Menaion

March 21

Our venerable father and confessor James, bishop of Catania, who died in the Iconoclastic persecutions. (8th century)

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

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

Tone 4, special melody Dal jesi znamenie.  You desired a good reputation * which is eternal and does not pass away. * You disdained glory * which is temporary and perishable. * You followed after the Lord who was crucified * and brought your flesh into submission by fasting. * Therefore we celebrate your memory, O James.

You were crucified * to the world and the passions, O father James, * preserving your soul undivided and pure, * untainted by base habits * and taking wing to the heavens in mystic visions. * You lived your life as a true friend of Christ * and his faithful favored son, * O venerable father.

O ever-memorable father, * you were revealed to be innocent, guileless, * merciful and full of brotherly love, * of humble mind and meek, full of love, * adorned with almsgiving and prayer, gifted with patience, * filled with faith and hope, * and shining with holy and divine glory.

Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion

Troparion, Tone 8. Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, * luminary for the world, * inspired adornments of monks [or bishops], * O wise James, 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 March Menaion

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

Glory, now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 4.  By mortifying your body, O blessed James, * you abandoned the world and followed Christ. * You were given the anointing of the priesthood * and have been admitted to angelic choirs. * Now pray to Christ our God * for all of us who bless you.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 149:5,1). Let the faithful rejoice in glory, * shout for joy, and take their rest.
V. Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

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