June 28
The translation of the relics of the holy unmercenary physicians Cyrus and John (cf January 31). On this date in 412, their relics were translated from Canopus to Menuthis in Egypt by the patriarch, St. Cyril of Alexandria.
The translation of the relics of the holy priest-martyr Theodore Romzha. Born in Veliky Bychkiv in Carpatho-Russia in 1911, he came from a poor family and exhibited a vocation to the priesthood. Sent to Rome for studies, he was ordained in 1937 and sent to the country parish of Berzovo. In 1939, he was called to the seminary at Uzhhorod and taught there until 1944. In 1944, despite his youth, he was ordained bishop for the Mukachevo Eparchy. During the Soviet Army’s occupation of Carpatho-Russia, he was tireless in his care for his flock and in his defense of the rights of the Byzantine Catholic Church. On October 27, 1947, he was severely wounded in a staged accident. He was taken to the hospital in Mukachevo, where he was subsequently poisoned, and died. (1947) His primary feast is kept on November 1, the day of his death. On June 28 2003, Blessed Theodore's relics were solemnly transferred to the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross in Uzhorod, Ukraine. This was chosen by the Church as to be Blessed Theodore's secondary feast.
Final day of the Apostles' Fast.
At Vespers
There are six stichera at "O Lord, I have cried". (At weekday Vespers, each is sung twice.)
Tone 4, special melody Jako doblja. With our hymns let us honor * the two martyrs radiant with the light of the Holy Trinity; * they are the foundations of our Faith, * those flowers which exude the true perfume of the knowledge of God, * Cyrus and John. * They constantly intercede for us before Christ our God.
Having first shone through asceticism* and the holiness of your life, O wondrous Cyrus, * you ended your life, adorning your soul * by fighting the good fight as a martyr. * And you, O holy John, left the army of an earthly king * in orders to enroll in the heavenly hosts. * Entreat the Lord, O blessed ones, * on behalf of those who celebrate your memory.
You have shown yourselves to be * physicians for our maladies, O blessed ones; * because of your faith in God, like never-setting stars, * you received the crowns of victors from him, * O companions of the martyrs. * O Cyrus and John, renowned wonder-workers, * constantly intercede for us all * in the presence of the Savior.
Glory – Tone 8. Two martyrs have shown forth upon us today, * healing the pains of our souls: * Cyrus and John, the wonder-workers. * The one, embracing the angelic life and living it to the end, * united himself to Christ by the blood of martyrdom; * and the other, shining forth among the military ranks, * is now enrolled in the armies of heaven. * Therefore, praying for our souls, the impart healing * to those who with faith celebrate their memory.
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos, concluding with:
Glory – Tone 2. Come, all you faithful, and let us crown with hymns Cyrus and John today. * They are soldiers of grace and most generous fulfillers of petitions; * for in many ways they have been shown to all as most splendid healers. * Therefore, they pray for our souls.
Troparion, Tone 5. O Christ God, through the wonders of your holy martyrs, * you have given us an invincible rampart. * By their prayers disperse the council of unbelievers; * strengthen the rule of your kingdom, * for you alone are good and love us all.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the June Menaion
Troparion, Tone 5. O Christ God, through the wonders of your holy martyrs, * you have given us an invincible rampart. * By their prayers disperse the council of unbelievers; * strengthen the rule of your kingdom, * for you alone are good and love us all.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 3. After receiving the divine gift of healing, O holy ones, * you incessantly work wonders in the world, * and remove all our sufferings invisibly by the arts of your hands. * O Cyrus, filled with God's wisdom, and O glorious John, * you are truly divine healers.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4 (Ps. 15:3,8).
To all the saints in his land, * the Lord has shown all the wonders of his will.
V. I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Epistle: (of the day)
Alleluia, Tone 2 (Ps. 132:1,3). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Behold, how good and how pleasant when brothers dwell in unity.
V. For there the Lord has commanded the blessing: life forever.
Gospel: (of the day)
Communion Hymn (Ps. 32:1).
Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is fitting. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!