With the Added:
Synaxarion, Troparia and Kondakia
May 8, - Commemoration of the Holy, Glorious and Illustrious Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, and of our Holy Father Arsebius the Great
The Church commemorates St John on this day because of the annual pilgrimage to his grave.
When St John was more than one hundred years old, he took seven of his disciples and went to a spot outside the city of Ephesus. There he told them to dig a grave in the form of a cross. Then he climbed into the grave and told his disciples to cover him with earth. Later, the grave was opened and the saint's body was not there. br> Each year on May 8 a red dust would arise from the grave which the faithful collected in order to be healed of their illnesses. br> St John's main Feast is on September 26.
O beloved Apostle of Christ our God, Come quickly to deliver your helpless people. He on whose breast you leaned, will accept you as intercessor. Entreat Him, O Theologian, to disperse the clouds of darkness, Granting us peace and great mercy!
Kondakion - Tone 2
Who shall declare your greatness, O Virgin disciple? For as a fountain of healing you flow with miracles, Interceding for our souls as Theologian and friend of Christ!