Menaion

February 18

Our holy father Leo, Pope of Rome who, born in Etruria [i.e., Tuscany], first stood out as a diligent deacon of Rome. He was then elevated to the chair of Peter, where rightly and by his merit he deserved to be called "the Great.” He nourished his flock by his excellent and prudent discourse. Because of his orthodox teaching on the incarnation of God, the true faith was vigorously affirmed through his delegates to the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon. He rested in the Lord at Rome, where he was buried on this day. (461)

At Vespers

music (samohlasen)

At "O Lord, I have cried", there are three stichera for the holy father.

Tone 8, special melody Čto vy naračem. What shall we name you, God-inspired one? * Head of the orthodox Church of Christ? * Eye of piety, clearly seeing hearts with spiritual understanding * pouring forth the word of life upon all the ends of the earth? * Divinely inscribed scroll of the right Faith? * Pray that our souls may be saved.

What now shall now we call you, wondrous one? * Preacher of the truth and firm foundation? * Senior among the honored council? * Excellent rule of teachings, * possessing the measure of correction? * The one who cut down the division of Nestorius * and the confusion of Eutyches * with divinely wrought revelations?

What now shall we now call you, marvelous one? * Prince and ruler in spiritual splendor, * exercising mastery over the passions of the body? * Vessel of divine mercy, * dwelling of perfect love? * Loving pastor awaiting the repentance of sinners? * Pray that our souls may be saved.

Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion

The aposticha are from the Octoechos.

Troparion, Tone 8. Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, * luminary for the world, * inspired adornment of bishops, * O wise Leo, harp of the Spirit, * you enlightened all by your teachings; * intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

At the Divine Liturgy

music - see the February Menaion

Glory – Kontakion, Tone 3. O glorious Leo, when you rose to the episcopal see, * you stopped the mouths of lions by exposing the true doctrine of the Holy Trinity. * You enlightened your flock with the knowledge of God. * Therefore, you were glorified, O contemplator of things divine.

Prokeimenon, Tone 1 (Ps. 48:4,2). My lips will speak * words of wisdom; * understanding will be the theme of my heart.
V. Hear this, all you nations; give heed, all who dwell in the world.

Epistle: (of the day)

Alleluia, Tone 2 (Ps. 36:30,31). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. The mouth of the just will utter wisdom, and his tongue will pronounce judgment.
V. The law of the Lord is in his heart; his steps shall be saved from stumbling.

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!