March 27
Commemoration of the Holy Martyr Matrona of Thessalonika


Stichera at "Lord, I have cried," Tone 4
Special melody: As one valiant.

The Jews' rashness and insolence * and their savage ferocity * with thy reason thou didst oppose in manly wise. * Thou didst foresee with a godly mind * delights which shall come to pass, * and which ever shall endure * unto all ages undisturbed. * This didst thou attain, * O thou glorified one, for thou wast taken * to the heav'nly bridal chamber * and to the choir indissoluble.

All adorned with the piercèd wounds * of thy most steadfast sufferings, * thou wast counted worthy that thou mightest behold * the Kingdom's splendor and beauteousness, * and thy Bridegroom's comeliness; * and it was vouchsafed to thee * that thou mightest draw nigh unto * the Fount of good things. * For this cause, then, O Blest One, thou partakest * of the fruit of divine gladness * and of the glory which shall not die.

Neither the yoke of slavery * nor the weakness of womanhood, * neither hunger nor scourgings, O all-glorious one, * could stop thee as thou didst emulate * the Martyrs' firm steadfastness, * for, thy soul consumed with zeal, * unto torments didst thou submit. * Hence thou hast obtained * mansions in heaven, and thou art adornèd * with the crown of all the graces, * standing before him that fashioned thee.

Theotokion

Blest repentance most excellent * and salvation's own medicine, * and the watercourses and flowing streams of tears, * and the remembrance of that dread hour * of judgment unswayable: * do thou grant these unto me, * thou that in thy womb didst conceive * my Saviour and God. * And through thine intercessions, O thou Virgin, * let me flee from dread chastisement, * and let divine grace be given me.

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