Sunday before the Nativity
Troparion — Tone 2
Great are the accomplishments of faith, / for the Three Holy Youths rejoiced in the source of the flame, as if by restful waters,1 / and the Prophet Daniel appeared / as a shepherd of lions as of sheep. / By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.
Kontakion — Tone 6
(For when the Sunday before the Nativity falls on December 18-19)
You would not worship an image made by hands, O thrice-blessed youths; / but shielded by the ineffable Essence, you were glorified through your ordeal by fire. / In the midst of the unbearable fire you called upon God, crying: / "Hasten, O compassionate One, / and in Your mercy come to our aid, / for if You will, You can do so."2
Kontakion — Tone 1
(For when the Sunday before the Nativity falls on December 20-24)
Be glad, O Bethlehem! Prepare yourself, O Ephratha; / for the Lamb is on her way to give birth to the Great Shepherd she carries in her womb. / The God-bearing Fathers will rejoice, beholding Him, / and with the shepherds, they will praise the Virgin who nurses Him.
1 Psalm 22/23:2
2 Luke 5:12
Eve of the Nativity of our Lord
Troparion — Tone 4
Mary was of David’s seed, / so she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem. / She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man. / The time for the birth was at hand. / Since there was no room at the inn, / the cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen. / Christ is born, raising up the image that fell of old.
Kontakion — Tone 3
Today the Virgin comes to the cave / to give birth to the Eternal Word. / Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe! / Glorify with the angels and the shepherds / the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!
Nun-Martyr Eugenia of Rome
Troparion — Tone 3
(Podoben: “Your confession of the Divine Faith...”)
Inspired by the Divine Spirit, you sang the praises of God, / receiving the light of divine knowledge, O Eugenia, Christ's beautiful virgin. / You shone forth in the choirs of monastics, / and in your contest you triumphed over the Enemy. / O glorious Martyr, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy.
Kontakion — Tone 4
(Podoben: “O citizen of the desert...”)
Fleeing from the passing glory of this world, you longed for Christ, / preserving the nobility of your soul unharmed, / O godly-wise Martyr, all-praised Eugenia.
Venerable Nicholas the Monk of Bulgaria
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 Nicholas, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!