Services to the Holy
and God-bearing Hierarch, Saint John Maximovitch Wonderworker of Shanghai and Western America
Small Vespers
On Lord, I have cried. 4 stichera are Sung, to the
special melody: Rejoicing of the heavenly hierarchies.
O lover of the saints of God, Thou didst while on earth
speak to them as to Thy friends, and now Thou dost reside with them eternally,
praying for those still earthbound, that we lifted be lifted with Thee in the
silent ships of paradise, upon the sea of eternity.
O lover of the Cross of Christ, Thou didst see Thy Maker
stretching His hands upon the Tree to embrace all mankind, and Thou wast
received by Him, crucifying thyself to the world and ascending with Him to
heaven.
Thou! O Hierarch John, wast a convicter of godlessness, a
champion of Orthodoxy, a teacher of Truth who didst answer to God alone, Pray
to Him that He may grant to us such great strength and steadfastness.
Glory: Tone 8.
From Abel unto the blood of Zacharias and unto today, the
world hath sought to destroy its prophets, But Thou, O saint, didst endure Thy
persecution in the spirit of meekness and faith, emulating Christ and thereby
purifying Thy soul to be received by Him.
Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone.
O Most Holy Virgin Whose care and love for mankind was sow
gloriously revealed in the life of the blessed John, keep us sinners also under
Thy protection.
Aposticha, Tone 2, to the special melody: When from the
tree
Christ brought the bread of Life by which men would never
die, and they in their foolishness wanted only their stomachs filled; yet Thou,
O John, didst deprive thyself of earthly comfort, and didst never hunger again.
Verse: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Watch and pray, Christ said to His disciples; and Thou, O
John, didst cease not to follow this injunction, praying ever in the silent
depths of Thy spirit, ever burning with love for God, finding true rest not on
a soft bed but under the yoke of Christ.
Verse: What shall I render unto the Lord for all His
benefits toward me?
Great wonders shall ye do in My Name, Christ did promise His
apostles; and Thou, O new apostle, Hierarch John, wast another means by which
this promise was fulfilled. Like Peter Thou didst heal the infirm, and like
Paul Thou didst bring multitudes to salvation.
Glory: Tone 6.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but Christ's words shall
ever prevail. Thou, O blessed John, didst preach and live these words, thereby
sharing in their eternal nature and in their immutability. dwelling with Christ
the Victor forever.
Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone
O Mother of God, Thou art the true vine that hath brought
forth for us the fruit of life. To Thee we pray: pray, O sovereign Lady, with
the apostles and all the Saints, that there may be mercy on our souls.
Troparion. Tone 6.
Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief,
invested with the grace-filled power of the saints of old, divinely-illumined
seer of heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, Thou didst
enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of
judgment; pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.
Glory. Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone.
He who called Thee Mother and blessed went up of His own will
to suffer, and wishing to search out Adam, He made light shine with the Cross,
saying unto the angels: Rejoice with Me, for l have found the lost piece of
silver. Glory unto Thee, O God, Who hast ordered all things wisely.
Another Troparion, Tone 5 Like a spiritual daystar in
heaven's firmament, Thou didst encompass the whole world and didst enlighten
men's souls. Hence, Thy name is glorified in the East and West, for Thou
shonest with the grace of the Sun of Righteousness, O John, our beloved shepherd.
Wherefore, cease not to entreat Christ, that He may have mercy on our souls.
Litany, and Dismissal.
GREAT VESPERS
We sing Blessed is the man,
the first antiphon.
On Lord, I have cried,
8 stichera are sung.
Tone 6, to the special melody: Having
set all your hope.
Who can say that the grace-filled power of the first
apostles has left the earth, who can claim that the sanctity of the ancient
ascetics is seen no more? For Thou, O Lord, hast now raised up a new and
glorious apostle, a new ascetic who hath overcome the enemy's attacks and hath
won the heavenly crown of victory.
Rejoice now, O Russian people, for from you a fiery pillar
hath risen to heaven, where before the throne of God doth pray your new
intercessor, a teacher of the Gospel to distant lands a pastor to all peoples,
the holy Hierarch John.
Rejoice, O peoples of Serbia, China and the Philippines, and
ye of Africa, France, Holland and America, for among you walked a living bearer
of God, a saint enlightened by grace and touched by divinity, a visionary who
beheld the realm outside of space and time, where he now doth pray for you.
Other Stichera, Tone 3.
Behold the strange wisdom of God, how the great and
beautiful was manifested in a vessel small and unadorned, how the Creator's
Mind was revealed to one whom the world considered mad: Behold, ye faithful,
the life of John and know ye the ways of God.
Behold the world turned upside down, behold the wise and
prudent put to shame, and all the secret and hidden things revealed to babes,
to the guileless and childlike in faith, to those who believe in simplicity and
warmth of heart, to the ever-memorable John.
What labors didst Thou not perform. O saint, what suffering
didst Thou not endure for Christ's sake. Thou didst not withhold the love for
God that was ever burning within Thee, but didst spread it to the ends of the
world, enkindling the flame that ascends to the kingdom above.
The Lord did not light this candle to be put under a bushel,
but to be placed on a candlestick, from where it doth enlighten the world with
grace; wherefore, we do honor His servant, our blessed Hierarch John.
O worker of countless miracles, feeder of the hungry, healer
of the infirm, protector of orphans, teacher of theology, Thou who didst occupy
thyself in constant prayer, Thou who didst take on the garments of a fool to be
clothed in the wisdom of God, Thou who didst penetrate the hearts and minds of
men, Thou who didst see the future as if present: how abundant were the fruits
Thou didst bring forth for Thy Creator! Pray that we also may not be found with
our hands empty at the day of judgment.
Glory: Tone 6.
Before Thy precious relics, O holy Father, the faithful
stand with reverence and awe, Thy loved ones cease not to speak to you, those
who hurt you beg forgiveness, sinners are moved to repentance, those who sorrow
are renewed with hope, the cold-hearted are warmed with love, those who stand
at the abyss are drawn back by Thy gentle hand, those who are dying are given
the breath of everlasting life, eyes which are closed in darkness are opened to
the light of Christ, deafened ears are made to hear the voice of angels: O new
apostle, pray that the Lord's grace may be sent even to us.
Both now: Dogmatic Theotokion, in the same Tone.
Who will not glorify Thee, O Most Holy Virgin; who will not
hymn Thy most pure giving of birth; the Only-begotten Son, who hath shown forth
from the Father before the ages, hath come also from Thee, O Pure One,
unutterably incarnate, being in nature God, and having become in nature man for
our sake not divided in two persons, but made known in two Natures without
fusion, to Him pray, O pure and All-blessed One, that there may be mercy on Our
souls.
Entrance. Prokeimenon of the day .
The Reading
from the Book of Proverbs (10:7, 6: 3:13-16, etc.):
The memory of the righteous man calleth forth for praises,
and the blessing of the Lord is upon his head. Blessed is the man that findeth
wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is
better than the merchandise of silver. and the gain thereof than fine gold. She
is more precious than costly stones everything that is honored cannot be
compared unto her. Length of days and years of life are in her right hand: and
in her left hand riches and honor. Out of her mouth truth proceedeth, and law
and mercy she carrieth on her tongue. Hear me, then, O children, for 1 will
speak of excellent things; and happy is the man that will keep unto my ways,
for my paths are the paths of life, and the desire is fashioned of the Lord.
Wherefore I entreat you and put forth my voice before the sons of men, for with
wisdom I set up everything; I have called forth counsel, understanding and
knowledge. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom, mine is understanding and strength
is mine. I love them that love me; and those that seek me shall find grace.
Understand, then, O ye simple, the cunning, and ye uninstructed -- direct your
hearts unto it. Hearken unto me again, for I will speak of honorable things,
and the opening of my mouth shall be of right things, for my mouth shall speak
truth and wickedness is an abomination to my lips All the words of my mouth are
of righteousness; there is nothing forward or perverse in them. They are all
plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. For I
will teach you the truth, so that your hope may be in the Lord and ye may be
with the Spirit. The Reading
from the Wisdom of Solomon (6: 12-16. etc.). The mouth of the righteous man
bringeth forth wisdom and the lips Of the wise man know grace. The mouth of the
wise man teacheth wisdom. and the truth delivereth from death. If a righteous
man happeneth to die, hope is not lost. for the Son of a righteous man is born
unto life, and in his good things doth he acquire the fruit of righteousness.
There is ever light unto the righteous and they obtain both grace and glory of
the Lord; the tongue of the wise acknowledgeth the good, and in their hearts
resteth wisdom. The Lord loveth the hearts of the righteous, and acceptable
unto Him are all undefiled in the way. l he wisdom of the Lord doth illumine
the countenances of the wise. she preventeth them that desire her, in making
herself first known unto them. she is easily seen of them that seek her.
Whosoever seeketh her early shall have no great travail; and whosoever watcheth
for her shall quickly be without care. For she goeth about seeking such as are
worthy of her, showing herself favorably unto them in the ways, and meeteth
them in every thought. Vice shall never prevail against wisdom, Wherefore I was
a lover of her beauty; I loved her, and sought her out from my youth. I desired
to make her my spouse, yea, the Lord of all things Himself loved her. For she
is privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God and a lover of His works. Her
labors are virtues, for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and
fortitude; and which are such things, as men can have nothing more profitable
in their life. If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and
conjectureth aright what is to come. She knoweth the subtleties of speeches and
can expound dark sentences; she forseeth signs and wonders, and the events of
seasons and times; unto all she is a counselor of good things, since there is
immortality in her, and she is a comfort in cares and grief. Wherefore I prayed
unto the Lord, and besought Him, and with my whole heart I said: O God of my
fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with Thy word, and
fashioned man in Thy wisdom that he should have dominion over the creatures which
Thou hast made, ordered the world according to equity and righteousness! Give
me wisdom that sitteth by Thy throne, and reject me not from among, Thy
children for I arm Thy servant and the son of Thine handmaid O send her out of
Thy holy heavens, and from the throne of Thy glory, that being present she may
labor with me, that I may know what is pleasing unto Thee. And she shall lead
me soberly in my doings and preserve me in her glory. For the thoughts of
mortal men are miserable, and our devices are but uncertain.
The Reading
from the Wisdom of Solomon (4:10-12; 6:21; 7:15-17; 22,26,29; 2:1, 10-17,
19-22)
When the righteous man is praised the people rejoice, for
his memory is undying, since he is acknowledged both of God and man, and his
soul pleased the Lord. Love, therefore, O ye men, wisdom, and ye shall live;
desire her and you shall be instructed, for the very beginning of her is love
and the keeping of the law. Honor wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore. l
will tell you and will not hide God's mysteries from you, for He it is that
leadeth unto wisdom and directeth the wise; in His hands is all wisdom and
knowledge of workmanship; and wisdom, which is the worker of all things, will
teach you all, for in her is a spirit understanding and holy, brightness of
everlasting, light, and image of the goodness of God. She maketh people friends
of God and prophets, she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all order of
stars; being compared with the light, she is found before it. she hath freed
from diseases those that pleased her, and hath set them in the right paths; she
hath given unto them understanding to keep in holiness, saved them from those
lying in wait, and granted them strength of power, so that all may understand
that the most powerful of all is piety, and that vice shall never prevail
against wisdom, nor shall judgment pass away without convicting the evil. But
the ungodly, reasoning with themselves not aright, said: let us oppress the
righteous man, let us not spare the widow, neither need we be ashamed of the
ancient gray hairs of the aged. Let our strength be the law, and let us lie in
wait for the righteous. because he is not off our turn, and he is clean
contrary to our doings; he upbraideth us with our offending the law and
objecteth to our infamy the transgresslngs of our education; he professeth to
have the knowledge of God, and he calleth himself the child of the Lord. He was
made to reprove our thoughts; he is grievous to us even to behold, for his life
is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion; we are esteemed of
him as counterfeits, he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness, he
pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed. Let us see if his words be true
let us prove what shall happen in the end of him. Let us examine him with
despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness and prove his
patience; let us condemn him unto a shameful death, for by his own saying he
shall be respected. Such things did they imagine and were deceived, for their
own wickedness hath blinded them. As for the mysteries of (Sod, they knew them
not, neither did they discern that Thou art the Only God that hast the power of
life and death, that savest in the time of tribulation and deliverest from
every evil. that Thou art compassionate and merciful, granting to the just Thy
grace, and setting Thy might against the haughty.
At the Lity: Sticheron of the Temple. And of the Saint. Tone 2
Heavenly apostle of Christ, Thou didst ever set Thine
affection on things above, Thy mind being sent aloft and estranged from things
below; Thou didst ascend in prayer unto realms infinite and beyond
understanding, for which we do yearn with hope. Glory: in the same Tone.
Seeking neither glory nor power from men, Thou, O blessed one, didst exalt the
weak with the strength and majesty of God, Thou didst make the pour rich with
the incorruptible treasures of virtue, Thou didst bring Thy fatherless orphans
to the Father above all worlds, and didst receive a resplendent crown of glory.
Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone.
Darkened by the stains of sins, we seek Thine aid O Most
Pure Mother of God. Wash us clean by Thy prayers, that we may be a fit
habitation of grace.
Aposticha, Tone 5. To the special melody: Rejoice,
Life-giving Cross.
In triumph didst Thou enter God's Kingdom O blessed John,
having denied thyself on earth according to the Lord's word, and having loved
the Lord more than Thine own breath; and Thy surpassing love was requited with
the surpassing gifts of heaven.
Verse: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of
His saints.
Armed with vigilance and vigor of prayer, Thou didst pass
through the traps of earthly desire and the snares of pleasure! and didst
escape the assaults of demons; wherefore, Thou didst gain the house not made with
hands: the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Thee.
Verse: What shall I render unto the Lord for all His
benefits toward me?
Thy mind set free from the disturbance of unquiet and vain
thoughts, Thou didst behold as in a mirror the good things of eternity, abiding
in the peace of Christ and passing from death unto everlasting life.
Glory: Tone 6
Keeping within Thy heart the word of God like a paradise,
Thou didst ever enjoy its grace: holding it fast, Thou wast held fast, and
guarding it Thou wast guarded. By the Truth Thou wast sanctified, for the
Lord's word is Truth.
Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone.
My Creator and Redeemer, O Most Pure One, Christ the Lord,
having come forth from Thy womb and become clothed in flesh like mine, hath
delivered Adam from the primal curse. Wherefore, to Thee. O Most Pure One, as
Mother of God and Virgin, we cry out ceaselessly in truth: Rejoice like the
angels rejoice. O Sovereign Lady, intercession and protection and salvation of
our souls.
Troparion, Tone 6.
Glorious apostle to an age of coldness and unbelief invested
with the grace-filled power of the saints of old divinely-illumined seer of
heavenly mysteries, feeder of orphans, hope of the hopeless, Thou didst
enkindle on earth the fire of love for Christ upon the dark eve of the day of
judgment; pray now that this sacred flame may also rise from our hearts.
Glory. Both now: Theotokion, in the same Tone.
He Who called Thee Mother and blessed went up of His own
will to suffer, and wishing to search out Adam, He made light shine with the
Cross. saying unto the angels: Rejoice with Me for I have found the lost piece
of silver. Glory unto Thee, O God, Who hast ordered all things wisely.
MATINS
On God is the Lord. Troparion to, The Saint, twice.
Glory. Both now: He Who called Thee Mother and blessed.
After the first kathisma. Sedalion. Tone 8.
Child of light, child of the day. Thou didst heed the apostle's words by not sleeping as do others. but watching with sobriety putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. Twice.
Glory. . Both now: Theotokion.
How can we worthily magnify the wonder of wonders revealed
through Thee, O Most Holy Virgin for Thou hast given birth in time to Him Who
transcendeth all time.
After the second kathisma. Sedalion. Tone 1.
The Lord, as was foretold through Thy beloved prophet Joel,
poured out His Spirit upon all flesh and showed wonders upon the earth. And
Thou, O John, wast revealed as a new wonder, becoming the Holy Spirit's chosen
vessel. which poureth forth grace upon us. Twice.
Glory, Both now: Theotokion.
How can we encompass in words the ineffable miracle of Thy
giving birth, O Mother of God, for Thou hast held within Thy womb Him Who doth
encompass all creation.
Polyeleos and Megalynarion.
We magnify Thee, our holy Hierarch John, and we honor Thy
holy memory, for Thou dost pray for us to Christ our God. Selected Psalm: Hear
this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
After the Polyeleos. Sedalion. Tone. 7.
Thou, O holy Hierarch, wast a doer of wonders, having the
gifts of healing and prophecy, knowing by grace the hidden things of God; yet
all these gifts were as naught before Thy Greatest virtue before Thy
overflowing love for God and Thy neighbor.
Glory. Both now: : Theotokion.
As hurt and weeping children run to their mother for gentle
care and consolation, so do we weak ones run to Thee, O Mother of the Most High
God. Hear our entreaty and cleanse the unclean sores of our sins.
Gradual. first antiphon of Tone 4
.
Prokeimenon. Tone 4.
My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my
heart shall be of understanding.
Verse: The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom.
Verse: The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom.
The Reading
from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew (Ch. 5:15-19)
The Lord saith unto His disciples, ye are the light of the
world. A city chat is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a
candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light
unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Think not
that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy,
but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth shall pass,
one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be
fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and
shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven.
After Psalm 50. Sticheron, Tone 6.
Not trusting in the sons of men, Thou O Hierarch John didst
heed only the commands of God inscribed on the clean tablets Thy conscience. To
God alone didst Thou answer for Thy deeds, and by Him alone wast Thou made
glorious.
Canon of the Mother of God. in 6 troparia. Tone 8: and of
Hierarch John, in 8 troparia.
CANON TO HOLY HIERARCH JOHN
Acrostic: Holy John, Wonderworker of the latter times.
Tone 2
CANTICLE 1
Irmos: in the deep of old the infinite power overwhelmed Pharoah's whole army. But the incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified.
Refrain: Holy Hierarch John, pray to
God for us.
Help me, O Christ my Lord, to praise with purity of heart Thy blessed servant John, whose life of unceasing labor and prayer Thou hast revealed to us as both a reproof and a source of inspiration for our feeble faith.
O Hierarch John, Thou art a lamp that shineth forth out of the dark apostasy of our evil times, beckoning us to follow Thee out of the nether chaos of our passions and to abide with Thee in Christ the Light that dieth not.
Love for the all-wise and all - compassionate God, the simple Unity in Trinity, did give Thee both the divine wisdom of the great Elders of ancient times and the simple guilelessness of a child, O blessed John, enabling Thee to touch countless souls with the grace bestowed upon Thee.
Young, defenseless orphans flock to Thee, the old and infirm beg consolation from Thee, and all we who have fallen into sin seek the healing balm of Thy heavenly intercession. Holy Hierarch John, saint and wonderworker in our rnidst, pray for us.
Theotokion: John Thou didst behold prostrated before Thy sacred images. praying alone in the deep hours of the night warring with sleep and keeping constant vigilance over his soul O blessed Mother of God, warm our hearts that we too may pour out such ardent love for Thee.
CANTICLE lll
Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over my enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: there is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.
O blessed one, Thou didst have as Thy ancestor a saint, whose name Thou wast given as a monk. Truly did his spirit rest upon Thee. for Thou didst become, like the great John of Tobolsk. a holy hierarch, a zealous missionary to foreign lands, and a miracle-worker even after Thy repose.
Having the heavenly saints as Thy instructors, Thou wast as a child taught the life of ascetic struggle and unconquerable faith in Christ. Preferring this learning above all other, Thou didst become an earnest student of Orthodox sanctity.
Never ceasing to nourish Thy soul with the Lives of Saints. Thou didst carefully study their every thought, word and action, thereby perceiving their otherworldly mind and spirit and acquiring these for thyself: for indeed Thou didst become like Thy instructors, a saint by whom God is glorified.
Theotokion: When a child in Kharkov, the blessed John devoutly prayed before Thine Ilyetskaya icon. O Sovereign Lady, cleanse our unclean hearts and grant us such childlike faith.
Sedalion. Tone 2
Who can I fathom the mysterious ways of sanctity. Who can
perceive the celestial beauty of Thy life enshrouded in the garments of
humility? Thou, O John. wast illumined by the Light that came into the world,
and the world knew it not. Twice.
Glory, Both now: Theotokion.
O Queen of Heaven, Thou abidest now with all the saints whom
Thou didst strengthen and console during their sojourn on earth. And behold! a
new saint is among them. the righteous John, praising Christ with Thee forever.
CANTICLE IV
Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
O holy Hierarch, Thou wast sent as a shepherd at Christ's flock to Shanghai, where Thou didst become known as a wonderworker and healer of diseases, a great ascetic who gavest no repose or comfort to the temple of Thy body, but rather sanctified it through the constant work of prayer.
Neglecting no opportunity of helping those in need, Thou didst boldly walk through the slums and dark alleys of Shanghai. gathering sick and starving orphans and providing them with Thy fatherly protection. Do Thou take us, too, under Thy care.
Deliverer of the oppressed, Thou didst see no separation between Thy good works and Thy constant prayers, for in both didst Thou serve God and raise people from the mire of suffering.
Ever following the injunctions of Christ, Thou didst feed Him when He was hungry, take Him in when He was homeless, clothe Him when He was naked, visit Him when He was sick and in prison: for in everyone didst Thou see His divine image.
Thetokion: Receive our prayers, O Mother of God, as Thou didst once receive the prayers of the blessed John while he served in the Shanghai Cathedral dedicated to Thee, the Surety of Sinners, and besought Thee to save those languishing in sin and Sorrow.
CANTICLE V
Irmos:. Thou Who art the light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the hopeless, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of peace, Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know no other God beside Thee.
When Thou didst bring Thy flock to the Philippine Islands, O Hierarch John, Thou didst show thyself to be a new Moses, leading Thy people out of bondage and always trusting in the protection of the merciful God.
O protector of those in danger and tribulation, through Thy holy prayers Thou didst deliver Thy flock on the island from certain destruction. averting the violent typhoons even as Thy Master Christ. calmed the stormy! waters of Galilee.
Revealing from East to West, from the remote corners of the world, the glory with which God doth endow His saints, Thou didst allow no earthly distance to hinder Thy heavenly ministry. Even now, from where space is effortlessly traversed by the angelic powers, come to our aid and bring our petitions before the Lord.
Theotokion: Keeping vigil on a remote island, the blessed John prayed before Thy wondrously renewed icon. O Thou Who art the Quencher of Sorrow and the relief of affliction, we run to Thy motherly protection and tell the burdens of our hearts.
CANTICLE VI
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: from corruption raise me up, O God.
Endeavoring to find refuge for Thy flock, who had no secure place whereon to lay their heads, Thou didst bring them under Thy mantle to the New World. Let us likewise find refuge in Thy prayers.
Reaching then the land wherein the ancient ascetics of Gaul attained to holiness, Thou didst once more grace it with the presence of a saint, returning the French people to the Orthodox and apostolic faith, and tirelessly laboring to ground them on the firm Rock of salvation.
Of all the saints, both of East and West, wast Thou an ardent disciple, O holy Hierarch; wherefore, in Thy travels Thou didst learn of the saints of different lands, introducing the faithful to yet more residents of the heavenly mansions, with whom Thou art now glorified.
Foretelling future events, seeing mystically within the hearts of men, hearing prayers and thoughts across great distances, Thou wast shown to be in the presence of the realm beyond earthly limitations, amazing all who had eyes to see and moving them to greater faith and devotion.
Theotokion: Thou gavest birth to Him who gave me life, O Most Pure Virgin. Let me not squander this gift by desiring that which endeth in death, but like our blessed John let me seek that fountain which springeth up into everlasting life, Thy Son Christ our God.
Kontakion
Chosen Wonderworker and superb servant of Christ, who
pourest out in the latter times, inexhaustable streams of inspiration and
multitudes of miracles. We pray thee with love and call out to thee, O holy
hierarch John, Wonderworker of the latter times.
CANTICLE VII
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order, thrown into the fire they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Having purified thyself in Thy work of prayer, O holy one, Thou wast deemed worthy to behold the ineffable light that cometh directly from God. Surrounded by the uncreated essence of Divinity, Thou wast lifted above the earth, knowing the bliss of wordless prayer, of the silence of the future age.
Elder in the tradition of the desert saints of Thy native Russia. seer of the heart and well-spring of God-revealed counsel, Thou wast sent at a time when men of Thy stature had disappeared from the face of the earth. In Thee we see precious gift from God and thus do honor Thy words of wisdom.
Leaving behind the vain wisdom of this world, Thou didst choose the foolishness of God which is wiser than men, and thus wast Thou chosen of Him to confound the prudent And mighty, bringing to naught their carnal understanding. Marveling at His ways past speech, we cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Awe and wonder are born in us as we behold Thy life, O blessed one; for Thou wast both a wise teacher of theology and a Fool for Christ's sake, a hierarch and a humble servant of the poor. Thou was a compassionate friend of all, yet was alone with God in the secret chambers of Thy spirit.
Theotokion: The blessed John did always wear Thy Optina icon upon his heart, O Most Holy Virgin: likewise let us always remember Thee in the tabernacles of our hearts, for Thou art the sacred Tabernacle which did wondrously bear God
CANTICLE VIII
Irmos: O ye work, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Thy flock of Shanghai rejoiced at they return to them in America, where Thou didst end Thy days as an unrelenting champion of Orthodoxy, experiencing sorrows from those who despised Thee for they holy life, yet meeting Thy false accusers with the meekness made invincible through Christ.
Even as Thy great ascetic preceptors did teach Thee, Thou didst know the love of God as suffering of heart endured in the spirit of devotion, and didst call out in Thine hour of trial: O ye works, praise the Lord God, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Rare are those who can go on the narrow and rugged path that Thou hast trod. O saint, for in Thy sorrows Thou didst with courage place Thy trust only in God, being tested like gold in the forge and thereby entering the celestial habitations purified in spirit.
Theotokion: To Thee, O Joy of All Who Sorrow, the ever-present recourse of the blessed John in his tribulations, we cry with faith: grant us that spiritual joy which is undiminished in adversity.
CANTICLE IX
Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from god, and who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and who ineffably took flesh from the holy virgin for our sake, him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.
In a divine manner was Thy soul's departure known beforehand to Thee, and Thou didst prepare to meet the mystical Bridegroom, Christ, to Whom Thou dost no cease to pray for us sinners.
Marveling at the death of a newly manifested saint Thy flock, did find their sorrow turned to gladness, feeling the victorious joy of Pascha and glorifying God for giving them a new intercessor in heaven.
Even after Thy blessed repose Thou dost grant instruction. healing and consolation to all who come to Thee, O blessed John. As Thou dost now give miraculous help to the blind, sick and sorrowing. so also pour the healing balm of Thy prayers on us who bear the wounds of sin.
Theotokion: Silently praying before the Kursk Icon of God's Mother, the new apostle John departed from earth to paradise. And let us, knowing not the hour of the end of our sojourn here. offer such heartfelt devotion to Her who reigns with the King of glory
Exapostilarion. To the special melody: O women, hear.
O Christ, Thou Light of the world, we fall down before Thee in thanksgiving, for Thou hast sent us another witness to Thy lights: Thy blessed servant John.
Glory. Both now: Theotokion.
Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Thou radiant cloud at which the prophet hath spoken, shine on us the light of Thy Son which hath illumined Thee, that we may no longer walk in the sunless caverns of our sins.
Lauds, 4 Stichera. Tone 1.
Holiness is not simply righteousness, for which the righteous merit the blessed Kingdom, but rather such a height of virtue that men and women are filled with the grace of God, a grace that floweth from them upon all peoples, a grace that issued from Thee, O John and doth still fall on those who in faith ask Thy prayers.
Great is the blessedness of the saints, Thou once didst say, O blessed one. Being filled with love for Thy fellow men, which proceedeth from love of God, Thou art attentive to our needs, hear then our supplications, and appear as our intercessor before the Lord.
By what unseen exploits didst Thou attain to holiness? By fasting, vigils and ceaseless prayer, by active love for Christ's flock, by unquenchable love for Christ Himself? Awesome is the mystery of sanctity hidden in the humble closet of Thy soul, where Thou didst speak with God in secret.
To the world Thou wast a fool, but to God Thou wast a wise and faithful servant, to the world Thou wast inglorious and poor but to God Thou wast a rich, majestic palace of virtue. The evil of the world brought tears to Thine eyes, but the Lord kissed them with tender love.
Glory, Tone 8
Like Christ Thy Master, O blessed John, Thou wast not of
this world, yet as His apostle Thou wast sent into the world, to lead us unto
His Kingdom,
Both now: in the same Tone.
O Lady, accept the prayer of Thy slaves, and deliver us from
every need and sorrow.
Great Doxology, Litanies and Dismissal THE LITURGY
With the Beatitudes. 8 troparia from the Saint's Canon,
Canticles 111 and IV
.
Prokeimenon, Tone 1,
My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
Verse: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world.
The Reading from the Epistle of the holy Apostle Paul in the Hebrews (Ch 7:26-8:2):
Brethren. for such a high priest became us. Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sin and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity: but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the son Who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: we have such an high priest. Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens: a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Alleluia. Tone 2: The mouth of the righteous shall mediate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgment.
Verse: The law of God is in his heart and in his steps shall he not be tripped.
The Reading of the Holy Gospel according to St. John (Ch. 10:9-16)
The Lord said, I am the door: by Me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out. and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that Thy might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also must I bring. and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Communion verse: In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.
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