Troparia and kontakia for February 24

First and second finding of the Honorable Head of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord, John

Troparion — Tone 4

The head of the Forerunner rose from the earth as a star, / brilliant with rays of healing and immortality. / It gathers the choirs of angels in heaven, / and assembles the human race on earth / to sing with one voice the glory of Christ our God.

Kontakion — Tone 3

O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace, / your head has blossomed from the earth as a sacred rose. / We are ever being healed, / for as of old, You preach repentance to the world.

Venerable Erasmus of the Kiev Near Caves

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 Erasmus, pray to Christ our God to save our souls!