passion-bearer Theodore, you grant divine gifts and healing.* Beseech Christ God that we who with love celebrate your holy memory* be granted the remission of sins.
Glory…
You were not weakened by the flattery of Maximian;* but, imbued with courage by the words of Christ,* by fire you reduced the temple of the idols to ashes.* Having bravely overcome the adversary, you passed through the fire, as says the Psalmist, as though through water.* Therefore, as a just reward for all your sufferings, O passion-bearer Theodore,* you have become a source of healing.* Beseech Christ God that we who with love celebrate your holy memory* may be granted the remission of sins.
Now…
As the all-immaculate Bride of the Creator,* Mother of the Redeemer, who knew not a man,* and as the receptacle of the Comforter, O all-hymned one,* hasten to deliver me, the vile abode of iniquity and noetic plaything of the demons,* from their evil machinations;* and make me the bright dwelling-place of the virtues, O incorrupt light-bearing one.* Drive away the clouds of the passions and grant that, by your supplications,* I may receive a portion on high and share in the never-waning light.
Ode 4
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God,* is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O new and marvellous union and intermingling! By His birth the God-Man has united virginity with childbearing; and honouring His martyr, He has united a day of gladness with the days of mourning.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
See how Christ’s soldier loved his Master! For in his zeal, he consumed the enemies of Christ with fire. And as his final feat he eagerly offered himself as an acceptable sacrifice.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The Passion-bearer was triumphant in sufferings, and in his speech scornful of torture, and astonishing his onlookers, he became a strange and marvellous spectacle to the whole of creation.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O what forbearance! My God and Master suffered even after death, yet not one of His bones was broken. So it was with His soldier: the fire and the wheel touched not his dead body.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Dying with the Master, the servants of life, having been raised with Him from the dead, now live with Him eternally. Together with the Son, they glorify the Mother, blessing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord,* the holy Church divinely sings,* crying with a pure mind,* keeping festival in the Lord.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The plot devised by the most impure ruler was truly strange: for he thought he could defile the people of Christ with unclean food.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The plan of the transgressor was put into effect: all the clean foods were taken away and replaced with food that had been polluted with sacrificial blood.
Glory…
This became known and spoken of by all Christians; and having learned of it, they gathered in the holy temple of the Lord.
Now…
She who gave birth to You, begotten of the Father before all ages, we the faithful set before You as an intercessor, O Christ. Hearken to her prayers and be gracious to Your servants.
Katavasia: He who sits in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus the true God,* is come in a swift cloud* and with His sinless hands he has saved those who cry:* Glory to Your power, O Christ.
Ode 5
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: All creation stands in awe of your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock, contained within your womb the God of all,* and gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace, upon all who hymn you.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Today the entranceway to grace has been opened, for the present time of rest prefigures the coming feast of the Resurrection, while radiantly honouring the Queen of Light and the glorious martyr.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
God has bestowed a glorious gift on those who love the revealing of the appearance of His beloved Son; Theodore the accomplisher of the wonderful deeds of the Creator, and the Power of things divine.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O enemy of mankind’s salvation, useless were your shafts and arrows against the martyr. Though put to death, he is alive and ever-watchful; and, opposing all your evil works, he saves every Orthodox Christian.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Strange was the miracle that came to pass in God’s Handmaiden! Confirmed by the sufferings of the passion-bearers, it is accepted with undoubting faith, and it remains forever the wonderment and worship of the faithful.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Illumine with Your divine light, I pray, O Good One,* the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to You,* that they may know You, O Word of God, as the true God,* who recalls us from the darkness of sin.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The Archbishop was overcome with amazement, when he learned of the plan of the ungodly one; celebrating an all-night vigil, he prayed to God the He not utterly abandon the people of His inheritance.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
In truth God came swiftly to the aid of those who invoked Him with sincere and fervent prayer; and did not neglect them but quickly granted them to fashion a resolution.
Glory…
With all speed a helper was sent from on high to the earth, the passion-bearer Theodore: Appearing in a dream to the Chief Shepherd, he told him how to defeat the plan of the lawless one.
Now…
No one who fervently flees to you for help, O Lady, is ever put to shame: but asking for grace, he speedily receives the reward to his spiritual benefit.
Katavasia: All creation stands in awe of your divine glory;* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock, contained within your womb the God of all,* and gave birth to the timeless Son,* bestowing peace, upon all who hymn you.
Ode 6
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Celebrating the divine and solemn feast of the Mother of God* O divinely wise, let us come, clapping our hands, and glorify God who was born of her.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The friends and children of Your bridal chamber cannot fast, O Saviour, since they have You the Bridegroom in their midst, together with Your Mother and Your friend; they welcome You as a guest, and minister to You.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The wicked one fell away from the God of salvation; he fell away from wisdom; and with madness rose up against the faith. But his plans were thwarted by those of the illustrious one.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Having suffered, the martyr became more wise, through his actions, more courageous; resisting the tyrants, he gained victory, and even after death ceased not from righting wrongs.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having been delivered this day, O Lady, from soul-destroying peril through the miracles of your passion-bearer, in accordance with your divine providence, we render thanks to him and you alike.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life* surging with the tempest of temptations,* I run to Your calm haven, and cry to You:* Raise up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Awed by the strange vision in which you appeared to him, the Archbishop said: “Who are you, my lord, that speaks to me? Enlighten and teach me, how I may find speedy help.”
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Theodore replied: “I am a passion-bearer. Take heed! Boil wheat, and distribute it among the people, and you shall thus be saved from the polluted food of the punisher.”
Glory…
Great is the wonder which you have performed, and marvellous is your help, O Theodore. Taking courage then, we turn to you for refuge, and we beseech you: save your servants.
Now…
Through the good pleasure of the Father, and by the descent of the Holy Spirit upon you, you were made the dwelling-place of the Light, the pure tabernacle of the Word: guide me with your light.
Katavasia: Celebrating the divine and solemn feast of the Mother of God* O divinely wise, let us come, clapping our hands, and glorify God who was born of her.
Kontakion, Tone 8
You accepted the faith of Christ in your heart as a breastplate* and trampled the enemy’s power, O long-suffering martyr Theodore.* You were crowned for all eternity with a wreath from heaven* as the invincible one.
Ikos
O You who are seated on the throne of light, with faith and with thankfulness we sing Your praises. For You have granted us a divine gift: the courageous one in his sufferings – august Theodore, thrice-blessed in his life, as a champion of the truth, who with pious devotion held fast to Christ; a mighty victor over the deceitful enemy, as the invincible one.
Synaxarion Reading
Verse: The Recruit entertains the city with the nourishment of Kolyva, Thereby rendering the polluted delicacies ineffective.
When Julian the Apostate, who ruled over the Empire after Constantios, the son of Constantine the Great, had departed from Christ to idolatry, a mighty persecution was stirred up against Christians, both openly and secretly. Refraining from inflicting savage or inhuman punishments on them, the ungodly Emperor tempted the Christians in the following way: feeling shame, and at the same time suspecting that more might be added to their numbers if he persecuted them openly, the crafty and impious man plotted somehow to pollute them secretly. Observing that our Christian race purifies itself and devotes itself to God more during the First Week of the Fast, he summoned the Eparch of the city and ordered him to remove the food that was usually for sale and to set out other items of food in the marketplace, namely bread and beverages, having first mixed these with the blood from his sacrificial offerings, polluting them in the process, so that, when the Christians purchased them during the Fast, they might be defiled rather than cleansed. The Eparch carried out his order immediately and set out all over the marketplace the food and drink that had been polluted with blood from the sacrifices. But the all-seeing eye of God, who catches the wise of this world in their cleverness and ever provides for us, His servants, destroyed the loathsome devices directed against us by the Apostate. He dispatched His Great Trophy-bearer, Theodore the Recruit, to Evdoxios, the Archbishop of the city, who had obtained this office improperly. Standing before Evdoxios, not in a dream, but while he was awake, St. Theodore spoke words such as these: “Arise with all speed and gather together the flock of Christ, and order them under no circumstances to buy any of the items set out in the marketplace; for they have been polluted by the most impious Emperor with blood from his sacrificial offerings.” Puzzled by this, the Archbishop asked: “And how can those who do not have abundant provisions in their homes easily avoid buying food from the marketplace?” “Provide them with Kolyva,” the Saint replied, “to relieve them in their time of need.” Puzzled again, and not knowing what Kolyva was, Evdoxios asked the Saint for an explanation. The great Theodore replied: “It is boiled wheat; for this is what we are accustomed to calling it in Evchaïta.” When the Archbishop inquired who precisely this provider for the Christian people might be, the Saint answered: “I am Theodore, the Martyr of Christ, who has just now sent me to aid you.” The Archbishop arose at once and announced what he had seen to the multitude. By acting thus, he preserved Christ’s flock unharmed by the machination of their enemy, the Apostate. When Julian saw that his trickery had been exposed, that he had accomplished nothing, and that he had been sufficiently put to shame, he ordered the usual items of food to be put back in the marketplace. At the end of the week, the Christian people gave thanks to their benefactor, the Martyr, and joyously celebrated his memorial on this Saturday with Kolyva. Ever since then, and up until now, we faithful revive this miracle, lest the Martyr’s great deed become forgotten with the passage of time, and celebrate the memory of the Great Theodore with Kolyva.
By his intercessions, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen
Ode 7
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* the divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire* and rejoicing they sang aloud:* Blessed are You, O supremely hymned Lord and God of our Fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
You have said O just Master, that Your righteous servants are not bound by the Law. Therefore, Your own Mother and Your servant, the worker of many miracles, by the radiance of their memorial, release us today from the laws of fasting.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
How sweet, how great and joyful is this present feast, which the greatest and most glorious of the martyrs hath established for us. He who through a single miracle kept the people of Christ pure from defilement.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Having withstood the wickedness of the serpent, let us with songs of triumph and garlands of praise honour him who prevailed against the enemy, who destroys the soul and defiles the living body.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The ancestor of mankind, though forewarned, did not flee the soul-destroying food. But your faithful people instructed by your martyr, turned away from the all-deadly food; and with him they offer you, O Lady, a sacrifice of salvific thanksgiving.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children.* But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans* and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
You appeared, O glorious saint, as a cloud quenching the flames of sadness, saving from the furnace of the tyrant all the faithful who cry: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O lawless king, in shame let your lips, which conceived a lawless plot against us, be sealed; for your strength has been destroyed by the King of Kings and Lord of all.
Glory…
O Foolish Julian, your heart altogether filled with evil, plotting against our wise God, deceitfully scheming against us who chant praises unto Him, who grants us His grace.
Now…
Your conceiving is beyond all words, and your childbearing transcends all understanding, O all-immaculate Virgin: for you have given birth in the flesh to God who saves all mankind from corruption. Therefore, O blessed Theotokos, we glorify you.
Katavasia: Refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* the divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire* and rejoicing they sang aloud:* Blessed are You, O supremely hymned Lord and God of our Fathers.
Ode 8
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: O almighty Redeemer of all,* having descended and bedewed the children in the midst of the flame,* You taught them to sing:* All you works bless and hymn the Lord.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
By your childbearing you have filled heaven and earth with joy; and now, in the time of abstinence, grant festive grace to your servant, who radiantly observes the feast.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O people, let us keep the Sabbath today, resting from our labours of the past days: for God blessed the day of rest, as now He does also with the solemn feast of the martyr.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Truly this is the first among Sabbaths, the Sabbath of Sabbaths; it is filled with the grace of the martyr and the power of the Divinity, for we celebrate the memorial of a great deliverance.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
With the holy food of God the King, the pure one delivered us from the polluted food of the lawless one; and in such a marvellous manner, miraculously sanctified the seventh day of the week.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
The voluntary death of the martyrs confirms the mystery brought to pass in you, O Maiden. For they put their trust in God incarnate, who willingly accepted suffering, and bravely offered themselves in sacrifice. “
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: You made flame bedew the holy children,* and burned the sacrifice of a righteous man with water.* For You alone, O Christ, do all as You will,* we supremely exalt You throughout all ages.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
By the divine power you were delivered from the flames, O martyr Theodore, and now by your divine protection you save us from the wicked schemes of the transgressor.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Your servants wept and lamented in the evening, because of the evil snare of the apostate. But joy shone forth in the morning through your fervent aid, O long-suffering martyr.
Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – the Lord!
When we fall into danger, we find you to be a deliverer who saves us from the machinations of the enemy, O Theodore, passion-bearer of Christ, and we glorify you throughout all ages.
Now…
The mind of man is powerless to express the mystery of your childbearing, O pure Virgin; therefore with reverent faith we honour you as the Theotokos and we glorify you throughout all ages.
We praise, bless and worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him throughout all ages!
Katavasia: The Offspring of the Theotokos saved the holy children in the furnace.* He who was then prefigured has now been born on earth,* and He gathers all creation to hymn you:* all you works praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Magnificat
Ode 9
Canon of the Temple
First Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: Your birthgiving was revealed to be incorrupt,* God came forth from your womb,* and He appeared upon earth in mortal flesh and dwelt among mankind;* Therefore, we all magnify you, O Theotokos.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Multitudes from every place run to the ark of testimony, to the indwelling grace of him who outshines all other martyrs in glory, and whom with the Sovereign Lady, we magnify.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
O Church of Christ, be strengthened in the face of those who fight in vain against you. For the friends of Christ, living and departed, take care for you, as did the courageous one, whose feast you keep with thanksgiving.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
Thought to be long since dead, his deeds show him to be alive even after his repose, protecting the faith with the same zeal as before. He who has enriched us, our benefactor, we magnify.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Like a Book of God sealed as with a divine seal by my hymns: I offer you my praises, O Virgin, thereby giving greater glory to your martyr.
Second Canon to St. Theodore
Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God* upon whom the orders of Angels dare not gaze;* but through you, O all-pure one, did the Word Incarnate become a man* and with the Heavenly Hosts we magnify Him and we call you blessed.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
You have been shown to be a faithful champion O glorious martyr, and a strong defence to us who now honour your holy and eternal memory, the struggles of your suffering, and the divine protection brought to us.
Holy great-martyr Theodore, pray to God for us.
The all-blessed miracle accomplished by you is praised in all the world, O blessed Theodore: therefore, gathering at this yearly festival, we give glory to Christ who has glorified you.
Glory…
Seeing the love of those who sing your praises, O martyr of Christ, grant them in return an increase in grace. Knowing how great is our faith, O most glorious one, cease not to show yourself to be a fervent intercessor before God on our behalf.
Now…
We shall not cease to sing your praises, O Virgin: you are our helper and protection, our swift support, our defender who can never be put to shame. Ever keep your servants from every harm, and deliver them from every wile of the evil one.
Katavasia: Let every mortal born on earth, radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy;* and let the host of the angelic powers celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God,* and let them cry aloud:* Rejoice! O Theotokos, pure Ever-Virgin.
Hymn of Light
Tone 3
O crowned Saint, you who stand now with the angels before the judgment-seat of Christ:* Filled with the light of heaven, O passion-bearer,* intercede without ceasing for the peace of the whole world,* and for the salvation of us who reverently celebrate Your effulgent memory,* O Theodore, most noetically rich martyr.
Glory… Now…
Wishing to restore the fallen world from corruption,* the Lord came to dwell within your womb, O Theotokos, as He alone knows.* And all of us who have found salvation cry aloud to you the Angel’s greeting:* Rejoice! all-hymned one, most blessed among women,* for you have brought forth joy to the whole world.
At the Praises
Tone 1
O faithful, let us gather with one accord* and praise in mystical hymns the champion of the heavenly army,* the long-suffering warrior of our holy faith;* let us say “O wondrous martyr of Jesus,* pray on behalf of us who honour you.”
In truth, you are named “The gift of God” O thrice-blessed Theodore,* for you have been given as a comforter to all those in affliction:* For all they who in sincerity draw near your shrine worshiping Christ,* receive with joy the reward of your miracles.
By your struggles of suffering* you have treasured up for yourself the riches and glory of holiness,* offering all your strength as a gift acceptable to God,* and in those struggles fulfilling with eagerness* your God-given name.
Let us rejoice with the most radiant solemnity of the divine martyr;* and let us all who love to keep the feasts faithfully rejoice,* as we honour the joyful celebration of his death.* Let us sing in praise of Jesus,* who has glorified his memory.
Tone 6, Glory…
O Theodore, in your wisdom* you have shown yourself to the world to be a gift of holiness,* a treasury of divine life.* Wisely has Christ glorified your memory;* and rejoicing in your feast, we the faithful with one accord,* praise your labours and your sufferings.
Tone 6, Now…
O Theotokos, you are the true vine* that has budded forth for us the Fruit of life.* We entreat you: pray, O Sovereign Lady, with the holy apostles,* that He have mercy upon our souls.
At the Aposticha
Tone 4
Now the company of martyrs rejoices at your shrine, O passion-bearer Theodore,* and the ranks of angels extol your fortitude in suffering.* Christ Himself, the Giver of crowns is present,* and with His right hand He grants rich gifts of grace to those who sing your praises.* You sought and found Him whom you desire,* and now that you dwell in His presence, you ever converse with Him.* Beseech Him that He save and enlighten our souls.
The righteous shall be glad in the Lord,* and shall hope in Him
The pure and undefiled Fast has now begun,* and brings us to the celebration of the martyr’s miracles.* Through the Fast our souls are cleansed from defilement,* and through the martyr’s miracles and sufferings we are granted strength* to fight courageously against the passions.* Illumined, therefore, by the grace of holy abstinence* and by the wonders worked by Theodore the martyr,* we are strengthened by our faith in Christ,* and beseech Him to grant salvation to our souls.
The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree:* and shall spread abroad like a cedar in Lebanon
O Theodore, since you possess a martyr’s boldness before God,* you bring to nothing the vain scheme devised by the apostate against the faith of Christ.* Fighting as a champion in defence of good and honourable people,* through an awesome visitation you delivered them from food defiled by sacrifice to idols.* Therefore, we honour you as a destroyer of idols, as a saviour and guardian of Christ’s flock,* and as a protector ever ready to hearken to our supplications;* in our hymns of praise we ask that, through your intercessions,* forgiveness and illumination may be granted to our souls.
Tone 8, Glory…
Through your sufferings you were armed with good courage, O passion-bearer of Christ,* and by His power you mystically defended holy worship.* You rendered the impious idols and the cruel tyrant powerless,* scorning torments and the fire that burns for but a moment.* In both name and reality you are a Godly gift:* by your intercessions save those who celebrate your memory.
Now…
O Sovereign Lady, accept the supplications of your servants,* and deliver us from all want and grief.
It is good to give thanks to the Lord…
Trisagion Hymns
Troparia
Tone 2
Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the holy martyr Theodore rejoiced as by the water of rest* for having been baked as a whole-burnt offering* he was brought to the Trinity as a sweet bread.* By his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Glory… Now…
All of your most glorious mysteries are beyond comprehension, O Theotokos;* for, your purity sealed and your virginity intact,* you are known to be a true Mother, having given birth to God.* Entreat Him that our souls be saved.
Litany: Have mercy upon us …
Priest: For You are a merciful God, and the Lover of mankind, and to You do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: Blessed is He that is, Christ our God, always, now and for ever and ever.
Reader: Amen. O Heavenly King, strengthen Orthodox Christians, establish the Faith, subdue the nations, give peace to the world, keep well this city (or habitation, or town); settle our departed fathers and brethren in the tabernacles of the righteous, and receive us in penitence and confession, for You are good and the Lover of mankind.
Then the reader immediately begins the first hour.
DIVINE LITURGY ON SATURDAY MORNING
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 2: Great are the achievements of faith!* In the fountain of flames, the holy martyr Theodore rejoiced as by the water of rest* for having been baked as a whole-burnt offering* he was brought to the Trinity as a sweet bread.* By his prayers, O Christ God, 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 8: You accepted the faith of Christ in your heart as a breastplate* and trampled the enemy’s power, O long-suffering martyr Theodore.* You were crowned for all eternity with a wreath from heaven* as the invincible one.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7
The just man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him.
verse: Hear, O God, my voice when I make my petition to You. (Psalm 63:11,2)
Epistle
Hebrews 1:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:1-10
Alleluia, Tone 4
verse: The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.
verse: They who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish the courts of our God. (Psalm 91:13,14)
Gospel
Mark 2:23-3:5; John 15:17-16:2
Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.* Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)