Troparia and kontakia for September 23

Conception of the Honorable Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

Troparion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Be quick to anticipate”)
Be glad, O barren one who has not given birth until now, / for behold, you have conceived the lamp of the Sun, / and He shall enlighten all the earth, which is afflicted with blindness. / Dance, O Zachariah, and cry out with boldness: / The Prophet of the Most High is about to be born.

Kontakion — Tone 1

(Podoben: “The angelic choir...”)
The great and renowned Zachariah rejoices radiantly, / and exults with his wife Elizabeth; / for worthily does she conceive John the Baptist, / whom the Archangel announced joyously, / and men honor as an initiate of grace.

Saints Xanthippi and Polyxeni of Spain

Troparion — Tone 3

You received the light of the divine Faith, / and your works shone with piety, O divinely-inspired Polyxénē; / you glorified Christ in your life / as well as by your blameless actions; / therefore intercede with the Lord Who glorified you, to grant us great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 8

(Podoben: “O Victorious Leader...”)
Passing through the countries of the earth most wondrously, / you were shown holy women like yourselves, O godly Xanthίppē and Polyxénē; / therefore you received unfading crowns from the hands of our Savior, / now hear those who cry: “Rejoice, most godly pair.”

Virgin Martyr Irais (Rhais) of Alexandria

Troparion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Joseph was amazed...”)
Your lamb Irais, / calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: / “I love You, my Bridegroom, / and in seeking You, I endure suffering. / In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, / and I died so that I might live with You. / Accept me as a pure sacrifice, / for I have offered myself in love.” / Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Finding your most revered temple to be a source of healing for our souls, / we the faithful cry out to You with a loud voice: / “O most renowned Virgin Martyr Irais, / entreat Christ God unceasingly on behalf of us all.”

Martyrs Andrew, John, and John’s children: Peter and Antonius, of Syracuse, martyred in Africa

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyrs O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!