Saint Nicholas
Introit
Ecclesiasticus 45:30
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of priesthood should be to him for ever. Ps. O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
O God, who didst adorn the blessed Bishop Nicholas with countless miracles: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Hebrews 13: 7-17
Brethren: Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ, yesterday, and today; and the same for ever. Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. For it is best that the heart be established with grace, not with meats; which have not profited those that walk in them. We have an altar, whereof they have no power to eat who serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the Holies by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people by His own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore to Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come. By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to His Name. And do not forget to do good, and to impart; for by such sacrifices God’s favour is obtained. Obey your prelates, and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls.
Gradual
Psalm 88:21-23
I have found David, my servant: with My holy oil I have anointed him; for My Name shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall have no advantage over him; nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt him.
Alleluia
Psalm 111:13
Alleluia, alleluia. The just man shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. Alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 25:14-23
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to His disciples: A man going into a far country called his servants, and delivered to them his goods. And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. And he that had received the five talents went his way, and traded with the same, and gained another five. And in like manner he that had received the two gained other two. But he that had received the one, going his way, digged into the earth and hid his lord’s money. But after a long time the lord of those servants came and reckoned with them. And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou has been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliverest two talents to me, behold I have gained other two. His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Offertory
Psalm 88:25
My truth and My mercy shall be with him: and in My Name shall his horn be exalted.
Secret
O Lord God, sanctify, we beseech Thee, these gifts which we offer up on the festival of Thy holy Bishop Nicholas: that by means of them our life may ever be directed both in adversity and in prosperity. Through our Lord.
Communion
Psalm 88:36-38
Once I have sworn by My holiness: his seed shall endure for ever; and his throne as the sun before Me, and as the moon perfect for ever; and a faithful witness in heaven.
Postcommunion
May the Sacrifice which we have received, O Lord, on the festival of Thy holy Bishop Nicholas, preserve and protect us for evermore. Through our Lord.