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Triodion

Mode pl. 4. On Friday Morning

On Friday of the First Week Morning

Menaion - March 22

Memory of the Holy Hieromartyr Basil

__________

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 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

A tree once blossomed death in the middle of Eden. * The tree in the middle of the earth has produced life. * Tasting from the former, * we the incorrupt became corruptible, * whereas with the latter * we have delighted in incorruptibility. * For Christ our God has saved the human race * by means of His divine Cross. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Of old the tree in the garden stripped us naked, * and by its taste did the enemy bring in death. * Now the tree of the Cross, which for all mankind is bearing * the garment of life, was planted upon the earth, * and therefore is all the world filled with every joy. * As we see it exalted now, let us, O peoples, cry aloud * together unto God in faith: * Full of glory is Your house, O Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

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

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O noble Lady, as you watched your Son, who was incarnated from your blood, and whom you bore incomprehensibly, hanging on a cross between two criminals, your heart ached, and you grieved maternally and cried out, “Alas, O my Child! What is this divine and ineffable plan of Yours, by which You brought Your creature back to life! I extol Your compassion.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. 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.

By your divine cross you have put to death the passions of my flesh; ⁄ by your passion you have given all men freedom from passions! ⁄ Count me worthy also, Lord, to see your holy resurrection, ⁄⁄ that I may receive your great and abundant mercy! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

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]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 15. 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

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 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.

You are the source and fountain of purity, ⁄ merciful Lord; ⁄ preserve us in the fast. ⁄ Behold us as we fall before you: ⁄ look upon the lifting up of our hands, ⁄ for you stretched out your hands upon the tree ⁄ and were crucified for the sake of all the earth-born ⁄⁄ only Lord of the angelic powers! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Beholding you, Christ, stretched dead upon the tree, ⁄ your virgin mother cried out with bitter tears: ⁄ my Son, what is this fearful mystery? ⁄ How do you suffer willingly a shameful death upon the cross ⁄⁄ when you give eternal life to all? [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 Saint.

Ode i. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ὡς ἐν ἠπείρῳ πεζεύσας.

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

When they had walked through the Red Sea as over land, * the people of Israel watched as Pharaoh and his host * in pursuit were drowned. Then Moses said, * “Let us sing a song of victory to God our Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O King of All, the renowned Basil loved Your kingly glory. He contended staunchly on earth. Count us worthy of the Kingdom of the Heavens through him. [un]

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

O glorious Basil, your praiseworthy life, your pure polity, and the practice of your struggles made you an heir of God. They made you a citizen of the Heavens. [un]

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

O most wise Martyr Basil, you submitted yourself to the Lord by a virtuous way of life. You brought the enemy into subjection, You crushed him under your feet. You splendidly triumphed over him. [un]

Glory.

O wise Basil, you truly drowned the noetic Pharaoh and his whole army with the flood of your blood, and have ascended to the land where the cloud of athletes rejoice always, O wise Basil. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, the Only-begotten, who has His being with the Father, willed to make His abode in your immaculate womb. He became a mortal, wishing in His goodness to save mortals. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.

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

No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O thrice-blessed Basil, you were lifted on a stock like a lamb. You endured mutilation with a pure mind. You dashed down the enemy’s swollen pride by the might of the divine Spirit. [un]

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

O Martyr, you were seen to be exceedingly fair in both soul and body with the beauty of your wounds. You sent up songs of thanksgiving with a pure mind to the Judge of your contest. [un]

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

O wise Martyr, you sought with greatness of spirit after very great renown. You endured very great struggles. You brought low him that ever vaunts himself greatly. [un]

Glory.

O godly minded Basil, you were a keeper of the divine commandments. You were kept shut up in prisons, while opening up for the faithful the way of doctrine that leads to the breadth of knowledge. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, Isaiah knew from afar your conception by the Spirit. He loudly declared it, crying out: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive God in her womb. [un]

Heirmos.

No one is holy like the Lord, * no one righteous like our God. * Being good, You exalted Your believers’ horn of strength, * firmly establishing us * on the rock of confession of faith in You. [SD]

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

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 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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The famous Martyr Basil longed for the Kingdom of God. He suffered the burning fire of bitter torments and stripes as well as an unjust death. He was found worthy of true immortality. Therefore, as we assemble now, with faith let us bless him. He prays and entreats the Lord that we might all be saved. [un]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

O Mother of Christ our God, blameless and pure Virgin, a sword pierced your spotless and all-holy soul, when you saw your Son and God willingly enduring crucifixion, O Maiden. O most blessed Lady, do not cease to ask Him to grant us forgiveness of our failings and many sins. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Χριστός μου δύναμις.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

The holy Church of God exclaims befittingly, * “Christ is God and my Lord, and He is my strength.” * She is celebrating in the Lord and sings to Him * from a mind that has been purified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, the impious one beheld your divine face flashing with the splendor of the Spirit. He was astonished. As a minister of darkness, he raved senselessly. [un]

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

With divine strength, you made foolish the wise among the pagans. You were made fair with a higher wisdom. When you had mightily competed, you received the crown of victory. [un]

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

O Basil, you were stretched out on every side and disjointed. The Logos strengthened you. The Logos is He that was stretched out on the Cross and by His Passion has granted dispassion to the faithful. [un]

Glory.

The sacred Basil exclaimed: I do not sacrifice to demons. I fear neither death nor any kind of torments. I confess one God, who is known in Trinity. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, I praise you, who are greatly praised. O Virgin, I bless you, through whom all of us mortals have become blessed and have truly been redeemed from the ancient curse. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τῷ θείῳ φέγγει σου.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

With Your divine light illumine souls, * who with yearning early in the morning rise to You, O good Lord, I pray, * so that they may know You, Word of God, as truly God, * who calls them back from darkness and from the night of sin. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, you were bowed down under the weight of the iron which you had chosen to bear as the very light yoke of the Lord. You bowed down the enemy and braggart who lifted up his head against the Creator. [un]

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

O Martyr, you were bowed down under the weight of the iron which you had chosen to bear as the very light yoke of the Lord. You bowed down the enemy and braggart who lifted up his head against the Creator. [un]

Verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth. [SAAS]

O Martyr Basil, you were gladly wrapped about with iron bonds. You went about from place to place. You were adorned by them as with a necklace. You delighted the Judge of your contest. [un]

Verse: O Lord, Your arm is exalted, but they did not know it. But when they know it, they shall be ashamed. [SAAS]

O glorious Martyr Basil, you truly dyed yourself a royal robe with the streams of your blood. You were arrayed in a crown of victory. You reign in joy as a king with Christ. [un]

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

Theotokion.

Let us honor in song the only Theotokos. She is higher than the Cherubim and more exalted than the heavens. She is above all creation. She is the fortress of the Martyrs. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

O Lord our God, grant us peace, for You render everything to us. [SAAS]

O Lord our God, possess us; O Lord, we know no other besides You; we name Your name.

The dead will not see life; neither will physicians raise them. Therefore You brought evils upon them and destroyed them, and took away every male of theirs.

Because of Your fear, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, and we have given birth. We brought forth the spirit of Your salvation on the earth. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

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

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Verse: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, on the glorious of the earth [SAAS]

Seeing the sinfulness that is in me, ⁄ the deceitful enemy urges me on to sin and works with me: ⁄ for he truly rejoices over my perdition. ⁄ But I entreat you, Savior, ⁄ grant me amendment of life that I may destroy him! [OCA]

Verse: O Lord, I remembered You in my hard circumstances. Your chastening to us was a small affliction. [SAAS]

By your cross you have triumphed over the powers of darkness. ⁄ Deliver me from their wickedness, ⁄ for I am fallen into a depth of sin and a pit of iniquity; ⁄ but by your mercy, I hope to be saved. [OCA]

Verse: As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so we became Your beloved. [SAAS]

You hung dead upon the cross: ⁄ restore life to my soul, deadened through sin, O Christ, ⁄ count me worthy to attain your holy resurrection tn peace, ⁄ obediently fulfilling your commandments. [OCA]

Verse: We shall not fall but the inhabitants of the world shall fall. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Pure Maiden, you are a light to me in my infirmity ⁄ and the salvation of my darkened soul; ⁄ save me, O save me, for I perish! ⁄ Clothe me, corrupted by my grievous sins, ⁄ in a garment of incorruption! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 2. N/M (With the night being over.)

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

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

You only are immortal, ⁄ yet accepted to be crucified in the flesh ⁄ at the place of the skull, O Lord, ⁄ giving men immortality and fashioning them anew. [OCA]

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

When the creation saw the outrage of your passion, Lord, ⁄ it was wholly changed, lamenting the murder by your own people. ⁄ But you patiently endured these things to save the whole world! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

All-holy Trinity, we worship you: ⁄ you are our refuge and our strength. ⁄ We sing your praises in unity of nature: ⁄ send down on us the forgiveness of our sins. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, Maiden of many names: ⁄ tabernacle, vessel of manna and table, ⁄ candlestick that bears the light; ⁄ the burning bush, and the mountain overshadowed by God! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Saying farewell to the world and all that is in it, ⁄ let us now be crucified with Christ; ⁄ let us endure outrage, mockery and other sufferings, ⁄ that we may be glorified in him. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: ⁄ your light has shone upon the world! ⁄ Therefore the ranks of angels sing your praises, ⁄ and they glorify you, O Lord! [OCA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Τοῦ βίου τὴν θάλασσαν.

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

I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O great and glorious Martyr, you were exalted in your contests, and you dashed down the foe. O admirable Basil, at the close of your contest you went to God, wearing a crown of victory. [un]

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

O great and glorious Martyr, you were exalted in your contests, and you dashed down the foe. O admirable Basil, at the close of your contest you went to God, wearing a crown of victory. [un]

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

O wise Martyr, you imitated Him who stretched out His hands on the Cross for your sake. You were lifted up on a stock. You manfully endured mutilation. You wounded error by your wounds. [un]

Glory.

O glorious Basil, you were bound for Christ. And you bound the fleshless adversaries. You were released from the flesh. You have utterly undone all their villainy by grace divine. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-hymned Virgin, I extol you, whom the hosts of heavenly orders extol. I beg you, O spotless one, heal the passions of my soul, and deliver me from eternal fire. [un]

Heirmos.

I see when my life becomes rough and stormy like the sea; * temptations feel like turbulence. * So I turn to the safe harbor of Your Church, * and calmly I pray to You: * Raise my life from corruption, very merciful Lord. [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

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 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.

When they had deadened burning impulses and movements * of sinful passions by their self-control and virtue, * then the Martyrs of Christ were given the divine grace * of driving away the illnesses of the sick * and working wonders, alive and after their death. * Paradoxical miracle it is indeed, that naked bones * should pour out cures abundantly. * Glory be to our only God. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 22 we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Basil, Presbyter of the Church of Ancyra.

On this day we also commemorate the holy women martyrs, Kallinike and Vasilissa, who died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate St. Drosis, daughter of the emperor Trajan, and the five consecrated virgins with her.

The holy new devout martyr Efthymios, who contested in Constantinople in the year 1814, died by the sword.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Δροσοβόλον μὲν τὴν κάμινον.

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

In the furnace the Lord’s Angel saved the pious men, * blowing through it a dew-laden breeze, * while Chaldean men were completely burned, at God’s command, * persuading the tyrant to confess * and cry aloud, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise Basil, you were a partaker of the unwaning day. You passed through the darkness of torments, shining with the light of divine grace and crying: Blessed are You, 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 godly-minded athlete, your heart was established on the rock of divine knowledge. It was not shaken with the winds of temptations. You cried to the Redeemer of all: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [un]

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

O glorious fool, having been made a fool, the tyrant commanded that you be flayed. Although he beheld you enduring as if you were without flesh, he in no way had the understanding to cry: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [un]

Glory.

O wise Basil, you shone out like gold when you were burned in the furnace of torments. You became an impress of the divine sufferings. You cried: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, you perceived that your virginity had remained inviolate after childbearing. You cried to the Savior and God, who was born of you beyond understanding: Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers. [un]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.

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

From the flame You refreshed pious Servants as with dew * and with water consumed the righteous Prophet’s sacrifice. * You accomplish all, O Christ, simply by willing it. * We exalt You beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O victorious Martyr, with all your might towards the Divine, you reckoned the pains of the body as a dream. Therefore, you have gladly passed over to that blessed life that knows no pain. [un]

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

O thrice-blessed Basil, you were strengthened by the love of the almighty God. You unwaveringly endured the mutilation of your body. In the streams of your blood, you drown the enemy who is mighty in evil. [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]

Let the great Basil be extolled with hymns. He is the royal adornment of the Church of Christ, who portrayed in himself the Savior’s Passion. He is a steadfast Martyr, the stronghold of the faithful. [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]

O Martyr, after your death, it was granted you to find supernal glory and unsetting light, the Kingdom of the Heavens, an unfading crown, ineffable joy, and a life that is without sorrow. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O all-holy Virgin most graced of God, the race of man has been deemed worthy of salvation through you. For you alone have conceived the Savior for our sakes. We supremely exalt Him to 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 (When God went down.)

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

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]

In your compassion you humbled yourself, and were lifted on the cross, ⁄ raising up with yourself ⁄ the one who had fallen of old through eating from the tree. ⁄ Therefore you are glorified, Lord, alone greatest in love, ⁄ and we sing your praises for ever! [OCA]

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

I have fallen into the heavy sleep of sin through heedlessness, ⁄ but, my Christ, who for my sake fell asleep on the cross, ⁄ awaken me, that the night of death not come on me. [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]

Blinded by sensual pleasures, ⁄ I bear within me a darkened soul, ⁄ and the crafty enemy laughs when he sees me. ⁄ But give me light, O Christ, and deliver me forever from his malice. [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.

I have wasted my life in carelessness, ⁄ and my soul is heavy with the drowsiness of sin. ⁄ I fly to your unsleeping intercession, all-pure Virgin: ⁄ do not let me slumber in the sleep of death! [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]

Crowned with thorns, O Christ, and clothed in a scarlet robe, ⁄ you shone with glory, ⁄ surpassing in beauty ail the sons of men. [OCA]

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

You drank gall and vinegar, ⁄ and from your divine side ⁄ poured a double stream of life and incorruption ⁄ to those who praise and glorify you in faith forever. [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.

O 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, the sceptre of Christ and strength of the church, ⁄ the victory of kings and guardian of Christians! ⁄ You are my light, and my boast forever. [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. 2.

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

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

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. Heirmos.

Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.

It is impossible for God to be seen * by people; and angelic orders dare not to look at Him. * But the Word incarnate has been seen by mankind, through you, O all-pure Virgin. * Now magnifying Him, * joining the celestial hosts, all generations call you blest. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-blessed Basil, you were released from the flesh. You were counted worthy to see the delightful splendors of the Saints. You were united to the angelic hosts, always singing with them: Holy, Holy, Holy, O almighty Trinity, who accomplishes all things. [un]

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

O all-blessed Basil, as a light, as a great sun seen in the firmament of Christ’s Church, you always illuminate with the bright rays of your contests and divine beams of miracles the souls of all who sing your praise. [un]

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

O victorious Athlete, with help from God you have gloriously made yourself fair with the beauty of your contests. You now stand near Christ the most fair. You wear a crown of righteousness. Therefore, we the faithful honor you in gladness. [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]

O blessed Basil, the earth was sanctified at the divine burial of your sacred and divine body. The spirits of the righteous leapt for joy, because they have your spirit in their midst. With them remember all of us who remember you. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, awe-inspiring is the manner of your childbirth! For it was God incarnate who was born. O venerable Mother, perpetual Virgin, ask Him that all who honor you with undoubting faith may be delivered from terrible punishment. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. N/M (Lady, from your virginal belly.)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

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]

Hateful thoughts have covered my soul with leprosy: ⁄ cleanse it, word of God, with the sprinkling of your blood. ⁄ Christ, for my sake you have suffered shameful crucifixion: ⁄ make me a partaker in your glory. [OCA]

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

I am bowed down to the earth, O Christ, ⁄ by the burden of my sinful deeds, ⁄ and in dark discouragement I cry to you, lover of mankind: ⁄ by your precious blood heal the incurable wounds of my soul ⁄ that I may sing the praises of your divinity. [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]

I have made iniquity my food and heedlessness my drink, ⁄ and I continue without any change. ⁄ I take pleasure in abstaining from food to no purpose, ⁄ for such is not the fast the Lord has chosen. [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.

You have destroyed the sentence of condemnation ⁄ passed upon mankind of old; ⁄ you are the restoration of our first mother eve, ⁄ the cause of our reconciliation to God, our bridge to the creator! ⁄ We magnify you, Theotokos! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

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]

The creation quaked when you were crucified upon the tree! ⁄ As God, in your tender mercy ⁄ you have suffered in the flesh for our salvation. [OCA]

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

Great is the might of your cross, Lord, ⁄ for signing ourselves with it ⁄ we drive away at once the power of the demons. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity of three co-equal persons, ⁄ undivided Trinity, sovereign nature, ⁄ Father, Son and divine Spirit, save us all. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

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

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By the divine power of your cross, Lord, ⁄ give me the strength to offer to you ⁄ this time of pure and blameless fasting. [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

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 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.

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.

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.

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

As all creation was witnessing * You, Savior, crucified, * it was struck with astonishment. * It reacted violently, * and the earth quaked, unable to bear * that You should suffer unjustly, O good Lord. * Also, Your pure Virgin Mother cried aloud * tearfully, “Woe is me! * O my sweetest Son, what is this that I see? * What is this sensational and shocking spectacle?” [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.

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.

( Amen. )

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.