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Today we sing the service of the Holy Forty Martyrs (March 9) in advance, because this year their memory falls on the Saturday of the Souls.

Books - Sources

Menaion - March 9

Memory of the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia

Horologion

Service of the Small Paraklesis

__________

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 holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be compelled by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, O only benevolent God. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

The holy martyrs suffered painful tortures for Your sake, O Lord; be compelled by what they endured, and heal our every pain, we entreat You, O only benevolent God. [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.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

In the Church’s firmament * you shine most brightly * evermore, like superstars * and luminaries that you are, * and you illumine believers all, * O holy Forty Great-martyrs of Christ our God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

We your servants flee to you * for help and shelter, * and we pray that you accept * our supplication, O all-pure * and holy Virgin. Cease not to pray * and intercede with your Son, that He save our souls. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

With a courageous frame of mind, wondrous Martyrs, * you undertook Your testimony as Christians, * and you went through both fire and water, as the Psalmist said. * You were led into that wide place of rest and salvation, * receiving the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven. * O holy Forty Martyrs, being there, * pray to the Savior, * entreating on our behalf. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

That we may gratefully whole-heartedly praise you, * O Theotokos, and entreat you in earnest, * All-holy Virgin, grant your tender mercies to us, * your unworthy servants who now cry out to you saying: * Quickly come and rescue us * from all threatening danger * and from our enemies, both seen and unseen. * For you are truly * our helper in time of need. [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let the favorite ornament of the martyred saints, * this divinely recruited, divinely crowned platoon * of the Forty Martyrs now be extolled with hymns. * Truly wise, these men were tested by icy cold and fire, * and they were shown to be soldiers * of Christ the almighty Ruler. * And they intercede that we be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

I implore you to show forth your promptness to provide * your protection and help and your mercy unto me, * O pure Maid, and calm the waves of unruly thoughts, * and resurrect the fallen soul of me your servant, I entreat, * O all-holy Theotokos. * I know, I know, O Virgin, * that you can do whatever you wish. [SD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

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 65.

We went through fire and water, and You led us into a refreshing place. (2)

Verse: You, O God, tested us; You tried us in the fire, as silver is purified by fire.

We went through fire and water, and You led us into a refreshing place. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

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 the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever 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.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Lk. 21:12-19

The Lord said to his disciples, “Beware of men who will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” [RSV]

CHOIR

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 Martyrs, 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 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]

In the Psalms, David prophetically said, “We went through fire and water, and You led us into a refreshing place.” And you, O Martyrs of Christ, fulfilled this saying in very deed. For you went through fire and water, and you entered the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, O Forty Athletes, intercede on our behalf, that great mercy be granted to us. [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 all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by 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, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; 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; and the holy and glorious Great Forty Martyrs of Sebastia, 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, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

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

Δεῦτε λαοί.

I praise the divinely-crowned regiment of the martyrs of Christ ⁄ with hymns inspired by God, ⁄ radiantly celebrating the annual commemoration of the forty, ⁄ for He has been glorified! [OCA]

The forty desired the title of Christian ⁄ and rejected every title on earth. ⁄ Therefore, now they dwell in the highest! [OCA]

Glory.

You lived in Christ and despised the world and the flesh. ⁄ You put off the old man and this temporal garment, ⁄ clothing yourselves in the garment of incorruption. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who is able fittingly to describe your ineffable conceiving? ⁄ You gave birth in the flesh, all pure one, ⁄ to God, the Savior of us all, ⁄ who has revealed Himself to us! [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [GOASD]

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Establish us in You.)

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

They despised life and the army, ⁄ the beauty of their bodies and their wealth. ⁄ The truly glorious forty martyrs inherited Christ in place of all these! [OCA]

When the forty martyrs were beaten by stones without mercy, ⁄ through the Spirit of God they turned back on their tormentors! [OCA]

Glory.

The serpent of the one who invented blasphemy ⁄ spoke through the lips of the tormentors, ⁄ but his mouth, opposed to God, ⁄ was broken by the rocks hurled against the martyrs! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You conceived God in your womb without seed, ⁄ giving birth to Him who was ineffably incarnate. ⁄ Even the hosts of Heaven dare not look on Him, pure Ever-Virgin! [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

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

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Having served Christ as warriors in martyrdom ⁄ and casting down the enemy through your suffering, ⁄ by your deeds you fulfilled the words of the prophet: ⁄ You courageously went through fire and water, ⁄ finding refreshment and life incorruptible! ⁄ Therefore you are adorned with heavenly crowns ⁄ and rejoice with the bodiless choirs, blessed and all-praised passion-bearers. ⁄ Entreat Christ God that He may grant remission of sins ⁄⁄ to those who honor your holy memory with love! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

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

I have fallen into the subtle snares set for me ⁄ by enemies, visible and invisible. ⁄ I am caught in the tempest of my countless offenses. ⁄ I flee to the harbor of your goodness, ⁄ for you are my fervent help and protection, pure one. ⁄ Therefore, all-pure one, earnestly pray on behalf of your servants ⁄ to Him Who was incarnate of you without seed. ⁄ All-pure Theotokos, ever entreat Him to grant remission of sins ⁄⁄ to those who fittingly sing hymns to your glory! [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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

The sufferers said to the tormentors: ⁄ Most sinful ones, you vainly offer a bad bargain! [OCA]

The tormentors offered the saints of Christ ⁄ sharpened swords, wild beasts, the Cross and fire! [OCA]

Glory.

The fire of Gehenna is frightful to us, ⁄ but we are not afraid of any fellow servants! said the athletes. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

We beseech you, all-pure One who conceived God without seed: ⁄ ever pray for your servants! [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Lord, the provider of light.)

Ὁ τοῦ φωτὸς χορηγός.

Through the insane savagery of the tormentors, ⁄ the athletes were condemned to spend the night in the cold and open air. ⁄ They chanted a hymn of thanksgiving to God! [OCA]

The forty martyrs rejoiced to endure the painful ice, ⁄ standing on the lake. ⁄ Yet they were strengthened by the hope of divine crowns. [OCA]

Glory.

The serpent who before had made his nest in the waters ⁄ was driven out and became an object of scorn ⁄ for the forty martyrs of Christ. ⁄ He was deprived of his deadly strength! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

We cry aloud to you, for you gave birth to Christ, the Creator of all: ⁄ Rejoice, pure one! ⁄ Rejoice, for you have shone the Light on us! ⁄ Rejoice, for you contained the infinite God! [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [GOASD]

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Like a deep sea, my sins.)

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

The author of enmity snatched the one who fell away from the forty with joy ⁄ just as he took the wretched Judas from the twelve apostles ⁄ and Adam from Eden. [OCA]

The shameless devil rages in vain, ⁄ for as of old by the good thief and Matthias, ⁄ so now a guard tears the tyrant apart! [OCA]

Glory.

The man who missed both lives is empty minded and lamentable, ⁄ for when he was thawed by the fire, ⁄ he departed into the fire unquenchable. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Virgin, you gave birth without knowing a man ⁄ and you remain ever Virgin, ⁄ revealing images of your Son and God, the true Deity! [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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 ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 2. When You had fulfilled.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν.

When you had forsaken every worldly battalion, then you joined yourselves unto the Master in heaven, as the Lord’s forty-numbered contenders who won the prize. Inasmuch as you have gone through fire and through water, O blessed ones, you worthily received * heavenly glory from on high, and manifold crowns. [SD]

Oikos.

O Christ the Ruler over all, our Creator and God, the One who is carried on an insufferable throne, who stretched out the heavens like a curtain, established the earth, and gathered the water into its places, who brought all things from nothingness into being, and who gives breath and life to all, who receives priase from the Archangels, and is glorified by Angels and worshipped by all: I the unworthy come before You and bring my prayer, asking for the grace of speech, so that I may piously extol the holy Martyrs, whom You showed to be victorious, and to whom You have given * heavenly glory from on high, and manifold crowns. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 8, we commemorate our devout father Theophylactos the Confessor, Bishop of Nikomedia.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul of Plousias, the Confessor.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Hermes, whom the Apostle Paul mentions in his Epistle to the Romans.

On this day the holy Martyr Dion died by the sword.

On this day devout Saint Dometios died in peace.

On this day we celebrate the memory of the holy and great Forty Martyrs, who witnessed in the city of Sebastia.

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (The image of gold.)

Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς.

The guard set over the forty martyrs was struck with awe ⁄ as he beheld their crowns. ⁄ He rejected the things that bound him to life. ⁄ He took wing with the love of Your manifest glory ⁄ and together with the martyrs he sang: ⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

The one who loved his life died as he hastened to the soul-destroying bath. ⁄ The one who loved Christ most perfectly understood what he saw. ⁄ Together with the martyrs, as in an incorruptible bath, he sang: ⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

When the spiritual fire burned in the minds of the forty, ⁄ the subtle madness of the impious was consumed as melting wax. ⁄ Together they sang to you, O Christ: ⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Moses foresaw you, pure one, as a burning bush, ⁄ which was not consumed, yet bore the unbearable radiance of ineffable Being. ⁄ He is One of the holy Persons who has united Himself to our flesh! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Godly-minded three * did not adore created things in the Creator’s stead; * rather, disdaining the threat * of fire, they trampled it, and joyfully they sang: * “O supremely praised * and most exalted Lord and God * of the fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (When God went down.)

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

Cruelly inciting every creature against the athletes, ⁄ the enemy has been put to shame by them all! ⁄ The forty martyrs ever praise the Lord ⁄ and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

The members of your bodies were viciously crushed for Christ. ⁄ You were offered to God as a divine holocaust. ⁄ You ever join the choir of angels, martyrs, ⁄ singing hymns to Christ throughout all ages! [OCA]

Glory.

Make your journey and run straight to everlasting life, my Son, ⁄ the Christ-loving mother cried to her Christ-loving child. ⁄ For I could not bear to see you appear in second place ⁄ before Christ, the Judge of the contest! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Son who is not parted from the bosom of the Father, ⁄ made his dwelling in your maternal womb, pure Virgin Bride of God. ⁄ We hymn and highly exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 2. When You had fulfilled.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν.

Oikos.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 9, we commemorate the holy and great Forty Martyrs, who witnessed in the city of Sebastia.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyr Urpasian.

On this day we also commemorate Saint Kesarios, brother of Saint Gregory the Theologian.

On this day the holy Martyrs, a Grandfather, Grandmother, Father, Mother, and two Children, died by the sword.

From the Triodion.

Our most godly Fathers ordered that on this day we remember all those who have ever reposed with correct faith and with the hope of the resurrection of life eternal.

Verses

Remember not the sins of the dead, O Logos,

letting not appear dead Your kind compassion.

O Master Christ, assign the souls of those who have already reposed to the dwellings of the Righteous, and have mercy on us, as the only Immortal One. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Theotokos

Ode i. Mode 4.

Ode iii.

Ode iv.

Ode v.

Ode vi.

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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. [GOASD]

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 for the Martyrs.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Being from God.)

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

You were stripped naked and stoned for the sake of Christ. ⁄ You endured the wintry air, icy water and the crushing of your limbs. ⁄ You were consumed by fire, forty martyrs. ⁄ You shine like beacons in the rushing river! [OCA]

They acquired the Cross as a staff of divine power ⁄ and the forty athletes cried out to Christ: ⁄ Master, almighty Conqueror, ⁄ crown us with Your own hand, ⁄ that we may unceasingly magnify You with hymns! [OCA]

Glory.

You endured the pain of ice the boundless cruelty of cold. ⁄ But Paradise is sweet! ⁄ The bosom of the patriarch Abraham warms you in the eternal mansions! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The hosts of angels entreat your Son, Virgin Bride and Mother. ⁄ Accept our prayers, for you alone re the hope of the faithful. ⁄ Grant peace to the world and victory and salvation to us who love you! [OCA]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.