Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Festal Vespers Hymns

U SED TOGE TH ER WITH TH E V E SPERS S E RVICE BO OK

By the Grace of God 24 September 2018

COMPILED, ADAPTED, EDITED & PRINTED
St Thekla – Equal to the Apostles - &
Synaxis of our Lady, Theotokos, of the Myrtle Tree
BY
MARGUERITE PAIZIS
ARCHONDISSA & TEACHER BY DIVINE GRACE
GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXANDRIA & ALL AFRICA
ARCHDIOCESE OF GOOD HOPE
HOLY CHURCH OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

PO BOX 28348
SUNRIDGE PARK
6008
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

MARGUERITE.PAIZIS@GMAIL.COM

ALL THESE LITTLE LABOURS OF LOVE CAN BE DOWNLOADED DIRECTLY FROM

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LINKS TO THIS SITE ARE PUBLISHED ON FACEBOOK, GOOGLE +, TWITTER AND PINTEREST
OR EMAILED DIRECTLY ON REQUEST
Also the Feast of the Synaxis of All Saints of Alaska – St Peter the Aleut of Alaska – St
Juvenal of Alaska, Protomartyr of America - St Nikon the Hermit of Pskov – St
Galakteon of Vologda – St Copres of Palestine – St Abramios the Abbot of Miozh,
Pskov – St Vladislav of Serbia – St Dorothy of Kashin – St Silouan of Mount Athos –
The Holy Icons of our Lady, Theotokos of Mirozh Monastery and “of the Myrtle
Tree” – St Simon & St David of Serbia – St Stephen the King, of Serbia

Our Eternal Gratitude to Pater Seraphim Dedes & all the contributing Translators for
RE-EDITED & PUBLISHED - 09 AUGUST 2018 the Greek & English texts that make our Worship much easier
to understand, to participate and to appreciate.
Glory to God for His Great Mercy!
www.agesinitiatives.com

NOT FOR MATERIAL PROFIT

12. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER

 Some of the many other Miracles associated with the Most Holy Theotokos and Her
Icon “Of the Myrtle Tree” include the Holy Protection of the island of Kythira from
an outbreak of the plague, the Healing of the infertility of a Jewish woman from
Alexandria, and the Deliverance of the islanders from impending death.

Festal Vespers Hymns – St Thekla

Faithful Pilgrims constantly venerate the Holy Icon of our Lady Theotokos of the
Myrtle on the Feast of Her Dormition on 15 August as well as on 24 September –
the Feast Day of its discovery in the Myrtle Tree by the shepherd so many years
Synaxis of our Lady, Theotokos, of the Myrtle Tree ago.

KINDLY USE THE SERVICE BOOK UNTIL THIS POINT,

THEN CAREFULLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WITH REGARD TO THESE HYMNS St Thekla – Protomartyr & Equal to the Apostles
HYMN OF THE EVENING INCENSE St Thekla was born in Iconium to wealthy pagan parents, and, after having heard
THE CONGREGATION MUST STAND
St Paul preaching about our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ and His Divine Truth of
PSALM 140/141 – TONE 2
the Holy Gospel and the necessity of Holy Chastity, Humility and Obedience to
Kyrie ekekraxa pros Se, isakouson mou. Lord, I cry out to Thee: hear me, the Will of God, she decided to become a Faithful Disciple of our Lord Jesus
Isakouson mou, Kyrie. Kyrie, O Lord! O Lord, when I cry Christ.
ekekraxa pros Se, isakouson mou, out to Thee, hear me! Hear Much to the dismay and opposition of her mother and her fiancé, she committed
proshes ti foni tis deiseos mou, en to my voice, when I cry out to herself to a Life of Chastity in Christ Jesus, renouncing her betrothal and refusing
kekragene me pros Se, isakouson Thee! Hear me, O Lord! to ever be married. When she remained adamant in her decision and
mou Kyrie. unwaveringly steadfast to her Sacred Vows, her mother and fiancé reported St
Paul to the Roman authorities, who immediately arrested and imprisoned him.
Katevthinthito i prosevhi mou os Let my Prayer rise before Thee
However, St Thekla continued to secretly visit St Paul in prison as often as
thimiama enopion Sou. Eparsis ton like incense - the lifting up of
possible by bribing the servants and the prison guards. At his trial, St Paul was
hiron mou Thisia Esperini. Isakouson my hands as the Evening
condemned to a public beating and then banished from Iconium.
mou Kyrie! Sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord!
St Thekla refused to change her mind despite all the tears and threats of her
FESTAL STIHERA –THEOTOKOS - TONE 1 mother, her fiancé and the Governor. She firmly refused to change her
declaration that she was Betrothed only to our Lord Jesus Christ - the Divine
Ean anomias paratirisis, Kyrie, Kyrie, If Thou, O Lord, should mark
Bridegroom. Her enraged and frustrated mother denounced her to the Roman
tis ipostisete? Oti para Si O ilasmos transgression, O Lord, who would
authorities and she even managed to persuade the judge to sentence St Thekla
estin. stand? For there is Forgiveness
to be burnt to death.
with Thee.
Strengthened by her intense Faith, and encouraged by her all consuming Love of
O tou Paradoxou Thavmatos! Eorton O Paradoxical Miracle! Today a God, she made the Sign of the Cross over the flames, and became surrounded
eorti, Kyireis simeron, anetile luminous and most Resplendent by a Heavenly Light. She remained unharmed by the crackling flames and a
fotavgis, ke paniperlampros. Feast of Feasts has dawned on those sudden downpour of rain and hailstones extinguished the fire, while earth-
Eranthite Ourani, ke glikasmon living on the Isle of Kythira. Be glad, shaking thunder claps terrified and drove away the pagan executioners and
evfrosinis stalaxate. Angelon e O Heavens Above, and send down blood-thirsty crowd who wished to see her put to death. Having been set free
Stratie, Sin Kythireon hories voisate, droplets of Sweet Spiritual Joy. O from her execution pyre, St Thekla hastened to find St. Paul and his companions,
Keharitomeni Here, meta Sou O Angelic Hosts on High, join the including St Barnabas, who had hidden in a cave nearby.
Kyrios, O parehon to kosmo dia Sou Faithful of Kythira and cry aloud: “O She then accompanied them on their Missionary Journey, spreading and living the
to Mega Eleos. Full of Grace, Hail! For the Lord is Holy Gospel of Christ and performing, by the Grace of God, many Divine
with Thee! And through Thine Miracles and Healings. Together with the other Faithful Apostles and Disciples,
Intercssions He bestows on the St Thekla endured many extremely difficult and unpleasant circumstances, but
world His Great Mercy. also innumerable, wonderful Experiences that brought many souls to God,
Eneken tou Onomatos Sou ipemina Se, Because of Thy Law, O Lord, I waited Glorifying, Honouring and Worshipping our Lord God.
Kyrie; Ipeminen i psihi mou is ton for Thee; my soul waited for Thy At the age of 90, St Thekla was forewarned that a group of envious pagan sorcerers
Logon Sou, ilpisen i psihi mou epi Word. My soul Hopes in the Lord. wanted to discredit and defile her. However, before they could seize her, St.
ton Kyrion. Thekla called out to Christ our Divine Saviour to help her, whereupon a large
rock suddenly split open and covered her, as she offered up her faithful soul to
O tou Paradoxou Thavmatos! O Paradoxical Miracle! As they festively our Lord God.
Anesperou Fotos, tas aktinas dehete, celebrate Thy Holy Miracle, the Pious St Thekla, the Protomartyr and Equal to the Apostles is the Holy Intercessor for all
to Thavma Sou to Septon, of Kythira receive the Rays of the Ascetics and Faithful Disciples of Christ who have made Sacred Vows of Chastity
Panigirizousa, Parthene Miter Theou, Never Setting Light, O All and Obedience to the Divine Will of our Lord God.
to nefsevon Kythireon omigiris, ke Immaculate Virgin Mother of God. St Thekla is also invoked during the Tonsure of females who are entering Monastic
pantes i gigenis, sineklaprinonte Pisti And all who were born on Earth by Life.
ke melpousi. Keharitomeni Here! Faith are brightened together with
Meta Sou O Kyrios, O Parehon to them and sing aloud: O Full of

2. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER VESPERS – ST THEKLA – THEOTOKOS OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER 11.
 kosmo dia Sou to Mega Eleos.
Apo
The Synaxis of our Lady Theotokos of the Myrtle filakis proias mehri niktos. Apo
filakis proias elpisato Israil epi ton
The Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos “Of the Myrtle Tree” (Myrtidiotissa) is currently Kyrion.
located in the Monastery church of Myrtides on the
Greek island of Kythera, having derived its title from
O tou Paradoxou Thavmatos! O evnias
pollis, is i Nisos etihe, Kithiron tis
the fact that it was found in a myrtle bush during the
para Sou, Theoharitote, igapisas gar
fourteenth century.
aftin, osper filostorgos Mitir ke
At that time, a shepherd was tending his sheep in a
dedokas, Ikona Sou tin Septin, in
deserted valley, which was filled with myrtle bushes.
evlavos proskinousa kravgazi Si
On 24 September - forty days after the Dormition, the
Keharitomeni Here! Meta Sou O
Mother of God appeared to him and told him to seek Kyrios, O parehon to kosmo dia Sou
Her Icon, which had been brought to that place many to Mega Eleos.
years before. . Intercessions, He bestows upon the
The shepherd fell to the ground in amazement, praying to
the Theotokos. As soon as he got up and turned
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – ST THEKLA
around, he saw the Icon in the branches of a myrtle bush. Weeping with Joy, he
carried the Icon home and told his friends and relatives about how he had Oti para to Kyrio to Eleos ke polli par
found it. afto Litrosis. Ke aftos Litrosete ton
When he awoke the next morning, the shepherd realised that the Icon had Israil ek pason ton anomion aftou.
disappeared, and thought that someone had stolen it during the night.
With a heavy heart, he led his sheep back to the spot where he had found the Icon
the previous day – and to his utter amazement, he beheld the Holy Icon once
Kyrie, i ke en thiridi i Thekla, prosepagi O Lord our God, while Thekla sat by the
to potho Sou, alla noeros en Ipsistis,
again in the branches of the myrtle bush.
paristameni to Throno Sou,
Glorifying God, the shepherd once again took the Icon home with him but once
exeplitteto tin Sin asigkriton
again, the next morning, it had disappeared just as it had before and was
evprepian, tou sarkothentos
found again in the myrtle bush.
Filanthropos, ina Sosis tas psihas
When this sequence of events occurred for a third time, the shepherd realized that
imon.
our Lady, Theotokos, wanted Her Icon to remain where it had first appeared.
A small church was built to house the Icon, and was entitled “Of the Myrtle Tree.”
The small church was later replaced and enlarged over the years, and many Enite ton Kyrion panta ta Ethni!
Miracles took place there. Epenesate Afton pantes i Lai!
At the end of the sixteenth century Theodore Koumprianos, a descendant of the Kyrie, i ke desmevthenti i Thekla to
shepherd who found the Icon, lived in the village of Kousoumari. He was a
Apostolo prosedramen, alla
paralytic, and had an unshakeable Faith that the All Holy Mother of God would
prospathias giinon, ton demon
Heal him.
enapesisato, ke krateotit tis sis,
Each year on 24 September he sent a family member to the church to light candles alousa agapiseos, veveothisa
for him, until one year when he asked his family to carry him to the church so sinedethi, Si to Sotiri ton psihon imon.
that he might venerate the Icon himself.
During the All Night Vigil, a great noise was heard coming from the direction of the
sea. In terror, the people fled the church, thinking that pirates were attacking.
However, the paralysed Theodore was left all alone in the church, Entreating the
All Holy Virgin Mary for Her Protection. Oti ekrateothi to Eleos Aftou ef’ imas, For
Suddenly, he heard Her voice coming from the Icon telling him to get up and flee, ke i alithia tou Kyriou meni is ton
so he stood up, and then slowly walked out of the church. eona.
Soon he was able to run, and he was able to catch up with his relatives and Kyrie, i ke didaskalou i Thekla, ouhi
friends, who Rejoiced upon seeing this Miracle. ekousa memonote, alla simparonta
As it turned out, there was no pirate attack, and the noise was regarded as a Sign of Se ihen, en kero to tis athliseos, ke
God’s Providence that ensured that the Paralytic woud be left alone in church gimnothisa stolis, eskepeto ti Doxi
with our Ever Blessed Lady’s Holy Icon. Since that memorable day, when Sou, ke stefthisa ti hira Sou, proaspizi
Theodore had been Healed, the Koumprianos family and their friends have ton pshon imon.
celebrated the Icon’s Feast Day with special reverence.
10. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER VESPERS – ST THEKLA – THEOTOKOS
Grace, Hail! For the Lord is with
Thee! And through Thine
Intercessions, He bestows on the
world His Great Mercy.
From
the morning watch until night;
from the morning watch until
night, let Israel Hope in the Lord.
O Paradoxical Miracle! Such a Blessing
indeed has the Isle of Kythira
obtained and enjoys from Thee, O
Graced by God, for Thou Loved the
people as an affectionate Mother,
and granted them Thy Icon, which
they cherish and venerate, singing:
O Full of Grace, Hail! For the Lord is
with Thee and through Thine
World, His Great Mercy.
– TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
For with the Lord there is Mercy, and
with Him is Abundant Redemption;
and He will Redeem Israel from all
his transgressions.
window and paid attention for the
Love of Thee – mentally transported
to Heaven, she stood at Thy Throne
on High and marvelled at the Great
Incomparable Majesty of the
Incarnate One’s Love of mankind and
Salvation of our soul.
Praise the Lord, all Gentiles! Praise
Him, all you people!
O Lord our God, Thekla ran to be with
Thy Apostle, shackled as he was and
bound in chains, shaking off the
chains of attachment to all worldly
and mundane affairs. And rather
chained by the Might of Thy Divine
Consuming Love, fully confirmed in
Thee, she bound herself to Thee, O
Saviour of our soul.
His Mercy rules over us; and the
Truth of the Lord endures forever.
O Lord our God, Thekla was deprived of
her Teacher against her will and was
left alone, but she had Thy Presence
with her in the hour of her
Martyrdom. And although they
stripped her, Thy Holy Glory covered
her, and Thou Crowned her with
OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER 3.

✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
To septo temeni Sou, pantothen ton
Kythireon sistimata, pigin Se ontos
thavmaton ginoskonta
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Theoharitote sintrehousi, ke Sou tin
septin Ikona, exohos aspazonte.
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Ke tes tou Pnevmatos Theourgikais
aktisin, iperfios Theotoke
katalampomena,
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Se tin Pantanassan ke Prostatin tou
kosmou Doxazousin, en Pisti
gereronta iperkosmios de imnousi Se,
ke evharistos voosi, met’ evfrosinis
lamproforounta. Idou epeskepsato
imas i panton Anassa.
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Hieras krotisomen pants, en arripotis de Let
ts hilesi, taftis proskinisomen tin
Ikona.
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Dia taftis i tou kosmou gar, pangenis
sotira genone. Kindini, nosi
apelavnonte, ke asthenousin i rosis,
iper logon harizete.
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Taftis gar to ipervallon, iperehi pasan
ennian.
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Dio ahrante Theotoke, ai sin oiforo
Vasili ke Toko zosa, Presveve diineos,
perfrourise ke Sose, apo pasis apilis
enantas tous Se doxazontas. Tin gar
sin prostasian kektimetha,
MENAION - FESTAL STICHERA – THEOTOKOS –
Is tous eonas aglaofanos Makarizontes.
THE ENTRANCE – “FOS ILARON...”

4. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S
Thine own Hand. Now she zealously ✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
defends our soul.
ke nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton and to the Holy Spirit, now and
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son, eonon. forever, and to the Ages of ages.
and to the Holy Spirit Amin Amen
TONE 1
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THEOTOKOS – TONE 4
The people of Kyrthira know Thee to be Lai nin krotisomen, deft etas hiras O People, let us now with Faith, clap
Truly a Source of Miracles. They
Pistos, ke asomen asmasi, ti our hands and sing sacred songs
come from all directions to Thy Holy
Theomitori, en potho kravgaontes. to Her who is the Mother of God,
Shrine.
Here, i Prostasia pnaton ton and with yearning, exclaim: “
TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
deomenon! Here, i Sotiria ton Hail, O Protector of all who
O Lady Full of Grace, they kiss Thy Holy timonton Se potho! Here, i to Entreat Thee! Hail, O Salvation of
Icon in grand veneration. Paralitou tin iasin vravefsasa!. those who honour Thee with
TONE 2 yearning! Hail, O Lady who
RETURN TO THE VESPERS SERVICE Restored the Paralytic to health!
And they are exceedingly Illumined by BOOK – DISMISSAL BLESSINGS

the Rays and Divine Energy of the
Spirit, O Theotokos.
TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
They Glorify Thee, O Queen of all and
Protectress of the world. In Faith
they honour Thee and supernally
extol Thee. Glowing with Joy, they
gratefully exclaim: Behold! The
Queen of all has Visited us!”
TONE 3
us all clap our hands, and let us
venerate Her Icon and kiss it with
St Gregory the Theologian
undefiled lips.
Mankind is not worth less than livestock,
TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
which, according to Mosaic Law,
For the Salvation of all humanity came
through Her. Perils and diseases are if fallen into a ditch we are commanded to pull them out
drien away, and health is granted to
and take care of them. (Deuteronomy 22:1-4)
the sick ineffably.
TONE 4 Therefore, how kind should we be towards our fellow human beings
For Her excellence surpasses all when we have been enjoined to have pity on all dumb creatures?
understanding.
TONE 1
Therefore, O Immaculate Theotokos, as
Thou now live forever with the Life-
bearing King Who is Thy Son,
Intercede unceasingly that He Save
us from every hostile threat, since
we are under Thy Protection.
TONE 1
To the ages with splendour we call Thee
Blessed.
OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER VESPERS – ST THEKLA – THEOTOKOS OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER 9.
 MENAION – FESTAL APOSTICHA – ST
Leonton ormas katepatisas, ke
Thamirin, kateshinassa, Protomartys
Apostole, ikolouthisas to Nimfio Sou
krazousa. Is osmin Myrou Sou
edramon, Hriste. Dio ke Pavlo
diokousa, ex Ouranou edexo to
hrisma, ke to Stefos keklirose para
tou athlothetou Theou, ke presvevis
apafstos, dorithine ptesmaton
ilasmon, tis en Pisti ektelousi to Ieron
Sou Mnimosinon.
Ke nin ke Ai ke is tous eonas ton
eonon.
Amin
THEOTOKION – TONE (5) PLAGAL 1
I tou Profitou Foni, Iseou tou Endoxou,
peplirote i legousa. “Anti tis stivis
anavisete kiparissos, anti de tis
konizis, aavisete Myrsini.” Anevi gar
ontos ke iperipsote, Myrsini i tapini,
iper panta ta xila tou Agrou. Ek
Myrsino gar efosmon anetile tis
Kyrhtireis, i tis Panagnou Ikon,
Theosevias os geras, ke tis evnias
tekmirion. Apantes oun harmonkos,
kladous Myrsinis en Hersi katehontes,
tin Theotokon en evsimon imera
eortis animnisomen, ke tin Aftis
Ikona, evlavos proskinisomen
legontes. Here, Kithireon! Doxa, ke
Hara, Parthene Ahrante!
RETURN TO THE VESPERS SERVICE
BOOK – “NIN APOLIIS TON DOULON
SOU... “ & TRISAGION PRAYERS

MENAION – FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST THEKLA – TONE 3
Thiou kirikos Didaskalias, potho Ktistou All
Sou anaflehthisa, ton giron os
reonton ilogisas. Ke seaftin Ieron
Kallirgima, to Theo dousa pinon
katetolmisas. Thekla Endoxe Pavlou
tou Thiou sinekdime, ton Son
Nymfion Hriston iketeve, dorisasthe
imin to Mega Eleos.
8. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S
THEKLA – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Thou overcame the attacks of lions.
Thou put Thamyris to shame, O
Proto-Martyr and Apostle Thekla,
and Thou followed Thy Bridegroom
and cried: I have run after Thee, for
the aroma of Thy Myrrh, O Christ!”
Thou pursued Paul, and Thou
received the Gift of Grace from
Heaven, and Thou obtained the
Crown from God Who grants the
Awards. Now Thou unceasingly
Intercede so that He may grant
Forgiveness of offences to those
who, with Faith, observe Thy Sacred
Memory.
Now and ever, and to the Ages of
ages.
Amen
The words of the Glorious Prophet,
Isaiah, have come to pass. For he
said: Instead of the Broom tree shall
come up the Cypress, and instead of
the Nettle, shall come up the Myrtle.”
And now, indeed, the lowly Myrtyle
has come up, and is greatly exalted,
above all other trees of the field. For
the Icon of the All Pure Lady has
arisen from fragrant Myrtles for the
people of Kyrthera, as a Badge of
Orthodoxy and proof of Good
Favour. Let us all joyfully tak up
branches of Myrtle, and let us extol
the Theotokos on this Festal Day,
reverently venerating Her Icon and
saluting Her: “Rejoice, O Glory and
Joy of Kythera, O Immaculate
Virgin!”
aflame with Love for Thy Creator,
from the Teachings of the Sacred
Preacher, Thou disregarded as
fleeting all things mundane. And,
being bold when confronted by
penalties, Thou gave Thyself as a
Beautiful Gift to God. O Thekla,
Glorious Companion of Apostle Paul,
we pray Thee to Entreat Thy
Bridegroom, Christ, to grant us His
Great Mercy.
OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER
RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON -
Idou di Evlogite ton Kyrion, pantes i
douli Kyriou
STIHOS I estatos en Iko Kyriou, en avles
Ikou Theou imon.
Idou di Evlogite ton Kyrion, pantes i
douli Kyriou
THE BOOK OF GENESIS 28: 10 - 17
Sofia! Proshomen!
Exilthen Iakov apo tou freatos tou orkou
ke eporevthi is Harran.
Ke apintise topo, ke ekimithi eki, edi gar And
O Ilios.
Ke eleaven apo ton lithon tou topou, ke And he took one of the stones of that
ethike pros kephalis aftou, ke ekimithi
en to topo ekino, ke enipniasthi.
Ke idou! Klimax estirigmeni en ti Gi, is i And,
kephali afiknito is ton Ouranon.
Ke i Angeli tou Theou anevenon ke
katevenon ep’ aftis.
O de Kyrios epestrikto ep’ aftis, ke ipen: The
“Ego Imi O Theos Avraam tou
Patros sou, ke O Theos Isaak.
“Mi Fovou.
“I gi, ef’ is si kathevdis ep’ aftis, si doso
aftin, ke to spermati sou.
“Ke este to sperma sou osi ammos tis
Gis ke platinthisete epi thalassan,
ke liva, ke Vorran, ke epi Anatolas.
“Ke Enevlogithisonte en si pase e File
tis Gis, ke en to spermati sou.
“Ke idou! Ego Imi meta sou,
diafilasson se en ti odo pasi, ou ean
porevthis, ke epistrepso se is tin Gin
taftin, oti ou mi se egkatalipo, eos
tou piise me panta osa elalisa si.”
Ke exigerthi Iakov ek tou ipnou aftou ke And
ipen: “Oti esti Kyrios en to topo touto,
ego de ouk idin.
Ke efovithi, ke ipen: Os foveros O topos
outos! Ouk esti touto, all’ i Ikos
Theou, ke afti i Pili tou Ouranou!”
VESPERS – ST THEKLA – THEOTOKOS
SUNDAY EVENING - PSALM 133
Behold now, Bless the Lord, all you
servants of the Lord.
You who stand in the House of the
VERSE:
Lord, in the Courts of the House of
our God.
Behold now, Bless the Lord, all you
servants of the Lord
P RIE ST Wisdom! Let us attend!
READER Jacob went out from theWell
of Oath, and went towards Haran.
arriving at a certain place, he
remained there all night because the
sun had set.
place, and put it under his head, and
he lay down in that place, and slept.
behold! A Ladder was set up on
Earth, and its top reached to Heaven.
And the Angels of God ascended and
descended upon it.
Lord stood above it, and said: “I
Am the Lord God of Abraham thy
Father, and the God of Isaak.
“Do not fear.
“The land on which you lie I will give
to thee and to thy seed.
“And thy seed shall be as the grains of
sand of the Earth, and spread over
the seas, to the West and to the
East, to the North and to the South.
“And in thee and in thy seed all the
Tribes of Earth shalt be Blessed.
“And behold! I Am with thee, and will
keep thee wherever thou goest, and
will bring thee back to this land,
for I shall not leave you until I have
done what I have spoken to thee.”
Jacob awoke from his sleep, and
said: “The Lord is in this Place, and I
did not know it!”
And he was afraid, and he said: “How
Awesome is this Place! This is none
other than the House of God, and this
is the Gate of Heaven!”
OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER 5.
 THE PROPHECY OF EZEKIEL 43:27 – 44 : 4
THE PROPHECY OF THE CONCEPTION & EVER VIRGINITY OF OUR LADY THEOTOKOS “O pedevon kakous, lipsete eafto “He gets himself abuse who corrects a
atimian - eleghon de ton asevi, scoffer - he who reproves a wicked
Tade legi Kyrios: Thus says the Lord: momisete eafton, (i gar eleghi to man, incurs injury to himself.
“Este apo tis Imeras tis ogdois ke “When they have completed these asevi, molopes afto.)
epekina, piisousin i Ieris epi to Days, then from the Eighth Day “Mi eleghe kakous, ina mi misisosi se. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will
Thisiastirion ta Olokavtomata onward, the Priests shall offer upon Eleghe Sofon ke Agapisi se. hate you. Reprove a Wise Man, and
imon, ke ta tou Sotiriou imon, ke the Altar your Burnt Offerings, and he will Love you.
prosdexome imas,” legi Kyrios. your Peace Offerings, and I will
accept you,” says the Lord God. “Didou Sofo aformin, ke sofoteros este. “Give instruction to a Wise Man, and he
will be still wiser.
Ke epestrepse me kata tin odon tis Pilis And he brought me back to the Outer
1

“Gnorize Dikeo, ke prosthisei tou “Teach a Righteous man, and he will

ton Agion tis exoteras tis velpousis Gate of the Sanctuary, which faces
kata Anatolas, ke afti in keklismeni. East, and It was shut. dehesthe. increase in learning.

Ke ipe Kyrios pros me: “I Pili afti And the Lord said to me: “This Gate “Arhi Sofias, Fovos Kyriou, ke vouli “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of
keklismeni este, ouk anixthisete. shall remain shut, and shall not be Agion, Sinesis (to gar gnosne Nomon, Wisdom, and the Counsel of Saints is
opened. dianias estin Agathis.) Understanding, (for to know the Law
is the character of a sound mind.)
“Ke oudis ou mi dielthi di’ aftis, oti “And no one shall enter by It, for the
“Touto gar to tropo polin zisis hronon, “For by Me your days will be multiplied,
Kyrios O Theos, Israil, iselefsete di’ Lord – the God of Israel – shall
aftis, ke este keklismeni. enter by It, and it shall remain shut. ke prostethisete si eti Zois.” and years will be added to your Life.”

“Dioti O Igoumenos outos kathite ep’ “Only the Prince shall sit in It to eat RETURN TO THE SERVICE BOOK –
aftin tou fagin arton enopion Bread before the Lord. FERVENT SUPPLICATIONS

Kyriou. MENAION – FESTAL APOSTICHA – ST THEKLA - TONE 1
“Kata tin odon tou Elam tis Pilis “He shall go by way of the Vestibule of O evkleis Protomartyrs, ke Isapostole, Far-famed Protomartyr and Equal to the
iselefsete, ke kata tin odon aftou the Gate, and shall go out by the ton athlouson i Doxa, Kalliparthene Apostles, Glory of female Martyrs,
exelefsete.” same way.” Thekla, iase, voo Si, pathi dina, tis Fair Virgin Thekla, by Thy powerful
Ke isigage me kata tin odon tis Pilis ton And he brought me by way of the North psihis mou ke molopas, Theopithesi Supplications, with God Heal the
Agion tis pros vorran, katevanti tou Gate to the front of the Temple. lites Sou, ke ek Piros, tou asvestou me dreaded passions and bruises of my
Ikou. exarpason. soul, I beseech Thee, and from the
Unquenchable Fire, snatch me.
Ke idon, ke idou! Pliris Doxis O Ikos And I looked, and behold! The Glory of Ipomenon ipemina ton Kyrion, ke prseshe I waited patiently for the Lord, and He
Kyriou! the Lord filled the House of the Lord! mi, ke isikouse tis deiseos mou. heeded me; and He heard my
THE BOOK OF THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON 9 : 1 - 11 Di’ omvrotokou Nefelis, tin floga esvese, Supplication.
I Sofia okodomisen Eafti Ikon ke ipirise Wisdom has built Her House, and has drosizousa Se Thekla, os Pistin ke The Almighty, Divine Power of Christ,
Stilous Epta. set up Seven Pillars. endikos, flegousa apistous i through a Cloud that gave birth to
pansthenis, tou Hristou Thia dinamis, rain, quenched the flame, bedewing
Esfaxe ta Eaftis thimata, ke ekerasen is She has slaughtered Her beasts, and has ke ek thirion ke tavron diaspasmon, Thee, O Thekla, as a Believer and
Kratira ton Eaftis inon, ke itimasato mixed Her Wine, and has also set Her riomeni Se edoxase. just consuming unbelievers and,
tin Eaftis Trapezan. Table. Ke estisen epi petran tous podas mou ke Delivering Thee from being torn
Apestile tous Eaftis doulous, sigkalousa She has sent out Her servants to call katiithine ta diaimata mou. apart by wild beasts and bulls, it
meta ipsilou kirigmatos, os epi from the highest places in the town: Ton Panoreon en kalli, Nymphion Glorified Thee.
kratira, legousa: “Os estin afron, ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in ahranton, epipothousa Thekla, ton And He established my feet on a Rock
ekklinato pros me.” here!’ mnistira irniso, Pavlou Ekklisias and kept straight my steps.
nimfagogou, epomeni tis rimasi, Filled with longing for our Immaculate
Ke tis endeesi frenon ipen: “Elthete And to him who is without sense, She meth’ ou arthisa is lixin tin panterpi, Bridegroom, All Fair in His Beauty,
fagete ton Emon Arton, ke piete Inon, says: “Come, eat of My Bread, and emnistefso on epothisas. Thou denied Thy suitor, O Thekla,
on kekeraka imin. drink of the Wine I have mixed. following the words of Paul, the
“Apolipete afrosinin, ke zisesthe, ke “Leave ignorance, and Live - and Live in Groomsman of the Church. Raised
zitisate Fronisin, ina viosite, ke Wisdom, and improve Understanding up with him to the Sphere of All
katorthosite Sinesin en Gnosi. by Knowledge. Delight, Thou were Betrothed to the
One for Whom Thou yearned.
1
AN ANGEL OF THE L O RD G O D S HO W ED S T E Z E K I E L C ER T A I N H E A V E N L Y M Y ST ERI E S A N D G O D G A V E H I M
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
I N S T R UC T I O N S T O B E F U L F I L L E D B Y A L L T HE T R IB E S O F I S R AE L , AC C O RD I N G T O T HE O L D C O V E N A N T , W H IC H and to the Holy Spirit
W O U L D P RE P AR E T H E M F OR T H E F I R ST A P P E A R A N C E O F O U R D I V I N E S A V IO U R AN D H I S N E W D I V I N E
COVENANT.

6. V E S P E R S – S T T H E K L A – T H E O T O K O S OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER VESPERS – ST THEKLA – THEOTOKOS OF THE MYRTLE – 24 SEPTEMBER 7.