Troparia and kontakia for July 16

Fathers of the First Six Councils

Troparion — Tone 8

You are most glorious, O Christ our God, / You have established the Fathers as lights upon the earth, / and through them, You have guided all of us to the true Faith! / O greatly compassionate one, glory to You.

Kontakion — Tone 8

(Podoben: “As the first fruits...”)
The preaching of the Apostles and the dog­mas of the Fathers have confirmed one faith for the Church; / and She, clad in the garment of truth woven from heavenly theology, / teaches aright and glorifies the great mystery of piety.

Hieromartyr Athenogenes, Bishop of Heracleopolis, and his ten disciples

Troparion — Tone 2

Most blessed and wise Bishop and Martyr Athenogenes, / you grew as a palm tree in the Monastic life; / towering as a cedar in your struggles, / through your teachings you brought a number of martyrs to Christ. / We honor them together with you.

Troparion — Tone 4

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, / you became a successor to their throne. / Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation, O inspired one of God; / by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith, / even to the shedding of your blood. / Hieromartyr Athenogenes, entreat Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

Following the Master’s teachings, / as a shepherd you laid down your life for the flock of Christ. / Therefore, we praise you and your ten disciples, who under your guidance and in the fear of God suffered with you. / With His life-creating right hand / the Lord has granted you a crown. / Pray to Him for us all, Hieromartyr Athenogenes.

Martyrs Paul and two sisters, Chionia (Thea) and Alevtina (Valentina), at Cæsarea in Palestine

Troparion — Tone 4

Your holy martyrs 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!

Martyr Antiochus the Physician of Sebaste

Troparion — Tone 3

Your holy martyr Antiochus, 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 Antiochus; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.

Virgin Martyr Julia of Carthage

Troparion — Tone 4

(Podoben: “Joseph was amazed...”)
Your lamb Julia, / calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: / “I love You, my Bridegroom, / and in seeking You, I endure suffering. / In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, / and I died so that I might live with You. / Accept me as a pure sacrifice, / for I have offered myself in love.” / Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)
Finding your most revered temple to be a source of healing for our souls, / we the faithful cry out to You with a loud voice: / “O most renowned Virgin Martyr Julia, / entreat Christ God unceasingly on behalf of us all.”

New Martyr John of Trnovo

Troparion — Tone 3

Your holy martyr John, 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 John; / extinguishing the allure of false gods, / you enlighten the faithful, / always interceding for us all.

Icon of the Mother of God of Chirsk-Pskov

Troparion — Tone 4

O Most Holy Theotokos, / we your servants, having you as an Indestructible wall1 / and a fountain of miracles, the power of our enemies is overthrown. / Therefore, we entreat you: / "Give peace to your city and great mercy to our souls."


1 See The “Unbreakable (or “Indestructible”) Wall” Icon (Sunday of All Saints)

Kontakion — Tone 4

As a sign from your holy Icon, / you granted a marvelous victory over the enemies of your city; / therefore, we cry out to you: "Rejoice, O Virgin, the boast of Christians."