Ode 6.

Kontakion. Tone 3.

One who served the shadow of the Law appeared as herald of grace, our Saviour, for he was counted worthy to see your incarnation.

Adorned with inspired utterance of judgements, priest Zachary, you received the eternal Word bearing flesh.

You appeared within the confines of the temple conversing with God, Initiator inspired by God, priest and right worthy minister.

Virgin Mother of God, carrying in your womb the Saviour, the Word without beginning, you were made known to Elizabeth the Prophetess.

Grant me a tunic of light, most merciful Christ our God, who are wrapped in light as in a garment.

Today the Prophet and Priest of the Most High, Zachary, the parent of the Forerunner, sets out a table of his memory, nourishing believers and mixing for them a drink of righteousness. And so we praise him as a godly initiate of God’s grace.

The Hierarch received the silence of the Law, through the voice of an Angel receiving the Angel, Prophet and initiate of the coming of Christ, with the barren and sober Elizabeth. When he was born grace, redemption and our universal reconciliation were renewed; for he proclaims the Lamb and Fashioner, the One who makes nature new, who gives fruit from the barren, who appeared as Son of the Virgin. He is a godly initiate of God’s grace.

On the 5th of the same month, Commemoration of Zachary the Prophet and Father of the Forerunner.

Slaughtered just like a lamb was Zachary

Within the Temple for the Lamb of God;

Zachary then on the fifth on the Temple’s pavement was slaughtered.

On the same day Saint Abdaios met his end, beaten with rods of thorns.

Martyr Abdaios rods of thorn endures,

Honours his Master who was crowned with thorns.

On the same day Commemoration of the holy Martyrs Medimnos, Urban, Theodore and with them eighty Priests and Levites, that is Deacons.

Passing through fire and water, like the Psalm,

Says Medimnos, I go to find repose.

With Urban too, great Theodore as well

With Medimnos the selfsame contest wins.

Of consecrated ministers eighteen

‘Gainst fire and water steadfastly endure.

On the same day Commemoration of Saint Peter of Athira.

At their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.