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Triodion

Mode 1. On Saturday Morning

On Saturday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 30

Memory of St. John of The Ladder

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

O Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics and the Righteous, you finished the race and kept the faith. You speak freely to the Savior. We pray you entreat Him on our behalf, to save our souls, since He is good. [SD]

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 16. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

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]

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

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]

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

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Let all of us beseech the holy Martyrs of Christ God. * To Him they ever pray for our salvation and safety. * So let us all go to them, and approach them with ardent faith. * They pour out the grace of cures and healings profusely. * They defeat the hosts of evil spirits and demons, * as guardians of the Faith. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O Lord, who for our sake put on flesh from the Virgin * now in these latter days, and underwent no mutation, * and as our Creator know with what ease we all slip and fall, * pity and forgive those who have passed on from this life; * in faith did they commit their souls to You their Master, * for You are our only God. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

When Gabriel had uttered rejoice to you, O Virgin, * then with the voice was the Lord of all becoming incarnate * in you whom the holy Ark of old * prefigured, as righteous David said. * You carried your Creator and proved to be more spacious than the heavens. * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from You! * Glory be to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [SD]

READER

KATHISMA 17.

Psalm 118 (119)

First Stanza.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Blessed are the blameless in the way who walk in the law of the Lord.

Blessed are those who search out His testimonies; they shall search for Him with their whole heart.

For those who work lawlessness do not walk in His ways.

You commanded us regarding Your commandments, that we should be very diligent to keep them.

Would that my ways were led, that I might keep Your ordinances.

Then I would not be ashamed when I regard all Your commandments.

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with an upright heart, when I learn the judgments of Your righteousness.

I shall keep Your ordinances; do not utterly forsake me.

How shall a young man keep his way straight? when he keeps Your words.

I searched for You with my whole heart; do not drive me away from Your commandments.

I hid Your teachings in my heart so as not to sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your ordinances.

With my lips I declared all the judgments of Your mouth.

I delight in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.

I shall meditate on Your commandments, and I shall understand Your ways.

I shall meditate on Your ordinances; I shall not forget Your words.

Reward Your servant; I shall live, and keep Your words.

Unveil my eyes, and I shall understand the wonders in Your law.

I am a sojourner on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me.

My soul longed to desire Your judgments in every season.

You rebuke the arrogant; those who turn aside from Your commandments are accursed.

Take away reproach and contempt from me, for I searched Your testimonies.

For rulers sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your ordinances.

For Your testimonies are my meditation, and Your ordinances are my counsels.

My soul cleaves to the earth; give me life according to Your word.

I made known my ways and You heard me; teach me Your ordinances.

Cause me to understand the way of Your ordinances, and I shall meditate on Your wonders.

My soul fainted because of its listlessness; establish me in Your words.

Remove the way of unrighteousness from me, and with Your law have mercy on me.

I chose the way of truth; I have not forgotten Your judgments.

I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not disappoint me.

I ran on the path of Your commandments, when You enlarged my heart.

Give me as law, O Lord, the way of Your ordinances, and I shall always search them.

Cause me to understand, and I shall search out Your law; and I shall keep it with my whole heart.

Guide me in the path of Your commandments, for I desire it.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to greediness.

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity; give me life in Your way.

Establish Your teaching in Your servant In regard to Your fear.

Take away my blame, which I have suspected, for Your judgments are good.

Behold, I long for Your commandments; give me life in Your righteousness.

And may Your mercy come upon me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your teaching.

And I shall answer those who insult me with a word, for I hope in Your words.

Do not take away the word of truth completely from my mouth, for I hope in Your judgments.

So I shall keep Your law always, forever and unto ages of ages.

And I walk in a broad space, for I searched Your commandments.

I spoke of Your testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed.

And I meditate on Your commandments, which I love exceedingly.

And I raise my hands to Your commandments, which I love. And I meditate on Your ordinances.

Remember Your word to Your servant, in which You give me hope.

This comforted me in my humiliation, for Your teaching gives me life.

The arrogant transgressed exceedingly, but I did not turn away from Your law.

I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and I was comforted.

Despondency held me because of sinners who abandon Your law.

Your ordinances were sung to me In the place of my sojourning.

I remembered Your name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Your law.

This happened to me in the night, because I searched Your ordinances.

You are my portion, O Lord; I said I will keep Your law.

I sought Your presence with my whole heart; have mercy on me according to Your teaching.

I considered Your ways, and I turned my feet toward Your testimonies.

I prepared myself, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Your commandments.

The ropes of sinners ensnared me, but I did not forget Your law.

At midnight I arose to give thanks to You because of the judgments of Your righteousness.

I am a companion of all who fear You and keep Your commandments.

Lord, the earth is full of Your mercy; teach me Your ordinances.

Lord, You dealt with Your servant in goodness, according to Your word.

Teach me goodness, instruction, and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.

Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore, I kept Your teaching.

You are good, O Lord, and in Your goodness teach me Your ordinances.

The unrighteousness of the arrogant multiplied against me, but I will search out Your commandments with my whole heart.

Their heart was curdled like milk, but I meditated on Your law.

It is good for me that You humbled me, that I might learn Your ordinances.

The law of Your mouth is good for me, rather than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

Your hands made and fashioned me; instruct me, and I will learn Your commandments.

Those who fear You will see me and be glad, because I hope in Your words.

I know, O Lord, Your judgments are righteousness, and You humbled me with truth.

Let Your mercy be for my comfort, according to Your teaching to Your servant.

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live; for Your law is my meditation.

Let the arrogant be shamed, for they transgressed unjustly against me; but I shall meditate on Your commandments.

Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who know Your testimonies.

Let my heart be blameless in Your ordinances, that I may not be disappointed.

My soul earnestly longs for Your salvation, and I hope in Your word.

My eyes strained to look at Your teaching, saying, “When will You comfort me?”

I am like a leather bag in a frost; I did not forget Your ordinances.

How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment for me upon those who persecute me?

Transgressors described their meditations to me, but these are not like Your law, O Lord.

All Your commandments are truth; they persecuted me unjustly; help me.

They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not forsake Your commandments.

Give me life according to Your mercy, and I shall keep the testimonies of Your mouth.

Forever, O Lord, Your word continues in heaven.

Your truth continues from generation to generation; You laid the foundation of the earth, and it continues.

By Your arrangement each day continues, for all things are Your servants.

If Your law were not my meditation, I would have perished in my humiliation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

I will never forget Your ordinances, for in them You give me life, O Lord. (3)

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for the blessed memory and eternal repose of all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monastics, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives, from the beginning until the end of time; and for the forgiveness of all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

O God of spirits and of all flesh, You trampled upon death and abolished the power of the devil, giving life to Your world. Give rest to the souls of Your departed servants, emperors, patriarchs, bishops, priests, hieromonks, deacons, monks, nuns, and all pious Orthodox Christians who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection unto life everlasting, from all the ends of the world, fathers, forebears, grandparents, great-grandparents, parents, spouses, children, siblings, and all our relatives. Give them rest in a place of light, in a place of green pasture, in a place of refreshment, from where pain, sorrow, and sighing have fled away. As good and benevolent God, forgive every sin they have committed in word, deed, or thought, for there is no one who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your word is truth.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of all the departed faithful Orthodox Christians, Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, and to Your Father, who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

Second Stanza.

I am Yours; save me, for I search Your ordinances. [SAAS]

Sinners waited for me to kill me; I understood Your testimonies.

I saw the limit of every accomplishment; Your commandment is exceedingly broad.

How I love Your law, O Lord; It is my meditation the whole day long.

You make me wiser than my enemies with Your commandment, for it is mine forever.

I understand more than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

I understand more than the elders, for I search Your commandments.

I withheld my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your words.

I did not turn away from Your judgments, for You taught me Your law.

How sweet to my taste are Your teachings, more than honey and the honeycomb in my mouth.

I gained understanding because of Your commandments; therefore, I hate every unrighteous way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my paths.

I swore and confirmed that I would keep the judgments of Your righteousness.

I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, give me life according to Your word.

Be well-pleased with the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments.

My soul is always in Your hands, and I have not forgotten Your law.

Sinners set snares for me, but I did not wander from Your commandments.

I inherited Your testimonies forever, for these are the exceeding joy of my heart.

I inclined my heart to do Your ordinances forever for a reward.

Transgressors I hate, but I love Your law.

You are my helper and my protector; I hope in Your word.

Turn away from me, you evildoers, and I shall search out the commandments of my God.

Uphold me according to Your teaching, and give me life; and may You not disappoint my expectation.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I shall meditate always in Your ordinances.

You set at naught all who departed from Your ordinances, for their thought is unrighteous.

I counted as transgressors all the sinners of the earth; for this reason I always love Your testimonies.

Nail my flesh with the fear of You, for I fear You because of Your judgments.

I work judgment and righteousness; do not deliver me to those who wrong me.

Take Your servant to that which is good; do not let the arrogant falsely accuse me.

My eyes strained to look at Your salvation and at the teaching of Your righteousness.

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy and teach me Your ordinances.

I am Your servant; cause me to understand, and I shall know Your testimonies.

It is time for the Lord to act; they broke Your law.

For this reason I love Your commandments more than gold and topaz.

Therefore I directed myself to all Your commandments; I hated every unrighteous way.

Wondrous are Your testimonies; for this reason my soul searches them out.

The revelation of Your words gives light, and it causes children to understand.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Your commandments.

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of those who love Your name.

Direct my steps according to Your teaching and let no lawlessness rule over me.

Ransom me from the slander of men, and I will keep Your commandments.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me Your ordinances.

My eyes poured down streams of tears because they did not keep Your law.

Righteous are You, O Lord, and upright is Your judgment.

You commanded Your testimonies exceedingly in righteousness and truth.

The zeal of Your house caused me to yearn for home, for my enemies forgot Your words.

Your teaching is exceedingly purified in fire, and Your servant loves it.

I am young, and beheld as nothing, but I have not forgotten Your ordinances.

Your righteousness is righteousness forever, and Your law is truth.

Affliction and trouble found me, but Your commandments are my meditation.

Your testimonies are righteousness forever; give me understanding, and I shall live.

I cry out with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord; I shall search Your ordinances.

I cry out to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies.

I arose at midnight and cried out; I hoped in Your words.

My eyes awoke before dawn that I might meditate on Your teachings.

Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Your mercy; give me life according to Your judgment.

Those who persecute me in lawlessness drew near; they are far removed from Your law.

You are near, O Lord; all Your commandments are truth.

From the beginning I knew Your testimonies, that You established them forever.

Behold my humiliation and deliver me, for I have not forgotten Your law.

Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life because of Your word.

Salvation is far from sinners, for they have not searched Your ordinances.

Your compassions are many, O Lord; give me life according to Your judgment.

Many are those who pursue and afflict me, but I did not turn away from Your testimonies.

I saw those acting foolishly, and I yearned for You; for they did not keep Your teachings.

Behold, I love Your commandments; O Lord, in Your mercy, give me life.

The beginning of Your words is truth, and all the judgments of Your righteousness are forever.

Rulers persecuted me without cause, but my heart feared because of Your words.

I shall greatly rejoice in Your teachings, like one finding great spoil.

I hate and abhor unrighteousness, but I love Your law.

I praise You seven times a day for the judgments of Your righteousness.

Great peace have all who love Your law, and it is not an offense to them.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and I love Your commandments.

My soul keeps Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly.

I keep Your commandments and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You, O Lord.

Let my supplication draw near before You, O Lord; give me understanding according to Your teaching.

May my petition come before You; Deliver me according to Your teaching.

My lips shall overflow in song when You teach me Your ordinances.

My tongue shall speak of Your teaching, for all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be for saving me, for I chose Your commandments.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my meditation.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

My soul shall live and praise You, and Your judgments shall help me. I went astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments. (3)

Evlogetaria for the Dead.

Mode pl. 1.

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

The choir of Saints has found the fountain of life and the door of Paradise. May I also find the way through repentance. I am the sheep that is lost: O Savior, call me back and save me. [HC]

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

Of old You created me from nothing and honored me with Your divine image. But when I disobeyed Your commandment, O Lord, You cast me down to the earth from where I was taken. Lead me back again to Your likeness, and renew my original beauty. [HC]

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

I am an image of Your ineffable glory, though I bear the scars of my transgressions. On Your creation, Master, take pity and cleanse me by Your compassion. Grant me the homeland for which I long and once again make me a citizen of Paradise. [HC]

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

Give rest, O God, to Your servant, and place him (her) in Paradise where the choirs of the Saints and the righteous will shine as the stars of heaven. To Your departed servant give rest, O Lord, and forgive all his (her) offenses. [HC]

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

The threefold radiance of the one God let us praise, and let us shout in song: Holy are You, eternal Father, coeternal Son, and divine Spirit! Illumine us who worship You in faith and deliver us from the eternal fire. [HC]

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

Rejoice, gracious Lady, who for the salvation of all gave birth to God in the flesh, and through whom the human race has found salvation. Through you, pure and blessed Theotokos, may we find Paradise. [HC]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

May the Lord God place their souls where the righteous repose. Let us ask for the mercies of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the forgiveness of their sins from Christ our immortal king and God.

CHOIR

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma II.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

O Savior, let Your servants repose with the righteous, and let them dwell in Your courts, according to the Scriptures. Overlook their voluntary and involuntary offenses, every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Glory.

Every sin committed knowingly or unknowingly, benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From the Virgin You rose on the world, O Christ God. Through her make us sons of light and have mercy on us. [GOASD]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 1. Heirmos.

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

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

An anthem of victory let us all sing now * to God as the One who wrought * wondrous and portentous signs * by His exalted arm, * and who saved Israel of old. For He is glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O most wise John, you rightly abhorred the world below, and thus you received the world on high. You teach us that by fleeing from the world, we draw close to God. [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 blessed Saint, and were crowned by Christ God with the awards of dispassion, for you chased away sickness, by your attachment to hunger, and bound the prince of the passions with the chains of your ascetic struggles. [SD]

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

O godly-minded and all-blessed John, you now dwell in the immaterial mansions, for you adopted a frame of mind in every way angelic, and you did cut your yourself off from this earthly and corrupt world. [SD]

Glory.

O blessed and all-wise John, in order to lead them up by your teachings from the earth to the blessed life, you authored your long treatise for those who would listen. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Bride of God, the Church proclaims your Child, an Orthodox mouth and divine doctrines, and it honors the symbols of your Son’s flesh. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν.

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

As the Psalmist said, the stone that the builders had rejected * has itself become now the head of the corner. * And furthermore the same is the rock on which Christ our God * firmly established His own Church, * which from the Gentiles He redeemed for himself. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O godly John, you removed the foul smell of wrath from deep within your soul, you experienced freedom from anger to be like redolent incense. Therefore, pray the Redeemer now to forgive us our sins. [SD]

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

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

O blessed Father, burning up all thought of rancor with the fire of Christ’s love, you faithfully shone with the rays of love for your brother; and by describing what it is not to have resentment, you indicated to all an easy path to salvation. [SD]

Glory.

You received the grace of ascetic practice from on high. You stop slanderous lips by your wise teachings, by which you guide us on the path of virtue. May we be attain such virtue. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure one, the Prophet of old knew that you would give birth in time to the Timeless One, Christ our God, One of the Trinity, in virginity and beyond mind and speech. Pray that He be merciful to us who extol you. [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 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

You set the virtues like a ladder to heaven, * and you ascended it devoutly and wisely, * attaining contemplation’s unfathomable depth. * By your writings you exposed every scheme of the demons, * and from harm did you preserve all the faithful who read you. * O veritable ladder of the virtues, devout John, * pray to the Savior to save all who honor you. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

We the unworthy shall not ever be silent, * O Theotokos, from proclaiming your powers. * For were you not concerned to intercede for us, * who would have delivered us * from such manifold dangers, * and who else would up to now * have preserved us in freedom? * O Lady, we shall not depart from you, * for you ever save your servants * from evils of every kind. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ἐν Πνεύματι προβλέπων.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When you, Prophet Habbakuk, inspired had foreseen * the incarnation of the Word, you shouted and declared, * “In the approaching years You shall be acknowledged; * You will be revealed when the time comes. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise John, by fasting you bridled the violence of the tongue, and so you led your life in silence. Once you tasted the grace of the Most High as though it were the fragrance of fire, you avoided garrulousness like the gloom of sin, and you worshiped God blamelessly. [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 divinely speaking John, you sweetened your soul with truth, and you fled from the bitter taste of falsehood. Therefore, bringing those things that serve the demons into servitude to godly asceticism, you became an unerring guide of monastics. [SD]

Glory.

O wise Father, you were hardened by the rigor of ascetic discipline. You mightily destroyed the paralysis of apathy, and slew the power of depression with the spear of eagerness. Now you intercede with God to grant us all forgiveness of sins. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and all-extolled Virgin, blessed is the nation that honors your childbirth faithfully, and that makes manifest the Incarnation of your Son in Orthodoxy, in doctrines, in deeds, and in symbols of the truth. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 1. Heirmos (not metered).

Νὺξ περιέσχε με Σωτήρ.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

O Savior, night and the fog of sin have surrounded me. Therefore I pray You, let the morning of repentance rise on me, O compassionate Lord, before I reach the indefinite end of my life, O Christ, the Life and the Light. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You did not partake of pleasurable foods, but you fattend your mind with the delicacies of abstinence. With hunger you strangled the passions and shamed the demons. For, as you said, he who afflicts the stomach slays the pleasures. [SD]

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

O Saint, you were a lover of chastity and a hater of lust. You escaped the moonless night of the passions, by the light of truthful confession. For he who would cleanse body and mind must triumph over the hidden things of darkness, as you said. [SD]

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

You truly became a lover of God and not a lover of money. You served the Trinity in mind, soul, and body. You who in mercy were a lover of the poor, even in scarcity of necessities, utterly rejected the worship of idols. [SD]

Glory.

O Father, while on the earth, you devoutly threw off the burden of matter. You soared up to things immaterial with the wings of your freedom from possessions. Therefore, as you stand immaterially and faithfully near Christ with the bodiless hosts, pray Him to forgive our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Ever-virgin, they who will not venerate the icons of you and of your Son are our enemies and are accursed, since they refuse to obey the ancient divine doctrines of the Fathers. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὸν Προφήτην Ἰωνᾶν.

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

Imitating the inspired Prophet Jonah in the whale, * I cry out to You, O Lord, * “From destruction free my life * and save me, I pray * to You, O Savior of the world. Glory to You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father John, you drove from your soul the insensibility of the passions, with the force of chaste sobriety and your efforts in prayer; and proved to be wholly sober. [SD]

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

O Father John, you drove from your soul the insensibility of the passions, with the force of chaste sobriety and your efforts in prayer; and proved to be wholly sober. [SD]

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

O God-inspired Saint, in vigilant prayer you manfully subdued the sleep-loving foe, and you became a vigilant shepherd of Christ’s flock and a luminary of teachers. [SD]

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

O Saint, you foresaw the divine beauty of blessed delight, for you piously cleanse the eye of your mind and tirelessly served Christ at all times. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, the unlawful are nauseated now in the tossing sea of bitter unbelief, as they see the hosts of the Orthodox devoutly venerating your holy icon. [SD]

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (NM) I pour out my prayer

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

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

Because of the many torments that they suffered, the saints were counted worthy to overthrow many thousands of the enemy, and they received, O Saviour, many blessings from Thee. At their intercessions, in Thy love wash me clean from all my sins. [KW]

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

Let us all sing the praises of the victorious martyrs of Christ, and let us cry to them with one accord: O followers of Christ’s Passion, heal the passions of our souls and give us strength to abstain from every evil way. [KW]

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

Sleeping in the tomb, Thou hast transformed the sorrow of death into a sleep, and hast given life to the departed. O Saviour, grant to those who have gone from us a place with Thine elect, at the prayers of Thy holy martyrs. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

Ineffably, O Virgin, thou hast borne the Word made flesh, who is all powerful and sinless: give me strength to fast and to abstain from every sin; and, O Undefiled, grant me tears to wash away my filthiness. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vi. Mode 3. (NM) The deep waters of the passions.

Βυθός μοι τῶν παθῶν.

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

Come, all who love the martyrs, let us celebrate their memory with prayers to God. In gladness let us crown them with our hymns and bless Christ who has rewarded them for their suffering. [KW]

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

First ye were scourged, then stoned, or sawn asunder, or given as food to the wild beasts. Ye were slaughtered as the sheep of Christ, but ye live for ever, O victorious martyrs. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I unite the Three in the one Nature of the Godhead, and divide the One into three Persons; and I reject equally the opposing heresies of Sabellius and Arius. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou art a virgin, and after childbearing thou still remainest pure; yet thou hast truly given birth. Strange is the mystery that is revealed in thee, Mother of God, and beyond words and understanding. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O martyrs, the blood of your patient suffering makes unceasing intercession to the Lord on our behalf. Pray for us now, that we may keep a fast from shameful passions. [KW]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

O Lord all-merciful, who shalt come to judge the whole world in the presence of ten thousands of the angels, grant to those who have fallen asleep in faith, that they may stand then before Thee uncondemned. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Βυθός μοι τῶν παθῶν.

The deep waters of the passions and a storm of adverse winds have risen up against me. Make haste, O Saviour, to save me, and to deliver me from corruption, as Thou hast delivered the Prophet from the whale. [KW]

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.

READER

From Horologion - - -

Kontakion.

With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sighing, but life everlasting. [GOA]

Oikos.

You alone are immortal, You who created and fashioned man. For we mortals were fashioned from the earth, and to the same earth we will go again, as You who fashioned me commanded and said to me: “You are earth, and to the earth you shall return”; where all we mortals shall go, as we make our funeral lament: Alleluia. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 30 we commemorate our devout father John, the author of the Ladder.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Prophet Joad (or Joel).

On this day we also commemorate our devout father John of the Well.

On this day Saint Evouli, the mother of St. Panteleimon, died in peace.

On this day Saint John, Patriarch of Jerusalem, died in peace.

On this day the holy New Hieromartyr Zacharias, who witnessed in Corinth in the year 1684, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 1. Heirmos (not metered).

Τοὺς ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδας.

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

O Lord and Savior, fire did not harm, * nor touch at all, * Your Servants in the furnace of old. * Those three young men then shouted in unison, * blessing and extolling God, and sang, * “God of our fathers, unto the ages, blessed are You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were stern and ferocious to all the unclean spirits. You struck down the impudence of childish cowardice with the sword of manly courage. Blessed is God, who made you wondrous. [SD]

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

You were stern and ferocious to all the unclean spirits. You struck down the impudence of childish cowardice with the sword of manly courage. Blessed is God, who made you wondrous. [SD]

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

O St. John, you were obedient to the divine law of Christ. Like your namesake, you trampled vainglory underfoot, and you offered the labor of constant ascetic practice to God alone. He is in secret, and in return gives rewards openly. [SD]

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

You waged war against the invisible hosts of the sinful passions, and you became a victor, for you were humble in mind and hear. Thus did you mortally wound the high-minded and boastful foe. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O Christ, I worship the union and the likeness Your incarnation in a godly manner. Thus I honor Your incarnation: that, being God pre-eternally, You, without confusion, perfect in both Your divinity and Your humanity, became a mortal from a Virgin. [SD]

Intermediate Verses of Ode Seven.

For we sinned and acted lawlessly to depart from You. We sinned in every way, and did not obey Your commandments. Neither did we treasure or do as You commanded, that it might go well with us. [SAAS]

Everything You brought on us and all You did to us, You did in true judgment. You delivered us into the hands of lawless and rebellious enemies and to an unjust king, the most evil in any land.

Now it is not for us to open our mouth, for this has become a shame and disgrace to Your servants and to those who worship You.

For Your name’s sake, do not hand us over to the end, and do not reject Your covenant. Do not withdraw Your mercy from us for the sake of Abraham, who is loved by You, and for the sake of Isaac, Your servant, and of Israel, Your holy one.

As You spoke to them, saying that You would multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand along the seashore.

Yet we have been diminished in number, O Master, more than all the nations, and we are humbled in all the earth today because of our sins.

At this time, there is no prince, no prophet, and no leader; there is no whole burnt offering, no sacrifice, no offering, and no incense; there is no place to bear fruit before You and to find mercy.

Yet with a contrite soul and humbled spirit, may we receive mercy.

As with whole burnt offerings of rams and bulls, and as with thousands of fatted lambs, so let this be our sacrifice before You today, and may it be accomplished for those who follow You; for there is no shame for those who trust in You.

Now we are following You with all our heart, and we fear You and seek Your face. Do not put us to shame.

But deal with us according to Your kindness and according to the abundance of Your mercy.

Deliver us by Your wondrous works and give glory to Your name, O Lord.

May all those who inflict evils upon Your servants be put to shame and humiliated in their power; and let their strength be crushed.

Let them know that You alone are the Lord God and glorious over all the inhabited earth.

Now the king’s servants who cast them in did not cease to stoke the furnace with naphtha, pitch, coarse fiber, and brushwood.

The flame shot forty-nine cubits above the furnace, and it broke out and burned those it found around the furnace of the Chaldeans.

But the Angel of the Lord went down into the furnace to join Azariah and his companions, and shook off the fiery flame of the furnace.

He made the inside of the furnace to be as though a dew-laden breeze were blowing through it, so the fire did not touch them at all, or cause them pain, or trouble them.

Then the three, as if with one mouth, sang, glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying: [SAAS]

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The Hebrew Children in the furnace

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

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

O martyrs worthy of all honour, with your blood ye quenched the flame of errors. Through your prayers to Christ, deliver us from the fire that is to come, O victorious servants of the Lord. [KW]

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

O triumphant martyrs, ye stopped the mouths of lions and endured the fire of torture, and now ye have been granted the true joy of heaven. Pray that we also may for ever share in this joy. [KW]

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

O courageous martyrs, illumined by the fullness of the Spirit’s light, pray that the departed faithful may receive repose, and entry into Paradise, and a share in life. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

To thee I bring a hymn, pure Virgin. I am held fast by evil: reject me not, but grant me perfect amendment through fasting and a righteous way of life. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode vii. Mode 3. (NM) Thou hast shed dew.

Ὁ τὴν φλόγα.

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

Fire and sword and wild beasts ye counted as a joy, O martyrs, and ye filled your murderers with amazement as ye sang in praise to the God of our fathers. [KW]

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

Cut in pieces and burnt, O martyrs, ye were offered as a fragrant sacrifice to Christ: intercede with Him at all times on our behalf. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify one God in Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Unity, holy Triad, Source without beginning, single in Essence. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Most holy Lady Theotokos, accept the prayers of thy servants and bring them to the God of all, that He may save us from every trial and temptation. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O company of martyrs, come from heaven to our aid: bless and sanctify us as we sing your praises, that with willing hearts we may complete the season of the Fast. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

O God, who knowest men’s works, forgive the sins voluntary and involuntary of the faithful who have gone to dwell with Thee, and grant them rest. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ὁ τὴν φλόγα.

Thou hast shed dew upon the furnace and saved the Children from its flames: blessed art Thou for ever, O Lord God of our fathers. [KW]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

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

To Him, the Creator and the Lord, at whom all hosts * and armies of Angels shudder, sing a hymn of praise, * you priests, and you Servants, glorify Him and bless, * and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O godly-minded John, you did rid yourself of hypocrisy, by your unaffected manners, and you fled from it in all integrity, because it was not useful. You indeed dwell in the land of the meek and gentle, since you lived as one meek and gentle. [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]

As a wise architect, you set divine humility as the foundation for divine ascent. You described it for us as the mother and guardian of all virtue. [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 St. John, you clearly partook of the Spirit’s grace. You have filled all people with divine illumination, by teaching us in deeds and instructing us in words, concerning perfect discernment. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O blind heretics, stop speaking lies. I depict not the divinity; for that is simple, invisible, without form; but recording the form of His flesh, I venerate it, and with faith I glorify the Virgin who gave birth to Him. [SD]

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]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Victors over fire

Νικηταὶ τυράννου.

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]

After enduring many torments in the weakness of your body, O victorious martyrs, now ye are revealed as physicians of the sick. Therefore I cry: My soul is sick; heal it through repentance during the time of the Fast. [KW]

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

Alas! How have all my days passed by in carelessness. I have accomplished nothing good: and see, the end is near at hand. O martyrs who have fought the good fight and finished the course, pray for me, that I may make a good end. [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 drops of your blood ye quenched the fire of godlessness, O victorious martyrs: pray for those who have departed from this life, that God may grant them rest and eternal remission of their sins. [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.

Ezekiel saw thee, O pure Virgin, as the gate through which none may pass; and thou openest the gates of repentance unto all those in despair. Therefore I entreat thee: open unto me the paths that lead to rest eternal. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) Begotten as God.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

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

Ye endured many bitter torments: some of you were burnt, others sawn asunder or cut in pieces. But now ye rejoice, O victorious martyrs, and sing to Christ: Praise, bless 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]

Through your blood ye sanctify the ends of the earth and bring healing unto all, O martyrs blessed throughout the world, and continually ye cry aloud: Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [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.

O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and living Spirit, one Godhead and one Kingdom, the hosts of angels glorify Thee as the Light that never sets; and we on earth praise, bless and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Behold, with all generations we call thee blessed, O Virgin undefiled, seeing the great things God has done to thee. For in ways surpassing nature thou hast borne the Maker of all, who is both God and man. Therefore we bless and exalt thee above all for ever. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O choir of martyrs, pray for our salvation, we entreat you, and beseech the Saviour that we may offer Him true worship through our abstinence. Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Verse: Their souls shall dwell among good things. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

To those who have fallen asleep in the true faith and in the hope of resurrection, grant, O Lord, that they may awaken to eternal life; and they will magnify Thee in sincerity and offer Thee this psalm of glory: Praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

Extol Him who is God, who before the ages was begotten from the unoriginate Father, and who in latter times put on flesh from the Theotokos. He is perfect man, and God from God. Extol Him and bless Him, and supremely exalt 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 1.

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

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

Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. [NKJV]

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

Verse: For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. [NKJV]

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

Verse: He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. [NKJV]

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

Verse: He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. [NKJV]

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

Verse: He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever. [NKJV]

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 1. Heirmos.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

A spring, abundantly flowing, that hosted life, * a golden lamp-stand that bore the unwaning Light, * living Temple, and all pure * tabernacle symbolize * the Theotokos, who is said to be wider * than earth and heaven. With hymns let us honor her. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O St. John, on an immaterial mind you flew up to immaterial things, and you reached a depth of visions. Through fervent prayer, you obtained the grace of the Holy Spirit, and you were granted to foresee revelations of things to come. [SD]

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

O most righteous Father, most wise and godly-minded John, you did consume the material mind with the flame of prayer; you became wholly fire. Therefore, you were changed with the good change, when you were piously outside yourself in divine visions. [SD]

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

O righteous Father, you mortified the sinful passions by your ascetic practice, and you swiftly ascended to the perfection of dispassion. We pray you now, supplicate God for world peace and for the salvation of us who honor you. [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 our Father, by faith you received strength, and by love you were given wings. You ran to the ladder of virtues, wherein is the fulness of all things desired; and you powerfully climbed it for the love of Christ. [SD]

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

Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, we are rightly filled with Orthodox belief, for we venerate the marvel of your childbirth as portrayed in icons, and we reverence the deed and we honor the image, confessing the truth in both. [SD]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Thou hast surpassed the bounds

Ὅρους παρῆλθες.

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]

O brave martyrs, ye are divine coals, burning up the evil substance of godlessness. Ye have cut down the ranks of demons with the sword, and ye give light to our souls. [KW]

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

O brave martyrs, ye have passed through the darkness of torment and gone to dwell in spiritual light: enlighten my humiliated soul that is darkened by sin. [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]

The glorious martyrs endured the pain inflicted on their bodies; and now they intercede for the faithful departed, praying that they may enjoy painless repose and the delight of Paradise. [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 all-pure Lady, come to the aid of thine unworthy servants during this season of abstinence, and bring our prayers to the Lord and King of all the ages. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) Thou art the immortal fountain.

Σὲ τὴν ἀθάνατον.

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]

As fire sent by God on the earth, ye have burnt up all the error of idolatry and kindled the light of the true faith in the farthest regions of the world, O martyrs of Christ. [KW]

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

Neither flame nor slaughter, nor wheel nor rack, nor catapult nor saw nor any other torture, however bitter, could separate you from the love of Christ, O holy martyrs. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

With true faith I praise the Godhead, one in three, united in Essence yet distinct in Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - these are one. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou hast borne the Rod from the root of Jesse and of David the forefather: we magnify thee, undefiled and pure, for thou dost save our souls. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

O honoured multitude of martyrs, pray to Christ on our behalf, that we may complete the course of the Fast in peace, and may behold and venerate His Passion. [KW]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

For the Dead.

As God of the dead and the living, who hast slain death and by Thy Rising granted life to all, give rest, O Christ, to Thy departed servants. [KW]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 3.

Σὲ τὴν ἀθάνατον.

We ever magnify you, the immortal fountain, that through the saints gives cures and healings to the human race, for you save our souls. [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

Exaposteilarion of the Day.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O only God who reposes * in those alone who are holy, * attend to the intercessions * of Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, * and of the devout monastics, * and save us all who extol You. [SD]

For the Dead.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Having, as God, authority * over the living and the dead, * give rest to Your servants * in the dwellings of the elect. * O Savior, even if they sinned, * yet they did not depart from You. [SD]

Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

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

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

Show Stichologia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hide Stichologia

For the Martyrs.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1.

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

Come, all you peoples, with spiritual songs and hymns, let us honor the prize-winning Martyrs of Christ. For they are the luminaries of the world and the preachers of the Faith, the ever-welling fountain from which the healings pour out to the believers. Through their supplications, O Christ our God, bestow peace upon Your world and great mercy upon our souls. [SD]

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

These are the soldiers of the great King: they defied the tyrants’ decrees and bravely disdained the tortures. They trampled all delusion and worthily were crowned. And now they ask the Savior for peace and for great mercy upon our souls. [SD]

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

O Martyrs extolled in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress, neither persecution nor famine, neither flogging nor angry beasts, neither sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. Rather, moved by your love for Him, you competed as though you were not in your own bodies, and in scorning death you eluded nature. Therefore you have worthily received the reward for your labors, and you have become heirs of the kingdom of heaven. We pray you never cease interceding on behalf of our souls. [SD]

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

Greatly rejoice in the Lord, O Martyrs, for you fought the good fight, you stood up to emperors, and you were victorious over tyrants. You were not frightened by fire and sword. As wild beasts devoured your bodies, and you joined the Angels in sending up your hymns of praise to Christ, from heaven you received the crowns. Pray now that peace be granted to the world and great mercy to our souls. [SD]

Glory. For the Dead.

O my Savior, You demonstrated in action that You are the resurrection of all, when You, O Logos, raised Lazarus from the dead by word alone. Bars and gates of Hades were smashed and disturbed, and human death was shown to be sleep. We pray You, who came to save Your creature, not to judge it, that You grant repose to those whom You have chosen, in Your benevolence towards humanity. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

The choir of Prophets and divine * company of Patriarchs, august Apostles and Hierarchs, the corps of martyr saints, * and the ranks of holy * and devout monastic saints, * and all the Righteous beam now with joy, O Maiden, and acknowledge you * as the reason for their own estate, * and they honor * you, for you gave birth to God. [SD]

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 Triodion - - -

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

O Savior, we pray that You will grant * rest and sweet participation in Yourself to Your servants who have died and passed away. * Settle them, O Master, in the dwellings of the Just, * the manors of Your saints, and the heavenly abodes, and overlook * their offenses, in Your tender love * and compassion, * and grant them eternal rest. [SD]

Verse: Blessed are they whom You have chosen and received, O Lord. [SAAS]

No human was ever without sin, * no, not one, except for You, only Immortal and holy Lord; and therefore, being God, * in Your tender mercy, * settle Your departed servants in the light with the hosts of Your angelic powers all, * passing over every sin that they * had committed, * and grant them forgiveness of sins. [SD]

Verse: And their memorial abides from generation to generation. [SAAS]

O Savior, no eye has ever seen * and no ear has ever heard, nor have they entered into the heart of man what You as God * have prepared and promised; * they transcend the visible. * We pray You be well pleased to bestow on those who passed away to You * participation in these promises, * and we pray You * to grant them eternal life. [SD]

Glory.

O Savior, Your servants full of joy, * trusting in Your precious Cross, O Lord, departed and went to You. * Grant it to be for them * as a ransom, Master, * for the sins that they had done. * It was for this that You shed Your precious blood that gives eternal life. * Count them worthy to experience * Your divine light and glory that never sets. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-pure Virgin Mother, please implore * Christ the Lord, your Son and God, * to grant Your servant forgiveness for the sins that they had done. * Rightly they professed that * God was truly born of you, * all-holy Theotokos, in words of faith. We pray He grant to them * in His kingdom to experience * the resplendence and brilliance of all His saints. [GOASD]

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.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

Glory.

Remember Your servants, O Lord, since You are good, and forgive them for all their sins in life; for no one is without sin except for You who are able to give rest to those who have passed away. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Holy Mother of the immaculate Light, we honor you with angelic hymns, and magnify you piously. [SD]

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR

Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

( Amen. )

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.

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.