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Octoechos - Mode 3.

On Saturday Morning

Menaion - February 17

Memory of the Holy Great-martyr Theodore the Tyro

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MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

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 2.

Magnificent are the accomplishments of faith! The holy Martyr Theodore greatly rejoiced as he stood in the fountain of fire as if beside the still waters. He was consumed by fire and offered like sweet bread to the Trinity. At his entreaties, O Christ God, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 2.

All surpassing every thought, all surpassing glorious, O Theotokos, are your mysteries. With your chastity sealed and your virginity preserved, still you are a mother in truth, for to the true God you gave birth. We pray you fervently entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. Then the 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. )

PRIEST

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 Octoechos - - -

For the Martyrs.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Almighty God and Lord, You made the memory * of Your victorious Martyrs so radiant; * for You equipped them with the strength to imitate Your Passion and death. * They also bravely overcame * all the forces of Belial. * Therefore they received the grace * to perform cures and miracles. * We pray You, by their earnest entreaties, * to grant Your people peace, O Compassionate One. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

Mode 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Covered with the full armor of Christ, and wearing the shield of the Faith, as combatants you brought down the armies of the enemy. In the hope that life would follow, you enthusiastically endured every threat and torture from the tyrants. That is why you received the crowns, O valiant Martyrs of Christ. [SD]

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them He magnified all His will. [SAAS]

By faith you shone forth, like most radiant lights, O Saints. You are physicians of the sick, O all-lauded medal-winners. Since your courage did not falter when faced with torture by tyrants, you brought down the blasphemies of the idols, for you bore the Cross of the truth as trophy invincible. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Virgin Theotokos, we sing hymns extolling you, through whom came humanity’s salvation. For your Son and our God, who is benevolent, accepted the Passion and the crucifixion, in the flesh that He assumed from you, and thus from destruction He rescued us. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 17. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Martyrs.

Mode 3.

Your wholehearted endurance vanquished the machinations of the enemy and author of evil, O all-lauded medal-winners. That is why you have been counted worthy of eternal blessedness. We entreat you to intercede with the Lord, that He save the flock of Christ-loving people, for You, O Martyrs, are witnesses of the truth. [SD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

When You command it, Lord, and we shall all be brought * to You on Judgment Day and judged impartially, * O Christ, may we who have believed in You not be put to shame. * Even though we all have sinned, we have not run away from You. * Therefore we implore You to grant repose where the saints now dwell * to those whom You have taken, O Savior, * for You are singularly merciful. [GOASD]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Our bitter fall to death involved a tree of old. * Now we are raised again through Your all-holy tree. * For You have killed the force of death, O Savior, by the tree of Your cross. * You became the well of life everlasting for everyone. * We implore You grant this life to the departed who had faith in You, * and give to these Your servants Your kingdom, * O Master, who are singularly merciful. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O all-immaculate, all-blameless Virgin pure, * receive your supplicants who have reposed in faith * and by the will of God have passed away from the turbulent * storm of life; and usher them to the throne of our Judge and God, * earnestly entreating Him to release them and pardon them. * For since you are the Mother of our Maker, * you are able to accomplish whatever you wish. [GOASD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Once you had taken the Faith of Christ into your heart like a suit of armor, you trampled the hostile forces underfoot, having contended much, and you were crowned with heavenly laurels forever, as one invincible. [SD]

Oikos.

We gladly in faith extol You, who are carried on a throne of light. For You have given us a divine gift, Theodore, who was brave in the contests and thrice-blessed in his life, as being a champion of the truth. Having a pious frame of mind, he obtained You, O Christ; and against the deceiver he proved to be a mighty victor, as one invincible. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On February 17 we commemorate the holy Great-martyr Theodore the Tyro.

On this day we also commemorate St. Mariamne, sister of St. Phillip the Apostle.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Afxivios.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Theostiriktos and also the finding of the relics of St. Menas the most eloquent.

On this day we also commemorate the Emperors Marcian and Pulcheria. The services in their honor were held in the Great Church.

The holy new martyr Theodore the Byzantine, who witnessed in Mytilene in the year 1795, died by hanging.

By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * 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 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]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Σὲ τὴν ἀπειρόγαμον.

With unceasing hymns of praise we glorify and magnify you, * the unwedded Mother of the Most High God; * by a word you gave birth to the true God inexplicably, * and you are higher than the immaculate angelic hosts. [SD]

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. 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]

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. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

You now provide abundantly * healings and cures as gifts of grace * to everyone who entreats you, * Saint Theodore, medal-winner. * And since you speak with confidence * whenever you address the Lord, * you come to the assistance * and rescue of those who pray you * with ardent faith, O all-blessed one. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

O Lady, pure and undefiled, * you carried in your arms the Lord * who with His pure hand established * all things and by it controls them. * O blessed Maiden, pray to Him * to rescue me out of the hand * of that most beguiling dragon * who shamelessly convulses my poor heart * with soul-destroying pleasures. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For the Martyr.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

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

Let us, O feast-lovers, all now observe a sumptuous feast * on this joyous occasion, the festival of the Martyr, * and faithfully rejoice as we honor the bright * holy feast-day of his demise. * Let us extol the Lord Jesus with sacred songs, * for He glorified his memory. [SD]

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

Let us, O feast-lovers, all now observe a sumptuous feast * on this joyous occasion, the festival of the Martyr, * and faithfully rejoice as we honor the bright * holy feast-day of his demise. * Let us extol the Lord Jesus with sacred songs, * for He glorified his memory. [SD]

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

O faithful, let us unite now and using one voice extol * that valiant heavy-armed soldier of the heavenly army, * St. Theodore, the strong hoplite of our faith, singing mystical odes to him, * “Martyr of Jesus, you are worthy of our awe. * Will you pray for us who honor you.” [SD]

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

By your great feats as a martyr, you did amass in yourself * the holy wealth and brilliance of the Orthodox doctrine. * You gave all your might as an acceptable gift * unto God, O Saint Theodore. And in your contests you truly fulfilled your name, * for it also means a gift to God. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

O wise Martyr Theodore, Christ has glorified your memory and made you famous in the world, a gift of holiness and a treasure of divine life, in accord with your name. And we the faithful, with one accord, rejoice as we extol the contests of your martyrdom. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

Theotokos, you are the true vine that produced the fruit of life. Lady, we fervently entreat you to intercede along with the Martyr and all the saints, that our souls be treated mercifully. [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 2.

Magnificent are the accomplishments of faith! The holy Martyr Theodore greatly rejoiced as he stood in the fountain of fire as if beside the still waters. He was consumed by fire and offered like sweet bread to the Trinity. At his entreaties, O Christ God, save our souls. [SD]