Menaion

February 11

The holy martyr Blaise, bishop of Sebaste, who suffered martyrdom at Sebaste in the power-struggle between Licinius and the Emperor Constantine. (316)

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

At "O Lord, I have cried", there are three stichera for the holy martyr.

Tone 1, special melody Nebesnych činov.  The height of the virtues and foundation of the faithful, * the glory of bishops and boast of the martyrs * summons all the faithful to his holy memorial with splendor * that they may sing to him * as a victor who glorified God on earth!

You were moved by a vision of Christ, * the angel of great counsel, * as you beheld the evil assembly, wise martyr, * You went at once to the tribunal. * You took the trophies of victory in your hand. * Now you dwell in the heavens, all-holy one.

With the drops of your blood, martyr Blaise, * you wove a beautiful robe for the Church. * Embroidered by your well-anointed fingers * and dyed with your manifold sufferings, * she wears it as a beautiful bride, * singing hymns to Christ the Bridegroom.

Glory – Tone 4.   As a good tutor of children and a teacher of piety, by the divine power of your godly words you led the God-loving women to the struggle of martyrdom, strengthening for Christ the weakness of their nature; and with them having finished well the course of sufferings, you rejoice with splendor in the bridal chamber of heaven, adorned with a twofold crown of divine glory, and making entreaty with them, that peace and great mercy be given to us.

Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion

At the aposticha:

Glory – Tone 6.   Blossoming forth in the exercise of the divine virtues in accordance with your name, O Blaise, you flourished like a palm-tree in the courts of the Lord, as David said, and like a cedar you increased through chastisements. Like a fruitful vine in the house of God, pruned during torment by the application of tortures, you hast poured forth upon us a spiritual wine from the fruit of your struggles. Drinking of it, we fill our hearts with divine gladness; and assembling together for the honored memorial of your repose, we praise you, calling you blessed, and asking that, through you, we may receive peace and great mercy.

Troparion,  Tone 4. You shared in the apostles’ way of life * and succeeded to their throne, * divinely inspired bishop. * You found access to contemplation in the active life. * Therefore, you rightly taught the word of truth * and struggled for the faith to the shedding of your blood. * O priest-martyr Blaise, * pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

At the Divine Liturgy

music - see the February Menaion

Troparion,  Tone 4. You shared in the apostles’ way of life * and succeeded to their throne, * divinely inspired bishop. * You found access to contemplation in the active life. * Therefore, you rightly taught the word of truth * and struggled for the faith to the shedding of your blood. * O priest-martyr Blaise, * pray to Christ our God to save our souls.

Glory, now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 2.   O God-bearing Blaise, you were a holy plant, * and unfading flower, and a fertile vine in the vineyard of Christ. * Fill with joy the hearts of those who celebrate your memory with fervor * and never cease to interceded for all of us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 149:5,1). Let the faithful rejoice in glory, * shout for joy, and take their rest.
V. Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Epistle:  (of the day)

Alleluia, Tone 2 (Ps. 131:9,13). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Your priests will be clothed with righteousness and your saints will rejoice.
V. The Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling.

Gospel: (of the day)

Communion Hymn (Ps. 111:6,7). The just man will be remembered forever; evil news he will not fear. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!