January 16
The Veneration of the Chains of the holy, glorious, and illustrious apostle Peter. The church on the Equiline Hill in Rome (called St. Peter in Chains) preserves the chains with which St. Peter was bound in prison during the persecution of Nero.
At Vespers
At "O Lord, I have cried", there are six stichera for the holy apostle.
Tone 4, special melody Jako doblja. It was error itself that was bound by you, * when you were cast into prison in chains * as a prisoner in the Lord, O holy apostle Peter. * For this reason we venerate you with our whole heart * and kiss your chains in faith. * Finding strength for our bodies and souls in them, * we acclaim you fittingly * as a companion of the angels and as one who has seen God. (twice)
The diverse families of the nations * who had once been held in ignorance * have received knowledge of God through you. * A vision of them was shown to you * in the sheet seen lowered down from heaven containing all types of animals. * Thus all ages glorify you, O Peter, * bowing down before the chains which you bore for Christ. (twice)
He whom you denied when He was being condemned * you know have praised as risen from the dead, O holy apostle. * You announced him to the whole world as the God-Man * who dwelt among men in his surpassing goodness. * Thus, with our whole heart we call you blessed, O illustrious Peter, * bowing down before the chains which you bore for Christ. (twice)
Glory – Tone 6. Today, the foundation of the Church, Peter, the Rock of faith, * shows us his honorable chains for the well-being of our souls. * Come, let us embrace them and crown him with our hymns of praise: * Hail, O fervent defender of the Faith, * who freely confessed Christ with a fervent heart as the Son of God! * Hail, O you who bring joy to the world, * and carry the keys to the kingdom of Heaven! * Obtain grace for those who honor you whole-heartedly, * embracing your revered chains with love. * You stand before the throne of the divine King of all, * constantly interceding for us sinners.
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos. Then, for the venerable fathers:
Glory – Tone 6. Our ardent protector, Peter, the Rock of faith, * again gathers us for a spiritual feast, * offering to us his precious chains as a valuable sustenance, * as a healing for our ills, * consolation for the afflicted and a harbor for the shipwrecked. * Come, let us all embrace them * and entreat Him who glorified their bearer: * O Christ, save our souls!
Now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
Troparion, Tone 4. Without leaving Rome you come to us with your chains. * We venerate them in our faith, O prime apostle, and we pray to you: * Obtain mercy for us from God by your prayers.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the January Menaion
Troparion, Tone 4. Without leaving Rome you come to us with your chains. * We venerate them in our faith, O prime apostle, and we pray to you: * Obtain mercy for us from God by your prayers.
Glory – Kontakion, Tone 2. Let us praise Peter, the heavenly disciple of truth, * the first and greatest of the apostles. * Let us kiss his chains with faith * that our sins may be forgiven.
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: Acts 12:1-11
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: John 21:15-25
Communion Hymn (Ps. 18:5). Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.