October 21
Our venerable father Hilary the Great on the island of Cyprus, hegumen. He followed in the footsteps of St. Anthony, first near Gaza leading a solitary life. Then in this province of Cyprus, he was an outstanding founder and example of eremetical life. (372)
At Vespers
There are six stichera at "O Lord, I have cried". (At weekday Vespers, each is sung twice.)
Tone 4, special melody Zvannyj svyše byv. Being meek of soul and heart, * when you were wounded with divine love * and withdrew from the tumults of life through sacred ascents, * then, armed with the power of the cross, * you advanced upon the demons waging battle, O most blessed one, * and wove for yourself a wreath of victory; * now you dwell in the splendor of the saints. * With them ask for enlightenment and peace for us, * and deliverance from our offenses.
With the luminous beams of your healings * you enlightened the world in a most glorious way, * O right-glorious father, * dispelling the most profound darkness of infirmites. * Wherefore we all acknowledge you to be another sun, * the confirmation of monastics, * who by the divine Spirit * gives guidance to all who seek salvation. * Now we celebrate your radiant and saving memory, O Hilary, * receiving remission of our transgressions through you.
By fasting, O father, * you made the carnal passions subject to your reason-endowed soul. * Furnished with wings of dispassion, O venerable one, * you have received the grace to heal, * to expel evil spirits and to save those who have recourse to you. * Therefore, the choirs of monks bless you, O truly glorious one, * and all creation honors your struggles, O Hilary!
Glory – Tone 2. Bearing the wisdom of perfection from your youth, * and taking upon yourself the yoke of Christ, O Hilary, * you have emulated the life of the godly Anthony, * imitating his virtues in many different ways; * and you caused the flesh, which leapt up like a colt, to wither, * for it was needful that your soul tame it and win the ascetic race. * O most blessed father and wondrous God-bearing teacher, * ask for cleansing and great mercy * for those who celebrate your memory with love.
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos. Then:
Glory – Tone 8. Filled with the Holy Spirit's grace, * the venerable Hilary set at nought the demon's wiles; * for, armed with the Cross and having boldness therein, * by his word he healed many sicknesses, * the passions of the soul and every bodily infirmity. * Through his prayers, O Christ, send down peace on all of us, * for you are the Lover of us all.
Troparion, Tone 8. Like the great Anthony you were the strength of monks, * a model for the desert-dwellers and a worker of miracles. * You are a source of help for people troubled by passion. * O father Hilary, pray for those who keep your holy memory.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the October Menaion
Troparion, Tone 8. Like the great Anthony you were the strength of monks, * a model for the desert-dwellers and a worker of miracles. * You are a source of help for people troubled by passion. * O father Hilary, pray for those who keep your holy memory.
Glory, now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 3. As we all join in this procession today, * let us praise this never-waning light of the brilliant Sun. * You enlighten those in the darkness of ignorance, * and you guide them on to the heavenly peaks. * Therefore, we cry out to you: * Rejoice, O father Hilary, model of ascetics.
Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 115:6,3).
Precious in the eyes of the Lord * is the death of his faithful.
V. What can I return to the Lord for all he has given me?
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Alleluia, Tone 6 (Ps. 111:1,2). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Happy the man who fears the Lord and greatly delights in his command.
V. His posterity will be mighty upon the earth.
Gospel: Luke 6:17-23
Communion Hymn (Ps. 111:6,7).
The just man will be remembered forever; evil news he will not fear. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!