Liturgical Texts
Here you will find the links to texts for various liturgical services.
Hieromartyr Eleutherios, bishop of Illyria &
Sunday of the Forefathers (Ancestors) of Christ
Martyr Anthia, mother of Eleutherios; Venerable Paul of Latra
SYNAXARION
On December 15 in the Holy Orthodox Church, we commemorate the Venerable Paul of Latra. On this day, we also commemorate the contest of the holy Hieromartyr Eleutherios, Bishop of Illyria, and his mother, Saint Anthia.
Verses
Eleutherios, being by nature no servant, gave no service to error on seeing the broadswords.
Blades on the fifteenth murdered Godlike Eleutherios and Anthia.
Anthia heard the Gospel from the great Apostle Paul himself, and was baptized by him. Being early left a widow, she entrusted her only son to the education and service of the Bishop of Rome, Anacietus. Seeing how greatly Eleutherios was gifted and illumined by the grace of God, the bishop ordained him as bishop of Illyria at age 20. This Godly man kept his flock like a good shepherd, adding to their number from day to day. In the year 120, Emperor Hadrian, a persecutor of Christians, sent a commander, Felix, with soldiers, to seize Eleutherios. Instead, Felix became a Christian, as did the Governor Choribus. They went back to the capitol where all three men were tortured and beheaded. As Anthia held the dead body of her son, she was also beheaded. Their bodies were taken to Valona in Albania, where Eleutherios glorifies the name of Christ to this day by many wonders. 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 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.
