BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//wp-events-plugin.com//7.3.3//EN TZID:America/Winnipeg X-WR-TIMEZONE:America/Winnipeg BEGIN:VEVENT UID:466@liturgy.royaldoors.net DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton;VALUE=DATE:20260521 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton;VALUE=DATE:20260522 DTSTAMP:20260519T134150Z URL:https://liturgy.royaldoors.net/events/thursday-may-21-2026-the-holy-gr eat-rulers-constantine-and-helen-equals-to-the-apostles/ SUMMARY:Thursday\, May 21\, 2026\; The Holy Great Rulers Constantine and H elen\, Equals-to-the-Apostles. DESCRIPTION:Polyeleos Feast\nAT GREAT VESPERS ON WENDESDAY EVENING\nKathism a Reading\n\n“Blessed is the man…” is sung.\n\nAt Psalm 140\n\nTone 4\n\nOut of the depths I cry to You\, O Lord\;* O Lord\, hear my voice!\n\ nHaving achieved the salvation of all mankind\,* You went up to the Mount of Olives O Christ\,* from where You were taken to heaven before Your disc iples\,* being borne there in glory.* Wherefore\, amazed by the mystery\,* the lower orders cried out to the higher powers:* Lift up the gates\, tha t the sovereign God of all may enter therein* from where He had departed\, as He had willed\,* to wondrously effect the salvation of the world.\n\nL et Your ears be attentive* to the voice of my prayer.\n\nAs the choir of t he disciples’ looked upon You ascending\, they cried aloud:* O Master\, why do You leave Your servants behind?* To where do You journey\, O You wh o hold all of creation in Your hands?* Behold\, we have left all things to follow after You rejoicing\,* with the hope that we would ever abide and dwell with You:* Leave us not orphaned\,* but as You promised\, O compassi onate Saviour\,* send the Comforter and Saviour of our souls.\n\nIf You ma rk iniquities\, Lord\, who can stand?* But with You forgiveness is that Yo u may be revered.\n\nAs You granted a final blessing to Your friends\, O M aster\,* You taught them the mystery:* Behold\, O my friends\, I go to the Father\,* I shall send forth to you the Comforter.* I shall not leave My beloved sheep which I have gathered\,* I shall not forget those on whom I bestowed my love.* Endowed with power of the Most High God\,* you shall go forth and preach to all the world the good tidings\,* of the salvation of the race of mankind.\n\nTone 4\n\nI have waited for You as You have comma nded\; my soul patiently relies on Your promise\,* for it has trusted in t he Lord.\n\nYou gave Your precious cross as a most powerful weapon to the emperor.* Through it he reigned righteously on earth\, shining with godlin ess.* And by Your compassion he was counted worthy of Your heavenly kingdo m.* Therefore with him we glorify Your dispensation\, almighty Jesus\,* Sa viour of our souls\, and Lover of mankind!\n\nFrom the morning watch until night* let Israel trust in the Lord.\n\nYou gave Your precious cross as a most powerful weapon to the emperor.* Through it he reigned righteously o n earth\, shining with godliness.* And by Your compassion he was counted w orthy of Your heavenly kingdom.* Therefore with him we glorify Your dispen sation\, almighty Jesus\,* Saviour of our souls\, and Lover of mankind!\n\ nFor with the Lord there is mercy\, and with Him there is plentiful redemp tion\;* and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.\n\nAs the King of kings\, the Lord who reigns over all\,* You\, Lover of mankind\, grant ed Your servant the wisdom of Solomon* the meekness of David\, and the ort hodox faith of the Apostles!* Therefore we glorify Your dispensation\, alm ighty Jesus\,* Saviour of our souls\, and Lover of mankind!\n\nPraise the Lord\, all the nations\;* proclaim His glory\, all you people.\n\nAs the K ing of kings\, the Lord who reigns over all\,* You\, Lover of mankind\, gr anted Your servant the wisdom of Solomon* the meekness of David\, and the orthodox faith of the Apostles!* Therefore we glorify Your dispensation\, almighty Jesus\,* Saviour of our souls\, and Lover of mankind!\n\nStrong i s the love of the Lord for us\;* eternally will His truth endure.\n\nEmper or of eternal memory\,* first you willingly submitted the purple to Christ \,* recognizing Him as true God and King of all\,* the great Benefactor an d Source of victory.* You saw Him set above every principality and power.* Therefore Jesus made the kingdom prosper for you\, lover of virtue\,* for He is the Saviour of our souls\, and Lover of mankind!\n\nTone 2\, Glory …\n\nConstantine the great\, most powerful emperor\, * you received the finest of rich gifts from God making you pre-eminent.* Enlightened by the rays of the most Holy Spirit through baptism\,* you appeared invincible w hile you reigned\,* receiving the world as a free gift of the Creator.* Yo u ruled the city with faithfulness.* Since therefore you have boldness bef ore Him\,* never cease to pray to Christ* that all who celebrate your memo ry in faith* may be granted forgiveness of sins and great mercy!\n\nTone 6 \, Now…\n\nGod is gone up in jubilation\,* the Lord with the voice of th e trumpet\,* to raise the fallen image of Adam\,* and to send the Comforti ng Spirit to sanctify our souls.\n\nProkeimenon\, Tone 5\n\nO Lord\, save me by Your name\,* and in Your power be a judge for me.\n\nverse: O God\, hear my prayer\; listen to the words of my mouth.\n\nReadings\n\n(1) 1 Kin gs 8:22-23\, 27-30\; (2) Isaiah 61:10-62:5\; (3) Isaiah 60:1-16\n\nApostic ha\n\nTone 2\n\nYou received the sceptre from God\, Constantine\, first em peror of Christians.* The hidden symbol of salvation appeared to you on ea rth. * Having the life-giving Cross as an invincible weapon\, blessed sai nt\,* you brought all the nations to the feet of Rome\,* and yourself were led to God.\n\nI have exalted one chosen out of the people! \n\nThe womb that bore you is truly blessed and sanctified\, divinely crowned Constant ine:* beloved of the world\, and joy of Christians!* You are the glory\, w ealth and champion of orphans and widows\,* the protector of the lowly and those in need\;* you restore the afflicted\, and rescue those in bonds!\n \nGod\, your God\, has anointed you with the oil of gladness! \n\nWith lo nging and love for Christ\,* the mother of a sweet offspring made havee to come to holy Sion\,* to the sacred place where our Saviour was crucified in His desire to save us.* Raising the Cross there\, she cried\, rejoicing :* glory to Him who has given me what I desired!\n\nTone 8\, Glory…\n\nB rightly shining moon and star of evening\, * you were turned from unbelie f to faith in the true God.* You were led to sanctify the people and city. * Beholding the figure of the Cross in the sky\, you heard from above:* Co nquer with this Cross in which lies victory over your enemies!* Receiving wisdom from the Holy Spirit\, you were anointed as holy emperor\,* anointi ng and supporting the Church of God\,* father of orthodox emperors\, Const antine\,* equal to the apostles whose relics pour forth healing:* ever int ercede for our souls!\n\nTone 1\, Now…\n\nHaving ascended into the heave ns\,* from where You also descended\,* leave us not orphaned\, O Lord\;* l et Your Spirit come\, bringing peace to the world\;* show to the sons of m en the works of Your might\,* O Lord and Lover of mankind.\n\nTroparion\, Tone 8\n\nAfter seeing the image of Your cross in the heavens\, O Lord\,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men\,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Always save it i n peace by the prayers of the Mother of God\,* only Lover of mankind.\n\nT one 4\, Glory… Now…\n\nYou ascended in glory\, O Christ our God\;* giv ing joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit\,* and assurin g them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God\,** the Redeemer of the world.\nAT FESTAL MATINS ON THURSDAY MORNING\nUsual Beginning\n\nH exapsalm\n\nGreat Litany\n\nThe Lord is God\, Tone 4\n\nTroparia\, Tone 4\ n\nYou ascended in glory\, O Christ our God\;* giving joy to Your disciple s by the promise of the Holy Spirit\,* and assuring them through Your bles sing* that You are the Son of God\,** the Redeemer of the world. (2)\n\nTo ne 8\, Glory…\n\nAfter seeing the image of Your cross in the heavens\, O Lord\,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men\,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Always save it in peace by the prayers of the Mother of God\,* only Lover of mank ind.\n\nTone 4\, Now…\n\nYou ascended in glory\, O Christ our God\;* giv ing joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit\,* and assurin g them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God\,** the Redeemer of the world.\n\nPsalter Reading\n\nSmall Litany\n\nSessional Hymns\, Ton e 6\n\nYou were the image of a new David\,* receiving the horn of royal an ointing over your head\;* for with the oil of the Spirit the transcendent Word and Lord anointed you\, O glorious one.* Therefore\, you have also re ceived a royal sceptre\, O most wise one\,* asking great mercy for us.\n\n Tone 5\, Glory… Now…\n\nHaving come down from Heaven to the things of earth\, * O Christ\, as God\, with Yourself\, You resurrected Adam’s for m\,* which lay prostrate in the nether holds of Hades’ vault\;* in Your Ascension to the heights* You led it up into the Heavens and You seated it upon the throne of Your Father\,* since You are merciful and the Lover of mankind.\n\nPsalter Reading\n\nSmall Litany\n\nSessional Hymns\, Tone 6\n \nThe Creator of the sun and creation\,* Who was wounded on the Cross\,* w ith the stars of heaven drew you to Him like a radiant star\,* and investe d you as the first with royal dominion.* Therefore\, we praise you\, O Con stantine\, most pious emperor\,* with your divinely wise mother Helena.\n\ nTone 8\, Glory… Now…\n\nYou went up the Mount of Olives\, O merciful Jesus\, * from whence You were taken. * For a bright cloud received You fr om the earth\, * as Your disciples looked on in awe\, * and the bodiless h osts on high heard the noetic leaders cry aloud: * Be lifted in fear\, O y ou gates. * With them creation praises You\, ** Who are the King and God o f all things that be.\n\nPolyeleos\n\nMagnification\n\nWe magnify you\,* r ight faithful sovereigns Constantine and Helen\, Equals of the Apostles\,* and we honour your holy memory\,* who enlightened the whole world with ho ly baptism.\n\nverse: The heavens declare the glory of God\, and the firma ment proclaims the work of His hands.\n\nGlory ... Now ... Alleluia\, alle luia\, alleluia\, glory be to You\, O God! (3)\n\nSmall Litany\n\nSessiona l Hymn\, Tone 4\n\nYour harmonious memorial\, made manifest to us\, illumi nes the ends of the earth with the light of divine knowledge\, O divinely inspired Constantine\; for you have been shown to be one pious among kings \, having kept the laws of the King of heaven. Wherefore\, by your supplic ations deliver us from temptations.\n\nGlory… Now…\n\nBy your divine b irth-giving\, O pure one\,* you have renewed the mortal nature of those bo rn on earth\, which had become corrupt through the passions\,* raising up all from death to a life of incorruption. * Wherefore\, as is meet we all bless you\, O exceedingly glorious Virgin\,* as you foretold.\n\nHymns of Ascent\, Tone 4\, First Antiphon\n\nProkiemenon\, Tone 4\n\nI have raised up one chosen out of My people\;* I have found David My servant.\n\nverse: Therefore God\, your God\, has anointed You with the oil of gladness.\n\n Let everything that breathes\, Tone 4\n\nGospel\n\nJohn 10:9-16\n\nVerses at Psalm 50\n\nTone 6\, Glory...\n\nThrough the intercession of the holy a postles\,* O Merciful One\,* remit our many sins.\n\nNow...\n\nThrough the intercession of the Mother of God\,* O Merciful One\,* remit our many sin s.\n\nTone 2\n\nHave mercy on me\, O God\, in Your kindness. In Your compa ssion blot out my offense.\n\nThe memory of the pious Constantine has shon e forth today\,* poured out like myrrh\;* for\, desiring Christ\, he spurn ed the idols\,* raising up a temple on the earth to Him Who was crucified for our sake\;* and in the heavens he has received the crown of hope.\n\nC anon\n\nCanon of the Righteous Ones\, Tone 8. Katavasiae of Ascension.\n\n Ode 1\n\nIrmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land\, * and h aving escaped the malice of the Egyptians\, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nO You Who alone are the King of heaven\, through the entreaties of Your favourites\, free my l owly soul from sin\, which now reigns within me.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apo stles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nAs one who l oved the kingdom on high\, O blessed Constantine\, believing with a pure m ind\, you worshipped the King and Master of all.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apo stles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nIllumined wi th divine light\, O divinely wise Helena\, you + truly forsake the darknes s of ignorance and most sincerely enslave yourself to the King of the ages .\n\nMost holy Theotokos\, save us!\n\nO Lady\, you portal of the divine E ast\, open unto me the door of repentance\, and by your intercession deliv er me from the gates of deadly sin.\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) Enveloped by t he divine cloud\, the man of unsure speech taught the Law written by God\; * wiping the dust from his eyes\, he saw the One-Who-Is\,* and he was init iated into the knowledge of the Spirit.* Let us praise him with inspired s ongs.\n\nOde 3\n\nIrmos: O Lord\, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Bui lder of the Church\, * do You strengthen me in Your love\, O Summit of des ire\, * O Support of the faithful\, * O only Lover of mankind.\n\nHoly Equ als-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n \nYou strove to receive heavenly rewards\; wherefore\, O divinely wise fat her\, you followed Him Who called you\, forsaking the darkness of the fals ehood bequeathed to you\, and became a luminary through the divine Spirit. \n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to G od for us.\n\nHaving cleaved unto Christ and set all your hope on Him\, O most honoured one\, you attained unto His sacred places\, wherein the Supr emely good One\, having become incarnate\, endured His most pure suffering s.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nBurning with divine desire\, O divinely blessed one\, you uncovered the precious Cross\, the weapon of salvation\, the insuperable v ictory\, the hope of Christians\, which had been hidden in malice.\n\nMost holy Theotokos\, save us!\n\nHaving fallen away from my sacred citizenshi p\, O most pure one\, I have become like a beast and am wholly condemned. O you who have given birth to the Judge\, deliver and save me from all con demnation.\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) The shackles of a sterile womb and the unbridled pride that filled a mother* were shattered by the prayer of Anna \, the prophetess of old\,* who bore a contrite and humbled heart* before the supreme and all-powerful God.\n\nKontakion\, Tone 6\n\nWhen you had fu lfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven\ ,* You ascended in glory\, O Christ our God\,* in no way distant\, but rem aining in separable\,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.\n\nIkos\n\nLeaving earthly cares to the earth and that which is weree and refuse to the dust\, come\, let us arise from sleep and with our eyes and hearts let us go towards higher things. Let us also lift up our thoughts and our attention from the earth to the gates o f heaven\, as if we were on the Mount of Olives\, where we fix our eyes on the Redeemer as He is carried away to heaven. For it is there that the Lo rd departs for heaven\; it is there also that He distributes His great gif ts to the apostles\, giving them strength and comforting them as a Father\ , guiding them as sons and saying to them: I am not separating myself from you\; I shall always be with you\, and no one shall ever have power over you.\n\nSessional Hymns\, Tone 8\n\nHaving stretched forth your senses tow ard heaven and acquired the beauty of the stars\,* you were taught by them the mysteries of the Lord of all\;* and the weapon of the Cross shone for th in their midst\,* signifying that in which you should conquer and achie ve dominion.* Wherefore\, opening the eyes of your soul\, you read the wri tings and learn about the image.* O most honoured Constantine\,* entreat C hrist God\, that He grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your ho ly memory with love.\n\nGlory… Now…\n\nRiding upon the heavenly clouds \,* after having brought peace to Your people on earth\,* You have been ta ken up to sit upon the divine throne* since You are consubstantial with th e Father and the Spirit.* You have appeared in the flesh without change\,* and You await the fulfilment of all things\,* when You shall return to th e earth to judge the whole world.* O just Judge\, spare our souls* and gra nt forgiveness of sins to Your servants\,* O Lord and God of mercy.\n\nOde 4\n\nIrmos: O Lord\, I have heard the mystery of Your dispensation\; * I have considered Your works\, * and I have glorified Your Divinity.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for u s.\n\nChrist the Lord pursued you from heaven\, as He had Paul of old\, O Constantine\, teaching you to worship Him as the only King.\n\nHoly Equals -to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nW ith a most radiant sign of stars\, O blessed one\, Christ the Sun illumine d you\, showing you to be a luminary for the darkened.\n\nHoly Equals-to-t he-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nO bles sed one\, you were God-loving in nature and right wondrous in your divine works\; wherefore\, we glorify you with faith.\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\, sa ve us.\n\nO Ever-virgin who has given birth to the Sun of righteousness\, illumine my soul\, which has been darkened by sins.\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4 ) O King of kings and only Son of the Father\,* O Word proceeding from the Father without beginning\,* You send Your Spirit of truth upon Your apost les who sing:* Glory to Your power\, O Lord!\n\nOde 5\n\nIrmos: Rising ear ly we cry to You\, O Lord\; * save us\, for You are our God\, * and we kno w none other besides You.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constant ine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nHaving risen at dawn unto the never -waning Sun and Master\, O divinely wise emperor\, you were filled with li ght.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nWearing love and perfect loving-kindness like a robe of royal purple\, you have now made your abode in the kingdom on high.\n\nHol y Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nO Helena\, you have joined the choirs of the incorporeal ones\, hav ing pleased God by your virtuous works.\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\, save us.\ n\nCleanse my soul\, which has been defiled by carnal pleasures through th e treachery of the serpent\, O Virgin.\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) Receive the Holy Spirit\,* breathing the flames of fresh dew as a baptism that takes away sin\,* O you children who are enlightened by the Church.* For today t he Law comes forth from Zion\;* it is the grace of the Spirit* which comes in tongues of fire.\n\nOde 6\n\nIrmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord\, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief\; * for my soul is filled wi th evils\, * and my life unto Hades has drawn nigh\, * and like Jonah I pr ay unto You: * Raise me up from corruption\, O God.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the- Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nMost glor iously you assembled the divine choir of the God-bearing fathers\, O Const antine\, and through them make steadfast the storm-tossed hearts of all\, that they might glorify the Word as equal in honour and co-enthroned with the One Who begot Him.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nHaving believed on the living Lord Who giveth life unto all\, O Helena\, you spurned the abominable worship of v ain idols and joyously received the kingdom of heaven.\n\nHoly Equals-to-t he-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nGuided by Your hand\, O Word\, through You the sovereigns thrust aside the most profound darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness\, and arrived\, rejoicing\, at the calm havens of piety.\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\ , save us.\n\nHeal you my heart\, which has grown incurably sick and has b een grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one\, O Maiden\, and by yo ur entreaties grant healing unto me\, and save me who trust in you\, O mos t pure one.\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) O Christ\, our salvation and redemptio n\,* You have come forth in splendour from the Virgin\,* to rescue us from the pit of the tomb\;* as Jonah was saved from the sea monster\,* the ent ire human race* was saved after the fall of Adam.\n\nSmall Litany\n\nKonta kion\, Tone 3\n\nToday Constantine and Helen his mother reveal the cross\, * the all-precious wood which shames those who refuse to believe.* Rulers with faith possess it as a weapon against foes\;* a glorious standard frig htful in battle revealed for the sake of all.\n\nIkos\n\nLet us honour Con stantine\, and Helena his mother\; for\, hearing the words of David\, they recognized the three parts of the Cross in the cedar\, the pine and the c ypress\, upon which the suffering of the Savior was accomplished. And havi ng found it\, in preparation to display it before the people\, they set it before all the Jews\, hidden because of their hatred and jealousy\; revea ling it to be the great justification. Wherefore\, they have been revealed to all as victors\, bearing the invincible trophy\, the great standard\, terrible in battle.\n\nOde 7\n\nIrmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames\, * changing the fire into dew\, they cr ied aloud: * ‘Blessed are You\, O Lord our God\, throughout the ages’. \n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to G od for us.\n\nKeeping Your precepts\, Constantine submitted to Your law. W herefore\, he has cast down hordes of the iniquitous\, crying out to You: Blessed are You\, O Lord God!\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Cons tantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nThe Tree which has drawn all fr om the pit of destruction\, O right wondrous one\, and which was buried ou t of malice\, you disclosed unto us\, burying the most pernicious demons f orever.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pr ay to God for us.\n\nBy godly works you made your heart a temple of God\, O Helena\, and likewise built sacred churches for Him\, where for our sake He endured His most pure sufferings for our sake.\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\ , save us.\n\nWillingly committing sins\, and enslaved by unseemly habits\ , I flee now to your tender compassion. O most holy Sovereign Lady\, save me who am in despair!\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) The symphony of instruments was raised up* to adore the lifeless golden statue\;* but the bright grace of the Paraclete invites us to sing with devotion:* Blessed are You\, ete rnal and unique Trinity!\n\nOde 8\n\nIrmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyra nt made the furnace blaze\, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God\; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater pow er * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer\, * ‘O ye youths bless\, O ye priests praise\, * O ye people\, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, p ray to God for us.\n\nArrayed in loving-kindness as in a robe and in goodl y meekness as in cloak\, O glorious one\, you were adorned with a mind per fect in the virtues as with a crown\; and having been translated from eart h to the kingdom on high\, you dost cry aloud: O ye priests bless\; O ye p eople supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Ap ostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nBeholding y ou rejoicing with your divinely wise son\, in the kingdom of God\, O glori ous Helena\, we magnify Christ Who has shown us your honoured festival\, w hich illumines us more brightly than the rays of the sun\, wherefore we ch ant with faith: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!\n\ nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nWondrous is your desire and godly your character\, O glorious H elena\, you boast of women! For having attained unto the places where the precious sufferings took place\, you adorned them with all-beauteous templ es of the Master of all\, crying: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throu ghout all ages!\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\, save us.\n\nO Theotokos\, enlight en the eyes of my soul\, which have been blinded by many crimes\; grant pe ace to my mind and heart\, which have been vexed by multifarious pleasures \, I pray\, and save me who cry: O ye priests bless\; ye people supremely exalt the pure one throughout all ages!\n\n(Katavasia\, Tone 4) The triple flame of the unique divinity* breaks the chains and stirs the flames with dew\;* the youths sing His praises\,* and every creature\, the work of Hi s hands\, blesses its only Saviour and benefactor.\n\nOde 9\n\nIrmos: Heav en was stricken with awe\, * and the ends of the earth were filled with am azement\, * for God has appeared in the flesh\, * and your womb was render ed more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore\, the ranks of men and of a ngels * magnify you as the Theotokos.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rul ers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nThe tomb wherein your s acred and precious body lies\, O Constantine\, ever pours forth the radian ce of divine healings upon those whoever approach it in purity\, driving a way the darkness of divers passions and illumining those who praise you wi th never-waning light.\n\nHoly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nHaving finished your life in holiness\ , you have now made your abode with the saints\, full of sanctity and enli ghtenment. Wherefore\, ever pouring forth rivers of healings\, you dost bu rn up our sufferings\, giving drink to our souls\, O blessed Helena.\n\nHo ly Equals-to-the-Apostles\, rulers Constantine and Helen\, pray to God for us.\n\nO beginningless and immortal King\, You have vouchsafed Your heave nly kingdom to the holy Helena and the great Constantine\, whom of old you granted to reign piously on earth\, and who loved You in purity\, O Lord. By their supplications have pity on us all.\n\nMost Holy Theotokos\, save us.\n\nHaving conceived\, you have given birth to the King and Creator of all\, O Virgin. And\, lo! as a Queen you stand forth now at His right han d. Wherefore\, I beseech you: at the hour of judgment deliver me from the left side\, and number me with the sheep on the right.\n\n(Katavasia\, Ton e 4) Rejoice\, O Queen and glorious Virgin Mother!* What orator\, rich in eloquence\, could find the proper words* to fashion a hymn of praise worth y of you?* For every spirit shudders* before the mystery of your holy birt h-giving\;* and we also unite our voices to glorify you.\n\nSmall Litany\n \nHymn of Light\n\nYou have truly been shown to be luminaries enlightening the whole world with the faith of piety\, O divinely crowned Constantine and glorious Helena\; and with hymns we glorify Christ Who has magnified y ou and is wondrous in His saints.\n\nGlory…\n\nThe great Constantine and his mother did not receive royal dominion from mortals\, but through divi ne grace. Illumined by heaven\, he beheld the divine trophy of the Cross\, and having vanquished the enemy therewith\, he abolished the delusion of idolatry and strengthened the orthodox Faith in peace.\n\nNow…\n\nO Chri st\, You were raised up to heaven in the sight of Your disciples\;* You ag ain went up to share Your Father’s throne.* The angels who came to meet You at the heavenly gate cried out:* Open your gates and lift up your lint els* so that the King of glory may come in\,* for our King comes again to the Source of light.\n\nStichera on the Praises\, Tone 5\n\nPraise Him for His powerful deeds\,* praise His surpassing greatness.\n\nRejoice\, O mos t wise Constantine\, * wellspring of Orthodoxy\, * ever irrigating the who le world with sweet waters! * Rejoice\, O root from whence the fruit spran g forth * which feeds the Church of Christ! * Rejoice\, O most glorious on e\, * the boast of the ends of the earth\, * first among Christian emperor s! ** Rejoice\, O joy of the faithful!\n\nO praise Him with sound of trump et\,* praise Him with lute and harp\;\n\nHe Who rules over creation\, * pe rceiving the submissiveness of your heart\, * rationally pursued you * who were held fast in irrationality\, O most wise one\; * and\, having illumi ned your thoughts * with the understandings of piety\, * He showed you for th to the world * as a radiant sun emitting beams of divine works\,* O mos t glorious one.\n\nPraise Him with timbrel and dance\,* praise Him with st rings and pipes.\n\nHaving received the teachings of the Lord * like choic e earth\, * O all-praised one\, * you produced the goodly fruit of virtuou s deeds\, * nourishing our thoughts * by the emulation of your citizenship \, * O most wise Helena. * Wherefore\, observing your memorial today\,* we celebrate it with joy.\n\nO praise Him with resounding cymbals\, praise H im with clashing of cymbals.* Let everything that lives and that breathes give praise to the Lord.\n\nO Christ\, with the oil of gladness * You most gloriously anointed * Your heirs\, Constantine and Helena\, * who hated f alsehood * and desired Your beauty\; * and You vouchsafed to them * Your h eavenly kingdom\, O Word\, * for they were the first to reign in piety * u pon the earth at Your behest.\n\nGlory…\n\nGod\, the King of kings\, Who adorns the worthy with rich gifts\,* Himself pursued you from heaven\, as He had the most glorious Paul\, O Constantine.* But you He pursued with t he sign of the Cross\, saying:* “By this sign vanquish your enemies!”* And having sought Him with your divinely wise mother\,* and found Him as you desired\, you mightily put them to flight.* With her\, therefore\, ent reat you Him Who alone is the Lover of mankind\,* on behalf of orthodox ki ngs\, the Christ-loving armies\, and all who celebrate your memory with fa ith\,* that they may be delivered from all wrath.\n\nTone 2\, Now…\n\nO our God\, You were born in a manner of Your own choosing\;* You appeared a nd suffered in the flesh as You willed\;* You crushed Death through Your R esurrection and ascended into glory\;* and You sent down the divine Spirit upon us\;* therefore\, we sing a hymn of praise and glorify Your divinity .\n\nTroparion\, Tone 8\n\nAfter seeing the image of Your cross in the hea vens\, O Lord\,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men \,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Always save it in peace by the prayers of the Mother of God\,* only Lover of mankind.\n\nTone 4\, Glory… Now…\n\nYou ascended in glory\, O Chri st our God\;* giving joy to Your disciples by the promise of the Holy Spir it\,* and assuring them through Your blessing* that You are the Son of God \,** the Redeemer of the world.\n\nInsistent Litany\n\nLitany of Supplicat ion\n\nGreat Dismissal\n\nAT DIVINE LITURGY ON THURSDAY MORNING\n\nFirst A ntiphon\n\nClap your hands\, all you nations\;* shout to God with the voic e of joy.\n\nThrough the prayers of the Mother of God\, O Saviour\, save\, us.\n\nFor the Lord most high is awesome\,* a great king over all the ear th.\n\nThrough the prayers of the Mother of God\, O Saviour\, save\, us.\n \nHe has subdued peoples to us\,* and nations under our feet.\n\nThrough t he prayers of the Mother of God\, O Saviour\, save\, us.\n\nGod ascended a mid shouts of joy\;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.\n\nThrough the prayers of the Mother of God\, O Saviour\, save\, us.\n\nGlory… Now…  Only-Begotten Son…\n\nThird Antiphon\n\nCome\, let us sing joyfully to the Lord\,* let us acclaim God\, our Saviour.\n\nSon of God\, who ascended in glory\,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.\n\nLet us come before His face with praise\,* and acclaim Him in psalms.\n\nSon of God\, who ascende d in glory\,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.\n\nFor God is the great L ord\,* the great king over all the earth.\n\nSon of God\, who ascended in glory\,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.\n\nEntrance\n\nCome\, let us w orship* and fall down before Christ.\n\nSon of God\, who ascended in glory \,* save us who sing to You: Alleluia.\n\nTroparia and Kontakia\n\nTropari on\, Tone 4: You ascended in glory\, O Christ our God\,* giving joy to You r disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit\,* and assuring them through your blessing* that You are the Son of God\,* the Redeemer of the world.\ n\nTroparion\, Tone 8: After seeing the image of Your cross in the heavens \, O Lord\,* and receiving like Paul the summons that was not from men\,* Your apostle among kings entrusted into Your hands the imperial city.* Alw ays save it in peace by the prayers of the Mother of God\,* only Lover of mankind.\n\nGlory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.\ n\nKontakion\, Tone 3: Today Constantine and Helen his mother reveal the c ross\,* the all-precious wood which shames those who refuse to believe.* R ulers with faith possess it as a weapon against foes\;* a glorious standar d frightful in battle revealed for the sake of all.\n\nNow and for ever an d ever. Amen.\n\nKontakion\, Tone 6: When you had fulfilled Your plan for us* and united things on earth with those in heaven\,* You ascended in glo ry\, O Christ our God\,* in no way distant\, but remaining inseparable\,* You cried to those who love You:* I am with You and there is none against you.\n\nProkeimenon\, Tone 7\n\nBe exalted\, O God\, above the heavens\;* above all the earth be Your glory.\n\nverse: My heart is ready\, O God\, m y heart is ready. I will sing and make music in my glory. (Psalm 56:6\,8)\ n\nProkeimenon\, Tone 8\n\nTheir utterance has gone forth into all the ear th\, and their words unto the ends of the world.\n\nEpistle\n\nActs 25:13- 19\; Galatians 1:11-19\n\nAlleluia\, Tone 2\n\nverse: God ascended amid sh outs of joy\; the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.\n\nverse: Clap your ha nds\, all you nations\; shout to God with the voice of joy. (Psalm 46:6\,2 )\n\nverse: I have exalted one chosen from among My people.\n\nGospel\n\nJ ohn 16:23-33\; John 10:1-8\n\nHymn to the Theotokos\n\nO my soul\, magnify the Lord who in glory ascended bodily into the heavens.\n\nand the Irmos: O Mother of God\,* you transcended both mind and word\,* and in time\, in effably bore the Timeless One:* it is you who\, with one accord\,* we\, th e faithful\, magnify.\n\nCommunion Hymn\n\nGod ascended amid shouts of joy \;* the Lord at the sound of the trumpet.* Their utterance has gone forth into all the earth\,* and their words unto the ends of the world.* Allelui a\, alleluia\,* alleluia.\n\nInstead of We have seen the true light we sin g:\n\nBe exalted\, O God\, above the heavens\, above all the earth be Your glory.\n\nInstead of Let our mouths be filled we sing three times:\n\nBe exalted\, O God\, above the heavens\, above all the earth be Your glory. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton X-LIC-LOCATION:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT DTSTART:20260308T030000 TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE END:VCALENDAR