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Triodion

On Wednesday Before Palm Sunday at Vespers

Menaion - April 25

Memory of St. Mark the Evangelist

__________

THE DIVINE LITURGY OF PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

ENARXIS

DEACON

Master, give the blessing.

PRIEST

Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

INTRODUCTORY PSALM – PRAYERS

The Priest, during the reading of the Introductory Psalm, stands reverently before the altar table and reads the last three Vesperal Prayers, i.e. Prayers 5, 6, and 7. (Find these below after the Psalm.)

READER

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 103 (104).

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

VESPERAL PRAYER 5

Lord, O Lord, who hold the universe in Your immaculate hand, who are longsuffering toward us all and willing to change Your heart concerning our evils, remember Your compassion and Your mercy. Visit us in Your goodness. Grant that we may evade the evil one’s various plots for the rest of the day; and keep our life safe and sound, by the grace of Your all-holy Spirit. Through the mercy and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

VESPERAL PRAYER 6

O God, great and wondrous,You govern all things in Your inexpressible goodness and plentiful providence. You have given us earthly blessings; and, by the blessings already granted, You have pledged to us the promised kingdom. All day until now, You made us shun all evil. Grant that we blamelessly finish the rest of the day in the presence of Your holy glory, extolling You, our only good and benevolent God. For You are our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

VESPERAL PRAYER 7

O God, great and most high, who alone have immortality and dwell in unapproachable light, You made all creation in wisdom. You divided the light from the darkness and set the sun for authority over the day, the moon and stars for authority over the night. At this hour You have granted us sinners to come before Your face with thanksgiving and to offer You an evening doxology. O benevolent Lord, let our prayer be set forth before You as incense, and accept it as a fragrant offering. Grant us a peaceful evening and night. Put on us the armor of light. Rescue us from night terrors and from anything lurking in darkness; and let our sleep, which You gave us for rest in our weakness, be free of any demonic fantasies. Please do this, O Master of all and Giver of good things, and we will remember Your name as we lie in bed at night; and, enlightened through meditation on Your commandments, we will wake up with joy in our souls and glorify Your goodness; and by virtue of Your compassion we will offer up prayers and supplications for our own misdeeds and those of all Your people. We pray You visit them with Your mercy, at the intercessions of the holy Theotokos. For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

PEACE LITANY

DEACON

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

VESPERAL PRAYER 1

Lord, compassionate and merciful, longsuffering and abounding in mercy, give ear to our prayer and heed the voice of our supplication. Work a sign in our midst for good. Lead us in Your way, and we will walk in Your truth; gladden our hearts so as to fear Your holy name. For You are great and You do wonders; You alone are God, and there is none like You among the gods. Lord, You are mighty in mercy and good in strength, to help and comfort and save all those who hope in Your holy name.

PRIEST (aloud)

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PSALTER READING – PROTHESIS

READER

First Stanza.

Psalm 119 (120).

To the Lord in my affliction I cried out, and He heard me. O Lord, deliver my soul from unjust lips and from a deceitful tongue. What should be given You, and what added to You, against a deceitful tongue? The arrows of the Mighty One are sharpened with hot coals from the desert. Woe is me! My sojourning was prolonged; I dwelt with the tents of Kedar. My soul sojourned a long time as a resident alien. With those who hate peace, I was peaceful; when I spoke to them, they made war against me without cause. [SAAS]

Psalm 120 (121).

I lifted my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Let not your foot be moved; neither let Him who keeps you slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord shall keep you; the Lord is your shelter at your right hand. The sun shall not burn you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord shall keep you from all evil; the Lord shall keep your soul. The Lord shall keep your coming in and your going out from this present time and unto the ages. [SAAS]

Psalm 121 (122).

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Our feet stand in your courts, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city whose compactness is complete. There the tribes went up, the tribes of the Lord, a testimony to Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For thrones sat there for judgment, thrones over the house of David. Ask now for things regarding the peace of Jerusalem, and there is prosperity for those who love you; let there now be peace in your power and prosperity in your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and my neighbors, I indeed spoke peace concerning you; for the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I sought good things for you. [SAAS]

Psalm 122 (123).

I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]

Psalm 123 (124).

“If the Lord had not been with us,” let Israel now say, “If the Lord had not been with us, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger raged against us, then the water would have drowned us; our soul would have passed through a torrent, then our soul would have passed through a water that is overwhelming.” Blessed is the Lord, who did not give us as prey to their teeth. Our soul was delivered like a sparrow from the snare of the hunters; the snare was broken, and we were delivered. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

VESPERAL PRAYER 2

O Lord, do not rebuke us in Your wrath, nor chasten us in Your anger. But deal with us according to Your kindness, O physician and healer of our souls. Guide us to the haven of Your desire. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of Your truth. And grant us to pass the rest of the day, and the entire time of our life, in peace and without sin; at the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and all Your saints.

PRIEST (aloud)

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

Second Stanza.

Psalm 124 (125).

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion; he who dwells in Jerusalem shall be unshaken forever. The mountains surround her, and the Lord surrounds His people from this present time and unto the ages. The Lord will not permit the rod of sinners to be upon the inheritance of the righteous, lest the righteous stretch out their hands in lawlessness. Do good, O Lord, to the good, and to the upright in heart; but those who turn aside to crooked ways, the Lord shall lead away with the workers of lawlessness. Peace be upon Israel. [SAAS]

Psalm 125 (126).

When the Lord returned the captives of Zion, we became like those who are comforted. Then our mouth was filled with joy, and our tongue with exceeding joy. Then they shall say among the Gentiles, “The Lord did great things with them.” The Lord has done great things with us; we were glad. Return, O Lord, our captivity like streams in the south. Those who sow with tears shall reap with exceeding joy. They went forth and wept, carrying their seeds with them; but they shall return with exceeding joy, carrying their sheaves. [SAAS]

Psalm 126 (127).

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord guards the city, those who guard it stay awake in vain. It is in vain for you to rise early, to awaken from your rest, you who eat the bread of grief, when He gives His beloved ones sleep. Behold, children are the Lord’s inheritance; the fruit of the womb His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a mighty one, so are the children of those who were outcasts. Blessed is the man who shall fulfill his desire with them; they shall not be ashamed, when they speak to their enemies at the gate. [SAAS]

Psalm 127 (128).

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways. You shall eat the fruits of your labor; you are blessed, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a vine, prospering on the sides of your house; your children like newly planted olive trees around your table. Behold, so shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life; may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel. [SAAS]

Psalm 128 (129).

“Many times they warred against me from my youth,” let Israel now say; “Many times they warred against me from my youth, yet they did not overcome me. The sinners schemed behind my back; they prolonged their lawlessness.” The righteous Lord cut in pieces the necks of sinners. Let all who hate Zion be shamed and turned back. Let them become like grass on the housetops, which withers before it is plucked up; like grass with which the reaper does not fill his hand, nor the gatherer of sheaves, his bosom; neither do those who pass by say to them, “The Lord’s blessing be upon you; in the Lord’s name, we bless you.” [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

VESPERAL PRAYER 3

Lord our God, remember us Your sinful and unworthy servants when we call upon Your holy name; and do not put us to shame as we anticipate Your mercy. Please, Lord, grant us all our requests that lead to salvation; and grant that we may wholeheartedly love and fear You and do Your will in all things.

PRIEST (aloud)

For You are good and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

Third Stanza.

Psalm 129 (130).

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord, from the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Psalm 130 (131).

O Lord, my heart is not exalted, neither are my eyes raised up; neither am I carried along in great things, nor in things too marvelous for me. If I were not humble-minded, but exalted my soul, like a child weaned from his mother, so You would reward my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord from this present time and unto the ages. [SAAS]

Psalm 131 (132).

Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness, how he swore to the Lord, how he vowed to the God of Jacob, “I shall not enter my dwelling, I shall not recline on my bed, I shall not close my eyes in sleep nor my eyelids for dozing, nor give any rest to my temples, until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.” Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the plains of the wood; let us enter into His tabernacles; let us worship at the place where His feet stood. Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness; Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away from the face of Your anointed. The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it, “I shall set upon your throne one from the fruit of your loins. If your sons keep My covenant and these testimonies I shall teach them, then their sons shall sit upon your throne forever.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; He chose her for His dwelling: “This is My place of rest unto ages of ages; here I shall dwell, for I have chosen her. Blessing, I shall bless her provision; I shall satisfy her poor with bread; and I shall clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice exceedingly with great joy; there I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed; his enemies I shall clothe with shame; upon him shall My sanctification flourish.” [SAAS]

Psalm 132 (133).

Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brothers to dwell together in unity? It is like fragrant oil running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down upon the border of his garment; it is like the dew of Hermon, running down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing and life forever. [SAAS]

Psalm 133 (134).

Behold now, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. In the nights, lift up your hands to the holy of holies and bless the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth. [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

DEACON

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

VESPERAL PRAYER 4

O Lord, extolled by the holy hosts with never-silent hymns and never-ceasing doxologies, fill our mouths with Your praise, to ascribe greatness to Your holy name. Give us a portion and inheritance with all those who fear You in truth and keep Your commandments; at the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and all Your saints.

PRIEST (aloud)

For You are our God, the God of mercy and salvation, and to You do we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

VESPERAL PSALMS – CENSING

After the Priest's exclamation, the curtain of the Beautiful Gate is opened. The Choirs, in concise manner and subdued voice, antiphonally sing the Psalms of “Lord I have cried,” in the mode of the first Idiomelon of the Triodion, till the verse, “Bring my soul out of prison…” As the Psalms and hymns are being sung, the Deacon censes around the altar Table, the Prothesis on which sit the holy Gifts, and the entire church in the usual manner.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Hide Stichologia

From the Triodion.

Sticheron Idiomelon. Mode pl. 1.

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord. [SAAS]

Rich am I in passions and clothed in the deceptive robe of hypocrisy, feasting in the evils of self-indulgence. I display immense lack of compassion, for I have neglected my spiritual mind, which lies at the gate of repentance, famished of anything good, and sick with inattention. But now I pray You, Lord, make me like Lazarus, to be poor in sins, lest I be denied when I pray that a finger cool my burning tongue, in unquenchable fire; and make me dwell in the bosom of Abraham, as You are benevolent. [SD]

Sticheron Idiomelon. Mode pl. 1.

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me. [SAAS]

Rich am I in passions and clothed in the deceptive robe of hypocrisy, feasting in the evils of self-indulgence. I display immense lack of compassion, for I have neglected my spiritual mind, which lies at the gate of repentance, famished of anything good, and sick with inattention. But now I pray You, Lord, make me like Lazarus, to be poor in sins, lest I be denied when I pray that a finger cool my burning tongue, in unquenchable fire; and make me dwell in the bosom of Abraham, as You are benevolent. [SD]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. [SAAS]

Refusing to deny Christ, O holy Martyrs, you endured the various painful tortures with an insatiable willingness of soul. You humbled the impudence of the tyrants, having kept your faith steadfast and invulnerable, and you were translated to heaven. Since you therefore have obtained confidence before the Lord, entreat Him that great mercy be granted to us. [SD]

Stichera Prosomia. By Joseph.

Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. [SAAS]

Jesus, across the Jordan you went; * as man You stayed there; * then you said to Your followers, * “Our friend Lazarus has fallen * asleep, in fact he has died, * and he has been buried and laid in a tomb. * My friends, I am glad for you, * for through this you will surely learn * that I have not ceased * being God knowing everything, * although visibly I appear to be just a man. * So let us go and bring him back * to life, so that in this way * death might experience fully * its own defeat and might clearly feel * the total destruction * which I shall effect, while granting great mercy to the world.” [SD]

Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [SAAS]

Faithful, come let us imitate * Martha and Mary, * and dispatch as our messengers * to Christ godly deeds and actions, * so that He come now to us * and resurrect our minds, which * grievously lie dead, * inert as if in a tomb * of neglect and of carelessness, * wholly unfeeling, * with no sense of the fear of God, * and not having in them the life-giving energy. * Let us cry out to Him and say, * “Compassionate Lord, behold, * and as You once resurrected * of old Your friend, righteous Lazarus, * by Your awesome power, * so now vivify us, granting great mercy to us all.” [SD]

Another. By Theodore.

Mode pl. 2. (not metered)

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [SAAS]

Lazarus has now been in the tomb for two days. He sees the dead from the beginning of time. He gazes at strange and frightening sights, at a countless multitude being held prisoner in the bonds of Hades. Therefore do his sisters lament bitterly, as they look at his tomb. But Christ is coming to bring His friend back to life, so that with one voice everyone might say: “Blessed are You, O Savior! Have mercy on us.” [SD]

Stichera. For the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (O Martyrs, extolled.)

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]

Most blessed Mark, ⁄ you drank from the fountain of delight; ⁄ you became a river of peace, flowing from Eden, ⁄ surrounding us as a sea of protection. ⁄ The proclamation of your Gospel waters the face of the earth. ⁄⁄ By your divinely-inspired teaching the Church is established! [OCA]

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Most blessed Mark, ⁄ you drank from the fountain of delight; ⁄ you became a river of peace, flowing from Eden, ⁄ surrounding us as a sea of protection. ⁄ The proclamation of your Gospel waters the face of the earth. ⁄⁄ By your divinely-inspired teaching the Church is established! [OCA]

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]

Most praised Apostle Mark, ⁄ Moses once drowned the Egyptians in the sea, ⁄ but you, wise one, have drawn them up from the depths of error! ⁄ You lived with them, and showed them power, ⁄⁄ destroying their idols with your strong right arm! [OCA]

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]

Most holy Mark, ⁄ you lived in the light of the Spirit and were wholly transformed. ⁄ Now, most wealthy one, you are made god by adoption ⁄ and through many visions and blessed radiance, ⁄ you have reached the height of your mystery, ⁄⁄ the goal for which you longed. [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

I pray you to heal my wretched soul, * which is seriously ill with the most wicked of passions, O all-lauded Virgin pure, * as the one who gave birth * to the Savior of us all, to Christ God, the Healer, who cures every infirmity of ours, * and who wounded all the wickedness * of the devil, * and freed us from sin and death. [SD]

ENTRANCE

As the “Glory; both now” is sung, the doors of the Beautiful Gate are opened. Preceded by an acolyte with a candle, the Deacon with censer (or the Gospel, if it is a feast) and the Priest exit from the north door and do the entrance. They stop at the usual place, and the Deacon says:

DEACON (in a low voice)

Let us pray to the Lord.

The Priest bows his head and quietly says the prayer:

PRIEST (in a low voice)

ENTRANCE PRAYER

In the evening, in the morning, and at midday, we praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Master of all, benevolent Lord. Let our prayer be set forth before You as incense. Incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For our eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You, and in You we hope. Leave us not embarrassed, O our God. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

After the end of the prayer, the Deacon addresses the Priest softly and says:

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, bless the holy entrance.

The Priest blesses with his hand crosswise towards the east and says in low voice:

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed be the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

The Deacon, from where he is standing, censes the bishop's throne and the principal icons three times each.

If the entrance is done with the holy Gospel, the Deacon offers it to the Priest to kiss it. Then he faces east in front of the Priest and exclaims:

DEACON (aloud)

Wisdom. Arise.

The Hierarch or the Reader reads, “Gladsome light.” The Deacon, censing, immediately enters the holy Alter through the Beautiful Gate and stands inside on the left. The Priest nods towards the bishop's throne and also enters the holy Altar through the Beautiful Gate, as the Deacon censes him, and he takes his own place before the holy Table.

READER

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You.

READINGS – “LET MY PRAYER”

The Readings

DEACON

The evening…

From Triodion - - -

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

Psalm 114 (115).

I shall be well pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living.

I have loved, because the Lord shall hear the voice of my supplication. [SAAS]

The reading is from the book of Genesis.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Gn 43:26 – 31, 45:1 – 16

Thus when Joseph came home, they brought the present in their hand to him in the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” So they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” Then he said, “Blessed be that man in God”; and they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. Then Joseph lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother you said you would bring to me?” So he said, “May God grant you mercy, my son.” Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. Then he went into his inner chamber and wept there. He then washed his face and came out; and he composed himself. Now Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. Then he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Joseph then said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were stunned in his presence. But Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. Now therefore, do not be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to save life. For this is the second year of famine in the land, and five years still remain in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. For God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth, and to sustain you as a great remnant. So now, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. “Hurry then and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, “God made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your sheep and oxen, and all you have. There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all you have, come to poverty; for five years of famine still remain.’” And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see it is my mouth that speaks to you. Therefore, you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after this his brothers talked with him. Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. [SAAS]

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

Psalm 115 (116).

I shall pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.

I believed; therefore, I spoke; I was greatly humbled. [SAAS]

READER (sung)

Command!

The Priest holds a lit candle in his right hand with the censer hanging below it, stands before the holy Table, gestures crosswise and says:

PRIEST

Wisdom. Arise.

Then he turns to face the people, blesses them crosswise with the candle, and says:

The light of Christ elucidates everything.

Then he hands the candle and the censer to the acolyte.

READER

The reading is from the Proverbs of Solomon.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Pr 21:22 – 30, 22:1 – 4

He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from tribulation. A troublemaker is called rash, arrogant, and boastful, and he who bears malice is called lawless. Desires kill a slothful man, for his hands choose not to do anything. The ungodly man desires evil all day long, but the righteous man shows mercy and compassion unsparingly. The sacrifices of the ungodly are an abomination to the Lord, for they offer them lawlessly. A false witness shall perish, but an obedient man will speak guardedly. An ungodly man resists shamelessly to the face, but the upright man himself understands his ways. There is no wisdom, there is no courage, there is no counsel for the ungodly. The horse is prepared for the day of war, but help is from the Lord. A good name is to be chosen more than much wealth, and good grace more than silver and gold. The rich man and the poor man meet with one another, but the Lord made both. An astute man, seeing an evil man severely punished, is himself instructed, but those passing by without discernment suffer loss. The fear of the Lord and riches and glory and life are the offspring of wisdom. [SAAS]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

PRIEST

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. [SAAS]

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You.

CHOIR

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

PRIEST

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

CHOIR

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

PRIEST

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

CHOIR

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

PRIEST

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

CHOIR

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

PRIEST

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense.

CHOIR

The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

THE SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us all say.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Lord, Ruler of all, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

SUPPLICATION PRAYER

Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication from Your servants, and have mercy on us in accordance with the abundance of Your mercy, and send down Your compassion upon us and upon all Your people who await Your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST (aloud)

For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

LITANY FOR CATECHUMENS

DEACON

Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens.

That the Lord have mercy on them.

That He teach them the word of truth.

That He reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.

That He unite them to His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Save them, have mercy on them, help them, and protect them, O God, by Your grace.

Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRAYER FOR CATECHUMENS

God, our God, creator and maker of all, as You will that everyone be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, look upon your servants, the catechumens, and rescue them from the ancient error and from the devil's devices. Invite them to eternal life; illumine their souls and bodies; and include them in Your rational flock, over which Your holy name has been invoked.

LITANY FOR THOSE NEARING ILLUMINATION

PRIEST (aloud)

So that with us they also may glorify Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

DEACON

All catechumens, depart; catechumens depart. All who are nearing illumination, come forward. Pray, all of you who are nearing illumination.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Let us the faithful pray to the Lord for our brethren who are nearing holy illumination and for their salvation.

That the Lord our God establish and strengthen them.

That He illumine them with the light of knowledge and piety.

That He make them worthy in due time of the baptism of regeneration, the remissions of sins, and the robe of incorruption.

That He regenerate them with water and the Spirit.

That He grant them the perfection of faith.

That He number them among His holy and chosen flock.

Save them, have mercy on them, help them, and protect them, O God, by Your grace.

All who are nearing illumination, bow Your heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRAYER FOR THOSE NEARING ILLUMINATION

Master, make Your face to shine on those who are preparing for holy illumination and who long to rid themselves of sin's contamination. Illumine their minds. Assure them in faith. Confirm them in hope. Perfect them in love. Make them precious members of Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for our souls.

PRIEST

For You are our illumination and we offer up glory to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

DEACON

All who are nearing illumination, depart. You who are nearing illumination, depart.

All catechumens, depart. Let no catechumen remain.

LITANIES FOR THE FAITHFUL

DEACON

All the faithful, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Wisdom.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

FIRST PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL

Great and praiseworthy God, who brought us over from destruction to incorruption by the life-giving death of Your Christ, we pray You set reason within us to be the good commander over all our senses, and release them from the palsy caused by the passions. Let eyesight eschew all wicked looks, hearing be impervious to idle talk, and tongues be purged of offensive words. With Your grace, O Lord, protect our limbs and minds. Purify our lips that praise You. Make our hands abstain from evil deeds and only do what pleases You.

PRIEST (aloud)

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

DEACON

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Wisdom.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

SECOND PRAYER FOR THE FAITHFUL

Holy Master, exceedingly good, we implore You who are rich in mercy, to be merciful toward us sinners, and to make us worthy to receive Your only-begotten Son and our God, the King of glory. For His immaculate body and life-giving blood, invisibly escorted by a multitude of heavenly hosts, will now be brought in and placed on this mystical Table. Grant us to partake of them blamelessly, so that we may be illumined by them may become children of light and of the day.

PRIEST (aloud)

In accordance with the gift of Your Christ, with whom and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit You are blessed, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

ENTRANCE OF PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

CHOIR

Now the powers of heaven are invisibly worshiping with us. Behold, the King of glory is entering.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

The Priest does the entrance, saying nothing except, “Through the prayers…” to himself. The Deacon precedes him holding a candle and censing.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Behold, escorted is the completed mystical sacrifice. Let us approach with faith and love, to become partakers of eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

COMPLETION LITANY – THE LORD'S PRAYER

DEACON

Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the precious Gifts here presented and presanctified, let us pray to the Lord.

That our benevolent God, having accepted them at His holy and celestial and mystical altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down upon us the divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

That the whole evening may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

Having asked for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRAYER AFTER THE GIFTS ARE PLACED ON THE ALTAR

God of ineffable and unseeable mysteries, with You are the concealed treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To us You revealed the ministry of this liturgy, and in Your great love for humankind You ordained us sinners to offer You gifts and sacrifices for our misdeeds and those committed in ignorance by the people. O invisible King who do great and incomprehensible wonders, glorious, extraordinary and without number, look upon us Your unworthy servants who are standing at this Your holy Altar of sacrifice, as if it were Your cherubic throne, and on which Your only-begotten Son and our God rests through the awesome sacrament presented here; and free us and Your faithful people from every impurity, and sanctify the souls and bodies of us all with indelible sanctification, so that we may partake of this divine sacrament with a clear conscience, face unashamed, and illumined heart, and thus be enlivened by it and united to Your Christ, our true God, who said, “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.” With Your Logos abiding in us and walking with us, O Lord, may we be rescued from all the wiles of the devil affecting deeds, words, or thoughts, and become temples of Your all-holy and worshipful Spirit, and thus obtain the blessings You promised us and all Your saints, who from from the beginning of time have pleased You.

PRIEST (aloud)

And grant us, Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:

PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

PRIEST

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

BOWING OF HEADS

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Only good and compassionate God, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble, look upon all Your people with compassionate eye, and watch over them; and make us all worthy to partake of Your life-giving sacrament without condemnation. Solemnly awaiting Your abundant mercy, we bow our heads to You.

PRIEST (aloud)

Through the grace, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

FRACTION – COMMUNION

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Hearken, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You who are enthroned with the Father on high and are present among us invisibly here. And with Your mighty hand, grant Communion of Your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the people.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

PRIEST (aloud)

The presanctified Holy Gifts are for the holy.

CHOIR

One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Show Pre-Communion Prayers

PEOPLE

PRAYERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

The selection and text of the following prayers may be different from what is used in your parish.

I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure sacrament for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.

As I am about to receive holy communion,

O Maker, I pray You not burn me partaking,

since You are a fire consuming the unworthy,

but rather purge me of any defilement.

Receive me, today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the Robber I confess to You. Remember me, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.

Seeing the deifying Blood, O human, shudder,

for it is a live coal that burns the unworthy.

The Body of God both deifies my spirit

and feeds my mind in extraordinary manner.

You have enraptured me, O Christ, * with Your longing and transformed me with love divine. * I pray, completely consume * with immaterial fire all my sins. * And count me worthy to be filled * fully with the delight in You, * that I may magnify * both Your Comings, O good Master, exultantly.

How shall I enter into the splendor of Your saints since I am unworthy? For if I dare to enter the wedding hall along with them, my garment will betray me, for it is not fit for the wedding; and then I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. I pray You to wash away the stains on my soul, and save me, O benevolent Lord.

Benevolent Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.

Receive me, today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the Robber I confess to You. Remember me, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.

Hide Pre-Communion Prayers

CHOIR

Communion Hymn.

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia. [SAAS]

DEACON

With the fear of God, faith, and love, draw near.

The people come up to receive Holy Communion. The Priest receives the holy chalice from the hands of the Deacon and begins communing the people, saying to each one:

PRIEST

The servant of God (name) partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ for the remission of sins and life eternal.

CHOIR

Hymns During Holy Communion

After the faithful receive Holy Communion, the Priest turns towards the people, blesses them, and says aloud:

PRIEST

Save, O God, Your people, and bless Your inheritance.

CHOIR

Hymn after Communion

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Taste the heavenly bread and the cup of life, and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Exalt, Master.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth.

Blessed is our God.

PRIEST (aloud)

Always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

THANKSGIVING

DEACON

Arise! Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless evening, and let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRAYER AFTER EVERYONE COMMUNES

We thank You, God the Savior of all, for all the blessings you have given us, and for communion of the holy body and blood of Your Christ. Benevolent Master, we pray to You: Guard us under the shelter of Your wings, and grant us till our final breath to worthily partake of Your holy sacraments, for illumination of soul and body and inheritance of the kingdom of heaven.

PRIEST (aloud)

For You are our sanctification, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

DISMISSAL

PRIEST

Let us go forth in peace.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

AMBO PRAYER

Master and Ruler over all, You made all creation in wisdom. By Your ineffable providence and abounding goodness You brought us to these solemn days, for cleansing of soul and body, self-control over passions, and hope of resurrection. Good Lord, who for Moses Your servant forged the divinely engraved tablets in the course of forty days, to us also grant to fight the good fight, to finish the race of the fast, to keep the faith intact, to shatter the heads of invisible dragons, to emerge as victors over sin, and to be ready without condemnation to venerate Your holy resurrection.

For blessed and glorified is Your all-honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRAYER AS THE GIFTS ARE COLLECTED

Lord our God, You brought us to these solemn days and made us partakers of Your awesome sacraments, unite us to Your rational flock, and make us heirs of Your kingdom, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for humankind, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Glory to You, O Christ God, our hope. Glory to You.

May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist Mark, whose memory we celebrate, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

READER

Psalm 33 (34).

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul shall be praised in the Lord; let the gentle hear, and be glad.

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

I sought the Lord, and He heard me; and He delivered me from all my sojourning.

Come to Him, and be enlightened, and your face shall never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him from all his afflictions.

The Angel of the Lord shall encamp around those who fear Him, and He will deliver them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who hopes in Him.

Fear the Lord, you His saints, for there is no want for those who fear Him.

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Who is the man who desires life, who loves to see good days?

Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

Shun evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their supplications.

The Lord’s face is against those who do evil, so as to destroy their remembrance from the earth.

The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them; and He delivered them from all their afflictions.

The Lord is near those who are brokenhearted, and He will save the humble in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but He will deliver them from them all.

The Lord shall guard all their bones; not one of them shall be broken.

The death of sinners is evil, and those who hate the righteous shall go wrong.

The Lord will redeem the souls of His servants, and all who hope in Him shall not go wrong. [SAAS]

Psalm 144 (145)

I shall exalt You, my God and my King, and I shall bless Your name forever and unto ages of ages.

Every day I shall bless you and praise Your name forever and unto ages of ages.

Great is the Lord and exceedingly praiseworthy, and His greatness has no limit.

Generation and generation shall praise Your works, and they shall declare Your power.

They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of Your holiness, and they shall describe Your wonders.

They shall also speak of the power of Your awesome deeds and describe Your great majesty.

They shall overflow with the memory of Your rich goodness, and shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness.

The Lord is gracious and merciful, longsuffering and abundant in mercy.

The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are upon all His works.

O Lord, let all Your works praise You and Your holy ones bless You.

They shall tell of Your kingdom’s glory, and they shall speak of Your power.

That all the sons of men may know Your power and the glory of Your kingdom’s magnificence.

Your kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages, and Your dominion is from generation to generation.

The Lord is faithful in His words and holy in all His works.

The Lord supports all who stumble and restores all who are broken down.

All eyes hope in You, and You give them their food in due season.

You open Your hand and fill every living thing with Your pleasure.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

He shall do the will of those who fear Him, and He shall hear their supplications and save them.

The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the sinners He shall utterly destroy.

My mouth shall speak the Lord’s praise, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and unto ages of ages. [SAAS]

PRIEST

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Amen.