Aposticha. Tone 1.

Far-famed Protomartyr and Equal of the Apostles, glory of women martyrs, fair virgin Thekla, by your supplications that are powerful with God heal the dread passions and bruises of my soul, I cry to you, and snatch me from the unquenchable fire.

**Theotokion.**

Her sound has gone out into the all the world; and her words to the ends of the earth.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

The almighty, divine power of Christ through a cloud that gave birth to rain quenched the flame, bedewing you, Thekla, as a believer and justly consuming unbelievers and, delivering you from being torn apart by wild beasts and bulls, it glorified you.

**Theotokion. When from the Tree.**

And he has stationed my feet upon a rock.

Or Cross-Theotokion.

Filled with longing for the immaculate Bridegroom, all-fair in his beauty, you denied your suitor, Thekla, following the words of Paul, the groomsman of the Church. Raised up with him to the sphere of all-delight, you were betrothed to the One for whom you longed.

**Tone 8. By Anatolios.**

You trampled down the assaults of lions, and shaming Thamaris you followed your Bridegroom, Protomartyr and Apostle, as you cried out: I have run in the fragrance of your myrrh, O Christ. And so, hastening after Paul, you received the gift of grace from heaven and inherited the garland of victory from God, judge of the contest, and you intercede without ceasing that he bestow pardon of offences on those who celebrate with faith your sacred memorial.

My hope and my protector, fervent assistance and my refuge, you are the salvation of the faithful, all-immaculate, pure Lady; therefore I also flee to you, crying out and shouting to you: I have sinned. Save me, O Maiden, save me as alone truly the surety of those who sin.

I cannot bear to see you, my Child, who give awakening to all, sleeping in death upon a tree, so that to those who of old through the transgression of the fruit fell into destroying slumber you may grant divine and saving awakening, cried the grieving Virgin, whom we magnify.

Apolytikion. Tone 4.

O Jesu, your lamb cries aloud: O my Bridegroom, I long for you; and seeking you I struggle, and I am crucified and buried with you in your baptism; and I suffer for your sake, that I may reign with you; and I die for you, that I may live in you; but as a spotless victim now accept one who with longing is slain for you. Through her prayers, as you are merciful, save our souls!

**Tone 2. By Anatolios.**

Come, lovers of contests, let us honour with hymns Thekla, the Protomartyr, the boast of women; for she trampled down the hostile adversary with the power of the Cross, and, having won the victory, deserved her crown. And so the Champion implores that those who celebrate with faith and love her memory may be delivered from dangers and from the judgement to come.

Truly we have no other mighty refuge, tower of strength and invincible wall but you, All-pure Virgin. To you we flee and to you we cry: Help us, Sovereign Lady, lest we perish. Show to all your grace, the glory of your power and the greatness of your compassion.

You gave birth to the grape cluster of life that you bore unhusbanded in your womb. But when you saw him hanging you raised a loud lament and cried: My child, who drop down sweetness through which, O Benefactor, may all the intoxication of the passions be abolished by showing your compassion through me who gave you birth.

The rest of the Office, and Dismissal.

Many of the texts for this office are inspired by the apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thekla. For details of a modern version of this text see the .