Eastern Rite ~ Feasts of 23 December AM 7533

Today is the Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ and the Feast of the Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete.

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The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Lord begins on December 20. From now on, most of the liturgical hymns will be concerned with the birth of the Savior.

At Compline on this fourth day of the prefeast of the Nativity we sing, “Let us purify our minds, washing ourselves with the divine Mysteries; let us draw near in soul and body to Bethlehem, that we may behold the fearful dispensation of the birth of the Lord” (Ode Five of the Canon).

Troparion — Tone 4

Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all! / Adorn yourself, O Ephratha, for the tree of life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave! / Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the Divine Fruit: / If we eat of it, we shall live forever and not die like Adam. / Christ comes to restore the image which He made in the beginning!

Kontakion — Tone 3

Today the Virgin comes to the cave / to give birth to the Eternal Word. / Hear the glad tidings and rejoice O universe! / Glorify with the angels and the shepherds / the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!

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The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus suffered for Christ during the third century under the emperor Decius (249-251). The governor of Crete, also named Decius, fiercely persecuted the Church, and arrested anyone who believed in Christ. Once, ten Christians were brought before him from various cities of Crete, who at the trial steadfastly confessed their faith in Christ and refused to worship idols.

For thirty days they were subjected to cruel tortures, and with the help of God, they all persevered, glorifying God. Before their death, they prayed that the Lord would enlighten their torturers with the light of the true Faith. Since pain did not influence them, the saints were beheaded.

Saint Paul of Constantinople (November 6) visited Crete about a hundred years later. He took the relics of the holy martyrs to Constantinople to serve as a protection for the city, and a source of blessings for the faithful.

Troparion — Tone 3

Let us show forth our great praise of Crete / that brought forth these precious Christians: the pearls of Christ! / And these blessed ten, the offspring of martyrs, / who though few in number, overcame all the deceits of powerful demons. / Therefore these martyrs of Christ have been crowned with victory!

Kontakion — Tone 3

The noble struggle of the martyrs / shines forth as the morning star, / shedding brilliant light for us / on the One who was born in the cave / to whom the Virgin gave birth without human seed.