Menaion

February 29

Our venerable father Cassian, at Massilia in the province of Gaul, priest. He founded two monasteries, one for men and one for women. Long an expert in monastic customs, he wrote “On the Cenobitic Institutions” and the “Conferences of the Fathers” for the edification of monks. (c.453)

When February has 28 days, the service to Cassian is sung at Compline on February 28.

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

At "O Lord, I have cried", there are three stichera for the venerable father.

Tone 6, special melody Vsju otloživše.  You wisely perceived transitory deception, O all-glorious one, * and even after your departure from here to the Lord * you hindered those who demanded to have it, * though it is in no way abiding this fleeting and temporal life * and social order. * Therefore, as a wise overseer, * you have passed over to a better life, * having pleased Christ, O Cassian, by your life and works.

Taking up your cross in childhood, O glorious father, * you quickly trod the path which is hard and narrow, * yet of surpassing honor, * submitting to the commandments of him who called you. * Therefore, for your labors * you have obtained as twofold recompense and fitting reward: * the heavenly kingdom of Christ and a place to dance in the light * with all the saints, O Cassian. * With them unceasingly pray in behalf of our souls.

Every virtue was a thing of wonder, * O divinely wise one, * with which, at first on earth in the flesh, * you watchfully observed silence, O venerable one, * and later spoke in words and material things, * being humble, meek and innocent, a prophetic and goodly herald. * And now, when you have hastened to God, * you have marveled all the more, * and have received the grace of healing.

Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion

The aposticha are from the Octoechos.

Troparion,  Tone 8. In you, O father, the divine image was strictly preserved; * taking up your cross, you followed Christ. * You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, * and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. * Therefore, O venerable Cassian, * your souls rejoices with the angels.

At the Divine Liturgy

music - see the February Menaion

Troparion,  Tone 8. In you, O father, the divine image was strictly preserved; * taking up your cross, you followed Christ. * You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, * and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. * Therefore, O venerable Cassian, * your souls rejoices with the angels.

Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4.  Being a pious man, you relied on God. * Illumined with good teachings, you let us share the light. * We venerate you and ask you * to implore Christ for all of us.

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!