Synaxarion of Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer

By Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes

On the seventh of this month, we commemorate our 

Venerable and God-bearing Mother 
Kassiani the Hymnographer.

Verses

Kassiani is looked upon in the Church,
As a siren of hymns with divinely-struck music.
On the seventh Kassiani the sweet-toned nightingale died.

She balked royal honor and glory, having not been selected by Emperor Theophilos to be his wife. Having withdrawn to ascetic struggles in her own monastery that she founded in the Queen City, which was called "The Kassias", she spent her life in fasting, vigils and untiring prayers. Occupying herself with the construction of divinely-inspired hymns, for this she was called a melodist and hymnographer of the Church. Removing herself from the Queen City, with another nun, she went to Sicily, and from there went to Crete, then on to Kasos, where she lived in venerable asceticism on the island in a cave known as "The Grias". There she reposed in the sleep of the Venerables, and was buried by the pious in the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos, in the village known as "Empourgio", in a coffin preserved till this day.

Through her holy intercessions, Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Apolytikion in the First Tone

Not obtaining temporary royal glory, but inheriting that which is above, Kassiani showed by pursuing a venerable life, and constructing delightful hymns; wherefore cease not to intercede on our behalf, who cry out with longing: Glory to Christ Who glorified you, glory to Him Who made you wondrous, glory to Him Who granted you to us, as a vigilant guardian.

Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You entered into, a life equal to that of the Angels, by your rugged asceticism, august Mother Kassiani, having the Lord as your Bridegroom; wherefore entreat, on behalf of those who sing hymns to you.

Megalynarion

Rejoice God-bearing Kassiani, the beautiful-sounding nightingale of the Church; rejoice you who venerably, lived in the world, and now in the highest, chant unto the Lord.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.