Selected hymns to St. Nikephoros the Leper

St. Nikephoros the Leper - Commemorated January 4 (source)

 
On December 3rd, 2012, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople announced their decision to officially number among the Saints, St. Nikephoros the Leper. He was a faithful disciple of St. Anthimos of Chios, a perfect example of Christ-like humility, patience and endurance in afflictions, and a great consoler of many. The following are amateur translations of selected hymns from the service of the Saint in Greek here. May St. Nikephoros intercede for us all!
 

Doxastikon of the Stichera in the Plagal of the Second Tone

The lover of piety, the fighter of the good fight, the cornerstone of patience, come let us honor the venerable Nikephoros together. For he passed through the fire and water of the scourge of leprosy, and passed on to joyous abundance. And in the furnace of trials you were shone to be bronze, shining more than gold, bestowing upon all souls the saving joy.

   

Doxastikon of the Aposticha in the Plagal of the First Tone

The heavenly ladder raised up through divine virtues, Nikephoros the heavenly-minded, who was reared well through the godly-wise instruction of the great teacher Anthimos. In struggles of righteousness, you were sanctified on the island of Chios in these latter years, and were shown forth unspeakably shining with sacred wonders for the whole church. With him [St. Anthimos], entreat Christ to make us also worthy of divine illumination in His Kingdom, as an incomparably compassionate Father.

   

Apolytikion in the First Tone

Nikephoros the Venerable, through his struggles with leprosy, and his manliness in asceticism, astonished the Angels, for suffering as another Job, he endured, glorifying God, and now he is crowned with glory by Him, with wonders of discernment. Hail, O guide of monastics, hail, O covering of light, hail to you, from whose Relics pour forth joyous fragrance.

   

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

As the bravest athlete of steadfastness, and the greatest diamond of patience, who was tried by the turmoil of affliction, and thus were glorified by God, let us honor Nikephoros the Leper, and crying out to him: hail, O namesake of victory.

   

Oikos

You were shown steadfast in asceticism, O Nikephoros, and endured the pain of leprosy. And therefore in every manner you offered thanksgiving to Him, bringing forth praises from a clean heart, O God-bearer. Therefore we, inspired by your piety, in fervor cry out to you these words:

Hail, O strength of continence,

Hail, O Atlas of endurance.

Hail, you who endured the pain of the flesh with manliness,

Hail, you who came to know the beauty of the spirit in wisdom.

Hail, the type of the righteous, and diagram of monastics,

Hail, the guide of the faithful in divine virtues.

Hail, the pillar of light enlightening creation,

Hail, the lamp of the Church that gladdens souls.

Hail, the boast and beloved son of Crete,

Hail, the glory of Chios, and disciple of Anthimos.

Hail, you who through leprosy were purified more than gold,

Hail, you who kept faith towards Christ, your Bridegroom.

Hail, O namesake of victory.

   

Synaxarion

On the fourth of this month (January), we commemorate our Righteous and God-bearing Father Nikephoros the Leper, who struggled with endurance on Chios in these latter years, and was made honorable in asceticism.

   

Verses

You wore the schema of Monks, O Nikephoros,

Becoming a type of ceaseless prayer.

On the fourth of January, the leprous flesh of Nikephoros was buried,

While his all-radiant soul passed to the heavens.

   

Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the First Tone

The most-sacred treasury of the All-Holy Spirit, more pure in virtues than snow, with Christ's meekness and humility of heart, the beloved friend, let us magnify Nikephoros. For in his soul he magnified the Lord, and chanted His sweet words by heart ceaselessly, becoming a mouth of consolation to all. Therefore, he was rightly honored by Christ, with the unspeakable fragrance of his Relics, ever gladdening those who venerate them, and who glorify his all-festal memory.

   

Megalynarion

Come, O divine, Christ-loving multitude, let us adorn the friend of Christ, Nikephoros the Leper, with hymns of praise, as the perfect struggler of divine steadfastness.

   

St. Nikephoros the Leper (source)

   

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!