Troparia and kontakia for December 9

Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by Saint Anna

Troparion — Tone 4

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, / for having heard Joachim and Anna, / God clearly assures them of the birth of the Mother of God, / from whom He Himself, the Uncircumscribed One, was born, / becoming man when He commanded the Angel to cry out: / “Hail, full of grace, / the Lord is with you.”

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “You appeared today...”)
Today, the inhabited earth celebrates Anna's conception, which was from God, / for she gave birth to her who, beyond understanding,1 gave birth to the Word.


1 Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion, Ode VII (after “Glory ... now and ever.”)

Prophetess Hannah the mother of the Prophet Samuel

Troparion — Tone 2

We celebrate the memory / of Your prophetess Hannah, O Lord; / through her we entreat You, / save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)
Enlightened by the Spirit, your pure heart became the dwelling place of most splendid prophecy; / for you saw things far off as if they were near. / Therefore, we honor you, blessed and glorious Prophetess Hannah.

Saint Sophronius, Archbishop of Cyprus

Troparion — Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, / an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; / your humility exalted you; / your poverty enriched you. / Hierarch Father Sophronius, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.

Saint Stephen the “New Light” of Constantinople

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy father Stephen, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

“Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Mother of God

Troparion — Tone 4

Today the faithful people celebrate in spirit, glorifying the fervent helper of the Christian race; / and hastening to her most pure image, let us cry out to her: / "O most merciful Sovereign Lady Theotokos, / grant unexpected joy to us who are burdened by sins and many sorrows, and deliver us from all evil; / entreating your Son, Christ our God, to save our souls."

Kontakion — Tone 6

We have no other help, we have no other hope, but you, O Sovereign Lady. / Help us, for in you we hope, / and of you we boast, for we are your servants. / Let us not be put to shame.

Hieromonk Anthimus the Athonite, “Fool for Christ”

Troparion — Tone 8

In you the image was preserved with exactness, O Father, / for taking up your cross, you followed after Christ. / By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, / but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. / Therefore, most venerable Father Anthimus your spirit rejoices with the Angels.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “Seeking the Highest...”)
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul / and firmly grasping unceasing prayer as a spear, / thou, our Father Anthimus, have slain the armies of the demons. / Therefore, pray unceasingly for us all.