At Vespers

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

Troparion of the feast, in Tone IV—

Made radiant by the splendor of virginity, O most lauded one, thou didst shine forth in the struggles of martyrdom; for, refusing to worship the sun, thou didst endure unjust slaughter, and, dyed with thy blood, thou hast come to stand before the Sun of glory, illumined by the splendors emitted by Him, O crowned one.

Showing forth heartfelt love, O glorious one, thou didst drench the earth with tears of compunction, and didst wipe the footstool of Christ dry with thy hair, contemplating and looking toward Him as transcendent, Whom thou didst desire; and, touching His feet in mind, thou didst enlighten thy soul with visions most divine.

Having distributed thy wealth and provided for the poor, thou didst betroth thyself to thine incorrupt Bridegroom, O most glorious one, and as a dowry didst bring unto Him the streams of thy blood and the endurance of sufferings which thou didst bear, O Anysia. And the Most High hath caused thee to dwell in His bridal-chamber as a passion-bearer and martyr.

And 3 stichera of the venerable Melania, in the same tone: Spec. Mel.: “Called from on high…”—

O thou who hast enrolled in the choirs of the angels, when divine love set thee afire and caused thee to soar far above visible things because of thy dispassion and purity, then with words of trust in God thou didst bring thy spouse to life, putting aside the fleeting and inconstant tumult of life. Wherefore, having found with him everlasting life and delight, thou prayest to the Master, that He save our souls.

Desiring the life of the angels when thou didst vomit up sweet food, and having trained thyself in abstinence and the keeping of vigil, in lying on the ground and in purity, thou becamest the most pure vessel of the divine Spirit, adorned for Him with all-splendid gifts, O most honored one. Wherefore, thou didst draw the people toward His divine love, O Melania, and didst lead them to the Master, the Savior of our souls.

Adorned with the beauties of the virtues, when thou didst fulfill the word of the Savior, thou didst give to the poor and wretched, distributing myriads of golden coins, and didst receive heavenly riches, being enriched forever with righteousness, incorruption and deliverance. Wherefore, we honor thy repose and earnestly entreat thee: Beseech the Creator, that He enlighten our souls.

Glory…, Now & ever…, of the feast, in Tone I—

“Glory to God in the highest!” is heard from the incorporeal ones in Bethlehem today, addressed to Him Who was well pleased to become Peace on earth. Now the Virgin is become more spacious than the heavens, for Light hath shone forth upon the benighted and lifted up the lowly who chant with the angels: Glory to God in the highest!

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

Christ, shining forth as a star from Jacob, hath enlightened the nations with the light of divine knowledge. Let us glorify Him!

Stichos: From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent.

Rejoice, O Bethlehem, thou city of David, for He Who was begotten of the Father without mother hath become incarnate within thee without father of the pure Virgin, the divine Maiden.

Stichos: The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right hand.

The Word of the Father, assuming flesh, hath been born, hath been wrapped in swaddling clothes and lain in a manger, releasing me from irrationality.

Glory…, Now & ever…, in Tone I—

Beholding that which He had created according to His image and likeness corrupted by disobedience, Jesus descended, bowing down the heavens, and made His abode in the Virgin’s womb without undergoing change, that in her He might restore Adam Who had become corrupt, yet crieth: Glory to Thine appearance, O my Deliverer and God!

Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of reason upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and to know Thee, the Day-spring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!