Holy Hieromartyr Theodosius of Brazi, Metropolitan of Moldavia

After the usual beginning, we sing:

KONTAKIA and OIKOI

Kontakion 1

To the worthy shepherd of Christ’s flock, the zealous Hierarch Theodosius, who through martyrdom showed himself a defender of the ancestral Church, a hymn of thanksgiving we, the unworthy, bring; for he has appeared a most radiant treasure among the hierarchs of Moldavia and an unceasing intercessor before God for those who with faith and love sing to him: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Oikos 1

From childhood God destined you to be a chosen vessel of His grace, for your pious parents filled your heart and soul with holy love and the true teaching of the Church. Armed with chosen gifts, you dedicated your life to the fulfillment of Christian virtues, for which we bring you this fitting song:

• Rejoice, you in whom the tree of life blossomed from your mother’s arms;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you began the journey towards God;
• Rejoice, for from your parental home you appeared as a sanctified vessel;
• Rejoice, for from infancy your soul was a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit;
• Rejoice, you who were like a palm tree before the Lord;
• Rejoice, for the guardian angel showed you the good path to follow;
• Rejoice, for the love of God adorned your life;
• Rejoice, for you sought the true treasure which you found in the Church of the Lord;
• Rejoice, for your life showed you to be a son of light;
• Rejoice, for faith in God guided you on the good path;
• Rejoice, for you showed much perseverance for the improvement of your life;
• Rejoice, for you multiplied the talent as the faithful servant;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 2

Hearing the voice of the call from on high, you took up the Cross and followed Christ, directing your steps towards the monastic life at Brazi Monastery in your native Vrancea, where through diligence and asceticism you became well-pleasing to God, to Whom you unceasingly sang: Alleluia!

Oikos 2

From your youth you showed yourself zealous for virtues and a lover of ascetic struggles. For this, your God-pleasing life was known by all the monks as a divine ladder leading to heaven. You received, with humility and reverence, the angelic form of monasticism, for which we, the faithful, weave a crown of praises, singing thus:

• Rejoice, for you considered all human things as vanity;
• Rejoice, for you quelled the assaults of the passions;
• Rejoice, for you considered all earthly things as a spider’s web;
• Rejoice, for temptations could not stop you from the path to holiness;
• Rejoice, you who set your youth on the rock of faith;
• Rejoice, for through an undefiled life you ascended the ladder of virtues;
• Rejoice, for you sought with great zeal to attain the primal state;
• Rejoice, for you were like a fruitful vine in the Lord’s vineyard;
• Rejoice, for through a pure life you obtained the imperishable beauties;
• Rejoice, for you became a pure dwelling of the Holy Spirit, divine love burning within you;
• Rejoice, for you fled the storm of soul-harming temptations;
• Rejoice, you who with the grace of God conquered the limits of nature;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 3

Like a burning flame your life shone in the community that received you, wondrous Father Theodosius, enlightening and strengthening those around you. The gift of the Holy Spirit drove you like a bird into the wilderness, where you watered your soul from the imperishable springs of the hermitic life, ascending the steps of holiness and unceasingly singing to Christ God: Alleluia!

Oikos 3

Having a pure inner impulse, you sought the elevation of the soul through voluntary poverty, chastity, perfect obedience, and unceasing prayers. And, attaining the beauty of dispassion, O worthy soldier of Christ, you increased the fruit of the Holy Spirit within you, for which we bring you this song:

• Rejoice, for you entered the company of those who diligently seek the Lord;
• Rejoice, for the angelic form was a shield for you against temptations;
• Rejoice, for you passed from life in the flesh to life in the spirit;
• Rejoice, you who, entering the stillness of the hermitage, adorned the speech of the heart with the beauty of prayer;
• Rejoice, for, barring the door to temptations, you withered the impulses of the body;
• Rejoice, you who, through a pure monastic life, became an angel in the flesh;
• Rejoice, for you fled worldly desires, becoming a chosen disciple of the Lord;
• Rejoice, for, living in the monastery, you obtained the delight of spiritual goods;
• Rejoice, for, living in holiness, you prepared a path to heaven;
• Rejoice, for through fasting and prayer you obtained the eternal goods;
• Rejoice, for, having a pure life, you adorned the luminous garment of salvation;
• Rejoice, for your life appeared as a heavenly ladder;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 4

Crowning your hermitic life with divine gifts, the King of desires called you to the dignity of the hierarchy, choosing you as shepherd of the rational flock from the region of Rădăuți. And in this ministry, like a divine coal, you enlightened the souls of the faithful, guiding them to the unwaning light and teaching them to sing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 4

Like a spiritual sun you appeared to your flock, blessed Theodosius, and through pious prayers at the tomb of the great Voivode Stephen the Saint at Putna, you kept burning the lamp of faith and love of country. For this, we greet you with special honor, saying:

• Rejoice, worthy successor of the Apostles, you who wisely administered all things;
• Rejoice, for through the gift of the hierarchy you received the heavenly myrrh in your heart;
• Rejoice, good shepherd, who entered through the door into the sheepfold;
• Rejoice, for through labors the image of the Great High Priest was fulfilled in you;
• Rejoice, for you watered the withered souls with the water of the Holy Spirit;
• Rejoice, for you appeared to your flock as an ear of grain with hundredfold fruit;
• Rejoice, for your labors were like a rich firstfruit offered to the Lord;
• Rejoice, you who fed the faithful with the heavenly bread;
• Rejoice, for you were an enlightened guide and leader for your flock;
• Rejoice, for you considered Christ’s flock as a treasure given into your care;
• Rejoice, for you were a most skilful guide of monks;
• Rejoice, for your ascetic struggles appeared as a precious adornment of the Church;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 5

Your life, pleasing to God, became known to all, Hierarch Theodosius; and, being obedient to Christ, you were called to enlighten with your teachings also those of the Bishopric of Roman, where like a most radiant star you boldly proclaimed the Sun of Righteousness, to Whom together with you we sing: Alleluia!

Oikos 5

Guiding with great love the flock entrusted to you by God, as in a spiritual school, you filled the souls of your flock with divine fragrance, leading them to the haven of the kingdom of heaven, for which we sing to you:

• Rejoice, you who with the gift of wisdom showed the enlightened work of your hierarchy;
• Rejoice, for you nourished the faithful with the right teaching of Christ;
• Rejoice, you who from the clear spring of grace watered many;
• Rejoice, for you shone like a wonderful lampstand in the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, for you led your flock towards the divine havens;
• Rejoice, for you proclaimed the Gospel of the Lord with great zeal;
• Rejoice, for you made the desolate souls fruitful;
• Rejoice, you who with great honor stood in the company of hierarchs;
• Rejoice, for you brought your faithful to the chosen pasture;
• Rejoice, for you shepherded your flock in reverence and righteousness;
• Rejoice, for you showed yourself a good helmsman of the Bishopric of Roman;
• Rejoice, for through your hierarchical service you made the garment of your soul more radiant;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 6

The zeal for Christ and the power of your words made you ascend the high step of chief-pastor, being deemed worthy on earth of the honor of Father of the whole Moldavian Church, and in heaven of the unspeakable light of the glory of God, to Whom you sing unceasingly: Alleluia!

Oikos 6

The Chief of shepherds called you, Hierarch Theodosius, to the seat of service of the Church of Moldavia, sorely tried by barbarian invasions. And you, Father, armed with the power of Christ, were not frightened by dangers, for which, receive this song:

• Rejoice, for into your earthly vessel was poured the heavenly myrrh;
• Rejoice, for serving men, you served God;
• Rejoice, defender and wall against the lawless invaders;
• Rejoice, breastplate and immovable shield against the enemies of truth;
• Rejoice, sun giving the light and warmth of Christ;
• Rejoice, for God rewarded you for your zeal;
• Rejoice, you who straightened the crooked paths of men;
• Rejoice, true servant, for you brought earth near to heaven;
• Rejoice, shining star on the vault of the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, divine gift of our pious people;
• Rejoice, pastoral flute of the Orthodox Christians;
• Rejoice, man of God and harp of the Spirit;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 7

Like the dawn of morning you appeared to the Moldavian Church, honored Hierarch, feeding your faithful with heavenly bread; and, like the defenders of the faith, traversing the region of Moldavia, you encouraged them with prayer and word to the confession of Christ, singing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 7

Like a shepherd worthy of praise of Christ’s flock, Hierarch Theodosius, according to divine judgment, you drove away from your flock the rapacious wolves, with the weapon of the right faith. For this, your apostolic zeal was rewarded in heaven by Christ God, and we on earth bring you this song:

• Rejoice, fighter against injustice;
• Rejoice, defender of Orthodoxy;
• Rejoice, sleepless watchman at the gate of the Church;
• Rejoice, defender of the wronged;
• Rejoice, knower of hearts;
• Rejoice, preacher and defender of the right faith;
• Rejoice, protector of your faithful;
• Rejoice, enlightened hierarch of the Church of Christ;
• Rejoice, labourer in the field of the Lord;
• Rejoice, bringer of spiritual fruit;
• Rejoice, treasury of virtues and praise of hierarchs;
• Rejoice, for Christ glorified you in heaven;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 8

Although you were unjustly driven out by enemies from the chief-pastoral throne, Hierarch Theodosius, you kept the peace and tranquility of your soul, for, withdrawing to Brazi Monastery in the land of Vrancea where you were born, you spent time in vigils and prayers for your pious people, unceasingly singing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 8

Like a gentle rain falling on a thirsty land appeared your coming to Brazi Monastery, which you built anew, wondrous Hierarch Theodosius, spiritually renewing the community of monks and the faithful who ran to you with humility. Rejoicing in your chosen work, we bring you this song:

• Rejoice, for you defended the treasure of Orthodoxy in the Lower Land of Moldavia;
• Rejoice, for you guided the company of monks on the paths of perfection;
• Rejoice, for you ordained a choice monastic life in the monasteries you founded;
• Rejoice, you who as a son of the divine light opened the way to the eternal things;
• Rejoice, you who were the leader of hesychasts and the unconquered foremost fighter;
• Rejoice, for you were like a fruitful olive tree for many monks and faithful;
• Rejoice, servant of all the afflicted;
• Rejoice, zealot for the altars of the Lord;
• Rejoice, for you made the companies of monks like a fruitful vine;
• Rejoice, for you ordained unceasing vigil in your monastic establishments;
• Rejoice, for you guided your spiritual children to ponder the things on high;
• Rejoice, for through true service and pure life you increased the company of monks;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 9

A spiritual trumpet appeared your guidance for your spiritual children, O sanctified Hierarch, which fulfilling they adorned their life with the fragrance of the Spirit. For this, we also learn from you to walk the path of virtues, singing to God: Alleluia!

Oikos 9

Neither persecutions, nor dangers, nor the torments of the unbelievers removed you from the path of Truth, Father, for you endured their violence even unto blood. For this, marvelling at your passion, we sing to you such things as these:

• Rejoice, you who took up the Cross of Christ on your shoulders;
• Rejoice, for you struggled for the right faith;
• Rejoice, good shepherd, for you gave your life for the rational flock;
• Rejoice, you who made yourself worthy of the crown of martyrdom;
• Rejoice, for the shedding of your blood was like a precious myrrh offered to Christ;
• Rejoice, for you ascended the ladder that leads to God, through your sufferings;
• Rejoice, for through your martyrdom Christ opened the gate of Paradise to you;
• Rejoice, you who as a good and faithful servant entered into the joy of your Lord;
• Rejoice, you who knew how to unite the things below with the things above;
• Rejoice, for you entered with honor into the heavenly Jerusalem;
• Rejoice, you who were deemed worthy to live together with Christ forever;
• Rejoice, for you sanctified the land of Vrancea through the blood of your martyrdom;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 10

Great Hierarch and Martyr of Christ, Theodosius, defender of the right faith of the Church, you were deemed worthy of the endless life, where now you shine in the unwaning light, bringing unceasingly praise to God and singing: Alleluia!

Oikos 10

Seeing your passion and martyrdom, the monks of Brazi Monastery and the pious Christians gathered around your body and with spiritual songs buried it with honor in the church of this establishment, and after your burial, they did not cease to come to your tomb as to a most beloved father, singing praises to you such as these:

• Rejoice, you who ended your life confessing Christ;
• Rejoice, for you received from Him the crown of martyrdom;
• Rejoice, for you became a worthy inheritor of eternal life;
• Rejoice, O long-suffering Hierarch;
• Rejoice, star that shines in the company of the martyrs of the Church;
• Rejoice, adorner of the confessors of Christ;
• Rejoice, flower of the hierarchy, watered with martyric blood;
• Rejoice, for you had a part in the life-bearing death;
• Rejoice, innocent lamb, who entered the company of those who sacrificed themselves for Christ;
• Rejoice, for you were clothed with the most radiant garment in heaven;
• Rejoice, for together with the Mother of God and the saints you rest in the chamber of Christ;
• Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy of eternal life;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 11

Abiding in the unspeakable joy of the kingdom on high, Hierarch Theodosius, you delight in the threefold-shining light of the Most Holy Trinity, from where send also to us, who celebrate according to holy propriety your memory, patience in the troubles of life and the hope of salvation, so that, living in the love of God, together with you we may sing to Him: Alleluia!

Oikos 11

After your burial, wondrous Father, through divine dispensation was found the precious treasure of your relics, honored worthily by the Venerable Antipas. For this, we also sing to you such things as these:

• Rejoice, for you left us your body as a sanctified gift;
• Rejoice, for finding your relics we rejoice in spirit;
• Rejoice, deified Hierarch, who give spiritual fragrance to the faithful;
• Rejoice, crown of truth and glory of hierarchs;
• Rejoice, consolation of people encompassed by dangers and sorrows;
• Rejoice, sacrifice well-received by God;
• Rejoice, calm and untroubled haven of the afflicted;
• Rejoice, strong and unmoved anchor;
• Rejoice, for you adorn with spiritual gifts those who pray with faith;
• Rejoice, enlightenment and refuge of the hopeless;
• Rejoice, you who with nard myrrh soothe the sufferings of the infirm;
• Rejoice, for God hears your prayers for the Romanian people;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 12

Worthy follower of the Apostles, as a true hierarch of the Church of Christ, you suffered even unto martyrdom and obtained gifts beyond nature, for which we pray you to be our intercessor, to defend from all evil your inheritance, which sings together with you to the Holy Trinity: Alleluia!

Oikos 12

Great Hierarch Theodosius, on the path of the Cross of Christ, you fought the good fight, receiving the crown of martyrdom, being enthroned together with all the saints in the heavenly chambers. And we, sinners, on earth, honor your memory and with diligence pray to you: help us to open the gate of hope towards God, so that we may bring you these songs:

• Rejoice, for in you the image of God was fulfilled;
• Rejoice, you who were appointed at the right hand of God together with all the saints;
• Rejoice, you who rest in heaven, as a sanctified martyr of Christ;
• Rejoice, you who are the precious stone of the Church, kept in the heavenly treasuries;
• Rejoice, apostolic trumpet and spiritual harp;
• Rejoice, for through the sacrifice of your life you perfected the seal of the divine image;
• Rejoice, for you are ever watered from the spring of life and of eternal light;
• Rejoice, unfading flower in the garden of Paradise;
• Rejoice, for you see unceasingly the face of God;
• Rejoice, you who, as a rich offering, adorn the heavenly chambers;
• Rejoice, heavenly myrrh, which fills us with good fragrance;
• Rejoice, precious deliverance of our souls;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

Kontakion 13

O long-suffering, Holy Martyr of Christ, Hierarch Theodosius, sent by God in time of distress to be a shield for the Church of Moldavia, we, burdened with many and heavy sins, bring you from all our heart the due honor, as to him in whom the grace of the Holy Spirit abounded. Finding yourself now a servant at the heavenly Altar, we pray you, be our intercessor before Almighty God, the Source of all good things, that through His protective grace He may give us wisdom, health, peace, and forgiveness of sins, so that we may abound in faith and love towards Him and towards our neighbor, in order to reach the much-desired haven of salvation and together with you bring unceasing praise, saying: Alleluia! (This kontakion is said three times)

Then again is said Oikos the First

From childhood God destined you to be a chosen vessel of His grace, for your pious parents filled your heart and soul with holy love and the true teaching of the Church. Armed with chosen gifts, you dedicated your life to the fulfillment of Christian virtues, for which we bring you this fitting song:

• Rejoice, you in whom the tree of life blossomed from your mother’s arms;
• Rejoice, for from childhood you began the journey towards God;
• Rejoice, for from your parental home you appeared as a sanctified vessel;
• Rejoice, for from infancy your soul was a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit;
• Rejoice, you who were like a palm tree before the Lord;
• Rejoice, for the guardian angel showed you the good path to follow;
• Rejoice, for the love of God adorned your life;
• Rejoice, for you sought the true treasure which you found in the Church of the Lord;
• Rejoice, for your life showed you to be a son of light;
• Rejoice, for faith in God guided you on the good path;
• Rejoice, for you showed much perseverance for the improvement of your life;
• Rejoice, for you multiplied the talent as the faithful servant;
• Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

And Kontakion the First To the worthy shepherd of Christ’s flock, the zealous Hierarch Theodosius, who through martyrdom showed himself a defender of the ancestral Church, a hymn of thanksgiving we, the unworthy, bring; for he has appeared a most radiant treasure among the hierarchs of Moldavia and an unceasing intercessor before God for those who with faith and love sing to him: Rejoice, Holy Hierarch Theodosius, Martyr of Christ!

After this is said this

PRAYER

O sanctified Hierarch Theodosius, who – having been deemed worthy of the martyric crown, through the cutting off of your honorable head by the pagans, while you were at Brazi Monastery in the region of Vrancea – now, dwelling together with the angels, you rejoice in the glory prepared for the saints, do not forget us sinners, who, having hope in your power of intercession before the King Christ – as one who stands before the throne of the Holy Trinity – to you, with faith, we speak such things as these:

• Rejoice, for at Brazi Monastery you shone through martyrdom!
• Rejoice, for that place of your martyrdom became known to all through you, and there, monks and nuns struggled with the struggle well-pleasing to God, remembering you unceaselessly among the founders!
• Rejoice, for for the true faith and for the defense of the holy treasures of the church, so as not to leave them as prey to lawlessness, you sacrificed your life!
• Rejoice, for God inspired a thought of piety in your disciples, and Bishop Laurence placed a marble stone over your honorable tomb!
• Rejoice, for a brick placed under your suffering head, with the name Theodosius inscribed on it, made you known to descendants over the years!
• Rejoice, for your body, fallen under the edge of the savage sword, was revealed in the last times!
• Rejoice, for you were deemed worthy of glorification from God, Who gave the good thought to the hieromonk Demetrius to search in the earth, where, digging, he found the marble stone of your tomb and the brick with the inscription on it, on which was placed your head severed from the body, as well as your whole body!
• Rejoice, for even through death your entire humility was shown, for the head placed, with the mouth downward, on the brick, showed that you always had your brow bowed to the earth, praying fervently, like the tax collector: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!"
• Rejoice, for through divine dispensation was done the work of the exhumation of your honorable body, after more than one hundred and fifty years and, with a council of priests, in spiritual songs, it was placed in the secret chapel in the cave of Brazi Monastery, where the Holy Liturgy was celebrated until not long ago! Blessing you, O much-struggling and much-enduring Martyr Theodosius, we are moved and say: Pray for us, who make, with love, your memory and are spiritually strengthened by your work in the land of our precious Fatherland and in the field of our Holy Romanian Orthodox Church.
• Rejoice, Martyr Theodosius! Amen!