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THE 2ND DAY OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY
FOREFEAST OF THEOPHANY
THE HOLY & RIGHTEOUS JULIANA OF LAZAREVO
 
AT GREAT VESPERS
After the Introductory Psalm, we chant “Blessed is the man…”, the first antiphon.

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 8 stichera: 3 stichera of the forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “As one valiant among the martyrs…”—
With piety let us sound forth the hymns of the forefeast of the honorable baptism of our God; for, lo! as a man He desireth to come to His forerunner in the flesh, and to ask for saving baptism unto the edification of all who are enlightened by faith in holiness, becoming partakers of the Spirit.
Christ is shown forth, God appeareth, as David most manifestly wrote beforehand, and He cometh to His servant, asking baptism. O River Jordan, be thou filled with gladness! O earth and sea, mountains and hills, ye hearts of men, exult now, receiving the noetic Light!
How can the river’s streams receive Thee, O Almighty Lord, Who art the River of peace and the Torrent of sustenance, as it is written, Who dost wrap the sky in clouds, dost strip away all the malice of the enemy and clothest mortals in immortality?

And 5 stichera of the righteous one, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O Lord, even though Thou didst stand before the tribunal…”—
O Lord, even though Juliana lived in the world and managed well the estates of her ancestors, yet did she unfailingly observe all Thy commandments; wherefore, she now standeth with the angels before Thy throne in the highest and doth clearly behold Thy divine glory. Through her supplications save Thou our souls, in that Thou art compassionate and lovest mankind. Twice
O Lord, even though Juliana was not vouchsafed the monastic tonsure, yet because she did things worthy of monastics she hath therefore not been denied a place in the choir of Thy saints, and after her death she poureth forth healings upon those who approach with faith. For her sake grant peace to the world, in that Thou art compassionate and lovest mankind. Twice
O Lord, even though Juliana lived with her husband and begat children, yet did she bestow alms without number upon the poor and show love unfeigned for her neighbor; wherefore, she hath been glorified by Thee after death. For a sweet-smelling myrrh poureth forth from her tomb upon all the sick, unto their healing. For her sake save us, in that Thou art compassionate and lovest mankind.

Glory…, in Tone VIII—
Let every tongue be moved to the goodly praise of the all-glorious Juliana! And with laudations let us—youths and virgins, the married and the widowed, of every age and rank—crown the righteous favorite of Christ; for, having contended lawfully and cast off womanly weakness, by her fasting, almsgiving and prayers she put the enemy to shame, and, adorned with an all-radiant heavenly crown, she entreateth Christ God, that He grant victory to our civil authorities, peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

Now & ever…: Doxasticon of the forefeast, in Tone VI—
Christ the Truth cometh to the Jordan to be baptized by John; and he saith unto Him: “It is I who must needs be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? I who am grass dare not touch the Fire! Sanctify me, O Master, by Thy divine epiphany!”

Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. And 3 Readings—

A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace. For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality. And having been a little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and found them worthy for Himself. As gold in the furnace hath He tried them and received them as a burnt offering. And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. Those who put their trust in Him shall understand the truth: and such as be faithful in love shall abide with Him: for grace and mercy is to His saints, and He hath care for His elect.

A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
The righteous live for evermore; their reward also is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the Most High. Therefore shall they receive a glorious kingdom, and a beautiful crown from the Lord’s hand: for with His right hand shall He cover them, and with His arm shall He protect them. He shall take to Him His jealousy for complete armor, and make the creature His weapon for the revenge of His enemies. He shall put on righteousness as a breastplate, and true judgment for an invincible shield. His severe wrath shall He sharpen for a sword, and the world shall fight with Him against the unwise. Then shall the right-aiming thunderbolts go abroad; and from the clouds, as from a well drawn bow, shall they be cast as out of a stone bow, and the water of the sea shall rage against them, and the floods shall cruelly drown them. Yea, a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and like a storm shall blow them away: thus iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty. Hear, therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations. For power is given you by the Lord, and sovereignty from the Most High.

A READING FROM THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON
Though the righteous be prevented with death, yet shall he be in rest. For honorable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that which is measured by number of years. But wisdom is the gray hair unto men, and an unspotted life is old age. He pleased God, and was beloved of Him: so that living among sinners he was translated. Yea, speedily was he taken away, lest that wickedness should alter his understanding, or deceit beguile his soul. For the bewitching of naughtiness doth obscure things that are honest; and the wandering of concupiscence doth undermine the simple mind. He, being made perfect in a short time, fulfilled a long time: for his soul pleased the Lord; therefore hasted He to take him away from among the wicked. This the people saw, and understood not, neither laid they up this in their minds: that His grace and mercy is with His saints, and that He hath respect unto His chosen.

At Litia, this sticheron, in Tone I —
O blessed and righteous Juliana! From thy youth thou didst show thyself to be the chosen vessel of God through thy works, abstinence, prayer and almsgiving, thy love and humility of mind; wherefore, thou didst please the King of heaven and Master of all. To Him do thou now make entreaty, that He grant us peace and great mercy.

Glory…, in the same tone—
O blessed and righteous Juliana! Possessed of a merciful soul, thou didst feed the poor abundantly, wast a mighty helper of orphans and widows, and the consolation of the sorrowful; wherefore, thou didst please the Creator and Lord, and hast received from Him the kingdom of heaven and an incorruptible crown. Him do thou beseech, that He grant us peace and great mercy.

Now & ever…: Theotokion—
Rejoice, O holy Virgin Theotokos, thou pure vessel of the whole world, ever-burning lamp, indestructible temple, thou who contained the Uncontainable One! Rejoice, thou of whom was born the Lamb of God, Who cometh forth to take away the sins of the whole world!

Aposticha, stichera, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “O all-glorious wonder…”—
O all-glorious wonder, how in a weak nature great might was shown forth, the delusion of the demons was overcome and all the assaults and wiles of the evil one destroyed! O righteous Juliana, blessed among women, entreat Christ God, Who loveth mankind, that our souls be saved.
Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
In thy purity, chastity and other virtues, O righteous Juliana, thou wast a temple of Christ; wherefore, thou didst contain within thyself the Holy Spirit. Him do thou entreat, that our souls be saved.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the wellsprings of Israel.
A helper and benefactor of the poor, the orphaned and the widowed wast thou, O right laudable Juliana; wherefore, thou hast also acquired inexhaustible riches in the heavens. There do thou beseech Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Glory…, in Tone VI—
Let Juliana, the dove of Christ, be honored, in that all praise and glory becometh her; for, having woven for herself a wreath of praises and lived in the midst of the world in a God-pleasing manner, pleasing Him by almsgiving and prayer, and having acquired great boldness before Him, she poureth forth healings in abundance upon those who approach her with faith. Wherefore, we also cry out to her: O blessed and thrice-blessed one, entreat Christ unceasingly for our rulers and hierarchs, and for all Orthodox Christians, that we may be delivered from the assault of aliens, from famine, pestilence and civil strife, and that He save our souls.

Now & ever…: Doxasticon of the forefeast, in Tone I—
Come, all ye faithful, and, forsaking the land of Judæa, let us traverse the wilderness of Jordan; and there shall we behold today Him Who for our sake hath appeared in the flesh, requesting baptism in the streams of the Jordan of the Baptist, who refused, crying aloud in fear: “I dare not touch Fire with my hand of clay! Jordan and the sea fled and turned back, O Savior; and how can I place my hand upon the crown of the head of Thee before Whom the seraphim tremble? Jordan withdrew when Elisha received the mantle of Elijah; how then is it that it hath not sunk into chaos and the nethermost depths, beholding Thee naked in its streams? How is it that it doth not scald me, who am set all afire by Thee?” “Wherefore dost thou hesitate to baptize my Lord, O Baptist?” the Jordan cried out to John. “Why hinderest thou the cleansing of many? Sanctify all creation, and remain Thou also to sanctify me, and the nature of water, for it is for this that Thou hast made Thyself manifest!”

After “Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart…”, the troparion of the righteous one, in Tone IV—
Shining forth with grace divine, even after death thou hast revealed the radiance of thy life; for thou pourest forth fragrant myrrh for healing upon all the sick who approach the shrine of thy relics with faith, O righteous mother Juliana. Entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Troparion of the Forefeast, in the same tone—
Make ready, O Zebulun! Adorn thyself, O Naphtali! O River Jordan, leaping up, receive thou the Master Who cometh to be baptized! Rejoice, O Adam, with our first mother! Hide not yourselves as ye did before in paradise; for He that beheld you naked hath revealed Himself, that He may clothe you in your primal raiment. Christ hath appeared, desiring to make all creation new!

AT MATINS
At “God is the Lord…”, the troparion of the Forefeast, twice; Glory…, that of the righteous one; Now & ever…, that of the Forefeast, once.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone I—
From thine earliest childhood thou didst have the fear of God in thy heart, O blessed mother Juliana, lifting the gaze of thy spiritual eyes on high, and ever pondering the things which are to come, which thou hast now received, O righteous one. Wherefore, pray thou now, that we be given peace and great mercy. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the Forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thy tomb, O Savior…”—
Having clothed Thyself in my poverty, O my Jesus, mingling with Thy servants Thou comest forth, requesting baptism from a servant, O Thou Who lovest mankind. Wherefore, John, beholding Thee, cried out: “How can I baptize Thee Who art wholly without defilement, O all-good God?

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this sessional hymn, in Tone VIII—
O righteous mother Juliana, thou wast wholly adorned by thy virtues as with fragrant flowers and precious stones; wherefore, thou wast pleasing to the incorrupt King and Master of all. Him do thou entreat, that He grant us peace and great mercy. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the Forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Go thou quickly before…”—
The Rich One, having beggared Himself in His great loving-kindness, and desiring to enrich us who once made ourselves beggars through intemperance, cometh forth to enter the streams of the Jordan and to be baptized openly by John. O ye faithful, let us hymn His utter humility!

Polyeleos, and this magnification—
We magnify thee, O holy and righteous Juliana, and we honor thy holy memory; for thou dost entreat Christ our God in our behalf.

Selected Psalm verses—
A With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and He was attentive unto me, and He hearkened unto my supplication. [Ps. 39: 2]
B He set my feet upon a rock, and He ordered my steps aright. [Ps. 39: 3]
A Lo, I have fled afar off and have dwelt in the wilderness. [Ps. 54: 8]
B I am become like a pelican of the wilderness. [Ps. 101: 7]
A I have watched, and am like a sparrow that sitteth alone upon the housetop. [Ps. 101: 8]
B My knees are grown weak through fasting. [Ps. 108: 24]
A And my flesh is changed for want of oil. [Ps. 108: 24]
B With tears will I water my couch. [Ps. 6: 4]
A For many dogs have encircled me, the congregation of evil doers hath surrounded me. [Ps. 21: 17]
B They have bent their bow, a bitter thing. [Ps. 63: 4]
A That they may shoot in secret at the blameless man. [Ps. 63: 4]
B I beheld the Lord ever before me, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. [Ps. 15: 8]
A All the nations compassed me round about, and by the name of the Lord I warded them off. [Ps. 117: 10]
B Blessed be the Lord Who hath not given us to be a prey to their teeth. [Ps. 123: 6]
A Let all Thy works, O Lord, give praise to Thee. [Ps. 144: 10]
B And let the righteous ones bless Thee. [Ps. 144: 10]
A Know also that the Lord hath made wondrous His righteous one. [Ps. 4: 4]
B He hath labored forever, and shall live to the end. [Ps. 48: 9-10]
A The Lord preserveth the souls of His saints. [Ps. 96: 10]
B The saints shall boast in glory and shall rejoice upon their beds. [Ps. 149: 5]
A Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. [Ps. 115: 6]
B Chant unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. [Ps. 29: 5]
Glory…, Now & ever…
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God! Thrice

After the Polyeleos, this sessional hymn, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Go thou quickly before…”—
The all-good God, Who fashioneth all things in His wisdom and glorifieth His saints, hath glorified thee on earth and in heaven, O righteous mother Juliana; wherefore, as thou hast great boldness before Him, pray thou for all Orthodox Christians, that He grant them peace and great mercy. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the Forefeast, in Tone I: Spec. Mel.: “Thy tomb, O Savior…”—
In His goodness Christ cometh forth to the streams of the River Jordan, and therein He desireth to accomplish our salvation through grace. O godly Forerunner, receive Him, rejoicing, and in the waters wash Him Who hath desired to be baptized and alone loveth mankind.

Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV

Prokimenon, in Tone IV—
Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the wellsprings of Israel.

Let every breath praise the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW, § 104 [MT. 25: 1-13]
The Lord spake this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone VI—
We have thee as a right-pleasing mediator and intercessor before God, O righteous mother Juliana; for thou prayest for our rulers and all Orthodox people, that we be delivered from misfortunes and tribulations, and from every assault of the enemy. Wherefore, we praise thy holy memory, crying aloud: Fail thou never in thy supplications in behalf of our souls!

Canon of the Forefeast, with 6 troparia, including the irmos; and that of the righteous one, with 8 troparia.

ODE I
Canon of the Forefeast, the acrostic whereof is the [Greek] alphabet, the composition of Joseph, in Tone II—
Irmos: Let us chant unto the Lord Who by His divine command dried up the impassable and turbulent sea, and guided the people of Israel across it on foot, for gloriously hath He been glorified!
The divine Forerunner, who knoweth the advent of the Lord, emergeth from the desert, crying out with splendor: “Our deliverance hath drawn nigh and appeared! Repent ye, and cleanse yourselves with water!”
O Word, Who with the Father art equally without beginning, with the immersion of repentance which is Thy baptism cleanse me wholly who am engulfed in a flood of sins; and ever grant deliverance unto the faithful, for the sake of Thine infinite loving-kindness.
The land of Zebulun, as it is written, beholding the unwaning Light, was enlightened; for, lo! He is come to the streams of the Jordan! And it hymneth God Who is over all, crying out: Let us chant unto the Lord, for gloriously hath He been glorified!
The divinely eloquent Forerunner, seeing all the people who had come, exclaimed to them: “Who hath told you to flee from the coming wrath? Show forth fruits of repentance, O ye who are saved by grace!”

Canon of the Righteous One, in Tone VIII—
Irmos: The staff of Moses, once working a wonder, striking the sea in the form of the Cross and dividing it, drowned the mounted tyrant Pharaoh, and saved Israel who fled on foot, chanting a hymn unto God.
By thine entreaties, O holy Juliana, guide me, who am ever overwhelmed by the storms of the passions and shaken by the tumult of sinful thought, to the calm haven of the will of Christ, that I may hymn thee as is meet.
Enlightened by a pure widowhood, O blessed of God, thou didst wed thyself to Christ by fasting, prayers and almsgiving, and didst follow His life-bearing steps, willingly enduring great want.
Thou didst follow the teaching of the holy fathers, O glorious one, and didst emulate their character and purity by abstinence, as though thou wast incorporeal, and through purity thou becamest like them, living well in true humility.
Theotokion: We hymn thee, O all-pure Theotokos who gavest birth supernaturally to the incarnate, eternal and all-divine Word.

Katavasia, Tone II: The Lord, mighty in battles, uncovered the bed of the deep and led His people across dry land, overwhelming the adversary in the sea, for He hath been glorified.

ODE III
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Establish us in thee, O Lord Who hast slain sin by the Tree, and plant the fear of Thee in the hearts of us who hymn Thee.
“The Christ hath appeared!” the Forerunner crieth out, “And He cometh up to the streams of the Jordan! Let us make haste to greet Him, enlightened by pure thoughts!”
O my God, Thou deliverance of all, having clothed Thyself in mine abundant poverty, Thou approachest to be baptized, seeking me who have strayed from the right path.
Let earth and heaven now join chorus, for the Benefactor of all is baptized, submerging the multitude of our countless transgressions in the waters.

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Having found thine abode in the mansions of heaven because of thy God-pleasing life, O radiant one, thou pourest forth rivers of healing and driest up the torrents of the passions.
Afire with utter desire, O divinely wise one, thou didst love Christ Who lowered Himself to take on the flesh in the excess of His loving-kindness, and thou didst follow His life-bearing words, spurning all the things of life.
Having acquired golden wings through almsgiving, like an incorrupt dove thou didst soar aloft to the heights of heaven, O Juliana blessed of God.
Theotokion: Incarnate, the Creator made His abode in thy womb, O most immaculate one, for the good of those who hymn thee with faith.

Katavasia: The Lord, Who giveth might unto our kings and exalteth the horn of His anointed ones, is born of the Virgin and cometh to baptism. O ye faithful, let us cry aloud unto Him: There is none as holy as our God!

Kontakion of the forefeast, in Tone IV: Spec. Mel.: “Thou hast appeared today…”—
In the streams of the Jordan the Lord crieth out to John today: “Fear not to baptize Me, for I have come to save Adam the first-created!”
Ikos: “I do not require thee to transgress the bounds of what is meet, O Baptist; I am not saying unto thee: Tell Me what thou tellest the iniquitous, and what thou teachest sinners. Only baptize Me in silence, awaiting those things which come through baptism; for it is for this cause that thou hast received a dignity which even the angels do not possess; for I have made thee greater than all the prophets. Thus, not one of them beheld Me plainly, but only in images, shadows and reflections; but thou beheldest Me standing before thee. For I am come to save Adam the first-created!”

Sessional hymn of the righteous one, in Tone IV—
Adorned with fasting and prayer, and making God thy debtor through almsgiving, with Him thou hast entered the incorrupt bridal-chamber, where thou delightest in His beauty. Pray thou, that we who hymn thee with love be saved from all misfortunes and pain. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Sessional hymn of the forefeast, in Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the shepherds’ pipes…”—
O invisible God, unapproachable Word, Thou wast begotten of the Father in a manner transcending nature and past recounting; and again, in the latter days, without altering what Thou wast, Thou wast born of the Virgin and comest now to be baptized in the flesh in the streams of the Jordan, O Thou Who as God hast been well pleased to save the race of man.

ODE IV
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, neither a mediator nor an angel, but Thyself incarnate, O Lord, and hast saved me, the whole man; wherefore, I cry to thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
The great Forerunner doth marvel at Thine arrival, O Jesus our Benefactor, and in awe he crieth out to Thee: “O Master Who art fire, burn me not who am grass!”
“Beholding Me standing in these waters of Mine own will, O John, do thou now draw nigh and baptize Me, that by water I may fashion grace for the human race!”
“I have come to know Thee in the flesh to be like the sun which covereth itself with clouds. How therefore is it that I now behold Thee naked, clothed in the waters?” John cried out, marvelling.
“Human nature is enlightened and receiveth deliverance from the darkness of sin, and is clothed from on high with the divine vesture of incorruption when I am stripped naked.”

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Thy radiant festival, which shineth with the light of God, illumineth the souls of us who hymn thee with faith, O venerable one.
With divine miracles hast thou persuaded to faith those who believe not in the Master, and thou hast converted to the Faith of Christ those who have forsaken the darkness of falsehood.
Unto Christ thou didst offer the pure mortification of thy members, didst please God with thy labors, abstinence and almsgiving, and hast received in exchange the kingdom of heaven and everlasting delight.
Theotokion: Condescending, save me who live pridefully, O all-pure one who gavest birth to the Savior, Who hath exalted our lowly nature.

Katavasia: He whom Thou didst call a Voice crying in the wilderness hath heard Thy voice, O Lord; for Thou didst thunder forth over many waters, bearing witness unto Thy Son. And having been wholly filled with the descending Spirit, he cried out: “Thou art Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!”

ODE V
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.
Crying out, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” the sacred Forerunner appeared out of the desert, renewing those who had grown desolate in evil deeds.
His law and the sacred company of the prophets said of old that the Christ would come, renewing through divine baptism us who wax old through our many transgressions.
“Strange and awesome things do I behold today,” said John, “for now the Wellspring of immortality is come to ask baptism of the least droplet!”

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: Waking at dawn, we cry to Thee: Save us, O Lord! For Thou art our God, and we know none other than Thee.
Lifting up thy venerable hands to Christ, O mother, thou didst repulse the onslaughts of the enemy.
Holding fast to thy right hand, O mother, the Most High guided thee to the heavenly kingdom.
Traversing the narrow way in fasting, thou didst reach the expanse of paradise, O most honored mother.
Theotokion: They who do not acknowledge thee as the Theotokos, O all-pure Mother of God, are devoid of the light of Him Who was born of thee.

Katavasia: Jesus, the Author of life, cometh to lift the condemnation of Adam the first-created, and though as God He requireth no cleansing, He cleanseth the fallen one in the Jordan. And having slain enmity therein, He granteth peace which passeth all understanding.

ODE VI
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.
As rain into a fleece of wool do Thou drop down the remission of our offenses, O Thou Who lovest mankind, Who hast drowned the transgressions of those born of earth in the Jordan’s streams, in Thy great mercy.
As an abyss of righteousness, O Christ, Thou now comest forth to the River Jordan to drown the serpent and to wash away the crime of Adam.
“How can the river’s streams hold Thee Who art truly a stream of incorruption, O Christ?” the Forerunner cried out, glorifying Thy great compassion.

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: Grant me a robe of light, O Thou Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, O most merciful Christ our God.
Having mortified the uprisings of the flesh and given thy mind the rule over the passions, O most honored Juliana, thou dwellest now in the splendors of dispassion.
Observing in word and deed the teachings of the Savior, O glorious one, it was thy custom to bow down before His image when thou didst stand all night in prayer.
Christ hath shown thee to be a cloud pouring forth myrrh like rain, unto the healing of those who with faith approach the shrine of thy relics.
Theotokion: Thy Son was comely beyond all men in the beauty of His divinity, O all-pure one, even though He became flesh for our sake.

Katavasia: The voice of the Word, the candlestick of the Light, the morning star of the Sun, the Forerunner, crieth out to all the people in the wilderness: Repent, and be ye cleansed beforehand! For, lo! the Christ is at hand, delivering the world from corruption!

Kontakion of the Righteous One, in Tone VIII—
All of us amid misfortune and pain hymn the holy Juliana as a helper quick to hear; for she lived a God-pleasing life in the world and gave countless alms unto the poor. Wherefore, she hath found the grace of miracles at the command of God.
Ikos: Come, ye assembly of monastics! Come, ye lovers of purity! Come, ye who, of every age, love the feasts of the Church! Come, ye widowed and married folk alike, and with spiritual songs let us praise the blessed Juliana, the boast of fasters, the adornment of widows, the ornament of the merciful, the consoler of the grieving, the visitor of the sick, the ready helper for those amid misfortunes, the divinely wise almsgiver and bestower of hospitality upon strangers, who poureth forth healings upon all who approach her with faith. For she hath found the grace of miracles at the command of God.

ODE VII
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, Thy three youths spurned the ungodly command, and, cast into the midst of the fire, bedewed, they sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!
Clothing me in sacred vesture, who have been stripped naked through the counsel of the false one, O Christ, Thou hast come in the richness of Thy goodness to pass naked through the waters. I hymn Thy loving-kindness and worship Thy wondrous providence.
When John beheld Thee naked and commanding that he baptize Thee, he said: “What is this great economy toward us, O Christ? What is this poverty? What is this ineffable descent which passeth understanding?”
Thou didst light Thy precious flesh like a lamp in the midst of the Jordan, O Christ, and didst search for Thine image which had been buried by sin and the passions; and finding it, Thou didst adorn it with Thy baptism, O Good One. Wherefore, we hymn Thee.

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!
Thou didst spurn corruptible beauty, O blessed Juliana, looking to the rewards of heaven, the light and glory which waxeth not old, the beauty of God, gladness and divine delight.
Thou didst exchange the corrupt world for life beyond the world, which ageth not, and transitory food for an abiding existence; and by thy pure widowhood thou didst find a heavenly Bridegroom.
Emulating the angels in the flesh, thou didst acquire a God-loving understanding within thy soul, fervently keeping vigils and chanting with love: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Theotokion: Look upon my sorrow, O Virgin Theotokos, to which the multitude of mine evils hath brought me, and rescue me from the fire of Gehenna, who chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Katavasia: The dew-laden, whistling wind and the descent of the Angel of God preserved unharmed the pious youths who communed together in the fiery furnace. Wherefore, bedewed in the flame, they raised a hymn in thanksgiving: O all-hymned Lord and God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

ODE VIII
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: God, Who descended into the fiery furnace for the Hebrew children and transformed the flame into dew, hymn ye as Lord, O ye works, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
John stood forth, the voice of One crying out clearly in the wilderness, turning the hearts of those who have fervently repented to glorify the Savior and Master Who appeared in the Jordan.
“A rushing torrent art Thou, Who fashioned the sea and the wellsprings. And how comest Thou up to the waters? Why seekest Thou cleansing, O Thou Who art the washing and purification of those who hymn Thee, O Christ, for ever?”
Seeking to dry up the streams of the enemy’s malice, to drain the sea of the passions and to pour forth cleansing and remission upon the faithful, O Master, Thou comest to be baptized in the streams of the Jordan.
O Creator of the hours and years, having in Thy loving-kindness come under time, Thou hast shone forth timelessly from the all-unoriginate Father, and hast come to wash away in the streams of the Jordan the transgressions committed throughout all ages.

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: Trampling down the fire and flame in the furnace, the divinely eloquent youths did chant: Bless the Lord, O ye works of the Lord!
Adorned with the radiance of purity and enlightened by a pure life, thou standest before Christ our God, chanting: Bless the Lord, ye works of the Lord!
Thy body, O righteous one, which is all-gloriously preserved in the tomb, healeth the divers pangs of men and repelleth the assaults of the demons.
Offer hymnody of supplication to the Lord for those who hymn thee, O blessed one, and ease our grievous pain, that we may hymn thee forever.
Theotokion: Heal thou the weakness of my soul and the pangs of my body, O Virgin, that we may hymn thee forever.

Katavasia: The Babylonian furnace which poured forth dew showed forth a most glorious mystery: how the Jordan was to receive the immaterial Fire in its streams and embrace the Creator baptized in the flesh. Him do the peoples bless and exalt supremely for all ages.

ODE IX
Canon of the Forefeast
Irmos: O ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify in oneness of mind the Word of God, Who from God came in His ineffable wisdom to renew Adam who had grievously fallen into corruption, and Who became ineffably incarnate of the holy Virgin for our sake.
Seeing Thee, our Benefactor, coming to him and asking baptism of him with humility, John marvelled, astonished, in no wise daring to touch with his hand Thee Who dost touch all the mountains and makest them to smoke.
Like the longed-for swallow heralding a noetic spring, the Baptist hath called forth to those caught up in the deep mid-winter of boundless transgressions who ever endure the blizzard of adverse spirits and evil passions.
With hymns do we magnify Thee, O Lord, as God and Savior, the Effulgence of the glory of the Father, the never-setting Sun Who hast shone forth upon those who sit in the darkness of evil, and art come to enlighten all.
Seeing thy barrenness, O my soul, the axe of death, lying at thy root, threateneth to hew thee down as an unfruitful tree. But cry out to God with fervent repentance: I have sinned against Thee! Save me!
The voice of one crying out hath been heard in the wilderness of our hearts, saying: “Rejoice, for Christ hath come forth, granting remission unto all! Be sanctified, all ye springs and rivers, valleys and mountains, and every place under the sun!”

Canon of the Righteous One
Irmos: Every ear trembleth to hear of the ineffable condescension of God, for the Most High willingly came down even to the flesh, becoming man through the Virgin’s womb. Wherefore we, the faithful, magnify the all-pure Theotokos.
Desiring the beauty of Christ and loving Him with all thy soul, thou criest to Him, exclaiming ardently: “Where dost Thou tend Thy flock, that I may find rest with Thee? I delight in Thy splendors, magnifying Thy grace!”
In thy soul thou didst have understanding and humility, divine meekness, unshakable faith and love for God; and drawing nigh to Him through all-night supplications, O Juliana, thou art blessed, illumined and enlightened by the splendors of heaven.
Be thou mindful of us who praise thee with faith, O blessed Juliana, deliver us from pangs of body and soul, and guide those who praise thee with faith to the path which leadeth to heaven.
Theotokion: When Thou shalt sit to judge my works, spare me, O Christ God Who wast born of the Virgin and didst preserve her who gave Thee birth incorrupt; overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that Thou art the sinless and merciful God Who lovest mankind.

Katavasia: Every tongue is at a loss how to praise thee as is meet, and even an intelligence from above the world is in doubt how to hymn thee, O Theotokos; yet, as thou art good, accept our faith, for thou knowest our longing inspired by God; for thou art the intercessor of Christians, and we magnify thee.

Exapostilarion of the Righteous One—
The light of Christ abode within thee, O Juliana, and made thee the habitation of the Holy Spirit; wherefore, by thy supplications save us, O blessed one. Twice

Glory…, Now & ever…: Exapostilarion of the Forefeast: Spec. Mel.: “Hearken, ye women…”—
The voice of one crying out hath been raised: “Exult, ye mountains! Join chorus, O race of men! for the Word Who is wholly without beginning, Who as a man took flesh upon Himself, is come, to be baptized by hands which He fashioned, drowning the sin of the world in the Jordan.

On the Praises, 8 stichera: 4 of the Forefeast, in Tone VI: Spec. Mel.: “Go forth, O angelic hosts…”—
O hosts of angels, go forth from Bethlehem to the streams of the Jordan! O John, forsaking the desert, go before us all! Rejoice, O river, and make ready! Let all the earth rejoice! Christ cometh to wash away the sin of Adam, for He is compassionate!
With pure mouths and cleansed souls come ye mystically, leaving Bethlehem; and going with Christ to the Jordan, let us hymn Him with gladness, O all ye lands, saying with faith: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!
Great and awesome is the mystery, for God hath made Himself like man, though he knew not sin in any wise; and, though innocent, He asketh to be baptized of John in the River Jordan today. Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!
Having shone forth from the Virgin as the flower of David, Christ hath come to the streams of the Jordan to wash the sins of our first father away in the waters. Dance thou, O Adam! Be glad, O Eve! Let heaven rejoice! And let the people say: Blessed art Thou Who hast come! O our God, glory to Thee!

And 4 stichera of the saint, in Tone VIII—
Through fasting and prayer thou didst receive spiritual grace, O pure mother, to heal the pain of the body, to drive away the demons by the gift of the Holy Spirit, and to intercede for all those who sorrow. Wherefore, by thy supplications beseech the Lord, that He grant healings and great mercy unto all. Twice
Thou gavest countless alms to those in need, and didst have an Orthodox love for God; for which cause the grace of Christ rested within thee, O mother. Wherefore, by thy supplications preserve those who bless thee with faith.
The tomb wherein thou was laid to rest poureth forth fragrant myrrh for all the sick unto their healing, and for those who ask thy visitation with faith, O pure and right wondrous mother; wherefore, by thy supplications save us who hymn thee.

Glory…, in Tone V—
O venerable mother, righteous Juliana, thou gavest no sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids, until thou didst free body and soul from the passions, and didst make of thyself a habitation for the Holy Spirit; for Christ, coming to thee with the Father, made His abode within thee. And now, having become a favorite of the consubstantial Trinity, pray thou in behalf of our souls.

Now & ever…: Doxasticon of the Forefeast, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone VIII—
“O Forerunner John, who knewest Me, the Lamb, while yet in the womb of thy mother, minister unto Me at the river, offer unto Me service with the angels. Stretching forth thy hand, touch the all-pure crown of My head; and when thou seest the mountains smoke and Jordan turn back, cry aloud with them: O Lord, Who wast incarnate of the Virgin for our salvation, glory be to Thee!”

Great Doxology. Troparia. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.

AT LITURGY
On the Beatitudes, 8 troparia: 4 from Ode III of the canon of the Forefeast, and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of the righteous one.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV—
Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.
Stichos: In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the wellsprings of Israel.

EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS, §208 [GAL 3:23-29]
Brethren: Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Alleluia, in Tone I—
Stichos: The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and He is their defender in time of affliction.
Stichos: All the day long the righteous showeth mercy, and lendeth, and his seed shall be unto blessing.

GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK, § 21 [MK. 5: 24-6: 1]
At that time, many people followed Jesus, and thronged Him. And a certain woman, who had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched His garment. For she said: “If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole.” And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned Him about in the press, and said: “Who touched my clothes?” And His disciples said unto Him: “Thou seest the multitude thronging Thee, and sayest Thou, ‘Who touched Me?’” And He looked round about to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him all the truth. And He said unto her: “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”

Communion Verse—
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright.

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