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Triodion

On Saturday of the First Week Morning

St. Theodore the Recruit and the Kolyva Miracle.

Menaion - March 23

Memory St. Nikon and his 199 Disciples

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 2.

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

Glory. Repeat.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 2.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 2.

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints, the God of Israel. [SAAS]

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

By your strong faith as martyrs you have become * ever radiant torches for all the world, * for you placed your every hope * in the Lord, who enabled you; * you kept your souls, like lamps, lit * with the spiritual oil * of the all-holy Spirit, * O Martyrs extolled by all. * Therefore you are also known as spiritual wine bowls * that serve up as beverages * cures and healings to all mankind, * O victorious martyr saints. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

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]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

We have you as a fortress and a port and an acceptable intercessor with God, whom you bore, O unwedded Theotokos, the salvation of the faithful. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 3. Your confession.

Θείας πίστεως.

As you boiled hot with Orthodoxy, * you extinguished heresy’s delusion * and arrested idolatry’s godlessness. * You became a whole-burnt offering unto God, * and you refresh the whole world with your miracles. * Pray to Christ our God, O glorious Martyr, fervently, * entreating Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Glory.

Mode 3. Your confession.

Θείας πίστεως.

The Lord, who strengthened you when in the contests, * gave you to the world for our salvation, * as a divine gift, which is what your name denotes. * You heal the illness and passions that plague our souls * and ward off physical trauma and suffering. * Martyr Theodore, to Christ our God pray fervently, * entreating Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

You carried in your womb the uncontainable God, * the hypostatic Word and consubstantial Son, * who pre-eternally shone forth from the Father without flux or change. * Virgin all-immaculate, now entreat Him on our behalf, * bringing with you all the saints, Prophets, Martyrs, and Monastics all, * Ascetics and the Righteous, and pray Him * to grant us forgiveness of offenses. [SD]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

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

The Red Sea was crossed by ancient Israel. They walked across dry ground, * when Moses stretched his hand over the sea * with his rod, in the form of a cross; * and likewise in the wilderness, they put to flight the hosts of Amalek. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Nikon, you overcame the deviser of evils in ascetical wrestlings. You were crowned with beauty as a victorious athlete. Now you stand in the presence of God and pray for us who honor you, [un]

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified. Horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. [SAAS]

Verse: The Lord became my helper and the shield of my salvation; He is my God, and I will glorify Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. [SAAS]

O blessed one, you were made strong with the might of Him that has given strength to our infirmity. You first triumphed in wars. Then, when you became a victor, you hastened to the Baptism of Christ. [un]

Verse: The Lord brings wars to nothing; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and army He cast into the sea. [SAAS]

O wise Nikon, the most blessed company of your disciples was adorned with martyrdom. They were made to shine beforehand in asceticism. In twofold wrestlings they wove twofold crowns. [un]

Verse: The sea covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Lord, the portal of Your condescension towards us gave birth beyond nature to You, the God-man, twofold in nature. You are mystically called Orient, Sun and Light. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 4. (NM)

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

Verse: The princes of Edom and the chiefs of the Moabites were dismayed; trembling took hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away. [SAAS]

He who transcends all things has set thee higher than all His elect, for thou hast given birth to Him ineffably. Therefore today, O Virgin worthy of all glory, we bring before thee the victorious martyr, crowned by thy Son, and we sing his praises. [KW]

Verse: Fear and dread fell upon them; by the greatness of Your arm, let them become as stone. [SAAS]

I shall sing the praises of Theodore, great among martyrs, the spiritual athlete, illustrious and renowned, famed for his miracles from one end of the earth to the other. [KW]

Verse: Till Your people pass over, O Lord, till Your people pass over, whom You purchased. [SAAS]

A day of gladness has dawned in this season of mourning, and with its light it has dispersed the gloom. Through the grace of the holy martyr, it heralds from afar the coming feast of the Resurrection. [KW]

Verse: The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands established. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Out of season, yet with spiritual beauty, we keep festival in this time of fasting. For, making all things beautiful, the Queen shares now in the memorial of the martyr, who braved danger and shed his blood for her. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode pl. 2.

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

O Christ our God, truly wonderful in Thy saints, fill my heart with wonder at Thy mercy, and give me words that I may praise the wonders of Thy martyr. [KW]

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

Victorious martyr of Christ, thou wast steadfast in suffering and unflinching in pain; and now be swift, O Theodore, in coming to our help. [KW]

Glory.

In his wickedness the tyrant rejected the true faith of his fathers, and he devised an unholy plot, setting himself at enmity with the Lord. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The prophecies spoken by God through holy men of old have received a clear fulfillment in thee, Mother and Virgin: for by a birth fearful and surpassing nature thou hast borne the true and living God. [KW]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

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

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr of Christ, you girded yourself for spiritual warfare. You armed a divine host for the struggles of contest. [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 Martyr of Christ, you girded yourself for spiritual warfare. You armed a divine host for the struggles of contest. [un]

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

O most glorious Nikon, you previously crucified the flesh in asceticism. You were diligent to turn back the demons’ troops in defeat with the scourges of martyric contests. [un]

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

O Nikon, you departed from the East like a star, and you reached the West. You set in your dying and arose to Christ. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Master, a company of Martyrs portrayed in themselves Your slaughter. They recognized You as the One who sprang forth from a Maiden who did not know wedlock. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 4. O Mother of God. (N/M)

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

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

The people of Christ, O Lady, long to see the day of thy Son; and in preparation they celebrate this present feast, honouring thee and thy victorious martyr. [KW]

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

The greatest among martyrs has turned the sadness of this present season into joy, granting us relief from the strictness of the holy Fast. [KW]

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]

Fitting and appropriate is the gift which thou dost grant us through thy prayers, O martyr; for thou callest us to dwell with thee in Paradise, and joyfully we offer thee our gifts of praise. [KW]

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.

The whole earth, O Virgin, is filled with the knowledge of the Lord who came forth into the world from thee; and great is the grace of the divine martyrs who have confirmed the truth through their lives. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 2. No one is holy.

Οὔκ ἐστιν ἅγιος.

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

Of old the devil whispered craftily into the ears of Eve, through her beguiling Adam with deceit; and now he has again poured out the deceitful poison of his wickedness. [KW]

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

The lawless enemy was seized with fury when he saw our first father and mother in the joy of Paradise; deceitfully he sought an opportunity to show his hatred against them. [KW]

Glory.

We have entered now upon the beginning of the holy Fast, when every Christian purifies himself by great abstinence. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Most holy Virgin, firm hope of the world, our protection and defence, in thy goodness neglect not the prayer of thy servants, who with loving hearts at all times call thee blessed. [KW]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Mother of God, in thy womb.

Putting on the whole armour of God, thou hast overthrown the false idols and caused the angels to glorify thy sufferings. Thy mind on fire with love of God, bravely thou hast scorned death in the flames. Rightly art thou named ‘Gift of God’, for to all who ask thou dost grant divine gifts and the grace of healing. O victorious martyr Theodore, intercede with Christ our God, that we who celebrate thy holy memory with love may receive remission of our sins. [KW]

Glory. Another.

Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Mother of God, in thy womb.

Thou wast not weakened by the flattery of Maximin; but, endued with courage by the words of Christ, thou hast reduced to ashes the temple of the idols. Thou hast bravely overcome the adversary, passing, as the Psalmist says, through the fire as though it had been water. Therefore, as a just reward for all thy sufferings, thou hast become a source of healing for those who pray to thee with faith.O victorious martyr Theodore, intercede with Christ our God, that we who celebrate thy holy memory with love may receive remission of our sins.

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Mother of God, in thy womb.

Thou art the undefiled Bride of the Creator, the Virgin Mother of the Redeemer, the Tabernacle of the Most High. I am the shameful dwelling-place of sin, and in full knowledge have become the play thing of the demons. 0 hasten to deliver me from their wickedness, making me through virtue a temple of glory. O pure Receiver of the Light, drive away the dark cloud of the passions, and bestow on me the brightness from on high, the pure radiance of thy light that knows no evening. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Church beheld You raised on the Cross unjustly, * O Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, crucified for our sake, * she stood in her course, like the moon, * and fittingly cried aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O praiseworthy Martyr Nikon, you delighted in the divine emissions of light. You passed unharmed through the floods of torments. You have worthily received the crown of victory. [un]

Verse: Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was greatly astonished. [SAAS]

O praiseworthy Martyr Nikon, you delighted in the divine emissions of light. You passed unharmed through the floods of torments. You have worthily received the crown of victory. [un]

Verse: When my soul is troubled, You will in wrath remember mercy. [SAAS]

You were distinguished in illustrious acts of courage. You first contended as an ascetic. You mortified the passions of the body. Then by contest, you turned back the hordes of the demons. [un]

Verse: God will come from Teman, the Holy One from the mount of shaded leafy trees. [SAAS]

O godly-minded Martyrs, you ranged yourselves against the enemy with the weapon of true religion. By dying you received undying glory, while chanting: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

Verse: His excellence covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Virgin Mother, the Creator loved you. You are higher than all creation. He showed you forth as His Mother, whom the companies of the athletes fittingly entreat. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode 4. (NM) He who sits in glory.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Verse: For though the fig tree will not bear fruit and there be no grapes on the vines. [SAAS]

O strange and marvellous union and intermingling! At His birth the God-Man has united virginity with childbearing; and, honouring His martyr, He unites a day of gladness with these days of mourning. [KW]

Verse: The labor of the olive tree fail and the fields yield no food. [SAAS]

See how Christ’s soldier loved his Master! For in his zeal he consumed the enemies of Christ with fire, and as his final feat eagerly he offered himself as an acceptable sacrifice to his Lord. [KW]

Verse: Though the sheep have no pasture and there be no oxen in the cribs. [SAAS]

Triumphant in sufferings, in speech scornful of torture, the noble martyr of Christ astonished and confounded his onlookers; and he became a strange and marvellous spectacle to the whole creation. [KW]

Verse: Yet I will glory in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Savior. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Dying with the Master, the servants of life are raised with Him from the dead, and now live with Him eternally.Together with the Son, they glorify the Mother, blessing Father, Son and Holy Spirit. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Χριστός μου δύναμις.

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

Dreadful was the plot devised by the ungodly ruler: for in his wretchedness he planned to defile the people of Christ with unclean food. [KW]

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

This unlawful design he put into effect, giving orders that all clean food should be taken away, and replaced with food that he had polluted with the blood from pagan sacrifices. [KW]

Glory.

His wicked act became known to all the Christians; and when they learned of it, they gathered in the holy temple of the Lord. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Christ, begotten of the Father before all ages, as our intercessor with faith we bring before Thee the Mother that gave Thee birth. Hearken to her prayers and be gracious to Thy servants. [KW]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

He who sits in holy glory * on the throne of divinity, * Jesus our most high God, * on a swift and light cloud has come to us, * and by the might of His undefiled hand has saved * those who cry to Him: Glory to Your strength, O Christ. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

My Lord, You are the light. * Holy light, to the world You came * to turn people from the darkness * and the night of not knowing. And now in faith we sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Nikon, obedient to your mother’s divine admonitions, you had the power of the Cross in battles. You were initiated into more excellent things. [un]

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

O Nikon, obedient to your mother’s divine admonitions, you had the power of the Cross in battles. You were initiated into more excellent things. [un]

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

O godly-minded and all-venerable Father, your life was ablaze with the light of virtues. It has your contest as a most majestic adornment. [un]

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

Obedient to the laws of the Sovereign Godhead, the Martyrs triumphed. They put the lawless to flight with the help of a divine alliance. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, you gave birth for our sakes unto the timeless Light, Who is the Father’s Effulgence. He became subject to time in the riches of His goodness. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 4. (NM)

Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.

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

Today the forecourt of grace is opened, and this present time of relief prefigures the coming feast of the Resurrection. With its radiance and joy it honours the Queen of Light and the glorious martyr. [KW]

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

On those who love the Epiphany of His beloved Son, God bestows a glorious gift -- Theodore, performer of miracles, worker of acts of divine power. [KW]

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]

O enemy of man’s salvation, useless are thy shafts and arrows against the martyr. Though put to death, he is alive and ever-watchful; and, opposing all thine evil works, he preserves every Orthodox Christian. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

Strange was the miracle that came to pass in God’s Handmaiden! Confirmed by the sufferings of the victorious martyrs, it is accepted with undoubting faith by all of us, and it remains for ever the cause of man’s wonder and his worship. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode pl. 2. (NM) I entreat Thee, gracious Lord

Τῷ θείῳ φέγγει σου.

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

With amazement the Archbishop learned of the plan of the ungodly emperor; and celebrating an all-night vigil, he prayed to God not to abandon utterly the people of His inheritance. [KW]

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

In truth God comes swiftly to the aid of all that invoke Him with sincere and fervent prayer; and He did not neglect them, but quickly gave them a solution in their trouble. [KW]

Glory.

With all speed a helper from on high was sent to earth, the victorious martyr Theodore: he appeared in a dream to the Chief Shepherd and told him how to defeat the purpose of the lawless ruler. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

No one who runs fervently to thee for help, O Lady, is ever put to shame: but his prayer is answered more quickly than it is made, and the gift for which he asks is granted, in the way that best will help him. [KW]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O godly-minded Nikon, like a very bright sun you set out from the East. You led the choir of your disciples like stars. You enlightened the West with your rays. [un]

Verse: I cried out in my affliction to the Lord, my God, and He heard my voice. [SAAS]

O godly-minded Nikon, like a very bright sun you set out from the East. You led the choir of your disciples like stars. You enlightened the West with your rays. [un]

Verse: You cast me into the depths of the heart of the sea, and rivers encompassed me. [SAAS]

O Martyr, you washed away seas of polytheism with the drops of your blood. In the ocean of your struggles, you drowned the terrible and utterly evil author of wickedness. [un]

Verse: All Your surging waters and Your waves passed over me. [SAAS]

O God-inspired victorious Athletes, you bloomed as lilies in the meadow of the virtues. Like sweet-smelling roses, you make our hearts fragrant with the beauty of your martyrdom. [un]

Verse: Shall I again look with favor toward Your holy temple? [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Lady, knowing you to be a temple and living palace of God, the chorus of victorious martyrs entreats you. You alone have taken away reproach from women. [un]

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 4. (NM)

Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.

Verse: Water is poured over me to my soul; the lowest depth encircled me. [SAAS]

The friends and children of Thy bridal chamber cannot fast, O Saviour, since they have Thee the Bridegroom in their midst, together with Thy Mother and Theodore Thy friend; they welcome Thee as guest, and minister to Thee. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

The emperor of evil memory fell away from the God of salvation; he fell away from wisdom; and, lapsing into madness, he rebelled against the faith. But his designs were defeated by the illustrious martyr of Christ. [KW]

Verse: Yet let my life ascend from corruption, O Lord, my God. [SAAS]

Through his sufferings the martyr became more wise, through his actions more courageous; resisting tyrants, he gained the victory, and even after death he did not cease from his feats. [KW]

Verse: My head plunged into the clefts of the mountains. I descended into the earth, the bars of which are everlasting barriers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

This day, O Lady, through thy watchful care we have been delivered from soul-destroying peril by the miracle of thy victorious martyr, and we give thanks alike to him and thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Τοῦ βίου τὴν θάλασσαν.

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

Amazed by the strange vision in which thou hast appeared to him, the Archbishop said: ‘Who art thou, my lord, that speakest to me? Show me how to find help quickly.’ [KW]

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

Theodore replied: ‘I am the martyr. Listen to rn.e. Boil wheat, and distribute it among the people, and ye shall thus be saved from the polluted food of the avenger.’ [KW]

Glory.

Great is the wonder thou hast performed, Theodore, and marvellous is thy help. Taking courage, then, with undivided heart we turn to thee for refuge, and we pray: save thy servants. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

At the good pleasure of the Father, and through the descent of the Holy Spirit upon thee, thou wast made the dwelling-place of the Light, the pure tabernacle of the Word: guide me with thy light. [KW]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

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

Oikos.

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

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 23 we commemorate the holy Martyr Nicon and the 199 Martyrs who were his disciples.

On this day Saint Dometios died by the sword.

The holy New Monastic Martyr Luke witnessed in Mytilene in the year 1802 and died by hanging.

From the Triodion.

On this day, Saturday of the first week of Lent, we celebrate the marvelous wonder involving Kolyva by the holy and glorious Great-martyr Theodore the Recruit.

Verses

With Kollyva the Tyro feeds the City

And makes ineffectual the food that was defiled.

By his holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

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

Inside the furnace * in ancient Persia, sons of Abraham * were consumed with pious fear and the love of God * rather than the fiery flame, and sang * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O godly-minded Nikon, you were tried more than gold with tortures. You were manifested as a tower of virtue. You fended off the forays of the demons. You cried out: Blessed are You in the temple of Your glory, O Lord. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name unto the ages. [SAAS]

Verse: For You are righteous in all You did for us, and all Your works are true. Your ways are upright, and all Your judgments are true. [SAAS]

O Martyr, after your end, your body, which had been secretly cast away, sent forth divine beams of healings. It drove away the harm of the demon, which made you known under constraint by the Divine Spirit and Creator. [un]

Verse: The judgments You made are true, according to all You brought on us. [SAAS]

O glorious and all-blessed Nikon, you were entirely sweetened with divine inclinations. You surrendered your body to tortures with fortitude. You longed to stand crowned before the Almighty in the Heavens. [un]

Verse: And on Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O Maiden, without altering your virginity at all, the Logos of the Father dwelt in you. He drew to Himself a celebrated choir of Martyrs who proclaimed you to be the pure Mother of God. [un]

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode vii. Mode 4. (NM)

Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.

Verse: Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers, for You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

O just Master, Thou hast said that Thy righteous servants are not bound by the Law. So Thine own Mother and Thy servant Theodore, worker of many miracles, with the joy of -their memorial release us today from the laws of fasting. [KW]

Verse: Blessed is Your name and the temple of your glory, and You are praised exceedingly and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

How glad, how great and joyful is this present feast, which the greatest and most glorious of the martyrs has established for us, through a single wonder keeping the people of Christ pure from defilement. [KW]

Verse: You are blessed in the holy temple of Your glory, and are highly praised and exceedingly glorious unto the ages. [SAAS]

With songs of triumph and garlands of praise let us honour the holy martyr, for he withstood the evil serpent and prevailed against the enemy that destroys our soul and does mischief to our body. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are You who behold the depths and sit upon the cherubim. You are praiseworthy and exalted beyond measure unto the ages [SAAS]

Theotokion.

The ancestor of all mankind, though forewarned, did not avoid the food that brings destruction to the soul. But thy faithful people, O Lady, instructed by thy martyr, turned away from the food of death; and with him they offer thee a sacrifice of thanksgiving for their salvation. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Δροσοβόλον μὲν τὴν κάμινον.

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

Thou hast come, O glorious saint, as a cloud quenching with its moisture the flames of despair, and thou hast preserved from the furnace of the tyrant all the faithful who cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. [KW]

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

O lawless king, in shame let thy lips be sealed, which devised a wicked plot against us: for thy strength has been destroyed by the King of Kings and Lord of all. [KW]

Glory.

Foolish Julian, thy heart was altogether filled with evil arid worked deceitfully against us; but our wise God gave us healing remedies to save us from thy poison, for He grants His grace to those that call upon Him. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thy conceiving is beyond all words, O undefiled Virgin, and thy childbearing beyond all understanding: for thou hast given birth in the flesh to God who saves all men from corruption. Therefore, blessed Theotokos, we glorify thee. [KW]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

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

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Nikon, you vigilantly bore the torch of your heart. You were fueled with streams of tears and the blood of contest. You abide now in the bridal chamber not built by hands, as you cry: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [un]

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

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]

O righteous Nikon, you were shown to be an adornment of ascetics and of athletes. You were approved among both. Over the only enemy you raised trophies that astonish the mind, while shouting: O all you works, praise the Lord. [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 righteous Father, you watered souls with your blood. You roused them to divine zeal. With the marks of the sword, you wounded the array of the demons. You confirmed in yourself the truth of your name and cried out: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [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 immaculate and all-hymned Virgin, break into pieces the heavy yoke of my falls into sin. At your conceiving you reversed the fall of Adam. Guide me with your light to cry with a pure mind: O all you works of the Lord, bless the Lord. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 4. (NM) O all-powerful Deliverer of all.

Λυτρωτὰ τοῦ παντός.

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]

By thy childbearing thou hast filled heaven and earth with joy; and now, in this dark season, thou givest us a moment of gladness, keeping festival in honour of the triumphant martyr. [KW]

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

Brethren, let us keep the Sabbath today, resting from our labours of the past week: for at the beginning God blessed this day by resting on it from His labours, and now He has blessed it also with the solemn feast of the martyr. [KW]

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

Truly this is the first among Sabbaths, the Sabbath of Sabbaths; it is filled with the grace of the martyr and the power of God, for we celebrate the memorial of a great deliverance. [KW]

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.

The voluntary death of the martyrs confirms the mystery brought to pass in thee, O Maiden. For they put their trust in God incarnate, who of His own will accepted suffering, and bravely they offered themselves in sacrifice. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Ἐκ φλογὸς τοῖς Ὁσίοις.

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

Thou wast delivered from the flames by divine power, O martyr Theodore, and now by thy holy protection thou hast saved us from the wicked devices of the transgressor. [KW]

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

Thy servants wept and lamented in the evening, because of the evil snare of the apostate. But joy shone forth in the morning through thy fervent aid, O martyr patient in suffering. [KW]

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]

When fallen into danger, we find in thee a deliverer to save us from the devices of the enemy, O Theodore, victorious martyr of Christ, and we glorify thee for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The mind of man is powerless to express the mystery of thy childbearing, O pure Virgin; therefore with reverent faith we honour thee as Theotokos and we glorify thee for ever. [KW]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

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 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 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Nikon, the Awarder of crowns beheld you in garlands with the beauty of your wounds and mantled with the purple of your martyric blood. He brought you to dwell with Him in divine gladness. [un]

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

O Nikon, how beautiful was the longing you had for the Lord. How fervent was your zeal, blazing with divine fire. How wondrous was your contest, which united you to those of Heaven! [un]

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

The hosts of athletes possess you as a great sun in the height of the Church. As stars flooded with divine light, they make the whole world bright with beams of dazzling splendor. [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 Martyr, you have been taken up to the undefiled mansions. You present a choir of two hundred athletes before the Lord who awards the crowns. With them, remember those who keep your sacred memorial today. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin Mother, you became the dwelling of the Light. He was born of you for our sake. Continually ask Him to enlighten us who praise you with hymns and declare you to be the Mother of God. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 4. (NM)

Ὁ τόκος σου ἄφθορος.

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]

A multitude from every place runs to the Ark of the testimony; we magnify the Queen of all, and we honour the indwelling grace of God bestowed on him who outshines in glory all the other martyrs. [KW]

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

O Church of Christ, be strong and of good courage in the face of those who fight in vain against thee. For, during life and after death, the friends of Christ care for thee, as did the holy martyr whose feast thou keepest now with thanksgiving. [KW]

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]

Though he was thought to be long since dead, his deeds prove that even after death he is alive and protects the faith with the same zeal as before. Enriched by him, we magnify him as our benefactor. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O sealed Book of God, I set thee as a divine seal on my hymn: I offer thee my praises, Virgin, thereby giving greater glory to thy martyr. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Θεὸν ἀνθρώποις.

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]

O glorious martyr, thou hast proved a faithful champion and a strong defence to us. We honour thy holy and venerated memory, the victorious feats of thy suffering and martyrdom, and the divine protection thou hast brought us. [KW]

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

O blessed Theodore, the ever-blessed wonder which thou hast performed is praised in all the world: therefore, gathering at this yearly festival, we give glory to Christ who has glorified thee. [KW]

Glory.

Seeing the love of those who sing thy praises, martyr of Christ, grant them in return increasing grace. Thou knowest how great is our faith, O glorified saint: cease not to be a fervent intercessor with God on our behalf, a witness and a mediator. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

We shall not cease to sing thy praises, O Virgin: thou art our helper and protection, our swift succour, our defender who is never put to shame. Keep thy suppliants from all harm, and deliver them at all times from every device of the evil one. [KW]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.

All you born on earth, * with festival lamps in hand, in spirit leap for joy; * and all you the heavenly angelic orders, join in and celebrate; * and honoring the sacred wonders of the Mother of God, * sing the joyful salutation, “O rejoice, * Theotokos, all-blest, ever-virgin pure!” [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

Exaposteilarion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Wearing a crown, O Saint, you now * stand beside Christ’s tribunal * together with angelic hosts. * Prize-winner, you are filled with the light that originates there. * Never cease interceding * for the peace of the whole wide world, * and salvation for us who with pious faith * celebrate your memory, which is radiant, * O Theodore, all-glorious * and illustrious Martyr. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

The Lord resided in your womb, * Theotokos, as He knew, * wishing to call the world He made * back from corruption, for it was lost and perishing. Lady, * now having found salvation, * all together we cry to you * the Angel’s famous salutation, “Rejoice, * you are truly blessed among all women!” * For you, O Virgin, have brought forth * holy joy to the whole world. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Hide Stichologia

From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

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

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

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

Your name denotes it, and truly You are a gift from God, * and you were given as comfort to all who are in trouble, * O thrice-blessed Theodore. For everyone * who comes in truth to your holy church, * and who with gladness receives the divine rewards * of your miracles, gives honor to Christ. [SD]

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

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

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

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

Glory. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

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

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

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

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 2.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the hierodeacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST

For You are merciful 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.

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.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR

Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

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, the Holy Great-martyr Theodore the Recruit, whose miracle of the kolyva we celebrate; 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.