October 17
The holy prophet Hosea, who not only by his words but also by his manner of life showed the unfaithful people of Israel that the Lord was an ever-faithful Spouse, moved by limitless mercy.
The holy venerable martyr Andrew of Crete was a priest who defended the cult of the holy icons with great vigor during the persecution under the emperor Copronymos. He attacked the emperor publicly in the church, saying “You would do better, O King, to look to the work of the army and the governing of the people, than to the persecuting of Christ and his servants.” He was attacked by a man with an ax and killed. (767)
At Vespers
music (samohlasen)
There are six stichera at "O Lord, I have cried": three for the the prophet, and three for the venerable martyr.
Tone 1, special melody Prechvalnyj mučenicy. He who proceeds from the Father, the Holy Spirit, * through your mouth set the future coming of Christ in these last times, * to renew the creation. * We who now see your predictions fulfilled, * glorify your memory, O divine prophet.
Our nature was once prostituted in spirit, * far from you, O Lover of us all. * You espoused it, to save us from dishonor, * as you united it to yourself * in an ineffable and indissoluble manner. * Your prophet, a symbol of this union, * took to wife a prostitute long ago, * and he made her pass from adultery to chastity.
O inspired prophet, * who now see your prediction fulfilled by grace, * intercede before the God of all * for all those who celebrate your memory with faith. * Ask for them the remission of sins, peace and amendment of life.
Tone 4, special melody Jako dobl'a. Attached to the Lord from your youth, * you ran your race to a good end. Armed with the cross, O blessed one, * you put your hand to the plow of the commandments of the Lord, as it is written. * Entreat him to save from danger and all evil * the faithful who celebrate your holy memory.
Having become a precious stone by faith, * you were not broken by blows, O blessed one. * Rolled over in the ground, * you made straight the way of faith * by which the journey becomes easy. * You overthrew, like a rotted support, the insignificant renown of the sinful emperor.
Nourished by the teachings * of the Apostles and Fathers, O blessed one, * you venerated the visible features of the incarnate God * portrayed by the sacred symbols * and holy icons representing him. * You struggled for his sake, O holy Andrew, * and showed yourself to be truly a master of piety * and treasure of the martyrs.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
The troparia:
Troparion of the prophet, Tone 2. As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Hosea, O Lord, * we implore you to save our souls through his prayers.
Glory – Troparion of the venerable martyr, Tone 4. On the mountain you reached the summit by fasting. * You destroyed the protection of the foe by the arms of the cross. * You robed yourself bravely in martyrdom, * cutting Copronymos down with the sword of faith. * This is why God crowned you, O memorable Andrew, * O venerable and truly blessed martyr.
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. As we celebrate the memory of your prophet Hosea, O Lord, * we implore you to save our souls through his prayers.
Troparion of the venerable martyr, Tone 4. On the mountain you reached the summit by fasting. * You destroyed the protection of the foe by the arms of the cross. * You robed yourself bravely in martyrdom, * cutting Copronymos down with the sword of faith. * This is why God crowned you, O memorable Andrew, * O venerable and truly blessed martyr.
Glory – Kontakion of the prophet, Tone 2. With sure step you followed the commands of your Lord, * and you were filled with the Holy Spirit, O prophet Hosea. * You received the gift of prophecy, * and you spoke daringly to Israel who anxiously sought the coming of the Christ. * You converted those who strayed from the path of justice, * and you set them on the road to the heavenly Jerusalem. * Now you stand within that city and implore the Lord. * Pray unceasingly for all of us.
Now and ever – Kontakion of the venerable martyr, Tone 3. The capitol city keeps your memory today, * inviting every city and region to join the feast. * It is proud to possess your martyred body. * O Andrew, you are a light of true faith.
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!