Eastern Rite - Feasts of 8 January AM 7531

Today is the Afterfeast of Theophany and the Feasts of Our Venerable Father George the Chozebite, of Our Venerable Mother Dominica, and of Emilian the Confessor.

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The second day of the Afterfeast of Theophany falls on January 8. At Vespers, we repeat a hymn that has already been sung at Compline for Theophany. In the hymn Saint John wonders in whose name he should baptise Christ. Should he baptise Him in the name of the Father? The Lord Jesus Christ already bears Him in Himself. Of the Son? He Himself is the incarnate Son of God. Of the Holy Spirit? Christ, Himself sends the Spirit.

Troparion — Tone 1

When You, O Lord were baptised in the Jordan / the worship of the Trinity was made manifest / for the voice of the Father bore witness to You / and called You His beloved Son. / And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, / confirmed the truthfulness of His word. / O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself / and have enlightened the world, glory to You!

Kontakion — Tone 4

Today You have shown forth to the world, O Lord, / and the light of Your countenance has been marked on us. / Knowing You, we sing Your praises. / You have come and revealed Yourself, / O unapproachable Light.

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Saint George the Chozebite was born on the island of Cyprus toward the end of the sixth century. After the death of his parents, he went to Palestine to worship at the holy places. Here he entered into the monastic community of Chozeba between the River Jordan and Jerusalem, and he later became head of this monastery. Saint George presented the monks example in fasting, vigil and physical efforts. Having lived as an angel upon the earth, he died in peace.

Troparion — Tone 5

God-bearing Father George, / you cultivated the word of grace and gathered the splendid fruits of righteousness, / having chosen the way of godliness. / Therefore, you partook of the glory of Christ; / intercede with Him unceasingly / that He may have mercy on our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)
You have appeared as a brilliant light / and have illumined with divine rays those who cry to you, O George. / Pray for us to Christ the Master, / Who appeared in the waters / to illumine those born on earth.

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Saint Domnica came from Carthage to Constantinople in the time of the holy Emperor Theodosius the Great. Here she was baptised by Patriarch Nectarius and entered a women’s monastery.

Through strict and prolonged ascetic effort she attained to high spiritual perfection. The saint healed the sick, demonstrated power over the natural elements, and predicted the future. By her miracles, the saint moved inhabitants of the capital towards concerns about life eternal and the soul. Adorned by virtues, the saint departed this life a spotless virgin in her old age.

Troparion — Tone 8

By a flood of tears, you made the desert fertile, / and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. / By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! / O our holy mother Domnica, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!

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Saint Emilian was a zealous defender of the holy icons during the reign of Emperor Leo the Armenian. He suffered torture and martyrdom in the year 820. His main feast is August 8.

Troparion — Tone 8

Champion of the Catholic Faith, teacher of purity and of true worship, / the enlightener of the universe and the adornment of hierarchs: / all-wise father Emilian, your teachings have gleamed with light upon all things. / Intercede before Christ God to save our souls.