day 17

January 17: Venerable & God-Bearing Father Anthony The Great

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 4 stichera, in Tone II: Spec. Mel.: “When from the Tree…”—

Now & ever…: Theotokion

The 17th Day Of The Month Of January

When, rejoicing, thou didst enclose thyself in the tomb, O father, out of love for Christ, thou didst mightily endure the temptations of the demons, and by prayer and grace thou didst drive away their webs of perverse vexation. Then did the ranks of the angels assemble, crying: Glory to Him Who hath strengthened thee, O Anthony! Twice

Commemoration Of Our Venerable & God-Bearing Father Anthony The Great

Thou didst show thyself to be another Elijah, having thy glorious disciples like Elisha, O wise one; and to them thou didst leave a twofold measure of grace, O father, when thou wast caught up as on an aerial chariot. Wherefore, living in the Spirit, thou now rejoicest with them, O most blessed one. Be thou mindful of those who celebrate thine honored solemnity with love, O Anthony.

If the superior so desire, we celebrate a vigil

Like Moses the God-seer thou didst truly enter the noetic darkness of visions, and didst straightway clearly behold Him Whom thou didst desire. And thy face was filled with glory by His radiance, O father, that thou mightest guide men to the abodes of salvation. Wherefore, having assembled, we cry out, rejoicing: Glory to Christ God Who strengthened thee!

At Little Vespers

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

O venerable Anthony, thou didst perfect a life of most constant suffering of burning heat and cold, finding thy rest as amid unwaning splendors; for having united thyself spiritually to those of the desert, thou didst trample down the fiery darts of the demons. And having transcended every virtue, thou makest thine abode with the angels in the kingdom of heaven. With them beseech Christ God, that our souls be saved.