Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Festal Matins & Divine Liturgy Hymns

By the Grace of God U SED TOGE TH ER WITH TH E S E RV IC E B OOK

COMPILED, ADAPTED, EDITED & PRINTED

31 August 2018
The Sanctified Sash of our Lady
BY
MARGUERITE PAIZIS
ARCHONDISSA & TEACHER BY DIVINE GRACE
GREEK ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE OF ALEXANDRIA & ALL AFRICA
ARCHDIOCESE OF GOOD HOPE
HOLY CHURCH OF THE DORMITION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD Also the Feast of St Cyprianos, Bishop of Carthage – St Gennadios, Patriarch
of Constantinople – St Aidan, Bishop of Lindesfarne, Britain – St
Eanswyth, Abbess of Folkestone, Britain
PO BOX 28348
SUNRIDGE PARK
6008
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

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RE-EDITED & PUBLISHED - 16 AUGUST 2018

Our Eternal Gratitude to Pater Seraphim Dedes & all the contributing Translators
for the Greek & English texts that make our Worship much easier
to understand, to participate and to appreciate.
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12. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF OUR L ADY THEO TOKOS - 31 A UGUST

 THE VENERABLE ZONI (BELT, SASHA, CINCTURE OR GIRDLE)
Peri on ouk esti nin legin kata meros. Of these we can no longer speak these
At the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, there is a Great Treasure of days.
Orthodoxy that has survived. It is one of two Most Priceless and Precious Holy Touton de outo kateskevasmenon is men When these Things had been thus
Relics of our Ever Blessed All Holy Theotokos – Her ‘Esthitos’ – a garment or robe – tin protin skinin da pantos Isiasin i prepared, the Priests always went
and Her Zoni. Each of these are commemorated by separate Feasts – 2 July for Ieris tas Latrias epitelountes. into the first part of the Tabernacle,
her Esthitos (Robe) and 31 August, Her Zoni. performing the Services.
The common Festal Apolytikion mentions both, as both were present in
Constantinople and preserved the faithful for centuries.)
Is de tin defteran apax tou eniaftou Into the second part only the High
The Zoni of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was divided into three pieces, is the only monos O Arhierefs - ou horis ematos, Priest went - once a year, not
remaining Holy Relic of Her Earthly Life - made out of camel hair by the Ever O prosferi iper eaftou ke ton tou laou without blood, which he offered for
agnoimaton. himself and for the people’s sins.
Blessed Virgin Mary Herself. After Her Dormition, She presented it to St Thomas
the Holy Apostle of Christ who arrived three days after Her interment and, on THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 10: 38-42 & 11 27 –28
ON E THIN G IS N EEDED !
opening Her Tomb witnessed to the Truth that She had been bodily taken up to
Heaven. To kero ekino, isilthen O Iisous is komin At that time, He entered a certain
During the early centuries of Christianity the Venerable Zoni was kept at Jerusalem. tina. village.
However, in the 4th century, it was located at Zela in Cappadocia by Emperor
Theodosios the Great who returned it to Jerusalem. Later, his son, Arcadios,
Gyni de tis, onomati Martha, ipedexato A woman named Martha welcomed Him
took the Precious Holy Relic to Constantinople, where was originally deposited in Afton is ton ikon aftis. into her house.
the Chalcoprateia Church. Ke tide in adelphi kaloumeni ‘Maria,’ i And she had a sister called “Mary,” who
Emperor Leo subsequently transferred it to the Vlachernae Church in 458 and ke parakathisasa para tous Podas tou sat at Jesus’ Feet, listening to His
during the reign of Emperor Leo VI – ‘Leo the Wise’ – the Venerable Zoni was Iisou, ikoue ton Logon Aftou. Word.
taken to the Imperial Palace in order to miraculously Cure Empress Zoe, his
seriously ill wife, who had been possessed by an unclean spirit.
I de Martha periespato peri pollin Martha was distracted with much
diakonian. serving.
Empress Zoe had had a Vision instructing her to place the Sanctified Zoni of our Ever
Blessed Lady Theotokos upon her, which would instantly exorcise the unclean Epistasa de ipe: ‘Kyrie, ou meli Si oti i She approached and said: “Lord, dost
spirit and Heal her. So Emperor Leo the Wise requested the Patriarch to open the Adelphi mou monin me katelipe Thou not care that my sister has left
sealed Reliquary in which the Holy Relic was kept. diakonin? Ipe oun afti in mi me to serve alone? Therefore tell her
At that time the Zoni of the Mother of God was completely intact and undamaged by sinantilavite!” to help me!”
the passage of time.
As soon as the Patriarch placed the Zoni on Empress Zoe, she was immediately
Apokrithis de ipen afti O Iisous: Jesus answered and said to her:
“Martha! Martha! Merimnas ke “Martha! Martha! You are worried
restored to her former good health, and all the Faithful sang Hymns of
tirvazi peri polla. Enos de esti hria. and troubled about many things.
Thanksgiving to the Most Holy Theotokos. The Patriarch reverently returned the
One thing is needed.
Holy Relic to the Reliquary and resealed it.
Some time afterwards, however, Empress Zoe embroidered the whole Girdle with “Maria de tin agathin merida eelzato, “Mary has chosen that good part,
gold thread as an act of Gratitude and Thanksgiving to the All Holy Theotokos, itis ouk aferethisete ap’ aftis.” which will not be taken away from
which gives it the appearance it bears to this day. her.”
In the 12th century, during the reign of Emperor Manuel I Comnenos (1143-1180), the ...Egeneto de en to legin afton tafta, ... As He spoke these things, a certain
Feast of the Holy Girdle on 31 August was officially introduced. Previously it had epasa tis gyni fonin ek tou ohlou, woman from the crowd raised her
shared the Feast of the Vesture (‘Esthitos’ or Robe) of the Ever Blessed Holy Virgin ipen Afto: “Makaria i Kilia i vastasasa voice and said to Him: “Blessed is the
on 1 July. Se, ke Masti ous ethilasas!” Womb that bore Thee, and the
The Zoni itself remained in Constantinople until the 12th century, when Emperor Breasts that nursed Thee!”
Isaakios was conquered by the Bulgar King, Asan, (1185). Being part of the great
plunder of Constantinople, the Miracle Working Zoni was carried off to Bulgaria, Aftos de ipe: Menounge Makarii i He replied: “More than that: Blessed
and from there it later passed into the possession of the Serbs, whose Prince akouontes ton logon tou Theou, ke are those who hear the Word of
Lazaros I (1372-1389) presented it to the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, filassontes afton. God and keep It!”
together with a large piece of the True Life-giving Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Since then, the Holy Zoni has been kept in the Sanctuary of the Katholikon of the
Vatopedi Monastery.
During the Turkish Occupation, the Brethren of the Monastery took it on Journeys to
Crete, Macedonia, Thrace, Constantinople and Asia Minor - to distribute its
Blessing, to Strengthen the morale of the enslaved Greeks and to bring Freedom
from infectious diseases.
The Miracles performed through the Holy Zoni throughout the ages are
innumerable. The following are a few examples:

2. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF OU R L ADY TH E OTOKOS - 31 AU GU ST D E P OSITION OF TH E Z ONI OF OU R LA DY T HE OTOKOS - 31 A UGU ST 11.

 Festal Divine Liturgy Hymns – Theotokos’ Zoni
KINDLY USE THE SERVICE BOOK UNTIL THIS POINT,
THEN CAREFULLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WITH REGARD TO THESE
FESTAL APOLYTIKION –THEOTOKOS’ GIRDLE -
Theotoke Aiparthene, ton anthropon i
Skepi, Esthita ke Zonin tou Ahrantou
Sou somatos, kratean ti poli Sou
pervolin edoriso, to asporo Toko Sou
aftharta diaminanta, epi Si gar ke fisi
kenotomi ke hronos, dio disopoumen
Se, Irinin ti politia Sou dories, ke tes
psihes imon to Mega Eleos.
FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOTOKOS’ ZONI –
Tin Theodohon gastera Sou Theotoke,
perlavousa i Zoni Sou i Timia, kratos
ti poli Sou aprosmahiton, ke thisafros
iparhi, ton Agathon anekliptos, i Moni
Tekousa Aiparthenos.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON – ODE OF
Megalini i psihi mou ton Kyrion ke
igalliase to pnevma moue pi to Theo
to Sotiri Mou.
Oti epevlepsen epi tin tapinosin tis
doulis Aftou.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE
Adelphi: ihen i proti Skini Dikeomata
Latrias to te Agion kosmikon.
Skini gar kateskevasthi - i proti en i ite
Lihnia ke i Trapeze ke i Prosthesis ton
Arton, itis legete ‘Agia.’
Meta de to defteron katapetasma skini i Behind the Second Veil, was the part of
legomeni ‘Agia Agion,’ Hrisoun
ehousa Thimiatirion ke tin Kivoton tis
Diathikis perikekalimmenin
pantothen hrisio, en i Stamnos Hrisi
ehousa to Manna ke i Ravdos Aaron i
Vlastisasa ke e Plakes tis Diathikis.
Iperono, de aftis Herouvim Doxis
Kataskiaonta to Ilastrion.
10. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF OUR
HYMNS
TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Ever Virgin Theotokos, the Shelter of
mankind: Thou hast given Thy City
as a Protective Wall the Garment and
Girdle that Thou worn upon Thine
Immaculate Body. By Thy seedless
Childbirth, they have remained
incorrupt. For in Thee both nature
and time are made novel. Therefore,
we implore Thee, grant Peace to Thy
Commonwealth, and Great Mercy to
our souls.
TONE 2
The Precious Zoni that Thou wore
around Thy Body that hosted God, O
All Blessed Theotokos, truly is Power
unassailable for Thy City and a
Treasure whose Blessings are
perpetual, O Only Child-bearing Ever
Virgin.
THEOTOKOS (LUKE1) TONE 3
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my
spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
For He regarded the low estate of His
Handmaiden!
HEBREWS 9: 1 - 7
Brethren: the First Covenant had
Ordinances of Divine Service, and a
worldly Sanctuary.
A Tabernacle was prepared: the first
part, in which was the Lampstand,
the Table, and the Showbread, which
is called ‘the Sanctuary.’
the Tabernacle, which is called ‘Holy
of Holies,’ which had the Golden
Censer and the Ark of the Covenant,
overlaid on all sides with gold, in
which was the Golden Pot that had
the Manna, Aaron’s Rod that budded,
and the Tablets of the Covenant.
Above it were the Cherubim of Glory
overshadowing the Mercy Seat.
L ADY THEO TOKOS - 31 A UGUST
At one time when the inhabitants of Ainos had requested the Blessings of the Holy
Zoni, the Vatopedi Monks who were put in charge of its protection had
accepted hospitality at the home of a Priest, whose wife surreptitiously removed
a piece of it. When the Holy Fathers wanted to depart, the ship remained
immobile, despite the sea and the weather being calm, and no fault being
found with the workings of the ship.
Watching this strange phenomenon, the priest’s wife realised that she had done
something very wrong and, repenting and begging their forgiveness, she
returned the stolen piece of the Holy Relic to the distraught Monks, whereupon
they were able to depart without further incident.
A second silver Reliquary was made, which contains the stolen piece of the Holy
Zoni of our Lady Theotokos.
During the Greek War of Independence of 1821, the Holy Girdle was taken to Crete
at the request of the Faithful, who were afflicted by a terrible plague. When,
however, the Monks were preparing to return to Vatopedi Monastery on Mount
Athos, they were arrested by the Turks and taken off to be hanged, while the
Holy Relic was eventually redeemed from the Turks in 1831 by the British Consul,
Domenikos Santantonio, who took it to his new home in Santorini.
News of this quickly spread throughout the island. The local Bishop informed the
Vatopedi Monastery, and the Abbot, Dionysios, was sent hurriedly to Santorini.
The British Consul asked for the sum of 15,000 piastres before he was prepared to
hand over the Holy Zoni, so the Faithful Christians of the island, with touching
eagerness, managed to collect together the ransom, and return the precious
Relic to the Vatopedi Monastery, accompanied by Abbot Dionysios.
Meanwhile, similar to the Ainos Priest’s wife, the British Consul’s wife also cut off a
small piece of the Holy Zoni before it was returned to its rightful place. Within a
very short period her husband died suddenly, and her mother and sister
became gravely ill. In 1839, she wrote to the Monastery beseeching them to send
Monks to fetch the ill-gotten piece which she had stolen.
In 1864, the Holy Zoni was taken to Constantinople, for there was a cholera
epidemic among the inhabitants. As soon as the ship bearing it approached the
harbour, the cholera ceased and none of those already suffering from it died.
This Divine Miracle excited the curiosity of the Sultan, who had the Girdle brought to
the Palace so that he could reverence it.
During its sojourn at Constantinople, a Greek of Galata requested the Sanctified
Zoni to be taken to his home where his son lay seriously ill, but when they
arrived, his son had already Reposed. Refusing to give up hope, the Monks
placed the Holy Relic on his body, whereupon the beloved son was restored to
life and full recovery.
In 1894, the inhabitants of Madytos, Asia Minor, requested the Vatopedi Monastery
to send the Holy Zoni to them, due to a devastating infestation of locusts that
destroyed all vegetation in the region. As soon as the ship that conveyed the
Monks and the Holy Relic entered the harbour, the sky was darkened by thick
clouds of locusts, which suddenly dropped into the sea and drowned, the extent
of which made it difficult for the vessel to anchor.
Having witnessed such a great and unique Miracle, the people of Madytos,
spontaneously – as one voice – chanted over and over again, with Joy and
Thanksgiving: “ Kyrie eleison!” (‘Lord have mercy!’)
The Sanctified Zoni of our Ever Blessed, All Holy and Pure Theotokos has continued
to work many Divine Miracles, particularly in the case of infertile women, who -
when presented with a piece of cord from the Reliquary that holds the Holy Relic
– and, having Faith and Love for God and His All Holy Mother, as well as for all
His Holy Saints - by the Will and Grace of God, are Blessed in due time,with
children.
HTTP://FULL-OF-GRACE-AND-TRUTH.BLOGSPOT.COM/2009/06/HOLY-BELT-ZONI-OF-THEOTOKOS-AND.HTML
D E P OSITION OF TH E Z ONI OF OU R LA DY T HE OTOKOS - 31 A UGU ST 3.
 O Naos Sou Panahrante, os pigi O Pure Virgin, Thy Holy Shrine has been
anexantlitos, ton Thavmaton simeron clearly shown to be like an
anadedikte, i potami gar tis Haritos, inexhaustible Well of Miracles.
afthonos proheonte, tis Agias Sou Today the Rivers of Divine Grace
Festal Matins Hymns – Theotokos’ Zoni Sofou, ke Piston tin dianian,
katevfrenousi, ton en Pisti ke potho Si
pour out most abundantly from Thy
Splendid Holy Reliquary, and they
KINDLY USE THE SERVICE BOOK UNTIL THIS POINT,
voonton. I Hara ke Evfrosini, ke i Zoi fill the Believers’ minds with Godly
THEN CAREFULLY FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS WITH REGARD TO THESE HYMNS Si iparhis imon. Joy. We, the Faithful, with loyalty
and longing cry aloud to Thee, O
PSALM 117 /118
Lady: Thou art our Joy, Life, and
PRAISE TO GOD FOR HIS EVERLASTING MERCY Happiness!

Theos Kyrios ke Epefanen imin. The Lord is God, and has Appeared to ✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
Evlogimenos O erhomenos en us. Blessed is He Who comes in the ke nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton and to the Holy Spirit, now and
Onomati Kyriou! Name of the Lord! eonon. forever, and to the Ages of ages.

1. Exomologisthe to Kyrio, oti Agathos, 1. Confess the Lord, for He is Good; Amin Amen
oti is ton eona to Eleos Aftou! ✶ for His Mercy endures forever! ✶ FESTAL THEOTOKION – TONE 2

2. Panta ta Ethni ekiklosan me, ke to 2. All the Nations surrounded me, but Os Stephanon iperlampron, Panarante All Immaculate Theotokos, the Church
Onomati Kyriou inamin aftous. ✶ in the Name of the Lord I drove Theotoke, tin Zonin Sou tin Agian, i of God dons Thy Holy Girdle as
them back. ✶ Ekklisia tou Theou perietheto, ke though a most splendid Crown.
fedrineta herousa simeron, ke Today She is exultant and beams
3. Para Kyriou egeneto afti, ke esti 3. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is
Mystikos horevi, Despina, ekvoosa Si. with Joy, as She dances mystically,
Thavmasti en ofthalmis imon. ✶ Marvellous in our eyes. ✶ Here Diadima Timion, ke Stephane crying out to Thee, O Lady: Rejoice
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
tis Thias Dosix! Here, i Moni Doxa O Precious Diadem and Crown of
Theotoke Aiparthene, ton anthropon i Ever Virgin Theotokos, the Shelter of tou pliromatos, ke eonios evfrosini! Divine Glory! Rejoice, the Only Glory
Skepi, Esthita ke Zonin tou Ahrantou mankind, Thou hast given to Thy Here, ton is Se prstrehonton, limin ke and Eternal Joy of my complement!
Sou Somatos, Kratean ti Poli Sou City as a Protective Wall the Garment Prostasia, ke Sotiria imon! Rejoice, O Haven and Protection and
perivolin edoriso, to Asporo Toko Sou and Girdle that Thou wore upon Salvation for us who run to Thee!
aftharta diaminanta, epi Si gar ke fisi Thine Immaculate Body. By Thy G RE AT D OX OL OGY

kenotomite ke hronos, dio seedless Childbirth, they have FESTAL APOLYTIKION –THEOTOKOS’ ZONI - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
disopoumen Se, Irinin ti Politia Sou remained incorrupt. For in Thee, Theotoke Aiparthene, ton anthropon i Ever Virgin Theotokos, the Shelter of
dories, ke tes psihes imon to Mega both nature and time art made
Skepi, Esthita ke Zonin tou Ahrantou mankind: Thou hast given Thy City
Eleos. novel. Therefore, we implore Thee:
Sou somatos, kratean ti poli Sou as a Protective Wall the Garment and
Grant peace to Thy Commonwealth,
pervolin edoriso, to asporo Toko Sou Girdle that Thou worn upon Thine
and to our souls Great Mercy.
aftharta diaminanta, epi Si gar ke fisi Immaculate Body. By Thy seedless
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati, ✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son, kenotomi ke hronos, dio disopoumen Childbirth, they have remained
ke nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton and to the Holy Spirit, now and Se, Irinin ti politia Sou dories, ke tes incorrupt. For in Thee both nature
eonon. forever, and to the Ages of ages. psihes imon to Mega Eleos. and time are made novel. Therefore,
we implore Thee, grant Peace to Thy
Amin Amen Commonwealth, and Great Mercy to
Theotoke Aiparthene, ton anthropon i Ever Virgin Theotokos, the Shelter of our souls.
Skepi, Esthita ke Zonin tou Ahrantou mankind, Thou hast given to Thy
Sou Somatos, Kratean ti Poli Sou City as a Protective Wall the Garment
perivolin edoriso, to Asporo Toko Sou and Girdle that Thou wore upon
aftharta diaminanta, epi Si gar ke fisi Thine Immaculate Body. By Thy
kenotomite ke hronos, dio seedless Childbirth, they have
disopoumen Se, Irinin ti Politia Sou remained incorrupt. For in Thee,
dories, ke tes psihes imon to Mega both nature and time art made
Eleos. novel. Therefore, we implore Thee:
Grant peace to Thy Commonwealth,
S M ALL LI TANY
and to our souls Great Mercy.

4. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF OU R L ADY TH E OTOKOS - 31 AU GU ST D E P OSITION OF TH E Z ONI OF OU R LA DY T HE OTOKOS - 31 A UGU ST 9.

 LAUDS: THE PRAISES
ALL CREATION PRAISES THE LORD OUR GOD
Pasa pnoi enesato ton Kyrion. Enite
ton Kyrion ek ton Ouranon. Enite
Afton en tis Ipsistis. Si prepi imnos
to Theo.
Enite Afton, pantes i Angelli Aftou.
Enite Afton, pase e Dinamis Aftou.
Si prepi imnos to Theo.
PSALM 150 –FESTAL VERSES – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI – TONE 4
LET ALL THINGS PRAISE THE LORD!
Enite Afton epi tes Dinasties Afton.
Enite Afton kata to plithos tis
Megalosinis Aftou.
Os iperlampron Stephanon, Theotoke
Pnahrante, tin Agian Zonin Sou
peretheto, i Ekklisia ke Herousa,
fedrinete simeron, ke horevi Mystikos,
ekvoosa Si Despina: Here, Stephane,
ke Diadima Thion! Here, Moni, tou
pliromatos mou Doxa, ke evfrosini
eonios.
Enite Afton en iho salpingos; Enite
Afton en psaltirio ke kithara.
Os iperlampron Stephanon, Theotoke
Pnahrante, tin Agian Zonin Sou
peretheto, i Ekklisia ke Herousa,
fedrinete simeron, ke horevi Mystikos,
ekvoosa Si Despina: Here, Stephane,
ke Diadima Thion! Here, Moni, tou
pliromatos mou Doxa, ke evfrosini
eonios.
Enite Afton en timpano ke horo.
Afton en hordes ke organo.
Si Panahrante Despina, Krateon
peritihisma, arrages te stirigma ke
diasosma, to So Lao ke ti poli Sou,
iparhousa dedokas, os fedran
pervolin, tin ipertimon Zonin Sou,
perisozousan, simforon ek pantion,
tous en Pisti, ke zeousi prothimia,
taftin Timontas Theonymphe.
Enite Afton en kimvalis evihis; enite
Afton en kimvalis alalagmou.
Pasa pnoi inesato ton Kyrion.
8. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF
TO GOD -PSALM 148
Let everything that has breath praise
the Lord. Praise the Lord from the
Heavens; praise Him in the Highest.
To Thee praise is due, O God.
Praise Him, all His Angels; praise Him,
all His Powers. To Thee praise is
due, O God.
Praise Him for His Mighty Acts.Praise
Him according to the greatness of
His Majesty.
O Immaculate Virgin and Theotokos,
the Church of God dons Thy Holy
Girdle as though a shiny Crown. She
is exultant and beams with Joy today
and She mystically dances as She
cries aloud to Thee, O All Holy:
Rejoice, O Holy Crown and Divine
Diadem! Rejoice, my only Glory,
Eternal Joy of my complement!”
Praise Him with the sound of the
trumpet; praise Him with lute and
harp.
O Immaculate Virgin and Theotokos,
the Church of God dons Thy Holy
Girdle as though a shiny Crown. She
is exultant and beams with Joy today
and She mystically dances as She
cries aloud to Thee, O All Holy:
Rejoice, O Holy Crown and Divine
Diadem! Rejoice, my only Glory,
Eternal Joy of my complement!”
Enite Praise Him with timbrel and dance;
praise Him with strings and flute.
An Unbreachable Battlement and
Buttress unshakable, O All Holy
Lady, and sure Deliverance hast
Thou become for Thy Faithful Flock
and City, O Bride of God Thou hast
given them Thine own Precious
Girdle, adorning them like a splendid
gown. O All Immaculate Virgin, as
we honour it with Faith and Pious
Fervour, we are preserved from
calamity.
Praise Him with tuneful cymbals;
praise Him with loud cymbals. Let
everything that has breath praise
the Lord.
OU R L ADY TH E OTOKOS - 31 AU GU ST
FIRST FESTAL KATHISMA – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI – TONE 1
Tin Zonin tin Septin, tou ahrantou Sou
Skinous, imnoumen i Pisti, Panagia
Parthen, ex is ariometha nosimaton
tin iasin, ke kravgazomen, Miter
Theou tou Ipsistou, Si i Litrosis, ton Se
Timonton iparhis, Maria Theklite.
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati,
ke nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton
eonon.
Amin
Tin Zonin tin Septin, tou ahrantou Sou
Skinous, imnoumen i Pisti, Panagia
Parthen, ex is ariometha nosimaton
tin iasin, ke kravgazomen, Miter
Theou tou Ipsistou, Si i Litrosis, ton Se
Timonton iparhis, Maria Theklite.
SECOND FESTAL KATHISMA – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI – TONE 4
Tis Timias Zonis Sou ti katathesi, eortazi On
simeron, O Sos panimnite laos, ke
ektenos anakrazi Si. Here, Parthene,
Hristianon to kavhima!
✞ Doxa Patri ke Io ke Agio Pnevmati,
ke nin ke ai ke is tous Eonas ton
eonon.
Amin Amen
Tis Timias Zonis Sou ti katathesi, eortazi On this
simeron, O Sos panimnite laos, ke
ektenos anakrazi Si. Here, Parthene,
Hristianon to kavhima!
P SALM 50/51

FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOTOKOS’ ZONI –
Tin Theodohon gastera Sou Theotoke,
perlavousa i Zoni Sou i Timia, kratos
ti poli Sou aprosmahiton, ke thisafros
iparhi, ton Agathon anekliptos, i Moni
Tekousa Aiparthenos.
FESTAL IKOS – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI
Tis gigenon ta Sa Megalia diigisete
Logos – pia glossa vroton – Nous gar
oude Ouranios. All’ i tekousa tis
simpathias to ametriton melagos,
D E P OSITION OF TH E Z ONI OF OU R
We Faithful now extol the venerable
Holy Girdle that Thou Thyself had
worn, O Immaculate Virgin. From it
we derive the Cures of diseases, O
All Holy. Hence we cry to Thee, who
truly bore God the Highest: O Mary,
Chosen One, Thou art indeed the
Redemption of all who honour Thee.
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amen
We Faithful now extol the venerable
Holy Girdle that Thou Thyself had
worn, O Immaculate Virgin. From it
we derive the Cures of diseases, O
All Holy. Hence we cry to Thee, who
truly bore God the Highest: O Mary,
Chosen One, Thou art indeed the
Redemption of all who honour Thee.
this day, O All Lauded One, Thy
Faithful people gaily celebrate the
Feast of the Deposition of Thy
Girdle, and we intently cry to Thee:
Rejoice, O Virgin, the Boast of
Christians everywhere!
✞ Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and to the Ages of ages.
day, O All Lauded One, Thy
Faithful people gaily celebrate the
Feast of the Deposition of Thy
Girdle, and we intently cry to Thee:
Rejoice, O Virgin, the Boast of
Christians everywhere!
TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
The Precious Girdle that Thou wore
around Thy Body that hosted God, O
All Blessed Theotokos, truly is Power
unassailable for Thy City and a
Treasure whose Blessings are
perpetual, O Only Child-bearing Ever
Virgin.
No human speech, nor mortal tongue
can express Thy Greatness – neither
can the Intellectuals of Heaven. But,
O Mother of the infinite Sea of
LA DY T HE OTOKOS - 31 A UGU ST 5.
 dexe ke nin ex akarpon hileon ta
asmata, ke didou mi thian harin,
evfimise tin Sin Zonin Despina, di is
kosmos agallete, Sin Angelis imnon
Sou ta Thavmata, i moni tekousa
Aiparthenos.
SYNAXARION – 31 AUGUST
Ti ΛA’ tou Aftou minos, anamnesis tis en On
ti Agia Soro katatheseos tis Timias
Zonis tis Iperagias theotokou, en to
sevasmio aftis iko, to onti en tis
Halopratiis, anakomisthisis apo tis
Episkopis Zilas, epi Ioustinianou tou
Vasileos. Eti de ke tou gegonotos
thamatos, dia tis epitheseos tis timias
onis is tin vasilida Zoin, tin sizigon
Leontos tou Vasileos.
Ti afti imera, mnimi tis anakeniseos tou On
Naou tis Iperagias theotokous en to
Neorio.
Tes tis Ahratou Mitros Sou Presvies,
Hriste O Theos imon, Eleison imas.
Amin.
KATAVASIA OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS - TONE 4
ODI 1 Anixo to stoma mou ke
plirothisete Pnevmatos ke logon
erevxome ti Vasilidi Mitri. Ke
ofthisome fedros Panigirizon ke aso
gnothomenos TAFTIS TA THAVMATA.
ODI 3 Tous Sous Imnologous, Theotoke,
izosa ke Afthonos Pigi, Thiason
Sigkrotisantas Pnevmatikon,
stereoson. Ke en ti Thia Doxi Sou
Stefanon Doxis axioson.
ODI 4 Tin anexihniaston Thian Voulin
tis ek tis Parthenou sarkoseos Sou to
Ipsistou O Profitis Abbakoum
katanoon ekravgaxe. Doxa ti Dinami
Sou, Kyrie
ODI 5 Exesti ta simpanta epi ti Thia
Doxi Sou. Si gar, apirogame
Parthene, eshes en Mitra ton epi
Panton Theon ke tetokas ahronon
Iion, pasi tis imnousi Se Sotirian
vravevousa.
6. D E P O S I T I O N OF THE Z ONI OF
Sympathy, I pray Thee: accept these
songs from my unfruitful lips, and
grant me Divine Grace to celebrate
Thy Girdle, because of which the
world today exults and joins the
Angels in extolling Thy Miracles, O
Only Child-bearing Ever Virgin.
the 31st day of this month, we
Commemorate the Deposition of the
Girdle of our Most Holy Lady
Theotokos in the Holy Shrine at her
Venerable Church at Chalcoprateia –
the Brass Market – when it had been
recovered from the Diocese of Zela
during the reign of Emperor
Arkadios. We also Commemorate
the Miracle that was wrought when
the Girdle was placed upon Empress
Zoe, wife of Emperor Leo.
this day we Commemorate the
Consecration of the Temple of the
Most Holy Theotokos in Neorion.
By the Intercessions of Thine
Immaculate Mother, O Christ our
God, have Mercy on us.
Amen
ODE 1 I shall open my mouth and the
Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter
the words of my song to the Queen
and Mother: I shall be seen
radiantly keeping Feast
JOYFULLY PRAISING HER MIRACLES
ODE 3 O Mother of God, Thou living
and plentiful Fount, grant strength
to those united in Spiritual
Fellowship, who sing Hymns of
Praise to Thee: and in Thy Divine
Glory grant them Crowns of Glory.
ODE 4 Perceiving the Unsearchable
Purpose of God concerning Thine
Incarnation from a Virgin, O Most
High, the Prophet Habakkuk cried:
Glory to Thy Power, O Lord!
ODE 5 The whole world was amazed
at Thy Divine Glory: for Thou, O
Virgin, Who has not known wedlock,
has been Translated from earth to
the Eternal Mansions to the Life
without end, bestowing Salvation
upon all who sing Thy praises.
OU R L ADY TH E OTOKOS - 31 AU GU ST
ODI 6 Tin Thian Taftin ke Pantimon ODE 6 As we celebrate this Sacred
Telountes Eortin i Theofrones tis and Solemn Feast of the Theotokos,
Theomitoros, defte tas hiras let us come, clapping our hands, O
krotisomen, ton ex aftis tehthenta people of the Lord, and Glorifying
Theon Doxazontes. God Who was Born of her.
ODI 7 Ouk elatrefsan ti ktisi i ODE 7 The Holy Children bravely
Theoforones para ton Ktisanta. Alla trampled upon the threatening fire,
piros apilin andrios patisantes, preferring not to worship created
herontes epsallon. Iperimnite, O ton things rather than the Creator, and
Pateron Kyrios ke Theos, Evlogitos i. they sang in Joy: “Blessed art Thou
and praised above all: O Lord God of
our Fathers!”
ODI 8 ✞Enoumen, Evlogoumen ke ODE 8 ✞We Praise, we Bless and we
Proskinoumen ton Kyrios.
Worship the Lord!
Pedas evagis en ti kamino O Tokos tis The Offspring of the Theotokos saved
Theotokou diesosato, tote men
the Holy Children in the furnace.
tipoumenos, nin de energoumenos tin
He Who was then prefigured has
ikoumenin apasan agiri psallousan.
since been born on earth, and He
Ton Kyrion imnite ta Erga ke gathers together all Creation to sing:
iperipsoute is pantas tous eonas.
“O ye Works of the Lord: Bless ye the
Lord and exalt Him above all
MAGNIFICAT

forever!”
KATAVASIA OF THE EVER BLESSED THEOTOKOS - 9TH ODE
Apas gigenis skiratato to pnevmati Let every mortaL born on Earth,
lampadouhoumenos. Panigirizeto de carrying his lamp, in spirit leap for
ailon noon fisis, gererousa TA IERA Joy; and let the Orders of Angelic
THAVMASIA tis Theomitoros ke voato. Powers celebrate and honour THE
Heris, Pammakariste Theotoke Agni, HOLY FEAST of the Theotokos, and
Aiparthene. let them cry: “Hail, All Blessed
Theotokos, Pure and Ever Virgin!”
S M ALL LITANY & P RAISE S T O
T H E LORD

FESTAL EXAPOSTEILARIA – THEOTOKOS’ ZONI – TONE 2
and
O panta iper ennian, ta Sa piisas, The Lord, subliming everything about
Ahrante, tin Sin Esthita ke Zonin, Thee, O Immaculate, has honoured
etimisen aftharsia, ti poli Sou Thy Holy Garment and Girdle with
krateoma, dous taftin ke asfalian, is Incorruption. He gave it to Thy City
ke nin tin katathesin, periharos for Protection and Security. And
ektelountes, panigirizomen potho. with longing we celebrate as we
joyously observe the Feast of its
Deposition.
Kyria panton pelousa, ton piimaton Since Thou art the lady of the world
Despina, ke pliris ontos Sofias, tis and Mistress of all Creation, and
iperfotou os Mitir, Theou tou filled with Illumination and Wisdom
Pantokratoros, Fotos ke thias gnoseos, supremely splendid, as Mother of
ke Haritos me pliroson, ti simplirosi Almighty God, I pray Thee to fill me
ton imnon, Sou tis Agnis Theotokou. with His Light and Knowledge and
with Divine Grace when I complete
this Translation for Thee, O Pure
Theotokos.
D E P OSITION OF TH E Z ONI OF OU R LA DY T HE OTOKOS - 31 A UGU ST 7.