Menaion

November 11

The holy martyrs Menas, Victor, and Vincent. Menas was a soldier from Egypt, who could not bear to look upon the food offering made in sacrifice to idols. Because of this, he left the army and went into the desert to live with wild beasts. Menas was arrested by a pagan governor and tortured and martyred with his companions Victor and Vincent. (304)

The holy martyr Stephanis volunteered to die with Vincent. (304)

Our venerable father and confessor Theodore the Studite was hegumen of that monastery in Constantinople who suffered greatly for his defense of the cult of the holy icons. He was a wise organizer of monastic life, an inspired teacher of the Orthodox faith, and a great ascetic. He died in Constantinople at the age of 68. (826)

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

At "O Lord, I have cried": three stichera for the holy martyrs, and three for the venerable father.

Tone 4, special melody Jako dobl'a. Pierced by countless cuts, struck with a lash * and burned by fire over your whole body, * you did not deny the saving name of Christ, * nor yield to the blandishments, nor sacrifice to the idols. * But, becoming a pure and perfect sacrifice * by your martyrdom, O Menas, * you offered yourself * as a victim to the Lord.

A cruel judge ordered you blinded * and hung on a tree, * then burned your whole body with flames, * cut off your limbs and beheaded you. * But in joy, O athlete of the Savior, illustrious Victor, * you were victorious over the Enemy * with the aid of the Spirit.

O Stephanis, the Lord has crowned you * with a crown of grace as a martyr of many struggles; * for you courageously handed yourself over to torments * and were torn apart, tied to two palm trees.

Tone 8, special melody O preslavnoho čudese.  In keeping with the name you bore, O Theodore, * you received gifts from Heaven * surpassing all understanding, * then shared them with your friends. * After multiplying the talent given you by the Lord, * you heard his divine voice calling you to the joy of the heavenly banquet. * You now share forever in glory * before the throne of Christ, the King of All.

O excellent Father, you led a whole multitude of monks to Christ. * In becoming the cause of their salvation, * you imitated the Savior. * You shone by your teachings: * in you, souls have found their protector; * and, by your prophecies, you were the mouthpiece of the Lord. * Forever in his presence, * now intercede before him and be mindful of us all.

The grace of the Spirit was clearly poured out * on your lips in abundance, O divine preacher, * and caused streams of teachings to flow forth, * O Theodore, champion of the Faith, * unshakable pillar supporting Orthodoxy, * energetic defender of the truth, * exact rule for the monastic life, O blessed father!

Glory – Tone 6.   Once again the yearly festival of those lights of the universe, * Menas, Victor and Vincent, * has shone upon the hearts of believers, * enlightened by the struggles they waged for love of Christ * as they took up their cross. * Thus we wish to praise Christ our God * who has crowned them with glory and honor.

Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion

The aposticha are from the Octoechos. Then, for the holy martyrs:

V. Many are the trials of the just, but from them all the Lord will rescue them.

Tone 2. Come, you who love the martyrs, let us honor the triply-radiant chorus of martyrs: Menas, Victor, and Vincent, for they paid with blood and purchased life eternal. Therefore, they spoke out against the author of evil: We shall not prefer corruptible things to incorruptible; we shall not do battle for an earthly and mortal king; but we shall fight for the living King who cries always to the faithful: whoever believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall live.

Glory – Tone 6.  O venerable father, * the whole world is filled with the fame of your holy deeds; * through them, you have received the recompense of your labors in heaven. * You destroyed hordes of demons * and have been united to the holy angels, * whose pure lives you imitated. * By your boldness with Christ our God, ask peace for our souls.

Troparion, Tone 4.  O Lord and Master, you have made those martyrs who shared in your passion * ornaments of glory for the world. * Therefore, we have in them an invincible advocate.

Glory – Troparion, Tone 8. Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, * luminary for the world, * inspired adornments of monks [or bishops], * O wise Thedore, Harp of the Spirit, * you enlightened all by your teachings; * intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

At the Divine Liturgy

music - see the November Menaion

Troparion, Tone 4.  O Lord and Master, you have made those martyrs who shared in your passion * ornaments of glory for the world. * Therefore, we have in them an invincible advocate.

Troparion, Tone 8. Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, * luminary for the world, * inspired adornments of monks [or bishops], * O wise Thedore, Harp of the Spirit, * you enlightened all by your teachings; * intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4.   Christ our God summoned you from an earthly army, * and enlisted you in the army of heaven, O martyr Menas. * You have been given the untarnishing crown of the martyrs.

Now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 2.   You surrounded yourself with every ascetic practice * in order to protect your angelic life. * With the grace of God you became like the angels. * Together with them, O Theodore, * never cease to interceded with Christ our God for the sake of all of us,

Prokeimenon, Tone 4 (Ps. 15:3,8). To all the saints in his land, * the Lord has shown all the wonders of is will.
V. I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

Epistle:  Ephesians 6:10-17

Alleluia, Tone 4 (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: Matthew 10:32-33, 10:37-38, 19:27-30

Communion Hymn (Ps. 32:1). Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous ones; praise from the upright is fitting. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!