The usual kathisma
A Reading from the Third Book of Kings
On “Lord, I have cried…”, 6 stichera: 3 of the dedication, idiomela—
A Reading from Proverbs
In Tone VI: In goodly fashion doth the old law mandate that dedications be honored, and all the more should the new law also be honored with dedications; for the islands are made new for God, as saith Isaiah, by which we should understand the Churches now built by the nations, which receive a firm foundation from God. Wherefore, let us spiritually celebrate these present festivities.
A Reading from Proverbs
Be ye made new, O brethren, and, having put away the old man, live ye in newness of life, bridling all things from whence death cometh; let us chastise all our members, hating every evil fruit of the tree, and keeping this carefully in mind, let us avoid our ancient errors, that man may thus be restored. Therefore, the day of dedication is honored.
Wisdom hath built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars. She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine in a bowl, and prepared her table. She hath sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying: “Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me!” And to those who lack understanding she saith: “Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have mingled for you!” Leave folly, that ye may reign forever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge. He that reproveth evil men shall get dishonor to himself; and he that rebuketh an ungodly man shall disgrace himself. Rebuke not evil men, lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give an opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will receive more instruction. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding: for to know the law is the character of a sound mind. For in this way thou shalt live long, and years of thy life shall be added to thee.
The composition of Anatolius: Thou didst set up Thy Church as a tower of strength, O Christ, Thou preëternal Word, for Thou didst found it upon the rock of the Faith. Wherefore, it abideth unshakable forever, having Thee Who, for its sake, immutably became man in latter times. Wherefore, giving thanks, we hymn Thee, saying: Thou art our King from before time began, and forever, and still yet. Glory be to Thee!
And 3 stichera of the hieromartyr, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast given a sign…”—
Beholding thy good works and thy divine supplications, O Cornelius, Christ sent a holy angel unto thee to enlighten thee wholly, and the foremost of the sacred apostles, who renewed thee with water and the Spirit with all thy household, O right glorious one, teaching thee sublime things through the grace of the Spirit.
Anointed with the oil of the priesthood, thou didst hasten to announce to all lands the preaching of salvation, uprooting the thorns of falsehood, O divinely wise one, and planting the true doctrine in men’s souls through the Spirit. Wherefore, in gladness, O Cornelius, we bless thee as a God-pleasing hierarch and an invincible martyr.
Following the character of thy goodness, the foolish were shown to be wise; and, having died and taken up thine abode in the grace according to the law of nature, thou makest it a wellspring of many wonders, O wise Cornelius, healing the sick and dispelling evil spirits through the Holy Spirit, O divinely inspired one.
Glory…, of the Dedication, idiomelon, the composition of John the monk, in Tone VI—
Celebrating the memory of the dedication, O Lord, and glorifying Thee, the Bestower of holiness, we pray: Let the senses of our souls be hallowed through the supplications of the glorious passion-bearers, O Good and Almighty One.
Now & ever…, of the forefeast, in the same tone—
Today hath the Tree appeared! Today hath the Jewish race perished! Today is the Faith made manifest by faithful sovereigns! Adam hath recovered from his fall because of the Tree, and again, through the Tree, have the demons come to tremble. O Lord Almighty, glory be to Thee!
But if it be Friday evening: Now & ever…: the dogmaticon of the current tone.
Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:
Solomon stood up in front of the altar before all the congregation of Israel; and he spread out his hands toward heaven: and he said: “O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like Thee in heaven above and on the earth beneath. If the heaven and the heaven of heavens will not suffice Thee, how much less even this house which I have built to Thy name? Yet, O Lord God of Israel, Thou shalt look upon my petition, to hear the prayer which Thy servant doth pray to Thee in Thy presence this day, that Thine eyes may be open to this house day and night, even toward the place of which Thou didst say: ‘My name shall be there, to hear the prayer which My servant prayeth at this place day and night.’ And Thou shalt hearken unto the prayer of Thy servant, and of Thy people Israel, which they shall pray toward this place; and Thou shalt hear in Thy dwelling-place in heaven, and Thou shalt do and be gracious.”
God by wisdom founded the earth, and by prudence He prepared the heavens. By understanding were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped water. My son, let them not pass from thee, but keep my counsel and understanding: that thy soul may live, and that there may be grace round thy neck; and it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to thy bones: that thou mayest go confidently in peace in all thy ways, and that thy foot may not stumble. For if thou sleep, thou shalt slumber sweetly. And thou shalt not be afraid of alarm coming upon thee, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men. For the Lord shall be over all thy ways, and shall establish thy foot that thou be not moved. Forbear not to do good to the poor, whensoever thy hand may have power to help him. Say not, Come back another time, tomorrow I will give; while thou art able to do him good: for thou knowest not what the next day will bring forth. Devise not evil against thy friend, living near thee and trusting thee. Be not ready to quarrel with a man without cause, lest he do thee some harm. Procure not the reproaches of bad men, neither do thou covet their ways. For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord; neither doth he sit among the righteous. The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly; but the habitations of the just are blessed. The Lord resisteth the proud; but He giveth grace to the humble.
Translated by Isaac Lambertsen. Edition menaion.en.lambertsen.