Menaion of the Orthodox Church

The 24th Day of the Month of June

Commemoration of the Nativity of the Honorable & Glorious Prophet & Forerunner John the Baptist

At Little Vespers

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

Thou wast born of a barren womb, O glorious forerunner of the coming of Christ, who hast loosed the barrenness of our hearts, giving utterance to our souls and fruitfulness in faith and truth. Thou art manifestly known to be the far-famed voice of the Word, the clarion-voiced herald of repentance, the divine mediator between the old and the new covenants, whose nativity we in gladness celebrate with love. Twice

Now the fatted calf of abstinence is born of the barren one, and pointeth out to us the Lamb Who was born of the Virgin Maiden and taketh away the sins of the world. He hath manifestly shone forth as a turtledove who loveth the wilderness, the harbinger of the coming of the divine spring; and at the sound of his voice the cruel winter of ungodliness hath ceased, for John, the true friend of the Bridegroom, hath splendidly arrived, praying that our souls be saved.

O thou who wast born in accordance with the promise of God: when thy father was praying in the temple and the all-wondrous and great archangel announced thy nativity, then, as it is written, Gabriel sentenced the priest, who would not believe and protested, to be mute and deaf until thy birth. But when thou, O blessed forerunner, wast born, thou didst free the bonds of thy father’s tongue, and prayest in behalf of us all.

Glory…: Idiomelon, in Tone VIII

Sweet fragrance is meet for John; the beauty of hymns is fitting for the Baptist; for the warrior of the King, the Forerunner of grace, proclaimed the beginning of our salvation, leaping up in his mother’s womb and crying out in the wilderness, announcing the Lamb and entreating the Savior in behalf of our souls.

Now and ever…: Theotokion

O Mistress, accept the supplications of thy servants, and deliver us from all want and grief.

At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II, Special Melody: “O house of Ephratha…”

Thou didst cause thy tongue, to shine forth with splendor, crying out, O Zechariah: “This child will be a prophet of God and the Forerunner of the divine Word!”

Stichos: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought deliverance for His people.

From thy mother’s womb, O John, thou wast shown to be sanctified for God; for no one greater than thee hath ever arisen among men.

Stichos: And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High.

Thou didst loose the muteness of thy father, O all-blessed one, as thou didst likewise open the lock of thy mother’s barrenness, when thou wast born through grace divine.

Glory…, Now and ever…, in Tone VIII

Behold Elizabeth, who saith to the Virgin Mary: “Wherefore hast thou come to me, O Mother of my Lord? Thou bearest the King, I the warrior; thou the Law-giver, I the upholder of the law; thou the Word, I the voice which proclaimeth the kingdom of heaven!”

Troparion, in Tone IV

O prophet and forerunner of the coming of Christ, we who honor thee with love are at a loss how to praise thee worthily; for by thy glorious and honored nativity thou didst loose the barrenness of her who gave birth to thee and the muteness of thy father, and dost proclaim unto the world the incarnation of the Son of God.

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 of His own will accepted the Cross for our sake and, thereby raising up the first-formed man, hath saved our souls from death.

At Great Vespers

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

On “Lord, I have cried…”, 8 stichera idiomela, in Tone IV

The Composition of John the Monk: When John was born, he loosed the muteness of Zechariah, for it was not fitting for the father to be silent when the voice of the Word arrived. But since, when the priest had not believed in the beginning, his tongue was bound, so, when John appeared, he set his father free. To him was announced and born the voice of the Word, the Forerunner of the Light, who prayeth for our souls. Twice

Today the voice of the Word looseth the voice of his father, which was restrained because of his unbelief; and he showeth forth fruitfulness to the Church, loosing the bonds of his mother’s barrenness. The lamp of the Light cometh forth; the splendor of the Sun of righteousness announceth His coming, for the edification of all and the salvation of our souls.

The Composition of Anatolius: When the Word of God willed to be born of the Virgin, His angel, the highest of the prophets and greatest born of women, issued forth from elderly loins; for it was meet that he be the all-glorious beginning of things divine: an offspring produced past the age of fertility, a conception accomplished without seed. O Thou Who workest miracles for our salvation, glory be to Thee!

By Andrew of Crete: Today the great Forerunner, the greatest of all the prophets, hath appeared, issuing forth from the barren womb of Elizabeth, and there is none like unto him, nor hath any other such arisen; for the all-luminous Light followed the lamp of the Forerunner, the Word followed the voice, the Bridegroom followed the bridal attendant, who maketh ready an excellent people for the Lord, cleansing them beforehand with water in the Spirit. He is the offspring of Zechariah, the goodly scion of the wilderness, the preacher of repentance, the cleanser of sins, who announceth to those in hades the resurrection of the dead, and prayeth for our souls.

Thou wast shown to be a prophet and Forerunner from thy mother’s womb, O John, Baptist of Christ, leaping up and rejoicing within her when thou didst behold the Queen, bearing the Timeless One Who was begotten of the Father without mother, coming to her handmaid and to thee, who shone forth from a barren woman and an elderly man according to God’s promise.

O all-glorious wonder! He who did not believe the word of the angel who said that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son, saying: “How can such a one give birth? For I am stricken with age, and her womb is withered up.” and was condemned to muteness for his unbelief, today beholdeth the promise fulfilled. His silence is broken, and he entereth into gladness, crying: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of Israel, for Thou hast visited and wrought deliverance for Thy people, granting the world great mercy!”

O all-praised John, apostle to the whole world, gladsome message of Gabriel, offspring of the barren woman, goodly scion of the wilderness and true friend of Christ the Bridegroom: Entreat Him, that He have mercy upon our souls.

Glory…, the composition of Byzantius, in Tone VI

Today the lamp of the Light, like a radiant star, goeth before the coming of the Word of God. Today the tongue of Zechariah is loosed, which the angel had commanded to keep silent. For it was thus fitting for the father to hold his tongue in silence for him who issued forth from the barren womb and with great boldness proclaimeth the deliverance of all the world.

Now and ever…, in the same tone

Elizabeth conceived the Forerunner of grace, and the Virgin conceived the Lord of glory. Both mothers kissed each other, and the babe leapt up, for within her womb the servant praised the Master. And the mother of the forerunner marvelled and cried out: “Whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? May He Who hath great mercy save a despairing people!”

Entrance. Prokimenon of the day. Three readings:

A Reading from the Book of Genesis

God said to Abraham: “Sarai thy wife her name shall not be called Sarai; Sarah shall be her name. And I will bless her and give thee a son of her, and I will bless him, and he shall become nations, and kings of nations shall be of him.” And Abraham fell upon his face, and spake in his mind, saying: “Shall there be a child to one who is a hundred years old, and shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear?” And God said to Abraham: “Yea, behold, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name Isaac; and I will establish my covenant with him, for an everlasting covenant.” And Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in days. And Sarah laughed within herself, saying: “The thing hath not yet happened to me, even until now, and my lord is old.” And the Lord God said to Abraham: “Why is it that Sarah hath laughed in herself, saying: ‘Shall I then indeed bear? But I am grown old.’ Shall anything be impossible with the Lord?” And the Lord God visited Sarah, as He said, and the Lord did to Sarah, as He spake. And Abraham circumcised his son on the eighth day, as the Lord God commanded him. And Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac his son was born to him. And Sarah said: “The Lord hath made laughter for me, for whosoever shall hear shall rejoice with me.” And she said: “Who shall say to Abraham that Sarah suckles a child? For I have borne a child in mine old age.” And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast the day his son Isaac was weaned.

A Reading from the Book of Judges

In those days, there was a man of the tribe of Dan, and his name was Manoah, and his wife was barren and bore not. And an angel of the Lord appeared to the woman, and said to her: “Behold, thou art barren; yet thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bear a son. But now be very cautious, and drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat no unclean thing. For, lo! thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bear a son. And there shall come no razor upon his head, and the child shall be consecrated to God from birth.” And the woman went, and spake to her husband, saying: “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was as of an angel of God, exceeding bright. And he said: ‘Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bear a son. And now, drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat no unclean thing; for the child shall be consecrated to God from his birth even unto the day of his death.’” And Manoah prayed to God, and said: “O Lord, let the man of God, whom Thou didst send to me, come to us again, and enlighten us as to what we should do when the child is born.” And the angel of the Lord came to Manoah and said: “Of all things concerning which I spoke to the woman, she shall beware. She shall eat of nothing that cometh of the vine yielding wine, and let her not drink wine or strong liquor.” And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord: “What is thy name, that when what thou hast said will come to pass, we may glorify thee?” And the angel of the Lord said to him: “Wherefore dost thou thus ask after my name, whereas it is awesome?” And the angel of the Lord appeared no more to Manoah and to his wife.

A Reading from the Prophecy of Isaiah

Thus saith the Lord: Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith God. Speak, ye priests, to the heart of Jerusalem; comfort her, for her humiliation is accomplished, her sin is put away: for she hath received from the Lord’s hand double the amount of her sins. The voice of one is heard crying in the wilderness: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight the paths of our God.” O thou who bringest good tidings to Sion, go thou up upon the high mountain; lift up thy voice with strength, O thou who bringest glad tidings to Jerusalem. Lift it up; fear not. I, the Lord God, I will hearken to the poor of Israel, and will not forsake them. But I will open rivers on the mountains, and fountains in the midst of the plain; I will make the desert into a meadow, and a thirsty land springs of water. Let heaven rejoice from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth bring forth and blossom with mercy, and let righteousness shine forth likewise. Utter aloud a voice of joy, and it shall be heard; proclaim it even unto the ends of the earth. Say ye that the Lord hath delivered His servant Jacob. And if they shall thirst, He shall lead them through the desert; He shall bring forth water for them out of the rock. Be glad, thou barren woman who bearest not; break forth and cry, O thou who dost not travail: for more are the children of the desolate than of her who hath a husband.

At the Litya, these stichera, in Tone I

Ye mountains, put forth sweetness! Ye hills, leap up like lambs! For the Forerunner of the Lord, who loosed the muteness of his father at his birth, hath been born of Elizabeth, desiring to make his abode with us. Wherefore, we cry aloud to him: O thou who baptized Christ, entreat Him, that our souls be saved!

O voice who art a sign from God, candlestand of the Light, Forerunner of the Lord, thou to whom witness is borne by Christ, thou foremost of the prophets: Make supplication in behalf of the world, and be thou especially mindful of thy flock, that it be preserved unharmed.

Thou wast a preacher of the Word and Lamb of God, O prophet and Forerunner John. Thou foretellest things to come, and dost prophesy unto the ends of the earth: Behold, the Lamb of God Who taketh away the sins of the world, and granteth great mercy unto all!

Glory…, the composition of Andrew of Crete, in Tone V

Today Elizabeth giveth birth to the ultimate prophet, the first of the apostles, the earthly angel and heavenly man, the voice of the Word, the soldier and Forerunner of Christ, who leapt up beforehand in token of the promise, and before his birth proclaimed the Sun of righteousness; and she rejoiceth. Zechariah is astonished in his old age, putting aside his silence like a bond imposed upon him; and as the father of the voice he doth manifestly prophesy: “For Thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High and shalt go forth to prepare the way for Him.” Wherefore, O angel, prophet, apostle, warrior, Forerunner, baptizer, preacher and instructor of repentance: as the voice of the Light and Word, pray thou unceasingly for us who keep thy memory with faith.

Now and ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone

Thou art the temple and portal, the palace and throne of the King, O most honored Virgin, through whom Christ the Lord, my Deliverer, Who is the Sun of righteousness, hath revealed Himself unto those who sleep in darkness, desiring to enlighten that which He fashioned by His own hand in His image. Wherefore, O most lauded one, as thou hast acquired maternal boldness before Him, entreat Him without ceasing, that our souls be saved.

At the Aposticha, these stichera, in Tone II

With psalms, hymns and spiritual songs let us praise the glorious John, the prophet of prophets, offspring of Elizabeth, greatest of all born of women, citizen of the desert; and let us cry out to him: O Baptizer and Forerunner of the Savior, as thou hast boldness before Him because of thine honored nativity, entreat Christ, that He grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

Stichos: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought deliverance for His people.

John the Forerunner hath come: the voice of the grace of the Word, the herald of the Sun, who was born on this day of a barren and childless woman, according to God’s promise. Rejoice, O ye people! He is come to prepare for us the way of salvation. Leaping up, he paid homage, while yet in his mother’s womb, to the Lamb Who taketh away the sins of the world and doth grant us great mercy.

Stichos: And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High.

He who was sanctified from his mother’s womb and was the fulfillment of the prophecy, is born today of a barren woman, manifestly proclaiming the coming of the Lord, saying: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!

Glory…, the composition of the nun Cassia, in Tone VIII

Today is fulfilled the saying of Isaiah the prophet concerning the birth of the greatest of the prophets; for he said: “Behold, I shall send mine angel before thy face, who shall make ready thy path before thee.” This warrior of the King of heaven, running ahead, truly made the paths straight for our God, being a man by nature, but an angel in his life: for, having utterly embraced purity and chastity, he possessed them by nature; and avoiding that which is unnatural, he struggled supernaturally. Emulating him in his virtues, O ye faithful, let us all pray, that he pray for our souls to be saved.

Now and ever…: in the same tone

Behold Elizabeth, who said to the Virgin Mary: “Whence is this to me, O Mother of my Lord? Thou bearest the King, I the warrior; thou the Law-giver, I the upholder of the law; thou the Word, I the voice which proclaimeth the kingdom of heaven!”

After the blessing of the loaves, the Troparion of the Forerunner, twice, in Tone IV

O prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, we who honor thee with love are at a loss how to praise thee worthily; for by thy glorious and honored nativity thou didst loose the barrenness of her who gave birth to thee and the muteness of thy father, and dost proclaim unto the world the incarnation of the Son of God.

And “Virgin Theotokos, rejoice…”, once.

At Matins

At “God is the Lord…”, the Troparion of the Forerunner, twice; Glory…, Now and ever…, the Resurrectional 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.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone IV, Special Melody: “Joseph marvelled…”

Now the fruit of Zechariah, the adornment of the desert, the foundation of the prophets, hath sprung forth, bringing gladness noetically to the minds of the faithful; wherefore, the Forerunner of Christ hath appeared, the true witness of His coming. With spiritual songs let us together cry out to the Baptist: O prophet and preacher of the truth, pray thou that we be saved! Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

Joseph marvelled, beholding that which was beyond nature, O Theotokos, and in thought he compared thy seedless conception to the rain which descended upon the fleece, the bush which was unconsumed by the fire, and the rod of Aaron which sprouted forth. And, bearing witness, thy betrothed and protector cried out to the priests: “The Virgin giveth birth, yet remaineth a virgin even after giving birth!”

After the second chanting of the Psalter, this Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “Of the Wisdom…”

O all-praised John, thou wast truly and most gloriously born as the herald of the coming of Christ, the chief of the prophets; and, as the voice of the Word, thou didst cry out: “Repent! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Wherefore, having prepared the way of the Lord, to the ends of the earth thou wast shown to be the Forerunner of grace. O baptizer and apostle, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of transgressions unto those who celebrate thy holy memory with love. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

O all-holy Virgin, Mother of Christ, heal thou the cruel passions of my soul, I pray, and grant me forgiveness of my transgressions, which I have foolishly committed, defiling both soul and body, wretch that I am. Woe is me! What shall I do at that hour when the angels will separate my soul from my passion-fraught body? Then be thou my helper and most fervent intercessor, for I, thy servant, have thee as my hope.

After the Polyeleos, this Magnification

We magnify thee, O John, Forerunner of the Savior, and we honor thine all-glorious birth from a barren woman.

Selected Psalm verses

A Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought deliverance for His people. [Lk. 1: 68]

B And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David. [Lk. 1: 69]

A The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David, and He will not annul it. [Ps. 131: 11]

B There will I make to spring forth a horn for David, I have prepared a lamp for my Christ. [Ps. 131: 17]

A His seed shall be mighty upon the earth. [Ps. 111: 2]

B The generation of the upright shall be blessed. [Ps. 111: 2]

A That we might serve Him, in holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. [Lk. 1: 74-75]

B And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High. [Lk. 1: 76]

A For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord, to prepare His ways [Lk. 1: 76]

B To give knowledge of salvation unto His people [Lk. 1: 77]

A Unto the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God [Lk. 1: 77-78]

B To guide our feet to the way of peace. [Lk. 1: 79]

Glory…, Now and ever…

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

After the Polyeleos, this Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “That which was commanded…”

Let the father rejoice. Be glad, O mother, for today thou hast given birth on earth unto a prophet, the Forerunner summoned by God through His promise. The barren woman nurtureth the Baptist as a babe, and Zechariah rejoiceth, saying to the infant: “My tongue hath been loosed by thine advent on earth, O candlestand of the Light! A miracle truly all-glorious!” Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…: Theotokion

We ever thank thee, O pure Theotokos who art full of grace, and we magnify and bow down before thee, hymning thy birthgiving and crying out without ceasing: Save us, O almighty Virgin, in that thou art good, and rescue us from the dread accusations of the demons at the hour of trial, that we, thy servants, may not be put to shame.

Then, the Songs of Ascent, the first antiphon of Tone IV.

Prokimenon, in Tone IV

And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High.

Stichos: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought deliverance for His people.

“Let every breath praise the Lord”

Gospel according to Luke, §3 [Lk. 1: 24-25, 57-68, 76, 80]

In those days, Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, conceived, and hid herself five months, saying: “Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zechariah, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said: “Not so; but he shall be called John.” And they said unto her: “There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: “His name is John.” And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them; and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa. And all those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying: “What manner of child shall this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.

After Psalm 50, this sticheron, in Tone II

He who was sanctified from his mother’s womb and was the fulfillment of the prophecy, is born today of a barren woman, manifestly proclaiming the coming of the Lord, saying: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Ode I

Canon I, the composition of John the Monk, with 8 Troparia, including its irmos, in Tone IV

Irmos: O Thou Who wast born of the Virgin, drown Thou, I pray Thee, the three parts of my soul in the depths of dispassion, as of old Thou didst drown the mounted captains of Pharaoh; that, in the mortality of my body, as on a timbrel, I may chant a hymn of victory.

The offspring of the barren woman manifestly proclaimeth the birthgiving of the Virgin, preceding the Sun like a magnificent dawn. And he now shineth forth the light of piety and grace upon the whole universe.

“Truly art thou called the prophet of the Most High; for thou goest before the face of Christ, to prepare the way for the Creator!” Zechariah crieth out to thee, his son, upborne by the most Holy Spirit, O all-praised John.

Hearing the words of Gabriel’s divine tidings, Zechariah showed himself to be intractable, and was stricken with muteness; but he is suddenly loosed therefrom, for John the Forerunner, the voice of the Word, hath been born.

Theotokion: O most immaculate Theotokos, thou godly city of the King of all, habitation well-pleasing unto God, precious treasure: Preserve thine inheritance, which ever praiseth thee and honoreth thy birthgiving with faith.

Another Canon, the composition of Andrew, with 6 Troparia, in Tone IV

Irmos: Let us chant unto God our Deliverer, Who of old guided Israel fleeing from the slavery of Pharaoh, and fed them in the wilderness, for He hath been glorified.

The silence of the father is a symbol of the mysteries of the Scriptures of the law; for when grace arrived Moses fell silent. For it was fitting that all fall silent in the presence of the treasure of wisdom which was revealed.

While the priest was censing in the temple, an angel from on high stood before him and cried out: “I am come unto thee bearing tidings of a strange birthgiving, O elder! For from the barren woman thou shalt receive the baptizer of Christ as your offspring.”

“Wherefore dost thou marvel, O elder? Why standest thou, refusing to believe the one who telleth thee these things? For he is an angel, even if he is in the guise of a man. Be thou therefore mute until the time of the birth of the voice of the Word!”

He who made the silence of Zechariah a symbol of the written law hath thereby shown me to be a preacher of repentance who cry out: He giveth unto the barren woman a son who is the voice who crieth.

O the all-glorious pronouncements of the Forerunner of Christ! He who, even before he was wrapped in swaddling bands, recognized Him who hath loosed our bonds and sanctified the nations, is born today of Elizabeth and freeth the voice of his father.

Theotokion: Thou art the habitation of God and the noetic ladder whereby God hath descended and, assuming our form, hath led our nature up to the heavens. Thee do we all praise as the mediatress of our salvation.

Katavasia: I shall open my mouth…

Ode III

Canon I

Irmos: Neither in wisdom, nor in power, nor yet in riches do we boast, but in Thee, O Christ, the hypostatic Wisdom of the Father; for none is holy save Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

The birthgiving of the Master is accomplished through the Virgin, while that of His beloved servant is through an elderly and barren mother; wherefore, Wonder of wonders! he goeth on before unto splendor.

The elderly and barren woman kisseth the Virgin Mother, truly recognizing her birthgiving, for the bond of her barrenness hath been loosed by the will of God.

Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth unto God incarnate without having known wedlock, make me steadfast who am beset by the assaults of the passions; for I have none other helper than thee, O all-pure one.

Canon II

Irmos: O Lord Who dost establish the thunder and formest the wind: make me steadfast, that I may hymn Thee in truth and do Thy will; for none is as holy as Thee, O our God.

Elizabeth, who before was barren, prefigured Thy Church of the nations, O Christ, and, giving birth most gloriously, she showeth forth as most fertile that which once was seen to be barren.

Making straight the ways of the Lord and preparing His path, O prophet and herald of Christ, thou didst show men the fruits of repentance and didst teach them the way of life.

Dancing today, Elizabeth holdeth thee in her elderly arms, O Forerunner, and crieth out, uttering the praise: None is as holy as Thou, O Lord our God!

Theotokion: O all-holy Theotokos, thou didst lift the grief of our first parents, giving birth to the Creator of life and Deliverer for us. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that thy flock be saved.

Sessional hymn, in Tone VIII, Special Melody: “Pondering what was mystically commanded…”

When he was born, the Forerunner, the voice of the Word, splendidly released the voice of Zechariah, and he hath laid bare in the sight of all the barrenness of the law, crying out: “Repent, ye who are on earth, for, lo! Jesus cometh and hath appeared, desiring to deliver all from the primal curse, illumining them with baptism!” Truly this is an all-glorious wonder!

Glory…, in Tone IV, Special Melody: “Joseph marvelled…”

Like the radiant sun hath the son of Zechariah shone forth upon us through the womb of Elizabeth, and hath loosed the muteness of his father, crying out to all men with great boldness: “Make straight the way of the Lord! For He freeth and saveth those who have recourse unto Him.” Entreat Him Whom thou didst preach, O John, that our souls be saved.

Now and ever…: Theotokion

By thy divine birthgiving, O pure one, thou hast renewed mortal nature which hath become corrupt through human passions, and hast raised up all from death to the life of incorruption. Wherefore, as is meet, we all call thee blessed, O all-glorious Virgin, as thou didst foretell.

Ode IV

Canon I

Irmos: Seated in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, Jesus most divine hath come on a light cloud, and with His incorrupt arm hath saved those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!

A mystery precedeth ineffable mysteries, proclaiming release from pain by a new disposition of nature, its correction and deification, O Christ.

Isaiah prophesied that when the Son would become flesh, the Father would say: “Behold, I send before Thy face an earthly angel, the peer of the angels, who crieth out: Glory to Thy power, O Christ!”

I have been born to serve the Master as a servant; for, lo! for this reason have I come, to announce His coming, that the barren and elderly woman who put forth fruit may affirm beforehand the birthgiving of the Virgin.

Theotokion: The womb of the holy Theotokos, in whom it was Thy good pleasure to make Thine abode as in a fragrant dwelling, O all-divine Word of the Father, neither became corrupt nor suffered pain; for she gave birth to Emmanuel: God and man.

Canon II

Irmos: I have heard of Thy glorious dispensation, O Christ God, how Thou wast born of the Virgin, that Thou mightest save from deception those who cry: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Repentance was made accessible through thy nativity, O Forerunner and herald; for thou alone didst preach, crying aloud: “Repent ye! The kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Virginity is established and chastity is triumphant; the desert rejoiceth, and the world doth celebrate thy nativity, O Forerunner!

Elizabeth rejoiceth and Zechariah speaketh once again. Both, therefore, become young in their old age and are made luminous through John the voice of the Word.

Theotokion: Of old, the lawgiver saw thee as the bush unconsumed by the fire, and Daniel envisioned thee as a holy mountain, O Mistress who alone art Mother and Virgin.

Ode V

Canon I

Irmos: “Now I shall arise, now I shall be glorified, now I shall be exalted, elevating fallen human nature, which I received from the Virgin, to the noetic light of My divinity!” said God through the prophet.

The earth hath given rise to the true herald, the voice who preacheth to all, with the tongue of the Spirit, the Son of the Virgin, righteousness from heaven which bendeth down to us in bodily substance.

The Lord hath appointed thee the true luminary of Christ, enlightening all, clothing only those who are His enemies in shame, as in a garment, and forthrightly proclaiming the Word and Son of God.

In godly manner all creation rejoiceth in thy nativity; for thou wast shown to be an earthly angel and a heavenly man, O Forerunner, proclaiming the God of heaven Who became incarnate for us.

Theotokion: He Who is begotten of the Father is born of thee and is ever with thee: the eternal and inseparable Word, the only-begotten Son, Who, in the latter days, is incarnate of the Virgin and the Holy Spirit.

Canon II

Irmos: Shine forth upon me the light of Thy precepts, O Lord, for my spirit riseth early unto Thee and hymneth Thee: for Thou art our God, and I flee to Thee, O King of peace.

O Sun of righteousness, Thou hast prepared a star, Thy baptizer John, who today is born according to Thy promise and releaseth the voice of his father.

Utter thou no words of protest, O priestly elder; for Gabriel, the foremost among the archangels, relateth unto thee the mysteries of God, recounting His descent unto us.

Be not unbelieving, O elder; for God doth promise that thou shalt beget a son in thine old age, in whose birth many shall rejoice, for he shall come with the power of Elijah.

O prophet, herald and Forerunner, offspring of the barren woman, preacher of repentance, lamb of the wilderness, lamp-stand of the Light: pray thou for all who honor thee with faith.

Theotokion: We hymn thee, O Mistress, Mother of the Creator of all, as the impassable gate, the bush unconsumed, and the unquarried mountain from whom was cut the Stone Who is the One Who was incarnate of thee.

Ode VI

Canon I

Irmos: I have come unto the depths of the sea, and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me; but, as God, lead up my life from the abyss, O greatly Merciful One.

While yet in thy mother’s womb, as a prophet thou didst recognize the Word of God, and, deified by light unapproachable, thou didst utter theology in that dark chamber, employing her tongue.

As the voice of one crying unceasingly, O Baptist, cease thou never to entreat the Deliverer of the world, that He loose the spiritual barrenness of those who hymn thy nativity.

Theotokion: Thy womb, O pure Theotokos, was shown to be the dwelling-place of the unapproachable Godhead, and thereon the heavenly ranks cannot gaze without fear.

Canon II

Irmos: The tempest of evil thoughts, having overtaken me, doth drag me down into the abyss of my countless sins; but, going before me, O good Helmsman, govern me and save me, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah.

Today John is born: the citizen of the desert, the preacher of repentance, the true witness of grace, the Forerunner of the Word, the star which shineth before the Light.

Today, the axe which hath been forged bodeth hewing for barren souls, planteth the fruits of the virtues, and cometh forth steadily in thy nativity, O Forerunner.

Jordan hath rejoiced most gloriously and leapeth up, learning that John is born of the barren one’s womb; and the sea danceth with leaping waters.

Coming forth, the candlestand of the Light preached the coming of the Savior, the Lamb of God, Who hath shone forth light upon the earth, offered spiritually for all nature.

Theotokion: O most immaculate Theotokos, who gavest birth to the Abyss of mercy: Drowning the abyss of my passions in the depths of thy compassions, grant me a torrent of tears from the depths of my soul.

Kontakion, in Tone III, Special Melody: “Today the Virgin…”

Today she who before was barren giveth birth unto the Forerunner of Christ, and he is the fulfillment of all prophecy; for, laying his hand in the Jordan upon Him Whom the prophets foretold, he hath been shown to be the prophet, herald and Forerunner of the Word of God.

Ikos: Let us now praise the Forerunner of the Lord, to whom Elizabeth gave birth for the priest through her barren womb, though not seedlessly; for Christ alone passed through an inviolate dwelling without seed. The barren woman gave birth unto John, but did not beget him without the aid of her husband; but the pure virgin gave birth to Jesus through the overshadowing of the Father and the Spirit of God. The prophet, herald and Forerunner was revealed through the barren woman to the Seedless One.

Ode VII

Canon I

Irmos: The three youths in Babylon, having put to mockery the tyrant’s command, cried out amid the flames: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

Before, all of human nature was in darkness, O Forerunner; but thou wast shown to be the dawn, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

Thy nativity through the barren woman hath healed all afflicted nature, O Forerunner, teaching it to chant: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

Thou wast born of a barren woman, O Forerunner, for, since the law is barren, grace hath truly come, chanting unto Christ: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!

Theotokion: O blessed Virgin, pray for us who beseech thee; for on thee do we set our hope, and to thee to we cry out: O Mistress, disdain not thy servants!

Canon II

Irmos: The children of Abraham in the Persian furnace, afire with love of piety more than with the flame, cried out: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Falling mute for a time, Zechariah explained his silence by writing; and, provided again with speech through thy nativity, O Forerunner, he most gloriously announceth the grace of the Spirit.

The most honored Elizabeth, that barren and childless woman, is like unto the Church: that which before was enshrouded with the reek of burnt offerings now boasteth in beauty and birthgiving.

Today the spiritual axe, whereby all the uprisings of the passions are hewn down, is honed at the nativity of the Forerunner; and the fruits of repentance mystically flourish.

We honor thee, O John, as the mediator between the old and the new testaments, the one who maketh straight the paths of Christ Who cleanseth the threshing-floor of transgression with the winnowing-fan of the Spirit.

We all hymn the glorious John who issued forth from the barren woman, the Forerunner and preacher of repentance, who hastened before the Sun, Christ our God, like a star.

Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, cease thou never to pray in behalf of all unto Him Who, without seed, made His abode within thy womb, Who, in His ineffable and utter humility, was born and abased Himself for our sake.

Ode VIII

Canon I

Irmos: O Almighty Deliverer of all, descending into the midst of the flame Thou didst bedew the pious youths and didst teach them to chant: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works!

Moses the lawgiver was a servant, but Jesus is the God of the new covenant; and now the Forerunner hymneth both, as mediator between them, saying: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

A turtle-dove hath issued forth from the womb of the barren one! Like a divinely planted grove hath she offered the Forerunner of Christ unto the Church, and chanteth: All ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord!

O God-bearing people, holy nation, liken yourselves unto the turtle-dove of Christ and, abiding in chastity, chant ye with mellifluous voices: All ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord!

Triadicon: Illumined with the threefold Light, let us worship the one uncreated Godhead, crying out in Orthodox manner with ceaseless voices: All ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord!

Canon II

Irmos: O Master Who hast created all things in Thy wisdom, Thou hast established the earth as a weight upon the deep, planting its foundation upon the boundless waters. Wherefore, we all cry out, chanting: Bless the Lord unceasingly, O ye works of the Lord!

Before thy birth, before thine own swaddling-clothes, O Forerunner, thou didst recognize Christ, the Bestower of life, Whom thou didst worship, and thou didst indicate Him by leaping, naming Him thy Lord, borrowing thy mother’s tongue to sing unto Christ our God.

The ends of the earth celebrate the forefeast today; the angels and the souls of the righteous rejoice; the quick and the dead are gladdened by the birth of John, receiving through him the preaching of the Savior and Lord of all.

Today the Jordan, likening itself to John, hath leapt up most gloriously in its fluid torrents, hearkening to him whose life is like unto that of the angels, who was born of a barren and elderly woman, who maketh straight the ways and paths of the Lord and hath baptized the world.

Today Zechariah noted on a slate the name of the prophet and Forerunner which was designated by God; and in his silence he declared: “Let him be called John who is born to me in mine old age!” This marvellous appellation befitteth one who was begotten according to God’s promise.

Theotokion: Thy people, O Virgin, have thee as a mighty consolation, a hope unashamed, an unassailable rampart and divine intercession, and, saved, they glorify and cry out to thee earnestly: Bless the Lord unceasingly, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode IX

Canon I

Irmos: The ineffable hidden mystery of God is revealed in thee, O all-pure Virgin; for God hath become incarnate of thee in His loving-kindness. Wherefore, we magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Lo! the voice of the Forerunner falleth upon barren and empty hearts, crying: “Prepare ye now the way of Christ,” for He shall come in glory, and, submitting ourselves, we magnify Him!

As of old, O Forerunner, thou didst through the Holy Spirit manifestly preach the Son, Who is the Lamb of God Who taketh away the sins of the world, ask thou remission of offenses for thy flock.

Triadicon: Chanting in Orthodox manner, O ye faithful, let us glorify the threefold Unity, the consubstantial Trinity, Who illumineth us divinely and filleth our souls with the splendors of the never-waning light.

Theotokion: O thou who hast dominion over all creatures, grant the trophy of victory to thy people and set the feet of Orthodox hierarchs upon all heresies and schisms, that we may magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Canon II

Irmos: For He Who is mighty hath magnified me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him, throughout all generations.

Behold, in thee, O priest, hath God wrought a great and all-glorious sign; for thou begettest a son, the Forerunner, in thine old age and the mortality of thy members.

Let barren women hearken and chant unto God! For, lo! Elizabeth crieth out: “I give birth unto the son of mine old age and in the mortality of my members!”

Be glad and rejoice now in God, O Zechariah! For, lo! Elizabeth nourisheth the son of her old age at her breast and in the mortality of her members giveth birth to the Forerunner.

Glory to Him Who hath given fruit to the barren woman in her old age and hath bestowed upon the aged prophet a son, the divine Forerunner, who prepareth for Him a perfect people.

Theotokion: He Who was begotten in the bosom of the Father without passion and corruption, having made His abode within thee, in His loving-kindness hath led us to the Father and the divine Spirit.

Exapostilarion, Special Melody: “Hearken, ye women…”

Today the joyous birth of the Forerunner removeth the grief of his father’s muteness and the barrenness of her who bore him. And he declareth the present joy and gladness. Wherefore, all creation doth celebrate it with splendor. Twice

Glory…, Now and ever…, in the same melody

The prophets preached, the apostles taught, and with godly wisdom the martyrs openly confessed thy Son to be the God of all, O all-pure one. With them we glorify thee, delivered by thee from the ancient sentence.

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

O all-glorious wonder! From a mother advanced in age doth John, the proclaimer of God the Word hasten to issue forth today, and by his nativity he most clearly showeth the bound tongue to speak. O Thine ineffable dispensation, O Master, whereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, in that Thou alone art merciful.

O all-glorious wonder! The prophet who is the greatest among those born of women annulleth the sentence of his mother’s barrenness, coming with the spirit and power of Elijah to make straight the way of the Lord. O Thine ineffable loving-kindness, O Master, whereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, in that Thou alone art merciful.

O all-glorious wonder! He Who preached to men the condescension of Christ with his voice doth indicate Him Who transcendeth all, and with power divine looseth the barrenness of her who gave him birth and the tongue of Zechariah. O Thy great wonders, O Master! Thereby, O Christ, do Thou save those who honor Thy great Forerunner.

O all-glorious wonder! the prophet and Forerunner is shown to be the greatest born of women, and the most sublime prophet and herald of the coming of Christ, leaping up in his mother’s womb. O Thine exceeding great gifts, O Thou Who lovest mankind! Thereby, O Christ, save Thou our souls, in that Thou art almighty.

Glory…, the composition of Anatolius, in Tone VI

The Forerunner, the star of stars, John who longeth for God, is born on earth today from a barren womb, and he revealeth the radiance of Christ, the Dayspring from on high, for the straight passage of the faithful.

Now and ever…: Theotokion

O Theotokos, thou art the true vine which hast budded forth for us the Fruit of life. Thee do we beseech, O Mistress: With the holy apostles pray thou that our souls find mercy.

Great Doxology. Troparion. Litanies. Dismissal. First Hour.

At Divine Liturgy

On the Beatitudes, 8 Troparia: 4 from Ode III of the first canon of the Forerunner, and 4 from Ode VI of the second canon.

After the Little Entrance, the Troparion of the temple of Christ, or of the Theotokos, if the temple is so dedicated; then the Troparion of the Forerunner. Then the Kontakion of the temple of Christ; Glory…, that of the Forerunner; Now and ever…: that of the temple of the Theotokos. If the temple is not dedicated to the Theotokos: Now and ever…: Kontakion of the temple of Christ. But if the temple is not dedicated to Christ, we begin with the Troparion of the Forerunner; Glory…: the Kontakion of the Forerunner; Now and ever…: O protection of Christians… We chant the Prokimenon, Epistle, Alleluia, Gospel and Communion Verse of the Forerunner alone.

Prokimenon, in Tone VII

The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him.

Stichos: Hearken, O God, unto my prayer, when I make supplication unto Thee.

Epistle to the Romans, §112 [Rom. 13:11-14: 4]

Brethren: Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying: but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. Him who is weak in faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him who eateth despise him who eateth not; and let not him who eateth not judge him who eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou who judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

Alleluia, in Tone I

Stichos: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought redemption for His people.

Stichos: And thou, O child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High.

Gospel according to Luke, §1 [Lk. 1:5-25, 57-68, 76, 80]

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa, a certain priest named Zechariah, of the course of Abijah: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren; and they both were now well stricken in years. And it came to pass that, while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zechariah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him: “Fear not, Zechariah: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” And Zechariah said unto the angel: “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.” And the angel answering said unto him: “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not in my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” And the people waited for Zechariah, and marveled that he tarried so long in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak unto them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. And after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying: “Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zechariah, after the name of his father. And his mother answered and said: “Not so; but he shall be called John.” And they said unto her: “There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying: “His name is John.” And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them; and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa. And all those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying: “What manner of child shall this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed His people. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel.

Communion Verse

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

We transfer the Epistle and Gospel of the daily cycle to the previous day.

N.B.: When the feast of the Nativity of the Forerunner coincides with a Sunday, the hymns of the resurrection precede those of the saint.