Menaion

July 20

VigilTHE HOLY AND GLORIOUS PROPHET ELIJAH the Tishbite, who was a prophet of the Lord in the days of Ahab, the king of Israel and defended the rights of the one God against the unfaithful people with such a strength of spirit that he prefigured not only John the Baptist but even Christ himself. Written prophecies do not remain, but his memory is faithfully kept, especially on Mount Carmel.

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

We sing “Blessed is the man.” There are eight stichera at "O Lord, I have cried."

Tone 1, special melody Nebesnych činov. O all-compassionate Word, * you carried Elijah the Tishbite away from the earth in a chariot of fire. * Through his intercession * save us who faithfully glorify you * and who joyously commemorate his feast. (twice)

O blessed Elijah, * you encountered God not in an earthquake * but in the coolness of a gentle breeze. * O God-inspired one, you went up to heaven in a wondrous way, * on a chariot drawn by four horses. * Thus you became a marvel to all of us.

O all-wise Elijah, * in your burning zeal for God, * you slew the shameful priests with a sword. * With the word of your mouth you dried up the clouds * so that it would not rain. * You perfected Elisha by the gift of your mantle, * filling him with heavenly graces.

Tone 2 samohlasen. The two lampstands, Elijah and Elisha, * illuminated the whole world. * One prevented raindrops from heaven, * reproved the king, and rose into heaven on a fiery chariot. * The other healed the barren waters, * and having received the two-fold grace, * split the waters of the Jordan in two. * Now they sing with the angels * and pray for the salvation of our souls. (twice)

The fiery chariot took you up to heaven as in a whirlwind, * O Elijah the Tishbite. * God graced you with a fiery zeal of miracles. * You were created incorruptible, * so that you might not see death * until you knew beforehand the death of everyone. *  Therefore, come and grant us a warning of your great accomplishments.

O prophet Elijah, O lampstand of the Church * which has no evening, * having been inflamed with divine zeal, * you closed up the rain from heaven; * you were fed by a raven; * you reproved the king and put the priests to death; * you commanded fire from heaven and slew two captains; * you provided abundantly for the widow by means of a little oil * and a small handful of meal; * you resurrected her son by your prayer; * you ignited the fire in water; * you crossed over the currents of the Jordan on foot. * Indeed, you were raised up to heaven by a fiery chariot. * You gave a two-fold grace to Elisha. * Pray unceasingly to God for the salvation of our souls.

Glory –  Tone 6.  Come, let us assemble, all you people of God, in this holy place * where we are to honor the two God-inspired prophets. * Let us sing a special hymn of praise * to the glory of Christ God who chose them. * Let us cry out in joy, saying: *  Rejoice, , Elijah the Great, O earthly angel and heavenly man. * Rejoice, O precious Elisha whom God has filled with the graces of heaven. * Rejoice, O fervent intercessors and mediators, * healers of the souls and bodies of the faithful who love Christ. * Deliver from the attacks of the enemy and from every danger * all those who celebrate your memory with honor.

Now and ever – the dogmatikon of Saturday evening, in the same tone, or (on Friday night or Saturday night) in the Tone of the week

Entrance with censer, and prokeimenon of the day.  Then three readings:

A reading from the First Book of Kings (1Kings 17:8-24).

A reading from the First Book of Kings (1Kings 18:1,17,41,44,42,45-46, 19:1-16).

A reading from the Second Book of Kings (1Kings 19:19-21; 2 Kings 2:1,6-14 ).

Stichera at the litija:

Tone 4 Bolhar. You are a partaker, O blessed Prophet, * of the incorruptible company of God my Savior. * Having divided the Jordan by prayer, * you crossed over on dry ground. * After leaving a two-fold grace for Elisha, * you were taken up into heaven on a fiery chariot. * Therefore, we beseech you, * although you were taken up from us in the flesh, * do not separate yourself from us in spirit, * and always pray to Christ that our souls may be saved.

O heavenly Prophet, you appeared as a shining cloud,  raining a shower of an understanding of God to all the faithful.  Like a rich wine you filled with happiness  the faithful who were present in your most divine temple.  Therefore, we entreat you, O heavenly prophet Elijah who sees God,  grant our country victory over her enemies  and great mercy to our souls.

Having complete control of your mind,  you humbled your body, O heavenly prophet Elljah.  Thus you prepared for your divine ascension in your heart.  You reproved the unjust actions of the king;  you took away the curse of God's anger;  and you destroyed the shameful priests with a sword.  You taught all to loudly cry out:  Truly Elijah preaches the one true God.

Glory – Tone 6.  The disgraceful king commanded fasting * in order to commit murder; * for after the fasting, blood was shed and the law was broken. * Naboth the Jezreelite was killed. * Then, O Prophet, you revealed the message of the Lord: * Since you killed the Jezreelite man unjustly, * likewise your blood will also be spilled * and harlots will bathe in your blood. * O Lover of all, by the prayers of your prophet and preacher, * deliver our souls from such inhumanity.

Now and ever – in the same tone. O Theotokos, * you are the true vine laden with the fruit of life. * Therefore, we implore you, O Lady, * to intercede together with the apostles and the saints * so that we may obtain mercy for our souls.

The aposticha are for the feast:

Tone 8, special melody O preslavnaho čudese.  Having been illuminated by a brilliant mind, * Elijah, the awesome prophet, was heavenly in his actions. * He became indignant when he saw the unjust judgment of the infamous king. * Therefore, by God's judgment, Elijah denounced him. * Likewise, he delivered to God's judgment the unmerciful queen who loved evil. * Now, O Christ, as the merciful One, * we ask You to save us by the prayers of Elijah, your prophet.

V. Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel was among those who called upon his name.

O Prophet, you declared: * How long, O Lord, is the way of the infamous ones to continue? * You planted and they became rooted * and produced the fruit of iniquity. * Indeed, they perished because of their shameful actions. * They cry out to you, but You will not hear. * Why have you shown me the scandal of the judges of the lawbreakers?

V. You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

O great Elijah, respected among the prophets, * your ascension is dear to those who celebrate. * By your prayers you deliver us from dangers and sorrows, * and you preserve us from the attacks of the Evil One.  O most glorious Prophet, * grant that we, who are faithful followers of Christ, * may always venerate and bless you.

Glory – Tone 6.  O Prophet who foretold the coming of Christ, * you are forever in the presence of the glory of God, * and you intercede for those who are suffering. * Since you serve the Majesty on High, * you bless the whole world and are glorified everywhere. * Now obtain for us the forgiveness of our sins.

Now and ever – the aposticha theotokion of Saturday evening, in the same tone.

Troparion, Tone 4.  An angel in the flesh, the foundation of the prophets, * and the second forerunner of Christ, the * glorious Elijah from on high sent grace to Elisha * to cure sicknesses and cleanse lepers. * He likewise overflows with healing for * those who honor him. (twice)

Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, Tone 4. Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos! * Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! * Blessed are you among women, * and blessed is the fruit of your womb. * For you gave birth to Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls.

At the Divine Liturgy

music

Troparion, Tone 4.  An angel in the flesh, the foundation of the prophets, * and the second forerunner of Christ, the * glorious Elijah from on high sent grace to Elisha * to cure sicknesses and cleanse lepers. * He likewise overflows with healing for * those who honor him.

Glory, now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 2.   Prophet and seer of the mighty deeds of our God, * renowned Elijah, you stopped the rain clouds by a word. * Intercede for us with the only one who loves us all.

Glory – Kontakion, Tone 4.  Your pure heart was enlightened by the Spirit * and became a vessel of radiant prophecy. * Because you saw as present the events yet to come * we honor you, O blessed and glorious prophet Name.

Prokeimenon, Tone 4 (Ps. 109:4,1). You are a priest forever * according to the order of Melchizedek.
V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand * till I make your enemies your footstool.

Epistle:  James 5:10-20

Alleluia, Tone 5 (Ps. 98:6). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel was among those who called upon his name.
V. They called upon the Lord and he answered them.

Gospel: Luke 4:22-30

Communion Hymn (Ps. 111:6,7). The just man will be remembered forever; evil news he will not fear. Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!