The holy Vladimir the Great, grand prince of Kiev and equal of the apostles, in baptism named Basil.
Thursday: The holy apostles and Nicholas, archbishop of Myra and wonderworker

For Vladimir

Troparion, Tone IV
As the mighty ruler of the mother of all the cities of Rus, * you were like a merchant in search of a precious pearl. * You sent envoys to the city of Constantine to inquire about the orthodox faith, * and through them you discovered the priceless pearl that is Christ himself. * In turn, he chose you as a second Paul, O holy Vladimir, * removing through baptism your blindness both of body and soul. * Now, as we honor you today, * pray for salvation for your homeland and ours.

Kondakion, Tone VIII
Like Paul, you rejected the childish nonsense of your former idol worship, O glorious Vladimir, * embracing the orthodox faith late in life. * Through baptism you grew to maturity of spirit, * robed in the royal purple of holiness. * Now, as you delight in the presence of Christ, the saviour, * pray for salvation for your homeland and ours.

For the holy apostles

Troparion, Tone II
O you holy apostles, * entreat our merciful God to grant our souls the remission of sins.

For Nicholas

Troparion, Tone IV
O Nicholas, holy hierarch, * your flock has recognized you by the brilliance of your works. * You are a model of kindness and rule of faith, * a teacher of self-control. * Your lowliness has raised you to the heights of fame, * and your poverty has filled your hands with riches. * Beg Christ, our God, to save our souls.

For the holy apostles and Nicholas

Kondakion, Tone VI
Christ, the rock, made his chosen twelve foundation stones of faith, * and on them he established his holy church * wherein there appeared that wonderworking hierarch who cared for the poor. * Let us celebrate their memory with songs of praise * that we may also share in their wisdom and largess of heart * as, by grace, we share in their faith. * For the sake of Nicholas and your apostles, Christ, our God, save our souls.

Theotokion, Tone IV
Raised in the temple of the Lord near the holy of holies, * you were schooled in faith and wisdom, and robed in virginity beyond compare. * To you Gabriel came with this message from on high: * Hail to you, most blessed one, O favorite of God, * the Lord is with you.

Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit both now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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