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
Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord
Troparion — Tone 4
Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all! / Adorn yourself, O Ephratha, for the tree of life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave! / Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the Divine Fruit: / If we eat of it, we shall live forever and not die like Adam. / Christ comes to restore the image which He made in the beginning!
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!
Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Poisons, her teacher, Martyr Chrysogonos, and many with them
Troparion — Tone 5
As a Martyr you emulated the deeds of the Martyrs / to whom you ministered, / and, striving valiantly, you overcame the Enemy. / You are an abundant and overflowing source of grace / for all who come to you, O godly-minded Anastasía.
Kontakion — Tone 2
Those in temptations and afflictions hasten to your temple / and are restored by the grace that dwells in you, / for you ever pour forth healings for all the world, / O Great Martyr Anastasía.