On January 1st we commemorate the Circumcision of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ; and, Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea.

Apolytikion of the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ (Mode 1)

In essence being God, most-compassionate Master, You assumed human nature without transmutation. Fulfilling the Law, of Your own will You accepted circumcision in the flesh, to bring an end to the shadow, and to remove the passions that cover us. Glory to Your benevolence, O Lord; glory to Your compassion; glory to Your inexpressible condescension, O Word.

Apolytikion of Saint Basil the Great (Mode 1)

Your proclamation went forth into all the earth, for it accepted your word, through which you taught the dogmas befitting God, you expounded on the nature of all that is, and arranged the morals of society. A royal priesthood! Devout father Basil, intercede with Christ our God, to grant us His great mercy.

Read more:

The Dual Feast of Saint Basil the Great and the Circumcision of Christ, here

Basil the Great and Disfigured Christianity, here

Miracle of Saint Basil the Great against the Arians, here

On the Circumcision of our Lord, here

“John the Blessed” by Photios Kontoglou, here

Saint Basil the Great and the Custom of Saint Basil’s Pie, here