AT VESPERS

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 6 stichera, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast given a sign…”—

Desiring blessedness which passeth understanding, O wondrous one, thou didst consider abstinence to be food, poverty to be riches, nonacquisition to be true property, and humility to be glory; wherefore, thou hast received thy desires according to thine understanding, dwelling in the habitations of the saints, O Macarius. Twice

Steadfastly thou didst finish the course of asceticism, and didst keep the Faith; wherefore thou hast also received the crown of righteousness, O father, which Christ prepared for thee, granting rewards and bestowing honors and recompense for pangs, as is meet. Pray thou, O glorious one, that He bestow them upon us as well. Twice

Laying waste to thy body, thou didst reject every passionate attachment, O divinely wise one, embittering thy senses with mighty feats of abstinence and a harsh life, with the endurance of perils and the bearing of evil circumstances, for which thou hast received never-ending delight, everlasting food and ineffable joy. Twice

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

Be glad, O Egypt, who hast budded forth such a citizen as Macarius amongst thy saints! For, lo! adorned with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he embodied every aspect of ascetic endeavor in his virtuous life. And, setting him before us as mediator, we ask that he entreat Christ, that our souls be saved.

Now & ever…: Theotokos, or this stavrotheotokion: Spec. Mel.: “Thy martyrs, O Lord…”—

The unblemished heifer, beholding her Bullock nailed of His own will to the Tree, cried out, lamenting piteously: “Woe is me, O my most beloved Child! How hath the ungrateful assembly of the Jews rewarded Thee, desiring to leave me bereft of Thee, my most beloved Child?”