October 19
The holy prophet Joel, who announced the great day of the Lord and the mysterious pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh, which the divine majesty in Christ deemed fit to fulfill marvelously on the day of Pentecost.
The holy martyr Varus in Egypt. He was a soldier, who, under Maximianus the emperor, visited and refreshed six holy hermits held in a prison. When a seventh died in the wilderness, Varus wished to take his place and suffered most cruel torments with them. (307)
Our venerable father John of Rila was born in Skrino, at the time of the emperor Boris, to poor but worthy parents. After their death, he became a monk and lived in a high mountain cave for a while, and then lived in a hollow tree on the mountain of Rila in Bulgaria. Eventually he came to be known among men as one who worked wonders. Many who were seeking the spiritual life came to settle near John, and a church and monastery were built there. John died at the age of seventy, and his relics are preserved at the monastery at Rila. (946)
At Vespers
There are six stichera at "O Lord, I have cried": three for the the prophet, and three for the martyr.
Tone 8, special melody O preslavnaho čudese. Just as the prophet Joel announced the Spirit, * receiving inspiration from him, * so has the Spirit of God been poured forth over us the faithful, * to reveal the manifestation of divine mysteries: * behold, those who have received Power from on high now prophesy, * enlightened by the splendor and grace of God.
Filled with the word of God, * the wondrous Joel, that spring flowing from the house of the Lord, * refreshes our souls and distills the sweetness which restores peace to our hearts, * in the elevation of his spirit, * transported by virtue to the heights of God.
By your prophetic power, O Joel, * and the intimacy of your spirit with God, * through which you contemplate what is seen in heaven, * make the Lord favorable to us * who celebrate your memory with faith. * Obtain for us the remission of our sins, * communion in divine joy and great mercy.
Tone 6, special melody Vsju otloživše. Having seen the exploits of the victorious martyrs, * O Varus, you were filled with courage * and hastened without fear of death * or of the punishments awaiting you, * to the arena to confess Christ who was made man for us. * Cruelly torn by blows, * you exult in the perfection of your spirit * at the sight of the glory awaiting those * who love God with their whole hearts.
You beheld the destruction of your own flesh and blood, * O courageous martyr, * and you endured it as though it were someone else who were suffering. * Fastened to the tree, you patiently withstood being torn apart by the impious. * You commended your spirit into the hands of God, * amazing those who saw you by your unyielding fidelity. * Thus we venerate you for your sublime deeds, * for your overcame the tyrant by your pains.
After having embalmed you with spices, * the wonderful Cleopatra buried you * and build a church to celebrate your feast, * and prayed to you, O Varus. * You enrolled her son in the armies of heaven, * thus covering him with glory and joining him to the choir of saints. * Permit us to enjoy the same lot, * we the faithful who now keep your feast, O illustrious martyr.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
The troparia:
Troparion of the prophet, Tone 2. You knew beforehand the appearance of God in the flesh, * and the descent of the Holy Spirit. * You announced the impending judgment, O prophet Joel. * By your prayers, save from sorrow those who venerate you.
Glory – Troparion of the martyr, Tone 4. You saw the army of martyrs suffer according to the Law, * and displaying your might you sought to endure it as well. * You longed to die for Christ, * and you received the martyr's victory from him, O Varus. * Therefore, pray to him for the salvation of our souls.
Now and ever – Theotokion in the same tone, from the day of the week
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the October Menaion
Troparion of the prophet, Tone 2. You knew beforehand the appearance of God in the flesh, * and the descent of the Holy Spirit. * You announced the impending judgment, O prophet Joel. * By your prayers, save from sorrow those who venerate you.
Troparion of the martyr, Tone 4. You saw the army of martyrs suffer according to the Law, * and displaying your might you sought to endure it as well. * You longed to die for Christ, * and you received the martyr's victory from him, O Varus. * Therefore, pray to him for the salvation of our souls.
Glory – Kontakion of the prophet, Tone 2. O prophet, while preaching God you were filled with comforting inspiration. * You manifested the light of the nations long before he came. * For this we praise you in faith and keep your sacred memory. * We ask you to beg Christ our God to save our souls.
Now and ever – Kontakion of the martyr, Tone 4. O Varus, you drank from the chalice of Christ, * and you followed in his footsteps. * You were adorned with the laurels of martyrs and your voice is heard in the angelic choir. * Pray unceasingly for our souls.
Prokeimenon, Tone 4 (Ps. 109:4,1).
You are a priest forever * according to the order of Melchizedek.
V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand * till I make your enemies your footstool.
Epistle: (of the day)
Alleluia, Tone 5 (Ps. 98:6, 96:11). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel was among those who called upon his name.
V. Light dawns for the just, and gladness for the upright of heart.
Gospel: (of the day)
Communion Hymn (Ps. 111:6,7). The just man will be remembered forever; evil news he will not fear. Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!