AT VESPERS

On “Lord, I have cried…”, these stichera, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

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

Troparion, in Tone I—

Desiring a blessedness which passeth understanding, thou didst reckon abstinence to be food, poverty to be wealth, lack of acquisition to be abundant possessions, and humility to be glory, O wondrous one. Wherefore, thou didst also receive thy desire in accordance with thine understanding, abiding in the tabernacles of the saints, O Basil.

Thou didst complete the immutable course of abstinence, and didst keep the Faith. Wherefore, thou hast been adorned with a crown of righteousness, O father, which Christ hath prepared for thee, awarding thee recompense in accordance with thy merits, and bestowing upon thee honors and rewards for thy pangs. Him do thou beseech, O divinely inspired one, that He save our souls.

All love of pleasure which enslaved thy body didst thou cast off, O divinely wise one, harrowing thy senses with the pangs of abstinence, with terrible living conditions, the endurance of temptations, and the withstanding of evil circumstances; and thereby thou hast received never-ending delight, everlasting sweetness and ineffable joy.

Take pity, O Mistress, upon me who am brought low by the assaults of the demons, and have been cast down into the pit of destruction; and set me firmly upon the rock of the virtues, fending off the attacks of the enemy. Vouchsafe that I may obey the commandments of thy Son and our God, that I may receive remission on the Day of Judgment.

Stavrotheotokion, in the same melody—

Beholding Christ, Who loveth mankind, crucified, His side pierced by a spear, the all-pure one cried out, weeping: “What is this, O my Son? What have the thankless people done to Thee in return for the good Thou hast done for them? Thou makest haste to leave me childless, O most Loving One. I marvel at Thy voluntary crucifixion, O Compassionate One!”

A dweller in the desert, an angel in the flesh, and a wonderworker wast thou, O our God-bearing father Basil. Receiving heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil and prayer, thou healest the sicknesses and souls of those who with faith have recourse unto thee. Glory to Him Who gave thee strength! Glory to Him Who hath crowned thee! Glory to Him Who worketh healings for all through thee!