June 20
The holy martyr Methodius, bishop of Patara, who wrote books bright-shining and well-ordered in their language, and was crowned by martyrdom in the final persecution of the emperor Diocletian. (311)
At Vespers
At "O Lord, I have cried": three stichera from the Octoechos, and three for the holy martyr.
Tone 4, special melody Dal jesi znamenie. Your memorial radiantly dawns for us, * O bishop Methodius, * bringing us a model for salvation. * Thus today we sing to you, * celebrating your struggles and the good fight you fought, * through which you vanquished the enemy despite his clever treachery. * You now joyfully bear the crown of victory.
By your words, you gave light to the whole Church; * and by the light of your struggles, O divine hierarch, * you scattered the darkness of the many false gods. * Now you dwell forever * in the light of the never-setting Sun; * wherefore, radiant with faith, * we celebrate today your resplendent festivity.
Dyeing your priestly vestment * with the purple of your own blood, * you enter jubilantly clothed in it into the Holy of Holies. * There you behold the divine splendor of the Trinity * clearly initiated into the mysteries * which surpass our understanding, * as you are wholly divinized.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
Troparion, Tone 1. Your blood cries out from the earth like that of Abel, O wise saint, * for you preached the Incarnation with fearsome boldness. * You shamed the lies of Origen, O father Methodius, * and now you have been admitted to the court of heaven. * Beg Christ our God to save our souls.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the June Menaion
Troparion, Tone 1. Your blood cries out from the earth like that of Abel, O wise saint, * for you preached the Incarnation with fearsome boldness. * You shamed the lies of Origen, O father Methodius, * and now you have been admitted to the court of heaven. * Beg Christ our God to save our souls.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4. You were a priest and a mystic of the Holy Trinity. * You preached divine decrees which surpass comprehension. * You are strength for the faithful, O Methodius. * You prevailed against evil plots, * becoming a martyred priest in your blood for the faith. * As you stand before Christ, pray for our salvation.
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!