Holy Hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra. Holy Martyr Agathangelos

Commemorated January 23

St Clement, who was from Ancyra in Galatia, was the son of an unbelieving father, but a believing mother whose name was Sophia. At first he lived as a monk; later, he became the Bishop of his city. He suffered so many things in confession of the Faith of Christ, which the time of his suffering and struggles stretched out over a period of 28 years. Finally he and St Agathangelos (who was from Rome) were beheaded together during the reign of Diocletian and Maximian, in the year 296 AD.

Dismissal Hymn of St Clement

You blossomed forth for the faithful, O most sacred Clement, as a branch of holiness, a staff of contest, a most sacred flower, and a sweet God-given fruit. However, as a fellow-sufferer of martyrs and a fellow-prelate of hierarchs, intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

Dismissal Hymn of St Agathangelos
Be quick to anticipate

Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' powerless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful.

Kontakion of St Clement
On this day You have appeared

An honoured branch of Christ, Who is the True Vine, all-famed Clement, you won your many contests for the Faith, crying with them that had shared your pains: Christ is the Martyrs' exceedingly radiant joy.

Kontakion of St Agathangelos
On this day the Virgin

Having blossomed forth from Rome, the city famed for her Martyrs, you caused astonishment to your namesakes, the Angels, when they saw your steadfast courage and great endurance in the torments you suffered for Christ, O Martyr. Wherefore, you was rightly hallowed and received grace to work dread wonders and signs.