Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, WA

Sts Mary and Martha, sisters of St Lazarus, the Friend of Christ; and our Father among the Saints Metrophanes, Archbishop of Constantinople

Commemorated June 4

The Holy Myrrh bearers Mary and Martha, together with their brother St Lazarus, were especially devoted to our Saviour, as we see from the accounts given in the tenth chapter of St Luke, and in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of St John. They reposed in Cyprus, where their brother became the first Bishop of Kition after his resurrection from the dead. See also the accounts on Lazarus Saturday and the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women.

St Metrophanes was born of pagan parents, but believed in Christ at a young age, and came to Byzantium. He lived at the end of the persecution of the Roman Emperors, and became the Bishop of Byzantium from about 315 to 325 AD, during which time St Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire, calling it New Rome. St Metrophanes sent his delegate, the priest Alexander, to the First Ecumenical Synod in 325 AD, since he could not attend because of old age. He reposed the same year and was buried by St James of Nisibis (celebrated January 13), one of the Fathers present at the First Ecumenical Council. The Canons to the Trinity of the Octoechos are not the work of this Metrophanes but another, who was Bishop of Smyrna about the middle of the ninth century, during the life of St Photius the Great.

Dismissal Hymn of Sts Mary and Martha (Third Tone)
Awed by the beauty

Since you believed in Christ with strong and ardent faith, and ever worshipped His divine and mighty deeds, you both adorned yourselves with all the splendour of sacred virtues. With your holy brother now, you are also vouchsafed to dwell with the ranks of Saints on high, O sisters of Lazarus; and with him, O wise Mary and Martha, pray for us all unto the Master.

Dismissal Hymn of the Hierarch (First Tone)
While Gabriel was saying

Proclaiming the great mystery the Godhead in Three Persons, you made most clear unto all men Christ's saving dispensation. A shepherd to sheep endowed with speech, you drove off the spiritual wolves, and saved the lambs of Christ our God from their destruction, who cried out: Glory to Him that has given you strength. Glory to Him that has crowned you. Glory to Him that confirmed the pure Orthodox Faith through you.

Kontakion of Saints Mary and Martha (Third Tone)
On this day the Virgin

In the town of Bethany, you dwelt of old; now in Heaven you abide in Paradise, where our Lord's countenance shines. For you gave your hearts and souls up with fervent longing unto Him that is the Life and the Resurrection; as you stand on high, O Mary and Martha, pray Him to grant salvation to us.

Kontakion of the Hierarch (Second Tone)
You sought the heights

You clearly taught the dogmas of the Faith of Christ; and keeping it well, you increase your faithful flock to a mighty multitude indeed. Wherefore now, O Metrophanes, with the Angels you rejoice, while ceaselessly praying Christ God for us all.



	Sts Mary and Martha, sisters of St Lazarus, the Friend of Christ; and our Father among the Saints Metrophanes, Archbishop of Constantinople Commemorated June 4 The Holy Myrrh bearers Mary and Martha, together with their brother St Lazarus, were especially devoted to our Saviour, as we see from the accounts given in the tenth chapter of St Luke, and in the eleventh and twelfth chapters of St John. They reposed in Cyprus, where their brother became the first Bishop of Kition after his resurrection from the dead. See also the accounts on Lazarus Saturday and the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women. St Metrophanes was born of pagan parents, but believed in Christ at a young age, and came to Byzantium. He lived at the end of the persecution of the Roman Emperors, and became the Bishop of Byzantium from about 315 to 325 AD, during which time St Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Roman Empire, calling it New Rome. St Metrophanes sent his delegate, the priest Alexander, to the First Ecumenical Synod in 325 AD, since he could not attend because of old age. He reposed the same year and was buried by St James of Nisibis (celebrated January 13), one of the Fathers present at the First Ecumenical Council. The Canons to the Trinity of the Octoechos are not the work of this Metrophanes but another, who was Bishop of Smyrna about the middle of the ninth century, during the life of St Photius the Great. Dismissal Hymn of Sts Mary and Martha (Third Tone) Awed by the beauty Since you believed in Christ with strong and ardent faith, and ever worshipped His divine and mighty deeds, you both adorned yourselves with all the splendour of sacred virtues. With your holy brother now, you are also vouchsafed to dwell with the ranks of Saints on high, O sisters of Lazarus; and with him, O wise Mary and Martha, pray for us all unto the Master. Dismissal Hymn of the Hierarch (First Tone) While Gabriel was saying Proclaiming the great mystery the Godhead in Three Persons, you made most clear unto all men Christ's saving dispensation. A shepherd to sheep endowed with speech, you drove off the spiritual wolves, and saved the lambs of Christ our God from their destruction, who cried out: Glory to Him that has given you strength. Glory to Him that has crowned you. Glory to Him that confirmed the pure Orthodox Faith through you. Kontakion of Saints Mary and Martha (Third Tone) On this day the Virgin In the town of Bethany, you dwelt of old; now in Heaven you abide in Paradise, where our Lord's countenance shines. For you gave your hearts and souls up with fervent longing unto Him that is the Life and the Resurrection; as you stand on high, O Mary and Martha, pray Him to grant salvation to us. Kontakion of the Hierarch (Second Tone) You sought the heights You clearly taught the dogmas of the Faith of Christ; and keeping it well, you increase your faithful flock to a mighty multitude indeed. Wherefore now, O Metrophanes, with the Angels you rejoice, while ceaselessly praying Christ God for us all.