Aposticha. Prosomia Stichera.

Tone 2. House of Ephratha.

Let the whole earth sing a new song to Christ, born from a Virgin and today baptised in Jordan.

The sea saw and fled; Jordan was turned back.

Let the Forerunner, prophetic trumpet, cry, ‘Produce the fruits of noble deeds for the Lord baptised in Jordan’.

What troubled you, sea, that you fled? And you, Jordan, that you were turned back?

The consubstantial divine Spirit, shining from above and seen ineffably in the form of a dove, now hastens towards Christ.

**Of St Gregory.

Tone 4.**

Having achieved a life inspired by God, you made its practice bright by contemplation, Gregory, revealer of God; for loving wisdom with divine ardour, you were enriched with grace from the mouth of the Spirit. Distilling the sweetness of your words like honeycomb, you ever make God’s Church joyful with divine thoughts. And so, as you dwell a high priest in heaven, intercede unceasingly for us who celebrate your memory.

**Of the Feast, same Tone.**

When the Baptist saw you, who take away the sin of the world by spirit and fire, coming to him, quailing and trembling he cried, ‘I do not dare to grasp your immaculate head. But sanctify me, Master, by your Epiphany, only lover of humankind’.

Apolytikion of the Saint. Tone 4.

God of our Fathers, who always deal with us in your forbearance, do not deprive us of your mercy, but at their intercessions guide our life in peace.

And of the Feast. Tone 1.

As you were baptized in the Jordan, Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bore witness to you, naming you the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the sureness of the word. Christ God, who appeared and enlightened the world, glory to you!