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Triodion

Mode 1. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 27

Memory of the Holy Martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki

__________

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 power of Your Cross 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 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Your blameless Mother cried out to You, when she saw You, * O Christ, upon the cross, hanging dead, O my Savior, * “What is this ineffable plan for saving the masterpiece * that Your holy hands have made, O Son, co-eternal * with the Father and the Holy Spirit, O Master * supremely compassionate!” [GOASD]

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

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

We venerate the wood of Your Cross, O humane One, * for You, the Life of all, were nailed to it. * O Savior, You opened Paradise to the Robber who approached You with faith. * He was counted worthy of delight, confessing You, Remember me, O Lord. * Accept us as You accepted him, * for we now cry, We all have sinned * against Your compassion. Do not abandon us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

When Your Mother, the blameless Sheep, saw You the Lamb, O Logos, * in Your long-suffering, crucified together with robbers, * and witnessed the spear pierce Your side, * she lamented maternally and cried, * “O my Son, what is this awesome and horrifying mystery? * How can a tomb conceal the limitless God? * What is happening is unspeakable! * Do not abandon me, Your Mother, O sweetest Son of mine!” [GOASD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 1. (N/M)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Stretched and slain upon the Cross, O Christ, Thou hast slain the serpent our enemy, the source of evil, and those killed by his sting Thou hast restored to life. Therefore I entreat Thee, Saviour: Give life to my deadened soul, for to Thee I turn in prayer and fasting. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. (N/M)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

When the Ewe saw Thee her Lamb, O Christ, hanging upon the Cross between two malefactors, she cried aloud weeping and lamenting bitterly: ‘O dearest Child, what is this wonder that I see?’ ‘O most pure Mother,’ so Thou hast replied, ‘this same wonder shall bring life to all the world.’ [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

As we pass through the solemn time of abstinence, let us blow the trumpet and loudly cry: Through the Fast life has blossomed in the world, and the death that comes from self-indulgence is destroyed. By the power of Thy Cross, O Christ the Word, guard Thy servants in the Fast. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O tender-loving Lord, willingly You endured * a very painful death by being crucified. * And as Your Mother witnessed it, O Christ, she was pricked to the heart. * She was aching inwardly * and lamented maternally. * At her earnest prayers for us, * with compassion take pity on us, * and save the world, O merciful Savior * who takes away the sin of the world. [SD]

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 Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [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 Matrona, brighten with joy those who extol you, as you dance round about God, the Cause of all, with the divine orders of bodiless hosts, and as delight in the divine illumination. [SD]

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

Christ our God took you from the yoke of servitude and made you His Martyr and bride, inasmuch as He himself accepted the form of a servant, wishing to free it from the bonds of corruption and death. [SD]

Glory.

The female sex was by grace made manly, and through physical weakness by divine strength, it brought down that arrogance that once boasted so much that it could wipe out the sea. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your Mother became the gate of Your condescension towards us. She ineffably flashed as with lightning and brought forth You, who are mystically called Orient and Sun and Light, twofold in nature, our benevolent Lord. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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]

All-blessed Matrona, firm in mind, you endured painful torture in prison at the hands of that unlawful, terrible woman. [SD]

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

O Martyr, with fortitude you endured the painful sensations of being whipped. You received divine splendor in return for the darkness you experienced. [SD]

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

The river of your blood extinguished the fire of ungodliness, and it also watered the faithful as with streams of the true faith in God. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, we extol you using images foreshadowing you in divine Scripture. You are the tablet, you are the ark, for you held within your womb the unoriginate Logos of God. [SD]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 1. (NM) Let my heart be established.

Στερεωθήτω ἡ καρδία μου.

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

O Word of God, supreme in love, Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Cross, and in Thy mercy and compassion Thou hast slain the sin of Adam, who of old stretched out his hand to the tree of knowledge. [KW]

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

Firmly establish my understanding, for it has been shaken through the envy of the serpent. By Thy Passion subdue the assaults of the passions, for through Thy sufferings Thou hast granted to the faithful freedom from the passions. [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]

The grace of the Fast shines upon us, driving out the darkness of sinful self-indulgence. Behold, now is the accepted time and the day of salvation. Let us bring forth fruits of repentance and we shall live. [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.

I have fallen from the cliff of lust, and through my grievous sins I have plunged into the abyss. O pure Virgin, restoration of the fallen, raise me up and lead me back to life. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 3. (NM) Firmly establish our hearts.

Στερέωσον Κύριε.

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

By Thy Cross, O Lord, firmly establish our hearts, that we may not turn away from Thee to evil thoughts or wicked acts. [KW]

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

When they beheld Thy Passion, O Master, heaven and earth were altered visibly, and bore witness that Thou art in truth the King of all. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Most Holy Trinity, equal in honour and without beginning;O Unity, Creator of life and Source of light, Father, Son and Spirit, save me. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God who hast not known man, thou alone hast borne God, yet hast not lost the incorruption of thy pure virginity; but thou hast remained inviolate, as thou wast before childbirth. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I venerate and praise Thy scarlet robe, O Jesus, the nails and the Cross, the sponge and the lance, that have given life to all the world. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Στερέωσον Κύριε.

Firmly establish our hearts, O Lord, and give us light that we may sing Thy praise and glorify Thee for ever, O Saviour. [KW]

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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O fans of feast days, a splendid holiday has arrived, the glorious memory of the glorious medaled Athletes of Christ. It gladdens the whole world, as it shines with rays of miracles in the world, and it brings endless grace to the people. O Savior, at her entreaties, save Your world. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

O Mother of Christ our God, all-blameless Virgin most pure, * as Symeon told, a sword pierced through your all-holy soul * when you saw your Son and God * crucified by transgressors of His own will, O Lady. * Cease not to importune Him, * that He grant the forgiveness * of failings to us your servants, * O only most-blessed one. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O Matrona, enabled by divine might, you have escaped being the slave of your bitter mistress. For serving God alone, you had a disposition of soul that would not be abased. [SD]

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

O victorious Martyr, that most impious woman roared in frenzy and drunkenly writhed with fury, as she mutilitated you body with the viciousness of those Jews of old. [SD]

Glory.

O Martyr, you exhibit great fortitude when you were incarcerated in dark places and tormented with hunger. But in return God rewarded you with the banquet table of immortality. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O true Mother of God, the golden lampstand in the Temple prefigured you: you held God incarnate, who illumines all things with the splendor of divinity. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

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

O Giver of Life, godly-minded Matrona had You as a splendid crown of glory, and she departed out of darkness to light divine. [SD]

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

O blessed Matrona, Christ stood you firmly on the rock of the Faith, and He wisely directed your steps to Him. [SD]

Glory.

O all-blessed Matrona, your mind is truly divine and wise and godly, and you are radiant in the chorus of the Martyrs. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you gave birth the Lord, who united the form of God and the form of man, as Paul said, in an unconfused and unmingled union. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

O prizewinner Matrona, you have now rightly picked what Eve once desired; for, by your unremitting striving toward God, you were deified, and you have rightly been granted eternal glory. [SD]

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

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Glory.

In Christ there is neither slave nor free, but only beautiful virtue, adorned with the practice of true religion. And you, O invincible medaled Athlete, were like a sculptor of such. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, we say you are the temple of God, His bridal chamber, a vessel, lampstand, and also the tablet, wherein the Word, who for pity’s sake became incarnate, was inscribed. [SD]

Heirmos.

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.

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

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 27 we commemorate the holy martyr Matrona of Thessaloniki.

On this day devout St. Kerycos of Apros reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Philetos the senator and Lydia his wife, and their two children Macedon and Theoprepios, the public official Cronides, and the duke Amphilochios.

On this day the holy martyrs John and Baruchios died by the sword.

On this day the prophet Anani reposed in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul, Bishop of Corinth, brother of Peter the worker of signs of the most holy diocese of Argos, and our devout father Eftychios.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O all-famed Matrona, you departed to be your Lord and Lover, having favor with Him and confidence, and you gratefully sang: “Blessed are You, O Lord, in the temple of Your glory.” [SD]

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

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Matrona, full of virtues of every kind, with joy and gladness you passed over from the earth to the heavenly choir, and you received an immortal inheritance. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady and Virgin Mother, you gave birth to the Father’s incarnate Word in a manner surpassing words. You shine brightly, adorned with all the virtues. Blessed are you among women! [SD]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O modest Matrona, once you were released from the flesh, you were granted to behold the shining beams of abundant light, and to dwell in a heavenly manor, instead of that dark and gloomy place where you were locked up; and you cried out: O all you works, bless you the Lord. [SD]

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 glorious Matrona, how beautiful is the crown that the Almighty laid on you, with His life-giving right hand! He beheld you, His bride, red with your blood, and He rejoiced and made you shine. To Him we cry out: O Lord, all we Your works praise You. [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]

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

Theotokion.

O all-pure, all-blameless Lady, you gave birth to God literally, and thus you are literally the Mother of God. You bear a divine title that truly corresponds with your childbirth. Therefore, with godly thoughts, we the faithful glorify you, the Theotokos. [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 1. (NM) Christ our God preserved.

Τὸν τοὺς ὑμνολόγους ἐν καμίνῳ.

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

In the abundance of Thy mercy Thou hast accepted to be numbered with the transgressors: blot out my sins, that in faith I may glorify Thee for ever. [KW]

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

O Lord, and heal the agony of my heart that is pierced by evil demons with the arrow of wickedness. [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]

With the blood that flowed from Thy side, wash clean my heart, blackened by the defilement of sin, that I may glorify Thee for ever. [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.

O Virgin, unhusbanded thou hast borne the heavenly Ear of wheat who feeds all things by His divine power: fill my hungry and humiliated soul. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) In His divine power.

Τὸν ἐν φλογί.

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

Rejoice, O Cross, for by thy power the thief in a single moment acknowledged Christ’s divinity, crying: ‘Lord, remember me in Thy Kingdom.’ Make us also sharers in that Kingdom. [KW]

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

Pierced with a spear, O Christ, Thou hast turned back the sword of fire and opened Paradise again to mortal men. Let us enter there and rejoice for ever in the immortal life that comes from 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.

With the Father we worship the Son and the Holy Spirit in unity of essence, and from our mouths of clay we cry without ceasing: Glory in the highest to God in Trinity. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou alone, O full of divine grace, hast given birth while still remaining virgin. O great mystery, dread and marvellous! For thou hast borne God made flesh, the Saviour of the world. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Cross of Christ, the hope of the ends of the earth, grant that through thy piloting we may pass calmly over the sea of the holy Fast, and save us from the tempest of sin. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐν φλογί.

In His divine power the Lord descended into the flames and was seen walking with the Children of the Hebrews: O ye priests, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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 Holy Woman.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O Martyr, this illustrious day of your memory shines with heavenly light and the splendid emissions of the Tri-solar illumination. Pray that those who extol you today may be filled with light. [SD]

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

O victorious Athlete, you have obtained the heavenly inheritance in the Church of the first-born, as a reward for the pain you experienced when you were whipped. As you celebrate there now, keep us safe here by your intercessions. [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 all-venerable Matrona, truly you are now united to Christ, your immortal Bridegroom. You glow all over with His divine stigmata, and you shine brightly with your own precious blood of martyrdom. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, I pray you break the cords of my sins, and fill my heart with gladness, since you gave birth to the Well of compassion, so that I may worthily magnify you, who alone among women are called blessed of God. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Let us honour in hymns the Theotokos.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

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]

Elisha, so it is written, after fasting brought the dead child back to life: let us also fast, killing all our carnal thoughts, that in the Age to come we may receive eternal life. [KW]

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

Woe to thee, my soul! Fearful is the court of judgement, and terrible the sentence of the Judge. Make haste, repent, be reconciled to Christ, who was nailed for thy sake on the Cross and has delivered the faithful from condemnation. [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]

O Christ who at Thy Crucifixion hast granted the thief a swift and easy entry into Paradise, open unto me the gates of repentance and close within me the doors through which the passions enter, that I may glorify Thy love. [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.

I am cast into the deep waters of sin; I am tossed to and fro by adverse thoughts; I have become obedient to demons and the slave of pleasure. Help me, O pure Virgin Mother, and guide me to the path of salvation. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) In the bush upon Mount Sinai.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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 Thine own will wast Thou given up, and Thou hast surrendered Thyself to Thy murderers; standing before the judgement seat, Thou wast struck by the hands which Thou hast made. Thou wast crucified and mocked, and pierced by the lance, O Lord; Thou hast suffered in the body, enduring all things in Thy tender love, so as to save us. [KW]

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

The hosts of angels trembled when they saw Thee on the Cross. The lights of heaven hid their brightness, the earth quaked, and all things were shaken at the outrage done to Thee, Lord. By Thy divine sufferings, O God, Thou hast accomplished our salvation. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The Trinity supreme in Godhead is by Essence an undivided Unity. Though single in Nature, it is distinguished in Persons; though indivisible, it is divided; though one, it is three: Father, Son and Spirit of Life, together guarding all things. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who has ever heard of a virgin that bore child and a mother that knew not man? O Mary, this miracle hast thou accomplished, but tell me how? ‘Do not enquire into the mystery of my childbearing: it is altogether true, yet beyond man’s understanding.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By Thy wounds have we all been healed from the passions of sin: for, raised upon the Cross, Thou hast struck down the enemy, the source of evil. Count us worthy to pass through the time of the Fast without condemnation, and so to reach the Resurrection. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

In the bush upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee, who hast conceived within thy womb the fire of the Godhead, and yet wast not consumed. Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by hand of man, and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed from the root of David. [KW]

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 power of Your Cross, 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. Grave Mode.

Through Thy Cross, O Lord, Thou hast destroyed the death that came into the world when Adam ate from the forbidden tree in Paradise. Through this present Fast do thou deliver us from every pleasure that corrupts the soul; and, we entreat Thee, count us worthy to labour for the Food which endures unto eternal life, that we may obtain crowns of everlasting joy, which Thou hast prepared for those who truly fast. [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.

Grave Mode. No longer are we barred.

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

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

Extolled in every land are the holy Martyrs. * They became the stars of the world, as to Christ they shouted, * “Glory to You, O Lord.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Grave Mode. (NM)

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

When she saw Thee nailed of Thine own will upon the Cross, the all pure Virgin lamented and sang the praises of Thy power. [KW]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.