AT VESPERS

If it be deemed needful, we chant this troparion, in Tone II—

On “Lord, I have cried…”, these stichera, in Tone I—

Now & ever…: Theotokion, or this stavrotheotokion: Spec. Mel.: “Having set aside…”—

Today the heavens are opened with joy for the all-radiant soul of the hieromartyr, which ascendeth from the earth. The flaming sword of the cherub is anointed with his blood, which was shed for Christ, and obediently withdraweth from the gates of Eden. And the choirs of the righteous, rejoicing, cry aloud, beholding the blessed Irenæus being led into the eternal mansions.

Now & ever…: Theotokion, or this stavrotheotokion—

Rejoice, O pastor of Sirmium, magnificent adornment of the Church of Christ, unshakable pillar of the Faith, all-wise and most beloved hierarch who, though young in years, wast an elder in understanding! The things of this earth didst thou account as but nought, that thou mightest obtain Christ. Wherefore, thou art now ineffably gladdened.

Today the Church is splendidly arrayed in a robe empurpled by the blood of the martyr, and is crowned with the wreath of his goodly confession! Today the waters of the River Sava are sanctified in receiving the sacred body of the blessed Irenæus, and the faithful, celebrating the holy memory of the passion-bearer with fear and love, cry out: Glory to Thee, O Christ God, for Thou revealest a new mediator for us, the all-praised hierarch of Sirmium, whose supplications in our behalf be Thou well pleased to accept, and for whose sake do Thou grant us great mercy.

Glory…, in Tone VI—

Desiring to receive everlasting glory from God in heaven, thou didst accept dishonor from men on earth, O all-praised Irenæus; and, loving life incorruptible, thou didst deign to bow thy head beneath the sword. Wherefore, as thou hast acquired great boldness before Christ, we earnestly beseech thee: Incline the loving-kindness of God toward us, and, going before thy sheep as a shepherd, lead us up to the path of salvation, watching over our souls.

Of old, when the unblemished Ewe-lamb and immaculate Mistress beheld her Lamb upon the tree of the Cross, she exclaimed maternally and, marvelling, cried aloud: “O my Child most sweet, what is this new and all-glorious sight? How hath the ungrateful assembly betrayed Thee to the tribunal of Pilate and condemned to death the Life of all? Yet do I hymn Thine ineffable condescension, O Word!”

After the aposticha stichera, Glory…,

No longer is the Church of Sirmium arrayed in widow’s vesture, pouring forth torrents of martyrs’ blood and escorting its pastors to their death! For, lo! the time of the dominion of the heathen hath come to an end, and the true Faith hath blossomed forth through the prayers of Irenæus, the blessed athlete and hierarch, the chief prelate of the Church of Sirmium. And celebrating his memory with love, we cry out without ceasing: Remember thy flock, which thou hast gathered together, delivering thy sheep from cruel wolves, O wise one, and nurture them in rich meadows!

Standing before the Cross, O Jesus, she who gave Thee birth lamented, weeping and crying aloud: “I cannot bear these things, beholding Thee Whom I bore nailed to the Tree. As one who knew not man I avoided the pangs of birthgiving: how now is it that I am beset by pain and wounded in heart? For now are fulfilled the words spoken by Symeon: ‘A sword will pierce thy heart, O immaculate one!’ Yet do thou arise, O my Son, and save those who hymn Thee!”

Chant now and clap your hands, O Church of Sirmium! Leap up, ye waters of the River Sava, adorning thyself in the name of the all-praised Irenæus! For, having fought the good fight and kept the Faith, sealing it with his blood, he hath acquired great boldness before God, Whom he entreateth without ceasing, that his Christian flock be saved in peace.