At Vespers

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 6 stichera: 3 of the prophet, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “As one valiant among the martyrs…”—

Troparion, in Tone II—

The wondrous Daniel, having made his heart the pure abode of the Spirit, illumined by Him doth manifestly proclaim the revelation of things to come; and, adorned with the splendor of prophecy, he clearly interpreteth the hidden dreams of the all-iniquitous and mighty kings.

Having rendered thy body strong beforehand with intense fasting, thou didst close the mouths of the lions; for, standing in their midst, O wondrous prophet, and lifting thine eyes to our good God, thou didst remain unharmed through the ineffable power of the Deliverer of our souls Who all-gloriously accomplisheth all things.

O wondrous prophet, thou didst behold the Unapproachable One, the just Judge, sitting on a throne, surrounded by angels. And, marvelling at the awesome and terrible sight, thou didst describe it for all who came after, recounting the second coming of our incarnate God.

And 3 stichera of the holy youths, in the same tone: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

Observing the God-given laws, O most blessed ones, ye did not defile yourselves with abominable foods, but, keeping the beauty of your souls incorrupt, ye preserved the flower of your flesh untainted and unwithered and your splendor comely for the Master Who glorifieth His favored ones.

Enkindled by the divine flame, the youths prevailed over the fire; for the honored ones were seen to be bedewed therein, forming an all-splendid choir, chanting in melodious hymnody; for Daniel rejoiced, beholding the immutable kingdom of Christ, in that he is a most excellent prophet.

Marvelling at the wisdom of thy words and the understanding of the youths, O right wondrous Daniel, the tyrants appointed you to rule and govern the land of Chaldæa, O honored ones; for the adversary knew to marvel most manifestly at your virtue and splendor of life; for ye restrained the passions gaining power over you.

Glory…, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone II—

Today, the Prophet Daniel hath spiritually assembled us, O ye faithful, and laid an abundant banquet of the virtues for rich and poor, paupers, wanderers, and household servants, filling a noetic cup with the water of piety, gladdening the hearts of the faithful and imparting the grace of the Holy Spirit. For he is a most splendid luminary who, shining forth in the world, cast down all the worship of the Assyrians and shut the mouths of the untamed beasts. And with him let the three youths be praised who, though not gold by nature, were shown to be tried like gold; for the fire of the furnace melted them together, yet preserved them whole, and naphtha, sulphur and tinder crowned them. May the Lord Who hath led us to the turning of the year vouchsafe that we also may attain unto the lordly and honorable day of the nativity of Christ, Who through their supplications bestoweth cleansing of sins and great mercy upon us.

Now & ever…, of the forefeast, the composition of Andrew Pyrrhus, in the same tone—

Come ye all, and with faith let us celebrate the forefeast of the nativity of Christ, noetically offering up hymns of glorification like the star of the magi, and with the shepherds let us cry aloud: The deliverance of the nations hath come forth from the Virgin’s womb, summoning the faithful.

At the aposticha, stichera from the Octoechos; and Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone VI—

Daniel, the man of divine desires, seeing Thee, O Lord, the Stone not cut by human hands, foretold that Thou wouldst without seed be born a babe, the Word incarnate of the Virgin, God immutable, the Savior of our souls.

Great are the accomplishments of faith! In the fountain of flame, as in refreshing water, the three holy children rejoiced; and the Prophet Daniel was shown to be a shepherd of lions, as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ God, save Thou our souls.