July 9
The holy martyr Pancratius, bishop of Taormina in Sicily, who, it is believed, was a follower of St. Peter the Apostle and the first to lead this Church. His holy relics are preserved in Rome. (1st century)
At Vespers
At "O Lord, I have cried": three stichera from the Octoechos, and three for the holy martyr.
Tone 2, special melody Jehda ot dreva. When Peter the Rock, * the standard-bearer of the divine Apostles, * traveled throughout the world, * he made it firm on a solid foundation. * In you, O Pancratius, * he found a stone of great price, * and he destined you to be the cornerstone of a church, O blessed one. * You overthrew the temples * and sacred stones of the idols * by the divine power of the Word * who willed, in his good pleasure, to take flesh * and make his dwelling among us.
Driving off * the dark spirits of evil by your word, O Pancratius, * you made your people spiritual through the grace of the Holy Spirit. * You plowed the furrows of their hearts * and made them grow as good wheat, * which you presented to the Master of the harvest. * You intercede for the faithful * who acclaim you, O holy martyr.
You have changed the West * into an East, filled with dawning light, * for you brought it, as its sun, the knowledge of God * who ineffably dawned for us all * from the Virgin. * Then, setting in martyrdom, O holy father Pancratius, * you dawned again in the never-setting Light. * Now that mirrors have passed away, * you gaze directly upon the desired beauty of the Judge of all combats.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
Troparion, Tone 4. You shared in the apostles’ way of life * and succeeded to their throne, * divinely inspired bishop. * You found access to contemplation in the active life. * Therefore, you rightly taught the word of truth * and struggled for the faith to the shedding of your blood. * O priest-martyr Pancratius, * pray to Christ our God to save our souls.
Or:
Troparion, Tone 8. Like an arrow on fire, you were aimed at Taormina * to kill the godless and to bring light to the faithful. * You strengthened them in the faith by your preaching, * and you finished your work by spilling your blood. * O martyred priest Pancratius, * pray for your flock and for all who cherish your memory.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the July Menaion
Troparion, Tone 8. Like an arrow on fire, you were aimed at Taormina * to kill the godless and to bring light to the faithful. * You strengthened them in the faith by your preaching, * and you finished your work by spilling your blood. * O martyred priest Pancratius, * pray for your flock and for all who cherish your memory
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4. You appeared to the people of Taormina as a star, * and you became a priest-martyr for Christ, O Pancratius. * As you stand before him, * pray for us who love you.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 149:5,1).
Let the faithful rejoice in glory, * shout for joy, and take their rest.
V. Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Epistle: (of the day)
Alleluia, Tone 2 (Ps. 131:9,13). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Your priests will be clothed with righteousness and your saints will rejoice.
V. The Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling.
Gospel: (of the day)
Communion Hymn (Ps. 111:6,7). The just man will be remembered forever; evil news he will not fear. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!