AT VESPERS

**At** Lord, I have cried **we insert 6 Stichera and sing 3 Prosomia of the Saints, doubling them.**

**Theotokion. Placing all their hope.**

Tone 6. Model melody.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Placing all their hope in heaven, the Saints treasured up for themselves an inviolable treasure; freely they received, freely they give remedies to the sick; in accordance with the Gospel they possessed neither gold nor silver; their kind deeds they shared out to humans and beasts alike; that being in all things obedient to Christ they might intercede with confidence on behalf of our souls.

They spurned all perishable matter on earth, while like Angels in the flesh they were declared citizens of heaven, the united comradeship, the like-minded and harmonious pair of saints. And so to all who suffer they award healings, granting their kindness without payment for the needy. Let us worthily sing their praise with yearly feasts as they intercede with confidence on behalf of our souls.

Bringing all the Trinity to dwell in them, the holy pair, inspired Cosmas and Damian, like fountains pour out waters of healings from a life-bearing source; whose relics too heal passions through a touch; and their names alone drive sicknesses from mortals; they are saviours for all who flee to them as they intercede to Christ with boldness on behalf of our souls.

**Tone 6. By Anatolios.**

Unlimited is the grace of the Saints, which they obtained from Christ; therefore their relics too, by divine power, unceasingly act by wonders; whose names alone too, when invoked with faith, drive away incurable pains; through them, Lord, free us too from the passions of soul and body, as you love mankind.

By my own will I have slipped and become enslaved to the tyrant by deception; in my wretchedness I flee to your most wondrous compassion, Bride of God, All-holy Maiden. And so rescue me from trials and tribulations, and save me, O All-blameless, from the attacks of the demons, that I may glorify you and worship you with love, and praise and magnify you, Lady ever-blest.

A sword passed through your heart, All-holy Lady, when you saw him, who had shone from you by an ineffable word, lifted up on a Cross as one condemned by lawless men, given vinegar and gall to drink, pierced in his side, nailed by his hands and feet; and grieving she bewailed him and cried out as a mother: What is this new mystery, my Child?