April 27
The holy bishop martyr Simeon, relative of our Lord, who, as it is said, was a son of Cleophas and a relative of the Savior according to the flesh. Ordained bishop of Jerusalem after James the brother of the Lord, he was afflicted with many tortures in the persecution of the emperor Trajan. As an old man, he was crowned by the martyrdom of the cross.
Our venerable father Stephen, bishop of Vladimir in Volhynia. A disciple of St. Theodosius of the Caves in Kiev, he labored greatly for the regulation and organization of the monastic life. He was driven from his monastery by false accusations, but God proved him innocent. He was made bishop of Vladimir, and served into old age. (1094)
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the April Menaion
Troparion, Tone 1. We praise you as a model for priests and a relative of the Lord, O Simeon. You kept the faith, and as a martyr you smashed the webs of lies. Celebrating your all-holy memory, we seek absolution of our sins through you.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4. Today the Church obtains a brilliant star in the person of Simeon, * a perfect teacher of the things of God. * Enlightened by him, she cries out: * Rejoice, O holy martyr.
Prokeimenon, Tone 8 (Ps. 18:5,2).
Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.
V. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Epistle: (of the day)
Alleluia, Tone 1 (Ps. 88:6,8). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. The heavens declare your wonders, O Lord, and your truth in the assembly of the holy.
V. God is glorified in the council of the holy, great and awesome above all who surround him.
Gospel: (of the day)
Communion Hymn (Ps. 18:5). Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.