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Triodion

Mode 1. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 26

Synaxis in Honor of the Chief Commander Gabriel

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 1.

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 1.

As we are led up to a noetic and immaterial perception of the bodiless hosts, by means of physical depictions, and as we wait for the illumination, that comes from the Godhead in three Hypostases, let us imitate the cherubim, and sing aloud the Thrice-Holy Hymn to the only God: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Forerunner save us. [SD]

Glory.

Let us join all the heavenly hosts, and send up our Thrice-holy praise, and like the cherubim shout to Him who is in the highest: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Having risen from sleep, we fall before You, O good One, and to You we sing the Angels’ hymn, O almighty One: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Make haste, open to me Your paternal embraces. * I prodigally spent all my means of subsistence. * O Savior, I look hopefully * to Your tender mercy’s inexhaustible wealth. * Do not overlook a heart that now is impoverished. * For to You, O Lord, do I cry out with compunction: * I have sinned against You, save me. [SD]

Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger. [SAAS]

If the righteous man is only scarcely saved, what shall become of me who am a sinner? I did not bear the burden and the heat of the day. Number me with those who came at the eleventh hour, O God, and save me. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Creation rejoices in you, O Lady full of grace, beholding the miracle of miracles. For you conceived without seed, and ineffably gave birth to the One whom the orders of the angels cannot see. Entreat Him earnestly on behalf of our souls. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. 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 pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Restraining the passions with the bridle of pure fasting, let us all strive to raise our mind in perfect faith to holy contemplation. Let us despise the pleasures of this earthly life, that we may gain the heavenly life and divine illumination. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Through the great number of my wicked and unlawful acts, I have fallen into the troubled waters of despair. I am utterly perplexed and held captive by despondency. O sovereign Lady Theotokos, save and help me, for through thee sinners receive atonement, cleansing and salvation. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 12. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Setting before us a mystic table, the Fast invites us all to take our fill. Our food shall be the everlasting gifts of the Spirit; our drink, divinely flowing streams of tears. Let us make glad and without ceasing offer praise to God. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Save us, most holy Virgin, from all the threats and wickedness of men. For to thee, and to thy Son and our God, we flee for refuge, Mother of God: thou art our guardian and protector. Pray to Him that we may be delivered from dangers and distress. [KW]

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 Archangel.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

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

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Archangel, you are a light through immaterial participation in that most lofty, divine, and immaterial Light: I entreat you, by your intercessions, enlighten my mind, so that I may extol you. [SD]

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

O Archangel, you are a light through immaterial participation in that most lofty, divine, and immaterial Light: I entreat you, by your intercessions, enlighten my mind, so that I may extol you. [SD]

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

That foremost of the bodiless minds declared the ineffable joy coming into the world because of goodness. Let us form inspired choirs today to honor him joyfully. [SD]

Glory.

O Gabriel, we your fans have you as our great advocate and helper before God, and a wall and support. You rescue us from perils and from the harm of the serpent, and for this we sing your praise. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady who knew not wedlock, when Gabriel saw you, so pure and blameless, he radiantly said to you, “Rejoice!” You are the boast and magnificence of the Angels and the salvation of mortals. [SD]

(read)

READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

Take heed, O heaven, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. [SAAS]

Let my proverbial saying be awaited as the rain, and let my words come down as raindrops on the wild grass, and as snowfall on the sown grass.

For I invoke the Lord’s name: ascribe greatness to our God.

He is God, His works are true; and all His ways are judgment.

A faithful God and without injustice; righteous and holy is the Lord.

They sinned; the blameworthy children are not His, a generation twisted and perverse. Is this how you repay the Lord?

O foolish and unwise people, is He not your Father, who acquired you? Has He not made and created you?

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations.

Ask your father, and he will tell you; your elders, and they will tell you:

When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the nations by the number of God’s angels.

For the Lord’s portion became the people of Jacob; the allotment of His inheritance is Israel.

He provided for him in the desert, in thirst of heat in a waterless place. He encircled him; He instructed him; He guarded him carefully as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle covers its nest, yearns after its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its back.

So the Lord alone led them, and there was no foreign god with them.

He raised them on the strength of the land; He fed them on the produce of the fields.

He suckled them on honey from the rock and oil from the solid rock.

Butter of oxen and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs and goats, of sons of bulls and goats, with the choicest wheat; and you drank wine, the blood of grapes.

So Jacob ate and was filled, and the beloved kicked; he grew fat, he grew thick, he is obese. Then he forsook God who made him and stood back from God his Savior.

They provoked Me to wrath against foreign gods; with their abominations they embittered Me.

They sacrificed to demons, and not to God, to gods they did not know; new ones, recent gods arrived, which their fathers did not know.

You abandoned the God who begot you, and forgot the God who nourished you.

So the Lord saw it, and was jealous; and He was provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.

Then He said, I will turn My face from them, and I will make known what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faith.

They provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they moved Me to anger by their idols; but I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.

For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest Hades; it shall consume the land with its produce And set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

I will gather evils on them; I will spend My arrows on them.

They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by birds and incurable disease; I will also send against them the teeth of wild animals With the anger of things crawling on the earth.

The sword shall make them childless outside, and fear from the inner chambers, for the young man and virgin, the nursing child with the elder of gray hairs.

I said, I will scatter them; I will make their memory cease from among men.

But for the wrath of the enemy, lest they live long, lest their adversary make a joint attack.

Lest they should say, “Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who did all this.”

For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there understanding in them. They were not wise to understand these things.

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

How could one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight unless God had sold them, and the Lord delivered them up?

For our God is not like their gods, but our enemies are foolish.

For their vineyard is of the vineyard of Sodom, and their vine is of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall; their clusters are bitter.

Their wine is the wrath of serpents, and the incurable wrath of asps.

Behold, is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treasures?

I shall repay on the day of vengeance; in time, when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and is waiting, ready for them.

For the Lord will judge His people, and have compassion on His servants.

For He sees them disabled and left in distress and weakened.

The Lord said, ‘Where are their gods in which they trusted?’

Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise and help you and be your defender.

Now see, I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hands.

For I raise My hand to heaven, and I swear by My right hand, and say, “As I live forever.”

For I whet My sword like lightning; and My hand takes hold on judgment. I will render vengeance on My enemies, and repay those who hate Me.

I will make My arrows drunk from blood; and My sword shall devour flesh from the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.

Rejoice, O Heavens, together with Him, and worship Him, all the sons of God.

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; and let all the angels of God be strong with Him; for He will avenge the blood of His sons and render vengeance to His adversaries; and the Lord will purify His people’s land. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos (NM).

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

See now, see that I am your God, before all ages begotten from the Father, and in the last times conceived without man by the Virgin: and I have destroyed the sin of Adam the forefather in My love for mankind. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Groan and weep, my soul, turn back and repent. The day is at hand, the Judge is at the door. Make ready thine answer and cry aloud: I have sinned against Thee, O merciful Lord, compassionate and loving: do Thou take pity on me. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O my soul, hate the destructive surfeiting of sin, and rejoice in the strict observance of the Fast. Take as thy food the commandments of salvation, which will enable thee through faith to enjoy eternal blessings. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O ye angels, powers and principalities, archangels, dominions and thrones, rulers, cherubim and seraphim, pray to God, the Giver of all good, that we may be granted remission of our sins and release from the passions. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, thou alone hast borne the eternal Word. He took flesh from thee, yet without changing He continued as He was before: and thou hast not known man, but hast remained a virgin after bearing child. Pray for us all that our life may be delivered from corruption. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) See now, see that I am your God

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We have seen and we know that out of love for us Thou hast appointed this season to bring us to repentance. Receive, O merciful God, the prayers which we offer in the Fast: may they be set forth in Thy sight as fragrant incense and an acceptable sacrifice. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I tremble and am full of fear when I reflect how greatly I have sinned. How shall I meet Thee? How shall I stand before Thy judgement seat where there is no respect of persons? Spare me, then, O merciful Lord, in the hour when Thou shalt come to judge all the earth. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three Persons, supreme in Godhead and surpassing all perfection, Father unbegotten, Son only-begotten, Spirit proceeding from the Father and made manifest through the Son: single in Essence and in Nature, one Lordship and one Kingdom, save us all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The wonder of thy conceiving is past speech, O Mother and Virgin: for how hast thou given birth and yet remained undefiled? How dost thou bear child, without knowing a man? ‘All this is understood by the Word of God, who was born from me in a new way, surpassing nature.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When the men of Nineveh repented and fasted, Thou hast delivered them from the wrath that threatened them; but Thou hast consumed with fire the men of Sodom in their wanton shamelessness. Deliver me, O Christ, from the punishment which they suffered. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ καθιέρωσας.

See now, see that I am your God, who have sanctified for you the tenth part of the days of every year as acceptable first fruits: and this commandment have I given to My people for their deliverance from the passions and as a beginning of salvation. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

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

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Gabriel, you are immaterial, and immaterially illumined by participation in that most immaterial Light; you are known as a secondary light, ever enlightening material mortals who extol you. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, you are immaterial, and immaterially illumined by participation in that most immaterial Light; you are known as a secondary light, ever enlightening material mortals who extol you. [SD]

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

O great among Angels, you were granted very great glory, since you revealed to us the great mystery, by which we who of earth have been lifted to the great height. And for this we greatly honor you. [SD]

Glory.

O Chief Commander Gabriel, we ever seek you with longing. Come down from heaven and appear to us, and calm the storm of trials and afflictions that has risen against us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, Gabriel disclosed the mystery that had been hidden of old, when he cried out to you: “Rejoice, O palace of God! In His compassion, He will dwell in you, and He will deify all mortals. [SD]

Heirmos.

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

That leader of the hosts of the Angels, great Gabriel, * with exultation joins them in unceasingly shouting * the thrice-holy hymn in praise of the all-holy Trinity. * Come, believers all, let us with faith now extol him * with uplifted voice, and let us honor him gaily * with minds that are purified. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

You are the chief among the bodiless ministers, * Gabriel, and as such to you was entrusted * that truly awesome mystery ordained before all time, * yes, the secret childbirth of the all-holy Virgin. * You called out “Rejoice” to her, the Maiden highly favored. * We the believers therefore rightfully * ever extol you and joyfully honor you. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἀνεξιχνίαστον.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

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

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O praiseworthy Gabriel, in times of old, you stood by the Prophet Daniel, and you filled his spirit with the revelation of unknown things, and thus gladded him with participation in the Divine Sovereignty. [SD]

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

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

O Gabriel, we joyfully praise you, even with our mouths of clay. You are fiery by nature. Rescue us from the eternal fire, by your divine intercessions. [SD]

Glory.

O Commander of the angelic hosts, you stand with joy near the King of heaven, and you wear a divine garment that flashes with ineffable glory brighter than the sun. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, Gabriel perceived how you wholly purified by the Holy Spirit, and he cried out to you: “Rejoice! You are the redemption from the curse and the restoration of the forefathers.” [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

As you are illumined by participation in the First Mind, we say you are a second light. With the countless hosts of the Angels you cry out: “Holy is the omnific Father, the co-unoriginate Son, and the Spirit who shares the throne with Them.” [SD]

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

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

O great Gabriel, leader of the divine bodiless hosts and adornment of all who faithfully extol you, great is your glory, your form is fiery, and your beauty is exceptional, astonishing every mind. [SD]

Glory.

O Chief Commander Gabriel, the godly Zacharias of old saw you standing before him at the time of incense. He became speechless, for he did not believe the awesome message that you did delivered to him. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Maiden, you are a temple of sanctification. At the voice of Archangel Gabriel, you conceived the All-holy God, who rests in the saints, sanctifies all, and delivers us from evil. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.

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

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. [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O brilliant, celestial Mind, you are illumined by the divine rays that transcend mind and speech. Our human tongues are unable to honor you. [SD]

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

O brilliant, celestial Mind, you are illumined by the divine rays that transcend mind and speech. Our human tongues are unable to honor you. [SD]

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

By your luminous prayers to the Master, snatch from the darkness of passions those who extol you, O bright ray of the Sun and Chief Commander of His fiery ministers. [SD]

Glory.

O Archangel, by your supplications to the Creator of all, frustrate the plans of the heathen, strengthen the Orthodox Faith, and end the schisms in the Church. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, you accepted Gabriel’s godly words, and you conceived in the flesh the Logos, who exists before the ages, and who rescues the world from irrationality. [SD]

Heirmos.

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. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 1.

O Martyrs, you agreed in your beliefs, and as good soldiers * you were not in any way frightened by the threats of the tyrants; * but taking up the honorable Cross, * O Saints, you came with eagerness to Christ. * And when you finished the course of the race, * you received the victory from heaven. * Glory to Him whose might supported you. * Glory to Him who placed the crown on you. * Glory to Him who works healings for all through you. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 26 we hold services in honor of the Archangel Gabriel, which practice was instituted very early on, since he ministered the divine and supernal and ineffable mystery.

On this day we also commemorate the holy twenty-six martyrs who witnessed in the land of the Goths: two priests Bathouses and Wirkas with Wirkas’s two sons and three daughters, and the monk Arpylas; the laymen Abippas, Agnas, Ryax, Hegathrax, Eskoes, Silas, Sigetzas, Suerilas, Seimblas, Thermas, Filgas; and the women Anna, Alla, Baris, Moiko, Mamika, Wirko, and Animais.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Quadratus, Theodosios, Manuel, and another forty in Anatolia.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Stephen the confessor, Abbot of Triglia.

On this day we read the edifying story about the monk Malchus who was taken captive.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.

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

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.” [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Gabriel, of old in the Temple of God, you announced the birth of John to Zacharias, as he was singing to our Redeemer and God: “Blessed are You, O exceedingly praised Lord and God of our Fathers.” [SD]

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

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

O Gabriel, the glorious majesty of your house sanctifies the souls of the faithful, and it urges them to sing in a loud voice: “Blessed are You, O exceedingly praised Lord and God of our Fathers.” [SD]

Glory.

O Chief Commander, you are mystically illumined by participation in the First Light, and thus you are known as a second light, ever illumining those who sing: “Blessed are You, O exceedingly praised Lord and God of our Fathers.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin Mother, the Chief Commander Gabriel was sent to announce to you the joy, by which sorrow has ceased, and the curse is truly reversed, and blessing has blossomed for the faithful, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Archangel.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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

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.” [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O Archangel, the sacred people joyously extols you with sacred words of sacred speech; for to the Virgin, one of us, you announced the Logos, the cause of all, who became flesh like us, in a manner past understanding and speech. We therefore honour you, unto all the ages. [SD]

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

O Archangel, you are united immaterially to the great and primordial Mind. You sing with fiery mouth the awe-inspiring hymn, which all the choirs of Angels sing: “O all you works, praise the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.” [SD]

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 Gabriel, first leader of the Angels, you are adorned with divine glory, and you go throughout heaven and earth, doing the holy will of Christ, the God of all. You are the boast of all who ever extol you with faith. [SD]

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 sacred Gabriel, the Logos, who chose to dwell among men in the flesh in His own Person, sent you ahead to prepare the sacred palace. And you sang: “Praise the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

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

Theotokion.

Let us extol the blessed Virgin. She is the delightful throne of the King; she is superior to all creation, for she alone gave being to Him who transcends being. Through a strange and ineffable birth, He has deified mortals with a more excellent union. [SD]

(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 pl. 4. (NM) Inspired by God

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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]

Thou hast justified the Publican who groaned aloud, and hast taken pity on the Harlot who wept from her heart. O Saviour, save and take pity on the souls of those who sing Thy praises. [KW]

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

By fasting let us bring to the Lord the fruit of our virtuous deeds. Let us refrain from harmful thoughts, that we may share in perfect joy. [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]

The choirs of the angels, the company of the apostles and the army of the martyrs entreat Thee, O Jesus, to give Thy people pardon. [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.

With all the faithful, let us bless the Virgin: for she is the Mountain not cut by the hand of man, the Candlestick that bore the Light, the Ladder easy to climb, the dwelling-place of God. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Glorified in the holy mountain

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

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

On this solemn day of abstinence let us all blow the trumpet and sing hymns: and keeping festival with holy joy, let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

Of old the man of God was led astray by the prophet and ate the food of disobedience, and he was devoured by a lion. Be watchful, then, my soul, and suffer not the serpent of gluttony to deceive thee. [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]

For the Trinity.

As Unity in Essence I sing Thy praises; as Trinity in Persons I venerate Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. The power of Thy Kingdom that has no beginning I glorify unto all ages. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou hast become the Mountain of God in which Christ came to dwell; and He has made into divine temples all those who sing: Praise ye the Lord.and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, ye people, let us greet the Fast with love, for it is the guardian of purity and the mother of dispassion; and let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

O extol Him, who on the holy mountain * showed His glory, as Lord, * and in the bush with fire * revealed to Moses knowledge of the mystery * of the Ever-Virgin, supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 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 Archangel.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἅπας γηγενής.

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!” [SD]

Troparia.

Archangel of God, intercede for us.

O sacred Gabriel, you stand awesomely at the throne of grace, ministering and flashing with incomprehensible effusions of light. You are sacredly deified, appearing as a light. And by your mediations you illumine those who faithful honor you. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, you are as a starry heaven, shining with divine rays. As a commander, you carry a supremely bright scepter, and you run throughout all the earth, doing the will of the Master; and you deliver the faithful from evil. [SD]

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

O Gabriel, by your fervent protection, calm the terrible storm continually raised up against your servants by foreign enemies; end the schisms in the Church; obtain forgiveness of sins for those who honor you; and grant success to our elected officials. [SD]

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 most handsome and glorious duo, Michael and Gabriel, since you are our defenders who imitate the Master’s goodness in all things, stand near the throne of the divine glory, and pray that we all may receive forgiveness of sins and deliverance from evil. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure Birthgiver of God, the brilliance of your childbirth has shone forth and illumined the entire world; it has destroyed the champion of darkness. You are the boast of the Angels and the salvation of all people, who with unceasingly sing your praise. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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

The holy Fast enriches our heart, and makes it by the power of God increase in virtue, like a full ear of wheat. Let us therefore fast with gladness in these holy days, and so receive sanctification. [KW]

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

I am defiled by many sins, wounded and under condemnation. Look upon me in Thy mercy, O compassionate Lord: take pity and save me by the prayers of Thy saints. [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]

Alas for thee, most miserable soul, what answer shalt thou make? What fear will seize thee, when the Judge is seated on His throne and ten thousands of the angels stand at His side! Make haste, then, and repent before the end. [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 chariot of the King, cloud of light, rich mountain, hill flowing with milk, we entreat thee, O Virgin who hast not known marriage: heal the passions of our souls. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

Let us keep a true fast before the Lord: let us abstain not only from food but from angry speech and lying, and from every other passion, that we may behold Easter in purity. [KW]

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

Fasting bore Samuel as fruit; through fasting Samson grew up brave and strong; through fasting priests and prophets were made perfect: and through the holy Fast may we also be sanctified. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Lord, the threefold Brightness of Thy single Power shines on our mind with the light of revelation; it turns us from the error that divides, and brings us to the divine life that unites. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou art our armour and our rampart; thou art the defence of those that run to thee. And now we implore thine intercession, that we may be delivered from our enemies. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Holy Spirit calls us to the rich banquet of the Fast: with gladness let us take our fill from His gifts of grace and sing His praises as our God. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

Let us sing to Him who to Moses of old prefigured * in the burning bush the childbirth of ever-virgin Mary, * for the salvation of us the believers. * Let us magnify Him with unceasing hymns. [SD]

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 1.

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Forerunner, and save me. [SD]

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Christ, who make the light to rise, purify my soul of every sin, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name, for He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created. He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps, Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word, mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted; His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people, a hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones. Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him; for the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation. The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds; the high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples, to shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to fulfill among them the written judgment: This glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 1.

In thine idleness, my soul, why art thou become a slave of sin? And in thy sickness why dost thou not run to the physician? Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the true day of salvation. Rise up and wash thy face with tears of repentance, and make thy lamp burn brightly with the oil of good deeds, so that Christ our God may grant thee cleansing and great mercy. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

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

O Lord, Your medal-winning Martyrs imitated the angelic orders, by enduring the tortures as if they themselves were also bodiless. There singular hope was to obtain the promised blessings. At their intercession, grant peace to Your world, and great mercy to our souls, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

May He who for us men and for our salvation condescended to become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, 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.