Liturgical Texts
Here you will find the links to texts for various liturgical services.
December 14th, 2025
Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Kallinikos of Apollonia;
Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Hypatios and Arrianos of Alexandria
SYNAXARION
On December 14 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the Martyrs Thyrsos, Leukios and Kallinikos of Apollonia; and the Martyrs Philemon, Apollonios, Hypatios and Arrianos of Alexandria. On this day, we celebrate the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers (Ancestors) of our Lord Jesus.
Verses
Receive joy, O Forefathers which lived aforetime,
As now ye behold at hand Christ the Messiah.
Be glad, O Abraham, for thou art shown to be the forefather of Christ.
We remember all the holy Patriarchs of the Old Testament who prefigured or foretold Christ: Adam the first Father, Enoch, Melchizedek, Abraham, the friend of God, Isaac, the fruit of the Promise, Jacob and the twelve patriarchs. We then commemorate those who lived under the Law: Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Samuel, David, and the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel; the twelve minor prophets; Elijah, Elisha, Zachariah, and John the Baptist; and finally the Virgin Mary, the intermediary between mankind and her divine Son. Indeed, the Lord Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to redeem humanity which bemoaned the weight of evil since Adam; to realize the promise made to Abraham; to change the Law of Fear into the Law of Love; and to give Resurrection and Life to mankind. This feast prepares us for the Nativity of Jesus Christ, placing before us the anticipation and hope for His coming among us. By the intercessions of Thy saints, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Amen.
Please visit the Antiochian Archdiocese Website for Up-To-Date Texts of Services, and Choose the Specific Date on the Calendar.
