Troparia and kontakia for May 5

Great Martyr Irene

Troparion — Tone 1

(Podoben: “When the stone had been sealed...”)
Christ called you Irene, because you grant peace to those hastening to your holy temple with hymns and spiritual songs, / for you intercede for all, standing before the Three-Sunned Divinity, / Let everyone celebrate her memory joyously, magnifying Christ, Who glorified her.

Kontakion — Tone 3

(Podoben: “Today the Virgin...”)
Adorned with the beauty of virginity, / you became most beautiful in your brave contest, O Irene; / you were reddened by the blood which you shed, / and you overthrew ungodly error; / therefore, you received the prize of victory from the hand of your Creator.

Uncovering of the relics of Venerable James, Abbot of Zhelezny Bor

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

New Martyr Ephraim

Troparion — Tone 1

(Podoben: “O citizen of the desert...”)
You shone forth like the sun on Mount Amómon, O God-bearer, / and through martyrdom you departed unto God. / You endured the invasion of the barbarians, O Ephraim, Great Martyr of Christ. / Therefore, you gush forth grace forever to those who devoutly call upon you. / Glory to Him Who gave you strength. / Glory to Him Who magnified you. / Glory to Him Who, through you, grants healing to all.

Kontakion — Tone 3

(Podoben: “Today the Virgin gives birth...”)
You contested on Mount Amómon, O godly-minded one, / and in this you followed the path of martyrdom. / Therefore, the Giver of Life has appropriately crowned you with double crowns.1 / O Hieromartyr Ephraim, / we entreat you earnestly to have mercy upon those who honor you.


1 That of a priest, and that of a Great Martyr.

Inexhastible Chalice Icon of the Mother of God

Troparion — Tone 4

O believers, let us turn today to the Divine and wonderworking Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, / who fills the hearts of the faithful with her mercy from the heavenly Ineffable Chalice, and shows them miracles; / seeing and hearing about these, / we celebrate spiritually and fervently exclaim: / “Most merciful Sovereign Lady, / heal our illnesses and passions, / entreating your Son Christ God to save our souls.”

Kontakion — Tone 4

Your womb was a Holy Throne, containing Christ God, the Heavenly Bread,1 / whoever eats it will not die;2 as the Nourisher of all, / the Theotokos, has said.


1 John 6:35.
2 John 6:54.

Venerable Barlaam of Serpukhov

Troparion — Tone 3

Taught to please God by Metropolitan Alexei, / you adorned your soul with virtues, and therefore you were the chosen one of the Mother of God, / and you founded a monastery dedicated to the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple, / for the salvation of many human souls. / As a good instructor of monastics, and a fervent intercessor with God for us, / O Venerable Barlaam, our Father, / pray for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 8

O Venerable Father Barlaam, although your revered relics are kept hidden, / they pour forth bright rays of miracles and healings / for all who turn to you with faith and pray zealously to you; / for you appeared as a true God-pleaser, / ever interceding for all who lovingly honor your holy memory.