SAINT JOHN III SCHOLASTICUS

February 21

From the Prologue

As an advocate, John was ordained a priest and after that became patriarch in the year 565 A.D. He complied canons, which were included in the Nomo-Canon. During his time, the divine hymn, The Cherubic Hymn, as well as the prayer before Holy Communion of Thy Mystical Supper were included in the Holy and Divine Liturgy.

The Cherubic Hymn

[Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim,

and who sing the trice-holy hymn to the life-

creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares.

That we may receive the King of All, who

comes invisible upborne by the angelic hosts.

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!]

Prayer Before Holy Communion

[I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art

truly the Christ, the Son of the living God,

who came into the world to save sinners, of

whom I am first. I believe also that this is

truly Thine own pure Body, and that

this is truly Thine own precious Blood. There-

fore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and

forgive my transgressions both voluntary and

involuntary, of word and of deed, committed

knowingly and unknowingly, of knowledge and

of ignorance. And make me worthy to partake

without condemnation of Thy most pure

Mysteries, for the remission of my sins,

and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God,

accept me today as a communicant; for I will

not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies,

neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but

like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember

me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be

neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation,

O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body].

John died peacefully and gave up his soul to God in the year 577 A.D.

HYMN OF PRAISE

THE HONORABLE CROSS

Covered with blood, the saving Cross,

As though in a grave, for a long time, covered with darkness!

For three days in darkness, from you [the Cross] a Hero [Christ] dwelled,

And you [the Cross], three hundred years, under the ground lay.

When, from Hades the forefathers He liberated, the Lord arose,

And, when freedom for the Church reigned, You [the Cross] arose.

After that, the Lord, for a little while, remained on earth

And to the faithful, you [the Cross] for sometime, still shown,

Until you [the Cross] adequately helped them to strengthen the Faith,

Until with the sign of the Cross, everyone learned to sign themselves,

Until, by their conscience, the baptized recognized the power of the Cross -

With this, you [the Cross] completed your service with honor,

A thousand seasons if they come and pass, but still,

Your image, your power will not perish.

The faithful, before the Honorable Cross, pray to Christ the God,

Heal all difficulties, heal all pains by the Honorable Cross.