April 8
The holy apostles Herodian, Agabus, Rufus, Asyncritus, Phlegon and Hermes. These were all among the Seventy, and are mentioned by St. Paul in his epistles. Herodion was a kinsman of Paul: “Salute Herodion my kinsman,” he writes to the Romans (16:11). Herodion helped the Apostle Peter in Rome, and was beheaded along with many other Christians the day that St. Peter was crucified. Agabus had a spirit of prophecy; two of his prophecies are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (11:28 and 21:11). Rufus was bishop of Thebes in Greece; he also is mentioned by Paul: “Salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord.” (Rom. 16:13). St. Asyncritus (Rom. 16:14) was bishop of Hyrcania in Asia. Phlegon, who is mentioned in the same place as Rufus, was bishop in the Thracian city of Marathon. Hermes, mentioned with the others, was bishop in Dalmatia.
At Vespers
music (samohlasen)
At "O Lord, I have cried", there are three stichera for the holy apostles.
Tone 4, special melody Jako doblja. Like eagles on the wing, * you passed through the whole world as you sowed your holy teachings, * and, through grace, brought an end to the drunkenness of error. * Thus you harvested a hundred-fold, * deposited throughout the ages in the spiritual granaries * of the immortal Gardener.
Let us bless Herodian, * Agabus, Asyncritus, and Rufus, * Hermes and Phlegon, * for they are branches of the true Vine, * bearing fruit and distilling the sap of our salvation, * which brings joy to the thirsty hearts of the faithful * who celebrate their wondrous memory with true faith.
Lifted up to heaven by your spirit, * you proclaimed the glory of our God * in his voluntary Incarnation, * O Apostles who saw God: * you are guides for believers, foundation stones for the Church, * unshakable ramparts, harbors of faith, * stewards of the ineffable Mysteries of God * and enlighteners of our souls.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
Troparion, Tone 3. O holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God * that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the April Menaion
Troparion, Tone 3. O holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God * that he may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 2. You have become disciples and true apostles of Christ, * O glorious Herodian and fellow apostles. * Pray to the Lord to forgive the sins of those who honor you.
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.