John was born in Antioch in the year 354. His father, Secundus, was an imperial commander and his mother’s name was Anthusa. Studying Greek philosophy, John became disgusted with Hellenic paganism and adopted the Christian Faith as the one and all-embracing truth. Meletius, Patriarch of Antioch, baptized John, and his parents also subsequently received baptism. Following his parents’ repose, John was tonsured a monk and lived a strict life of asceticism. He then wrote a book, On the Priesthood, after which the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him, and prophesied that he would have a life of great service, great grace and great suffering. When he was to be ordained a priest, an angel of God appeared simultaneously to John and to Patriarch Flavian (Meletius’s successor). While the patriarch was ordaining John, a shining white dove was seen hovering over John’s head. Glorified for his wisdom, asceticism and power of words, John was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople at the behest of Emperor Arcadius. As patriarch, he governed the Church for six years with unequalled zeal and wisdom. He sent missionaries to the pagan Celts and Scythians and eradicated simony in the Church, deposing many bishops guilty of this vice. He extended the charitable works of the Church and wrote a special order of the Divine Liturgy. He shamed the heretics, denounced Empress Eudoxia, interpreted Holy Scripture with his golden mind and tongue, and bequeathed the Church many precious books of his homilies. The people glorified him, the envious loathed him, and the Empress, on two occasions, sent him into exile. John spent three years in exile, and reposed as an exile on the Feast of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-giving Cross, September 14, 407, in the town of Comana in Georgia. Before his repose, the Holy Apostles John and Peter appeared to him again, as did the Holy Martyr Basiliscus (May 22) in whose church he received Communion for the last time. His last words were, “Glory be to God for all things,” and with that, the soul of the golden-mouthed patriarch was taken into Paradise. Chrysostom’s head reposes in the Church of the Dormition in Moscow, and his body reposes in the Vatican in Rome. (Prologue of Ohrid)
GREAT VESPERS FOR POLYELEOS SAINT
Kathisma Reading
“Blessed is the man” is sung.
At Psalm 140
In Tone 4
6. Let us praise in song
the God-inspired instrument and golden-forged trumpet,
the boundless depth of dogma,
the affirmation of the Church and the heavenly mind,
the depth of wisdom and the chalice of purest gold
that poured forth sweet rivers of learning
and nourished all creation.
5. Let us praise in song
the God-inspired instrument and golden-forged trumpet,
the boundless depth of dogma,
the affirmation of the Church and the heavenly mind,
the depth of wisdom and the chalice of purest gold
that poured forth sweet rivers of learning
and nourished all creation.
4. Let us worthily honour John of the golden words,
the never-setting star which enlightens everything under the sun
with his rays of teaching.
He is the preacher of penance
and the sponge of purest gold
which removes the cruel dampness of ignorance.
He gives life to hearts that are torn by sin.
3. Let us worthily honour John of the golden words,
the never-setting star which enlightens everything under the sun
with his rays of teaching.
He is the preacher of penance
and the sponge of purest gold
which removes the cruel dampness of ignorance.
He gives life to hearts that are torn by sin.
2. Let Chrysostom be exalted,
for he is the earthly angel and the heavenly man,
the eagle of great and good speech
and the treasury of virtues.
He is the firm rock and the example of the faithful,
the one who is like the martyrs
and who stands equal with the angels,
for his teaching was the same as the apostles.
1. Let Chrysostom be exalted,
for he is the earthly angel and the heavenly man,
the eagle of great and good speech
and the treasury of virtues.
He is the firm rock and the example of the faithful,
the one who is like the martyrs
and who stands equal with the angels,
for his teaching was the same as the apostles.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O thrice-venerable and most holy Father,
you are the good shepherd and the student of Christ the chief Shepherd
who gave his life for his flock.
Now, ever-praised John Chrysostom,
grant that through your prayers we may receive great mercy.
Now…
Who would not call you blessed, O Virgin most holy?
Who would not sing a hymn of praise
to the glory of your giving birth without pain or travail?
The Only-begotten Son Himself,
begotten of the Father before all ages,
was made flesh out of you in a manner
that cannot be explained, O Woman most pure!
And for our sake, He Who is God by nature
assumed the nature of a man.
He is not divided into two persons;
He is understood to have two natures
without commixion or confusion.
O noble and blessed Woman,
intercede with Him that He may mercy on our souls.
Prokimenon
of the day
Readings
Proverbs 10:6-8; 8:6-21; Wisdom 8:17-21; 9:1-4; Wisdom 4:1, 6-20
Aposticha
In Tone 5
Rejoice, O golden, glittering, and beautiful God-inspired instrument of the Church.
Rejoice, O orator who with loving-kindness
prescribed for us various examples of penance.
Rejoice, O golden-formed mind,
golden-tongued swallow, and dove who radiated virtues on green pastures.
Rejoice, most golden stream which pours firth the waters of divine speech,
the stream entrusted with the divine love for the human race.
Ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
My lips will speak words of wisdom. My heart is full of insight.
Rejoice, father of orphans and quick helper of the needy.
Rejoice, benefactor of the poor,
food of the hungry, and corrector of those who sin.
Rejoice, most honourable and most pleasing healer of souls.
Rejoice, sublime knowledge of theology
and narrator of spiritual writings.
Rejoice, keeper of the law and retainer of the most just order.
Rejoice, O sublime wisdom of visions and deeds.
Ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
The mouth of the just utters wisdom, and his lips speak what is right.
O Chrysostom, the Church sings to you:
Rejoice in Christ, your Bridegroom.
For by your virtues and your words,
you have enlightened the world more than the rays of the sun.
Rejoice, O wisest of men, greater than all other orators.
Rejoice, defender of the true faith.
You are the one who uncovered falseness, O teacher of penance.
Rejoice, quiet depth of knowledge,
who like the great Paul followed Christ completely.
Now ask Christ to send great mercy to our souls.
In Tone 6, Glory…
O Chrysostom, you spoke most purely
and showed yourself to be the golden-sounding trumpet.
You purified the hearts of the faithful
by your true and dedicated teaching.
The message of your teaching
has gone forth prophetically, O venerable Father,
and you have enlightened the ends of the earth.
Now…
Christ the Lord, our Creator and Redeemer,
came forth from your womb, O most pure Virgin.
He clothed Himself in our human flesh
to set us free from the original curse of Adam.
Therefore, O Mary, we praise you, without ceasing,
as the true Virgin Mother of God,
and we sing with the angels:
Rejoice, O Lady, advocate, protector, and salvation of our souls.
Troparia
In Tone 8
Grace shone forth from your mouth like a fiery beacon* and enlightened the universe,* bestowing on the world not the treasures of greed,* but rather showing us the heights of humility.* As you teach us by your words, O John Chrysostom, our father,** intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Glory… Now…
O gracious Lord, for the sake of mankind You were born of a virgin;* through Your death on the cross You conquered death;* and through Your resurrection You revealed yourself as God.* O merciful Lord, do not disdain those whom You have created with Your own hands,* but show forth Your love for mankind.* Accept the intercession which the Mother, who bore You, makes in our behalf.** O Saviour, save Your despairing people!
DIVINE LITURGY
Troparia and Kontakia
Troparion, Tone 8: Grace shone forth from your mouth like a fiery beacon* and enlightened the universe,* bestowing on the world not the treasures of greed,* but rather showing us the heights of humility.* As you teach us by your words, O John Chrysostom, our father,* intercede with the Word, Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Kontakion, Tone 6: From heaven you received divine grace;* your lips have taught us all to worship the Triune God,* O blessed John Chrysostom.* It is fitting that we praise you;* for you are a teacher clarifying things divine.
Prokeimenon, Tone 1
My mouth shall speak wisdom and the meditation of my heart understanding.
verse: Hear these things, all you nations; give ear al you inhabitants of the world. (Psalm 48:4,2)
Epistle
Hebrews 7:26-8:2
Alleluia, Tone 2
verse: The mouth of the just man shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgement.
verse: The law of God is in his heart, and his steps will not falter. (Psalm 36:3-31)
Gospel
John 10:9-16
Communion Hymn
The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance;* of evil hearsay he shall have no fear*. Alleluia, alleluia,* alleluia. (Psalm 111:6)