Troparion, First Tone:
Rejoice, thou who are full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for from thee hath risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those in darkness. Rejoice, thou also, O righteous Elder, as thou receivest in thine arms the Redeemer of our Souls, Who also granteth unto us the Resurrection.
Kontakion, First Tone:
Thou who didst sanctify the Virgin's womb by birth, and didst bless Symeon's hands as was meet, by anticipation didst even now save us, O Christ God. But grant peace in the midst of wars unto Thy commonwealth, and strengthen Orthodox Christians whom Thou hast loved, O only Lover of Mankind.
The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews:
7 Brethren, without contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 8 And here men that die recieve tithes; but there He receiveth them, of Whom it is witnessed that He liveth. 9 And as I may say so, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, paid tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest forever, after the order of Melchisedec.
The Reading is from the Gospel according to St. Luke:
Glory to Thee, O Lord, Glory to Thee!
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. 25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Symeon; and this same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. 26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, 28 then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: 30 For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, 31 which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 A light to lighten the gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel. 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 And Symeon blessed them, and said unto Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; 35 (yea, a sword shall pierce through thine own soul also) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. 36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; 37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.
Glory to Thee, O Lord, Glory to Thee!
