- Aristobulus of Britannia is one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in Luke 10:1–24 and Romans 16:10 as the first bishop in Roman Britain. Born in Cyprus. Brother of the Apostle Barnabas. Like Barnabas, he accompanied Saint Paul on his journeys. He was one of the assistants of Saint Andrew. On his missionary journey to Britain, he stopped to preach to the Celtiberians of northern Hispania. Aristobulus was the founder of British Christianity. He was martyred in Wales.
- If Easter falls in May, the feast of the apostle will be in the Cheesefare week. If Easter is in April, the feast will be during the Great Lent: the service will include stichera from the Triodion.
- WHEN 16 MARCH FALLS ON A WEEKDAY (except Saturday) DURING GREAT LENT, the order is as follows:
- At Matins (on the morning of 16 March), on “God is the Lord” the apolytikion of the apostle is sung twice, Glory, Both now, resurrectional Theotokion. Then everything according to the menaion, with a polyeleos, magnificat and the morning gospel of the apostle. The canon is also from the menaion. Katavasia of Theotokos: I will open my mouth. After the great doxology - the apolytikion of the apostle.
- Immediately after this begins the First Hour: Come, let us worship, etc. The Hours are ordinary (“simple”): after the psalms the Glory is read — the apolytikion of the apostle. Both now — Theotokion. After the Trisagion, kontakion of the apostle. After the ninth hour, the Beatitudes are sung and the prayer is read:“The Most Holy Trinity,” followed by:
- Presanctified Holy Liturgy. Blessed is the kingdom. The opening psalm and kathisma 18 (from Ps. 119). At “Lord, I have cried” are sung: 6 stichera from the triodion (the automelon of the day from the aposticha — twice, the martyrs’ sticheron and the three regular stichera), and 4 of the apostle from the menaion. Glory: menaion. Both now — Theotokion in the same tone. Entrance with the gospel, “O Gladsome Light.” Paremias from the triodion (of to the day). Followed by: “Let my prayer rise before you as incense”. Epistle and gospel. Great Entrance “Now the powers of heaven do serve invisibly with us” etc. Communion verse: Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth…
“The Church in the British Isles will only begin to grow when she begins to venerate her own Saints”. (Saint Arsenios of the island of Paros, +1877)
Apostle Aristobulus, first bishop of Britain
16 March
GREAT VESPERS
At “Lord, I have cried…”
If it is a Lenten period, 3 stichera from Triodion.
Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.
(sticheron)
The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.
(sticheron)
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.
(sticheron)
Stichera for the apostle: Tone 4
Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
From Cyprus the Lord called you, divinely-wise Aristobulus, and made your heart a vessel filled with the Spirit of the apostles; therefore you hastened to the ends of the West, to proclaim Christ—the Sun of righteousness—unto those in darkness.
If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You.
As brother of Barnabas you shared the labour of the good news, and as companion of Paul you learned the way of the Cross; for the Gospel is not adorned by ease, but by patient endurance and love unfeigned.
Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord.
The Apostle greeted the household bearing your name, and the Church also knows your home in heaven, because you became a steward of grace and a witness to the name of Christ among the nations.
From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
You were numbered among the helpers of apostle Andrew, and thus you learned the fisherman’s craft: to cast the net of preaching wide upon the sea of the nations, and to draw forth souls unto the harbour of salvation.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions.
You stayed for a time in the lands of Hispania, speaking the word to the Celtiberian tribes; teach us also to bless the first step of every journey, so that no road is traveled without the remembrance of God.
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples.
When hostile pagans beat you and mocked you without mercy, you answered with the meekness of the Lamb; and the hardness of hearts was softened by your patience, for your suffering preached more loudly than your words.
For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever.
Some proclaim your peaceful repose among your spiritual children, others confess your martyrdom in the Welsh lands; in either account, your life is a seal upon your Gospel, for you offered yourself wholly unto Christ our God.
Glory… (Tone 6)
O faithful, let us praise Aristobulus, apostle of the Seventy and teacher of the Isles; for, sent by the disciples of the Lord, he enlightened the western lands with the Gospel. He endured hardship and persecution with joy, that Christ might be known where He had not been named. Through his intercessions may we also be granted steadfast faith and great mercy.
Both now… (First Theotokion, Tone 6)
Who can not call you blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who can not extol your extraordinary childbirth? The Only-begotten Son, who timelessly shone forth from the Father, ineffably became incarnate and was born from you, O pure one. Being divine by nature, for us He became human by nature, not divided into two persons, but acknowledged in two natures without confusion. To Him pray fervently, O noble and all-blessed Lady, and implore Him to have mercy on our souls. [GOASD]
Entrance Hymn
Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; and therefore the world glorifies You.
Prokeimenon of the Day
Paremias (Readings)
Isaiah 43:9–14
Thus says the Lord: Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified; Or let them hear and say, "It is truth." "You are My witnesses," says the Lord, "And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no saviour. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was no foreign god among you; therefore you are My witnesses," says the Lord, "that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?“ Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1–9
The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.
Wisdom of Solomon 5:15–6:3
The righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them. Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them. The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armour, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies; he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet; he will take holiness as an invincible shield, and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against the madmen. Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap to the target as from a well-drawn bow of clouds, and hailstones full of wrath will be hurled as from a catapult; the water of the sea will rage against them, and rivers will relentlessly overwhelm them; a mighty wind will rise against them, and like a tempest it will winnow them away. Lawlessness will lay waste the whole earth, and evil-doing will overturn the thrones of rulers.
Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High.
Litany of Fervent Supplication
Prayer:
O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Litany of Completion
At the Aposticha
If it is a Lenten period, 2 stichera from Triodion.
For the Apostle, Tone 5
Rejoice, apostle of the western extremities, who first sowed the seed of faith in Britain; for through your preaching the wilderness blossomed, and a people once in darkness beheld great light.
Verse: Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. (Ps. 19:4)
Rejoice, wise hierarch and steadfast shepherd, who guarded your flock from wolves and falsehood; you nourished them with the word of truth and led them beside the waters of salvation.
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. (Ps. 19:1)
Rejoice, companion of the Seventy and fellow labourer of the apostles; though far from your homeland, you found your true citizenship in heaven.
Glory… (Tone 8)
Holy Aristobulus, as you once enlightened the mist-covered Isles with the light of Christ, so now illumine our hearts, that walking in the brightness of faith we may attain the heavenly homeland.
Both now… (Theotokion, Tone 8)
O unwedded Bride, who bore the Saviour of the world, pray that we be delivered from every danger and affliction.
Song of Simeon
Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.
Trisagion Prayers.
Apolytikion, Tone 4:
From Cyprus you were chosen, O Apostle Aristobulus; as the brother of Barnabas and a fellow worker with Paul, you bore the Gospel without wearying. Sent to the western isles, you planted the Church in Britain as first shepherd; and you glorified Christ. Pray to Him for us who honour your holy memory, that our souls may be saved.
Glory… Both now… (Dismissal Theotokion)
O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]
MATINS
After the Six Psalms:
“God is the Lord…” (Tone 4)
God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.
Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.
Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
Apolytikion, Tone 4:
From Cyprus you were chosen, O Apostle Aristobulus; as the brother of Barnabas and a fellow worker with Paul, you bore the Gospel without wearying. Sent to the western isles, you planted the Church in Britain as first shepherd; and you glorified Christ. Pray to Him for us who honour your holy memory, that our souls may be saved. (Twice)
Glory… Both now… (Dismissal Theotokion)
O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]
Small Litany
P: For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory…
Kathisma I. Tone 2
You took up the yoke of Christ, O holy Apostle, and taught the nations to worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Remember us in our weakness, and strengthen our hearts, that we may love the Gospel more than comfort.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion:
All surpassing every thought, all surpassing glorious, O Theotokos, are your mysteries. With your chastity sealed and your virginity preserved, still you are a mother in truth, for to the true God you gave birth. We pray you fervently entreat Him to save our souls.
Kathisma II. Tone 4
The West beheld your footsteps, O herald of God, and the sea became a path for preaching. Make our minds firm land beneath the waves of temptation, and guide us to the harbour of repentance.
Glory. Both now. Theotokion:
We your servants flee to you for help and shelter, and we pray that you accept our supplication, O all-pure and holy Virgin. Cease not to pray and intercede with your Son, that He save our souls. [GOASD]
Polyeleos (Psalms 134–135)
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
All the nations surrounded me by the Name of the Lord I cut them off, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
My help cometh from the Lord Who hath made the heavens and the earth, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all He hath done for thee, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
Thou hath prepared a table for me in the presence of mine enemies, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
What shall I render to the Lord for all that He hath given me? Alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear what man shall do to me, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
O give thanks unto the Lord for He is Good, alleluia
For His Mercy endureth forever and ever – alleluia
Megalynarion / Magnification
We magnify you, O holy Apostle Aristobulus, and we honour your apostolic labours, whereby you enlightened Britain with the Gospel of Christ.
The selected Psalm verses: The heavens declare the glory of God… are optional.
Selected Psalm verses:
Antiphon by two readers. At the end of each verse: Alleluia.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands. Ps18:2 The heavens shall praise Your wondrous works, O Lord. 88:6A In place of Your fathers, Your sons shall be. 44:17A You shall make them princes in all the earth. 44:17B The God of gods, the Lord has spoken and called the earth. 49:1A From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised. 112:3 His lightnings light up the world; Ps.96.4A The heavens declare His righteousness, Ps.96:6A and all the nations see His glory. Ps.96.6B The princes of Judah are their rulers. Ps.67:28B God reigns over the nations. Ps.46:8A God is awesome in the great assembly of the saints, He is awesome to all who surround Him. Ps.88:8 Say among the nations: The Lord reigns! Ps.95:10A Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. Ps.95:3 Their sound has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. Ps.18:5 He has subdued nations and peoples under our feet. Ps.46:4 Great is our Lord, and great is His power. Ps.146:5A He gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God! Ps.67:36B Glory: And now: Alleluia. (3 times)
Small Litany
P: For blessed is Your name and glorified is Your kingdom…
After the Polyeleon, the Kathisma, Tone 8.
Similar to: Of the wisdom...
Leaving behind earthly comfort, you followed Christ to the ends of the earth, O Aristobulus; and becoming a shepherd in a distant land, you revealed yourself as a faithful steward of divine grace. Therefore we honour your memory with love.
Glory… Both now… (Theotokion): Let us hymn the heavenly gate and ark, the all-holy mountain and the light cloud, the bush unconsumed, intellectual paradise, the recall of Eve, of all the universe the great treasure, since in her was brought about the salvation of the world and the remission of the ancient transgressions. Wherefore let us vociferate unto her: Supplicate your Son to grant the remission of sins unto those who piously adore your all-holy bringing forth.
1st Antiphon of the 4th Tone.
From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Saviour, I implore You, uphold me and save me.
You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire.
Glory. Both now.
By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]
The Prokeimenon: Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. (Ps. 19:4) Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. (Ps. 19:1)
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord…
Morning Gospel
Luke 10:1–16
(The Seventy Sent Out)
10 The Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. 2 Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest. 3 Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. 5 But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the labourer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8 Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.’ 12 But I say to you that it will be more tolerable in that Day for Sodom than for that city.
13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades. 16 He who hears you hears Me, he who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”
Psalm 50 (51).
Glory: At the intercession of the Apostle, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offences.
Both now: At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offences.
Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.
After the 50th Psalm, the sticheron, Tone 6:
O Christ, Who sent forth the Seventy with peace, send forth also Your mercy upon us; for Your Apostle Aristobulus endured torments for Your Name, and made the far West a dwelling of Your praise. Grant us repentance and steadfastness, O Lover of mankind.
Priest: O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance…
If you don’t read the Canon, then Kontakion, Oikos, Synaxarion and Katavasias of Theotokos with the Magnificat.
Canon, Tone 8:
Ode 1 — Heirmos
Let us sing to the Lord, Who makes a path through the deep, and leads His servants from bondage into freedom; for He is glorious in strength, and He crowns His witnesses with mercy.
Refrain: Holy Apostle Aristobulus, pray to God for us.
Troparia
1. From Cyprus you were called to the apostolic race, O Aristobulus; make me also swift to obey the Lord’s command.
2. With Barnabas your brother you cherished the Gospel, and with Paul you learned to boast only in the Cross.
3. You set your face toward the western sea, and the Lord made your weakness strong among the nations.
Glory… You preached the one Christ in two natures, and taught the peoples to worship the consubstantial Trinity.
Now and ever… Theotokion: O Virgin Mother, who gave birth to the Word, grant that our lips may confess Him with purity.
Ode 3 — Heirmos
Establish me, O Lord, on the rock of Your commandments; for my heart is shaken by many waves, but You alone are the strength of those who hope in You.
Troparia
1. You established the Church in Britain like a city set on a hill; establish also my heart in the fear of God.
2. You ordained presbyters and deacons for the holy work, teaching that order is beauty when it serves love.
3. Beaten and mocked, you answered with blessing, and your patience became a sermon more powerful than words.
Glory… Make us a household of peace, O Lord, that our homes may become small churches of salvation.
Now and ever… Theotokion: O Theotokos, you are the living temple; make our souls temples of the Spirit.
Small Litany
P: For You are our God and to You we give glory…
Kathisma after Ode 3: Tone 8
You were sent to a fierce and distant people, O holy Apostle, yet you did not despair, for Christ went before you. Teach us to labour without complaint, and to trust the Lord Who saves.
Ode 4 — Heirmos
I have heard of Your saving plan, O Lord, and I was afraid; yet I glorified Your condescension, for You enlightened the nations by Your apostles.
Troparia
1. The prophecy of witness was fulfilled in your preaching, O Aristobulus; for your voice sounded to the ends of the earth.
2. You preached in Hispania to the Celtiberians, make us faithful in every “in-between” place of our own life.
3. You bore the Gospel as a lamp in the West, driving away the shadow of idols by the light of Christ.
Glory… Give us zeal without anger and boldness without pride, as You gave your Apostle strength.
Now and ever… Theotokion: Rejoice, O Pure One, dawn of the Sun of righteousness; through you the Light has visited those in darkness.
Ode 5 — Heirmos
Grant me Your light, O Christ, for the night of passions covers my mind; and guide me by the prayers of Your Apostle, unto the morning of repentance.
Troparia
1. You endured the darkness of mockery and violence, yet you kept the lamp of faith unquenched.
2. You taught the Britons to bless the Trinity, and to renounce the vain worship of created things.
3. O Lord, by his intercessions, tame the fierceness of our hearts, and make us gentle as lambs in Your flock.
Glory… Make our words truthful and our deeds bright, that we may not betray the Gospel we confess.
Now and ever… Theotokion: O Mother of the Light, illumine our souls, that we may glorify your Son always.
Ode 6 — Heirmos
In the depths I cried to You, O Lord; deliver me from the abyss of sin, as You delivered Jonah from the sea, for You love mankind.
Troparia
1. Amid the storms of travel and the cruelty of men, you cried to Christ, and He upheld you.
2. Some proclaim your peaceful falling-asleep among your flock, and some proclaim your martyrdom in Wales; in both, you offered your life as a sacrifice of love.
3. Teach us to accept God’s will, whether in labour or in rest, and to give thanks in every season.
Glory… Heal the wounds of division and unbelief, and gather your scattered sheep into one fold.
Now and ever… Theotokion: O Bride unwedded, you bore the Deliverer; deliver us from the bondage of passions.
Small Litany
P: For You are the King of Peace and the Saviour of our souls, and to You we give glory…
Kontakion: Tone 3
You crossed the sea with apostolic courage, and illumined Britain with the light of the Trinity; you proclaimed Christ in Hispania to the Celtiberians, and endured afflictions from the fierce and unbelieving. O Aristobulus, first bishop in the West intercede for us, that we may hold fast the Gospel.
Ikos
Who can recount the paths of the Gospel, or measure the sea that bears the apostolic word? For Christ chose fishermen and tentmakers, and sent them to kings and to villages, to islands and to marketplaces, to fierce tribes and to gentle hearts. Therefore we honour you, O Aristobulus, as a true shepherd and wise builder in the West; and we cry: remember us in your prayers, that we may love the Lord Jesus, and rejoice with you in His Kingdom.
Synaxarion
On this day we commemorate the holy Apostle Aristobulus, one of the Seventy, first Bishop and Enlightener of the British Isles. Through his holy intercessions, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Ode 7 — Heirmos
The faithful youths confessed You in the furnace, and the flame became cool by Your power; so also keep us unburned by temptations, O God of our fathers, blessed are You.
Troparia
1. When torments surrounded you, O Apostle, you did not bow to idols, but confessed Christ.
2. The fierceness of your hearers you overcame by patience, and their rage was changed into praise of the true God.
3. O Lord, cool the furnace of our passions, and make our hearts steadfast in virtue.
Glory… Bless those who preach, and those who hear, that all may be saved in the truth.
Now and ever… Theotokion: Blessed are you, O Theotokos, who gave birth to Him Who delivers from fire and corruption.
Ode 8 — Heirmos
Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord; for He glorifies His saints and He makes the earth a tabernacle of His mercy; praise Him and exalt Him unto the ages.
Troparia
1. Bless the Lord, for He sent His Apostle from Cyprus to the West, and made Britain a field of the Gospel.
2. Bless the Lord, for through weak vessels He pours great grace and through suffering He reveals true love.
3. Bless the Lord, for He gathers one Church from many tongues and teaches all to confess one faith.
Glory… Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget His mercies.
Now and ever… Theotokion: Blessed are you, O Virgin, for through you the nations have received the Saviour.
Ode 8. Katavasia. Tone 4.
We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.
Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. He who was prefigured then, having been incarnate now, is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [GOASD]
The Magnificat.
Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Greater in honour than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify.
Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty.
Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
Ode 9 — Heirmos
Let us magnify the Mother of the Light, for through her the unapproachable God drew near; and let us honour the apostolic heralds, who made His glory known to the ends of the earth.
Troparia
1. We honour you, O Aristobulus, as herald and shepherd, for you kindled the lamp of faith in Britain.
2. Remember the lands you sanctified—England, Wales, Scotland, and Hispania—and pray that all who dwell there may glorify Christ.
3. Remember also those who suffer in body and soul, for thou yourself wast beaten and afflicted for the Gospel.
Glory… Grant peace to Your Church, O Christ, by the intercessions of Your Apostle.
Now and ever… Theotokion: O Theotokos, make us worthy to sing with joy and to receive the mercy of your Son.
Small Litany
P: For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You they offer up glory…
Exapostilarion, Tone 2
Radiant lamp of the unwaning Light, O holy Aristobulus, you illumined the distant Isles with the knowledge of Christ. Shine now upon our hearts, that we may glorify the Holy Trinity.
Theotokion: Rejoice, redemption from the curse, and Adam’s reestablishment. Rejoice, O pure Theotokos, the hope of the world and shelter. O Mother of our God, rejoice; O vehicle divine, rejoice. Rejoice, O ladder and east-gate; rejoice, O swift and light cloud; rejoice, the release of Eva. [SD]
Praises (Lauds) (Tone 3)
(Psalms 148, 149, 150)
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God.
Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God
Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, who sent forth His apostle to the farthest Isles, to proclaim peace through Jesus Christ.
Verse: Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Rejoice, O Britain, once overshadowed by mist; for through Aristobulus you received the light of the Gospel and were numbered among the flock of Christ.
Verse: The mouth of a righteous man distills wisdom; the lips of righteous men distill grace.
The grace of the Spirit rested upon you, O blessed one; you spoke with boldness, endured with patience, and crowned your life with faithful service.
Verse: O Lord, Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice.
Now you rejoice with the apostles in heaven, beholding the glory of the risen Lord; intercede for those who praise you with faith.
Glory… (Tone 6): O holy Apostle Aristobulus, teacher of the western lands and adornment of the Seventy, you laboured that Christ might be known in distant shores. Pray that we may remain steadfast in the apostolic faith and be found worthy of the heavenly Kingdom.
Both now… (Theotokion): O Theotokos, you are the boast of the Church; save us by your intercessions.
Great Doxology
Apolytikion, Tone 4:
From Cyprus you were chosen, O Apostle Aristobulus; as the brother of Barnabas and a fellow worker with Paul, you bore the Gospel without wearying. Sent to the western isles, you planted the Church in Britain as first shepherd; and you glorified Christ. Pray to Him for us who honour your holy memory, that our souls may be saved.
DIVINE LITURGY PROPERS
** See the Presanctified Liturgy rubrics bellow.
Apolytikion (Tone 4)
Kontakion (Tone 3)
You crossed the sea with apostolic courage, and illumined Britain with the light of the Trinity; you proclaimed Christ in Hispania to the Celtiberians, and endured afflictions from the fierce and unbelieving. O Aristobulus, first bishop in the West intercede for us, that we may hold fast the Gospel.
Prokeimenon (Tone 8)
Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. Ps. 18:4
Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Ps. 18:1
Epistle Reading
1 Cor. 4:9–16
Brethren, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonoured! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. 14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
Alleluia (Tone 1)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse: The heavens shall confess Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints. Ps. 88:5
Verse: Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments. Ps. 111:1
Gospel Reading
Matthew 28:16–20
The eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Communion Hymn
Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. Alleluia. (Ps 18:5)
Presanctified Holy Liturgy
Blessed is the kingdom. The opening psalm 103 (104) and kathisma 18 (from Ps. 119). At “Lord, I have cried” are sung: 6 stichera from the triodion (the automelon of the day from the aposticha — twice, the martyrs’ sticheron and the three regular stichera), and 4 of the apostle from the menaion. Glory: menaion. Both now — Theotokion in the same tone. Entrance with the gospel, “O Gladsome Light.” Paremias from the triode (of to the day). Followed by: “Let my prayer rise before you as incense”. Epistle and gospel. Great Entrance “Now the powers of heaven do serve invisibly with us” etc.
