Books - Sources

Menaion - January 30

Memory of the Holy Three Hierarchs

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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.

Those three magnificent luminaries of the tri-solar Godhead, who lit up the whole world with rays of divine doctrines; those mellifluent rivers of wisdom, who irrigated all creation with the waters of the knowledge of God; Basil the Great, and Gregory the Theologian, and the illustrious John, whose tongue produced golden words! Let all of us who are enamored of their words come together and sing hymns to honor them. For they are ever interceding with the Trinity on our behalf. [SD]

Glory. Another.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

As like-mannered to the Apostles and Teachers of the Christian world, intercede with the Master of all, to grant peace to the whole world, and great mercy to our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. Then the 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 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 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Most radiant luminaries of the Church of Christ, * O Fathers made wise by God, you have enlightened the world * with your doctrines and treatises, * reducing every error and heretical teaching, * extinguishing the fiery confusion of blasphemers. * And therefore as Hierarchs of Christ * intercede that we be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

O Mother of Christ our God, all-lauded Virgin most pure, * O Mary the Bride of God and unwed Maiden, the help of believers all, * save us from every danger and all manner of hardship, * O Lady Theotokos, as we run to your shelter * with ardent faith and longing, O only Bride of God. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. Then the 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. )

PRIEST

For You are good 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. )

CHOIR

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Having flown like bees within * the field of Holy Writ, * you did skillfully select * from its flowers what was best, * and you produced the honey of your teachings; * and now you set them out * for all the faithful to feast * on the sweetness of your words * as on a full-course meal. * And therefore everyone who has been sweetened * cries out to you in gladness: * “Again be with us, who now extol you, * O blessed Fathers, even after death.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Without conscience I am tossed * about by storms the passions bring; * hence I fervently invoke * you to assist me, O pure Maid. * Since you gave birth to the abyss of mercy, * leave me not to drown, wretched coward that I am, * for except for you I have no other hope. * Let me not become the laughing-stock of demons, * for I have placed my hope in you, * and you are able * to do as you will, * as the Mother of the God of all. [SD]

The Polyeleos.

Psalm 134 (135).

Psalm 135 (136).

Selected Psalm Verses

Selected Psalm Verses for Hierarchs

Of the world. Alleluia.

1. Hear this, all you nations; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world. Alleluia. (48:2) [SAAS]

2. Both earthborn and the sons of men, rich and poor together. Alleluia. (48:3) [SAAS]

3. My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. Alleluia. (48:4) [SAAS]

4. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Alleluia. (33:12) [SAAS]

5. He who walks blamelessly, and works righteousness. Alleluia. (14:2) [SAAS]

6. He who has innocent hands and a pure heart; he who does not lift up his soul to vanity. Alleluia. (23:4) [SAAS]

7. I proclaimed righteousness in the great church. Alleluia. (39:10) [SAAS]

8. I did not hide Your mercy and Your truth from the great congregation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

9. I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

10. I declared Your truth and Your salvation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

11. I will declare Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the church I will sing to You. Alleluia. (21:23) [SAAS]

12. I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord. Alleluia. (25:6) [SAAS]

13. That I may hear the voice of praise and tell of all Your wondrous works. Alleluia. (25:7) [SAAS]

14. O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Alleluia. (25:8) [SAAS]

15. I said to those who transgress the law, “Do not transgress the law,” and to those who sin I said, “Do not exalt yourselves.” Alleluia. (74:5) [SAAS]

16. I have not sat down with vain councils, nor will I go in with those who transgress the law. Alleluia. (25:4) [SAAS]

17. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the ungodly. Alleluia. (25:5) [SAAS]

18. The mouth of the righteous shall meditate on wisdom, and his tongue shall speak of judgment. Alleluia. (36:30) [SAAS]

19. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be tripped up. Alleluia. (36:31) [SAAS]

20. He will manage his words with judgment. Alleluia. (111:5) [SAAS]

21. He shall not be afraid because of an evil report. Alleluia. (111:7) [SAAS]

22. The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him. Alleluia. (63:11) [SAAS]

23. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall be multiplied like the cedar in Lebanon. Alleluia. (91:13) [SAAS]

24. Those planted in the house of the Lord shall blossom forth in the courts of our God. Alleluia. (91:14) [SAAS]

25. Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. Alleluia. (131:9) [SAAS]

26. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they shall praise You unto ages of ages. Alleluia. (83:5) [SAAS]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Mode 1.

Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1.

We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [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

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

Let us faithful magnify * today those most wise * teachers of the universe, * for while on earth they glorified * the God of all by their deeds and words; * and they promoted salvation for all mankind. [SD]

Glory.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

On this day the Church of Christ * is celebrating * the august and gala feast * of three great Teachers of the Church; * for they supported and strengthened her * by their divine words and dogmas inspired by God. [SD]

Both now.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Unassailable Guardian * of those in trouble, * ardent Helper of the ones * who place their every hope on you, * from every danger deliver me. * You are the help and assistance of all in need. [SD]

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. Psalms 131, 48.

O Lord, Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. (2)

Verse: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding.

O Lord, Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. [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. 10:9-16

The Lord said, “I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd.” [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 the holy Teachers, 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]

Grace was poured upon your lips, O devout Fathers, and you became shepherds of the Church of Christ, teaching the reasonable sheep to believe in the Trinity, coessential, in one Divinity. [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, 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 fathers among the saints, great Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, 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. )

CHOIR

The Canon

Ode i.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Δεῦτε λαοί.

Peoples, now come * and let us sing a song to Christ our God, * who by His prophet split the sea and through it led across * His people and possession, out of Egyptian bondage, * for He was glorified. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Rescue me, O immaculate Virgin, from grave dangers and diseases and offenses of both soul and body. I piously confess you to be literally pure Theotokos. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We have come to know that in you is stored the entire ocean of the gifts of grace. Therefore, O Theotokos, we are rescued when we earnestly run to you for protection. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

All-pure Virgin, insistently implore your Son, who was incarnate of your immaculate and honorable blood, for us who extol you, to deliver us from offenses and from bitter illness. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Lady, graced by God, we believers have you as our boast, our refuge and support, our exultant joy, our hope and fortress, and the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Peoples, now come.)

Δεῦτε λαοί.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

People, what thanksgiving, what fitting response, ⁄ should we offer to our benefactors? ⁄ For they taught us how to live in goodness! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let the tongues of the orators, ⁄ their skill and craft and all the power of their words, ⁄ now be focused on this one intention! ⁄ Let us honor them, and venerate them all together! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

With their minds in heaven, ⁄ they allowed nothing to be held as their own on earth. ⁄ They were shown to be guardians and patrons of the community. ⁄ Therefore let them be considered worthy of our common hymns of praise! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

With one mouth and one accord, ⁄ we all glorify you, most immaculate one, ⁄ as the object of our nature’s common honor. [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The rod of Moses.)

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The present undertaking is not an achievement for human zeal, ⁄ but let the wisdom that is seated beside your throne, Lover of mankind, ⁄ assist me and give me the grace of wisdom ⁄ through which I may be empowered ⁄ to glorify those whom wisdom itself has already glorified! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Your goodness has overflowed like a great chalice, Master, ⁄ and the great wealth of your love for mankind ⁄ has poured out and passed through these men. ⁄ They were like new angels in the flesh, ⁄ now set before us to receive our praise! [OCA]

Glory.

Praises from heaven are fitting: ⁄ a harmonious, angelic hymn for the divine ones, ⁄ for they were truly gods by participation, ⁄ having Him, Who by nature is the one true God, ⁄ living and speaking within them. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The commemoration of the righteous with praise ⁄ perfects the godly-minded congregation! ⁄ therefore as their chief, ⁄ the Mother of God is rightly glorified. ⁄ She commands the last, the first and the middle ranks ⁄ who share in the fitting praise. [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 iii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

Establish us in You, Lord, we pray to You, * who mortified sin by Your crucifixion, * and implant in us the fear of You * within the hearts of Your servants who sing Your praise. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, by your intercessions, move your Son and our God to be merciful towards us who run to you for refuge, and who faithfully venerate your childbirth. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin extolled by all, listen to the words of my soul that is severely disturbed; and ever rescue it from danger, and give it peace. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, pilot my entire life, for you are my hope and protection; you deliver me from temptations and difficult situations, O ever-virgin Maid. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, you held in your arms the enhypostatic Wisdom of God; therefore pray that we who extol you may be freed from ignorance and from being led into error. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (On the rock of faith.)

Ἐν πέτρᾳ με τῆς πίστεως.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The great trumpet of the Churches, ⁄ the lamp illuminating the inhabited earth, ⁄ the preacher embracing the ends of the earth with his voice: ⁄ the great Basil summons this assembly! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Brilliant in his life and actions, ⁄ brilliant in sermons and teaching, ⁄ Shining more than all, as another sun outshining the stars, ⁄ the greatly honored Theologian is called blessed today! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Behold, the light of the world is manifested to the world! ⁄ Behold, the salt of the earth seasons the earth! ⁄ Behold, the tree of life, the golden saint, yields immortal fruit! ⁄ Let those who wish to escape death come and feast sumptuously! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

He Who brought all things into being from non-existence ⁄ and granted nature to every creature, ⁄ knew Himself how to transform the given natures as He desired. ⁄ Therefore the Virgin gives birth and who would not be amazed? [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (In the beginning.)

Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let the correctors of morals, the stewards of souls, ⁄ the common saviors of all who showed us examples of both deeds and words, ⁄ the brilliant instructors of life, ⁄ be praised with splendor! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The Spirit filled Basil with the knowledge of God, ⁄ while Gregory possessed one of the fiery tongues, ⁄ breathing the fire of exalted speech; ⁄ and the mouth of Christ spoke in John. [OCA]

Glory.

The foolishness of preaching ⁄ has plainly brought low the wisdom of this age ⁄ making it submissive and serving as a slave: ⁄ Grace has made the preachers wise orators! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He Who dwelt within the womb of the Virgin ⁄ makes the souls of the God-bearing saints His dwelling-place. ⁄ Through their lips He expounds the mystery of His Mother! [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. )

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

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

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Let us, as we enjoy the beauty and grace of their words, ⁄ with one voice praise the great and shining lights, ⁄ the indestructible pillars of the Church: ⁄ the wise John of golden speech, the great Basil, with Gregory the renowned theologian. ⁄ let us cry out to them, exclaiming from the depths of our hearts: ⁄ three times great and holy hierarchs, pray to Christ our God, ⁄⁄ that he may grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your memory with love! [OCA]

Glory. Another.

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

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

You received the wisdom that comes from God, three new apostles of Christ! ⁄ by understanding sermons, in simple words through the power of the Spirit, ⁄ you framed dogmas set down earlier by the fishermen. ⁄ indeed our faith feeds on the plain nourishment received from you. ⁄ therefore we all cry out: pray to Christ our God, ⁄⁄ that he may grant remission of sins to those who celebrate your memory with love! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Holy Virgin, you see that my humble soul * like a ship with no pilot is tossed about * in the storm of the present life, with temptations as turbulence, * and it is taking water because of the weight of sins; * and it is now in danger of entering the depth of Hell. * Come, O Theotokos, intercede in your mercy, * and grant me your calm, and from every danger deliver me; * for you are an untroubled port; * and with your Son and God intercede, * that He grant to me forgiveness of my sins. * I your servant, O Lady, have you as my only hope. [SD]

Ode iv.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of your eternal plan for our salvation, * and I glorified You, only benevolent God. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Lady, who gave birth to God, grant me to be free of psychological trauma and bodily disease. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, confirm me in faith and hope, for I am being blown about by passions and thoughts, and the storms of life. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mother of God, deliver me from difficulties, and from confusion and danger, by your entreaties, O only all-laudable Lady. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, snatch me from the cares of life, for I am tossed about by the storm; and lead me to your harbor. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (You came, O Lord.)

Ἐλήλυθας ἐκ Παρθένου.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You acquired the knowledge of lower wisdom, all-glorious ones. ⁄ Through the wisdom of God, you received a guiding position; ⁄ therefore you wisely made the lower wisdom serve you as a handmaid. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You acquired the knowledge of lower wisdom, all-glorious ones. ⁄ Through the wisdom of God, you received a guiding position; ⁄ therefore you wisely made the lower wisdom serve you as a handmaid. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Lovers of wisdom, since you loved knowledge, ⁄ you all learned to speak wise words. ⁄ You were filled with wonder! ⁄ You taught the discipline of action and then contemplation. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

In the last times, the source of everlasting waters, ⁄ the Creator came down as a light rain, all-blameless one, like drops into your womb, ⁄ seaSonably refreshing those who were fainting. [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (You are my strength.)

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The great Basil appeared as a pillar of fire. ⁄ going forth before the faithful people, ⁄ leading them and burning up the enemies of the faith ⁄ but safely preserving the tribes that accompanied him! ⁄ Let the Church of Christ take courage and conquer, ⁄ enriched by such a great champion! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Gregory, your discourse was sweetness to the tongue ⁄ and a joy to every ear! ⁄ It was the manna of life, a dew of refreshing sweetness, ⁄ honey from the rock and the heavenly bread of angels. ⁄ It moves those who partake of it to full enjoyment, ⁄ filling them with delight. [OCA]

Glory.

A river of spiritual gifts flooding its banks, ⁄ a torrent of delight from the golden mouth of Chrysostom ⁄ waters the beautiful face of the earth. ⁄ It brings joy and enrichment to the people of Christ ⁄ with streams of the waters of God. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The three God-bearing teachers, knew your Son, O Lady, ⁄ to be two in nature by reason of two wills and energies. ⁄ They confessed the simple nature that was unchanged ⁄ when mingled and made manifest without confusion. [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 v.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Ὁ τοῦ φωτὸς χορηγός.

Lord, the provider of light, * and the Creator of the ages, we pray * that You will guide us in the light of Your all-holy commands. * Except for You, we do not know any other God. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Virgin, we who know you to be Theotokos have you as an invincible shield against every temptation; and thus we are always delivered from every assault of our enemies. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Lady, who are higher than the Cherubim, you gave birth to God’s only-begotten Son, who was incarnate of you. Ever pray to Him on behalf of us your servants. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Virgin, who held in your arms the Creator of all, by your entreaties make Him be merciful towards us, who with all our hearts now run to you for refuge. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

To you alone, O Lady who gave birth the Logos and cause, do I the wretch offer my petition from my strained and afflicted soul. Have compassion on me and save me. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (You are the light.)

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You permitted the saints to drink deeply from the well-spring of your gifts ⁄ which is not diminished in any way by this emptying, ⁄ but waters the whole earth with the divine streams which flow from them, ⁄ O Lover of mankind! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

What is gold to me? What are riches, glory and power? ⁄ Let all things vanish like smoke before the wind! ⁄ For me the only great wealth is the Trinity of eloquent preachers! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The river flows with ambrosia and nectar: ⁄ it is a torrent of the food of immortality for those who hunger ⁄ and incorruptible drink for those who thirst! ⁄ Its water is eternally living and sustains the living who drink of it. ⁄ All of you, partake of its everflowing life! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Evil has power against us, but not at the end, ⁄ for it became weak after the Virgin gave birth ⁄ the One who is powerful in strength, ⁄ Who took upon Himself the weakness of the flesh ⁄ and killed the one powerful in evil. [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Why reject me.)

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

With thankful voices let us praise those wise men, ⁄ learned in both divine and human affairs. ⁄ In their love for the truth ⁄ they have expounded for us the nature of existing things ⁄ and have made their Creator fittingly known to all. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The divine healers of souls ⁄ sweetened the bitter and harsh medicines needed for salvation ⁄ by the wise skill and grace of their preaching. ⁄ Let all the faithful be pleased; ⁄ let them find delight and salvation! [OCA]

Glory.

Every word falls silent when the preachers of God speak of divine things. ⁄ The New Covenant prevails over the Old! ⁄ Those who prescribe its laws are presented as sacred tablets ⁄ by which the whole body of the faithful is brought into harmony. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The perishable has overtaken immortal nature in holiness: ⁄ a Virgin Maiden has surpassed the bodiless angels ⁄ for she gave birth to God, the King of angels, ⁄ upon Whom they are not able to gaze. [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 vi.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Lady, as I sail on the ocean of life’s many cares, I know you to be the harbor of salvation. I call on you to be the pilot of my soul. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever-virgin Mother, I am injured and dressed in the garment of my foolishness. I pray you, who gave birth to God, give me instead the robe of joy. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Wretched that I am, I have fallen from the sacred way of life, because of laziness. O blessed Virgin, I pray you restore me, and regulate my life according to your Son’s commands. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Count me worthy of sympathy, O Lady, who gave birth to the most sympathetic Logos, who delivered humanity from corruption with His own blood. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἄβυσσος ἁμαρτημάτων.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Together you three bless the properties of God: ⁄ the unbegotten nature of the Father, ⁄ the generation of the Word ⁄ and the procession of the Spirit Himself. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Today salvation has openly and radiantly come to this house, ⁄ for Christ, in honor of His own name, ⁄ is present in the midst of the two or three gathered together. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The depth of the earth is immeasurably distant from the heights of heaven, ⁄ yet divine desire has caught up the saints from the earth ⁄ higher than the heavens. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

The three divine preachers have you, O Virgin, ⁄ as a new well-spring and fountain of mysteries. ⁄ They adopt a new way of speaking from new sources. [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Be gracious to me.)

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

We theologize about the only Trinity ⁄ and have agreed to hymn the threefold Unity. ⁄ We have been taught by the Fathers to worship the single Essence in three Persons. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The Word equally without beginning and the Spirit of God ⁄ were from the beginning with the Father. ⁄ The God wholly without beginning ⁄ is a simple, consubstantial, co-essential Divinity, ⁄ as taught by the divine preachers. [OCA]

Glory.

I shall unite and separate the things separated through unity; ⁄ I think of the One as indivisible and consider it Three. ⁄ I follow the three God-bearing teachers who have admonished me to so believe. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Son was without a Mother before assuming the flesh ⁄ and was without a Father in His incarnation. ⁄ We speak of these things which are beyond all understanding, ⁄ for all-glorious wonders are fitting to God! [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. )

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 2. N/M (You have taken.)

Τοὺς ἀσφαλεῖς.

You have taken to yourself, O Lord, the pinnacles among Teachers, those sacred theologians and preachers, to enjoy Your blessings and repose. For You accepted their labors and their toil as being higher than any whole-burnt offering, for only You glorify Your Saints. [SD]

Oikos.

Who is fit to open his lips and move his tongue to speak about these men who breathed fire in the power of Word and Spirit? Yet I will dare to say this much, that these three men excelled beyond all human nature in their many and great spiritual gifts, and in the active life as well as in contemplation they surpassed even those who have proved illustrious in both. Therefore You counted them worthy of the greatest gifts, since they were Your faithful servants; for only You glorify Your Saints. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On January 30, we commemorate our fathers among the saints and Ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom.

On this day was the contest of the holy Hieromartyr Hippolytus, Pope of Rome, and those with him: Censurinus, Sabainus, Chryse, and the rest.

On this day was the contest of the holy Martyr Theophilos the New.

The holy Neomartyr Theodore, who was from Mytilene and also witnessed there in the year 1784, died by hanging.

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

CHOIR

Ode vii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς.

The image of gold * was in Babylon on Dura being worshiped. * But Your three Servants showed complete disdain * for that abominable decree. * Thrown into the fiery furnace, * in the midst of it they were bedewed, * singing: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mother of God, your Son who took flesh from you was nailed to the Cross, and He tore up the indictment against Adam. Insistently entreat Him now, O all-blameless Maiden, that from danger He deliver all who in faith cry out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Lady, you are the good hope and expectation of the faithful. We now entreat you to grant the ocean of your sympathy to all trust you and who to your Son cry out: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

There is no one who will sympathize or commiserate with me, who am distressed by the awful darkness of life. O Virgin, with your splendor dispel the fog of my offenses and shine on me as I sing: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

From carelessness, I the wretch have stained the lovely garment of the saving commandments that I was clothed in through Baptism. Now, O Virgin, I run to you, praying that through you I might again put on the robe of virtue. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (The godless decree.)

Ἀντίθεον πρόσταγμα.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The former erratic insolence of heresies is vanquished and in retreat ⁄ and every degraded teaching appears like wax melting in the fire, ⁄ struck down by your fiery proclamation, O blessed ones. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The former erratic insolence of heresies is vanquished and in retreat ⁄ and every degraded teaching appears like wax melting in the fire, ⁄ struck down by your fiery proclamation, O blessed ones. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

These three avoided the false myths of pagan Greeks ⁄ and chose persuasion alone to establish their authority among people. ⁄ Thus they established the truth, ⁄ moving all the congregations of the faithful and persuading them. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Every prophecy is fulfilled and comes to rest in you, ⁄ amazing those who cry out: O pure one, ⁄ miracles come from you more radiant than the prophesies, ⁄ clearly showing the interpreters to be most wise! [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The fire in Babylon.)

Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The ones who spoke for God were pillars of virtue and wisdom. ⁄ When they were silent or when they spoke; when they watched or listened, ⁄ they commanded us by their words and deeds to cry: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Receiving your Godly voices which thunder to us from above ⁄ and your sayings which are like flashes of lightning, divinely wise ones, ⁄ We chant together with you: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

Stones were launched from their rock-slinging tongues ⁄ which crushed the corruption of false teachings ⁄ when anyone loudly babbled blasphemy and would not cry: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our Fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The One who builds the elements and transforms nature as He desires ⁄ made His dwelling within you and left you Virgin even after childbearing. ⁄ Together with you, Mary Theotokos, ⁄ we now cry, all immaculate one: ⁄ Blessed are You, 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 viii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and exalt Him beyond measure, * unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

My mind is now weak, for it has fallen into the depths of dishonor, and therefore I am surrounded by every vice. O Virgin, heal me, and wrap in the light of dispassion. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Having you, all-pure Lady, as a secure and mighty fortress, embankment and protection, we are in faith delivered now, as we extol your Son, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, we know you to be the sparkling well of immortality, for you gave birth to the Logos of the immortal Father, who delivered from death all who exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure and immaculate Virgin, you profusely pour out to us the faithful a stream of cures and healing. And now as we draw abundant grace from it, we extol your Son, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Canon for the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἰνδάλματος χρυσοῦ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

We perceive and glorify with equal reverence one Nature, ⁄ the powerful Unity and Trinity Who orders all by higher words. ⁄ For so the three God-bearers taught us to worship. ⁄ Together with them we bow down before the Trinity forever! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

We perceive and glorify with equal reverence one Nature, ⁄ the powerful Unity and Trinity Who orders all by higher words. ⁄ For so the three God-bearers taught us to worship. ⁄ Together with them we bow down before the Trinity forever! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The three divine preachers were united ⁄ in conceiving of the Trinity as a Unity. ⁄ In all things they safeguarded the indivisibility of the divine Nature ⁄ from which they received a share of the one undivided glory ⁄ which gathers all together for a common celebration ⁄ exalting the Trinity above all forever! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

When the Benefactor had received what is ours ⁄ and had given in return that which is His own, ⁄ He created but did not suffer, Virgin, ⁄ for He deified our nature but was not made corruption. ⁄ He suffered of His own will ⁄ to set mankind free from the passions through His sufferings ⁄ as the three Fathers mystically teach us. [OCA]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

God has bound them with praise in a unity of equal honor: ⁄ let no one separate them and let those in authority ⁄ consider that they are equal in spiritual gifts ⁄ and worthy also of equal hymns, as they sing: ⁄ Bless the Maker and Deliverer, children! ⁄ Priests, praise Him; people exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

When the strong and invincible champions of the Deity ⁄ and pure advocates of the truth had plumbed well the depths of the Spirit, ⁄ they set out divine convictions from this concerning God, ⁄ teaching us all to sing: ⁄ People, exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Glory.

In the heavens, two great lights in turn illumine the earth, ⁄ but from earth the three supremely great lights more brilliantly enlighten the whole world, chanting: ⁄ People, exalt Christ above all forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Incarnation and the honorable sufferings ⁄ were undertaken on our behalf and for our sakes: ⁄ God was counted among the dead without tasting death. ⁄ Free from passions, He chose to partake of both passion and death ⁄ by means of association with mortal flesh through His Mother. ⁄ We 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]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 2.

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 ix.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

Being from God, God the Logos * with ineffable wisdom * came to make Adam new who fell through food * into corruption unhappily. * From an all-holy Virgin * ineffably He took on flesh for us. * We the faithful extol Him concordantly and magnify. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Divinely blest holy Maiden, * I entrust my petitions * and all my hopes wholeheartedly to you. * Save me, O Mother of genuine life; * and make earnest entreaty * that I be filled with everlasting joy, * for with faith I extol you and longingly I magnify. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

By your appearance, O Virgin, * as the gate of divine light, * illuminate the darkness of my soul * with immaterial flashes of your light. * I entreat you, O Pure One, * to rescue me from everlasting fire, * for with faith I extol you and longingly I magnify. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

As you observe us in sickness * of the soul and the body * and bedridden with painful suffering, * O Lady, being compassionate * grant the cure and release us * from sorry troubles now besetting us, * so that we may extol you unceasingly and magnify. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Before the ages the Father * from the womb did beget Him, * the Son who dwelt within your virgin womb * and has become truly perfect man. * O all-pure Theotokos, * he gave you as a fount of gifts for us * who with faith duly worship your ineffable childbirth. [SD]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. To us was revealed.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

O my soul, magnify those three great luminaries among the Church’s Hierarchs.

Since we are your rational and veritable farm and flock, * for the sake of whom you in your life went to great pains, * behold, we assemble in one group * and we include the three of you together * and hold your sweet unity * as a reason for communal praise. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the threefold shining lights of the Church of Christ the true Light.

Against those opposing her has grace pulled out her cutting sword * which has not merely two edges but indeed has three; * a single sword founded in heaven * and furnished with three sharp cutting edges, * it champions the Divinity * that shines with threefold radiance. [SD]

O my soul, magnify those men who put in order the Church of Christ the Master.

O glorious Hierarchs, while wearing your unspotted flesh, * yet your citizenship was in heaven all the same. * Genuinely dwelling therein now, * do intercede for us who are ruling, * that we set our minds on things * above and act accordingly. [SD]

O my soul, magnify her who is greater in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven

The breadth of your mighty deeds, O Lady, has confounded me, * suffocating the discourse beneath its density. * And it paradoxally happens * that I am at a loss in front of plenty. * And therefore we glorify the Lord who magnified you so. [SD]

Another. For the Saints.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. The heavens were astounded.

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

O my soul, magnify the three holy Shepherds of the all-holy Trinity.

The virtue of the Trinity is upraised; * it has filled with its glory the universe, for unto us * it has brightly shone forth another light * of threefold splendor like its own * effulgence, the heavenly mystagogues. * Through them we who are pious * and Orthodox are guided * to contemplation of the Trinity. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the three great Luminaries from the tri-solar Godhead.

There is no second best in these sacred three. * Each is thought to be foremost in precedence and to prevail * over his corrivals of equal rank. * But rather each with joy has made * his own the success of the other two. * There is no room among them * to envy one another * and thus destroy their unanimity. [SD]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead that is three hypostases and also undivided.

Orthodoxy has brought forth her firstborn sons, * namely these holy Fathers, through whom she now is giving birth * unto her legitimate undefiled * children who are perfected by * the Spirit who spoke in them of true life. * And now she is entreating * that peace endure forever, * since she received it as their legacy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O my soul, magnify her who is more honorable than the armies of heaven.

The summit of the wise Teachers of the Church * clearly preached that your Son is the Son of the living God. * Their initiation into this truth * was by a revelation from * the eternal Father, not flesh and blood. * They taught that you, a Virgin, * were nonetheless a Mother * and Theotokos; whom they magnified. [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 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Come let us all extol now * the holy vessels of the Light * those radiant bolts of lightning * namely that Great Saint Basil, * Gregory the Theologian, * as well as John the Golden Mouth. [SD]

Another.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O unitary Godhead, * Father, Son and Holy Spirit, * at the divine intercession * of Basil, Gregory and John * and of the pure Theotokos, * may we not part from Your glory. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

O Tower fashioned of pure gold, * and City which has a twelvefold wall, * O Throne aglitter with sunshine, * magnificent Chair of the King, * incomprehensible wonder, * how did you nurse the Master? [SD]

Lauds. Mode 2.

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]

Show Stichologia

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.

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Stichera. For the Saints.

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Mode 2. Are there any worthy crowns.

Ποίοις εὐφημιῶν στέμμασιν.

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

Are there any worthy crowns of praise * so that we might lay them on the holy Teachers? * Although they were physically separate, * yet in the Spirit they were unified. * And they are the chiefs of the God-bearers: * the servants * and numeric equals of the Trinity; * they shone forth * as luminaries of the universe. * And they are the Church’s pillars;* and with crowns of glory * these three holy men have been crowned * as victors by Christ our God, * the Lord who possesses great mercy. [SD]

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

Are there any worthy songs of praise * so that we might sing them to the God-bearers? * They are known as heaven’s initiates * and renowned as preachers of sound doctrine; * unadulterated Theologians: * Saint Basil * the great expositor and hierophant; * and also * the divine herald of God, Gregory; * and also John who is famous, * for his tongue was golden. * These were glorified as is meet * by the Holy Trinity, * the Lord who possesses great mercy. [SD]

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

Are there any worthy words of praise * so that we might say them to the Hierarchs? * Peers of the Apostles are they in grace, * and equal sharers in the Spirit’s gifts. * They are the destroyers of false doctrine, * the saviors * and trusty guides in word and actual deed, * the shepherds * who by their faith have imitated Christ. * They were on earth virtual Angels * and heavenly mortals. * They were greatly honored by Christ, * the glorious King of all, * the Lord who possesses great mercy. [SD]

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

Are there any worthy crowns of praise * to lay on John whose words were golden, * with his fellows Basil and Gregory? * for they were the Spirit’s receptacles. * And they were the Faith’s strong defenders; * the pillars of the Church; believers’ firm support; * assuagement and also advocates for all who sin; * the wells effusing the water * that we draw and drink from * and are sweetened in our souls, * while earnestly praying for * forgiveness of sins and great mercy. [SD]

Glory.

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Mode 2.