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[You established] apostles and prophets, pastors and doctors, for the confirmation of the saints; and through the ascetic contest of the witnesses You drove away its enemy. Preserve this [holy Church] in peace, O God, as the Lover of mankind.

[OF THE] PATRIARCHS

O [thou who] adorned the patriarchal throne on earth, [and] received apostolic honor from heaven, servant of Christ, O blessed among the Fathers, holy Pontiff! For the seeds of thy teaching sprouted ears of piety, yielding fruit of gladness and granting salvation to us who believe; wherefore intercede with the Lord for our souls.

RUBRIC: Of the Kings [i.e., Royal canon / hymns of the kings]

As, after the God-loving king of Israel, Hezekiah, God raised up Josiah, who cast away all idolatries; and as [He raised up] the pious Constantine, who thwarted the error of Arius; and [He] raised up the great Theodosius, inflamed with divine zeal against those who blasphemed the Holy Spirit; now, O God-chosen and orthodox holy king, beseech the...