Sts. Martha & Mary + Commemorated on June 4
The holy and righteous Martha of Bethany, with her sister Mary, was a believer in Christ even before he raised their brother Lazarus from the dead. Ss. Martha and Mary are commemorated by the Church on June 4, and also on the Sunday of Myrrh-bearing Women (the second Sunday following Pascha).
After the murder of the holy Archdeacon Stephen a persecution against the Jerusalem Church broke out, and Righteous Lazarus was cast out of Jerusalem. Then Mary and Martha assisted their brother in the proclaiming of the Gospel in various lands.
Troparion — Tone 3
O sisters of Lazarus, you believed fervently in Christ and His wondrous deeds, and were adorned with radiant virtues. Now with your brother, you were found worthy to be numbered with the Saints; together with him, pray to the Master for us, O wise Mary and Martha.
Troparion — Tone 2
Appearing to the Myrrh-bearing women at the tomb, the Angel exclaimed: “Myrrh is meet for the dead; but Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption. So proclaim: ‘The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.’”
Kontakion — Tone 3
Formerly, you dwelt in the town of Bethany, now in Heaven, you abide in Paradise, where the Lord's countenance shines. For with fervent longing, you gave your hearts and souls to Him Who is the Life and Resurrection; as you stand on high, O Mary and Martha, entreat Him to grant salvation to us.
Kontakion — Tone 2
When You proclaimed “Rejoice” to the Myrrhbearers, You caused the lamentation of the foremother Eve to cease by Your Resurrection; O Christ God; commanding Your Apostles to proclaim: “The Savior is risen from the tomb.”
