The Feast of the Birth of Mary, the Theotokos
and
The Fore-Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
KONTAKION OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS IN TONE FOUR
By thy holy nativity, O pure one,
Joachim and Anna were delivered from the reproach of barrenness;
And Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death;
Thy people do celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity,
Crying unto thee:
The barren doth give birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.
THE EPISTLE
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
To Thee, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.
The Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians.
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
(Galatians 6:11-18, ESV)
THE GOSPEL
(For the Sunday before the Elevation of the Holy Cross)
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John.
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
(John 3:13-17, ESV)
KONTAKION OF THE NATIVITY OF THE THEOTOKOS IN TONE FOUR
By thy holy nativity, O pure one, Joachim and Anna were delivered from the reproach of
barrenness; and Adam and Eve were delivered from the corruption of death; thy people do
celebrate it, having been saved from the stain of iniquity, crying unto thee: The barren doth give
birth to the Theotokos, who nourisheth our life.
MEGALYNARION OF THE FEAST IN TONE EIGHT
Magnify, O my soul, the Virgin Mary, born of a barren womb.
Verily, virginity, O Theotokos, is impossible for a mother, as birth-giving is impossible for
virgins. Yet in thee hath the dispensation of both been accomplished.
Wherefore, all we families of the earth ceaselessly bless thee.
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church 