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Canons for Holy Communion
24
Kontakion 4
Sustaining from within a storm of doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was troubled.
For knowing thee to have no husband, he suspected a secret union, O blameless one.
But when he learned that thy conception was of the Holy Spirit, he exclaimed: Alleluia!
Ekos 4
The shepherds heard Angels carolling Christ's incarnate Presence, and running like
sheep to their shepherd, they beheld Him as an innocent Lamb Which had been
pastured in Mary's womb, and singing to her, they said:
Rejoice, mother of the Lamb and the Shepherd!
Rejoice, fold of spiritual sheep!
Rejoice, defense against invisible enemies!
Rejoice, key to the gates of Paradise!
Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth!
Rejoice, for the things of earth join chorus with the Heavens!
Rejoice, never-silent voice of the Apostles!
Rejoice, invincible courage of the martyrs!
Rejoice, firm support of faith!
Rejoice, radiant blaze of grace!
Rejoice, thou through whom hell was stripped bare!
Rejoice, thou through whom we are clothed with glory
Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!
Kontakion 5
Having sighted the divinely moving star, the Wise Men followed its light and held it as
a lamp by which they sought a powerful King. And as they approached the
Unapproachable, they rejoiced and shouted to Him: Alleluia!
Ekos 5
The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the Virgin Him Who with His hand made
man. And knowing Him to be the Lord although He had taken the form of a servant,
they hastened to worship Him with their gifts and cried to her who is blessed: