Troparia and kontakia for May 7

Commemoration of the Apparition of the Sign of the Precious Cross Over Jerusalem, in 351 AD

Troparion — Tone 8

Now the image of Your Cross has shone brighter than the sun, / spreading from the Holy Mountain1 to the Place of the Skull,2 / and in it O Savior, You revealed Your power, thereby strengthening us. / Keep us always in peace, through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Christ God, and save us.


1 The Mount of Olives.
2 Golgotha.

Kontakion — Tone 8

The Most Pure Cross has opened Heaven which was closed, / and has dawned upon the earth, shining its brilliant rays to the heavens; / therefore, receiving the radiance of its power as our guide to the unwaning light, / we have it in battles as a weapon of peace, an invincible trophy.

Repose of Saint Alexis Toth, Confessor and Defender of Orthodoxy in America

Troparion — Tone 4

O righteous Father Alexis, / our heavenly intercessor and teacher, / divine adornment of the Church of Christ! / Entreat the Master of All / to strengthen the Orthodox Faith in America, / to grant peace to the world / and to our souls, great mercy!

Kontakion — Tone 5

Let us, the faithful, praise the Priest Alexis, / a bright beacon of Orthodoxy in America, / a model of patience and humility, / a worthy shepherd of the Flock of Christ. / He called back the sheep who had been led astray / and brought them by his preaching / to the Heavenly Kingdom!

Martyr Acacius the Centurion at Byzantium

Troparion — Tone 3

Your holy martyr Acacius, O Lord, / through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. / For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through his intercessions, save our souls!

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
You appeared as a bright star announcing Christ with your radiance, / which is repulsive to this world, O Martyr Acacius; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.

Repose of Venerable Nilus, Abbot of Sora

Troparion — Tone 4

You forsook the world, concealing yourself like David,1 / and you considered all worldly things to be as filth, / and after settling in a quiet place, / you were filled with spiritual joy, our Father Nilus, / and desired to serve the One God, flourishing like a palm tree,2 / and as a prolific vine, you increased the number of monks in the wilderness. / Therefore, we cry out with gratitude: / “Glory to Him Who strengthened you in the contest of desert living. / Glory to Him Who chose you as a special founder of the Rules for solitary monks. / Glory to your intercessions for us with the Savior.”


1 1 Kings 23:14, Septuagint.
2 Psalm 91:13, Septuagint.

Venerable Nilus the Myrrhgusher of Lavra of Mount Athos

Troparion — Tone 8

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

Monastic Martyr Pachomius of Mount Athos

Troparion — Tone 3

Your godly life was made radiant by the trials of holy martyrdom, / O glorious, righteous Martyr Pachomius. / Through your ascetical deeds you shone forth on Athos / and shed your blood as an Athlete. / Intercede with the Lord Who has glorified you / that He may grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion — Tone 4

You became illustrious on Athos through your ascetic life and later excelled in martyrdom. / For you were given wings by your love for God, / O divinely-wise Martyr, glorious Pachomius.

Icon of the Mother of God of Zhirovits

Troparion — Tone 2

Do not despise those who entreat your help, O Sovereign Lady, / and open the unfathomable depths of mercy to all who hasten to your healing Icon. / Assuage the sorrows of our life, O most bountiful one, / and guide your faithful from this vale of tears to everlasting joy. / For in you, all have acquired hope and assurance, O Fount of mercy, protection and salvation of our souls.

Martyr Quadratus and his companions

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyr Quadratus and his companions, O Lord, / through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. / For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, / and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. / Through their intercessions, save our souls!