February 28
Our venerable father and confessor Basil, fellow ascetic of Procopius, who, at the time of emperor Leo III Isaurus [c.680-740] vigorously contended for the cult of holy Images. (741)
At Vespers
music (samohlasen)
At "O Lord, I have cried", there are three stichera for the venerable father.
Tone 4, special melody Dal jesi znamenie. Desiring that happiness * which surpasses understanding, O holy father, * you took your delight in temperance, * made simplicity of life your true wealth, * held poverty to be your only treasure, * and considered fasting to be your celebration. * Thus, you achieved the desire of your heart, * O Basil, for you now dwell * in the tabernacles of the saints.
You ran the race * of asceticism to a good end without halting; * you have kept the faith. * Wherefore, you have received the crown of justice * which Christ has prepared for you. * To each one, according to his merits, he gives a just recompense * and honors in exchange for hardships and struggles. * intercede with him that our souls may be saved.
In treating your body with severity, * you renounced all pleasures, O holy father Basil. * You disciplined your feelings * by your efforts at temperance and asceticism, * patience in trials and endurance in affliction. * In return, you received never-ending joys, eternal delights * and ineffable happiness in Heaven.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
Troparion, Tone 1. You made the wilderness your dwelling, * O father Basil, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker. * Through fasts, vigils and prayer, * you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick * and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. * Glory to the one who gave you strength! * Glory to the one who crowned you! * Glory to the one who through your intercession grants healing to all!
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the February Menaion
Troparion, Tone 1. You made the wilderness your dwelling, * O father Basil, the bearer of God. You became an angel in the flesh and a wonder-worker. * Through fasts, vigils and prayer, * you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick * and to sanctify the souls of those who come to you with trust. * Glory to the one who gave you strength! * Glory to the one who crowned you! * Glory to the one who through your intercession grants healing to all!
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 2. Holy and wise father, when you received your calling from God, * you left the troubles of this world and embraced the ascetic life. * Most holy Basil, you received the grace of miracles and of healing diseases.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 115:6,3).
Precious in the eyes of the Lord * is the death of his faithful.
V. What can I return to the Lord for all he has given me?
Epistle: (of the day)
Alleluia, Tone 6 (Ps. 111:1,2). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Happy the man who fears the Lord and greatly delights in his command.
V. His posterity will be mighty upon the earth.
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!