Troparia and kontakia for March 21

5th Saturday of Great Lent: of the Akathist to the Theotokos

Troparion — Tone 8

When the archangel understood the mysterious command, / he came to the house of Joseph with haste and proclaimed to the unwedded Lady: / The One Who bowed the heavens by His condescension / is contained wholly and without change in you! / As I behold Him in your womb, taking the form of a servant, I am frightened, but cry: / Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

Kontakion — Tone 8

Victorious leader of triumphant hosts, / we your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, Theotokos! / As you possess invincible might set us free from every calamity, / so that we may sing: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

Saint James the Confessor, Bishop of Catania

Troparion — Tone 5

(Podoben: “Come, let us worship the Word...”)
Shining forth with purity, you rightly divided the inspired Word of truth / as a Hierarch and a minister of God the Word. / By your virtuous struggle you revealed and confirmed the grace granted to you, O James, / instructing all to venerate the Icon of the Savior, / with Whom you intercede for us all.

Kontakion — Tone 8

You excelled in the gifts of the priesthood, O Confessor, / and through your labors You became illustrious in confessing the Faith. / Since you are a fruitful branch of Christ the True Vine, / grant the new wine of forgiveness and salvation to those who cry to you: “Rejoice, O Father James!”

Saint Cyril, Bishop of Catania

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 Cyril, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.

Saint Thomas, Patriarch of Constantinople

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 Thomas, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.

Venerable Seraphim of Vyritsa

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 Seraphim, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

Saint Serapion, Bishop of Thmuis in Lower Egypt

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 Serapion, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.