AT VESPERS

On “Lord, I have cried…”, these stichera of the saint, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O all-glorious ­wonder…”—

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Troparion, in Tone IV—

Shining with the radiance of virginity, O honored Theodosia, and splendidly adorned with a royal robe dyed in the blood of martyrdom, O most wise one, thou madest thine abode in the heavenly bridal-chamber of Christ, and dost dance with the angelic ranks in perpetual chorus, O glorious and most immaculate maiden.

O virgin martyr, most lauded Theodosia, desiring Christ with all thy soul, thou didst endure the wounds of martyrdom, courageously enduring lacerations for Him Whom thou didst love, thy sides raked with iron claws. O the steadfast opposition of thy struggles, whereby thou didst truly cast the prideful one down to the ground!

Splendidly adorned with beauty of body and soul, thou didst bring thyself to Christ, desiring to be crowned by Him with a wreath of glory, O most glorious martyr Theodosia, and manifestly to receive upon thy brow, as is meet, the truly priceless diadem of the kingdom, having been shown to be an incorrupt bride, O thou who art most wise.

But if Alleluia is to be chanted at Matins instead of “God is the Lord…”, we sing first the following stichera of the Theotokos, in the same tone & melody—

Rejoice, O enlightenment of men’s souls, forgiveness of offenders, correction of the indifferent! Rejoice, O consolation and joy, helper of the sorrowful! Rejoice, O good one, thou healing of the souls of the infirm! Rejoice, O reconciler and mediator for us before God, O pure one who art more holy than all the seraphim!

Receiving flesh from thy blood, the preëternal God showed thee forth unto men, O pure one. Wherefore, deliver thy servants from all misfortunes and evil circumstances, and from the snares of the wicked foe, and vouchsafe that all who glorify and do thee homage may partake of the effulgence of the elect.

Save me, O all-pure Mistress, who gavest birth ineffably unto Christ the Savior, for thee alone have I acquired as an intercessor and an unassailable rampart, my protection and joy, the divine consolation of my soul. Wherefore, deliver me from the worm which sleepeth not and from everlasting fire, O Mother of Christ God.

Let me magnify thee with joyful cries, O pure one, and glorify the abyss of thy love for mankind. Save me from misfortunes, and rescue me from the soul-destroying darts of the invisible and most evil foe; for I wield thee against him as a firm and invincible weapon, O divine Bride, Mother of Christ God.

Stavrotheotokion—

“What is this sight which I see, which mine eyes behold, O Master? Thou Who upholdest all creation hast been lifted up upon a Tree, and Thou diest, imparting life unto all!” weeping, the Theotokos said when she beheld the God and man, Who had shone forth from her ineffably, suspended upon the Cross.

Thou didst right pleasingly attain unto virtue, O martyr, and becamest a pure habitation of Christ, the beloved abode of the Holy Spirit. Wherefore, suffering well, thou didst put to shame the enemy who wageth war upon the human race, and didst cut down Copronymus with the sword of the Faith, O Theodosia; and, rejoicing, thou hast passed over to the heavenly bridal-chamber. Ask thou great mercy for those who ever honor thee with faith.