Menaion of the Orthodox Church

The 15th Day of the Month of June

Commemoration of Our Father Among the Saints Jonah, Metropolitan of Moscow & All Russia

At Great Vespers

After the Introductory Psalm, we chant “Blessed is the man…”, the first antiphon.

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 8 stichera: 4 in Tone IV, Special Melody: “Called from on high…”

When the divine calling came upon thee, O divinely wise Jonah, thou didst forsake the world and that which is in the world, and didst follow after Christ with unwavering resolve. Wherefore, the all-seeing Eye, beholding thy goodly intentions, invested thee with the episcopacy. Entreat Him and pray unto Him, that He save and enlighten our souls. Twice

When divine effulgence made its abode within thy heart, O holy hierarch Jonah, thou didst acquire all-radiant joy and all-honorable glory. Wherefore, thou didst hold all things to be fleeting, and with all thy heart thou didst cleave unto God alone. Entreat Him and pray unto Him, O thou who art great among hierarchs, that He save and enlighten our souls.

When love divine came upon thee, O holy hierarch, inclining thyself wholly unto Christ the Master from thy youth, thou didst desire Him, cleansing thyself of all the passions which drag us down. Wherefore, thou wast shown to be the abode and habitation of the all-holy Spirit, working all-glorious miracles. Entreat Christ, that He save and enlighten our souls.

And 4 stichera, in the same tone, Special Melody: “As one valiant among the martyrs…”

Having dwelt on earth like an angel, O most blessed and holy hierarch Jonah, thou didst gain mastery over the passions, and didst make what is baser subject to that which is higher; wherefore, having passed over to the kingdom which passeth not away, ever pray that Christ send down cleansing of sins and great mercy upon those who honor thee with faith. Twice

By thy teachings thou didst nurture well with the grass of life the flock given thee by God, O holy hierarch Jonah; and having now passed over into never-waning radiance and everlasting gladness, be thou mindful, O all-blessed one, of those who honor thine honorable repose, and pray that our souls be saved.

Celebrating today the sacred memory of the blessed Jonah, the great hierarch, come, let us all honor with divine hymns, him who ever prayeth for us, that salvation and a multitude of compassions be sent down upon our souls.

Glory…: Idiomelon, in Tone VI

The divine shrine of thy relics is redolent with sweet fragrance, O holy hierarch Jonah, imparting healing to the souls and bodies of all. Wherefore, we beseech thee to preserve in peace thy God-given flock, our civil authorities and all of Orthodoxy, that we may all unceasingly magnify thee as our true pastor and advocate before God.

Now and ever…: Dogmatic Theotokion, in the same tone

Who doth not call thee blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn thine all-pure birthgiving? For the only-begotten Son Who shone forth timelessly from the Father, came forth, ineffably incarnate, from thee, the pure one; and being God by nature, He became man for our sake, not divided into two Persons, but known in two natures without confusion. Him do thou beseech, O pure and most blessed one, that our souls find mercy!

Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three Readings:

A Reading from Proverbs

The memory of the just is praised, and the blessing of the Lord is upon his head. Blessed is the man who hath found wisdom, and the mortal who knoweth prudence. For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver. And she is more valuable than precious stones: no precious thing is equal to her in value. For length of existence and years of life are in her right hand; and in her left hand are wealth and glory: out of her mouth righteousness proceedeth, and she carrieth law and mercy upon her tongue. Hearken to me, O children, for I will speak solemn truths. Blessed is the man who shall keep my ways; for my outgoings are the outgoings of life, and in them is prepared favor from the Lord. Ye, O men, do I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men. I, wisdom, have built up; upon counsel, knowledge and understanding have I called. Counsel and safety are mine; prudence is mine, and strength is mine. I love those that love me; those who seek me shall find grace. O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge. Hearken unto me again; for I will speak solemn truths. For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse. They are all evident to those that understand, and right to those that find knowledge. For I will instruct you in truth, that your hope may be in the Lord, and ye may be filled with the Spirit.

A Reading from Proverbs

The mouth of the righteous droppeth wisdom: but the tongue of the unjust shall perish. The lips of just men drop grace: but the mouth of the ungodly is perverse. False balances are an abomination before the Lord: but a just weight is acceptable unto Him. Wherever pride entereth, there will also disgrace: but the mouth of the humble doth meditate wisdom. The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the overthrow of the rebellious shall spoil them. Possessions shall not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness will deliver from death. When a just man dieth, he leaveth regret: but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy and causeth joy. Righteousness traceth out blameless paths: but ungodliness encountereth unjust dealing. The righteousness of upright men delivereth them: but transgressors are caught in their own destruction. At the death of a just man his hope doth not perish: but the boast of the ungodly perisheth. A righteous man escapeth from a snare, and the ungodly man is delivered up in his place. In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare for citizens: but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous. In the prosperity of righteous men a city prospereth, but at the destruction of the wicked there is exultation. At the blessing of the upright a city shall be exalted, but by the mouths of ungodly men it is overthrown. A man void of understanding sneereth at his fellow citizens: but a sensible man is quiet.

A Reading from the Wisdom of Solomon

When the righteous is praised, the people will rejoice; for his memory is immortality, because it is known with God, and with men; for his soul pleased the Lord. Love wisdom, therefore, O men, and live; desire her, and ye shall be instructed. For the beginning of her is love and the observation of the law. Honor wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore. I will tell you, and will not hide from you the mysteries of God, for he it is who is the instructor of wisdom, the director of the wise, the master of all understanding and activity. And wisdom teacheth all understanding; for in her is a spirit understanding and holy, the brightness of the everlasting light, and the image of the goodness of God. She maketh friends of God, and prophets; she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the constellations of the stars; compared with the light, she is found preëminent. She hath delivered from pain those who please her, and guided them in right paths, given them knowledge of holy things, defended them from their enemies, and given them a mighty struggle, that they might all know that godliness is stronger than all; vice shall never prevail against wisdom, neither shall judgment pass away without convicting the evil. For they said to themselves, reasoning unrighteously: Let us oppress the righteous man, let us not spare his holiness, neither need we be ashamed of the ancient gray hairs of the aged, for our strength shall be a law unto us; let us lie in wait for the righteous, for he is displeasing to us, opposeth our doings, upbraideth us with our offending the law, and denounceth to our infamy the transgressions of our training. He professeth to have the knowledge of God, and calleth himself the child of the Lord. He is become a reproof to our thoughts, and is grievous even for us to behold; for his life is not like other men’s, his ways are of another fashion. We are accounted by him as a mockery, and he avoideth our ways as filth, and pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed. Let us see if his words be true; let us test what things happen to him. Let us examine him with mockery and torture, that we may know his meekness and prove his forbearance. Let us condemn him with a shameful death, for by his own words shall he be visited. Such things did they imagine, and were deceived; for their own wickedness blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not; neither bethought they that Thou alone art God, who hast the power of life and death, savest in time of tribulation, and deliverest from all evil; who art compassionate and merciful, givest grace to Thy saints and opposest the prideful with Thine own arm.

At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone I, Special Melody: “Joy of the ranks of heaven…”

O divinely wise and holy hierarch Jonah, by thy prayers and fasting, and by keeping vigil and giving alms, thou didst unite thyself unto God; wherefore, thou wast shown to be the abode and dwelling of the all-holy Spirit. As thou wast a hierarch of the Church of Christ, pray thou that our souls be saved.

Stichos: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Thou didst submit to the commandment of God Almighty, following in His steps from thy youth, O holy hierarch; wherefore thou didst receive from Him the grace to work all-glorious miracles and to expel evil spirits from all who honor thee with love.

Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the earth.

Thou didst remain meek and innocent throughout thy whole life, O holy hierarch Jonah; wherefore, as thou didst desire, thou didst find rest with the saints in the heavens. For this cause we honor thy divine memory, celebrating it with faith, O divinely blessed and most honored one.

Glory…: Idiomelon, in Tone IV

When with God’s aid, O holy hierarch, thou didst reach the Imperial City, thou wast received with honor by the patriarch, and from thence wast sent back to the lands of Russia, bearing with thee peace and blessing. Wherefore, the Russian land lovingly received thee as its father, and in accordance with the sovereign’s will, thou wast most gloriously elevated to the hierarchal cathedra, whereon thou didst remain for many years, until thy departure to the Lord. Him do thou entreat, that He save those who hymn thee.

Now and ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone

Mercifully regard the supplications of thy servants, O all-immaculate one, quelling the uprisings of the cruel demons against us, delivering us from every sorrow; for thee alone have we as a steadfast and sure confirmation, and we have acquired thine intercession; let not us who call upon thee be put to shame, O Mistress. Haste thou to answer the entreaty of those who cry out to thee with faith: Rejoice, thou help, joy and protection of all, and salvation of our souls!

Troparion, in Tone IV

Having dedicated thyself wholly to the Lord from thy youth, thou becamest a model of virtue in prayers, labors and fasting; wherefore, beholding thy goodly intent, God appointed thee the hierarch and pastor of His Church: and for this cause, thy precious body hath been preserved whole and incorrupt after thy repose. O holy hierarch Jonah, entreat Christ God, that He save our souls.

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

The mystery hidden from before the ages and unknown even to the angels, through thee, O Theotokos, hath been revealed to those on earth: God incarnate in unconfused union, Who willingly accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.

At Matins

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone I, Special Melody: “When the stone had been sealed by the Jews…”

Thou didst adorn the Church of Christ with thy teachings and works, O holy hierarch Jonah; wherefore, thy virtuous life shone forth in the world, and thou wast a model for the Church in prayer, fasting and the keeping of vigils: wherefore, we cry out to thee: Glory to Him Who gave thee strength! Glory to Him Who hath crowned thee! Glory to Him Who through thee granteth healing unto all! Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

O all-holy Virgin, thou hope of Christians: with the heavenly hosts unceasingly entreat God, to Whom thou gavest birth in manner past understanding and recounting, that He grant remission of all our sins and correction of life unto those who with faith and love ever glorify thee.

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone IV, Special Melody: “Having been lifted up…”

Because thou didst prefer humility of mind, O holy hierarch Jonah, thou wast therefore glorified as a divine hierarch, offering sacrifice unto Christ our God Who sacrificed Himself of His own will. Him do thou beseech, that our souls be saved. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

By thy divine birthgiving, O pure one, thou hast restored the mortal nature of those who dwell on earth, which had become corrupt in the passions, and thou hast raised all up from death unto the life of incorruption. Wherefore, we all bless thee, as is meet, O all-glorious Virgin, as thou didst foretell.

Polyeleos, and magnification

We magnify thee, O holy hierarch Jonah, and we honor thy holy memory; for thou dost entreat Christ God in our behalf.

Selected Psalm verses

A O hear ye this, all ye people; ponder it with your ears, all ye that dwell in the world. [48:1]

B My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. [48:3]

A Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. [33:11]

B I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation. [39:11]

A My talk hath been of thy truth, and of thy salvation. [39:12]

B I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. [21:22]

A That I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. [25:7]

B Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth. [25:8]

A I have hated the congregation of the wicked, and will not sit among the ungodly. [25:5]

B Because I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not forsaken my God, as the wicked doth. [17:21]

A The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom, and his tongue shall speak of judgment. [36:31]

B His righteousness endureth for ever. [110:3]

A Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints sing with joyfulness. [131:9]

B Blessed are those who dwell in thy house; they will be alway praising thee. [83:4]

Glory…, Now and ever…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God. Thrice

After the Polyeleos, this Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “Of the Wisdom…”

By thy works having preserved that which was created according to the image of God, as one virtuous and meek thou didst illumine the Church of Christ, O great hierarch Jonah; for thy virtuous life shone forth in the world and is glorified by all. Wherefore, we all cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Entreat Christ God, O divinely blessed and holy hierarch, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love honor thy godly memory. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

All of us, the generations of men, bless thee as the Virgin who, alone among women, gavest birth without seed to God in the flesh; for the fire of the Godhead made His abode within thee, and thou didst nurture the Creator and Lord with milk as a babe. Wherefore, we, the race of angels and men, cry out to thee together: Entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of offenses unto those who with faith worship thine all-holy birthgiving.

Song of Ascents, the first antiphon of Tone IV

Prokimenon, in Tone IV

My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

Stichos: Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the earth.

Let every breath praise the Lord.

Gospel according to Luke, §24 [Lk. 6: 17-23]

At that time, Jesus stood in the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him: for there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all. And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said: “Blessed be ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye who hunger now, for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye who weep now, for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy, for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

After Psalm 50, this sticheron of the saint, in Tone VI

The divine shrine of thy relics is redolent with sweet fragrance, O holy hierarch Jonah, imparting healing to the souls and bodies of all. Wherefore, we beseech thee to preserve thy God-given flock, our civil authorities and all of Orthodoxy in peace, that we may all unceasingly magnify thee as our true pastor and advocate before God.

Canon of the Theotokos, with 6 Troparia, including its irmos; and that of the holy hierarch, with 8 Troparia.

Ode I

Canon of the Theotokos, the acrostic whereof is: “O Mother of God, grant unto me abundant grace”, in Tone VI

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

When Eve partook of the forbidden fruit of the garden, she brought the curse upon herself; but in giving birth to Christ, the First-fruits of blessing, O pure one, thou hast annulled it.

O pure one who gavest birth to Christ as a pearl is engendered by the lightning of God, with the light of thy radiance dispel the gloom of my passions and the turmoil of transgressions.

Mystically, with noetic eyes, Jacob foresaw the expectation of the nations: God, incarnate of thee, Who through thy mediation hath delivered us.

When princes were lacking among the tribe of Judah, O all-pure one, thy Son and God, coming forth as a leader, hath now truly become king over the ends of the earth.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch, in Tone VIII

Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

As thou delightest in the divine gifts given by God, and dost answer the petition of each with miracles, O father, grant me the power to sing thy sacred festival.

Divine grace was poured forth in thy lips, O holy hierarch Jonah, and thou wast a shepherd of the Church of Christ; for thou wast adorned by God, Whom thou didst glorify by thy life.

The precious shrine of thy relics emitteth sweet fragrance and poureth forth healings, so that the infirmities of the faithful who piously honor thee are ever dispelled, O holy hierarch.

Having acquired thee as a firm rampart, O holy hierarch, the Church of Christ ever abideth, praising its Master, Who hath glorified thee.

Theotokion: O Theotokos, thou, the undefiled Maiden, becamest a temple of God for Him Who made His abode within thee in manner past understanding, and hath driven falsehood away from men’s souls.

Ode III

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thee, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

The Good One, assuming my corruptible and mortal flesh through thy womb, O most pure Mother of God, rendered it incorruptible and bound it to Himself eternally.

Beholding God incarnate of thee, O Virgin, the choirs of angels were filled with awe and fear; and with never-ceasing hymnody they honor thee as the Mother of God.

O Mother of God, the Prophet Daniel was stricken with awe, beholding thee, the noetic mountain from whence the Stone was cut without the aid of men’s hands, which hath mightily crushed the temples of the demons.

Neither the speech nor tongue of man is able to praise thee worthily, O Virgin; for from thee was Christ, the Bestower of life, well pleased to become incarnate, O all-pure one.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

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.

Thou didst ascend to the summit of the virtues, O holy hierarchs, and, receiving the sacred anointing of thy superior life, on an exalted cathedra thou didst serve God as a great high priest.

Having acquired thee as a beacon, O all-wise and holy hierarch, the Church of Christ is illumined by thy virtuous instructions, saying: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and confirmation!

Having cut off all carnal desire with divine desire, thou didst shine forth in a perfect life; wherefore, thou hast passed from hence into never-waning effulgence.

As thou wast the successor of hierarchs, O holy hierarch, thou didst strive in word, deed and upright teaching to emulate them; wherefore, we honor thee as a holy hierarch of Christ.

Theotokion: O lustrous tongs of the divine Coal, O bush which was not consumed by the Godhead: Burn up the tinder of my passions, and rescue me from everlasting fire.

Sessional hymn, in Tone IV, Special Melody: “Go thou quickly before…”

Thy life hath been shown to all as brilliant, and thy most festive memorial, resplendent with miracles, filleth the faithful with awe. Wherefore, we honor thee now with joy. O boast of hierarchs, pray thou that our souls be saved. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

We hymn thee, O Bride divine, Mother of Christ God, glorifying thine unapproachable birthgiving, whereby we have been delivered from the deception of the devil and from all manner of misfortune. And we cry aloud with faith: O Mistress Theotokos who alone art most hymned, have mercy on thy flock!

Ode IV

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

O all-pure one, we who have been saved by thee hymn thee, the most immaculate one, and piously chanting, we cry aloud: Blessed art thou who gavest birth unto God, O Ever-virgin!

O most blessed Virgin, thou gavest birth to the never-waning Light Who in the flesh shineth upon those in the darkness of life; and thou hast poured forth joy upon those who hymn thee, O Ever-virgin.

Through thee, O most holy one, hath grace blossomed forth and the law ceased to be of effect; for thou gavest birth to the Lord Who granteth us remission, O pure Ever-virgin.

Tasting of the fruit rendered me mortal; but the Tree of life Who revealed Himself through thee, O all-pure one, rose from the dead and made me a partaker of the sweetness of paradise.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.

As a great lamp, O holy hierarch, with the radiance of thy virtues and the splendors of thy miracles thou enlightenest the faithful, who earnestly hymn thee.

Planted in the house of the Lord like an all-beauteous olive-tree, O holy hierarch and father, thou didst flourish in the courts of the house of our God, imparting health unto men’s souls and bodies.

Thy most precious body became the abode of the all-holy Spirit, O holy hierarch Jonah; and lying in the tomb it driveth evil spirits away from men through the power of Him Who dwelleth within thee.

Thou didst shine forth in word, deed and simplicity of heart, O holy hierarch Jonah. Be thou mindful of us who honor thy memory, O venerable one.

Theotokion: O all-pure one, He Whom nought can contain confined Himself within thy womb, in His goodness saving me who am sunk in sin.

Ode V

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

Shining forth radiantly in purity, O most hymned one, thou becamest the divine dwelling-place of the Master; for thou alone hast been shown to be the Mother of God, bearing Him in thine arms as a babe.

Bearing the noetic beauty of thy most comely soul, thou becamest the Bride of God, O pure one, thy virginity sealed, illumining the world with the light of purity.

Let the assembly of the ungodly lament who do not openly profess thee to be the pure Mother of God; for thou hast been revealed unto us as the divine portal of the Light, dispelling the gloom of transgressions.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Having thy pure mind ever turned toward God, O holy hierarch, thou didst guide well the flock of Christ; wherefore, with the angels and hierarchs thou hast inherited a habitation which passeth not away, O venerable one, for which cause thou art resplendent with miracles.

With a mind most pure thou didst gaze upon the Mind which is the cause of all; wherefore, having received gifts of miracles, O all-wise and holy hierarch, thou dost amaze the faithful who honor thee with love.

From the time of thy youth thy life shone forth, adorned with the virtues and arrayed with exalted miracles, O holy hierarch Jonah, and even after thy repose it hath manifestly glorified thee.

O right laudable father, thou wast truly the glory of hierarchs, the helper of the faithful, the adornment of the Church, the foundation of the virtues and the confirmation of piety.

Theotokion: In divers forms the honorable prophets beheld the unfathomable abyss of the divine mystery of thy pure birthgiving, O all-pure and divinely joyous one, insofar as they were able so to do.

Ode VI

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Moses, great among the prophets, perceived thee beforehand as the ark, the table, the lamp, the jar, betokening the incarnation of the Most High through thee, O Virgin Mother.

Death is slain and the corruption brought about by Adam’s condemnation is abolished, struck down by thy Fruit, O Mistress; for thou gavest birth to Life, Who delivereth those who hymn thee from corruption.

The Law lapsed impotent, and the shadow passed away when grace appeared unto men, in manner past understanding and comprehension, through the birth of God the Savior by thee, O greatly hymned one.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: I pour forth my prayer unto the Lord, and to Him do I declare my grief; for my soul is full of evil and my life hath drawn nigh unto hell, and like Jonah I pray: Lead me up from corruption, O God!

Adorned with a crown of majesty, thou shinest now, O holy hierarch; and as a true bishop, truly vested in righteousness, thou didst preserve the inheritance of the Savior: wherefore, the voice of God cried out to thee: Enter into the joy of thy Lord!

Meek and innocent, thou didst follow the steps of the Master and pass over from things corruptible to things eternal; wherefore, with the saints thou hast attained unto the land of the meek, for which cause the councils of the pious hymn thee.

Because of thy great life and purity Christ showed thee to be a child of the light and of the day, and He made thee a hierarch and pastor of His Church, which thou didst serve as an excellent shepherd before departing unto the mansions of heaven.

Thou didst pass through thy life afire with prudence of mind and desire of spirit, O holy hierarch; and avoiding tangible things as transitory, O father Jonah, thou wast translated unto the divine habitations.

Theotokion: O Virgin Who gavest birth to the holy Word, our one God Who truly resteth in the saints, sanctify my soul; and as thou art merciful grant unto me an outpouring of compunction, O all-immaculate one.

Kontakion, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “To thee, the chosen leader…”

From childhood thou didst enslave thyself unto the Lord, O wise one, laying waste to thy body through fasting and the keeping of vigils; wherefore, thou wast shown to be the pure vessel and abode of the all-holy Spirit. For this cause He ordained thee as hierarch and pastor for His Church; and having tended it well, thou didst depart unto the Lord Whom thou didst love. We therefore beseech thee: Be thou mindful of us who honor thy holy memory with faith, that we may all cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice, O father Jonah, most honored and holy hierarch!

Ikos: Though a man by nature, O father, thou didst struggle superhumanly in fasting and the keeping of vigils, in prayer and labors, becoming a model of virtue for many; wherefore, God ordained thee as a hierarch and pastor of His Church. For this cause we entreat thee: Pray thou to God, the Benefactor of all, that He grant our civil authorities victory over our enemies, and that we may find grace and mercy on the day of judgment, that we may all cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice, O father Jonah, most honored and holy hierarch!

Ode VII

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

The furnace, which prefigured thy birthgiving, did not consume the three youths; and the divine Fire, without consuming thee, dwelt within thee, and hath taught all to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

As thou didst foretell, O most pure Mother, the ends of the earth, enlightened by thy brilliant radiance and grace, call thee blessed and, chanting, cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

The most evil serpent sank his pernicious fangs in me, O Mother of God, but thy Son Himself broke them and hath given me the power to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Thou art the cleansing of nature, O thou who alone art divinely blessed, for, bearing in thine arms God Who sitteth upon the shoulders of the cherubim, thou criest: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

When Christ God beheld thy goodly disposition, in that thou didst live not for thyself, but the Lord worked within thee, He therefore adorned thee with healing miracles.

Shining forth like a lamp in thy pure works and corrections, thou didst shepherd well the Church given thee by God, chanting unto Christ: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

As thou didst study the law of the Lord day and night, O holy hierarch, forgetting the things which thou didst leave behind thee, and yearning for the things which lay before thee, thou didst cry aloud unto the Creator and Master: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Thine excellent life was known unto all, O holy hierarch, wherefore, Christ hath glorified thee after thy repose. Him didst thou fervently serve, O Jonah our father, chanting: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Theotokion: The fire of the Godhead did not consume thee, O Virgin; for the bush on the mountain, which once burnt yet was not consumed, prefigured thee, O all-pure one.

Ode VIII

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

Thy Son, adorning thee as Queen with the radiance of the Spirit, as with a golden robe, set thee at His right hand, O all-pure one. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

He Who established the world by His will alone took flesh of thine all-pure womb, desiring to restore what He had created. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

Through the union of the Word to men, a man, thou becamest a divine habitation, manifestly shining forth with the radiance of virginity; wherefore, we hymn thee for all ages.

The golden lamp-stand prefigured thee who ineffably received the unapproachable Light Who illumineth all things with His radiance; wherefore, we hymn thee, O pure one, forever.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!

Humble and meek, thou didst live an angelic life on earth, O holy hierarch; wherefore, thou dwellest with the saints in the land of the meek, chanting unto Christ: Praise and exalt Him supremely forever!

The most precious shrine of thy relics is a temple of sanctity, O holy hierarch, and drawing forth the grace of healing therefrom, we hymn the Lord, the Master of all, Who hath given thee to us as a healer, and we exalt Him supremely forever.

Deified by the will of God, O holy hierarch, thy mind became utterly estranged from carnal passions, chanting unto Christ: Praise and exalt Him supremely forever!

As is meet, we, the faithful, venerate the precious shrine of thy relics, O holy hierarch Jonah, drawing forth sweet fragrance like myrrh for those who believe, crying out to Christ the Master: O all ye works, praise and exalt Him supremely forever!

Theotokion: Heal thou the sufferings of my heart, O thou who gavest birth to the Wellspring of dispassion, and guide me to life divine, that I may glorify thee for all ages.

Ode IX

Canon of the Theotokos

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

A Star, shining forth beams of divinity out of Jacob, hath shone upon those held fast by darkness; for through thee, O most pure one, did Christ, God the Word, become incarnate. And illumined by Him, we bless thee with the armies of heaven.

Strengthened by thy power and grace, I have fervently offered up hymnody to thee with all my heart. Wherefore, accept it, O pure Virgin, granting me thy grace of surpassing radiance out of thy treasuries of incorruption, O divine blessed one.

Thou wast manifestly shown to be the material of the Godhead, of which the Word wove the robe of His body, deifying my form, O Virgin; and having clothed Himself therein, He hath saved all who magnify thee with a pure mind.

Through thine ineffable and indescribable birthgiving hath resurrection now been given to the dead, O most pure Theotokos; for, clad in the flesh through thee, Life hath shone forth upon all and manifestly destroyed the gloom of death.

Canon of the Holy Hierarch

Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we who confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnify thee with the incorporeal choirs.

Thou gavest wings to thy mind with a pure heart and divine ascents, desiring to gaze upon the beauty of the one God; and thou art illumined by the effulgence thereof, O divinely wise and holy hierarch.

O holy hierarch Jonah, with the grace of Christ preserve thy fold and thy flock, entrusted to thee by God, which hath thee as a shepherd driving the terrible wolves away from all the faithful.

As of old Israel translated the body of the chaste Joseph, so now the faithful, receiving the shrine of thy relics, O holy hierarch Jonah, venerate it with love, magnifying Christ.

Today thy splendid memorial, shining forth, illumineth the hearts of the faithful, O holy hierarch; wherefore, entreat Christ God, that he who composeth this hymnody may be protected from the pursuit of the evil one and may receive mercy on the day of judgment.

Theotokion: With the light of repentance, O most immaculate one, enlighten me who am benighted by slothfulness, that I may hymn, magnify and glorify thee, the all-immaculate Mistress.

Exapostilarion, Special Melody: “Grace hath visited us…”

As a namesake of chastity from the years of thy youth, O holy hierarch, through that which is corruptible thou didst strive to acquire that which is incorruptible; wherefore, as thou wast honored with the hierarchal rank, ever entreat the Master in behalf of us who hymn thee with love. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

Send down thy compassions upon thy people and flock, O God, through the supplications of Thine all-pure Mother and of all Thy saints, and grant us Thy great mercy.

On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “O all-glorious wonder…”

Having exercised thyself in temperance from thy youth, O divinely wise hierarch, father Jonah, drawing nigh unto the Lord in vigils, prayers and fasting, and ever invoking the Theotokos as an advocate, because of thy trust in her thou didst not err; wherefore, Christ ordained thee for His Church as a hierarch and pastor. Him do thou ever entreat in behalf of our souls. Twice

O divinely wise father, holy hierarch Jonah, from childhood thou didst forsake the tumult of the world and didst avoid its turmoil, drawing nigh unto God through purity of mind; wherefore, as is meet, God appointed thee to be a hierarch of the Church and a godly benefactor of the people. Ever pray for us, that He send down upon our souls peace and great mercy.

O divinely wise father, holy hierarch Jonah, having loved Christ from childhood, thou didst cleave unto His love, and having illumined thy heart with the divine beams of the all-radiant Spirit, thou didst truly become wholly luminous. Wherefore, vouchsafe to fulfill those petitions which conduce to salvation for those who have recourse to thy temple with faith, and entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Glory…: Idiomelon, in Tone VI

Thou wast a most excellent servant of the Master and King of heaven, O holy hierarch Jonah, and didst preserve the purity without which no one shall behold God. Wherefore, thou hast received thy reward as is meet; for thy precious body, lying in the tomb, hath been preserved whole and incorrupt, and thy soul hath passed over to the choirs of heaven. For this cause, ever beseech the Creator of all in behalf of all who honor thee with love, that He send down peace and great mercy.

Now and ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone

O Theotokos, thou art the true Vine which hath budded forth for us the Fruit of life. Thee do we entreat: O Mistress, with the holy apostles pray thou that our souls find mercy.

At Divine Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, 8 Troparia: 4 from Ode III and 4 from Ode VI of the canon of the holy hierarch.

Prokimenon, in Tone VII

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

Stichos: What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?

Epistle to the Hebrews, §318 [Heb. 7: 26-8: 2]

Brethren: Such a High Priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests who have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, Who is consecrated for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such a High Priest, Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

Alleluia, in Tone II

Stichos: Thy priests shall be clothed with righteousness, and Thy righteous shall rejoice.

Stichos: For the Lord hath elected Sion, He hath chosen her to be a habitation for Himself.

Gospel according to John, §36 [Jn. 10: 9-16]

The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him: “I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.”

Communion Verse

In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of evil tidings.