The Holy Infants
Killed for Christ's Sake in Bethlehem

Troparion of the Feast:

Troparion of the Holy Innocents tone 1

As acceptable victims and freshly plucked flowers,
as divine firstfruits and newborn lambs,
you were offered to Christ who was born as a Child,
O most pure children.
You mocked Herod's wickedness:
now we beseech you, unceasingly pray for our souls.

Kontakion of the Feast

Kontakion of the Holy Innocents tone 6

The King was born in Bethlehem.
The Magi came from the East with gifts.
They had been guided by a star.
But angry Herod mowed the children like wheat,
Lamenting that his power was destroyed.

Another Kontakion of the Holy Innocents tone 4

A star sent the Magi to the newly born Child,
and Herod sent his army in vain.
He was wanting to murder Him
Who lay in the manger as an infant.

Collects

Holy Innocents December 28

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

O ALMIGHTY God, who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and made infants to glorify you by their deaths; Mortify and kill all vices in us, and so strengthen us by your grace, that by the innocency of our lives, and constancy of our faith even to death, we may glorify your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.