Eastern Rite - Feasts of 3 January AM 7530

Today is the Forefeast of Theophany and the Feasts of the Holy Prophet Malachias and of the Holy Martyr Gordius.

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The second day of the Forefeast of Theophany falls on January 3. Today’s hymns invite us to go in spirit to the Jordan River where the Creator comes to be baptized. He is the Light which shines in the darkness (John 1:5), and today He begins to overcome that darkness.

Troparion — Tone 4

Prepare, O Zebulon, / and adorn yourself, O Naphtali; / River Jordan, cease flowing / and receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized. / Adam, rejoice with our First Mother / and do not hide as you did of old in Paradise; / for having seen you naked, / He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment. / Christ has appeared to renew all creation.

Kontakion — Tone 4

Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John: / “Do not be afraid to baptise me. / For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man.”

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The Holy Prophet Malachias lived 400 years before the Birth of Christ, at the time of the return of the Jews from the Babylonian Captivity. Malachias was the last of the Old Testament prophets, therefore the holy Fathers call him “the seal of the prophets.”

Manifesting himself an image of spiritual goodness and piety, he astounded the nation and was called Malachias, i.e., an angel. His prophetic book is included in the Canon of the Old Testament. In it he upbraids the Jews, foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ and His Forerunner, and also the Last Judgment (Mal 3:1-5; 4:1-6).

Troparion — Tone 2

We celebrate the memory / of Your prophet Malachias, O Lord; / through him, we entreat You, / save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)
Endowed with the gift of prophecy, O Malachias, / you clearly proclaimed the saving coming of Christ to the world. / His brightness has brought light to the whole universe.

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The Martyr Gordius was born at the end of the third century in the city of Caesarea of Cappadocia into a Christian family. When he came of age, he entered military service. Because of his valor and military skill, he was made a centurion. During the persecution of Christians at the beginning of the fourth century, he left the world and settled in the Sinai desert to prepare himself for the good deed of confessing the Name of Christ the Savior.

In the year 320, Gordius openly appeared before the prefect of a city where pagan games were being held, and identified himself as a Christian. He was arrested, suffered terrible torments, then was beheaded.

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyr Gordius, O Lord, / through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 8

(Podoben: “The universe offers You...”)
Holy Gordius, the earth has received the sweat of your labors; / the blood you shed has made the universe rejoice. / Save by your prayers those who sing of your glory in faith, / fittingly honoring you, divine and glorious martyr, worthy of all praise.