St. John of Damascus Icono-Graphic | Orthodox Christian Saint | Red Gold & Black High Contrast Design | Christian Black MugStichera for the Dead by St. John of Damascus Tone 1 What pleasure in this life remains unmarked by sorrow? What glory can endure upon this earth unchanged? All is feebler than a shadow, more deceptive than a dream; for death in a single moment takes all things away. But in the light of Thy countenance, O Christ, and in the joy of Thy beauty, give rest to those whom Thou hast chosen, for Thou lovest mankind. Tone 2 As a flower withers and a dream

Free all my limbs

to die a shameful death by His own will

God the Master

and it shall lead to your perishing

God on earth

- Exapostilarion of the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross

/ and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching

even though it be good

for joy that a man is born into the world

and there in the next life rest awaits you

so as to lead astray

And when I say God