day 21

December 21: Holy Martyr Juliana Of Nicomedia

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

Troparion of the saint, in Tone IV—

The 21st Day Of The Month Of December

Thou didst emulate the ranks of heaven, O God-bearing Peter, holy hierarch of Christ, and on earth wast shown to be a sanctified vessel and a habitation of the Holy Spirit. Wherefore, we call thee blessed and, rejoicing today, celebrate thy holy repose with honor. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Troparion of the forefeast, in the same tone—

Forefeast Of The Nativity Of Christ

Thou art the joy of the ranks of heaven, the boast of hierarchs on earth, the glory of priests, the rule of monastics and the confirmation of the Church, O wise Peter. Wherefore, we beseech thee: Fail not to aid us, thy servants, who have recourse unto thee.

Commemoration Of The Holy Martyr Juliana Of Nicomedia

As thou dwellest in the heavens, O father, accept now the praise of thy children who with honor celebrate the memory of thy repose. Grant unto them their hearts’ desires, O Peter, favorite of Christ, and earnestly entreat His all-pure Mother, that He save our souls from misfortunes.

(for this day we provide also the service in honor of St. Peter of Moscow)

Glory…, idiomelon, in Tone VI—

December 21: Our Father Among the Saints Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev & All Russia

The divine grace which abideth in the memory of thy repose, overshadowing those who have recourse to the shrine of thy relics, doth impart the healing of infirmities. O holy hierarch Peter our father, pray thou in behalf of our souls.

Also on The 21st Day of the Month of December

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

Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ

Hymn the Lord Who hath been born of the Virgin! Sing hymns, O ye armies of heaven! Ye people on earth, clap your hands! For God is come among men, bestowing upon man the gift of divinity. Lo! a mystery is wrought among us today: Christ, the King of Israel, cometh forth!

Commemoration of Our Father Among the Saints Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev & All Russia

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

At Little Vespers

Through the operation of the Holy Spirit hath Peter been shown to be the dwelling-place of the Spirit . Wherefore, now assembling, let us sing unto him.

Stichos: Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy righteous shall rejoice.

Rejoice, O Peter, boast of hierarchs, glory of priests, rule of monks, and confirmation of the Church!

Stichos: The saints shall boast in glory, and they shall rejoice upon their beds.

Accept now the hymnody of thy children, O father, and grant thou the common petitions of those who love thee.

Glory…, Now & ever…: in the same tone & melody—

O house of Ephrata, holy city, glory of the prophets: adorn the house wherein the Divine One is born.

Be glad now, O earth that before wast barren! For, lo! Christ hath shown forth within thee a luminary who shineth forth clearly in the world and healeth our infirmities and ailments. Wherefore, join chorus and rejoice with boldness; for it is the high priest of the Most High who doeth these things.

Make ready, O Bethlehem! Open unto all, O Eden! Adorn thyself, O Ephratha! For the Tree of life hath blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave. Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise, wherein lieth a divine garden, eating from whence we live, not dying like Adam. Christ is born to raise up His image which before was fallen.