Holy Martyr Philothea of Curtea de Argeș

After the usual beginning, they say:

KONTAKIA and OIKOI:

Kontakion 1

As one who from childhood offered yourself as a blameless sacrifice to God through good deeds, O most blessed Philothea, to Him who knew you from your mother’s womb, you who have been shown to be the adornment of virgins and the inhabitant of the bridal chamber, you are worthy of praise! Therefore we sing to you:

• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Oikos 1

Bending our knees now before the Creator of all and stretching out our hands to the Word who is before the ages, we ask forgiveness of our transgressions, power of speech, enlightenment and understanding of our mind, that we may praise the struggles and feats of blessed Philotheia and cry out to her with warmth such things as these:

• Rejoice, Philotheia, born of an evil father;
• Rejoice, for you were raised by a faithful mother;
• Rejoice, rose sprung from a thornbush;
• Rejoice, for at all times you pour forth a good fragrance from yourself;
• Rejoice, for in the world you were a gentle lamb;
• Rejoice, for your mother was a good shepherdess to you;
• Rejoice, holy commandment with perfect mind;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you walked on holy paths;
• Rejoice, for your life was always in torments;
• Rejoice, for patience made you gain paradise;
• Rejoice, for you suffered many tribulations exceedingly;
• Rejoice, for you were glorified by the Lord after death;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 2

When your pious mother departed from this temporal life, she left you as the fulfiller of every need and the heir of her good deeds, and following them, you sang to God the unceasing hymn: Alleluia!

Oikos 2

Fear and trembling seize us, who are darkened in mind, for we do not understand from where we shall begin to bring you praise, O virgin, or what hymn we shall sing to you, or with what crowns we shall crown you; but taking courage, for the sake of your prayers to God, with a humble heart we sing to you these things:

• Rejoice, shoot sprung up in Tarnovo;
• Rejoice, now planted by the Lord in paradise;
• Rejoice, dawn with radiant beams;
• Rejoice, heavenly star that shines like the sun;
• Rejoice, for the heavenly ray nourished you in the world;
• Rejoice, for through you Christians are enlightened;
• Rejoice, for we have gained you as a treasure;
• Rejoice, for you gave us guidance on how to follow you;
• Rejoice, for through you we have received heavenly food;
• Rejoice, example for those who wish to be saved;
• Rejoice, guide of righteous souls;
• Rejoice, rule of wise virgins;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 3

Hearing, O blessed one, the voice of the Lord’s Gospel, which blesses the merciful, you deeply engraved it in your heart and received it with such faith and loved it so much, that, inflamed with fervent and divine zeal, with a hundredfold labors and great diligence you sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 3

Great care you had in your mind for the poor, blessed Philothea, for you were zealous that not one of those who expected alms from you should remain unshown mercy, nor any hungry one go away unfed, nor any naked one unclothed, nor any sorrowful one unconsoled; for this, praising you, we sing to you these things:

• Rejoice, treasury of mercy, never emptied;
• Rejoice, clothing of the naked without payment;
• Rejoice, good nourishing bread for the hungry;
• Rejoice, sheltering house for strangers;
• Rejoice, deliverer of those in danger;
• Rejoice, soothing of the wound of the afflicted;
• Rejoice, swift supporter of the fallen;
• Rejoice, fervent helper in need;
• Rejoice, virginity joined with almsgiving;
• Rejoice, youth with a virtuous life;
• Rejoice, consolation of those who pray to you;
• Rejoice, for through death you have remained forever alive;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 4

Seeing you, O enemy of human nature, that you had undertaken the work of accomplishing good deeds, and especially the deed which will be praised on the day of Judgment, he thought to hinder you as once he did Eve in paradise, but he could not, for you unceasingly sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 4

Like a storm, the hateful and foul demons rushed upon you and brought countless temptations to you, so that by the multitude and weight of the temptations they might turn you away from such a work. But you, O blessed one, being founded on Christ, the Stone which is the head of the corner, firmly shattered them; therefore you are worthy to be honored with these:

• Rejoice, O blessed one, full of good deeds;
• Rejoice, for through torments you were clothed with light;
• Rejoice, delight of your loving mother;
• Rejoice, diadem of wise virgins;
• Rejoice, holy child, follower of the Lord;
• Rejoice, O merciful one, lover of the poor;
• Rejoice, for you filled the devil with shame;
• Rejoice, for Satan was conquered through you;
• Rejoice, for you had strong faith in Christ;
• Rejoice, for you obtained reward through patience;
• Rejoice, courage worked in a child’s body;
• Rejoice, victory inspired by the Holy Spirit;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 5

A storm of great wrath stirred up your father, darkened in mind and hardened in heart, breathing threats and torments upon you, O blessed Philothea; but he could not move you, for you were founded on the Rock of faith, Christ, upon whom, O most wise virgin, standing, you sang to Christ who strengthened you: Alleluia!

Oikos 5

Who among mortals can tell in detail your torments, how many you suffered from your father darkened in thought and from your stepmother? And what mind can comprehend your patience in all that you endured? Therefore, marveling at your life beyond nature, we praise you with such blessings:

• Rejoice, appointed by the Lord for mercy;
• Rejoice, for you were much tormented by your father;
• Rejoice, for you were often cruelly scourged;
• Rejoice, for you were struck on the back and on the face;
• Rejoice, for you endured heavy torments and beatings;
• Rejoice, for you bore all with fortitude;
• Rejoice, for you suffered wounds in your body like Christ;
• Rejoice, for nothing moved you from your path;
• Rejoice, for in all things you suffered joyfully;
• Rejoice, for you sacrificed your life for the Lord;
• Rejoice, for you are now glorified by Him in heaven;
• Rejoice, for you have received an unfading crown;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 6

When you, O most blessed Philothea, were distributing food to the poor, then Satan, as with Judas, put an evil and murderous thought into your father’s mind; for lying in wait for you from a hidden place and seeing you feeding the hungry, he was immediately filled with demonic fury and hurled a farmer’s axe at you; and wounding your foot, you immediately gave up your soul into the hands of God, and rejoicing greatly, you sang: Alleluia!

Oikos 6

An angel was then sent from heaven to illumine your virgin body, O martyr Philothea; and coming, he stood invisibly and began to speak to you:

• Rejoice, O martyr, slain by your father;
• Rejoice, for giving alms, you are sent to the Lord;
• Rejoice, for patience raised you to the heights;
• Rejoice, for you see the Most Holy Trinity closely;
• Rejoice, for you are chosen and received by the Lord;
• Rejoice, for you are dwelled in paradise by Him;
• Rejoice, for you forever bear a radiant crown;
• Rejoice, for in heaven you stand together with the righteous;
• Rejoice, for you have a portion among the holy virgins;
• Rejoice, for you have become an inheritor of glory;
• Rejoice, for in heaven you are forever delighted;
• Rejoice, for at all times you are blessed by us;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 7

Your pure little body lying on the ground and blood still flowing from your cut foot, it was surrounded by heavenly radiance, so that even the place around was filled with light; and seeing this, your wretched and murderous father, struck with terror, ran into the city and told what he had seen, for the darkened one did not know to sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 7

Virgins together with their mothers ran to the place where you were slain, to see you, O blessed Philothea, and seeing with their eyes the radiance of the light that surrounded you, marveling within themselves, they began to praise you, saying:

• Rejoice, Philothea, wise and most good;
• Rejoice, for you are to us a dear sister and crown;
• Rejoice, for your name is glorified in heaven;
• Rejoice, for you are light to virgins in the world;
• Rejoice, for your heart was for the Lord from childhood;
• Rejoice, for loving Him, you were not afraid of torments;
• Rejoice, for you were very diligent towards good;
• Rejoice, for in all things you surpass other virgins;
• Rejoice, for you have now gained the Lord as Bridegroom;
• Rejoice, for you now taste the sweetness of paradise;
• Rejoice, for in heaven we have you as intercessor;
• Rejoice, for you are a fervent suppliant to the Lord for us;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 8

Hearing the things spoken by your father, the archbishop of Tarnovo immediately came to you with the rulers of the city and all the clergy and people; and seeing your body shining with light, with fear they sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 8

The whole city of Tarnovo and the surrounding villages ran to the shining place, O virgin Philothea; and seeing the miracle which was accomplished in you, together with the archbishop they wove songs for you, saying such things as these:

• Rejoice, incorruptible praise of Tarnovo;
• Rejoice, holy shoot from a pious mother;
• Rejoice, tender lily from the garden of Christ;
• Rejoice, white flower with unfading fragrance;
• Rejoice, image of mercy and Christian love;
• Rejoice, short life made eternal through much good;
• Rejoice, for through labors you are translated among the holy;
• Rejoice, for you taste paradise which you fervently desired;
• Rejoice, for there you found your good mother;
• Rejoice, for you rejoice together with her;
• Rejoice, for the Church gains you as adornment;
• Rejoice, for every man praises you and cries to you:
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 9

When the whole multitude of peoples was gathered around you, with fear they drew near to you, wishing to lift you from the ground; but seeing the supernatural weight of your body, all were filled with wonder and with awe sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 9

Understanding that it was not your will to be lifted from the ground, the peoples looked at one another in perplexity; then, being enlightened from above, they began to name all the monasteries, and seeing that you wished to go to the church in Curtea de Argeș, they began to say to you:

• Rejoice, for you yourself decided your dwelling place;
• Rejoice, for through the Lord your desire was fulfilled;
• Rejoice, for your holy name was proclaimed far away;
• Rejoice, for your life became known in the world;
• Rejoice, O blessed one, our most precious fruit;
• Rejoice, for Voivode Radu Negru awaits you;
• Rejoice, for today you go to work in Romania;
• Rejoice, for you extended your apostleship far away;
• Rejoice, for the people come to fulfill your will;
• Rejoice, lover of the Romanian land;
• Rejoice, for the Romanians have gained you as a treasure;
• Rejoice, for we also will sing to you forever:
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 10

When word was given to Radu Negru Voivode that you wished to come to the Romanian land, with tears of joy he praised God and taking a multitude of people, he ran to the Danube to meet you; and seeing you accompanied by many people, he sang to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 10

The lord of the Romanian land, Radu Negru Voivode, received your honored and holy relics with great joy and piety, and praising God, he said to you thus:

• Rejoice, Philothea, most honored martyr;
• Rejoice, given by the Lord to our land;
• Rejoice, our willer of much good;
• Rejoice, for the land was illumined through you;
• Rejoice, for today we receive you like the sun;
• Rejoice, for around you you pour forth comforting rays;
• Rejoice, for at Argeș you chose a dwelling place in the world;
• Rejoice, for the people honor your name;
• Rejoice, for you will be an eternal adornment of the Church;
• Rejoice, beauty and pillar and mighty one;
• Rejoice, guardian of the ancestral faith;
• Rejoice, proud flower of the Romanian garden;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 11

We have you as a light-bearing lamp, O virgin Philothea, for you illumine the whole Church in the Romanian land and, pouring forth a good fragrance, you unceasingly flow with healings to those who run with faith to the reliquary of your holy relics! Therefore to God, who glorified you, with unceasing thanks we sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 11

Having your holy relics on our land as a priceless treasure, we are filled with sanctity, and looking upon them as upon a heavenly light, with fear and trembling we sing to you these things:

• Rejoice, for you yourself chose this land;
• Rejoice, for at Argeș your relics were placed;
• Rejoice, Philothea, our holy treasure;
• Rejoice, for Christ granted you great gifts;
• Rejoice, radiance of the Christian faith;
• Rejoice, sweetness of those who come to you;
• Rejoice, healing of countless illnesses;
• Rejoice, giver of powers and health;
• Rejoice, fervent suppliant for us;
• Rejoice, for through you the Lord is merciful to us;
• Rejoice, for every man partakes of your help;
• Rejoice, for you let no one go away sorrowful;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 12

We have heard, O virgin Philothea, your divine life, we have seen your miracles, and delighting in your good works which you show to us every day, we believe in your boldness before God. Therefore, to Christ who glorified you, from our heart we sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 12

We praise your struggles, O virgin Philothea, we honor your sufferings, we magnify your long-suffering, we bless your holy end, we sing of your invincible courage which appeared in your tender and young body; and beholding all the labors of your life which glorified you on earth and in heaven, where you now dwell, we pray, make remembrance also of us, who run to the reliquary of your holy relics, that, delivering us from every need and making us partakers of the Kingdom of heaven, we may praise you, saying such things as these:

• Rejoice, hallowed at Tarnovo in Bulgaria;
• Rejoice, given by heaven to the Romanians;
• Rejoice, for now you dwell on high;
• Rejoice, for in the world you work many miracles;
• Rejoice, for you stand forever among the glorified ranks;
• Rejoice, for through you the Lord sends us mercy;
• Rejoice, for you see the face of the Creator of all;
• Rejoice, for through you He delivers us from dangers;
• Rejoice, for your intercession has influence with the Lord;
• Rejoice, for He hears your prayers for every man;
• Rejoice, for you are our help in dangers;
• Rejoice, for we have you as a pillar of hope;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

Kontakion 13

O all-praised and most merciful martyr Philothea, receiving our poor thanksgiving and this small prayer now, guard us from all evils, mediate peace for the world, save and defend us from enemies visible and invisible from eternal condemnation, that together with you, to Christ God we may sing: Alleluia! (this kontakion is said three times)

Then again is said the First Oikos

Bending our knees now before the Creator of all and stretching out our hands to the Word who is before the ages, we ask forgiveness of our transgressions, power of speech, enlightenment and understanding of our mind, that we may praise the struggles and feats of blessed Philotheia and cry out to her with warmth such things as these:

• Rejoice, Philotheia, born of an evil father;
• Rejoice, for you were raised by a faithful mother;
• Rejoice, rose sprung from a thornbush;
• Rejoice, for at all times you pour forth a good fragrance from yourself;
• Rejoice, for in the world you were a gentle lamb;
• Rejoice, for your mother was a good shepherdess to you;
• Rejoice, holy commandment with perfect mind;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you walked on holy paths;
• Rejoice, for your life was always in torments;
• Rejoice, for patience made you gain paradise;
• Rejoice, for you suffered many tribulations exceedingly;
• Rejoice, for you were glorified by the Lord after death;
• Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!

And the First Kontakion As one who from childhood offered yourself as a blameless sacrifice to God through good deeds, O most blessed Philothea, to Him who knew you from your mother’s womb, you who have been shown to be the adornment of virgins and the inhabitant of the bridal chamber, you are worthy of praise! Therefore we sing to you: Rejoice, Philothea, all-praised virgin!