April 30
The holy apostle James, brother of John the Theologian. He was the son of Zebedee and, with Peter and John, was a witness of the Transfiguration of the Lord and of his agony. Beheaded at the feast of the Passover by Herod Agrippa, he was the first of the Apostles to receive the crown of martyrdom.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the April Menaion
Troparion, Tone 3. You were an apostle of Christ and the beloved brother of John. * O praiseworthy James, obtain absolution * for those who sing the praises of your memory * and find mercy for our souls.
Glory. now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 2. O glorious James, when you heard the Divine Word calling you, * you put aside your love for your father * and hurried to Christ with your brother, John. * Therefore, both of you were made worthy * to see the divine Transfiguration of the Lord.
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: Acts 12:1-11
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: Luke 5:1-11
Communion Hymn (Ps. 18:5). Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.