Paraklesis to St. Argyre the New Martyr, Protector of Marriage

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

St. Argyre the New Martyr of Bursa, Protector of Marriage - Commemorated April 5th and April 30th (source)

   

Paraklesis (Supplication Service) to St. Argyre the New Martyr, Protector of Marriage
Written by Fr. Athanasios of Simonopetra

The Priest says the "Blessed is our God...", followed by the Psalm "Lord hear my prayer..." If it is during the Paschal period, "Christ is risen..." is chanted thrice before the Psalm.

Tone Four.

God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us, blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. (x 4, with verses)

Tone Four. You Who were lifted up upon the Cross.

You were arrayed in the robe of self-control, and trampled upon the serpent of debauchery, and taunted the delusion of Hagar steadfastly, therefore, you were martyred through many forms of torture, and glorified Christ, Whom we pray that you entreat, on behalf of those who honor you, O divine Argyre, that they be granted self-control, and a life of purity.

Glory. Both now.

O Theotokos, we shall never be silent...

Then Psalm 50, followed by the Canon in Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

Ode I. Crossing the waters as on dry land.

Ceaselessly entreat the Trinity on behalf of those who hymn you with fervor, O Argyre, asking for self-control in life, and steadfast purity of hearts.

You greatly loved Jesus, the divine Teacher of purity, O Argyre, entreat Him, as you have great boldness before Him, that He might ever keep us in purity.

You were victorious over the guileful serpent, O Martyr, who desired to separate you from Jesus, dissolve his soul-corrupting schemes against us, through your prayers.

Theotokion.

You are the true Mother of the sweetest Jesus, and the Mother of the faithful by grace, do not cease to intercede that we be granted purity, O All-Pure Lady.

Ode III. Of the vault of the Heavens.

As a surpassingly beautiful bride of Christ, you denied to take upon your shoulders a barbarous life, O namesake of silver, therefore grant me grace to deny the tyrannical life with which the body tempts me, to deny Christ.

With a most-joyous heart, you stood before judges, and confessed the divinity of Christ, O Martyr, make us worthy to worship Him as is proper, that we might reach Heaven where He is praised.

O Argyre, you were shown to be a brave rhetor through your divine words against the Hagarenes, who were sitting in darkness, therefore, make us who honor your ever-memorable memory, worthy to go forth with the light of Christ.

Theotokion.

You were shown to be a spiritual Heaven, O Lady, for you bore Christ the Sun within your womb in purity, through His rays, enlighten us, and show the souls of the faithful to be another heaven through your intercessions.

Deliver, O Argyre, those who honor you with fervor, and drive away every dangerous temptation of the enemy, and grant us our requests through your prayers.

Look down on me, in your good favor...

St. Argyre the New Martyr (source)

Then the Priest says the Entreaty, followed by the Kathisma.

Second Tone. A fervent prayer.

As a bride of Christ and a Martyr steadfast in soul, ever entreat Him, O Argyre, that all of us who honor your divine memory might be protected, and grant purity of souls through the grace of your intercessions.

Ode IV. I have hearkened and heard, O Lord.

You kept your marriage spotless from the corruption of the enemy that wars against us, therefore, O Martyr, ever preserve married couples in reverence and purity.

You submitted everything meaningful in your life to the Lord, and endured tortures, O Argyre, therefore entreat Him that we might be granted patience.

O all-precious one, you endured until victory over the enemy that hates purity, and who greatly assaulted you, therefore, grant to us purity in all things, O Argyre, for those who pray to you.

Theotokion.

You have freed the race of man, O Spotless One, from the bonds of the serpent, and cleanse me from his venom, which has polluted my heart.

Ode V. Lord, enlighten us.

Heal the illnesses of soul and body, O Argyre, for those who hymn you, as you entreat Jesus the Physician, on Whose behalf you suffered.

Censure the darkness and delusion of Hagar, O all-praised one, and grant the light of the Holy Spirit to the souls of those hymning you.

Deliver us from the enemy, O thrice-blessed Argyre, we who are caught within his traps and in danger, and free us from his soul-wounding schemes.

Theotokion.

Grant true knowledge of the Lord, O All-Spotless One, to those who hymn your spotless birth giving, and who magnify your divine glory.

Ode VI. My supplication.

You endured the tortures of godless barbarians for years, O Argyre, and in prison you received the crown of martyrdom for your brave dedication, therefore grant us patience amidst the dangers of this life, O Martyr.

We have known you to higher than rhetors through your victory through silence, O Martyr, and through your passion lasting many years, you proclaim without words to those bearing the name of Christ how to live amidst temptations, O new-martyr Argyre, and Champion of Christ.

The grace of the Holy Spirit, with Which the Savior strengthened you, allowed you to endure in afflicted flesh all things manly like brass, O Argyre, intercede that His Grace will strengthen us as well in life's trials.

Theotokion

Your bore the Teacher of virginity, O Virgin Mary Theotokios, you who were followed by Argyre, desiring your purity, disdaining the fleeting pleasure of life. We entreat that you deliver your servents from this bitterness.

Deliver, O Argyre, those who honor you with fervor, and drive away every dangerous temptation of the enemy, and grant us our requests through your prayers.

Spotless One, who by a word did bring to us the Word eternal...
  

St. Argyre the New Martyr (source)

Then the Priest says the Entreaty, followed by the Kontakion.

 

Second Tone. O Protection of Christians.

You have appeared to be a defender of marriage, and a canon of purity through your struggle, O dove of the Lord Argyre, therefore, preserve us well from the schemes of the enemy, that your servants might live their married lives with self-control, and that they might be made worthy of the reward with which you were granted by the Teacher of purity [Christ].

 

Prokeimenon

God is wondrous among His Saints. (2)

Verse: With patience, waited upon the Lord, and He heard me.

God is wondrous among His Saints.

 

The Gospel according to St. Matthew (25:1-13)

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.  For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them;  but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.  As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.  But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’  Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’  But the wise replied, ‘Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut.  Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’  But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Glory.

Through the intercessions of St. Argyre, O Lord of mercy, wash away my many personal offenses.

Both now.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos...

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God...

Plagal of the Second Tone. Having placed all their hopes in Heaven.

You were shown to be a vessel of purity and self-control, O all-glorious Argyre, and through tortures you received your reward, therefore we entreat you, incline your ear and hearken to your servants, and grant them that grace of purity of soul, and preserve their precious marriages from the attacks of the enemy, for you struggled in Martyrdom for the love of Christ, and through your prayers, may we all be granted Paradise.

Then, the Priest says the "Save O God, Your people..."
   

St. Argyre the New Martyr, depicted in the prison where she remained for 17 years for Christ and to preserve the purity of her marriage (source)

  

Ode VII. Once from out of Judea.

You did not give way at all to the slavery of the body, O Martyr of Christ, but you stoked the fire of your love and increased it, O godly-minded Argyre, which we entreat might be granted to those who celebrate your memory in faith.

You were shown to be steadfast, as you were truly a tower founded upon the rock amidst tortures, O thrice-blessed one, and out of eros for the Master, having this has your foundation, may we also have this in our souls, O Argyre, through your prayers.

Your manly soul, was offered up like a whole-burnt lamb to the Master, and through your love surpassing nature, you endured tortures and trials, O Argyre, therefore, help us, who are storm-tossed with trials.

Theotokion

Remain with us, O Mother, at the time when the arrows of the enemy are launched against us your children, and our lamp of patience is not at all shining, but the darkness of faithless terror surrounds us. Dissolve them all by your light.

Ode VIII. The King of the Heavens.

Behold, our day of need has come, O New Martyr Argyre, hasten, give your helping hand to your servants, out of your sympathy.

 

Grant peace to my scattered nous, and to the thoughts that war against me from the hater of purity, O Martyr, and grant to it the memory of the Lord.

 

O Argyre, through your prayers, speedily dissolve the terrible and shameless bonds of sin that are drowning the souls of your entreaters.

 

Theotokion.

As the One who surpassed all self-control of all generations of women, O Pure Virgin, grant self-control to those who hymn you with fervor.

 

Ode IX. Saved through you, Theotokos.

O Argyre, you overlooked the ways of the world, and you now ever behold that which the eyes of men cannot behold, grant all of those who hymn you to be made worthy of this as well.

 

You trampled upon the serpent through your struggles, O Argyre, and you received the face of your Bridegroom [Christ], pray for us as well, O Martyr, that we might some day behold Him.

 

Show forth to be temples of self-control and purity, all young people and those who honor you with fervor, O Argyre, and deliver us all from the traps of the enemy.

 

Theotokion.

O undefiled Virgin, strengthen those who are living in self-control and purity, entreating the Master together with Argyre.
  

St. Argyre the New Martyr, holding the Marriage Crowns as a great Protector of Marriage (as she had requested her icon be painted, through divine revelation) (source)

Then, the "Truly it is right to call you blessed...", followed by the Megalynaria.

O all-famed Martyr of the Lord, thrice-blessed Argyre, preserve those who venerate your body with faith and fervor, from all dangers and passions and trials.

You dawned like a radiant star from Bithynia, as a greatly-suffering Martyr of Christ, and you enlighten the whole multitude of the faithful, O Argyre, you praise you with fervor.

Rejoice, radiant lamp of self-control, and dwelling-place of purity on behalf of Jesus, and grant every gift to those you praise you, O godly-minded Argyre, the boast of women.

Preserve married couples well, O Martyr of Christ, who lived with self-control and purity and kept your faith, help them to keep their marriages as you did, O sacrifice of purity.

Those who approach your temple on Lesvos full of reverence, make worthy, O Argyre, to live this life with purity in Christ, and make them to be partakers of the divine Kingdom.

All the ranks of Angels, God's messangers...

Then the Trisagion, followed by the Apolytikion of the Saint.

Apolytikion of St. Argyre in the Fourth Tone

You put to shame tyrants through your tortures, O pure one, you were shown forth, O much-suffering one, as strong as a diamond, O glorious martyr of Christ. You shown forth in struggles with love and zeal and unquenchable longing, for Christ the Savior, Who worthily glorified you, O Argyre.

  

St Argyre the New Martyr (source)

   
Then the Priest says the Entreaty, commemorating the desired names, followed by the Apolysis, then the final hymns.

Prosomoion in the Second Tone. When from the Tree.

Rejoice, O New Martyr Argyre, rejoice and hearken to those who entreat you, grant self-control for those in the yoke of marriage, and purity to those unmarried, and health to those afflicted in body and soul through your prayers, for you have been shown to all to be a golden and fragrant vessel of Jesus, crowned by Christ.

As you were beheld in the sacred vision, bearing the Marriage Crowns, and sought for your icon to be thus depicted, O Argyre, send down crowns from on high upon those who are married, and keep their precious marriages well, that, having been victorious over temptations, and every sin of the flesh, they might be crowned by God like Martyrs.

Lady, do you receive...

My numerous hopes are placed...
(source)

   

St. Argyre the New Martyr (source)

   

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly the Lord is risen!

Akathist to St. Kosmas Aitolos, the New Hieromartyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles

St. Kosmas Aitolos the New Hieromartyr (source)

  
Akathist to St. Kosmas Aitolos, the New Hieromartyr and Equal-to-the-Apostles, New Enlightener of Greece
  
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
The all-praised and valorous one among the New Martyrs, and the God-inspired root of Aitolia, let us hymn Kosmas, crying out with one voice: Through your intercessions before the Compassionate One, deliver those who honor you from dangers, that they might cry to you: Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You appeared to be an Angel guiding all of Greece, revealing things divine, O Kosmas, (3) and through your preparation in a godly manner, you made the teachings of the Hagarenes to disappear. Therefore, we offer to you this graceful ode, and cry out these things:
Rejoice, through whom Christ is glorified,
Rejoice, through whom the enemy is deposed.
Rejoice, the all-glorious son of Aitolia,
Rejoice, the thrice-joyous nourisher of piety.
Rejoice, multicolored crown of pious priests,
Rejoice, unfading rose of holy athletes.
Rejoice, treasure of impoverished Greeks,
Rejoice, you who dissipate faithless foreigners.
Rejoice, you who fight against the armies of atheists,
Rejoice, you have joined the choirs of the Saints.
Rejoice, through whom the multitudes are made to remember,
Rejoice, through whom the faith is strengthened.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You loved the life of virginity and purity from a young age, and you hastened to Panagia's Mountain [Athos] with insatiable desire for asceticism, O Kosmas, ever crying out with joy: Alleluia.
  
Truly, the divine darkness seized your nous from the things of the earth in an awesome manner, O Kosmas, and desiring the life pleasing to God, you dwelt in the Monastery of Philotheou. Therefore, you became a type for all those who cry out these things:
Rejoice, teacher of chastity,
Rejoice, mystic of hesychia.
Rejoice, the most-sacred canon of earthly and heavenly things,
Rejoice, radiant robe of virgins.
Rejoice, high hard to climb of mystical visions of God,
Rejoice, voluminous tome of ineffable thoughts.
Rejoice, you who deprived yourself of comforts,
Rejoice, you who rent slavery for those upon the earth.
Rejoice, whose way of life equaled the Angels in all things,
Rejoice, divine spouse of poverty.
Rejoice, merchant of purity,
rejoice, fighter against evil.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You poured forth your holy prayer which served as an antidote against teachings and thoughts of sin, and against the dishonorable assaults of the passions filled with stench, and, O godly-minded one, you proceeded as a sword against them, crying out to the Savior: Alleluia.
  
Though you brought joy to the ranks of the bodiless Angels, who beheld the height of your godly knowledge, how could the multitudes of the people not hasten to praise you with words, O Champion? For they gather today to honor your memory and to cry out to you, O God-bearer:
Rejoice, grape-cluster of reverence,
Rejoice, shield of manliness.
Rejoice, possessor of heavenly streams,
Rejoice, you who fill with amazing graces.
Rejoice, deposer of the passions of the demons,
Rejoice, you who sought the repose of the Bodiless.
Rejoice, you who partake of the desirable things for those who love God,
Rejoice, you who stood against pleasures in a manly manner.
Rejoice, radiant chosen one of the Trinity,
Rejoice, tiller of the Holy Mountain.
Rejoice, perfect knower of love,
Rejoice, you who obtained eternal life.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.

Living upon the Holy Mountain in the divine Spirit, you tasted of heavenly gifts, and became a light shining upon a stand, driving away the darkness of passions that afflict the soul, O all-blessed one, as you cried out in mind the hymn: Alleluia.
   

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  
They came as lions with terrible cries upon the human-minded people under the yoke [of slavery], and you arose and went to them, bringing the voice of Paul, as you in all things were poor like him. Therefore, we cry out to you:
Rejoice, the adornment of the Angels,
Rejoice, the foundation of orators.
Rejoice, you who corrode enemy tyrants,
Rejoice, beloved one of the greatly-pained Greeks.
Rejoice, for you dispersed the bonds of faithlessness,
Rejoice, for you warm the souls of those in bonds.
Rejoice, eternal shame for those who deny Christ,
Rejoice, heavenly peace of the Orthodox.
Rejoice, vessel of manliness in soul,
Rejoice, joyous diadem of the Venerable.
Rejoice, you who exalt the horn of the faithful,
Rejoice, you who rout the ranks of the enemies.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
As God-slaying beasts, many were enraged by you, O God-bearer, but through your asceticism, you became like sparrow, O divine Kosmas, being arrayed with beauty in soul, and with fasting and prayer, you cried out with your voice ceaselessly: Alleluia.
   
Your divine inspiration to deliver from mania, aroused the children of Hagar to slay you, as you bore the prayer of [Christ] the Arch-Sacrifice, while the manly race of Greeks cries out:
Rejoice, offspring of Aitolia,
Rejoice, adornment of Macedonia.
Rejoice, divine hyacinth of Epirus,
Rejoice, fragrant narcissus of Illyria.
Rejoice, you who fortified Nafpaktos and Agrapha with gifts,
Rejoice, you who honored Skiathos and Skopelos with teachings.
Rejoice, lyre of Corfu,
Rejoice, trumpet of Parga.
Rejoice, unassailable wall of Zitsa,
Rejoice, godly boast of Konitsa.
Rejoice, moon-bearing lamp of Cheimarras,
Rejoice, pride of all of Greece.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
O Father, through your preaching of piety and the dogmas of the Fathers, you condemned the lynching by atheism, boldly chanting against those who deny Christ and drying up their currents, while you honored the Holy Trinity, teaching them to cry out: Alleluia.
  
Having been withered by the grace of your words, the children of Hagar cast their webs to catch you like a spider, O Kosmas, and you were shown to be perfect to the ranks of other faiths, and to you we cry out in song:
Rejoice, light of Ioannina.
Rejoice, pasture of theologians.
Rejoice, you who changed the mindset of thieves,
Rejoice, you who revealed the fall of the murderer.
Rejoice, equal of Paul and radiant type.
Rejoice, newly-founded surrounding wall of Venerable Champions.
Rejoice, for you foretold of the deliverance of the Ionian,
Rejoice, for you foresaw the fall of the tyrants.
Rejoice, for you spoke beforehand of the rising of Klada,
Rejoice, for you told of the deposition of many.
Rejoice, you who cast to the ground the storm of the enemies,
Rejoice, you who hated earthly wealth.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
The Greek people gathered from the multitude of your words as dripping honey, as they were shown the way of salvation through your words chosen by God, for you spoke to mankind, O one blessed by God, who now chant along with you: Alleluia.
  

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  

You appeared as a new Paul in these latter years, and through your journeys and struggles, O Champion, you dissolved the godless army of the Hagarenes, as you directed your nous to the things of Heaven, as we cry out to you:
Rejoice, theologian and preacher,
Rejoice, soul-nourishing teacher.
Rejoice, deliverer of the woman from the demons,
Rejoice, censurer of bitter adulterers.
Rejoice, greatly-beloved flower that gives fragrance to the faithful,
Rejoice, unassailable wall that drives back the enemies.
Rejoice, you who sowed the word of piety,
Rejoice, you who brought light to those in the shadows of sin.
Rejoice, eternal spring of graces,
Rejoice, true and calm harbor.
Rejoice, O Kosmas, adornment of priests,
Rejoice, O Kosmas, divine adornment of the whole world.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
A truly strange sight by men working evil, as they saw the choir of the faithful listening to your words, O all-joyous one, and their souls were transformed, as they were compelled to cry out with you, O wise one: Alleluia.
  
The God-bearing Prophet, in the land of Epiros, spoke the word of the Lord, seeing beforehand that the mountains of Levkados would be a perfect refuge for people, as you blessed the ends of the world, while the multitudes cry out to you these things:
Rejoice, astonishment of those of other races,
Rejoice, deliverance of our race.
Rejoice, boldness for the leaders of the Greeks,
Rejoice, pain for those Hebrews who hate Christ.
Rejoice, for you wondrously cut off the storm at Souliou,
Rejoice, for you speedily cast out the pride of the atheists.
Rejoice, for you hasten to the prayers of the pious,
Rejoice, for you shake the thrones of the impious.
Rejoice, radiant knowledge of grace,
Rejoice, chaste vessel of faith.
Rejoice, fellow mouth of the poor,
Rejoice, tongue of enslaved peoples.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
Breathing rage, the God-killers fell upon you, the offspring of Aitolia, and Champion Kosmas, while you revealed Christ to them, and they spoke in whispers, while the faithful cried out: Alleluia.
  
You poured forth the waters of piety through your newly-granted graces, granting the sweetness of healings, and watering all, O ever-memorable one, who hymn your glorious memory, and cry out to you:
Rejoice, waves of gifts,
Rejoice, protector of sacred dogmas.
Rejoice, you who lifted up well-adorned women,
Rejoice, you who cast down men who are lovers of wealth.
Rejoice, for you made to triumph the fighters for unity,
Rejoice, for you made foolish the leaders of the world powers.
Rejoice, for you healed the burdens of the poor,
Rejoice, for you made the wealthy nation disappear.
Rejoice, all-perfect sacrifice of Christ,
Rejoice, our ready defender.
Rejoice, the deliverer from all trials,
Rejoice, savior from incomparable dangers.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You blew the new trumpet of salvation, revealing the Kingdom of Christ. For through your abundant teachings, you made to wither the fires of passion, teaching those who heard you to ceaselessly cry out: Alleluia.
  

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  
You desired to die amidst the pains of martyrdom more than anything, O Hieromartyr, as you sought to be hung on behalf of Christ, O Father of Champions, and you were made crimson through your precious blood, O Kosmas graced by God, and therefore we all cry out to you:
Rejoice, God-bearing Martyr,
Rejoice, great trophy-bearer.
Rejoice, you who were zealous willingly for feats [of martyrdom],
Rejoice, you who willingly desired to wrestle [the enemy].
Rejoice, you who joyously were baptized in fire and water,
Rejoice, you who astonished the enemy through the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, for you showed the way of endurance,
Rejoice, for you dissipate the choir of the lawless,
Rejoice, stranger to the ways of the [worldly] life,
Rejoice, mighty worker, causing trembling in the demons.
Rejoice, defender of many pregnant women,
Rejoice, victory of Orthodox peoples.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
You guide us all to offer up hymns of doxology, in honor of your precious head, as you say, along with the Prophet David: "We have passed through the fire of the lawless, and have come to repose", and to the Lord you cry out: Alleluia.
  
You enlighten the multitudes with light, as you were shown to be a pillar and our teacher through your martyrdom, and through the streams of your blood, you watered the ranks of other peoples, who are astonished at your deeds, and who cry out along with us:
Rejoice, fellow-traveler of the Righteous,
Rejoice, Saint of the Greeks.
Rejoice, you who gladdened the ranks of the Venerable Saints,
Rejoice, you who increased the feast of the Martyrs.
Rejoice, for you have blessed the ends of the earth,
Rejoice, for you given thanks to the Giver of life.
Rejoice, all-fragrant pasture of Priests,
Rejoice, all-praised pride of Champions.
Rejoice, free healer of the sick,
Rejoice, ever-flowing stream of wonders.
Rejoice, unemptying spring of miracles,
Rejoice, you who partake of the pastures of freedom.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
Through the grace of the Paraclete [the Comforter], your Body was taken up from the waters by Mark, who rejoiced as one who found gold tried in the furnace, and which was then hidden within the earth by your children, O one blessed by God, as they cried out in reverence the hymn: Alleluia.
  
As we chant to you melodiously, we praise your end, as ones who are lovers of Martyrs, for you willingly were sacrificed for Christ like a lamb, and through your faith poured forth your blood, astonishing us all, as we cry out to you these things, O God-bearer:
Rejoice, radiant founder of crowns,
Rejoice, new guide of the Venerable Saints.
Rejoice, august Temple of the Trinity,
Rejoice, wise teacher of men.
Rejoice, divine adornment of Orthodox Monastics,
Rejoice, height hard to climb of supreme virtues.
Rejoice, for you adorned the earth of Illyria,
Rejoice, for you watered the gardens of Greece.
Rejoice, ode chanted to Christ,
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the pure life.
Rejoice, partaker of eternal nourishment,
Rejoice, joiner in the table with the Angels.
Rejoice, O all-glorious Father.
  
O all-praised Father, the adornment of the Orthodox, and Hieromartyr of the Lord, Kosmas, (3) we who cry out from the depths of our heart, entreat you to never cease to intercede for us, strengthening those who hymn you, and who cry out to the Savior: Alleluia.

And again, the Kontakion.  
(source)

 

St. Kosmas Aitolos (source)

  

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

Akathist to St. Philoumenos the New Hieromartyr of Jacob's Well

St. Philoumenos the Cypriot, the New Hieromartyr of Jacob's Well (source)

  
Akathist to the glorious New Hieromartyr Philoumenos the Cypriot of Jacob's Well
  
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone. O Champion General.
Let us praise the newly-shining star of the Church of Christ, who dawned with the rays of martyrdom and the light of wonders in the latter days as a newly-revealed and sacred Champion, whose body the Most-High preserved incorrupt, as we cry out with fervor: Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.

You now dance together in Heaven with the Angels, as one angelic in mind, O Philoumenos, (3) and you ever partake of the beauty of Christ God, and you fulfill all the righteous entreaties, O Saint, for those who cry out to you these things in faith:
Rejoice, the friend of the Giver-of-Life,
Rejoice, sword against the ancient evil one.
Rejoice, pinnacle of godly priests,
Rejoice, example of newly-struggling men.
Rejoice, most-fragrant flower of mystical fragrance,
Rejoice, vessel greatly shining full of the pure way.
Rejoice, for you were lawlessly put to death in church,
Rejoice, for you lawfully were crowned for your struggle.
Rejoice, new adornment of faith,
Rejoice, terrible deposer of the faithless.
Rejoice, through whom the pious faithful are strengthened,
Rejoice, through whom the enemies are conquered.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
You were the beautiful and adorned offspring of Orountos, and the fragrance of your chaste way of life filled your island of Cyprus from the years of your youth, O Father, the boast of Champions, which has been sensed by the faithful, who are roused to properly cry out: Alleluia.
  
Your island of Cyprus boasts in your sacred swaddling clothes, O Philomenos, and steadfast new martyr, and the Monastery of Stavrovouni, which nourished you to seek the life to come, is compelled to cry out to you with melodious songs these things:
Rejoice, instrument of asceticism,
Rejoice, divine lyre of counsel.
Rejoice, you who were zealous for the feats of the Venerable Fathers,
Rejoice, for you denied every worldly thing mindfully.
Rejoice, for you proceeded to Heaven in a wondrous manner,
Rejoice, for you were made pleasing to God through proper asceticism.
Rejoice, for through your struggle you are praised as is proper.
Rejoice,  for you put to rest the racing of the flesh,
Rejoice, for you lifted up your nous to your Lover.
Rejoice, deposer of the delusion of the enemy.
Rejoice, O blessed Philomenos.

You received power from heaven and were numbered among the choirs of the Virgins, and appeared as the adornment of obedience and wisdom of God, radiant from your youth throughout your life, while you ceaselessly chanted to the Lord: Alleluia

You shown among the ranks of the Brotherhood of the All-Holy Tomb of Christ, in a venerable way pleasing Him, O Father, condensing virtues and struggles, O Philoumenos, and therefore we cry out to you in faith:
Rejoice, lamp of meekness,
Rejoice, type of chastity.
Rejoice, you who gladdened the ranks of the faithful,
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the boldness of the faithless.
Rejoice, for your life was seal with deeds of struggle,
Rejoice, for your very blood was spilled in your Monastery.
Rejoice, for you were put to death at the hands of the lawless,
Rejoice, for you endured the mania of barbarians.
Rejoice, lamp-lighter of the godly life,
Rejoice, vessel of greater love.
Rejoice, joy and pride of Samaria,
Rejoice, he who Belial curses at and rages against.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.

Having fervent desire to be joined with Christ your King unto eternity, you were lifted up above everything corrupt and vain, O Father, and image of virtue, O Philoumenos, ever zealously desiring the things of Eden, crying out: Alleluia.
  

St. Philoumenos the Cypriot (source)

  
O Philoumenos, through your godly asceticism, you deposed Belial, serving in Samaria at the sacred Monastery of Jacob's Well in these latter days, and from God you drew the waters of strength. Therefore, we are made bold to cry out to you:
Rejoice, Levite of Samaria,
Rejoice, mystic of the Church.
Rejoice, you who lived a life equal to Heaven,
Rejoice, you who partook of the fruit of incorruption.
Rejoice, golden woven crown of the Well of Jacob,
Rejoice, ever-verdant tree that blossomed in Sion.
Rejoice, you who lived with soul-nourishing virtue,
Rejoice, you who loved Christ with all your heart.
Rejoice, you who partook of the water of salvation,
Rejoice, sweet flower of love.
Rejoice, you who gladden the ranks of the faithful,
Rejoice, you who support our faith.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
O divine healer of the Creator, you beheld the Uncreated Light, O Philoumenos, as a zealous one among Venerable Men, and you became a new and unassailable treasure of the Martyrs. Therefore, we who honor your memory, cry out to the God of all: Alleluia.
  
You were shown to be equal to the Martyrs who had shown forth in ancient times, O New Martyr Philoumenos, as you were put to death by lawless hands in these latter days, showing that Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever, as we are compelled to cry out:
Rejoice, you who destroy him who corrupts everything,
Rejoice, deliverance of the people of the Lord.
Rejoice, fellow cause of heavenly joy,
Rejoice, fellow bearer of godly wisdom.
Rejoice, for you mystically sanctify those who call upon you,
Rejoice, for you ceaselessly bless those who hymn you.
Rejoice, newly-founded tower of the Church,
Rejoice, newly-planted tree of chastity.
Rejoice, namesake of friendship with Christ,
Rejoice, worm that afflicts the terribly dangerous enemy.
Rejoice, divine lamb of the faith,
Rejoice, new lamp of love.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
O Philoumenos, you were offered to Christ as a new and spotless burnt sacrifice among the New Martyrs, and from Him you received the golden crown of the incorrupt life, O Saint, and you ever chant unto Him together with the Angels: Alleluia.
  
O blessed Philoumenos, you shine as a new lamp filled with heavenly light, and you enlightened Samaria with the rays of your spotless and steadfast way of life, O glorious one, and they joyously now hymn your struggle with things like these:
Rejoice, moon of righteous pains,
Rejoice, horn of new martyrs.
Rejoice, newly-illumined lamp of virtue,
Rejoice, radiant adornment of the Church.
Rejoice, supporting stone of ascetical struggles,
Rejoice, for you lately were unjustly slaughtered.
Rejoice, for you gloriously were translated to the Lord,
Rejoice, for you grant joy to those who take refuge in you.
Rejoice, you whose feast gladden the faithful,
Rejoice, you whose soul shines forth with manliness,
Rejoice, you ho disperse the mania of the enemy.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
As we celebrate your sacred martyrdom, O Philoumenos, we cry out fervently: Do not neglect to entreat Christ ceaselessly that your entreaters be protected from every mania of the enemy, as they ever cry out to the Redeemer: Alleluia.
     

The Holy Hieromartyr Philoumenos the Cypriot (source)

  
O new Hieromartyr, your all-sacred Body was kept incorrupt by Christ, and is venerated in your Monastery in Sion with fervor, as we cry out with boldness: O glorious Champion, sanctify your refugees, who cry out to you with melodious hymns:
Rejoice, grape-cluster of good ethos,
Rejoice, dissolver of despondency.
Rejoice, God-given healing for those in afflictions,
Rejoice, speedy deliverer of those trials.
Rejoice, you who pour forth the aroma of grace from God,
Rejoice, body of chastity and love for Jesus.
Rejoice, for you joined the Priesthood with Martyrdom,
Rejoice, for you shown forth with strength and deliverance among the Champions.
Rejoice, cinnamon of spotless ethos,
Rejoice, canon of life equal to the Angels,
Rejoice, harbor of the God-pleasing life.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
You work strange wonders, O God-bearer Philoumenos, for those who take refuge in you and you venerate your sacred Body in Sion, O Saint, pouring forth to all the rivers of healings, to those who cry out: Alleluia.

Wholly radiant with divine beauty, you stand among the Saints of the Holy Lands, and you ever grant your incorrupt grace to the faithful, O all-precious Champion Philoumenos, to those who cry out to you with fervor and contrition:
Rejoice, radiance of Priests,
Rejoice, light of Monastics.
Rejoice, treasure of uncreated magnificence,
Rejoice, pasture of heavenly wisdom.
Rejoice, height of vigilance in nepsis and prayer,
Rejoice, depth of humility, and steadfast in patience.
Rejoice, new slaughterer of murderous spirits,
Rejoice, divine lily of spiritual Champions.
Rejoice, you whose soul radiated manliness,
Rejoice, radiance of sacred struggle.
Rejoice, you who trampled upon the lawless serpent,
Rejoice, you who pour forth a spring of wonders.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
Intercede with the Lord on behalf of all  those who honor you, O Philoumenos, keeping your all-precious memory, and do fulfill our righteous requests of those who in faith venerate your Body, chanting to [Christ] the Gift-giver: Alleluia.
  
With the rivers of your prayers to the Lord, quench the fiery pain of my soul, and grant me divine consolation, O newly-shining Champion of the faith Philoumenos, as I cry out to you full of reverence:
Rejoice, you who bear the glory of the Martyrs,
Rejoice, you who share the full radiance of the Priests.
Rejoice, unsleeping protector of Samaria,
Rejoice, fellow-dweller with the choir of the Angels.
Rejoice, for you strengthen all those suffering unflinchingly,
Rejoice, for you speedily and wondrously console those in trials.
Rejoice, you who dissolve the kingdom of lawlessness,
Rejoice, you who cease every base passion.
Rejoice, cornerstone of many wonders,
Rejoice, precious diadem of the faithful.
Rejoice, adornment of chaste Levites,
Rejoice, icon and radiance of Champions.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
Save from all forms of delusion the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher, and all those who venerate your Body, and blossom for the faithful a wondrous river of healings, O perfect Champion Philoumenos, through your intercessions to the Lord, Whom you behold, crying out: Alleluia.
     

St. Philoumenos the New Hieromartyr (source)

Incline your divine hand and bless all those who are honoring you, O blessed Philoumenos and steadfast new martyr of Christ, and godly vessel of sacred gifts, that they who praise your struggle might loudly cry out:
Rejoice, myrrh vessel of graces,
Rejoice, white flower of wonders.
Rejoice, fragrant cedar of dispassion,
Rejoice, beautifully-smelling cypress of incorruption,
Rejoice, for you offered your sweat to Christ,
Rejoice, for through your divine words who cast down the enemy.
Rejoice, you who work strange wonders after your repose,
Rejoice, divine lily blossoming with healings,
Rejoice, you who soothe the burning of souls,
Rejoice, you who grant us gifts.
Rejoice, our defender in life,
Rejoice, you who ever bestow on us healings.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.
  
You were taken up to the height of dispassion, O Champion Philoumenos, rejoicing to have received an unspeakable multitude of wounds, and the breaking of you jaw, and the plucking out of your eye, and a terrible death, as you simply cried out: Alleluia.
  
Protect the Fathers of the All-Holy Sepulcher, and all the faithful of your homeland of Orounta in Cyprus, O wise one, and deliver them from every mania of the enemy and terrible trial, O all-glorious Philoumenos, that they may cry out with joy:
Rejoice, unapproachable tower of the faithful,
Rejoice, you who trample upon the boldness of enemies.
Rejoice, most steady defender of Samaria,
Rejoice, unsleeping protector of the Church.
Rejoice, God-given foundation of pious Orthodox,
Rejoice, glorious boast of humble pilgrims.
Rejoice, for you bestow grace on those who venerate you,
Rejoice, for you grant strength to those who hymn you.
Rejoice, you who shine with the glory of God,
Rejoice, you who shame the senselessness of the enemy.
Rejoice, sacred hospital of Sion,
Rejoice, you who quench the fires of the passions.
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.

Your incorrupt Body pours forth grace and divine exaltation to all who venerate it with reverence, and our bodies are sanctified, who in faith hymn you and chant unto [Christ] the Giver of Life: Alleluia.

While chanting fervently of your sacred feats, we hymn the grace given to you, and we stand around your sacred Body, which stands as our divine consolation, O Saint, and we cry out to you that you might grant to those who cry out with faith:
Rejoice, divine revealer of sacred things,
Rejoice, new protector of the faithful.
Rejoice, dweller in the heavenly bridal chamber,
Rejoice, you who were filled with divine radiance of the Three-Sun [Trinity].
Rejoice, newly-founded support of your fellow struggler,
Rejoice, unapproachable defender of the pious faithful.
Rejoice, you who loved Christ along with Elpidios [your brother],
Rejoice, you who together with your brother desired Him.
Rejoice, deliverer from dangerous passions,
Rejoice, our refuge in sorrows.
Rejoice, fervent one who stands beside the faithful,
Rejoice, my protector amidst dangers,
Rejoice, O blessed Philoumenos.

O blessed Philoumenos, the newly-shining star of Christ in the all-radiant Church, (3) the rays of your wonders shine everywhere, and do grant the entreaties of those who ever hasten to your grace in faith, and who joyously hymn you, crying out: Alleluia.

And the Kontakion again.

(source)

St. Philoumenos the Cypriot (source)

  

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

Paraklesis to St. Jacob of Hamatoura

This is a beautiful recording of the Paraklesis (in Arabic) to the Newly-revealed Hieromartyr St. Jacob of Hamatoura. May the Saint and his fellow Martyrs intercede with the Lord for all who are sick, afflicted and suffer throughout the world, but especially in the Middle East (Source)

  

St. Jacob of Hamatoura (source)

  

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

Selected hymns from the Feast of the Holy Venerable Martyrs of Ntaou Penteli

Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!

The Holy Venerable Martyrs of the Monastery of Christ Pantocrator, Ntaou (TAO) Penteli, Martyred on Holy Pascha in 1680, Celebrated most commonly on Tuesday of Bright Week, but variously either on another day of Bright Week or on St. Thomas Sunday (source)

  

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone.

As the sanctified lambs of the Lord chosen from various places, and gathered into your flock, O Pantocrator, you were therefore put to death violently by barbarians, and rejoicing, you proceeded to the heavenly mansions. Therefore, O Venerable Martyrs of Christ, you ever entreat on behalf of our souls.
  

Great Vespers Stichera of the Venerable Martyrs in the First Tone.

The Lord has shown forth many ways to salvation, for you, O divine Fathers, chose beforehand the way of asceticism and the way of the Cross out of love for the Creator. Therefore, you counted the joys of this life as refuse and vanity, O Most-venerable Ones.
  
You hastened to Penteli, O Blessed Ones, and desired to imitate the life of the Angels with purity and obedience. You ever proceeded forward from Earth towards Heaven in a godly manner, being shown to be Paradise.
  
You cried out: "Christ is risen", as you were being slaughtered, O lambs of the Lord and God-bearing Fathers, showing forth in deed that you had found the heavenly life together with the chosen, being sons of the Resurrection.
  

Doxastikon of the Stichera in the Plagal of the First Tone.

O Master Christ Pantocrator, You Who gloriously rose from the dead, and taught to us the power of Your Resurrection, and having the authority over death that is temporary. Therefore, these Venerable Fathers who rest here and who believed in Your Godhead, were taken up as upon the clouds by the cutting blade of the godless, and were made to be inheritors of Your gifts. Through their intercessions, O Good One, grant us a place as well in Your Kingdom.
  

Idiomelon of the Litia in the First Tone.

Rejoice in the Lord, O Mountain of Penteli, for from your crevices has sprung forth a resurrectional rose, the Venerable Martyrs of the Monastery of the Pantocrator, granting fragrance to the faces of the whole Church, and confirming in their souls love for God. For they appeared to be faithful, as champions of the conscience, and rightly received the honor of martyrdom, as they ceaselessly intercede with the risen Christ on behalf of our souls.
  

The Martyred Fathers of Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Doxastikon of the Aposticha in the Plagal of the First Tone.

After Your life-giving resurrection, O Master Christ, You mystically appeared to Your greatly-burdened Disciples who had return to work, and You blessed their labors, and their nets were straightway filled with a multitude of 153 fish. While on the light-bearing day of Your Resurrection, You gathered a similar number unharmed from the Monastery of the Pantocrator of Your crown-bearing and God-bearing martyred Fathers. As they stand among us as communicants of Your [Mystical] Supper, they offer up intercessions on behalf of us to You the true Fish* [O Christ], and send down richly upon us Your mercy.
  
*Note: "Ιχθύς" is an ancient Christian symbol for Christ, as it stands for "Ihsous Xristos, Theou Yios, Sotir", or "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior".
  

Kontakion of the Venerable Martyrs in the Fourth Tone. You appeared today.

You took upon yourselves the Cross of the Lord, O Fathers, and shine like precious stones through your asceticism. Therefore, to the barbarians you cry out: "The Lord is risen!"
  

Oikos

You lived your lives pleasing to Christ, while in the dwelling place of the body, O Venerable Ones, desiring to be arrayed in the abiding [vesture] that is radiant and not made by hands. Therefore, you were received by the right hand of the Pantocrator, Who granted to you the betrothal of the Holy Schema. Praising the Resurrection of the Lord, as pure lambs you entered, by the cutting sword of barbarians, into the Kingdom founded by God, where you ever shine with the light of the Lord Who trampled upon death, and, O boasts of the Monastery of Tao, together you chant: "Truly, the Lord is risen!"
  

Synaxarion

On this day, we celebrate the memory of the Holy Glorious Venerable Martyrs of the Holy Monastery of the Pantocrator (Tao) of Mount Penteli, who were slain by the sword by the godless Hagarenes on the radiant day of the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Verses.

You praise Christ Who is risen in glory,
Radiantly, O Fathers, and were rent by the sword together.

  

Detail of a fresco depicting the martyrdom of the Venerable Martyrs of Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Exaposteilarion of the Venerable Martyrs in the Second Tone.

Celebrate, O Fathers of the Monastery of the Pantocrator, for you suffered martyrdom out of love for Christ Who trampled upon corruption, and Who grants the Resurrection to all those bearing the name of Christ, as an eternal gift.
  

Prosomoia of the Praises in the First Tone. O all-lauded martyrs.

At Christ's resurrection from the dead, the world rejoices, for the laws of nature are recreated, and the might of death is utterly deposed by the Author of our life, Whom you followed, O Fathers of the Pantocrator, by martyrdom, joining with Him in life.
  
Rejoice, O sacred Monastery of Tao, for your Martyrs were sent to Paradise as the myrrh brought to the Risen One by the Myrrh-bearers, and you became intercessors to the Lord, while those who venerate your Relics glorify Him, ever bearing in mind Your flock.
  
Verse: God is wondrous among His Saints.
As a thief in the night, the Bridegroom, O Saints, came and found you watching, and bearing your lamp with many virtues, therefore He gathered you into His eternal Supper, which the mind of man cannot fathom, nor has ever heard.

Verse: To His Saints that are on His Earth, the Lord has made them wondrous.
Seeking the things on high, where Christ is seated as Master on the right hand of His Father, after having fulfilled His glorious deeds of economy, O Blessed Fathers, the offspring of Tao and the great lights of the Church, you were granted to be with Him through the perfection of your life by the sword.
  

Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.

A voice was once heard in Ramah, and wailing for the incomparably evil slaughter of the Holy Innocents. But there is no mourning or wailing in Penteli at the sudden slaughter of the God-bearing Fathers of the Monastery of the Pantocrator, for among them stands the risen Master, Who harmoniously offers peace, saying: "He who believes in me, even if he dies will live, and will partake of eternal rejoicing before my supremely-radiant Face." As you were made worthy of this, O Venerable Athletes, intercede for us on the day of Judgment.

Megalynarion

Come, O famed Monastery of the Pantocrator in Penteli, and rejoice harmoniously at the struggle of your Venerable Children, who became martyrs of Christ's Resurrection.
(source)
  

The Martyred Fathers of Ntaou Penteli (source)

  

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!

Truly the Lord is risen!