day 12

December 12: St. Herman, Wonderworker Of Alaska

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 4 stichera, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “Joy of the ranks of heaven…”—

Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Troparion, in Tone IV—

Also On The 12th Day Of The Month Of December

O joy of the Church of Christ, having proclaimed the glory of God, thou hast inherited glorious things in heaven. Accept glory from us also on earth, and entreat the King of glory, O venerable one, that He grant us a share in His glory. Twice

Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Commemoration Of Our Venerable Father Herman, Wonderworker Of Alaska

O joy of the Church of Christ, by thine evangelical life in the wilderness thou didst dispel the darkness of idolatry, uniting the heathen to the life of Christ. O venerable Herman, make us also to share in the grace thereof.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

At Little Vespers

We who are held fast in the gloom of life have straightway received illumination for our minds through thy heavenly visitation, O venerable father Herman. Wherefore, we have set our hope on thine intercession before God.

December 12: Venerable Father Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus

Glory…, in Tone VIII—

The 12th Day of the Month of December

When the time of departure drew nigh for the venerable one, and the candles were lighted and the Acts of the Apostles were read by his bier, the holy Herman shone forth wondrously, saying: “Glory to Thee, O Lord!” And, mystically receiving from the Savior seven more days of life, he awaited the day which was foretold. Then, when the candles were again lighted and the Acts were being read, he reposed in the sweet savor of his asceticism, having lived a most fruitful and venerable life. And he liveth eternally, ever entreating the Lord of glory in our behalf.

Commemoration of Our Venerable Father Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus

O Virgin Theotokos and Mistress, as thou didst heal the venerable Herman, ever heeding his supplications have mercy on us who hymn thee.

(for this day we provide also the service in honor of St. Herman of Alaska)

At the aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: “O house of Ephratha…”—

The Lord hath shown thee to be the abode of the grace of the divine Spirit. Teach us, O father, those things which we ought to do.

Stichos: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

The storms of the sea were as nought unto thee when Christ shone upon thee like the sun from on high. Wherefore, we glorify thee, O venerable one.

Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?

O lover of the Faith, defender of orphans, glory of monks: Make steadfast those who offer thee their praises, O father.

Glory…, in Tone VI—

Have the fleeting years or the bosom of the earth been able to conceal thy glory, which is in the heavens, O venerable Herman? Wherefore, glorifying thee now, we, the children of thy people, fall down before thee, having thee as a mediator before the Lord. Him do thou entreat, that He grant salvation to the suffering land of Russia, prosperity to this land, and great mercy to our souls.

O Theotokos, thou art the true vine which hath put forth for us the Fruit of life. Thee do we beseech: With the apostles and all the saints, O Mistress, pray thou, that He have mercy upon our souls.

O venerable Herman, ascetic of the northern wilderness and gracious advocate for all the world, teacher of the Orthodox Faith and good instructor of piety, adornment of Alaska and joy of all America: Entreat Christ God, that He save our souls.

The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels, through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.