December 9
Our venerable father Patapius, anchorite, who, having come from the Thebaid, was converted at Constantinople near Blachernae and was buried in a monastery of Egyptians. (7th century)
The holy Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel, was the wife of Elkanah (cf I Samuel 1). She had no child, and was in reproach for barrenness. God took pity on her, and opened her womb; she bore Samuel, and dedicated him to God from his birth. Her canticle of thanksgiving is sung at the Office of Matins.
Day of Alleluia.
At Vespers
At "O Lord, I have cried": three stichera from the Octoechos, and three for the venerable father.
Tone 1, special melody Prechvalnii mučenicy. O father Patapius, * having quenched the burning of the flesh with abstinence, * like Elijah of old, * you made your abode in the desert, * purifying your mind with unceasing prayer to God. * Pray that God will grant our souls peace and great mercy.
O father Patapius, * you enrolled yourself in the choir of fasters, * adorning yourself with dispassion; * you made your abode in the mansions of the venerable, * where the light is unwaning * and the Tree of Life is found. * Pray that God will grant our souls peace and great mercy.
O father Patapius, * you shone forth as a beacon from Egypt, * enlightening the world with the splendor of your miracles, * and dispelling the gloom of soul-destroying infirmities, * driving off the darkness of demons. * Pray that God will grant our souls peace and great mercy.
Glory, now and ever – Theotokion, or Stavrotheotokion
The aposticha are from the Octoechos.
Troparion, Tone 8. In you, O father, the divine imahe was strictly preserved; * taking up your cross, you followed Christ. * You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, * and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. * Therefore, O venerable Patapius, your souls rejoices with the angels.
At the Divine Liturgy
music - see the December Menaion
Troparion, Tone 8. In you, O father, the divine imahe was strictly preserved; * taking up your cross, you followed Christ. * You taught us by example how to spurn the flesh, for it passes away, * and how to care for the soul, which is immortal. * Therefore, O venerable Patapius, your souls rejoices with the angels.
Glory, now and ever – Kontakion, Tone 3. O holy Patapius, nations have found a source of spiritual healing at your shrine. * All, therefore, come to you, seeking welfare of body and spirit; * for you are a helper to all the afflicted.
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: (of the day)
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: (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!