AT MATINS

As good soldiers, believing with one accord, not trembling before the threats of tyrants, you fervently drew near to Christ, O Saints, having taken up the precious Cross, and having finished your course, you received victory from heaven. Glory to him who gave you strength; glory to him who crowned you; glory to him who through you grants healings to all.

After the 1st Reading from the Psalter, Kathismata.

Be entreated by the sufferings, which the Saints endured for you, O Lord; and heal all our pains, we beg, O Lover of mankind.

Tone 1. When the stone had been sealed.

Let us all beseech Christ’s Martyrs, for they ask for our salvation; and let us in love approach them with faith; they possess the grace of healing; they ward off the regiments of demons, as guardians of the Faith.

Verse: God is wonderful in his saints, the God of Israel.

When Gabriel addressed you, O Virgin, with his ‘Hail’, as he spoke the Master of all things became incarnate in you the holy Ark, as righteous David sang. You were proclaimed wider than the heavens, for you carried your Creator. Glory to him who dwelt in you, glory to him who came forth from you, glory to him who has set us free through your bearing child.

Verse: Their souls will dwell among good things.

The glorious Champions have surrounded you, O Lord, as the boast of struggle and the pride of victory crowns; for by their courage under tortures they wounded the lawless and by divine power they received victory from heaven. At their intercessions grant us, O God, your great mercy.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

You destroyed the might of death, O Christ, and poured out incorruption for those on earth; and those who believe in you do not die, but live in you. Give rest then, Lord, to the souls of your servants, and settle them with your saints, at the prayers of the Mother of God, granting them your great mercy.

After the 2nd Reading, Kathisma of the Martyrs.

Give rest, O saviour, in a place of light, in the choir of the Just, those who have passed over to you, for they placed their hopes in you, Lover of mankind. Accept our supplication for parents and children, and justify those whose memory we celebrate, for you are full of mercy.

Others of the Dead.

Wonder of wonders, O Full of grace, in you Creation when it sees you rejoices, for you conceived without seed and gave birth ineffably to the One upon whom the commanders of the Angels cannot look. Implore him, O Mother of God, on behalf of our souls.

The soldiers watching.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.