Dallas-Fort Worth Melkite Greek Catholic Outreach

Important reminders for the week:

Tuesday, May 24: Leave-Taking of Pascha - Divine Liturgy at 7:00 P.M.
Wednesday, May 25: Divine Liturgy at 7:00 P.M. for the Great Feast of the Ascension - all Melkites and for that matter all Eastern Catholics are expected to attend Divine Liturgy on this Great Feast!!!!!!
Friday, May 27: No Vespers
Sunday, June 5: Pentecost Sunday is a mini-Easter. We will have a potluck that Sunday.
Melkites resume the practice of meatless Wednesdays and Fridays on Friday, May 27

Christ is risen! Indeed, He is Risen!
Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti!
Almaseeh qaam! Haqqan qaam!
¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡En verdad ha resucitado!

Great and Holy Week begins on Saturday of Lazarus, April 9, with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM, last part of Orthros starts 9:50 AM.
Location: Mount Carmel Retreat Center
Hope to see everyone there!

Join us on Thursday, March 31st at 7:00 P.M for the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts followed by a portion of the Great Canon of St. Andrew. See you there.

Reminder: No Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts on Thursday, March 24
Instead, Divine Liturgy for the Great Feast of the Annunciation with the Ruthenians on Friday, March 25 at 7:00 P.M.

FRIDAY, 3/18 – THURSDAY OF REPENTANCE & SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
NOON OFFICE: Isaiah 13:2-13; VESPERS - Genesis 8:3-21; Proverbs 10:31-11:2
At Matins and Vespers do the Lenten Troparia and the Prayer of Saint Ephrem

TROPARIA for the end of Lenten Vespers (Tone 5)
-Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
-O you Baptizer of Christ, remember us all, that we may be forgiven, for you have been favored with the grace of interceding in our behalf.
-Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us, that we may be protected against danger and distress, for we have obtained you as our eager intercessors before the Savior.
-Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
-O Mother of God, we have sought refuge in your tenderness: do not turn away from our supplications while we are being tempted. Protect us instead against danger, O you who alone are Virgin and blessed.

PRAYER of Saint Ephrem (Recited at the end of weekday services)
-O Lord and Master of my Life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
-Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
-O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.

THURSDAY, 3/17 – SAINT ALEXIS, MAN OF GOD
NOON OFFICE: Isaiah 11:10-16, 12:1-2; EVENING VESPERS - Genesis 7:11-8:3; Proverbs 10:1-22
At Matins and Vespers do the Lenten Troparia and the Prayer of Saint Ephrem

TROPARIA for the end of Lenten Vespers (Tone 5)
-Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
-O you Baptizer of Christ, remember us all, that we may be forgiven, for you have been favored with the grace of interceding in our behalf.
-Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us, that we may be protected against danger and distress, for we have obtained you as our eager intercessors before the Savior.
-Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
-O Mother of God, we have sought refuge in your tenderness: do not turn away from our supplications while we are being tempted. Protect us instead against danger, O you who alone are Virgin and blessed.

PRAYER of Saint Ephrem (Recited at the end of weekday services)
-O Lord and Master of my Life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
-Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
-O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.

WEDNESDAY, 3/16 – SAINT SABINUS, MARTYR
NOON OFFICE – Isaiah 10:12-20; EVENING VESPERS - Genesis 7:6-16; Proverbs 9:12-end
At Matins and Vespers do the Lenten Troparia and the Prayer of Saint Ephrem

TROPARIA for the end of Lenten Vespers (Tone 5)
-Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
-O you Baptizer of Christ, remember us all, that we may be forgiven, for you have been favored with the grace of interceding in our behalf.
-Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us, that we may be protected against danger and distress, for we have obtained you as our eager intercessors before the Savior.
-Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
-O Mother of God, we have sought refuge in your tenderness: do not turn away from our supplications while we are being tempted. Protect us instead against danger, O you who alone are Virgin and blessed.

PRAYER of Saint Ephrem (Recited at the end of weekday services)
-O Lord and Master of my Life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
-Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
-O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.

TUESDAY, 3/15 – SAINT AGAPIUS & HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
OFFICE – Isaiah 9:9-21, 10 :1-4; EVENING VESPERS - Genesis 7:1-5; Proverbs 8:32-9:11
At Matins and Vespers do the Lenten Troparia and the Prayer of Saint Ephrem

TROPARIA for the end of Lenten Vespers (Tone 5)
-Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
-O you Baptizer of Christ, remember us all, that we may be forgiven, for you have been favored with the grace of interceding in our behalf.
-Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us, that we may be protected against danger and distress, for we have obtained you as our eager intercessors before the Savior.
-Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
-O Mother of God, we have sought refuge in your tenderness: do not turn away from our supplications while we are being tempted. Protect us instead against danger, O you who alone are Virgin and blessed.

PRAYER of Saint Ephrem (Recited at the end of weekday services)
-O Lord and Master of my Life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
-Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
-O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.

MONDAY, 3/14 – SAINT BENEDICT THE ABBOT OF MONTE CASINO
NOON OFFICE: Isaiah 8:13-22, 9:1-7; EVENING VESPERS - Genesis 6:9-22; Proverbs 8:1-21
At Matins and Vespers do the Lenten Troparia and the Prayer of Saint Ephrem

TROPARIA for the end of Lenten Vespers (Tone 5)
-Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
-O you Baptizer of Christ, remember us all, that we may be forgiven, for you have been favored with the grace of interceding in our behalf.
-Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
-O holy apostles and all you saints, intercede for us, that we may be protected against danger and distress, for we have obtained you as our eager intercessors before the Savior.
-Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
-O Mother of God, we have sought refuge in your tenderness: do not turn away from our supplications while we are being tempted. Protect us instead against danger, O you who alone are Virgin and blessed.

PRAYER of Saint Ephrem (Recited at the end of weekday services)
-O Lord and Master of my Life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
-Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
-O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.
-For You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.

Important Reminders for March 6th, the Sunday of Orthodoxy:

Location: Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Mount Carmel Center; located at 4600 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75211.

Time: Last part of Orthros begins at 10:45 A.M. followed immediately by the Divine Liturgy.

There will be a procession with icons during the Great Doxology. Bring a personal favorite icon of yours to carry during the procession.

SATURDAY OF SAINT THEODORE
-EPISTLE for the 1st Saturday of Lent: Hebrews 1:1-12
-EPISTLE for St. Theodore: 2 Timothy 2:1-10
-GOSPEL: Mark 2:23-3:5

SATURDAY, 3/5 - FIRST SATURDAY OF LENT - THE MIRACLE OF SAINT THEODORE
In Vespers and Matins use the Troparion and Theotokion below.
Use the readings of the First Saturday of Lent and the Saint.
On this day boiled wheat is eaten as on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4th.

Troparion Of Theodore (Tone 2)
Faith can accomplish great things: because of its power, through it the Holy Great Martyr Theodore rejoiced in the midst of the flames as if he had been in refreshing waste. Burned by the flames, he was offered to the Holy Trinity as delightful bread. Through his intercession, O Christ God, save our souls!

Theotokion of the Resurrection (Tone 2)
All your mysteries O Theotokos are beyond understanding and most glorious, sealed by purity and preserved by virginity, you have indeed been acknowledged as the one who gave birth to the true God. Intercede with Him to save our souls.

Great Lent is quickly approaching its end! Hopefully, we will see as many Melkite Parishioners, Friends, and Guests as possible for these important liturgical services.

GREAT AND HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE (note the start times and location):

The Great and Holy Week for the Byzantines begins on Saturday, April 9 – Saturday of Lazarus. We will celebrate Divine Liturgy Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at Mount Carmel Center (4600 W. Davis St., Dallas, TX 75211)

April 10: Palm Sunday – Divine Liturgy at 10:45 A.M. (Mount Carmel Center)

April 12: Great and Holy Tuesday – Bridegroom Service at 7:00 P.M. (Saint Basil Parish)

April 13: Great and Holy Wednesday – Anointing Service at 7:00 P.M. (Mount Carmel Center)

April 14: Great and Holy Thursday – Liturgy of the Last Supper at 7:00 P.M. (Mount Carmel Center)

April 15: Great and Holy Friday – Liturgy of the Epitaphios Service (Burial Service) at 7:00 P.M. (Mount Carmel Center)

April 16: Great and Holy Saturday – Paschal Liturgy (Liturgy of the Resurrection) at 8:30 P.M. (Saint Basil Parish)

JANUARY 1 - FEASTS OF CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD & SAINT BASIL THE GREAT

ORTHROS GOSPEL: John 10:1-9 (for Saint Basil)
EPISTLE: Colossians: 2:8-12 | GOSPEL: Luke 2:20-21 & 40-52

APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 48 (Used at Vespers and after Psalm 150 in Orthros):
My mouth speaks wisdom and my heart exults with understanding.
The just man’s mouth utters wisdom and his lips speak what is right.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

TROPARION OF THE CIRCUMCISION (Tone 1):
Merciful Lord seated on high on a fiery throne together with your Eternal Father and your Divine Spirit: You condescended to be born on earth of your human Mother all pure: also, to be circumcised as a man on the eighth day. Glory to your most righteous will! Glory to your plan of redemption! Glory to your condescension, O Christ who alone are the Lover of Mankind!

TROPARION OF SAINT BASIL (Tone 1):
Your teaching has spread over the whole world, for it has accepted your words that gave a divine explanation of doctrine. You have made clear the nature of things and set a rule of life for men. Holy Father and Kingly Priest Basil, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls

READINGS FOR VESPERS:
Genesis 17:1-14 | Proverbs 8:22-30 | Wisdom (Prov. 10:31-32; 11:4, 7, 19; 13:2, 9; 8:17; 15:2; 14:33; 22:11 | Ecclesiastes 8:1 | Wisdom 6:13, 12, 14-16; 7:30; 8:2-4, 7-9, 17-18, 21; 9:1-5, 10-11, 14

DECEMBER 31 – LEAVE-TAKING OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD (Closing Day of Christmas)

READINGS: 1 Peter 1:1-2:10 | Mark 12:1-12

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4):
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3):
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity

Use the Apostichon Psalm of Christmas at Vespers and Matins:
APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

DECEMBER 30 – 6TH DAY OF THE FEAST, SAINT MELANY THE ROMAN

TROPARION OF MELANY (Tone 4)
Anxiously longing to lead the life of angels, you renounced the comforts of this life and practiced sobriety, watchfulness and deep humility. Wherefore, Melany most wise, you became a perfectly pure vase of holiness for the Holy Spirit who adorned you with glorious gifts. Thus, you attracted everyone to your divine fervor and let them all to the Master and Savior of our souls.

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4)
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3)
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity

Use the Apostichon Psalm of Christmas at Vespers and Matins-
APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

DECEMBER 29 – 5TH DAY OF THE FEAST, HOLY INNOCENTS OF BETHLEHEM & SAINT MARCELLUS, HEGUMEN

READINGS: Hebrews 2: 11-18 | Matthew 2:13-23

TROPARION OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS (Tone 1)
We beseech You, O Lord and Lover of Mankind, and implore You through all the sufferings your saints endured for You: heal all our pains and sufferings!

TROPARION OF MARCELLUS (8TH Tone)
In you, O Father Marcellus, was restored the likeness of God, for you carried your cross and followed Christ. You taught by your deeds how to spurn the body for it passes away, and how to value the soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore your soul is forever in happiness with the angels.

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4)
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3)
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity

Use the Apostichon Psalm of Christmas at Vespers and Matins
APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

DECEMBER 28 – 4TH DAY OF THE FEAST, THE HOLY MARTYRS OF NICOMEDIA

TROPARION OF THE MARTYRS (Tone 2)
O Victorious Witnesses of the Lord, blessed is the earth fertilized by your blood, and holy are the heavenly places that opened to your souls. You have vanquished the enemy in battle and proclaimed Christ with courage. We beg you to intercede with Him who is all good, that He may save our souls.

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4)
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3)
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity

Use the Apostichon Psalm of Christmas at Vespers and Matins-
APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

DECEMBER 27– SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR & SAINT THEODORE THE CONFESSOR

TROPARION OF STEPHEN (Tone 4):
Because of all you have endured for Christ our God, you have been given a royal crown, O first and holy martyr Stephen! You have put your persecutors to shame and seen your Savior enthroned at the right hand of the Father. Do not cease to intercede for the salvation of our soul.

TROPARION OF ST. THEODORE (8th Tone):
Guide of Orthodoxy, mirror of piety and exemplary behavior, bright star of the universe and adornment of pontiffs, you enlightened us all by your teachings. O wise Theodore, inspired by God and lyre of the Holy Spirit, intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4):
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3):
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity

KONTAKION OF ST. STEPHEN (Tone 3):
Yesterday the Lord came to us in the flesh: today his servant departs in the flesh. Yesterday the King was born in the flesh: today his servant is stoned to death. This is the first martyr Stephen.

READINGS: Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-5; 47-60 | Matthew 21:33-42

Use the Apostichon Psalm of the Nativity at Vespers, and at the end of Psalm 150 in Orthros.
APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

THE DOMESTIC CHURCH PRAYS: Week of December 27-January 1

SCRIPTURE READINGS OF THE WEEK (32ND AFTER PENTECOST)
MONDAY – Use the Readings of December 27
TUESDAY - James 3:1-10; Mark 11:11-23
WEDNESDAY - James 3:11-4:6; Mark 11:22-26 Or December 29
THURSDAY - James 4:7-5:9; Mark 11:27-33
FRIDAY - 1Peter 1:1-2:10; Mark 12:1-12
SATURDAY – Use the Readings of January 1

OCTAVE OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, DECEMBER 25-DECEMBER 31

APOSTICHON PSALM: Psalm 109:1 & 3 - Used December 25-31 at Vespers and Matins
1. The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
2. Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
3. Glory to the Father… Now and always…

TROPARION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 4) - Used December 25-31
Your nativity O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord glory to You.

KONTAKION OF CHRISTMAS (Tone 3) - Used December 25-31
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity.

DECEMBER 25 – FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Apostichon Psalm: Psalm 109:1 & 3:
The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand.”
Before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten You.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

Troparion of Christmas (Tone 4):
Your nativity, O Christ our God, has shed the light of knowledge upon the world. Through it those who had been star worshippers learned through a star to worship You, O Sun of Justice, and recognize in You the one who rises from on high, O Lord, glory to You.

Kontakion of Christmas (Tone 3):
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent in Essence, and the earth presents a cave to the Inaccessible. The angels with the shepherds sing His glory, and the Wise Men with the star travel on their way. For to us is born a New Child, who is God from all eternity.

Vespers Readings:
1. Genesis 1:1-13
2. Numbers 24:2-3, 5-9, 17-18
3. Micah 4:6-7, 5:1-3
4. Isaiah 11:1-10
5. Baruch 3:35-4:2
6. Daniel 2:31-36, 44-45
7. Isaiah 9:6-7
8. Isaiah 7:10-16; 8:1-4, 9-10; Hebrews 1:1-12; Luke 2:1-20

Orthros Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

Divine Liturgy: Galatians 4: 4-7; Matthew 2: 1-12

The Byzantine celebration of the Nativity on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

To experience the full Christmas event liturgically, everyone ought to attend both Divine Liturgies.

Vesperal Liturgy, December 24 at 6:00 PM at Mount Carmel Center (4600 W Davis St, Dallas, TX 75211):
This is the first of the two Christmas liturgies. It begins with Vespers and the proclamation of the Old Testament prophecies, then the reading of the Lucan account of the Nativity, which is the angelic proclamation to the shepherds

Divine Liturgy, December 25 at 11:00 AM at Saint Basil the Great Byzantine Catholic Church:
The Christmas Troparion will be sung, followed by the reading of the Matthean Gospel account, recounting the visit of the Magi. This is our principle liturgy, please everyone make every effort to attend!

In Christ our God,
Father Marcus Mallick
(817) 266-1281

DECEMBER 24 – PARAMONY OF CHRISTMAS

Troparion Of The Preparation (Tone 4):
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all, Ephrata, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in a cave. Her womb has become a spiritual Paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted – and if we eat it, we shall live and not die like Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

Troparion Of The Paramony (Tone 4) three times:
At that time, since Mary was of the house of David, she registered with the venerable Joseph in Bethlehem. She was with child, having conceived virginally. Her time had come and they could not find room in the inn, but the cave seemed a joyful palace for the Queen. Christ is born to renew the likeness that had been lost of old.

Weekday Vespers And Orthros

Royal Hours (and fasting until noon):
First Royal Hour: Micah 5:2-3; Hebrews 1:1-12; Matthew 1:18-25
Third Royal Hour: Baruch 3:36-4:4; Galatians 3:23-4:5; Luke 2:1-20
Sixth Royal Hour: Isaiah 7:10-16, 8:1-4, 8-10; Hebrews 1:10-2:3; Matthew 2:1-12
Ninth Royal Hour: Isaiah 9:6-7; Hebrews 2: 11-18; Matthew 2:13-23

DECEMBER 23 – 4TH DAY OF THE PREPARATION, HOLY MARTYRS OF CRETE

Apostichon Of The Preparation: Habakkuk 3:3 & 1-2:
God comes from Teman; the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. O Lord, I have heard your renown and feared, O Lord, your work. Glory to the Father… Now and always…

Troparion Of The Preparation (Tone 4):
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all, Ephrata, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in a cave. Her womb has become a spiritual Paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted – and if we eat it, we shall live and not die like Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

Pre-Christmas Kontakion (Tone 3):
Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth to the Eternal Word of God in an ineffable manner. Rejoice therefore, O Universe when you hear this news, and glorify with the angels and the shepherds, Him who shall appear as a new Child, being God from all eternity.

Troparion Of The Martyrs (Tone 3)
Let us express our great admiration for Crete which brought forth these precious Christians, pearls of Christ and off-spring of martyrs, and in particular, these blessed Ten: for although they were few, they overcame tall the guiles of powerful demons. Wherefore these valiant martyrs of Christ have been crowned.

December 22 – 3RD DAY OF THE PREPARATION, SAINT ANASTASIA, MARTYR

Apostichon Of The Preparation: Habakkuk 3:3 & 1-2:
God comes from Teman; the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest. O Lord, I have heard your renown and feared, O Lord, your work. Glory to the Father… Now and always…

Troparion Of The Preparation (Tone 4):
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all, Ephrata, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in a cave. Her womb has become a spiritual Paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted – and if we eat it, we shall live and not die like Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

Pre-Christmas Kontakion (Tone 3):
Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth to the Eternal Word of God in an ineffable manner. Rejoice therefore, O Universe when you hear this news, and glorify with the angels and the shepherds, Him who shall appear as a new Child, being God from all eternity.

Troparion of Saint Anastasia (Tone 4):
O Jesus, your Lamb Anastasia cries out to You with great love: “O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain, I am crucified with You, and in baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You, I die for You in order to live in You. Accept me as an immaculate victim since I am immolated for your love.” Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!

DECEMBER 20th – VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS, SAINT IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH

View the pinned post for the following:
Use the Apostichon of the Preparation at Vespers and Matins.
Use the Troparion of the Saint and that of the Preparation

Troparion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch (Tone 4)
O holy Hieromartyr Ignatius, you lent yourself to the Apostles’ way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of truth, fighting for the faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion Of Ignatius (Tone 3)
The moving celebration of your successful fight is alike an announcement of the One who is to be born of the Virgin. Because of your eagerness to possess Him forever, you hastened to be devoured by ferocious beasts. Wherefore, glorious Ignatius, you were called the God-bearer.

DECEMBER 21 - 2ND DAY OF THE PREPARATION, SAINT JULIANA, MARTYR

View the pinned post for the following:
Use the Apostichon of the Preparation at Vespers and Matins.
Use the Troparion of the Saint and that of the Preparation

Troparion of Saint Juliana (Tone 4)

O Jesus, your Lamb Juliana cries out to You with great love: “O my Bridegroom, I long for You in great pain, I am crucified with You, and in baptism I am buried with You. I suffer for your sake in order to reign with You, I die for You in order to live in You. Accept me as an immaculate victim since I am immolated for your love.” Through her intercession, O Merciful One, save our souls!

PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS December 20-23

Apostichon Of The Preparation: Habakkuk 3:3 &1-2
God comes from Teman; the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed by the forest.
O Lord, I have heard your renown and feared, O Lord, your work.
Glory to the Father… Now and always…

Troparion Of The Preparation (Tone 4) December 20-24
Bethlehem, make ready, for Eden has been opened for all, Ephrata, be alert, for the Tree of Life has blossomed forth from the Virgin in a cave. Her womb has become a spiritual Paradise wherein the divine Fruit was planted – and if we eat it, we shall live and not die like Adam. Christ is coming forth to bring back to life the likeness that had been lost in the beginning.

Pre-Christmas Kontakion (Tone 3) Used daily from November 26 – December 24:
Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth to the Eternal Word of God in an ineffable manner. Rejoice therefore, O Universe when you hear this news, and glorify with the angels and the shepherds, Him who shall appear as a new Child, being God from all eternity.

Dallas-Fort Worth Melkite Greek Catholic Outreach updated their business hours.