July 6
Our venerable father Sisoes the Great, hermit in Egypt, who was very remarkable in the exercise of the monastic life. Many of his “words” are recorded in the Apothegmata Patrum. A brother once told him that he could not hold the wise sayings in his head and quote them to others. Sisoes replied, “It is not necessary. That which is necessary is to acquire purity of mind and to speak from this purity, placing one’s hope in God.” (c. 429)
At Vespers
At "O Lord, I have cried": three stichera from the Octoechos, and three for the venerable father.
Tone 4, special melody Dal jesi znamenie. Your festive memorial has dawned * radiant as the sun, O blessed and venerable father Sisoes. * Shining with the rays of your virtuous deeds and miracles, * it enlightens the souls of believers with its brightness. * On this feast we joyfully glorify you as the pride of monks, * and we call you blessed.
Living like an angel on earth, * O blessed father Sisoes, * you consumed your body through vigils and fasts. * Always keeping death in mind, * you were ceaselessly rapt in the contemplation of God, * lifting yourself up to him * in order to obtain the object of your desires, * and you have reached the heights of perfection.
At your death, * there occurred a wonder surpassing all understanding: * the assembly of saints drew near in great numbers; * your face grew radiant as the rising sun, * showing the splendor of your sou and its purity, * confirming in the sight of all * the blessed end which you had attained.
Glory – Tone 6. We honor you as the instructor of a multitude of monks, * O Sisoes our father, * for, following your steps, * we have truly learned how to walk the straight path. * Blest are you, who labored for Christ * and denounced the power of the enemy, * O conversor with angels * and companion of the venerable and the righteous. * With them, then, now entreat the Lord * that he have mercy on our souls. (various translations)
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
Troparion, Tone 1. You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Sisoes, the bearer of God. * You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. * Through prayers, fasts, and vigils, * you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick * and to sanctify the souls of those who came 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!
Or:
Troparion, Tone 2. Dying by an abstinence to carnal passions, you were crucified to the world, * cutting yourself off from all lust, you showed yourself to be an angel, a earthly and heavenly man: * therefore, we praise you as a guide for monks, O Sisoes our father, * and we ask: pray to Christ God to save our souls.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the July Menaion
Troparion, Tone 1. You made the wilderness your dwelling, O father Sisoes, the bearer of God. * You became an angel in the flesh and a wonderworker. * Through prayers, fasts, and vigils, * you obtained from God special graces to heal the sick * and to sanctify the souls of those who came 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 6. You appeared on earth as an angel in the flesh, O venerable Sisoes, * and you enlightened the faithful with your divine miracles. * Therefore, we glorify you in faith.
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!