Blog Post

Nativity of the Theotokos: Small Vespers

Feast of the Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner
Anno Domini 2020, September 5

From the morning watch until the night, from the morning watch let Israel trust in the Lord (Ps. 129:6).

Joachim and Ann keep festival, having brought into the world the only Theotokos, first fruit of our salvation. With them we celebrate the feast today, blessing the pure Virgin from the root of Jesse (Is. 11:10).

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption: and He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Ps. 129:7-8).

From Ann today. Has sprung forth a rod (Is. 11:1), a branch given by God, even the Theotokos, salvation of men. From her, in manner past understanding, is born the Maker of all, who in His goodness purges all the indignity of Adam.

O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him, all ye people (Ps. 116:1).

The Maiden in whom God came to dwell, the pure Theotokos, glory of the prophets, the daughter of David, is born today of Joachim and Ann sober in spirit; and by her birthgiving she overthrows the curse of Adam that weighed upon us.

For His merciful kindness is great towards us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever (Ps. 116:2).

The soil which formerly was barren gives birth to fertile ground, and nourishes with milk the holy fruit sprung from her sterile womb. Dread wonder: she who sustains our life, who received within her body the Bread of Heaven, feeds at her mother’s breast.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Come, all ye who love virginity, and who are friends of purity: come ye and welcome with love the boast of virgins. She is the fountain of life that gushes forth from the flinty rock (Ex. 17:6); She is the Bush (Ex. 3:2) springing from barren ground and burning with the immaterial fire that cleanses and enlightens our souls.

The Virgin, offspring of Joachim and Ann, has appeared to men, releasing all from the bonds of sin.

Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear (Ps. 44:11).

The barrenness of Ann has truly been revealed as an overshadowed mountain (cf. Hab. 3:3), from which salvation has been granted to all the faithful.

Even the rich among the people shall entreat thy favor (Ps. 44:13).

The most holy Virgin, having broken the bonds of the barrenness of Ann, has come forth to men, bestowing remission.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O ye faithful, let us come, glorifying the Maiden. For from a barren mother has she been born, renewing our nature that had grown barren.

Troparion: Thy Birth, O Theotokos, has brought joy to all the inhabited earth: for from thee has shown forth the Sun of. Righteousness, Christ our God. He has loosed us from the curse and given the blessing; He has made death of no effect, and bestowed on us eternal life.

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