AT VESPERS

Glory..., Now and ever...: Theotokion—

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

Desiring godly glory which is eternal and in no wise passeth away, thou didst spurn fame which is transitory and perishable; and, taking up thy cross, thou didst follow after the Crucified and didst subdue thy flesh by feats of fasting. Wherefore, we celebrate thy memory, O James.

Crucified to the world and the passions, O father James, thou didst preserve thy soul undefiled and pure, untainted by base traits, taking wing to the heavens in mystic visions. Therein, as a true friend of Christ, as a most faithful favorite, thou didst set forth thy life, O venerable one.

Innocent, guileless, merciful and full of brotherly love, humble-minded and meek, full of love, adorned with almsgiving, gifted with patience, clothed in faith and hope, ornamented with prayer, and shining sacredly with divine splendors, wast thou shown to be, O ever all-memorable one.

Take away the defilement of my passionate heart, O most hymned Theotokos; cleanse thou all the wounds and putrefaction thereof which cometh from sin, O pure one, and steady the wavering of my mind; that I, thy wretched and unprofitable servant, may magnify thy power and thy great assistance.

Stavrotheotokion—

The pure one, beholding Christ, Who loveth mankind, crucified, His side pierced by a spear, cried aloud, weeping: “What is this, O my Son? How have the people bereft of grace rewarded Thee for the good things Thou hast done for them? And dost Thou make haste to leave me childless? I marvel, O Compassionate One, at Thy voluntary crucifixion!”