30 Nov 2024
the First-Called
Tone 5 (Rejoice, O Life-giving Cross)
Rejoice, O heaven!
Proclaim everywhere the glory of God!
Today the first-called Apostle stands in our midst.
He was the first to obey the Lord with fervor.
United to Him, he was enkindled by His love.
He is the reflection of the Savior’s love for mankind,
for His rays enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.
We rejoice in his holy memory,//
for through his prayers health and blessing are given to us.
Rejoice, morning star which has shown forth upon us from the city of Bethsaida! Rejoice, brother of the preeminent Peter and equal to him in honor!
Rejoice, disciple of the great Forerunner of Christ!
Rejoice, first among the Apostles, you were called to the apostolic ministry by the Lord Himself!
Rejoice, you cried out to the others with joy: Come, we have found the longed-for Messiah!
Rejoice, you lead us also to Him!
Rejoice, you zealously spread the glad tidings of Christ among the nations!
Rejoice, you willingly gave yourself over to torments and crucifixion for His sake!
Rejoice, O Andrew, first-called Apostle of Christ!
V. Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the universe. (Ps. 18:4)
Having found the First of things desired,
Who in compassion was clothed with our nature,
O Andrew, wise in God,
you were united in ardent desire with your brother,
crying out, “Come, let us find Him
Whom the Prophets preached in the Spirit!”
Let us enchant both soul and mind with His beauties,
that, being illumined by His brightness,
we may banish the night of delusion and the darkness of ignorance,//
as we bless Christ, Who bestows on the world great mercy!
V. The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. (Ps. 18:1)
Ikos 2
“Master, where do You dwell?” you asked the Savior of our souls, O Andrew; all the days of your life you loved the Messiah Whom you had found, and brought your eldest brother to Him. Wherefore, never cease to draw us, your younger brethren, to Him also, that following in your steps, we may cry out with you to God:
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Tone 3 (by Germanos)
We honor you in songs, O Apostle Andrew,
brother of Peter and disciple of Christ,
fisherman and fisher of men;
you shaped all dogmas with the wisdom of Christ.
As fish are lured into a net,
so you caught transgressors with the bait of truth.//
Through his prayers, O Christ, grant us peace and great mercy!
now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion I
O Hieromartyr Cyprian, who left the service of the devil for the worship of the One true God, and were numbered among the Saints! Entreat Christ our God that we may be delivered from the snares of the evil one, and may vanquish the world, the flesh and the devil, that we may cry unto you:
Rejoice, O Hieromartyr Cyprian, speedy helper and intercessor for our souls!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Tone 3 (for the Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ)
Tell us, O Joseph,
how is it that you bring to Bethlehem, great with child,
the Maiden whom you received
from the Holy of Holies?
“I have searched the Prophets,” he said.
“I have been instructed by an Angel.
I am convinced that Mary will give birth to God
in a manner beyond understanding.
Wise men from the East will come to worship Him,
offering precious gifts in adoration.”//
O Lord, incarnate for us, glory to You!