AT VESPERS

Lord, I have cried **we insert 6 Stichera and sing the following Prosomia .**

**Theotokion.**

Tone 4. You have given as a sign.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Clad in anointing and the divine vestment, revered Zachary, like an angel you ministered to God, mediating between the Fashioner and his fashioning, blessed Saint, and receiving clear revelations of the divine Spirit. And so we call you blessed, and, as we celebrate your holy festival today, we glorify the Saviour.

Zachary, inspired by God, you saw a Child, like his Father without beginning, born from the Maiden, and you spoke prophetically to your child, ‘You will be truly a Prophet, preparing his paths’. With him we call you blessed, and we observe your revered festival, most blessed God-bearer.

You became a living and breathing temple of the divine Spirit, and as with a pure heart you conversed with God in the midst of the temple, glorious Saint, you were unjustly slaughtered, finishing your godly course as a martyr, O worthy of praise. And so you ascended to the heavenly temple, with your own blood beseeching pardon for those who honour you.

**Tone 8. By Monk John.**

Truly robed in the vestment of the priesthood of the Law you ministered according to the order of Aaron, and as you stood in the temple, O all-blessed, you clearly beheld an angelic form. And so, as we all celebrate your translation with songs, as is fitting, we praise you, Zachary, who in old age put forth glorious John. Intercede for us to the merciful God that we may be saved.

Lord, at the prayers of her who gave you birth watch over your flock, which you purchased with your precious blood, as you are compassionate, and keep it unharmed from the abuse of enemies, so that as we sing your praise we may glorify your divine condescension.

When the sun saw you, O Lord, the Sun of righteousness, hanged upon the tree it hid its rays; and the light of the moon was turned to darkness; while your all-blameless Mother was wounded to the heart.