April 14

Our holy father and confessor Martin, pope of Rome, who condemned the heresy of the Monothelites at the Lateran Synod. By the order of the emperor Constans II, an assault was made on the Lateran basilica by the exarch Theodore Kalliopes to capture him. Martin was removed from his See and taken to Constantinople, where he lay in a penitentiary in most strict confinement. From there he was sent to Kherson, where, after about two years, he reached the end of his tribulations and gained his eternal crown. (665)

The holy new martyrs Anthony, John, and Eustathius, who died in the city of Vilna, Lithuania. They were slaves who were baptized by a Christian priest. When this was discovered, they were hanged from a great oak tree. This oak tree was cut down and a church dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built on the site. The stump of the tree became the Holy Table. (1342)

At the Divine Liturgy

music - see the April Menaion

Troparion of Martin, Tone 8. Guide to Orthodoxy, teacher of piety and holiness, * luminary for the world, * inspired adornments of monks [or bishops], * O wise Martin, Harp of the Spirit, * you enlightened all by your teachings; * intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

Troparion of the martyrs, Tone 4. You disowned earthly wealth and glory, O holy martyrs, * and you bravely endured torture for the faith. * You walked willingly into death for the life of the Lord, * and Christ has guided you with a pillar of cloud. * With glory and honor he has crowned you at his throne. * Standing there we ask you to pray for our salvation.

Glory – Kontakion of Martin, Tone 4.  You set out firmly with priestly devotion * and completed the course in martyrdom. * You passed into heaven, O wise Martin, * and received laurels which will never fade. * Now we come to celebrate your holy memory, crying out: * As you stand before Christ, remember us, O martyr.

Now and ever – Kontakion of the martyrs, Tone 3.  Having abandoned the mistakes of your ancestors, * you were led to Christ with complete sincerity. * You stood courageously and wisely until death, * and so you have captured the trophy of victory. * O blessed martyrs, pray unceasingly to the Master for all of us.

Prokeimenon, Tone 7 (Ps. 149:5,1). Let the faithful rejoice in glory, * shout for joy, and take their rest.
V. Sing to the Lord a new song of praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Epistle:  (of the day)

Alleluia, Tone 6 (Ps. 111:1,2). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. Happy the man who fears the Lord and greatly delights in his command.
V. His posterity will be mighty upon the earth.

Gospel: (of the day)
