Aposticha of Lauds. Of the Martyrs.

Glory. Both now.

**Theotokion.**

O Holy Martyrs, you became companions of the Angels, having bravely proclaimed Christ in the stadium; for you abandoned all the world’s pleasures as unreal, but held to the faith as a sure anchor; therefore driving away error you became a source of gifts of healings for the faithful, as you ceaselessly intercede for our souls.

**Theotokion.**

How should we not marvel at your struggles, holy Martyrs? for while enclosed in the body you wounded bodiless foes; the threats of tyrants did not affright you, nor the assaults of tortures crush you; truly worthily you have been glorified in Christ’s presence, and you ask for our souls his great mercy.

Precious is the death of your Saints, O Lord: for broken by sword, fire and cold, they shed their blood, having their hope in you that they would receive the reward of their labour. They endured and received from you, O Saviour, your great mercy.

Of the Dead.

In your repose where all the saints find rest, give rest, O Lord, to the souls of your servants, for you alone are immortal.

**Of the Dead.**

Where is the attraction of the world? Where the delusion of the temporary? Where is gold, where silver? Where the throng and hubbub of servants? All dust, all ashes, all shadow. But come, let us cry out to the immortal King: O Lord, grant your eternal good things to him who has passed from us, giving him rest in the happiness which does not age.

O only pure and spotless Virgin, who bore God without seed, intercede that our souls may be saved.

Alleluia **is sung we say the above Verses of the Martyrs at Lauds; but at the Aposticha the following Prosomia, composed by Theophanes.**

Prosomia. Tone 4.

You have given as a sign.

Truly most terrible is the mystery of death! How violently the soul is separated from the body; the bond of nature is severed by God’s will from the harmony and unity. Therefore we implore you: Give rest to those who have passed over in the tents of your righteous ones, O Giver of life who love mankind.

Blessed are those whom you have chosen and taken.

The death of those who believe has been declared a sleep, for you, the Master of all, were placed in a grave abolished the might of death and destroyed his long-enduring dominion. Therefore we implore you: Establish those who have passed over in the tents of your Saints, in your pure mansions.

Their souls will dwell among good things.

You have become for us justice, sanctification and redemption of our souls; for you brought us, justified and redeemed, to the Father, taking on yourself on our behalf the penalty we owed. And now we entreat you: Give rest in joy and radiance, O Saviour and Benefactor, to those who have passed over.

And their memorial is from generation to generation.

The human race has been recalled from corruption to incorruption that cannot be destroyed, washed by the Blood that was emptied from your side, O Saviour, with which you washed away our transgression and that of our forebears. Therefore, O Lover of mankind, now count your servants who have passed from temporary things worthy of the splendour of heaven.

Following the sayings of those inspired by God, O spotless Virgin, we believe you to be Mother of God. For in ways past understanding you gave birth to God made flesh, who redeemed us, who were enslaved by our offences. Implore him now, O all-pure, to shine with his own radiance on your servants who have passed over.