The First and Second Finding of the Precious Head of the Holy, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer John.

When

February 24, 2026

All Day

Day 9 of the Great Fast. Polyeleos Feast. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.

VESPERS ON MONDAY EVENING

Kathisma Reading

The appointed psalms are chanted.

At Psalm 140

Tone 8

If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that You may be revered.

To whom shall you be likened, O wretched soul;* slothful and lazy, ever seeking the means to continue in wickedness?* Repent for judgment is at the door,* and cleanse yourself through prayer and fasting,* and cry aloud to your Master: “I have sinned against You;* grant me remission since You are compassionate* and grant me correction.”

I have waited for You as You have commanded; my soul patiently relies on Your promise,* for it has trusted in the Lord.

Having a fathomless depth of compassionate goodness,* O Christ, dry up the vicissitude of my transgressions,* for You are sinless, O God,* and grant my heart compunction,* that restraining the torrent of my transgressions,* I may sing Your praises and glorify Your ineffable compassion,* O longsuffering Benefactor of our souls.

From the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.

Having now guided us to this time of the Holy Fast, O God,* and having granted us to enter into its second week,* O Lord grant us in the weeks to come, to run the race fittingly.* Strengthen our souls and bodies with grace,* that with courage and joy, we may bravely complete the present course,* and arrive at the royal day of Your Resurrection;* wearing crowns of victory, ever praising You without ceasing.

Tone 5

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him there is plentiful redemption;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

Rejoice, O sacred and light-bearing head, venerated by the angels,* which of old was severed by a sword* and cut down the shame of impurity with sharp reproofs,* wellspring of miracles which give drink to the faithful,* and which proclaimed the saving advent of the Saviour* and of old perceived the coming of the Spirit which took up His abode in you* who stood between the grace of the Old and New Covenants.* Entreat Christ God to grant our souls great mercy!

Praise the Lord, all the nations;* proclaim His glory, all you people.

The head of the Forerunner,* which once was concealed in an earthen vessel, has appeared,* manifestly given up from the bosom of the earth* and pouring forth streams of healing;* for in the waters did he wash the head of Him* that even now covers the chambers of the firmament with waters* and rains down divine remission upon men.* Therefore, let us bless it as truly most glorious,* and in its discovery let us joyously keep festival,* entreating Christ to grant our souls great mercy.

Strong is the love of the Lord for us;* eternally will His truth endure.

The head which proclaimed the Lamb of God who has appeared in the flesh,* which with divine commands has declared to all the ways of saving repentance,* which of old denounced the transgression of Herod* and was therefore severed from its body and endured concealment for a time,* has shone forth upon us like a radiant sun, crying out:* Repent, and in compunction of soul now submit to Christ* who grants the world great mercy!

Tone 6, Glory…

The divinely preserved head, a treasury of divine gifts, O Forerunner,* has shone forth from the bosom of the earth;* and we, faithfully receiving and bowing down before it, O glorious one,* are enriched by you with most glorious miracles* and the forgiveness of our offenses, O Baptist of Christ!

Now…

Who does not call you blessed, O all-holy Virgin?* Who will not hymn your all-pure birthgiving?* For the only-begotten Son who shone forth timelessly from the Father,* came forth, ineffably incarnate, from you, the pure one;* and, being God by nature, He became man for our sake,* not divided into two Persons, but known in two natures without confusion.* Beseech Him, O pure and most blessed one, that our souls find mercy!

Prokeimenon, Tone 1

The Lord strong and mighty,* the Lord mighty in war.

verse: The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.

Reading I

Genesis 3:21-4:7

For Adam and his wife the Lord God made garments of skin, and clothed them. Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. Now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—” therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of pleasure to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. So He cast out Adam, and made him dwell opposite the garden of pleasure. He then stationed the cherubim and the fiery sword which turns every way to guard the way to the tree of life.

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man through God.” Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a shepherd of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Now in the process of time Cain brought a sacrifice to the Lord from the fruits of the ground. Abel also brought a sacrifice from the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. The Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his sacrifices. So Cain was extremely sorrowful, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you extremely sorrowful? And why has your countenance fallen? Did you not sin, even though you brought it rightly, but did not divide it rightly? Be still; his recourse shall be to you; and you shall rule over him.”

Prokeimenon, Tone 4

Look upon me, and have mercy on me:* for I am one only-begotten and poor.

verse: To You, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul.

Reading II

Proverbs 3:34-4:22

Do not incur the reproach of evil men,
Neither seek their ways;
For every lawless man is unclean before the Lord,
And he does not sit among the righteous.
The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly,
But He blesses the dwellings of the righteous.
The Lord opposes the arrogant,
But He gives grace to the humble.
The wise shall inherit glory,
But the ungodly exalt dishonor.

Hear, my children, the instruction of your father,
And pay attention, that you might know his thinking;
For I offer a good gift to you;
Do not forsake my law.
For I was a son, and I was obedient to my father,
And beloved in the presence of my mother,
Who taught me, saying,
“Let our word become firmly planted in your heart;
Guard our commandments; do not forget them;
Neither disregard the word of my mouth,
Nor forsake it, and it shall cleave to you;
Love it, and it will keep you.
Secure it, and it shall exalt you;
Honor it, that it may embrace you,
And give your head a crown of graces,
And cover you with a crown of delight.”

Hear me, my son, and receive my words,
And the years of your life shall be increased,
That many ways of life may be yours;
For I teach you the ways of wisdom
And set you on upright paths.
For if you walk, your steps shall not be confined;
And if you run, you will not grow weary.
Lay hold of my instruction; do not let go,
But guard it for yourself as your life.
Do not go in the ways of the ungodly,
Neither be zealous for the ways of the lawless;
In whatever place they encamp, do not go there,
But turn aside from them and pass by.
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil;
Their sleep is taken away, and they do not rest;
For they feed on the bread of ungodliness,
And they are drunk with the wine of lawlessness.
But the ways of the righteous shine like a light;
They go before and give light until full daylight.
But the ways of the ungodly are dark;
They do not know how they stumble.

My son, give heed to my word
And incline your ear to my words,
That your fountains may not fail you;
Guard them in your heart;
For they are life to those who find them
And healing for all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all watchfulness,
For from these words are the issues of life.

Vespers Reading III

Isaiah 40:1-11

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people,” says God. “O priests, speak to the heart of Jerusalem, comfort her, for her humiliation is ended, her sin is pardoned; for she received from the Lord’s hand double for her sins.” The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the paths of our God. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill humbled; the crooked places shall be made straight, and the rough places into plains. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God; for the Lord has spoken.” The voice said, “Cry out.” So I said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, and all man’s glory is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God abides forever.’ O you who bring good tidings to Zion, go into the high mountain; O you who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid. Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God.” Behold, the Lord is coming with strength, and His arm is with authority. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd and gather the lambs with His arm; and He will comfort those with young.

Vespers Reading IV

Malachi 3

“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come into His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom you desire. Behold, He is coming,” says the Lord Almighty. “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can withstand His appearance? For He enters like a refiner’s fire and as soap in one’s wash. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver and gold. He will purify the sons of Levi and pour them out as purified gold and silver, and they will bring an offering to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in the days of old, as in former years.

“And I will draw near to you in judgment, a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, those who swear falsely by My name, those who exploit wage-earners, those who oppress widows and afflict orphans, those who pervert the justice due foreigners, and those who do not fear Me,” says the Lord Almighty. “For I am the Lord your God; I have not changed. But you, O sons of Jacob, have not abstained from the sins of your fathers. You have turned away from My ordinances and have not kept them.

“Return to Me and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you say, ‘In what way shall we return?’ Will a man insult God? Yet you have insulted Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we insulted You?’ You kept back your tithes and offerings. You most certainly turned your back on Me, you and the whole nation, and you insulted Me. You brought all the produce into the storehouses—but it will be plundered in its house. Return now in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not open for you the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it is overflowing. And I shall send it to you for food and I will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor will the vine in the field fail to bear fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. “And all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

“You spoke harsh words against Me,” says the Lord, “yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ You have said, ‘One who serves God is foolish; what profit have we from keeping His ordinances, and why do we go as suppliants before the face of the Lord Almighty? And now we call foreigners blessed, and those doing lawless deeds are raised up—they even oppose God and go free.’”

Then those who feared the Lord spoke these things each to his neighbor, and the Lord listened and heard them, and He wrote a book of remembrance before His face for those who feared the Lord and reverenced His name. “They shall be mine,” says the Lord Almighty, “in the day that I make them My possession, and I will choose them as a man chooses his own son who serves him. Then you shall return, and you will discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

“For behold, the day of the Lord is coming, burning like an oven. And it will burn them up, and it shall be that all foreigners and all who do wickedly will be stubble; and the day that is coming shall burn them up,” says the Lord Almighty, “and neither root nor branch will be left of them. But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings, and you shall go forth leaping as little calves released from their bonds. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under your feet on the day I do this,” says the Lord Almighty. “Behold, I will send you Elijah before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And he will turn the heart of the father to his son, and a man’s heart to his neighbor, lest I come and strike the earth completely. Be in remembrance of the Law of Moses My servant as I commanded him, with its statutes and judgments, at Horeb for all Israel.”

Vespers Reading V

Wisdom 4:7-15

But though a righteous man may die before his time,

He shall be at rest.

For old age is not honored for its length of existence,

Nor measured by its number of years;

But discernment is gray hair for mankind,

And a spotless life is the maturity of old age.

There was once a man pleasing to God and loved by Him,

And while living among sinners he was taken up.

He was caught up lest evil change his understanding

Or deceit deceive his soul.

For envy arising from lack of judgment obscures what is good,

And a whirling of desire undermines an innocent heart.

He was made perfect,

For in a short time he fulfilled long years,

For his soul was pleasing to the Lord;

Therefore, He took him early from the midst of evil.

Yet peoples saw this but did not understand,

Nor take such a thing to heart,

That the Lord’s grace and mercy are with His elect

And that He watches over His holy ones.

Aposticha

Tone 3

Let us keep a spiritual fast:* let us loose every bond of wickedness;* let us avoid the stumbling-blocks of sin;* let us forgive our brothers their debts,* that we also may be forgiven our transgressions,* and be enabled to cry aloud:* “Let our prayer be set forth as incense before You, O Lord.”

I have lifted up my eyes to You enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord our God until He has mercy on us.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for we have been filled with shame; our soul is all too full of the mockery of the rich, of the contempt of the proud.

The prophets, the apostles of Christ and the martyrs* have taught all to sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity;* and having given light to the nations which had gone astray,* they have made of the sons of men;* companions of angels.

Glory… Now…

Forget not us utterly who are your paupers, O Lady,* but by your intercessions deliver us from dangers and present harm;* and save, O Theotokos, your servants* from the wrath of the Lord.

MATINS ON TUESDAY MORNING

Usual Beginning

Hexapsalm

Great Litany

God the Lord, Tone 4

Troparia, Tone 4

The head of the Forerunner has dawned from the earth* shedding rays of incorruption and healing on those who believe;* from on high it assembles the multitude of angels,* from below it summons the human race* to glorify Christ God with one voice.

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

The appointed psalms are chanted.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

Restraining the passions with the bridle of a pure fast,* let us strive to raise our mind in the most perfect faith* to venerable contemplation.* Let us despise the pleasures of this earthly life,* that we may attain to a heavenly life and divine effulgence.

Glory…

Now…

From the multitude of my wicked and unlawful deeds,* I have fallen into the depths of despair,* and am held captive and perplexed by despondency.* O Lady Theotokos, save and help me,* for you are the compassionate forgiveness and salvation of sinners.

Psalter Reading

The appointed psalms are chanted.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

The Fast has set before us a mystic table,* inviting us all to partake abundantly thereof.* We shall partake of the everlasting gifts of the Spirit;* we shall drink of the divinely flowing stream of tears.* Let us thereby rejoice and offer ceaseless praise to God.

Glory…

Now…

O all-holy Virgin, save us from every threat and wickedness of men; for thee do we have as our protection and aid, fleeing to thee, O Mother of God, and unto our God Who was born from thee; entreat Him, that He deliver us from tribulations and sorrows.

Polyeleos

Magnification

We extol you,* O Forerunner of the Saviour, John,* and we commemorate* the beheading of your holy head.

verse: Behold, I have fled far away and made my dwelling in the wilderness.

verse: I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart.

verse: I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation.

Glory… Now…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3)

Small Litany

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

Like a pearl was the head of the Baptist concealed in the damp earth,* and, adorned like a divinely radiant lamp,* it illumines the whole world, working wonders.* For like the dawn has the Forerunner put forth the sun most splendidly,* preaching to us again with unwaning light, crying out:* Behold, the Lamb of God!

Glory… Now…

We ever give you thanks and magnify and bow down before you, O pure Theotokos,* hymning your birthgiving and crying out unceasingly, O you that are full of grace:* Save us, O most merciful Virgin, in that you are good,* and at the hour of trial rescue us from the dread interrogation of the demons,* that we, your servants, be not put to shame.

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

David, I have prepared a lamp for my Christ.

verse: Remember, O Lord, David and all his meekness.

Let everything that lives

Gospel

Luke 7:17-30

Psalm 50

Verses at Psalm 50

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 precious head of the Baptist of Christ,* which of old preached repentance to all the faithful,* denounced the impurity of the iniquitous Herod,* and lay upon a charger, has appeared out of the hidden places of the earth *and lies before them that have recourse to it with faith,* who touch it with fear and bow down before it with spiritual love.* Granting remission of transgression, with forgiveness it bestows that which is needful and great mercy.

Canon

Ode 1

Irmos: When Israel traversed the deep on foot as on dry land,* beholding the persecutor Pharaoh drowned,* they cried out:* Let us chant to God a song of victory!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

O holy Forerunner Come, O faithful, and with spiritual songs let us glorify the Forerunner, the voice of the Word, weaving hymns with a right laudable tongue and an almighty spirit, though our lips be impure.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

With peaceful tranquillity is the Church of Christ calmed and with countless multitudes is it tended prosperously, giving utterance to its yearly hymn to you, O Forerunner.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Assembling, O faithful, let us all honour with hymns, as is meet, the God-bearing head of the Forerunner which has been given to us by God as an inviolable treasure.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

O pure one, who received the Creator, as He Himself did desire, incarnate past all understanding of thy seedless womb, thou hast truly been shown to be the Mistress of creation.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth, and the Spirit will inspire it,* and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother:* I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast* and joyfully praising her wonders.

Irmos: Behold now, and see that I am your God,* begotten of the Father before all ages,* conceived without a man in these latter times from the Virgin,* abolishing the sin of the forefather Adam, as the Lover of mankind.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Groan and weep, O my soul, turn back and repent, the day draws near, the Judge is at the door. Make ready your answer and cry aloud: “I have sinned against You, O compassionate, merciful and loving One: have compassion upon me.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

O my soul, hate the destructive fullness of sin, rather, rejoice in the strict fullness of the Fast. Make the commandments of salvation thy food, which will enable you through faith to enjoy eternal blessings.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

O angels, powers and principalities, archangels, dominions and thrones, rulers, cherubim and seraphim, pray to God that we may be granted the remission of our sins and release from the passions.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You alone bore the eternal Word who took flesh from you, yet without change remained as He was before, O all-immaculate One; and having not known a man, you remained a virgin even after child-bearing; pray on behalf of us all, that our life may be delivered from corruption.

Irmos: Behold now, and see that I am your God,* Who has sanctified for you as acceptable offering,* the tenth part of the days of every year,* and this commandment have I given to my people* for their deliverance from the passions* and as the beginning of salvation.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

We have seen, and we have come to know that You appointed the fast to bring us to repentance, O compassionate One. Receive, O merciful God, the prayers which we offer in this season, that they may be set forth in Your sight, O Good One, as fragrant incense and an acceptable sacrifice.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I tremble and am filled with fear when I reflect upon how greatly I have sinned. How shall I meet You? How shall I stand before Your judgment seat where there shall be no respect of persons? Spare me, then, O merciful Lord, in the hour when You shall come to judge all the earth.

Glory…

Exceedingly perfect Unity in three Hypostases, supreme Godhead, Father unbegotten, Son only-begotten, Spirit proceeding forth from the Father and manifest through the Son: single in Essence and in Nature, one Lordship and one Kingdom, save us all.

Now…

The wonder of your conceiving is beyond description, O Mother and Virgin: for how can you give birth and yet remained pure? How can you bear a child, without having known a man? All this is understood to transcend the laws of nature, by the Word of God, who was born in a new and marvellous manner.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

The men of Nineveh repented and fasted, and You delivered them from the wrath that threatened them; but You consumed with fire the men of Sodom in their wanton shamelessness. Deliver me, O Christ, from the punishment which they suffered.

Katavasia: Behold now, and see that I am your God,* Who has sanctified for you as acceptable offering,* the tenth part of the days of every year,* and this commandment have I given to my people* for their deliverance from the passions* and as the beginning of salvation.

Ode 3

Irmos: There is none holy as You, O Lord my God,* who has exalted the horn of Your faithful, O Good One,* and has established us upon the rock* of Your confession.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

A barren womb put you forth as a divine shoot, a glorious attendant to the Bride which is the Church of the nations, betrothing Her to Christ, the true God and Bridegroom.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

O Forerunner John, the wretched adulteress could not stop your divinely eloquent voice with the sword, for from earth you reveal your divine head to us.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The city of Jerusalem, desiring you and radiantly celebrating, keeps festival, having found your head as a hidden treasure and an inexhaustible wellspring of healings, O Forerunner.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The wonder of your divine birthgiving surpasses all the order of nature; for in manner transcending nature you conceived God in your womb and, having given birth, ever remain a Virgin.

Katavasia: O Mother of God, living and plentiful fount,* give strength to those united in spiritual fellowship,* who sing hymns of praise to you:* and in your divine glory vouchsafe to them crowns of glory.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 8

Like a treasure laid up in a hiding place* was the head of the Forerunner preserved, the voice of the Word was hidden in a cistern;* but like a grain of wheat planted in the depths of the earth it blossomed forth,* yielding the fruit of divine life.* We all honour the discovery of it glorifying Christ* who has given it the grace to pour forth healings.

Glory… Now…

Mystically receiving in his mind what was commanded,* the incorporeal one went with haste to stand in the house of Joseph,* saying to her that knew not wedlock:* He that bowed down the heavens by His descent immutably abides wholly within you!* And beholding Him within your womb who had taken on the form of a servant,* I fear to cry aloud to you: Rejoice, O Bride unwed!

Ode 4

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and Lord,* the holy Church sings in godly manner,* crying out with a pure mind,* keeping festival in the Lord.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Clearly you were the seal of the Old Covenant and the prophets, O you that are most rich, and you preached to the ends of the earth; and you have been revealed as the adorner of the bridal chamber of the New Covenant, O Forerunner.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

O Forerunner, rejoicing, by habit you endured the covering of your precious and glorious head with coarse rags, as with a garment of royal purple. By your divine instructions, O John, a poor man, fleeing and wandering about, show your divine head to be an abundant treasure.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

O Forerunner, pray ever that the city of Jerusalem which honours you be illumined with the radiance of the divine Spirit, and that it rejoice with the incorporeal ones in your divine memory.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Eating has shown me to be a dead plant, O all-pure one, but the Tree of Life who revealed Himself through you, has raised me up and made me an heir to the food of paradise.

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

Irmos: With Your divine light, O Good One,* illumine the souls of them that with love wake at dawn to You,* I pray, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God* who calls them forth from the gloom of sin.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

O Baptist, you were not a reed ever shaken by the trying winds of enmity, but were an unshakable pillar for the people of God; for you showed yourself forth with the power of Elijah and the Spirit.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

He that rejected the Godhead and belittled the glory of Christ who was baptized of you, and concealed your divine grace, is rightly kept from the fold of God.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

You have opened up the portal of a bountiful and divine wellspring which pours forth the waters of grace divine upon them that hymn you with love, O glorious Forerunner, gladdening all with streams of healing.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Bearing the noetic beauty of your soul you became the Bride of God, sealed in your virginity, O pure one, enlightening the world with the radiance of purity.

Katavasia: The whole world was amazed* at your divine glory:* for you, O Virgin who have not known wedlock,* have held in your womb the God of all* and have given birth to an eternal Son,* who rewards with salvation all who sing your praises.

Ode 6

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life* surging with the storm of temptations,* fleeing to Your calm haven I cry to You:* Lead me up from corruption, O most Merciful One!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Christ called you a true prophet, and the most exalted of the prophets, the Baptist and Forerunner of Life; for you beheld Him whom the Law and the prophets foretold.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The fountain of miracles, the treasury of grace, your sacred head, O Baptist, Prophet and Forerunner, could not bear to be concealed, and, having revealed itself, it poured forth springs of healing.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The Christ-loving and right glorious city sets before itself your precious and divine head, O Forerunner, as most rich praise, a radiant adornment and a splendid shield.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Moses, great among the prophets, prefigured you in the ark, the table, the candlestick and the jar, signifying the incarnation of the Most High which took place through you, O Virgin Mother.

Katavasia: As we celebrate* this sacred and solemn feast of the Mother of God,* let us come, clapping our hands, O people of the Lord,* and give glory to God who was born of her.

Kontakion, Tone 2

O Forerunner of Grace and prophet of God,* having obtained your head from the earth like a sacred rose,* we always receive gifts of healing;* for again as of old you proclaim repentance in the world.

Ikos

You were more exalted than all men, O John, as the Lord Himself bore witness. Hence, I fear to offer you hymns of praise; yet, impelled by love, I have made bold to begin a hymn. Therefore, deem me not to be an unworthy helper, that I may crown your holy head, O you of three-fold riches; for you preach repentance to the world.

Ode 7

Irmos: The Angel made the furnace pour forth dew for the venerable children,* and the command of God, consuming the Chaldeans,* compelled the tyrant to cry out:* Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The Offspring of the Virgin called you the greatest among those born of women, for you lived for Him on earth like an incorporeal one, an equal to the angels, crying out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

From within the barren womb of your mother, you recognized Him that had taken up His abode in the Virgin’s womb, O Forerunner; and, using the voice of your mother, leaping, you cried out to Him: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Out of the wilderness you appeared like a radiant dawn, an angel of light, taught by the all-holy Spirit, teaching us to cry out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Having acquired you as a treasure, O ever-memorable one, this city is now truly blessed among all cities, O Forerunner of Christ. Therefore, keeping festival it cries out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers!

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Through you, O Virgin Mother, a radiant Light has shone forth upon the whole world, for you gave birth to God, the Creator of all. Beseech Him, O all-pure one, that He send down great mercy upon us, the faithful.

Katavasia: The holy children bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,* refusing to worship created things in place of the Creator,* and they sang in joy:* Blessed are You and praised above all, O Lord God of our Fathers.

Ode 8

Irmos: From the flame You poured forth dew upon the venerable ones,* and consumed the sacrifice of the righteous ones with water,* for You, O Christ, do all things whatsoever You will.* We exalt You supremely for all ages!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The Forerunner was sent as the voice of the Son of God, crying out to barren hearts, making steadfast pious faith in Him who is God, whom we exalt supremely for all ages!

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Even now the Forerunner says: Prepare the way of the Lord! For, having come for the sake of our sanctification, He makes His abode in our hearts forever with the Father and the Spirit.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

When the voice of the Father was heard and the divine Spirit was seen by human eyes, John the Forerunner, laying his hand upon You, O Christ, became a God-bearer in all ways.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

You were sanctified from the womb by the Spirit of God, and were shown to be a prophet while yet borne in the womb; and now, you are shown as delight for the city that seeks you in the bosom of the earth, O prophet.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

The golden candlestick prefigured you who have received ineffably the unapproachable Light which illumines all with the knowledge of Himself. We exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Irmos: Treading down the fiery flame in the furnace, the divinely eloquent children sang:* “Bless the Lord, O you works of the Lord.”

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

You justified the Publican who lamented, and had compassion upon the Harlot who wept from her heart. O Saviour, save and have compassion upon the souls of those who sing Your praises.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

By fasting let us bring to the Lord the fruit of our virtuous deeds. Let us refrain from harmful thoughts, that we may receive divine joy.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

The choirs of the angels, the assembly of the apostles and the ranks of the martyrs entreat You, O Jesus, to grant Your people remission of sins.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

With all the faithful, let us bless the Virgin: for she is the Mountain uncut by hand, the Candlestick that bore the Light, the easily ascended Ladder, and dwelling-place of God.

Irmos: Glorified in the holy mountain,* the Lord revealed the mystery of the Ever-Virgin* to Moses in the flames of the burning bush:* praise and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

On this solemn day of abstinence let us all make music in hymns: and keep festival with a holy joy, let us praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Of old the man of God was led astray by the prophet and ate of the food of disobedience and was consumed. Be watchful, then, O my soul, and let not the serpent of gluttony deceive you.

We bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord.

As a Unity in Essence I sing Your praises; as a Trinity in Hypostases I venerate You, the Father, Son, and Most Holy Spirit, and the power of Your beginningless Kingdom do I glorify throughout all ages.

Now…

O Theotokos, you are manifest as the Mountain of God upon which Christ came to dwell; and He has made into divine temples all those who sing: “Praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.”

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

Come, O people, let us greet the Fast with love, for it is the guardian of purity and the mother of dispassion; and let us praise the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, hymning and supremely exalting Him throughout all ages!

Katavasia: Glorified in the holy mountain,* the Lord revealed the mystery of the Ever-Virgin* to Moses in the flames of the burning bush:* praise and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Magnificat

Ode 9

Irmos: It is not possible for men to see God* upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze;* but through you, O all-pure one,* the incarnate Word appeared to men;* and. magnifying Him with the armies of Heaven,* we call you blessed.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Being manifestly a mighty keeper of the fulfilment of the Ten Commandments, O Forerunner, you were rightly honoured by Christ with ten-fold gifts. Therefore, knowing you to be a friend of the Word, we bless you as an initiate of the mysteries of the Spirit.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Prophet of Christ and apostle, angel and forerunner, Baptizer of the Incarnation of God, priest and faithful martyr, you were a preacher to them that were in Hades, rule for virgins and offspring of the desert.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

Unbelief of soul is reproved by the miracle of the withered hand of the priest; for when his faith blossomed anew and your head appeared, O blessed one, his outstretched hand was renewed.

Honourable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Savior, John, pray to God for us.

The ranks of angels have truly proclaimed your prophetic appearance to the beholder, emulating the divine announcement of Gabriel which the sacred Zacharias received before your birth.

Most holy Theotokos, save us!

Let us draw forth the healing of our passions, making haste to the glorious temple of the Forerunner; for choirs of angels, the souls of all the righteous, the Lady and John the Baptist enter therein, bestowing healings.

Irmos: The prophetic vision of the lawgiver on the mountain,* in the fire of the burning bush,* prefigured your birthgiving O Ever-Virgin, the salvation of us the faithful,* therefore with never silent hymns we magnify you.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

A good Fast enriches our heart, divinely rendering it greater in virtue, like a full ear of wheat. Let us therefore fast with gladness in these holy days, and thus receive sanctification.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

I am defiled by a multitude of sins, wounded, and condemned. Look mercifully upon me, O compassionate One, and save me by the prayers of Your saints.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Alas for you, most miserable soul, what answer shall you give? Great shall be the fear that shall seizes you, when the Judge is seated upon His throne and ten thousands of the angels stand round about! Make haste, then, and repent before the end.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O chariot of the King, cloud of light, rich mountain, hill flowing with milk, we entreat you, O unwedded Virgin, heal the passions of our souls.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Let us keep a true fast before the Lord: let us abstain not only from food but from angry speech and falsehood, and from every other passion, that we may behold Pascha in purity.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Samuel was enlightened by the fruit of fasting; by it Samson grew to be brave and strong; by it priests and prophets were made perfect: and through the holy Fast may we likewise be sanctified.

Glory…

O Lord, the threefold Brightness of Your single Power illumines our mind with the divine light of revelation; turning us aside from the delusion that divides, bringing us to the divine unifying life.

Now…

O Theotokos, you are our armour and our rampart; you are the protection of those who flee to you. And now we implore your intercession, that we may be delivered from our enemies.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

The Fast, filled with the Holy Spirit beckons us to its rich banquet, with gladness let us partake of the gifts of grace and sing His praises as our God.

Katavasia: The prophetic vision of the lawgiver on the mountain,* in the fire of the burning bush,* prefigured your birthgiving O Ever-Virgin, the salvation of us the faithful,* therefore with never silent hymns we magnify you.

Small Litany

Hymn of Light

Your precious and luminous head has shone forth from the impassable bosom of the earth, O Forerunner John, beacon of immaterial light; and, lovingly celebrating the discovery thereof, we entreat you to obtain the remission of our grievous deeds, that we may complete the period of abstinence well, through thy prayers, O all-praised Baptist of the Saviour.

Glory… Now…

The divinely wise assembly of the faithful, which ministers and faithfully hymns you truly as the Theotokos, is comforted, O all-pure one. Therefore, grant that by your prayers we may splendidly finish the course of the fast, and may bow down before the precious Cross and the saving sufferings of your Son and God.

Praises

Stichera of the Praises

Tone 4

Your most precious head has opened the outer gates of abstinence, O all-praised one,* and has set before all the most sweet substance of divine gifts;* partaking thereof with faith, we sweeten the bitterness of fasting* and praise you with faith, and cry out to Christ God:* O Jesus Almighty, You are the Saviour of our souls!

The head of the Forerunner which puts forth an ever-flowing stream of myrrh like water,* set today upon a mystical and divine table,* noetically perfumes and dispels the bitterness of sorrows,* and fills with gladness all that cry out with love:* O Jesus Almighty, You are the Saviour of our souls!

Like a sword most sharp has your head severed the heads of the iniquitous foe,* and has poured forth healings and divine gifts upon all that reverence the Law.* Therefore, we faithfully praise you, the friend and Forerunner of the Creator, O John,* and earnestly do we cry out to Him:* O Jesus Almighty, You are the Saviour of our souls!

Tone 6, Glory…

Faithfully receiving with a voice of praise the most precious head of Your Baptist, O Lord,* which today was revealed from the earth,* we, Your sinful servants, led to prayer, pray that on the day of Judgment* we may, for his sake, obtain cleansing and great mercy from You.

Now…

O right loving God and Saviour,* from all evil circumstances save Your servants,* by the prayers of Your Forerunner, and of all the saints,* and through the entreaties of Your Mother.

Little Doxology

Aposticha, Tone 5

O my soul, why are you melancholic, serving sin?* And in your sickness why do you not run to the physician?* Behold, now is the acceptable time;* behold, now is the true day of salvation.* Rise up and wash your face with the tears of repentance,* and make your lamp burn brightly with the oil of good deeds,* that Christ our God may grant you cleansing and great mercy

In the morning, fill us with Your love; we shall exult and rejoice all our days. Give us joy to balance our affliction for the years when we knew misfortune. Show forth Your work to Your servants; let Your glory shine on their children.

Let the favour of the Lord be upon us: give success to the work of our hands.

O Lord, Your passion-bearers, imitated the angelic life* with patience enduring tortures as though bodiless ones,* placing all their hope in the blessings which You have promised.* By their prayers, O Christ our God, grant peace to Your world, and to our souls great mercy.

Tone 2, Glory… Now…

Like a most precious shrine of divine thoughts your head, O all-praised John,* has shone forth today from the secret places of the earth, as from your mother’s womb,* clearly foreseeing the mystery of the ineffable Being;* and it has rendered the whole earth fragrant, emitting the myrrh of sanctification,* noetically preaching the way of repentance* and entreating the Saviour of all in behalf of our souls.

Troparion

Tone 4

Glory… Now…

Insistent Litany

Three prostrations

Dismissal