Troparia and kontakia for March 19

2nd Sunday of Great Lent: St Gregory Palamas

Troparion — Tone 8

O luminary of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, / ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, / O wonderworker Gregory, boast of Thessalonika and herald of grace, / always intercede for all of us that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion — Tone 4

Now is the time for action! / Judgment is at the doors! / So let us rise and fast, / offering alms with tears of compunction and crying: / “Our sins are more numerous than the sands of the sea; / but forgive us, O Master of All, / so that we may receive the incorruptible crowns.”

Kontakion — Tone 8

(Podoben: “O Victorious Leader...”)
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, / radiant and harmonious trumpet of theology, / we praise you in song, O divinely-speaking Gregory. / As a mind standing before the Primal Mind, guide our minds to Him, Father, / so that we may cry aloud to you: “Rejoice, herald of grace.”

Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Lavra

Troparion — Tone 2

When you gathered in the Caves and enclosed yourselves therein, / then, O God-bearers, having died to carnal passions, you buried yourselves with Christ. / There in the Caves, you destroyed the snares of the devil. / Therefore, the angels gave you heavenly crowns.

Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, and those with them at Rome

Troparion — Tone 1

Let us honor the like-minded pair of Martyrs, / Chrysanthos the offspring of purity, and the most modest Daria. / For united in holiness in the faith, / they were shown to be initiates of the Word of God. / They contested lawfully for Him; and they save those who sing: / “Glory to Him Who strengthened you. / Glory to Him Who crowned you. / Glory to Him Who, through you, works healings for all.”

Kontakion — Tone 1

You breathed forth the sweet fragrance of piety, O Chrysanthos, / thereby drawing Daria to the knowledge of salvation, and you contested with her. / Putting the serpent to flight, the author of evil, / you were fittingly taken up to the heavenly Bridal Chamber.

Saint Innocent of Komél and Vologda disciple of Saint Nilus of Sora

Troparion — Tone 4

From youth, you were a chosen vessel,1 and served God all your life, / O Innocent, instructor of monks. / You urged them to confront the worse with the better, / and thereby deadened the passions. / You ascended to the vision of uncreated beauty in God, / before Whom you now stand. / Venerable Father, entreat Christ God to save our souls.


1 Acts 9:15.

Kontakion — Tone 8

Withdrawing from the world and from your relatives into the wilderness, / you pleased God by unceasing prayer, and were radiant in life’s spiritual struggle. / Father, remember us who fervently revere your memory, that we may cry to you: / “Rejoice, Venerable Innocent.”

Martyr Pancharius at Nicomedia

Troparion — Tone 3

Your holy martyr Pancharius, O Lord, / through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance, / which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Pancharius; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.

“Sweet-Kissing” Icon of the Mother of God of Smolensk

Troparion — Tone 4

Let all of us, who are burdened with sins, fall on our knees before the Theotokos, / bowing before her wonderworking Icon of Tenderness, / kissing it and crying aloud with tears: / “O Sovereign Lady, accept the prayer of your unworthy servants, / and grant to us who ask, your great mercy.”

Kontakion — Tone 6

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