Saints' Day
Martyrs Babylon of Sicily and his disciples - Timothy and Agapius (III)
The patron saints of Sililia spent most of their lives fasting and praying on a mountain in the outskirts of Rome. They came to Sicily, avoiding persecution of the pagans. The local ruler was irritated by their preaching - the saints were captured and tortured until their heads were cut off. They wanted to burn the bodies, but the fire did not touch them. Local Christians buried the saints in Sicily.
Venerable Macedonius of Syria (about 420)
He was a wanderer for twenty-five years before he began to live in a deep ditch under the open desert sky. Only in old age did he yield to the requests of many people who came to him for healing, and moved to his cell and began to eat bread instead of barley.
Venerable Xenia (in the world Eusevia) of Milas, deaconess (V)
Listen to the short life of Deaconess Ksenia on radio “Vera”
Transfer of the relics of the Venerable Martyr Anastasy of Persian (628)
The son of a magician and sorcerer, Anastasius served as a warrior for the Persian king until he heard about the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord and gradually came to faith. He was baptized in Jerusalem and entered a monastery, where he lived for 7 years. There he had a revelation about his martyrdom. In Caesarea he was mistaken for a spy, and at his trial he confessed his faith, for which he was sent to the quarries. He was then tortured and strangled on the river bank. His body, thrown to the dogs, was not desecrated. A monk of the Jerusalem monastery bribed the guards and buried the saint.
Saint Gerasim of Velikoperm, Ustvym (about 1441)
Saint Gerasim ruled the diocese during a period of active attacks by pagans. He enjoyed great authority both in remote places and in the capital, where he participated in councils. The martyrdom occurred at the hands of Vogulich, whom he took into education: he was strangled with an omophorion at the instigation of the shamans. Healings took place at his relics in Ust-Vym; the memory was set on January 29/February 6, since, unlike the year of birth, the date of death is known exactly.
Martyr John of Kazan (1529)
Listen to the short life of St. John on radio “Vera”.
Reading the Gospel:
Gospel of Luke, chapter 19, verses 1 - 10
1 Then Jesus entered Jericho and passed through it. 2 And behold, someone named Zacchaeus, a chief of tax collectors and a rich man, 3 sought to see Jesus who He was, but he could not follow the people, because he was small in stature, 4 and, running ahead, he climbed up a fig tree to see Him, because that He had to pass by her. 5 When Jesus came to this place, he looked and saw him and said to him: Zacchaeus! come down quickly, for today I need to be in your house. 6 And he hastened down and received Him with joy. 7 And everyone, seeing this, began to murmur, and said that He had come to a sinful man; 8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord: Lord! I will give half of my property to the poor, and if I have offended anyone, I will repay him fourfold. 9 Jesus said to him, “Now salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham, 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Commented by priest Stefan Domusci
Gospel of Luke, chapter 21, verses 12 - 19
12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, and bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake; 13 This will be for your testimony. 14 Therefore, take it into your heart not to think ahead about what to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom that all who oppose you will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will also be betrayed by your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and some of you will be put to death; 17 and you will be hated by all because of my name, 18 but not a hair of your head will perish; 19 by your patience save your souls.
Priest Dmitry (Baritsky) comments
Prayers and Akathist to the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia
Troparion and Kontakion to the New Martyrs of Russia Prayer to the New Martyrs Akathist to the New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia Greatness
Troparion and Kontakion to the New Martyrs of Russia
Troparion, tone 4
Today the Russian Church joyfully rejoices, glorifying the new martyrs and confessors: saints and priests, royal martyrs, noble princes and princesses, reverend men and women and all Orthodox Christians, who in the days of the godless persecution laid down their lives for faith in Christ and kept the truth with their blood. Through their intercession, long-suffering Lord, preserve our country in Orthodoxy until the end of the century.
Kontakion, tone 3
Today the New Martyrs of Russia in white robes stand before the Lamb of God and with the Angels they sing a victorious song to God: blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and praise, and honor, and strength, and strength to our God forever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE NEW MARTYRS AND RUSSIAN CONFESSORS
Oh, holy new martyr and confessor of Russia: saints and shepherds of the Church of Christ, royal passion-bearers, noble princes and princesses, valiant warriors, monastics and worlds, pious men and wives, who suffered for Christ at all ages and classes, who testified to His fidelity even to death and those who have received the crown of life from Him!
During the days of the fierce persecution that befell our land from the godless, at the courts, in captivity and the abysses of the earth, in bitter works and all sorts of sorrowful situations, you courageously showed to nature the image of patience and unashamed hope. Now, enjoying sweetness in paradise, you stand before the Throne of God in glory and offer ever praise and intercession to the Triune God with the Angels and all the saints.
For this reason, we, unworthy, pray to you, our holy relatives: do not forget your earthly fatherland, aggravated by the sin of Cain’s fratricide, the desecration of shrines, atheism and our iniquities. Pray to the Lord Almighty that He may establish His Church unshakable in this rebellious and evil world; may the spirit of brotherly love and peace revive in our land; may we again be the royal priesthood, the race of God, chosen and holy, ever with you glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Akathist to the New Martyrs and Confessors of the RUSSIAN CHURCH
How to read the akathist correctly
Kontakion 1
The election of the new martyr and confessor of Russia, the witness of Christ, the lambs of the new slaughter, who adorned the vestments of our Church with their blood. You, who were not afraid of the rebuke of your tormentors, showed natural love for God even to the point of death, and in eternal life you naturally acquired boldness towards Him. Moreover, standing before the throne of the Almighty, remember us, who honor you with love and cry out: Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and the Creator of the world has chosen you from the ages as His faithful witnesses in the Russian lands, and in times of difficult trials He has given you grace and strength. You, having revealed the Orthodox faith to a godless world, glorified Christ by your firm confession, exile and patience of suffering. For this reason we also glorify you: Rejoice, having loved Christ from your youth; Rejoice, you who have listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Rejoice, you who have always sought the Kingdom of God within yourself; Rejoice, you have taken up the cross on your frame. Rejoice, you who have rejected the glory of this world; Rejoice, you who endured suffering for Christ. Rejoice, having accepted death for the love of God; Rejoice, having reached the heavenly Kingdom; Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 2
Seeing our fatherland in troubles and sorrows, Saint Father Tikhon, God-chosen patriarch of our land, called upon you to stand courageously in the faithful children of the Russian Church for Christ and the Orthodox Faith. You yourself, dying for your flock all your days, appeared as an unshakable confessor, singing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
We enlighten you with the Divine Reason, Holy Hierarch Father Tikhon, you ruled the Russian Church with wisdom, and, denouncing the godless persecutors, you called upon your flock to honor the exploits of the new martyrs. For this reason we cry out to you: Rejoice, gracious successor of the High Hierarchs of Moscow; Rejoice, great sorrower of the Russian Land. Rejoice, zealous guardian of the apostolic traditions; Rejoice, reverent guardian of the treasures of the Orthodox faith. Rejoice, you who always have the grace of the Holy Spirit in your heart; Rejoice, healer of church divisions through love. Rejoice, thou who bravely endured imprisonment and reproach; Rejoice, you have walked the way of the cross with your flock. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 3
By the power given to you from above, the glorious passion-bearers, Tsar Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandro, Tsarevich Alexy and Tsarevnas Olgo, Tatiano, Maria and Anastasia, accepted the deprivation of the kingdom and earthly glory with humility. By suffering freely, even to the death of Christ, you followed nature and for those who killed you naturally prayed, crying out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having undoubted faith, as everything is from God, exile, reproach and imprisonment courageously endured by nature, the royal passion-bearers, and were awarded the crowns of martyrdom by nature. For this reason, we cry out to you: Rejoice, crown and praise of the royal and God-chosen family; Rejoice, glorious branches of the root of the pious. Rejoice, having accepted the deprivation of the earthly kingdom with humility; Rejoice, for through your suffering you have been granted the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, you who have prayed fervently for your enemies; Rejoice, you who have sought God with all your heart. Rejoice, having shown the image of confession to faithful people; Rejoice, seven-day passion-bearers, who presented themselves to God in one soul. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 4
Through the storm of persecution against the Russian Church, the saints of God, through faith and martyrdom, naturally acquired the grace of Christ and, having preserved the church ship intact, the imitators of the first martyr appeared to nature. With them in Heaven you cry out to God a victorious song: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Leading by the voice of the Gospel, as a good shepherd lays down his soul for the sheep, the holy martyr's virtues, for the love of Christ and her flock, naturally endured exile, hunger, cold, the heat of the sun and bitter labor, crowning their life with martyrdom. For this reason, we also glorify you with love: Rejoice, you who have well preserved the pledge of Christ; Rejoice, having shown an image to the faithful through life and death. Rejoice, you who reverently performed the bloodless sacrifice; Rejoice, having made yourself a living sacrifice. Rejoice, glory to the Russian Church; Rejoice, decoration of our fatherland. Rejoice, guide of your flock to Christ; Rejoice, guardian of the dogmas of the Church and zeal. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 5
God-bright stars in the church sky appeared to nature, the holy confessors of Russia, and, having endured reproach, imprisonment, exile and bitter work, they courageously confessed the Lord Jesus Christ to nature. Having lived piously in the world, they showed the path to salvation in the darkness of godlessness to nature, teaching the faithful to sing gratefully to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the devastation of the Russian land and the great lawlessness that devastated it, you, the priestly confessors of glory, fear and death, were not afraid of nature and, the feats of confession fragrantly, like villages in the middle of the desert, naturally flourished. For this reason, we glorify you: Rejoice, having affirmed your struggle with the warmth of your heart through prayer; Rejoice, you who have shone forth with a firm confession of faith. Rejoice, you who showed patience and meekness in your suffering; Rejoice, for you were gentle lambs who walked among wolves. Rejoice, you who performed the service of God in chains; Rejoice, fellow prisoners who strengthened us in patience. Rejoice, you who gave your souls for your flock; Rejoice, in the midst of persecution, the grace of God preserved you. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 6
The Russian Church preaches your exploits, the venerable martyrs, the sweat of labor and the blood of torment who sanctified our land. Having washed your soul with tears of repentance, you have naturally prepared for yourself a living sacrifice, acceptable to the Lord. Now stand boldly before Him and cry out the song of victory: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The light of Christ has risen in your hearts, O venerable martyr, for you, like warriors of good victory, having received prayer fully armed, have in no way fallen away from the right faith of nature and, having endured prison bonds, heavy torment and bitter work, accepted cruel death from the godless. For this reason, we glorify you: Rejoice, you who showed us the path of true knowledge of God; Rejoice, you who laid down your souls for Christ. Rejoice, you who bore the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ on your bodies; Rejoice, you who have despised all the corruption of this world. Rejoice, the love of Christ has been revealed to the tormentor; Rejoice, you have poured out prayer for those who hate you. Rejoice, you who have acquired great boldness towards the Lord; Rejoice, having sanctified the Russian land through your feats of fasting and your blood. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 7
Wanting to preserve the firm faith and love for the Lord during the days of the godless persecution of the Russian Church, the holy confessors naturally endured reproach, imprisonment, exile and bitter work for Christ’s sake. Also, having lived piously in the world, many were shown the path to salvation by nature, teaching them to sing a victorious song to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Lord, our reverend fathers, showed you new confessors, when He came to test His people, you, blessed one, were found to be vigilant servants, adorned with humility and virtues. For this reason we glorify you: Rejoice, you who took the good yoke upon your shoulder; Rejoice, your feats of fasting and prayer have been revealed. Rejoice, you who have shown courage and strength in suffering; Rejoice, having sealed your faith by your confession. Rejoice, having remained faithful to Christ in your life; Rejoice, many people have been taught the right in the faith. Rejoice, faithful fulfillment of the commandments of Christ; Rejoice, the exploits of the new martyrs are a true witness. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle has been revealed to the world, new martyrs of Russia, for you, having shown strength in suffering, by the power of Christ overcame the godless and through your death preached the resurrection of Christ. Now you stand before the throne of God and sing the song of victory: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
Having despised all the red things of this world, the holy New Martyrs of Russia followed the Lord in the way of the cross by nature and, according to the commandment of the Gospels, received much reward in Heaven. For this reason, receive this praise from us: Rejoice, faithful sons of the Russian Church, not afraid of the godless persecutors; Rejoice, you who endured prison bonds, bitter toils and exiles. Rejoice, having become like the ancient martyr in his suffering; Rejoice, you have multiplied the talent given to you by the Lord through patience. Rejoice, having achieved the bliss of those who were exiled for the sake of truth; Rejoice, having sanctified the Russian Land with your blood. Rejoice, you who give an image to the faithful in your suffering; Rejoice, you who have received incorruptible crowns from Christ God. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 9
Having endured all kinds of suffering for Christ, the confessors of glory preserved the Orthodox faith in nature and, having put the persecutors to shame by patience, the Russian Church naturally shone with piety in the world. Now you stand before the throne of God and sing a song of praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branches of the Church are perplexed as to how to sing you according to your heritage, the new confessors of the Russian Church, because in the sorrows, exile and imprisonment of Christ, the true God, you glorified nature and showed the faithful the path to salvation. We, resorting to your prayerful intercession, dare to please you: Rejoice, having placed all your trust in God; Rejoice, having accomplished the feat of confession with patience. Rejoice, you who were not afraid of the godless tormentors; Rejoice, you who strengthened the weak in faith. Rejoice, having received bitter works into spiritual sweetness; Rejoice, you have sacrificed your hearts to God. Rejoice, having purified your souls through suffering; Rejoice, for through your holy life you have shown an image of the faithful. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 10
Although the Lord has called upon you to save many wives and virgins in the monastic monastery. In the days of persecution of the godless, they were given masculine strength to suffer for their name and with patience to achieve the Kingdom of Heaven for many, so that, like wise virgins, in the bridal chamber they sing to Christ the Bridegroom the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The Mother of God has been a wall and reliable help to you, holy reverend women, martyrs and confessors, who are in sorrow, exile and bonds. You will serve the love and labors of suffering people, as Her Son Himself. We also bless you with thanksgiving: Rejoice, venerable martyrs, as blameless lambs slain for Christ; Rejoice, venerable confessors, like pure doves, having been delivered from the snares of the enemy. Rejoice, having abandoned worldly cares in monasticism; Rejoice in Christ's suffering, as the myrrh-bearers who followed. Rejoice, you were not afraid of cruel persecution and cruel death; Rejoice, strengthened in torment by the grace of God. Rejoice, O evangelicals, as Mary, who has chosen the good part; Rejoice, as Martha served Christ, having served her neighbors. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 11
We bring all-contrite singing to you, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, for you, having lived piously in the law of the Lord, have preserved the Orthodox faith by nature, and by martyrdom and the patience of suffering for Christ, the persecutors of the Russian Church have put the Russian Church to shame by nature. Now, in the Kingdom of Heaven, rejoicing, you sing a victorious song to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Enlightened by the light of the Gospel and keeping the commandments of the Lord, holy women and virgins, virtuous living in the days of fierce persecution, crowned nature with free suffering, and truly new martyrs and confessors appeared to nature. For this reason, we sing your praises: Rejoice, martyrs, for your love for Christ has overcome the fear of death; Rejoice, confessors, in your suffering for Christ you kept faith and hope. Rejoice, the angels rejoiced at your exploits; Rejoice, having overcome the weakness of the female nature with the word of God. Rejoice, having fulfilled Christ’s commandments by life and death; Rejoice, having imitated the wisdom of the Gospel virgins. Rejoice, you who followed your husband in persecution; Rejoice, now you are crowned with heavenly crowns with them. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 12
The gracious affirmation to our Church of the imams of you, the new martyr and confessor of Russia. You, having believed in the truth in your heart and having confessed with the lips of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, have naturally endured imprisonment, exile, bitter work and death. Now pray to the Lord for us, your earthly relatives, so that we may always sing to God with you: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing your heavenly glory, passion-bearers of Christ, we kiss your sores, for you, following in the footsteps of the ancient martyr, did not shy away from grief, nor were you afraid of prison, bitter work, hunger and cold, quickly wasted and, slain by manifold torments, like lambs of kindness, faith for the sake of suffering and death is accepted. In the same way, receive this praise from us: Rejoice, saints of Christ, who have ruled the Church well; Rejoice, priests of God, who laid down their souls for their flock. Rejoice, royal passion-bearers, having received death and reproach from the godless authorities; Rejoice, faithful princes and princesses, having observed piety even to death. Rejoice, reverend men, who have crowned righteous living with the crown of suffering; Rejoice, reverend women, for you have shown strength and courage in suffering. Rejoice, all Orthodox Christians who have suffered in many different ways outside their fatherland; Rejoice, all people who know and know not, who have been crowned with God. Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 13
Oh, glorification of the new martyr and confessor of Russia! Accept this little prayer of ours, which is now offered to you in praise, and pray to Christ God, that the spirit of brotherly love and piety may strengthen in people, that He may establish the Orthodox faith in our Fatherland and make us worthy to sing to Him together with you: Alleluia.
(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)
Ikos 1
The Creator of angels and the Creator of the world has chosen you from the ages as His faithful witnesses in the Russian lands, and in times of difficult trials He has given you grace and strength. You, having revealed the Orthodox faith to a godless world, glorified Christ by your firm confession, exile and patience of suffering. For this reason we also glorify you: Rejoice, having loved Christ from your youth; Rejoice, you who have listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Rejoice, you who have always sought the Kingdom of God within yourself; Rejoice, you have taken up the cross on your frame. Rejoice, you who have rejected the glory of this world; Rejoice, you who endured suffering for Christ. Rejoice, having accepted death for the love of God; Rejoice, having reached the heavenly Kingdom; Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
Kontakion 1
The election of the new martyr and confessor of Russia, the witness of Christ, the lambs of the new slaughter, who adorned the vestments of our Church with their blood. You, who were not afraid of the rebuke of your tormentors, showed natural love for God even to the point of death, and in eternal life you naturally acquired boldness towards Him. Moreover, standing before the throne of the Almighty, remember us, who honor you with love and cry out: Rejoice, new martyrs and confessors of Russia, praise and adornment to our Church.
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Apostolic reading:
The first letter of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, chapter 4, verse 9 - 15
9 This word is true and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For this is why we labor and endure reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of the faithful. 11 Preach and teach this. 12 Let no one despise your youth; but be an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, keep yourself busy with reading, instruction, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the priesthood. 15 Take care of this, remain in this, so that your success may be obvious to everyone.
Bishop Feoktist (Igumnov) comments
Rules
The celebration of the Council of New Martyrs and Confessors is a moving holiday. If February 7 is Sunday according to the calendar, then it is a holiday. In cases where February 7 falls on Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, the celebration is moved to the previous Sunday; When it falls on Thursday-Friday-Saturday, the Sunday following the 7th will be a holiday.
