Damascene Press Preparing Publication of Octoechos in English

Giving thanks to God for His blessings on the work entrusted to it, Damascene Press is pleased to announce that it is preparing the publication of Monk Joseph (Isaac) Lambertsen’s translation of The Octoechos in large print (kliros) and personal reference editions. Both editions are expected to be printed in red and black and bound in leather. An anticipated publication date will be announced in early 2026.

Monasteries and parishes with daily services are invited to contact octoechos@damascenepress.org to request access to draft copies and participate in the editorial process.

The Octoechos, composed by Saint John of Damascus after his severed hand was healed by a miracle of the Most Holy Theotokos, contains hymns for the daily offices of the Church (Vespers, Compline, Midnight Office, and Matins) for each day of the week, arranged in an eight week cycle.

Benefactors and supporters wishing to assist in the publication of this sacred text are asked to offer prayers to Saint John of Damascus – who is also Damascene Press’s patron – for his heavenly assistance, and are invited to learn more about The Octoechos and ways to support its publication at damascenepress.org/pages/octoechos.

Concurrent with publication, the Lambertsen Foundation anticipates the release of the text of the Octoechos for use by other publishers, musicians, parishes, and the faithful under a free public license.

Damascene Press is operated by the Lambertsen Foundation, which was established in 2021 with the blessing of the late Metropolitan Hilarion of New York, in memory of Monk Joseph (Isaac) Lambertsen, having been entrusted with the entirety of his literary works.