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Menaion - January 25

Memory of St. Gregory the Theologian

Horologion

Service of the Small Paraklesis

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MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 1.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

The shepherd’s pipe of your theology overpowered the trumpets of the orators; for as you delved into the depths of the Spirit, so you were endowed with the power of eloquence. Father Gregory, intercede with Christ God, to save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

The shepherd’s pipe of your theology overpowered the trumpets of the orators; for as you delved into the depths of the Spirit, so you were endowed with the power of eloquence. Father Gregory, intercede with Christ God, to save our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

When Gabriel had said to you, “Rejoice!” blessed Virgin, * and you had voiced your assent, the Lord of all became incarnate * in you, who became the holy Ark, * as righteous King David said of old. * You carried your Creator, and thus your womb was wider than the heavens. * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from You! * Glory to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Your confession.

Θείας πίστεως.

You received divine illumination; * and you lived a life transcending matter; * your career in the priesthood conformed to your name. * For by explaining the Church’s dogmas expertly, * you fortified the divine Faith with Orthodoxy. * O devout Father, pray now to Christ our God, * entreating that He grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. Your confession.

When the only Lord became incarnate * in your womb, He was not separated * from divine nature, but He remained as God * who had assumed human nature, and after birth * kept you, His Mother, a Virgin all-blameless and pure, * as before His birth. To Him now pray fervently, * entreating that He grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

You were watchful concerning the word of truth of Christ; * you theologized well on the Trinity’s might. * As a champion and chief of right belief you destroyed * the lawless and impious heresy of Arius, * O holy hierarch Gregory. * You illumined those who were sleeping * in the darkness of ignorance. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Cure the onerous passions that plague my sorry soul, * O all-pure one, and heal every ailment of my flesh. * Arrest the straying of my mind, O all-blameless one. * And grant that I, with quiet thoughts, may offer to the King of all * pure and acceptable prayers, * O Virgin Theotokos, * and may request from God forgiveness of sins. [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

You exposed the delusion of those who erred * and expounded the Scriptures most piously, * O hierarch worthy of admiration, transmitting thus * dogmas sweeter than honey delighting believers’ hearts, * teaching all to adore the one Godhead in Trinity. * Hence you advocated that the form of the Savior * in icons, His humanity, receive relative worship. * O Theologian Gregory, * intercede with Christ our God, that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Come, all Nations, and uttering godly words * to the Mother of Him who created all, * let us offer hymns of praise. O rejoice, as the fiery throne * of the one who is Lord of all, yes, of Jesus the King of all. * O rejoice, only Lady of the world, All-immaculate. * Ever-virgin Mary and all-praised Theotokos, * rejoice, for you are the bright, wholly undefiled vessel * of the Holy Trinity, * Father, Son, and Spirit, our God. * O rejoice, decorous Bride adorned with the sun. * O rejoice, as the joy of all who sing your praise. [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

First Antiphon.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

Glory.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Psalm 48.

My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. (2)

Verse: Hear this, all you nations; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world.

My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

PRIEST (from the gate)

Jn. 10:1-9

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” [RSV]

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of Your holy Hierarch, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]

O devout, thrice-blessed, all-holy Father, good Shepherd, and Disciple of Christ the Chief Shepherd, you laid down your life for the sheep. O all-lauded Gregory the Theologian, pray for us, that by your intercessions the Lord grant us His great mercy. [SD]

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies, through the intercessions of our most pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our Fathers among the Saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great and John Chrysostom, Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonder-workers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore Teron, and Theodore Stratelates; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the Hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; our father among the saints Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, whose memory we celebrate; and all Your saints; We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

( Amen. )

Ode 1: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

By many temptations am I distressed. * Praying to be rescued, for salvation I run to you. * O Virgin and Mother of the Logos, * from all afflictions and evils deliver me. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Assaults from the passions unsettle me, * and they fill my soul to overflowing with much despair. * Quiet them, O undefiled Maiden, * with the dispassionate calm of your Son and God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin who mothered our Savior God, * I earnestly beg that I be rescued from my distress. * For now as I flee to you for refuge, * my soul and reason I lift up in ardent prayer. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

My body and soul are alike diseased. * Only Theotokos, count me worthy of your divine * providence and gracious visitation, * since you are good and the Mother of Him who is good. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Christ is born.)

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Come, all who love the words of the second Theologian, ⁄ the pillar of heavenly light, ⁄ the clarion of the wisdom of God! ⁄ Let us come together with love ⁄ and praise him as the preacher of God! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The unoriginate Word of the Father, as God, ⁄ takes thought for all things with the power of providence. ⁄ He gives you to Mother Church as a gift, ⁄ enriching your mind with wisdom, blessed one. [OCA]

Glory.

Making your mind Master, you restrained the passions of the body ⁄ and as a receptacle of divine outpouring, ⁄ you have enlightened us all ⁄ to worship the one God in three Persons, Gregory. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Wisdom of God made Himself a temple, ⁄ taking up His abode within your most spotless womb, O full of grace. ⁄ In substance He ineffably united Himself with it, pure one, ⁄ and has appeared as Man. [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 3.

Sunlight once hovered over the abyssal plain that was rendered dry of old. * For the water like a wall on either side became solid, * and people walked across on dry land and sang an ode, pleasing to God, * “Sing to the Lord, who triumphed; for He is greatly glorified.” [SD]

Ode 3: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I have named you the shelter and the defense of my life. * Therefore, I entreat you, O virgin Maid who gave birth to God, * conduct me to your port, * originator of good things, * the believers’ firm support, * only all-lauded one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I beseech you, O Virgin, dispel my soul’s turbulence, * also the tempestuous surging of grave despondency. * For you, O Bride of God, * gave birth to Christ who is Author * of serene tranquility, * only all-spotless one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Pour the wealth of your goodness and benefactions on all, * since you bore the great Benefactor, the Cause of every good. * You carried in your womb * Christ who is mighty in power; * therefore you can do all things, * O Lady blest by God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I implore you to help me as I am now being tried * by distressing ailments, O Virgin, and morbid suffering. * For I know you to be * an inexhaustible treasure * plenteous in remedies, * only all-blameless one. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (To the Son, begotten.)

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You possessed a well-spring of wisdom ⁄ which ever pours out your most wise teachings, blessed one. ⁄ You filled the Church of Christ with this ⁄ and it cries out to the God of all: ⁄ Holy are You, O Lord! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The trumpet voice and herald of piety, ⁄ the far-famed preacher of theology, ⁄ is set forth as a rich treasure of the vision of God! ⁄ He distributes to us the wealth which cannot be taken away. [OCA]

Glory.

The orator of fiery spirit, ⁄ the God-proclaiming flute of grace, ⁄ pre-eminently thunders forth theological inspiration ⁄ and divinely inspired words! ⁄ He plays for us the hymn of the Essence in three Persons. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Theotokos, Queen of all creation, ⁄ You gave birth to Christ for the salvation of us on earth: ⁄ never cease to pray to Him ⁄ that He may save those who sing hymns to you. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 3.

As the firm support of those who hope in You firmly, * O Lord and our Savior, support us, Your holy * Church You purchased * with Your most precious blood, O Christ. [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

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

( Amen. )

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

You opened your mouth with the word of God, drawing out wisdom; ⁄ you planted divine wisdom throughout the whole world, preacher of light! ⁄ Indeed, you established dogmas, revealing yourself, like Paul, ⁄ to be a champion of the Orthodox Faith. ⁄ Therefore you are shown to be a fellow citizen with the angels ⁄ and a converser with them, blessed Gregory the Theologian! ⁄ Entreat Christ God that He may grant remission of sins ⁄⁄ to those who celebrate your holy memory with love! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

I have been made to stumble by wicked thoughts; ⁄ I have fallen into the abyss of sin. ⁄ With groaning, I cry to you with all my heart, most pure one: ⁄ Reveal through me the wonder of your rich mercy, ⁄ the immeasurable depth of your loving-kindness ⁄ and the incalculable wealth of your compassion! ⁄ Grant me repentance and forgiveness of transgressions ⁄ that I may cry to you with love: ⁄ Entreat Christ God that He may grant me remission of sins, ⁄⁄ for I am your servant and you are my hope! [OCA]

Ode 4: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat you, O Bride of God * who have borne the Helmsman and Lord, to pacify * the confusion that my passions bring * and the surging waves of my iniquities. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have borne the compassionate * Lord who is the Savior of all who sing your praise. * Hence, bestow upon me the abyss * of your own compassion which I now invoke. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We who know you, O wholly pure * Virgin, to be truly the Mother of our God, * have enjoyed so many gifts from you. * Hence, we sing this canticle of gratitude. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

In possessing you as our hope * and the stable buttress and solid battlement * of salvation, O all-lauded one, * we are liberated from all misery. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Jesse’s root .)

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were an initiate of the mysteries of the Trinity; ⁄ You enlightened the world with your understanding, wise and venerable one. ⁄ You shone with rays of the dogmas of your splendid teaching. ⁄ Taught by this we all praise you in faith! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You received the brilliant dawn of faith, ⁄ the splendor of the threefold Sun, within yourself. ⁄ Father, you shone with the radiance of your wise teachings, ⁄ dispelling the dark night of evil heresies ⁄ and enlightening the souls of the faithful. [OCA]

Glory.

In faith, you spoke words of God from heaven, most blessed Father! ⁄ With the thunder of your theology, ⁄ you taught about the transcendent Mind, Source of Word and Spirit. ⁄ You learned this from Him, for you had first purged your mind ⁄ from the occupations of this world. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You gave birth to Life in Person from your virginal womb ⁄ which had been cleansed by the Spirit. ⁄ You restored fallen Adam with understanding, ⁄ most immaculate Lady, ⁄ calling him to the most divine and incorrupt food of dispassion. [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 3.

The heavens were covered by Your virtue, O Christ. * For coming forth from the Ark of Your holiness, Your Mother who sustained no corruption, * You appeared today in Your glorious Temple, as an infant held in arms. * And the entire creation was filled with Your praise. [SD]

Ode 5: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Since you bore the prime * Source of happiness, impart to me, * O pure Maid, your unadulterated joy. * And fill my heart now * to overflowing with your happiness. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Mother of our God, * do redeem us from all jeopardy, * since the eternal Redemption you have borne, * and Peace that passes * all understanding, O Virgin pure. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Dissipate the gloom * of my trespasses, O Bride of God, * with the effulgence of your irradiance, * being the Mother * of the divine pre-eternal Light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Cure the weakness wreaked * by my passions, O pure virgin Maid. * Account me worthy of your solicitude, * and by your earnest * intercessions give me health again. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (God of peace.)

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The divine sound of your words ⁄ and the inspired grace of your teachings ⁄ passed through the whole earth like swift lightning, theologian. ⁄ You speak of God and teach us to adore ⁄ the Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You longed indeed for the wisdom of God ⁄ and loved the beauty of words. ⁄ You preferred these to all the delights of earth! ⁄ Therefore, most blessed one, He has fittingly adorned you with a crown of grace ⁄ and made you a theologian. [OCA]

Glory.

Clearly you desired, like Moses of old, to see the Existing One; ⁄ hidden by the Rock, you were counted worthy to behold his back. ⁄ You studied the incomprehensible revelation ⁄ of the depths of the essence of God. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were descended, Theotokos and Mother of God, ⁄ from Eve, our first mother, of old. ⁄ Her Creator, as the compassionate Master of all, ⁄ has openly healed and absolved her condemnation and disobedience. [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 3.

Isaiah had a mystical vision of God * sitting on a throne lifted up, * and around Him stood the glorious Seraphim. * The Prophet cried out, “Woe is me! * With my eyes I have foreseen incarnate God; * and He is the Master of never-setting light and peace.” [SD]

Ode 6: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Solicit * your Son and Lord to rescue me * from the enemies’ malignance, O Virgin, * as He redeemed out of death and corruption * my human nature held down by mortality * and overpowered by decay, * having freely submitted Himself to death. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, * I know you well as Patroness * of my life and most reliable sentry. * For you disperse a great throng of temptations, * and spiteful treatment by demons you drive away. * And constantly do I entreat * to be saved from my passions’ depravity. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We have you * as a protective citadel * and the absolute salvation, O Maiden, * of our souls, and in straits as a broad way. * And in your light we unceasingly jubilate. * And now, O Lady, we beseech, * from the passions and perils deliver us. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I lie now * in failing health upon my bed, * and there is no cure for my ailing body. * But I entreat, O good Lady who gave birth * to the Reliever of illnesses, who is God * the Savior of the world, and plead: * raise me up from the ravages of disease. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Such as it received.)

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With the streams of your wise teachings, most wise one, ⁄ you dried up the tempestuous mind of Arius. ⁄ You preserved your flock in peace, ⁄ a floating, spiritual ark in which you stored seeds of the faith ⁄ with the beauty of your sermons. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father, you enriched your mind ⁄ with the splendor of the holy Trinity. ⁄ You shone like a clear and newly cleaned mirror, ⁄ through the noble self-denial you practiced. ⁄ You were revealed to be like God through divine reflections. [OCA]

Glory.

You were wholly strengthened with the radiance of the Spirit ⁄ and became a shining beacon, Father, enlightening the ends of the earth ⁄ with the radiance of your words ⁄ and the purity of your theology. ⁄ You delighted the assembly of the faithful, Gregory the theologian. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were foreknown to the prophets, Virgin Mary, ⁄ Mother and Bride of God, ⁄ as the pure scroll which received the inscribed Word ⁄ Who before was uncircumscribed in His divinity. ⁄ You ineffably contained the Infinite One in your womb! [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 3.

To You, the Elder cried out, on seeing * with his own eyes the salvation that You prepared for all people, * “God from God are You, Christ my Savior.” [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

With your theologic tongue having unraveled the weavings of the rhetors, you adorned the Church of Christ with the garment woven from above with Orthodox dogmas. Wearing it, the Church with us, your descendants, cries out, O rejoice! glorious Father, you are the utmost theological mind. [SD]

Oikos.

Fill my mind, poor and sorry, with your theological and lofty wisdom, so that I may extol your life, O Father; for I will not be able to offer you a word, unless you grant me eloquence and knowledge, ability and understanding, so that I may offer you “thine own of thine own”; and from the wealth of your virtues I may have the wherewithal to crown your divine and holy head, and with the faithful cry out, O rejoice! glorious Father, you are the utmost theological mind. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 25, we commemorate our father among the saints Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Publius.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Mares.

On this day, Saint Medula and those with her died by fire.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Demetrius the Sacristan.

On this day, devout saint Apollo died in peace.

The holy Neomartyr Afxentios, who witnessed in Constantinople in the year 1720, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Ode 7: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

As You wished our salvation * to be thusly dispensed, You abode within the womb * of the all-holy Virgin * whom You have manifested * to the world as our patroness. * O Savior, blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Mother, implore Him * unto Whom you gave birth, Who delights in steadfast love, * to free from their offenses * and from their souls’ defilements * those who cry out in faith and say * to Him: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have shown forth Your Mother * as a tower of safety, salvation’s treasury, * a spring of incorruption, * the doorway of repentance * unto all those who cry aloud * and say: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto us you delivered * Christ the Savior; and hence we entreat you: Deign to heal * the bodily diseases * and spiritual ailments * of your servants who earnestly * to your divine shelter run, * O Lady Theotokos. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (The Servants nurtured.)

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your discourse is all desire and sweetness, Gregory, ⁄ wholly filled with gladness and radiance, ⁄ filling with delight those who chant in faith: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With a brilliant mind you arrived at the source of enlightenment. ⁄ You were set ablaze by the lightning there; ⁄ You reduced the heresy of Eumenius to ashes, crying out to the Trinity: ⁄ Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

You released the flood gates of the abyss of your wise teachings ⁄ and opened up the spring of wisdom. ⁄ You flooded the authors of falsehood, ⁄ shining with the eternal light of the threefold Sun. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Descending like dew upon the fleece, ⁄ the River of peace, the Well-spring of grace Who counts the drops of rain, ⁄ made His dwelling in your womb! ⁄ Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 3.

Servants in the furnace spoke of God. * You bedewed them, O God the Logos; * and You dwelt in the womb of the immaculate, holy Virgin. We praise You * and sing to You devoutly: * Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers. [SD]

Ode 8: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not disdain us * who need the help that you offer, * virgin Maiden, and who bless and extol you, * supremely exalting you unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Virgin, you pour out * your great abundance of healings * over those who faithfully extol you * and exalt supremely your ineffable childbirth. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You heal the sicknesses * of my soul, O pure Virgin, * and the physical pains that afflict me. * Hence I glorify you the highly favored Maiden. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You drive away from us * the assaults of temptations * and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. * Therefore do we praise you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Babylon’s bedewing furnace.)

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With true piety you preached that the Word and the Spirit ⁄ are equal to the Father in grace and sovereignty, ⁄ knowing their essential and natural identity and unity. ⁄ Therefore, you cry out, rejoicing: ⁄ Let the whole creation bless the Lord ⁄ and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were counted worthy of angelic glory, ⁄ for you shone like an angel upon the earth, ⁄ You carefully purified your soul, body and mind for the Trinity, most wise one, ⁄ and now you chant to the Trinity with joy: ⁄ Let the whole creation bless the Lord ⁄ and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Glory.

Father, you have made the Master gracious by your prayers: ⁄ ask remission of sins ⁄ for those who celebrate your holy and all festal memorial in faith. ⁄ In it, we are filled with delight and sing: ⁄ Let the whole creation bless the Lord ⁄ and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The rich Word, Who is glorified by archangelic songs of praise, ⁄ made Himself poor for our sake, ⁄ choosing you, the beauty of Jacob, as His blessed Mother. ⁄ Therefore we chant and sing: ⁄ Let the whole creation bless the Lord ⁄ and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 3.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Unharmed were the young men, who were champions * of belief in God, when they were thrown into the furnace * and they faced unbearable fire; and they sang a hymn to God: * “All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

With your theologic tongue having unraveled the weavings of the rhetors, you adorned the Church of Christ with the garment woven from above with Orthodox dogmas. Wearing it, the Church with us, your descendants, cries out, O rejoice! glorious Father, you are the utmost theological mind. [SD]

Oikos.

Fill my mind, poor and sorry, with your theological and lofty wisdom, so that I may extol your life, O Father; for I will not be able to offer you a word, unless you grant me eloquence and knowledge, ability and understanding, so that I may offer you “thine own of thine own”; and from the wealth of your virtues I may have the wherewithal to crown your divine and holy head, and with the faithful cry out, O rejoice! glorious Father, you are the utmost theological mind. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 25, we commemorate our father among the saints Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Publius.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Mares.

On this day, Saint Medula and those with her died by fire.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Demetrius the Sacristan.

On this day, devout saint Apollo died in peace.

The holy Neomartyr Afxentios, who witnessed in Constantinople in the year 1720, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of the Meeting

Ode i. Mode 3.

Sunlight once hovered over the abyssal plain that was rendered dry of old. * For the water like a wall on either side became solid, * and people walked across on dry land and sang an ode, pleasing to God, * “Sing to the Lord, who triumphed; for He is greatly glorified.” [SD]

Ode iii.

As the firm support of those who hope in You firmly, * O Lord and our Savior, support us, Your holy * Church You purchased * with Your most precious blood, O Christ. [SD]

Ode iv.

The heavens were covered by Your virtue, O Christ. * For coming forth from the Ark of Your holiness, Your Mother who sustained no corruption, * You appeared today in Your glorious Temple, as an infant held in arms. * And the entire creation was filled with Your praise. [SD]

Ode v.

Isaiah had a mystical vision of God * sitting on a throne lifted up, * and around Him stood the glorious Seraphim. * The Prophet cried out, “Woe is me! * With my eyes I have foreseen incarnate God; * and He is the Master of never-setting light and peace.” [SD]

Ode vi.

To You, the Elder cried out, on seeing * with his own eyes the salvation that You prepared for all people, * “God from God are You, Christ my Savior.” [SD]

Ode vii.

Servants in the furnace spoke of God. * You bedewed them, O God the Logos; * and You dwelt in the womb of the immaculate, holy Virgin. We praise You * and sing to You devoutly: * Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers. [SD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Unharmed were the young men, who were champions * of belief in God, when they were thrown into the furnace * and they faced unbearable fire; and they sang a hymn to God: * “All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Magnificat: Mode of Canon

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Ode 9: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not dismiss the river * of my tears, O Virgin. * For in your womb you conceived and you carried Christ * the Lord who takes every teardrop away from every face. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With joy, all-holy Virgin, * fill my heart to fullness, * having received, O pure Maiden, the fullness of joy * and thereby causing the sorrow of sin to disappear. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

For those who flee for safety * unto you, O Virgin, * be a retreat and a fortress immovable, * defense and shelter and refuge and joyous ecstasy. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With rays of your effulgence * brighten us, O Virgin, * who in the Orthodox manner declare you to be * the Theotokos who drives out the gloom of ignorance. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Restore my health, O Virgin; * for because of illness, * I am reduced to a state of tormenting pain. * Transform my feeble condition into vitality. [SD]

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Burning, yet.)

Τύπον τῆς ἁγνῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You theologized about the sovereign Trinity ⁄ Which grants you incorruptible life. ⁄ You accepted struggles, teaching and contentions on His behalf ⁄ and now, Father, you stand in His presence ⁄ as a most noble ambassador on behalf of the world. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Gregory, you were enlightened with the radiance of the threefold Sun ⁄ which comes forth from the one Divinity. ⁄ As an initiate of holy mysteries, ⁄ save those who sing hymns to you with faith ⁄ and guide them with the light of the theology of your teachings. [OCA]

Glory.

You finished a good race, having fought on behalf of the sovereign Trinity ⁄ and you have attained deification as a theologian. ⁄ You have fittingly received the fulfillment of your godly desire, ⁄ splendid adornment of the Churches. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

How awe-inspiring is your miracle! ⁄ For you, Virgin Theotokos, ⁄ revealed the mystery before all generations, ⁄ hidden in God from before the ages, ⁄ by giving birth to God the Word. [OCA]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 3.

Verse: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 3.

Theotokos, as the hope of us Christians, one and all, * guard and shelter and protect those who put their hope in you.

In the shadow and the letter of the Law, * we the faithful perceive the decree: * Consecrate to God every male, the first-born opening the womb. * Now the unoriginate Father’s first-born Logos and Son * is also first-born of a virgin Mother, and we magnify Him. [SD]

PRIEST

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

You taught that we should all adore * the tri-hypostatic Monad, * which is a perfect Trinity, * in Divinity single, * O very wise Theologian, * saying, light is the Father, * light is the Son, and light again * is the all-holy Spirit, and yet one light, * undivided, unconfused; for God is one. * Thus you proclaimed, O Gregory, * the homoousian doctrine. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

You employed your grandiloquence * of your dogmas most wisely * to publicly theologize * about the secret depths of the mysteries of the Lord Christ. * You delivered orations * on the saints’ lives and martyrdoms, * O Gregory thrice-blessed. Now being god * by participation in God, I pray you, * save me and take me into your * dwellings, O Theologian. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Standing with her who bore our God, * Mary the holy Virgin, * before the unapproachable * Trinity, there with Basil * the Great, are you, O all-wise one. * Together intercede now * for lasting peace throughout the world, * victories to our rulers; whereas for us * who extol you, Greg’ry the Theologian, * Orator of the Church of Christ, * may we obtain salvation. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

   

Stichera. For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. When you were called.

Ὁ ἐξ ὑψίστου κληθείς.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

When you had cut through the dark cloud of the letter, * in spirit you penetrated to the highest light. * There was the heavenly radiance; hence you received it, * and with theology you enriched us all; * O Gregory, the luminary of the Church of Christ. * And by your discourses’ blinding light, you dissipated * the darkened clouds of impious heresies. * Henceforth you dwell in Angels’ company, * where the sound is of those keeping festival; * and you pray without ceasing * to the Lord that He will save our souls. [SD]

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

Mystic are you of divine illumination, * and the second theologian, and the Trinity’s * bright secretary, O Gregory, as one who teaches * on the divine Nature and ineffable. * So as you more clearly now enjoy being with God, * remember us all who honor you, and be our champion * in the defense of the Church you organized. * For as the Scripture says, your voice and words * have gone forth to the ends of the universe, * teaching all to give glory * to the consubstantial Trinity. [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Divinely eloquent Father, when you planted * with your tongue the godly seed in furrows of the heart, * then to the complement of the Church you brought the harvest * of the sublime and richest theology. * With the Spirit’s fire, from the Church you burned away * the thorny weeds of the heresies; and you were bred on * the highest love for divine philosophy, * Father of Fathers and the Pastor of * Pastors, bright star of priests, and the pride and joy * of the world, and the glory * of the faithful, blessed Gregory. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

To the proverbial mixing bowl of wisdom * you put your most precious mouth, O Father Gregory. * Having imbibed its most sacred drink, to the believers * you have imparted sublime theology. * And you stemmed the soul-corrupting course of heresies, * for it was brimming with blasphemies. The Holy Spirit * indeed found you as the pilot of the ship, * scaring away and driving back assaults * of the impious as if but gusts of wind; * for in Monad of essence * you proclaimed the Holy Trinity. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

With theological hymns, let us extol the harp of the Spirit, the destroyer of heresies, the delight of the Orthodox, the second bosom-theologian, who became an eyewitness of the Logos by his dogmas, the wise Arch-pastor of the Church’s flock; and to him let us say, “You are the good Shepherd, O Gregory, who gave yourself for us, as did Christ the Teacher; and you stand in chorus now with Paul, and you intercede on behalf of our souls.” [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1.

Since you accept the petitions of sinners and do not ignore the sighs of the afflicted, O all-holy Virgin, intercede with Him who came from your undefiled body, and entreat Him to save us. [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

The shepherd’s pipe of your theology overpowered the trumpets of the orators; for as you delved into the depths of the Spirit, so you were endowed with the power of eloquence. Father Gregory, intercede with Christ God, to save our souls. [SD]

Litanies, End, no Dismissal

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

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

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O 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.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

Blessed are You, Christ our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages. ( Amen. )

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.

Litanies and Dismissal

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

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

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O 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.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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.

( To You, O Lord. )

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

Blessed are You, Christ our God, always now and forever and to the ages of ages. ( Amen. )

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Dismissal

PRIEST

Glory to You, O Christ our God. 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, our father among the saints Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, whose memory we celebrate; and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”

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

( Amen. )