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Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday of the First Week Morning

Menaion - March 20

Memory of our Devout Fathers who were killed in the Monastery of St. Savas

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

Verse 1: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 3: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 4: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, bring more evils on them, on the glorious of the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Horologion - - -

Triadic Hymns

Mode pl. 4.

With hearts in heaven, let us emulate the Angels, and in fear let us bow before the impartial Judge, as we shout the triumphal praise: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring not to look at You, the Cherubim in flight jubilantly cry out the inspired melody of the Thrice-holy Hymn. We sinners join them and also sing: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Bent down by our many offenses, we dare not gaze at Your height. Rather we bow our soul along with our body, and we shout the hymn of the Angels to You: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 4.

When the Robber saw the Author of life hanging on the Cross, he said, “If He who is crucified with us were not God incarnate, the sun would not have hid its rays, nor would the earth have quaked and trembled. I pray You who endure everything, remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.” [SD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

Between the two robbers, Your Cross was a balance of justice. One was weighed down to hell by the weight of his blasphemy, the other floated up from his sins to the knowledge of theology. O Christ God, glory to You. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

When the Ewe-lamb beheld hanging on the Cross * the Redeemer and Shepherd and Lamb of God, * she wept and she wailed with grief, * and she bitterly cried aloud, * “Now the world is receiving its redemption, and it leaps for joy; * whereas I see You crucified, and my heart burns inside of me. * In your tender mercy You endure crucifixion, * O God most benevolent, and long-suffering Lord of all.” Now with faith we pray to her, * “O Virgin, show compassion to us, * and forgiveness of offenses grant to us * who with faith duly honor your Son’s holy suffering.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 2. (not metered)

Through your Passion, loving Lord, ⁄ you have given all men freedom from passions, ⁄ putting to death the passions of my flesh by your Cross. ⁄ Count me worthy, then, to see your divine Passion: ⁄ that having been well-pleasing to your glory in the fast, ⁄⁄ I may receive your great and abundant mercy! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2. (not metered)

Beholding you, O Christ, stretched dead upon the tree, ⁄ your virgin Mother cried out with bitter tears: ⁄ My Son, what is this fearful mystery? ⁄ How do you give eternal life to all, ⁄⁄ and yet suffer willingly a shameful death upon the Cross? [OCA]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 1. Then the 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 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

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2. (not metered)

Lord, you have consecrated and given us this light-giving season of abstinence, ⁄ enable us all to pass through it in compunction and sincerity, ⁄ living in peace by the power of the Cross, ⁄⁄ only Lover of mankind! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2. (not metered)

Guarded by the precious Cross of your Son, ⁄ pure Lady and Theotokos, ⁄ we easily turn away all the assaults of the enemy! ⁄ Therefore we rightly call you blessed, ⁄⁄ for you are the Mother of Light and the only hope of our souls! [OCA]

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]

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 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.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἆσμα ἀναπέμψωμεν.

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified.

All you people, come and let us sing unto our God most wonderful, * who rescued Israel and freed it from its bondage, * an anthem of victory, singing to Him and saying, * “We shall sing to You, our only Master.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Christ, I desire to extol in hymns that God-inspired multitude of Your sacred Martyrs. Grant me the light of knowledge from Heaven by their entreaties so that I may sing a divinely resounding song. [un]

Verse: The Lord reigns forever and ever and ever. For Pharaoh’s horses went with his chariots and horsemen into the sea. [SAAS]

Verse: But the children of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. [SAAS]

O God-bearing Martyrs, you governed your members and senses with the law of the Spirit. You became sanctified temples of God. O wise Fathers, Christ dwelt in you. [un]

Glory.

O Saints, you forsook corruptible bliss on earth. You disdained as a dream the delightful things of life. You chose the Kingdom of Christ, which cannot be shaken. You now revel in joy there. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, you were shown to be the mystical ladder seen by Jacob, the elect of God. He who is without flesh ineffably came forth from you. He changelessly became flesh from you in a manner past all telling. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

Verse: Holy are You, O Lord, and my spirit praises You.

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Saints, you completely consecrated the whole of your spotless lives to the All-seeing God. You offered yourselves as divine whole-burnt offerings and received a perfect crown. [un]

Verse: My heart is strengthened in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God. I smile at my enemies; I rejoice in Your salvation. [SAAS]

O Saints, you completely consecrated the whole of your spotless lives to the All-seeing God. You offered yourselves as divine whole-burnt offerings and received a perfect crown. [un]

Verse: Because no one is holy like the Lord, no one is righteous like our God, no one is holy but You. [SAAS]

You were longing. for separation from tumult as genuine disciples of the God-bearing Sabbas. You walked the afflicted way without turning back. You attained to life that has no end. [un]

Verse: Do not boast nor speak of high things; let no arrogance come from your mouth. [SAAS]

O righteous ones, you cultivated the seed of the Word sown in you. You watered it abundantly with the streams of your tears. You bare fruit and offered to God the ear of wheat that brought forth a hundredfold. [un]

Verse: For the Lord is the God of knowledge; and God is preparing His actions. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Lord, You dwelt bodily in the Virgin. You were seen by men as it was meet for You to be seen. O only Friend of man, You have shown her to be the true Theotokos and the help of the faithful. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

He weakened the bow of mighty men, and those who are weak are girded with strength. [SAAS]

Those who were full of bread were made empty, and the hungry have forsaken the land. The barren woman has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble.

The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Hades and raises up.

The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low and lifts up.

He raises the poor from the earth. He lifts the needy from the dung heap, to set them among princely people and make them inherit a throne of glory. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 2. N/M (The gentile church.)

Ἐξήνθησεν ἡ ἔρημος.

Verse: The One who gives a prayer to the one praying, He blesses with righteous years. [SAAS]

Let us crucify our members through abstinence; ⁄ and as it is written, let us be vigilant in prayer, ⁄ living after the example of him who suffered; ⁄ by his Passion, putting to death the passions. [OCA]

Verse: The Lord makes His adversaries weak; the Lord is holy. [SAAS]

Rejecting the bitter food of sin, ⁄ let us seek to please Christ, ⁄ who of his own will tasted gall ⁄ and by the Cross cast down the author of evil. [OCA]

Verse: Let not the man of learning boast in his understanding, nor let the man of might boast in his might, nor let the man of riches boast in his riches. [SAAS]

Sin has become a habit for me, ⁄ and it drags me down to complete perdition. ⁄ But by your Cross deliver me from my sinfulness, ⁄ compassionate Lord of many mercies! [OCA]

Verse: Only let the one who boasts boast in this: to understand and to know the Lord and to do justice and righteousness in the midst of the earth. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Lady who bore the Master, ⁄ Queen of all creation, ⁄ set me free from bondage to the deceitful enemy! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

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

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

Verse: The Lord went up into the heaven and thundered. The Lord judges the ends of the earth. [SAAS]

From the tree of the Cross ⁄ the flower of abstinence grows for all the world. ⁄ Then let us accept the fast with love, ⁄ and take pleasure in the fruit of Christ’s divine commandments. [OCA]

Verse: He gives strength to our leaders, and He will exalt the horn of His Christ. [SAAS]

Abstaining from the passions, ⁄ let us crucify our flesh for the sake of the Lord: ⁄ by our life in Christ, ⁄ let us all show that the pride of the flesh is dead. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify three persons in one nature, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ the one power of the Godhead, ⁄ one kingdom over all and one brightness! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your childbearing, pure Lady, fills our hearts with fear, ⁄ for it is God who has become man, ⁄ beyond time, begotten from the Father, ⁄ and in the last days brought forth by you through a virgin birth. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I praise your crucifixion, O Christ, ⁄ and the piercing of your divine side, ⁄ from which each day I draw an immortal drink ⁄ and am sanctified. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

Establish us in Yourself, O Lord; ⁄ the wood of the Cross put sin to death, ⁄ and implanted the fear of You in our hearts ⁄ as we sing praises to You. [OCA]

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.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O you godly ascetics, you slew the fiery movements and uprisings of the passions by your abstinence and fasting. You followed the footsteps of God, Who alone devised all things that were made. You offered yourselves as sacred, acceptable sacrifices. You were beaten and were put to death, cut asunder with violence, at the hands of the barbarians. [un]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

O Virgin, by the blessed Cross of your Son and God, we are protected at all times. We boldly drive off the assaults of the demons and their machinations. All we the generations with fervent love extol you, the Mother of God, in very truth, as is due. O spotless Maiden, we call you blessed, as you foretold. Therefore grant forgiveness of sins to us by your prayers. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπέβης ἐφʼ ἵππους.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You mounted Your horses, namely Your holy Apostles, O Lord, * and You guided them, holding their reins in Your hands. * And thus Your chariot became salvation for us all, * who are faithfully singing * unto You: Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The enemy beheld the invincible Martyrs enduring patiently in a waterless desert They were excelling in manifold virtues. The enemy was evilly inflamed, being filled with envy. He turned upon their arrays. [un]

Verse: The Lord God is my strength; He will direct my feet to the end. [SAAS]

The wily dragon rooted error in his own disciples. He aroused the tribes of the barbarians to mutual slaughter. He strove through them to drive the righteous from the wilderness. [un]

Verse: He will set me upon high places, so to conquer by His song. [SAAS]

The adversary of the just wildly encompassed the environs, desiring, but unable, to put to flight the invincible ones. He marched against them visibly, though he was conquered invisibly. [un]

Glory.

The author of evil attacked with his spearmen, for he filled with poison and madness. He assailed the blessed men like a beast and with incurable wounds spilled pools of blood. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

You are the adornment of the Apostles and the stronghold of the holy Martyrs, O Virgin and Mother. You are the boast of the righteous and the preservation of those who faithfully sing: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Savior, initiated and instructed by You in the ordinance of perfect love, the righteous laid down their lives for their friends. They imitated Your voluntary sacrifice on behalf of man. [un]

Verse: The dead shall rise up; and those in the tombs shall arise. Those in the earth shall be glad. [SAAS]

O Savior, initiated and instructed by You in the ordinance of perfect love, the righteous laid down their lives for their friends. They imitated Your voluntary sacrifice on behalf of man. [un]

Verse: For your dew is a healing for them, but the land of the ungodly shall come to an end. [SAAS]

O Christ, Your command proved stronger than death. It surpassed the nature born of the will of the flesh by far. The godly-minded chose to die gloriously for their friends by submitting to Your law. [un]

Glory.

O righteous Fathers, you were sprinkled in soul with the spiritual hyssop by means of Baptism. You were again sprinkled with your own blood. You were tried like gold in a prison of fire. You were offered unto Christ as a sweet-smelling sacrifice. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-pure one, because you have maternal boldness with your Son, we pray that you do not overlook your care for us as your kinsmen. You alone do we Christians offer as a gracious conciliation unto the Master. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Πρὸς τὸν δυνάμενον σῴζειν.

Verse: Save us, O Lord, like You saved the Prophet Jonah.

From the pit of sins I cried to the Lord, who can save me; and He lifted my life from destruction, for He is benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The servants of Christ did not cower before the tyrants’ threats. They had already made their life a continual meditation on death. [un]

Verse: Those who follow vanity and lies forsake their own mercy. [SAAS]

The servants of Christ did not cower before the tyrants’ threats. They had already made their life a continual meditation on death. [un]

Verse: As much as I vowed, I shall offer up to You, to You, the Lord of Deliverance. [SAAS]

The impious desired to become rich. They mercilessly tormented those non-possessors who had cast aside corruptible things and laid hold on the incorruptible. [un]

Glory.

The athletes of Christ were clothed with invincible strength. They defeated the wanton pride of the noetic adversary and of the barbarians. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, the reigning Lord descended upon you as upon a swift cloud, so that He might destroy the hand-wrought idols of Egypt. [un]

Heirmos.

From the pit of sins I cried to the Lord, who can save me; and He lifted my life from destruction, for He is benevolent. [SD]

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.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 4.

O holy Martyrs, you became unwavering travelers on the narrow and hard way. For you endured the storm of temptations, and you adopted the way of life of the bodiless ministers. You proved to be the rock of patience and foundations of true belief. Intercede with Christ God on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 20 we commemorate the holy fathers who were murdered by the Bedouins in the Monastery of St. Savas the Sanctified.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father and confessor Niketas, Bishop of Apollonia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy seven women martyrs in Amisos: Alexandria, Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliana, Euphimia, and Theodosia.

On this day the holy martyr Rodian died by the sword.

On this day St. Aquila the Eparch died by the sword.

On this day St. Lollion reposed after being beaten with fists.

On this day St. Emmanuel died by the sword.

The holy new martyr Myron the Cretan, who witnessed on Crete in the year 1793, died by hanging.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

Verse: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Both warlike bodies of adversaries, the visible and the invisible, were dumbstruck. They beheld the Martyrs in their tortures singing the hymn: Blessed is the God of our Fathers. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You on the throne of Your kingdom, and You are praised and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

O Christ our Redeemer, God of our Fathers, those who were espoused to You were wounded with the love of You, Who are in truth the only Beloved. Those who fled to You for refuge counted kin and fatherland and wealth as nought. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, for You are praised and glorified unto the ages. [SAAS]

O Christ, the barbarians’ thirst for blood could not drive away Your lovers of divine worship in the wilderness. They did not fear them that destroy the body, since they held fast to Your commandments as an unshakeable foundation. [un]

Glory.

O Christ, they transferred all their desire from the world unto You. Armed with anger against sin alone, Your servants became well pleasing unto You, O Lord, by employing this all-wise purpose. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O you who walk in the light of the Lord, come, let us praise the divine gate of the King of kings, the immaculate Mary. She is truly the Mother of God and the hope of our souls. [un]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

Verse: O you works, to the Lord sing a hymn, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.

The ungodly will not see Your glory, O Christ. * Rather we in the morning rise early and we sing Your praise, * only-begotten Son, the reflection of the Father’s glory, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

As they rivalled the heavenly orders, the peers of the Angels chanted in night-long vigils: O all you works, bless Christ unto the ages. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

O Master, you took up the Cross. The Martyrs followed after You with their whole soul, chanting: O all you works, bless Christ unto the ages. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, you heavens of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

The all-blessed Fathers were crushed with rods and enduring showers of stones. They clung to virtue, crying out: O you works, praise Christ unto the ages. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you waters above the heaven, all you powers of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

The blessed men were cleansed in body and soul and spirit by every means. They sang unto Christ: O all you works, bless Him unto all the ages. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, you sun and moon, you stars of heaven, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

The blessed men were cleansed in body and soul and spirit by every means. They sang unto Christ: O all you works, bless Him unto all the ages. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

Bless the Lord, every shower and dew, all you winds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Bless the Lord, you fire and heat, you winter cold and summer heat, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you dews and snows, you frost and cold, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you hoarfrosts and snows, you lightning and clouds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you light and darkness, you night and day, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you earth, you mountains and hills, and all you things growing on the earth, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you springs, you seas and rivers, you sea-monsters and everything that moves in the waters, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (N/M)

Κάμινός ποτε.

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you birds of heaven, all you wild animals and cattle, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

The furnace of the passions consumes my soul; ⁄ but quench its flames with the dew of your mercy. ⁄ For in your loving self-abasement, Benefactor, ⁄ at your crucifixion, ⁄ you made a fountain of dispassion to flow from your pure side. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O children of men. Bless the Lord, O Israel, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Lifted upon your Cross, O Christ, ⁄ you have raised up us who were fallen into evil. ⁄ I have slipped into the pit of sin: ⁄ bring me out and set me firmly on the rock of salvation, ⁄ that I may glorify your power! [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O priests of the Lord, O servants of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Through the lance that pierced your side, O Christ, ⁄ you have cleansed my heart from the corruption of the passions. ⁄ I have been wounded by the poisonous bite of the serpent. ⁄ Heal me in every part, ⁄ and make me walk unwavering upon the paths of God. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, O holy ones and humble in heart, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

We all honor you, undefiled Virgin, ⁄ as the shining lamp and candlestick ⁄ in which the fire of the Godhead came to dwell, ⁄ bringing light to those held fast in the dark night of corruption, ⁄ and we bless your childbearing, blessed among women! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. N/M (Within the bush.)

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Let us praise him who was crucified upon the tree between two thieves, ⁄ and whose life-giving side was pierced by a lance: ⁄ let us bless and exalt him above all forever! [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

You judge all the earth ⁄ yet you stood before the judgment seat of Pilate! ⁄ You were struck on the cheek, mocked, and hung upon the Cross, ⁄ delivering me forever from the corruption of the ancient sin. [OCA]

Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

For the Trinity.

One Godhead, one in Trinity, ⁄ undivided in nature yet divided in persons, ⁄ power that shall never be destroyed, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ we sing your praises forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure Mother of God, ⁄ gate of heaven and door of salvation, ⁄ accept the prayer of all Christians who call you blessed forever! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Cross of Christ, you brought the thief to faith, ⁄ and me to the season of the fast: ⁄ count me worthy to venerate you at the feast that is to come, ⁄ and to be filled with life. [OCA]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Let us praise him, who of old in the burning bush ⁄ prefigured the miracle of the Virgin to Moses on Sinai: ⁄ let us bless and exalt him above all forever! [OCA]

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. [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]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

The heavens were astounded because of this, * and the ends of the earth were astonished, because God himself * bodily appeared to the human race, * O Theotokos, coming forth * from your virgin womb, which indeed became * more spacious than the heavens. * And therefore by the orders * of men and angels you are magnified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The athletes trained themselves in diverse struggles and had overcome the devices of the ruler of the world. The athletes put the madness of the barbarians to shame with courage and godliness. They patiently endured their assaults. Therefore they have also received twofold crowns from the just Judge of the contest. [un]

Verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. [RSV]

O blessed Fathers, you passed your lives in asceticism in dens and caves. You were shut up in a lightless cavern with a narrow opening. You were reddened with your blood and choked in burning heat with the smoky fumes of the smouldering fire. You proved to be victors who carried off the trophy. [un]

Verse: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. [RSV]

We praise the conflicts wherein you wondrously strove against sin and vigorously withstood as glorious soldiers of Christ. For you magnificently overcame. Now you stand with the orders of the Saints. Remember us before the All-highest. [un]

Verse: As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us. [RSV]

You are filled with the triply-shining brightness in the Heavens together with Sabbas your father and instructor as his genuine sons. Intercede for us, your fellow disciples and the singers of your praise, so that peace may be granted to all the churches and salvation to our souls. [un]

Verse: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. [RSV]

Theotokion.

O Artificer, You who were born of a Virgin, cast down the haughty brow and arrogance of our enemies and the counsels of those of evil belief. Being God, Make steadfast and unshakeable the assembly of the faithful. Exalt our horn and make us strong in faith, so that we all may magnify You. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. N/M (To us was revealed.)

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

Verse: The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, be[ing] delivered from the hand of our enemies. [RSV]

The fast shines upon us all more brightly than the sun, ⁄ bringing us the light of grace, ⁄ proclaiming the good news of the Cross, ⁄ of the precious Passion, and the saving day of resurrection. [OCA]

Verse: [That we] might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. [RSV]

Let us love chastity and flee from fornication! ⁄ Let us gird our loins with temperance ⁄ that we may appear in purity before the Savior of our souls, ⁄ who alone is pure and desires the purification of us all. [OCA]

Verse: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. [RSV]

Nail my flesh with the fear of you, O Christ, ⁄ who nailed the sin of adam to the Cross. ⁄ Loose me from the bonds of wickedness, ⁄ shatter the arrows of the evil one with your lance, Master, ⁄ and deliver me from all his mischief. [OCA]

Verse: To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. [RSV]

Theotokion.

Virgin Maiden who bore Christ the Lord, ⁄ the just Judge who alone is ever ready to forgive, ⁄ deliver me from the condemnation, ⁄ from the fire and torment that I deserve to suffer ⁄ because of my delight in sin. [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (N/M)

Τὴν ἁγνὴν καὶ ἄχραντον.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

How great is your compassion! ⁄ For you endured the Cross, the nails and the lance, O Lord, ⁄ for my sake, who am condemned to corruption. ⁄ Therefore I sing your praises, O Christ. [OCA]

Verse: To guide our feet into the way of peace. [RSV]

With all your people we worship your life-giving Passion, ⁄ the Cross, the reed, the nails and the lance, ⁄ praising you in our songs, O Christ. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three coequal persons, ⁄ undivided Trinity, sovereign nature: ⁄ Father, Son and divine Spirit, save us all. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, ⁄ mercy-seat of the world! ⁄ As we ever run to you for refuge, ⁄ we sinners gain reconciliation with God. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through your Cross, loving Lord, you gave me strength: ⁄ grant that I may complete the time of the fast with good courage! [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὴν ἁγνὴν καὶ ἄχραντον.

Pure and undefiled Virgin Mother, ⁄ in faith and true devotion ⁄ we magnify you in song as the Theotokos! [OCA]

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. [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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

You are the light, O Christ. In yourself illumine me, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. 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. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

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. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the 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 of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; 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. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Come, let us battle thoughts of passion through fasting, ⁄ shielding ourselves with spiritual wings ⁄ so that we may endure the enemy’s storm with ease! ⁄ That we may be worthy of adoring the Cross ⁄ of the Son of God who was voluntarily slain for the world, ⁄ that we may spiritually celebrate the Savior’s resurrection from the dead! ⁄ Ascending the mountain with the disciples, ⁄ we will glorify the one who received all authority from the Father, ⁄⁄ the Son and Lover of mankind! [OCA]

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

Invincible martyrs of Christ, ⁄ you defeated deceit with the power of the Cross ⁄ and received the grace of eternal life! ⁄ The threats of your torturers, you did not fear! ⁄ You were glad of being wounded by them, ⁄ and now your blood is the healing of our souls! ⁄⁄ pray that our souls may be saved! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

“What is this spectacle that I see with my own eyes, O my Son * who created the universe? * You who hold creation all * in Your hand have been crucified! * You who give life to all living things have died!” * So did the Mother of God cry out and say, * as she was watching You * being lifted on the Cross, who had shone forth * from her womb ineffably, being both God and man. [SD]

PRIEST

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

Standing in your glorious church, O Theotokos, we think we are standing in heaven. O heavenly Gate, open to us the door of your mercy.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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.

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

Blessed is Christ our God, the One who is, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church (or, Monastery); grant our departed fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and benevolent.

We now make three prostrations: i.e. we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (quietly or mentally), and with each verse we make a bow or prostration.

While it has become customary for this prayer to be recited by someone aloud, nevertheless the indicated practice is that it be recited inaudibly and mentally by everyone, clergy and congregants alike, with the accompanying bows etc.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me.

Instead, grant me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we make the sign of the cross 12 times, each time saying, “God, be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy on me.” Then we repeat the third verse of the Prayer (quietly or mentally) and make a final bow or prostration.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.