Canon I of the Venerable Seraphim, in Tone VI—

Exapostilarion, Spec. Mel: “Hearken, ye women...”—

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

Katavasia, Tone II: The Lord, mighty in battles, uncovered the bed of the deep and led His people across dry land, overwhelming the adversary in the sea, for He hath been glorified.

Kontakion of the Forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast appeared today…”—

Thou didst glorify the Monastery of Sarov with fasting and unceasing prayer, O venerable one, anointing the infirm with oil from the icon of the Theotokos and granting them healing in abundance. Pray thou now that our souls be saved!

Glory..., Now and ever..., of the forefeast, in Tone VIII, Spec. Mel: “Of the shepherds’ pipes...”—

Sessional hymn of the venerable one, in Tone IV—

On the Praises, 8 stichera: 4 of the Forefeast, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Go forth, O angelic hosts…”—

Theotokion: O most blessed Mistress, who gavest birth unto the all-good God in the flesh, cleanse thou my heart which is tormented by passions, that I may magnify thee with faith and love.

O Lord, open Thou mine unworthy lips and grant me utterance of understanding, that I may worthily hymn the memory of the blessed Seraphim, who with the angels now prayeth to Thee to deliver us from every grievous circumstance.

Exapostilarion of the righteous one—

Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

Katavasia: The Lord, Who giveth might unto our kings and exalteth the horn of His anointed ones, is born of the Virgin and cometh to baptism. O ye faithful, let us cry aloud unto Him: There is none as holy as our God!

Kontakion, in Tone II—

Adorned with fasting and prayer, and making God thy debtor through almsgiving, with Him thou hast entered the incorrupt bridal-chamber, where thou delightest in His beauty. Pray thou, that we who hymn thee with love be saved from all misfortunes and pain. Twice

Glory..., Now and ever..., the exapostilarion of the Forefeast, in the same melody—

Sessional hymn of the righteous one, in Tone IV—

O hosts of angels, go forth from Bethlehem to the streams of the Jordan! O John, forsaking the desert, go before us all! Rejoice, O river, and make ready! Let all the earth rejoice! Christ cometh to wash away the sin of Adam, for He is compassionate!

Theotokion: Hearken, O Lady, unto those who flee to thee with faith and love, and who hymn thee with fear.

Thou wast a great intercessor before the Theotokos, O venerable one, and wast vouchsafed to behold her in the company of the apostles. And now, cease not to visit thy children with thy prayers.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Exapostilarion of the Forefeast: Spec. Mel.: “Hearken, ye women…”—

Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.

Katavasia: He whom Thou didst call a Voice crying in the wilderness hath heard Thy voice, O Lord; for Thou didst thunder forth over many waters, bearing witness unto Thy Son. And having been wholly filled with the descending Spirit, he cried out: “Thou art Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”

Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast appeared today…”—

Through fasting and prayer thou didst receive spiritual grace, O pure mother, to heal the pain of the body, to drive away the demons by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to intercede for all those who sorrow. Wherefore, by thy supplications beseech the Lord, that He grant healings and great mercy unto all. Twice

Glory..., in Tone VI—

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the forefeast, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the shepherds’ pipes…”—

With pure mouths and cleansed souls come ye mystically, leaving Bethlehem; and going with Christ to the Jordan, let us hymn Him with gladness, O all ye lands, saying with faith: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Our first mother Eve heard: “In sorrow thou shalt bring forth children.” And thou, O pure Virgin, hearing: “The Lord is with thee! Rejoice!”, didst put to flight the grief of our first mother with this cry of joy!

From thy youth, O venerable one, thou didst submit thyself spiritually to the Lord, and having subdued the passions of thy body through rigorous abstinence, thou wast adorned with every virtue, O most wise one.

Exapostilarion of the forefeast: Spec. Mel.: “Hearken, ye women…”—

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

Katavasia: Jesus, the Author of life, cometh to lift the condemnation of Adam the first-created, and though as God He requireth no cleansing, He cleanseth the fallen one in the Jordan. And having slain enmity therein, He granteth peace which passeth all understanding.

Kontakion of the righteous one, in Tone VIII—

Now and ever..., of the Forefeast, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone VIII—

Sessional hymn of the hierarch, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom…”—

Great and awesome is the mystery, for God hath made Himself like man, though he knew not sin in any wise; and, though innocent, He asketh to be baptized of John in the River Jordan today. Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Our trust and hope art thou, O most holy Mistress. Save the suffering Russian land and thy people who pray and call upon thy holy name!

Thou didst tread the straight and narrow path to the heavenly kingdom in accordance with the commandment of Christ the Master, rejecting the broad and spacious path. Pray thou now for us who celebrate thy most radiant memory.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Another exapostilarion—

Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Katavasia: The voice of the Word, the candlestick of the Light, the morning star of the Sun, the Forerunner, crieth out to all the people in the wilderness: Repent, and be ye cleansed beforehand! For, lo! the Christ is at hand, delivering the world from corruption!

Kontakion of the hierarch, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Having been lifted up…”—

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the forefeast, in the same tone: Spec. Mel.: “Of the piping shepherds…”—

Having shone forth from the Virgin as the flower of David, Christ hath come to the streams of the Jordan to wash the sins of our first father away in the waters. Dance thou, O Adam! Be glad, O Eve! Let heaven rejoice! And let the people say: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Rejoice, O Virgin Mistress, thou beauty of the Churches, might and boast of the suffering Russian land! Pray to Christ God without ceasing, that He preserve us from misfortunes by thy supplications.

Having ascended the mount of dispassion and taken up thy cross from thy youth, thou didst follow after Christ without hesitation. And having acquired spiritual wisdom, thou didst attain the heavenly Jerusalem, O venerable one. Entreat Him Who loveth mankind in our behalf.

Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither a mediator nor an angel, but Thyself incarnate, O Lord, and hast saved me, the whole man; wherefore, I cry to thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Katavasia: The dew-laden, whistling wind and the descent of the Angel of God preserved unharmed the pious youths who communed together in the fiery furnace. Wherefore, bedewed in the flame, they raised a hymn in thanksgiving: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Kontakion of the Forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast appeared today…”—

And 4 stichera of the saint, in Tone VIII—

Theotokion: Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O all-pure Theotokos. Entreat thy Son and our God, that He grant us salvation and remission of sins.

Standing now before the throne of God, O venerable one, intercede for the suffering Russian land; and by thy supplications, O venerable one, ask thou salvation for the Christ-loving people of Russia.

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace which poured forth dew showed forth a most glorious mystery: how the Jordan was to receive the immaterial Fire in its streams and embrace the Creator baptized in the flesh. Him do the peoples bless and exalt supremely for all ages.

The most honored feast of the Monastery of Sarov hath arrived, the memorial of the venerable Seraphim, to whom we now cry out: Rejoice, light and confirmation of ascetics, star like unto that of the magi, showing monks the way to the mansions of heaven, most glorious boast of priests, ever-flowing fountain of love and chastity, most radiant beacon of spiritual discernment! Rejoice, O great model of the virtues! Twice

Theotokion: O most pure Mary, beseech God Who was born of thee, that He grant unto thy servants remission of transgressions.

“The Christ hath appeared!” the Forerunner crieth out, “And He cometh up to the streams of the Jordan! Let us make haste to greet Him, enlightened by pure thoughts!”

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss how to praise thee as is meet, and even an intelligence from above the world is in doubt how to hymn thee, O Theotokos; yet, as thou art good, accept our faith, for thou knowest our longing inspired by God; for thou art the intercessor of Christians, and we magnify thee.

O blessed father Seraphim, thou didst truly follow after Christ, drawing all to thyself by brotherly love and innocence, and teaching man the path of virtue through meekness and humility. Wherefore, with love we bless thy memory, O venerable Seraphim.

Theotokion: Guide thou my mind, which is tempest-tossed by many passions, O Mistress. Save us that have recourse unto thee, O Theotokos, for beside thee we know none other help, O pure one.

O my God, Thou deliverance of all, having clothed Thyself in mine abundant poverty, Thou approachest to be baptized, seeking me who have strayed from the right path.

Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Katavasia, Tone II: The Lord, mighty in battles, uncovered the bed of the deep and led His people across dry land, overwhelming the adversary in the sea, for He hath been glorified.

Thou didst dwell in the wilderness, O venerable one, and, being filled with divine wisdom, thou didst mount to the summit of virtue. Wherefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, adornment of the Church, fair consolation of priests, splendor and boast of monks, O blessed Seraphim! Pray Christ God to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls!

Theotokion: I now flee unto thee, O all-pure one. Save and preserve me by thy supplications. For whatsoever thou desirest, that thou canst accomplish, in that thou art the Mother of the Almighty.

Let earth and heaven now join chorus, for the Benefactor of all is baptized, submerging the multitude of our countless transgressions in the waters.

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, I pray Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

Katavasia: The Lord, Who giveth might unto our kings and exalteth the horn of His anointed ones, is born of the Virgin and cometh to baptism. O ye faithful, let us cry aloud unto Him: There is none as holy as our God!

Come, ye assemblies of monks and company of ascetics; come, ye multitudes of Christian people! Let us honor the true faster with hymns, crying out: Rejoice, thou who didst traverse the narrow path amid the steps of Christ the Master, thou ready helper of those who come to thee in tribulations and sorrows, O most wondrous mediator of salvation! Rejoice, thou who wast adorned with the gift of prophecy, foretelling the future as though it were the present! Pray thou, O venerable Seraphim, for those who honor thy holy memory with faith and love.

Theotokion: We confess thee to be the Mother of God indeed, the true Theotokos, for by thy birthgiving have we been delivered from the curse of corruption, through the loving-kindness of God, Who loveth mankind, and have been called to life incorruptible.

Standing before God with the angels, O venerable one, in thine entreaty, pray thou for the whole world, that the assaults of the enemy be repelled and that Orthodox Christians be granted victory over their adversaries.

Irmos: Enlighten us with Thy commandments, O Lord, and with Thine upraised arm grant us Thy peace, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Katavasia: He whom Thou didst call a Voice crying in the wilderness hath heard Thy voice, O Lord; for Thou didst thunder forth over many waters, bearing witness unto Thy Son. And having been wholly filled with the descending Spirit, he cried out: “Thou art Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”

“O Forerunner John, who knewest Me, the Lamb, while yet in the womb of thy mother, minister unto Me at the river, offer unto Me service with the angels. Stretching forth thy hand, touch the all-pure crown of My head; and when thou seest the mountains smoke and Jordan turn back, cry aloud with them: O Lord, Who wast incarnate of the Virgin for our salvation, glory be to Thee!”

Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, who ineffably gavest birth unto the Word, thy Creator: With the venerable Seraphim beseech Him to have mercy upon our souls!

From thy youth thou didst cleave with faith and love unto the Master of the hosts on high, O venerable Seraphim; and, shining forth like the sun in the wilderness of Sarov, thou wast a comfort to those who approached thee in sorrow. Pray thou that we be saved!

Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.

Katavasia: Jesus, the Author of life, cometh to lift the condemnation of Adam the first-created, and though as God He requireth no cleansing, He cleanseth the fallen one in the Jordan. And having slain enmity therein, He granteth peace which passeth all understanding.

On the Praises, 8 stichera: 4 of the Forefeast, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Go forth, O angelic hosts…”—

Theotokion: Thou art our refuge and confirmation, O all-holy Theotokos. Entreat thy Son and our God to grant us salvation and remission of sins.

To those who pray unto thee, thou hast been shown to be an unshakable pillar and a refuge for those who have recourse unto the Monastery of Sarov, and abundant grace for those who receive healings.

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Katavasia: The voice of the Word, the candlestick of the Light, the morning star of the Sun, the Forerunner, crieth out to all the people in the wilderness: Repent, and be ye cleansed beforehand! For, lo! the Christ is at hand, delivering the world from corruption!

O hosts of angels, go forth from Bethlehem to the streams of the Jordan! O John, forsaking the desert, go before us all! Rejoice, O river, and make ready! Let all the earth rejoice! Christ cometh to wash away the sin of Adam, for He is compassionate!

Theotokion: O Theotokos, who gavest birth unto the Savior and Master of all, thou hast been shown forth to us as the mediatress of salvation; wherefore, we pray thee: Vouchsafe salvation unto all who faithfully hymn thee unto all the ages.

Beseech Christ God, O blessed one, to deliver us from famine and plagues, from sudden death, from secret transgressions and wicked thoughts, that with a pure heart we may cry out to Christ: Save us, O Lord, by the supplications of the venerable one!

Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Katavasia: The dew-laden, whistling wind and the descent of the Angel of God preserved unharmed the pious youths who communed together in the fiery furnace. Wherefore, bedewed in the flame, they raised a hymn in thanksgiving: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

With pure mouths and cleansed souls come ye mystically, leaving Bethlehem; and going with Christ to the Jordan, let us hymn Him with gladness, O all ye lands, saying with faith: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Rejoice, O fiery throne of the Lord! Rejoice, O ray of immaterial splendor! Rejoice, thou cloud of the radiant Sun of righteousness, Christ our Savior, Whom we exalt supremely for all ages!

Following after Christ the Master in meekness and humility, thou wast all things to all men; tirelessly instructing both rich and poor in piety, thou didst foresee the future as though it were the present. Entreat Christ God, O venerable one, that He grant us remission of our transgressions!

Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace which poured forth dew showed forth a most glorious mystery: how the Jordan was to receive the immaterial Fire in its streams and embrace the Creator baptized in the flesh. Him do the peoples bless and exalt supremely for all ages.

Great and awesome is the mystery, for God hath made Himself like man, though he knew not sin in any wise; and, though innocent, He asketh to be baptized of John in the River Jordan today. Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Thou art our strength, thou art our boast and joy, our protectress, help, refuge and invincible intercessor. O most pure Theotokos, save thou thy servants!

Deliver thy monastery from every assault of the enemy, O venerable one, and fill it with love and grace, that it heed not the cares of this life, but attain unto the goodness and beauty which save the soul.

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss how to praise thee as is meet, and even an intelligence from above the world is in doubt how to hymn thee, O Theotokos; yet, as thou art good, accept our faith, for thou knowest our longing inspired by God; for thou art the intercessor of Christians, and we magnify thee.

Having shone forth from the Virgin as the flower of David, Christ hath come to the streams of the Jordan to wash the sins of our first father away in the waters. Dance thou, O Adam! Be glad, O Eve! Let heaven rejoice! And let the people say: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: O most pure Virgin, thou didst give birth unto One of the Holy Trinity, the Son and Word, Whom do thou entreat with the saints and the righteous in behalf of thy servants who with faith ask remission of sins.

In the streams of the Jordan the Lord crieth out to John today: “Fear not to baptize Me, for I have come to save Adam the first-created!”

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

And 4 stichera of the saint, in Tone VIII—

Theotokion: We hymn thee, O all-pure Theotokos who gavest birth supernaturally to the incarnate, eternal and all-divine Word.

Ikos: “I do not require thee to transgress the bounds of what is meet, O Baptist; I am not saying unto thee: Tell Me what thou tellest the iniquitous, and what thou teachest sinners. Only baptize Me in silence, awaiting those things which come through baptism; for it is for this cause that thou hast received a dignity which even the angels do not possess; for I have made thee greater than all the prophets. Thus, not one of them beheld Me plainly, but only in images, shadows and reflections; but thou beheldest Me standing before thee. For I am come to save Adam the first-created!”

Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Thou gavest countless alms to those in need, and didst have an Orthodox love for God; for which cause the grace of Christ rested within thee, O mother. Wherefore, by thy supplications preserve those who bless thee with faith.

Theotokion: Incarnate, the Creator made His abode in thy womb, O most immaculate one, for the good of those who hymn thee with faith.

Having utterly overcome the passions of the sea of life by abstinence, and attained unto the haven of dispassion, thou wast revealed as a vessel of abstinence, O venerable Seraphim. Entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy!

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

The tomb wherein thou was laid to rest poureth forth fragrant myrrh for all the sick unto their healing, and for those who ask thy visitation with faith, O pure and right wondrous mother; wherefore, by thy supplications save us who hymn thee.

Theotokion: Condescending, save me who live pridefully, O all-pure one who gavest birth to the Savior, Who hath exalted our lowly nature.

O invisible God, unapproachable Word, Thou wast begotten of the Father in a manner transcending nature and past recounting; and again, in the latter days, without altering what Thou wast, Thou wast born of the Virgin and comest now to be baptized in the flesh in the streams of the Jordan, O Thou Who as God hast been well pleased to save the race of man.

Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!

Glory…, in Tone V—

Theotokion: They who do not acknowledge thee as the Theotokos, O all-pure Mother of God, are devoid of the light of Him Who was born of thee.

The great Forerunner doth marvel at Thine arrival, O Jesus our Benefactor, and in awe he crieth out to Thee: “O Master Who art fire, burn me not who am grass!”

Irmos: O ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption, and Who became ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake.

O venerable mother, righteous Juliana, thou gavest no sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids, until thou didst free body and soul from the passions, and didst make of thyself a habitation for the Holy Spirit; for Christ, coming to thee with the Father, made His abode within thee. And now, having become a favorite of the consubstantial Trinity, pray thou in behalf of our souls.

Theotokion: Thy Son was comely beyond all men in the beauty of His divinity, O all-pure one, even though He became flesh for our sake.

“Beholding Me standing in these waters of Mine own will, O John, do thou now draw nigh and baptize Me, that by water I may fashion grace for the human race!”

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

Now & ever…: Doxasticon of the Forefeast, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone VIII—

Theotokion: Look upon my sorrow, O Virgin Theotokos, to which the multitude of mine evils hath brought me, and rescue me from the fire of Gehenna, who chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

“I have come to know Thee in the flesh to be like the sun which covereth itself with clouds. How therefore is it that I now behold Thee naked, clothed in the waters?” John cried out, marvelling.

Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

“O Forerunner John, who knewest Me, the Lamb, while yet in the womb of thy mother, minister unto Me at the river, offer unto Me service with the angels. Stretching forth thy hand, touch the all-pure crown of My head; and when thou seest the mountains smoke and Jordan turn back, cry aloud with them: O Lord, Who wast incarnate of the Virgin for our salvation, glory be to Thee!”

Theotokion: Heal thou the weakness of my soul and the pangs of my body, O Virgin, that we may hymn thee forever.

“Human nature is enlightened and receiveth deliverance from the darkness of sin, and is clothed from on high with the divine vesture of incorruption when I am stripped naked.”

Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a wonder, striking the sea in the form of the Cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, chanting a hymn unto God.

On the Praises, 4 stichera, the acrostic whereof is: “The hymns of Theophanes for the Enlightenment”, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Go forth, O angelic hosts…”—

Theotokion: When Thou shalt sit to judge my works, spare me, O Christ God Who wast born of the Virgin and didst preserve her who gave Thee birth incorrupt; overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that Thou art the sinless and merciful God Who lovest mankind.

Today the Monastery of Sarov doth splendidly celebrate thy memory, O venerable one, and doth beseech thee: Entreat the Lord, that He grant peace to the whole world and great mercy for our souls!

Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.

O hosts of angels, go forth from Bethlehem to the streams of the Jordan! O John, forsaking the desert, go before us all! Rejoice, O river, and make ready! Let all the earth rejoice! Christ cometh to wash away the sin of Adam, for He is compassionate!

Theotokion: Thou didst remain a pure virgin even after giving birth, O most holy one, for thou gavest birth to God, Who made Himself like unto us in all things save sin.

In thy great struggles didst thou flourish like a palm-tree, O venerable one, with fruitful words and a blameless life sweetening the hearts of those who have recourse unto thee. Wherefore, pray now that we obtain mercy from Christ our Savior!

Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

With pure mouths and cleansed souls come ye mystically, leaving Bethlehem; and going with Christ to the Jordan, let us hymn Him with gladness, O all ye lands, saying with faith: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Heal thou the wounds of my heart, O Maiden, and direct the movements of my soul toward the desire for God, O Virgin.

By thy supplications entreat God for us, O venerable Seraphim, and drive away the sinful darkness of our grief. Adorn with dispassion, faith and love all that honor thy most glorious memory!

Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither a mediator nor an angel, but Thyself incarnate, O Lord, and hast saved me, the whole man; wherefore, I cry to thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Great and awesome is the mystery, for God hath made Himself like man, though he knew not sin in any wise; and, though innocent, He asketh to be baptized of John in the River Jordan today. Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Rejoice, O thou who alone gavest birth to the Almighty Who abased Himself in assuming the flesh! Rejoice, O most immaculate one, thou restoration of the fallen world! Rejoice, O dispelling of grief! Rejoice, salvation of the faithful! Rejoice, O most exalted throne of God!

It is not the Monastery of Sarov alone, but the whole land of Russia which hath thee, O blessed one, as a fervent intercessor and speedy helper, the almighty and invincible defender and mediator for our souls.

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

Having shone forth from the Virgin as the flower of David, Christ hath come to the streams of the Jordan to wash the sins of our first father away in the waters. Dance thou, O Adam! Be glad, O Eve! Let heaven rejoice! And let the people say: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Perceiving the depth of thy mystery, O Virgin, the divinely eloquent prophets, instructed by the divine Spirit, proclaimed thee in prophecy; and, beholding the fulfillment thereof, we now all-joyously believe on thee.

Be thou an intercessor and mediator for us before the all-holy Trinity, and the choirs of the saints whose life thou didst emulate, move thou to pray with thee, O venerable one. With them pray for peace and the good estate of the whole world, that we may live a peaceful and quiet life, and in the future may inherit eternal life in this age.

Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Glory…, in the same melody—

Theotokion: O all-wondrous Maiden, for us thou hast given birth to Him Who hath existed from before the beginning of time, and Who, in His extreme loving-kindness, hath made Himself like unto us, that He might save those who chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Being great among ascetics, O venerable one, thou didst lead an arduous monastic life in the wilderness, and didst end it in compunctionate prayer. Pray that we be saved!

Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.

The hand of John doth tremble, and, though he feareth to touch Thee, he rejoiceth in soul, mindful that it was Thy good pleasure to bow Thy head, having taken on the form of a servant, that from slavery to the enemy Thou mightest deliver men who cry: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

Theotokion: Following thy divine words, we, the generations of men, bless thee, the ever-blessed one, and chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Crying out, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” the sacred Forerunner appeared out of the desert, renewing those who had grown desolate in evil deeds.

Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.

Now & ever…, in the same melody—

Theotokion: O right beloved Virgin who gavest birth to the good God and Lord, bless thou my soul, which hath been oppressed by sins.

His law and the sacred company of the prophets said of old that the Christ would come, renewing through divine baptism us who wax old through our many transgressions.

Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O Thou Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, O most merciful Christ our God.

Let the whole earth now mystically rejoice prophetically, and let the mountains exult! Turn back thy streams, O Jordan, as it is written! Stand in awe before the face of the Master Who as God became man, for He hath come to purify all men of the sin of Adam!

“Strange and awesome things do I behold today,” said John, “for now the Wellspring of immortality is come to ask baptism of the least droplet!”

Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Unto all who come to thee hast thou been a true teacher and a great intercessor before the Theotokos. And now, O venerable one, cease not to pray for thy children, for thou art possessed of great boldness.

Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Let the Christian people now enter into the temple of the Monastery of Sarov, bowing down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim, and, glorifying Christ, let them ask healing and salvation of thee.

Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

The invisible enemy desired to affright thee when thou wast praying to God at night, O venerable one. But, defeated by thy prayer, the most wicked one vanished.

Irmos: Trampling down the fire and flame in the furnace, the divinely eloquent youths did chant: Bless the Lord, O ye works of the Lord!

O ye hierarchs and priests, rejoice with the monks of Sarov! Ye people, hymn together the blessed father, the calm haven of those who are tempest-tossed by sorrows, the ready healer of infirmities of body and soul.

Irmos: O ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption, and Who became ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake.

Offer up thy prayers, O venerable one, as an acceptable and unblemished sacrifice unto the all-holy Trinity, and forget not us that now celebrate thy memory. Beg mercy for those who hate, wrong and are wroth with us, and deliver all from every sorrow.

Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the ineffable condescension of God, for the Most High willingly came down even to the flesh, becoming man through the Virgin’s womb. Wherefore we, the faithful, magnify the all-pure Theotokos.

As rain into a fleece of wool do Thou drop down the remission of our offenses, O Thou Who lovest mankind, Who hast drowned the transgressions of those born of earth in the Jordan’s streams, in Thy great mercy.

Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.

As an abyss of righteousness, O Christ, Thou now comest forth to the River Jordan to drown the serpent and to wash away the crime of Adam.

Irmos: Plant Thou the fear of Thee in the hearts of Thy servants, O Lord, and be Thou the confirmation of us who call upon Thee in truth.

“How can the river’s streams hold Thee Who art truly a stream of incorruption, O Christ?” the Forerunner cried out, glorifying Thy great compassion.

Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither a mediator nor an angel, but Thyself incarnate, O Lord, and hast saved me, the whole man; wherefore, I cry to thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Thy holy soul was a dwelling-place of God, wherein the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit made their abode. Wherefore, we pray thee, O venerable one, dispel the slanders of the enemy from those who honor thee, and grant peace to the suffering land of Russia.

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

O venerable Seraphim, we honor thy great struggles and labors in the wilderness and the sweetness of thy teaching, whereby thou hast enlightened many who have come to thee and taught them to hymn the consubstantial Trinity.

Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Following after Christ the Master in purity of life, thou didst complete the good race, O venerable one. Having ascended to the eternal mansions, thou dost behold there what the angels see. Wherefore, honoring thy memory, we glorify Christ.

Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

We are all full of sin, but thy supplications, O venerable Seraphim, ascend unto the Lord like fragrant incense. And we now pray thee: Still thou the raging tempest of ungodliness in the land of Russia, and ask of the Lord salvation for our souls.

Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.

Truly blessed wast thou, O venerable Seraphim, having acquired riches through poverty, and through tears, joy—which thou didst abundantly bestow upon those who came to thee. And now thou dost emit rays of miracles and healest all that have recourse unto thee with faith.

Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Having dug with thine own hands a well in the wilderness, O venerable one, thou didst give drink unto the thirsty that came unto thee. And now thou healest the diseases of the sick with the water therefrom. Truly, the Master hath shown thee forth unto all as a miraculous intercessor and wonderworker, O venerable one.

Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Forsaking the beauty of the world and the corruption therein, thou didst make thine abode in the Monastery of Sarov. And having lived there as an angel, thou didst become for many a path to salvation. For this cause, Christ hath glorified thee, O father Seraphim, and enriched thee with the gift of healings and miracles. Wherefore, we cry out to thee: Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ikos: Having forsaken family and friends, and regarding riches as but dust, thou didst make thine abode in the wilderness of Sarov; and having struggled against the passions like one of the bodiless hosts, thou hast been vouchsafed to stand in the angelic choir. Wherefore, having received spiritual knowledge, O venerable one, grant that we also may chant unto thee with understanding, saying: Rejoice, O blessed Seraphim, heavenly man and earthly angel! rejoice, emulator of Christ in thy love! Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit! rejoice, great joy of the despondent! Rejoice, source of healing! rejoice, sweet consolation for sorrowful souls! Rejoice, calm haven for monks and all-wise instructor! rejoice, boast of the land of Russia! Rejoice, O our venerable father Seraphim!

Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Clothing me in sacred vesture, who have been stripped naked through the counsel of the false one, O Christ, Thou hast come in the richness of Thy goodness to pass naked through the waters. I hymn Thy loving-kindness and worship Thy wondrous providence.

Irmos: Becoming vanquishers of the tyrant and the flame by Thy grace, taking exceeding care to keep Thy commandments, the children cried out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

When John beheld Thee naked and commanding that he baptize Thee, he said: “What is this great economy toward us, O Christ? What is this poverty? What is this ineffable descent which passeth understanding?”

Irmos: O ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption, and Who became ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake.

Thou didst light Thy precious flesh like a lamp in the midst of the Jordan, O Christ, and didst search for Thine image which had been buried by sin and the passions; and finding it, Thou didst adorn it with Thy baptism, O Good One. Wherefore, we hymn Thee.

Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

Wondrously was thy life shown to be full of the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable one. Truly thou didst receive the blessed end of the righteous, rejoicing in Christ. And we cry out to Him Who hath glorified thee: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Gathering together at thy holy monastery today, a multitude of people doth bow down before thy precious relics, O venerable Seraphim; and we all draw forth healings therefrom, crying out unceasingly: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

The report hath gone out into all the world, that a most glorious wonderworker hath appeared in Sarov, pouring forth a multitude of healings upon all who with faith approach and cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Have mercy on us, O Lord, and through the prayers of him who pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, preserve us from every soul-corrupting evil, that we may all cry out with compunction: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Who is not astounded, who doth not glorify the unfathomable abyss of Thy loving-kindness, O Lord? For Thou hast revealed to the whole world him who pleased Thee, the venerable Seraphim, the fervent intercessor before Thee for us who cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Accept this hymn of thanks which we offer unto thee, O venerable Seraphim, and grant healing unto all of us that keep thy holy memory, that bow down before the shrine of thy relics and cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

John stood forth, the voice of One crying out clearly in the wilderness, turning the hearts of those who have fervently repented to glorify the Savior and Master Who appeared in the Jordan.

“A rushing torrent art Thou, Who fashioned the sea and the wellsprings. And how comest Thou up to the waters? Why seekest Thou cleansing, O Thou Who art the washing and purification of those who hymn Thee, O Christ, for ever?”

Seeking to dry up the streams of the enemy’s malice, to drain the sea of the passions and to pour forth cleansing and remission upon the faithful, O Master, Thou comest to be baptized in the streams of the Jordan.

O Creator of the hours and years, having in Thy loving-kindness come under time, Thou hast shone forth timelessly from the all-unoriginate Father, and hast come to wash away in the streams of the Jordan the transgressions committed throughout all ages.

Having subdued the passions of the flesh and died to the world, thou didst take the words of eternal life unto thy heart, O blessed one, teaching all who had recourse unto thee to cry out: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for ever!

At the glorification of thy precious relics, O venerable one, the Monastery of Sarov was filled with joy; and all the people cried out unto God Who is wondrous in His saints: O ye works, praise ye the Lord, and exalt Him supremely for ever!

Being filled with the grace of the divine Spirit, O venerable Seraphim, in thy supplications ask remission of sins for the faithful people who keep thy holy memory and cry out: Ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, exalt the Lord supremely for ever!

Hating thy virtuous life, the most wicked foe desired to cause thee to stumble, O venerable one. But having defeated him by the grace of God and the prayers of the Theotokos, thou didst glorify God, singing: O ye works, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for ever!

As flashing lightning illumineth the firmament, so have the reports of thy wonders gone forth throughout all the world, O venerable one. And marvelling at thy glory, we cry out: O ye children, bless; ye priests, praise; ye people, exalt the Lord supremely for ever!

Heal thou our minds, which are disquieted by vain and passionate phantasies, O venerable one; still thou the waves of evil disbelief in our land, and strengthen our hearts, which are oppressed by worldly cares, that we may glorify Christ the Creator for ever.

Seeing Thee, our Benefactor, coming to him and asking baptism of him with humility, John marvelled, astonished, in no wise daring to touch with his hand Thee Who dost touch all the mountains and makest them to smoke.

Like the longed-for swallow heralding a noetic spring, the Baptist hath called forth to those caught up in the deep mid-winter of boundless transgressions who ever endure the blizzard of adverse spirits and evil passions.

With hymns do we magnify Thee, O Lord, as God and Savior, the Effulgence of the glory of the Father, the never-setting Sun Who hast shone forth upon those who sit in the darkness of evil, and art come to enlighten all.

Seeing thy barrenness, O my soul, the axe of death, lying at thy root, threateneth to hew thee down as an unfruitful tree. But cry out to God with fervent repentance: I have sinned against Thee! Save me!

The voice of one crying out hath been heard in the wilderness of our hearts, saying: “Rejoice, for Christ hath come forth, granting remission unto all! Be sanctified, all ye springs and rivers, valleys and mountains, and every place under the sun!”

Accept, and spurn not, our meager tribute, offered unto thee from unworthy lips, O venerable one. Sanctify all who glorify thee, and deliver us from misfortunes, dangers and eternal torments, that we may hymn thee forever.

Bravely enduring the heat of the day and the cold of night in the solitude of the wilderness, thou wast an abode of the Wisdom of God, and didst hasten toward the effulgence which waneth not. Pray thou that we be saved!

This day is the monastery glorified wherein thou didst deign to shoulder the yoke of Christ; for there didst thou spend thy days in the wilderness; and, enlightening by thy teachings the many who came unto thee, thou didst teach them to be children of the Church of Christ.

Emulating the great fathers who of old shone forth in fasting and ascetic struggle, O venerable one, thou didst spend all the days of thy life in prayer, tears and labor, until thou didst attain unto the heavenly mansions. Wherefore, we bless thee as is meet.

With mighty power did Christ God gird thee about and strengthen thee to overcome the wiles of the demons, O venerable one. Wherefore, we now pray thee: Entreat God, the Who loveth mankind, that He deliver us all from the assaults and temptations of the enemies, and save our souls.

In our pain and sorrow we flee to thee, O venerable one, and cry out from the depths of our souls: Be thou a calm haven and ready healer for the sick, and deliver us from every ailment and want, that we may unceasingly magnify thee.

Come, all ye faithful, and with sacred hymns let us praise the venerable Seraphim, wondrous in miracles, the new luminary of the land of Russia, the converser with angels and fervent intercessor before God for those who honor his holy memory!

The voice of one crying out hath been raised: “Exult, ye mountains! Join chorus, O race of men! for the Word Who is wholly without beginning, Who as a man took flesh upon Himself, is come to be baptized by hands which He fashioned, drowning the sin of the world in the Jordan.

Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.

By thine entreaties, O holy Juliana, guide me, who am ever overwhelmed by the storms of the passions and shaken by the tumult of sinful thought, to the calm haven of the will of Christ, that I may hymn thee as is meet.

Enlightened by a pure widowhood, O blessed of God, thou didst wed thyself to Christ by fasting, prayers and almsgiving, and didst follow His life-bearing steps, willingly enduring great want.

Thou didst follow the teaching of the holy fathers, O glorious one, and didst emulate their character and purity by abstinence, as though thou wast incorporeal, and through purity thou becamest like them, living well in true humility.

“The Christ hath appeared!” the Forerunner crieth out, “And He cometh up to the streams of the Jordan! Let us make haste to greet Him, enlightened by pure thoughts!”

O my God, Thou deliverance of all, having clothed Thyself in mine abundant poverty, Thou approachest to be baptized, seeking me who have strayed from the right path.

Let earth and heaven now join chorus, for the Benefactor of all is baptized, submerging the multitude of our countless transgressions in the waters.

Having found thine abode in the mansions of heaven because of thy God-pleasing life, O radiant one, thou pourest forth rivers of healing and driest up the torrents of the passions.

Afire with utter desire, O divinely wise one, thou didst love Christ Who lowered Himself to take on the flesh in the excess of His loving-kindness, and thou didst follow His life-bearing words, spurning all the things of life.

Having acquired golden wings through almsgiving, like an incorrupt dove thou didst soar aloft to the heights of heaven, O Juliana blessed of God.

In the streams of the Jordan the Lord crieth out to John today: “Fear not to baptize Me, for I have come to save Adam the first-created!”

Ikos: “I do not require thee to transgress the bounds of what is meet, O Baptist; I am not saying unto thee: Tell Me what thou tellest the iniquitous, and what thou teachest sinners. Only baptize Me in silence, awaiting those things which come through baptism; for it is for this cause that thou hast received a dignity which even the angels do not possess; for I have made thee greater than all the prophets. Thus, not one of them beheld Me plainly, but only in images, shadows and reflections; but thou beheldest Me standing before thee. For I am come to save Adam the first-created!”

O invisible God, unapproachable Word, Thou wast begotten of the Father in a manner transcending nature and past recounting; and again, in the latter days, without altering what Thou wast, Thou wast born of the Virgin and comest now to be baptized in the flesh in the streams of the Jordan, O Thou Who as God hast been well pleased to save the race of man.

The great Forerunner doth marvel at Thine arrival, O Jesus our Benefactor, and in awe he crieth out to Thee: “O Master Who art fire, burn me not who am grass!”

“Beholding Me standing in these waters of Mine own will, O John, do thou now draw nigh and baptize Me, that by water I may fashion grace for the human race!”

“I have come to know Thee in the flesh to be like the sun which covereth itself with clouds. How therefore is it that I now behold Thee naked, clothed in the waters?” John cried out, marvelling.

“Human nature is enlightened and receiveth deliverance from the darkness of sin, and is clothed from on high with the divine vesture of incorruption when I am stripped naked.”

Thy radiant festival, which shineth with the light of God, illumineth the souls of us who hymn thee with faith, O venerable one.

With divine miracles hast thou persuaded to faith those who believe not in the Master, and thou hast converted to the Faith of Christ those who have forsaken the darkness of falsehood.

Unto Christ thou didst offer the pure mortification of thy members, didst please God with thy labors, abstinence and almsgiving, and hast received in exchange the kingdom of heaven and everlasting delight.

Crying out, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” the sacred Forerunner appeared out of the desert, renewing those who had grown desolate in evil deeds.

His law and the sacred company of the prophets said of old that the Christ would come, renewing through divine baptism us who wax old through our many transgressions.

“Strange and awesome things do I behold today,” said John, “for now the Wellspring of immortality is come to ask baptism of the least droplet!”

Lifting up thy venerable hands to Christ, O mother, thou didst repulse the onslaughts of the enemy.

Holding fast to thy right hand, O mother, the Most High guided thee to the heavenly kingdom.

Traversing the narrow way in fasting, thou didst reach the expanse of paradise, O most honored mother.

As rain into a fleece of wool do Thou drop down the remission of our offenses, O Thou Who lovest mankind, Who hast drowned the transgressions of those born of earth in the Jordan’s streams, in Thy great mercy.

As an abyss of righteousness, O Christ, Thou now comest forth to the River Jordan to drown the serpent and to wash away the crime of Adam.

“How can the river’s streams hold Thee Who art truly a stream of incorruption, O Christ?” the Forerunner cried out, glorifying Thy great compassion.

Having mortified the uprisings of the flesh and given thy mind the rule over the passions, O most honored Juliana, thou dwellest now in the splendors of dispassion.

Observing in word and deed the teachings of the Savior, O glorious one, it was thy custom to bow down before His image when thou didst stand all night in prayer.

Christ hath shown thee to be a cloud pouring forth myrrh like rain, unto the healing of those who with faith approach the shrine of thy relics.

All of us amid misfortune and pain hymn the holy Juliana as a helper quick to hear; for she lived a God-pleasing life in the world and gave countless alms unto the poor. Wherefore, she hath found the grace of miracles at the command of God.

Ikos: Come, ye assembly of monastics! Come, ye lovers of purity! Come, ye who, of every age, love the feasts of the Church! Come, ye widowed and married folk alike, and with spiritual songs let us praise the blessed Juliana, the boast of fasters, the adornment of widows, the ornament of the merciful, the consoler of the grieving, the visitor of the sick, the ready helper for those amid misfortunes, the divinely wise almsgiver and bestower of hospitality upon strangers, who poureth forth healings upon all who approach her with faith. For she hath found the grace of miracles at the command of God.

Clothing me in sacred vesture, who have been stripped naked through the counsel of the false one, O Christ, Thou hast come in the richness of Thy goodness to pass naked through the waters. I hymn Thy loving-kindness and worship Thy wondrous providence.

When John beheld Thee naked and commanding that he baptize Thee, he said: “What is this great economy toward us, O Christ? What is this poverty? What is this ineffable descent which passeth understanding?”

Thou didst light Thy precious flesh like a lamp in the midst of the Jordan, O Christ, and didst search for Thine image which had been buried by sin and the passions; and finding it, Thou didst adorn it with Thy baptism, O Good One. Wherefore, we hymn Thee.

Thou didst spurn corruptible beauty, O blessed Juliana, looking to the rewards of heaven, the light and glory which waxeth not old, the beauty of God, gladness and divine delight.

Thou didst exchange the corrupt world for life beyond the world, which ageth not, and transitory food for an abiding existence; and by thy pure widowhood thou didst find a heavenly Bridegroom.

Emulating the angels in the flesh, thou didst acquire a God-loving understanding within thy soul, fervently keeping vigils and chanting with love: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

John stood forth, the voice of One crying out clearly in the wilderness, turning the hearts of those who have fervently repented to glorify the Savior and Master Who appeared in the Jordan.

“A rushing torrent art Thou, Who fashioned the sea and the wellsprings. And how comest Thou up to the waters? Why seekest Thou cleansing, O Thou Who art the washing and purification of those who hymn Thee, O Christ, for ever?”

Seeking to dry up the streams of the enemy’s malice, to drain the sea of the passions and to pour forth cleansing and remission upon the faithful, O Master, Thou comest to be baptized in the streams of the Jordan.

O Creator of the hours and years, having in Thy loving-kindness come under time, Thou hast shone forth timelessly from the all-unoriginate Father, and hast come to wash away in the streams of the Jordan the transgressions committed throughout all ages.

Adorned with the radiance of purity and enlightened by a pure life, thou standest before Christ our God, chanting: Bless the Lord, ye works of the Lord!

Thy body, O righteous one, which is all-gloriously preserved in the tomb, healeth the divers pangs of men and repelleth the assaults of the demons.

Offer hymnody of supplication to the Lord for those who hymn thee, O blessed one, and ease our grievous pain, that we may hymn thee forever.

Seeing Thee, our Benefactor, coming to him and asking baptism of him with humility, John marvelled, astonished, in no wise daring to touch with his hand Thee Who dost touch all the mountains and makest them to smoke.

Like the longed-for swallow heralding a noetic spring, the Baptist hath called forth to those caught up in the deep mid-winter of boundless transgressions who ever endure the blizzard of adverse spirits and evil passions.

With hymns do we magnify Thee, O Lord, as God and Savior, the Effulgence of the glory of the Father, the never-setting Sun Who hast shone forth upon those who sit in the darkness of evil, and art come to enlighten all.

Seeing thy barrenness, O my soul, the axe of death, lying at thy root, threateneth to hew thee down as an unfruitful tree. But cry out to God with fervent repentance: I have sinned against Thee! Save me!

The voice of one crying out hath been heard in the wilderness of our hearts, saying: “Rejoice, for Christ hath come forth, granting remission unto all! Be sanctified, all ye springs and rivers, valleys and mountains, and every place under the sun!”

Desiring the beauty of Christ and loving Him with all thy soul, thou criest to Him, exclaiming ardently: “Where dost Thou tend Thy flock, that I may find rest with Thee? I delight in Thy splendors, magnifying Thy grace!”

In thy soul thou didst have understanding and humility, divine meekness, unshakable faith and love for God; and drawing nigh to Him through all-night supplications, O Juliana, thou art blessed, illumined and enlightened by the splendors of heaven.

Be thou mindful of us who praise thee with faith, O blessed Juliana, deliver us from pangs of body and soul, and guide those who praise thee with faith to the path which leadeth to heaven.

The light of Christ abode within thee, O Juliana, and made thee the habitation of the Holy Spirit; wherefore, by thy supplications save us, O blessed one. Twice

The voice of one crying out hath been raised: “Exult, ye mountains! Join chorus, O race of men! for the Word Who is wholly without beginning, Who as a man took flesh upon Himself, is come, to be baptized by hands which He fashioned, drowning the sin of the world in the Jordan.

Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.

“The Christ hath appeared!” the Forerunner crieth out, “And He cometh up to the streams of the Jordan! Let us make haste to greet Him, enlightened by pure thoughts!”

O my God, Thou deliverance of all, having clothed Thyself in mine abundant poverty, Thou approachest to be baptized, seeking me who have strayed from the right path.

Let earth and heaven now join chorus, for the Benefactor of all is baptized, submerging the multitude of our countless transgressions in the waters.

Having acquired purity of mind, thou becamest a hierarch, receiving holy anointing; wherefore, we praise thee, O God-bearing father.

With the demonstration of thy discourses thou didst show forth God the Word, Who in the flesh stretched forth His hands upon the Cross, and thou didst destroy the savagery of the Jews, O most blessed one.

As one great in miracles, O divinely wise Sylvester, thou drivest away evil spirits and dost wash away infirmities for those who petition thee with faith.

As a converser with the ascetics, thou becamest a priest among the priests of God the King; wherefore, thou rejoicest now with the angelic choirs. O father Sylvester, thou God-bearing shepherd, dwelling in the heavens, save those who with love celebrate thy memory.

Having been shown to be a river of piety, as a divine hierarch thou didst water all the earth with the streams of thy doctrines, O Sylvester, and with the showers of thy miracles thou didst wash away the defilement of the passions, and hast inherited a torrent of sustenance, as is meet. Wherefore, assembling, we piously honor thee today with hymns and cry out to thee with faith: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who with love honor thy holy memory.

O invisible God, unapproachable Word, Thou wast begotten of the Father in a manner transcending nature and past recounting; and again, in the latter days, without altering what Thou wast, Thou wast born of the Virgin and comest now to be baptized in the flesh in the streams of the Jordan, O Thou Who as God hast been well pleased to save the race of man.

The great Forerunner doth marvel at Thine arrival, O Jesus our Benefactor, and in awe he crieth out to Thee: “O Master Who art fire, burn me not who am grass!”

“Beholding Me standing in these waters of Mine own will, O John, do thou now draw nigh and baptize Me, that by water I may fashion grace for the human race!”

“I have come to know Thee in the flesh to be like the sun which covereth itself with clouds. How therefore is it that I now behold Thee naked, clothed in the waters?” John cried out, marvelling.

“Human nature is enlightened and receiveth deliverance from the darkness of sin, and is clothed from on high with the divine vesture of incorruption when I am stripped naked.”

O most sacred father Sylvester, as a God-pleasing hierarch thou wast shown to ordain priests by the Holy Spirit and to illumine the people.

Dispelling infirmities by the coöperation of the Spirit, thou didst heal incurable diseases, O thou who art most rich, turning the lost away from error.

Thou didst dispel the falsehood of heresies, O Sylvester, and didst tend thy flock by the waters of piety, in the meadow of divine knowledge.

The grace of the divine Spirit poured forth from thy lips; wherefore, God anointed thee as a priest for His people, O most blessed father.

Crying out, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” the sacred Forerunner appeared out of the desert, renewing those who had grown desolate in evil deeds.

His law and the sacred company of the prophets said of old that the Christ would come, renewing through divine baptism us who wax old through our many transgressions.

“Strange and awesome things do I behold today,” said John, “for now the Wellspring of immortality is come to ask baptism of the least droplet!”

With the cords of thy discourses thou didst loose all the bonds of vainglory, O father, and didst bind to the divine Faith those who were bound by falsehood, opening their minds through the reading of the Scriptures, O blessed father, holy hierarch.

Thy heart was blameless in the justifications of our common Master, O father; and, desiring Him, thou didst restrain the flesh. And, enriched by the grace of miracles, thou healest infirmities and the grievous wounds of the soul.

With the ready remedies of thy discourses, like a physician thou didst cure the afflicted hearts of those infected with the soul-destroying sickness of the bitter heresy of Manes, O God-bearer, and by divine grace thou didst drive it away from those who are pure of heart.

As rain into a fleece of wool do Thou drop down the remission of our offenses, O Thou Who lovest mankind, Who hast drowned the transgressions of those born of earth in the Jordan’s streams, in Thy great mercy.

As an abyss of righteousness, O Christ, Thou now comest forth to the River Jordan to drown the serpent and to wash away the crime of Adam.

“How can the river’s streams hold Thee Who art truly a stream of incorruption, O Christ?” the Forerunner cried out, glorifying Thy great compassion.

By thy supplications, O blessed one, thou hast shut up in everlasting imprisonment, beyond hope of escape, the wicked serpent who destroyeth those consumed by jealousy; and thou hast set the sign of the Cross upon the gates and bars thereof.

The sound of thy mellifluous words hath gone forth unto all men, O most blessed one, and the splendor thy teachings, the radiance of thy miracles and the divine manifestation of thy works have shone upon all the ends of the world.

Thou hast richly poured forth in showers divine healings and the gifts of the Creator of all, O most blessed and holy hierarch, that thou mightest ever heal with the grace of the most Holy Spirit those who approach thee with pure faith.

In the streams of the Jordan the Lord crieth out to John today: “Fear not to baptize Me, for I have come to save Adam the first-created!”

Ikos: “I do not require thee to transgress the bounds of what is meet, O Baptist; I am not saying unto thee: Tell Me what thou tellest the iniquitous, and what thou teachest sinners. Only baptize Me in silence, awaiting those things which come through baptism; for it is for this cause that thou hast received a dignity which even the angels do not possess; for I have made thee greater than all the prophets. Thus, not one of them beheld Me plainly, but only in images, shadows and reflections; but thou beheldest Me standing before thee. For I am come to save Adam the first-created!”

Clothing me in sacred vesture, who have been stripped naked through the counsel of the false one, O Christ, Thou hast come in the richness of Thy goodness to pass naked through the waters. I hymn Thy loving-kindness and worship Thy wondrous providence.

When John beheld Thee naked and commanding that he baptize Thee, he said: “What is this great economy toward us, O Christ? What is this poverty? What is this ineffable descent which passeth understanding?”

Thou didst light Thy precious flesh like a lamp in the midst of the Jordan, O Christ, and didst search for Thine image which had been buried by sin and the passions; and finding it, Thou didst adorn it with Thy baptism, O Good One. Wherefore, we hymn Thee.

Like a palm-tree in the house of the Lord didst thou put forth the fruit of righteousness, O father, wherewith those who honor thee are nourished, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

With the mighty manifestations of thy discourses thou didst denounce the vain-minded who were afflicted with unbelief, O all-glorious Sylvester, and, rejoicing, thou chantest: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Thy glory abideth forever, O father, and thy memory is with all the righteous. With them be thou mindful of us who chant with faith: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Illumined with the radiance of the Spirit, the glorious Sylvester dispelled the darkness of evil and hath illumined all who chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

John stood forth, the voice of One crying out clearly in the wilderness, turning the hearts of those who have fervently repented to glorify the Savior and Master Who appeared in the Jordan.

“A rushing torrent art Thou, Who fashioned the sea and the wellsprings. And how comest Thou up to the waters? Why seekest Thou cleansing, O Thou Who art the washing and purification of those who hymn Thee, O Christ, for ever?”

Seeking to dry up the streams of the enemy’s malice, to drain the sea of the passions and to pour forth cleansing and remission upon the faithful, O Master, Thou comest to be baptized in the streams of the Jordan.

O Creator of the hours and years, having in Thy loving-kindness come under time, Thou hast shone forth timelessly from the all-unoriginate Father, and hast come to wash away in the streams of the Jordan the transgressions committed throughout all ages.

Theologizing concerning the single essence of the one Godhead, O father, thou didst unceasingly hymn Him Who is known in three Persons, chanting: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Thou wast called a true teacher of the Truth, O father; wherefore, thou didst denounced the falsehood of lying deceit, chanting: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Thou didst show thyself to be the leader of the sacred council, O initiate of the sacred mysteries, and didst adorn the cathedra of the preëminent of the disciples, crying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Thou didst adorn thy heart with divine virtues, O father, and, wholly adorned, didst join with the ranks on high, crying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Seeing Thee, our Benefactor, coming to him and asking baptism of him with humility, John marvelled, astonished, in no wise daring to touch with his hand Thee Who dost touch all the mountains and makest them to smoke.

Like the longed-for swallow heralding a noetic spring, the Baptist hath called forth to those caught up in the deep mid-winter of boundless transgressions who ever endure the blizzard of adverse spirits and evil passions.

With hymns do we magnify Thee, O Lord, as God and Savior, the Effulgence of the glory of the Father, the never-setting Sun Who hast shone forth upon those who sit in the darkness of evil, and art come to enlighten all.

Seeing thy barrenness, O my soul, the axe of death, lying at thy root, threateneth to hew thee down as an unfruitful tree. But cry out to God with fervent repentance: I have sinned against Thee! Save me!

The voice of one crying out hath been heard in the wilderness of our hearts, saying: “Rejoice, for Christ hath come forth, granting remission unto all! Be sanctified, all ye springs and rivers, valleys and mountains, and every place under the sun!”

In diligently sacrificing thyself through the mortification of the passions, O most blessed one, thou becamest an offering right acceptable to Him Who was slain for our sake.

As one preëminent in godliness among the sacred fathers, thou didst establish the sacred doctrine and didst shut the ungodly mouths of the heretics.

Thou hast joined the choirs of the incorporeal ones, O holy hierarch, having in thy body splendidly vanquished the incorporeal foe.

Thy memory hath shone forth upon the world like the radiant sun, O holy hierarch and father, shedding light upon those who praise thee with faith.

The voice of one crying out hath been raised: “Exult, ye mountains! Join chorus, O race of men! for the Word Who is wholly without beginning, Who as a man took flesh upon Himself, is come, to be baptized by hands which He fashioned, drowning the sin of the world in the Jordan.

How can the river’s streams receive Thee Who didst create the rivers and seas out of nothing, O Thou Who lovest mankind? How doth the Forerunner dare to set his hand upon Thine all-pure head, O Master? In trembling, we hymn the height of thy poverty, O Word!