St. John of Damascus Icono-Graphic | Orthodox Christian Saint | Red Gold & Black High Contrast Design | Christian Long Sleeve Hooded Cotton ShirtStichera 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

Was laid in a tomb by Joseph

and touched the hem of his garment: For she said within herself

“Wherefore should they say among the people

and prevents worms from breeding within it

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself

these bones are the whole house of Israel: and they say

according to Orthodox Tradition

even to death

of whom he says

that He might redeem us from a state of bondage

“Our mind is so darkened by the fall that unless we force ourselves to remember death we can completely forget about it

but it is merely hidden by the greater light