Today, this August 20th, 2024, on the Byzantine Calendar, we celebrate the Prop…

Today, this August 20th, 2024, on the Byzantine Calendar, we celebrate the Prophet Samuel. Troparion — Tone 2 You were given to a barren womb as a most precious gift, / and were sacrificed to your Lord as a whole burnt offering. / You served Him with holiness and righteousness; / therefore O Samuel, God's Prophet, we honor you as an intercessor for our souls. Troparion — Tone 5 You arrived by your mother's prayers, bearing the name “God has heard.” / You were called by the Lord from infancy, O revered Prophet Samuel, / you shepherded the rebellious people well and became the founder of the kingdom of Israel; / entreat the True God for us who honor you with faith / that He may save our souls. Kontakion — Tone 8 You were dedicated to God as a revered gift before your conception, and from an early age you served Him like an angel, / O most blessed one, and you were worthy to prophesy concerning the future. / Therefore, we cry to you: “Rejoice, O Samuel, God's Prophet and great High Priest.” Kontakion — Tone 8 O great Samuel, who anointed the holy God-seer David, / hasten to ask that we may be anointed with the peace of the Holy Spirit, / and to be strangers to evil, as David was for Saul's tormented soul