May 31
The holy apostle Hermes, bishop of Philippi, a disciple of St. Paul (cf Romans 16:14). According to tradition, he composed the instructive book, βThe Shepherd of Hermas.β
The holy martyr Hermeas at Comana in Pontus, martyr, in the reign of Anoninus Pius. He was a soldier in the imperial army till old age, when he suffered death for his chief emperor, Christ Jesus. (c. 160)
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the May Menaion
Troparion, Tone 3. O holy Apostle Hermes, intercede with the merciful God * that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
Troparion, Tone 4. Your martyr Hermeas, O Lord our God, * in his struggle, received an incorruptible crown from you. * With your strength, he brought down the tyrants * and broke the cowardly valor of demons. * Through his prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.
Glory β Kontakion, Tone 3. You glimmered over the earth like a star, * supporting Paul, that beam from the divine Light * who enlightened the whole world. * Therefore, O Hermes, we venerate you.
Now and ever β Kontakion, Tone 6. You fought well for Christ, finding strength and courage in your old age. * Having overturned the plots of evils conceived by sinners, * you were kept from the harm of poisoned food, O Hermeas. * You cried out loudly: God is with me, * and no one can prevail against me.
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.