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Triodion

Mode 2. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Third Week Morning

Menaion - April 2

Memory of our Devout Father Titus

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

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 2.

We on earth, imitating the powers on high, send up a triumphal hymn to You, O good One: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Forerunner save us. [SD]

Glory.

O uncreated nature and Creator of the universe, open our lips, so that we may proclaim Your praise and cry out: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

From my bed and sleep You have roused me, O Lord. Illumine my mind and heart, and open my lips to extol You, O Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

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

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 2.

David said, “Have mercy on me.” And likewise I cry out, “I have sinned, O Savior. I pray You blot out my sins, through my repentance, and have mercy on me.” [GOASD]

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

For the two sins he committed, David grieved and cried, “Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me!” And I, for my countless transgressions, pray to You. He wet his couch with many tears, and I cannot produce a single teardrop. I am lost! So I entreat You: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy!” [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, please do not ignore me, as I pray for your assistance. For my soul relies on you. Have mercy on me! [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 1. (NM)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Let us cleanse ourselves by fasting and by prayer, and serve God through acts of mercy to the poor. Let us lament and groan with fervent tears, while we still have time for conversion, that we may be delivered from everlasting lamentation in the flames of hell. And let us give glory to Christ who has ordained repentance for all mortal men, calling upon them to turn back in righteousness. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Extend your holy hands, with which you held our Creator, * imploring Him who graciously for us became incarnate, * all-holy Virgin Mother, and entreat * for us who are extolling you with love, * that He free us from temptations, * from passions, and from dangers, as we sing to you: * 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]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 3.

Gladdened by the Fast and greatly rejoicing in song, gaining mastery over all the passions through our prayers, let us trample underfoot the snares of the devil, and cry aloud with one accord to Christ: Count us worthy to look upon Thy Cross, in Thy compassion granting us great mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O Virgin Mother, blessed of God, cure the sickness of my soul, for I am held prisoner by my sins; and sighing from my heart I cry to thee: All-blameless Theotokos, I have greatly sinned; accept me, that with boldness I may call upon thee: Hail, dwelling-place of God. [KW]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Look upon Your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us Your rich mercies:

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, heavenly, bodiless powers, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, our fathers among the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria, Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; Charalambos and Eleutherios, the hieromartyrs; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; our venerable and God-bearing fathers; (local patron saint); holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; and all Your saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

Through the mercy, compassion, and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

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

Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Titus, you are a treasury of dispassion. I am bogged down from head to toe with fleshly passions and corrupted by sensual pleasures; therefore, save me at your intercessions [RB]

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

The Spirit divinely chose you, you were offered to God from the time you were swaddled as an infant, and you were initiated and became a servant of the Virgin Theotokos. [RB]

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

O Father, you were nourished with the sweetness of self-control, you rejected the bitterness of the passions, and thus you sweeten our souls more than honey and the honey-comb. [RB]

Glory.

O Titus, we celebrate you as Paul’s new disciple; for you imitated his struggles. O blessed man of God, you have been crowned with him. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mother of God, you are higher than all of creation, and so, in these last times you alone conceived without a father the Word, as both God and man, from the Father without a mother. [RB]

(read)

READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode 1. Heirmos (NM).

Ἴδετε, ἴδετε.

See now, see that I am God, who saved the people of Israel when they were in bondage, and appointed Moses to lead them in the wilderness, for I am mighty in My power. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Father in His great love has adopted me as His son through the washing of Baptism, and has bestowed upon me the riches of His many blessings. But by mine own free choice I have become enslaved to fruitless thoughts, and so have fallen into poverty. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Be merciful, O Lord, be merciful, be merciful; do not pass judgement on me, righteous Judge, but in Thy great compassion accept my feeble cry of sorrow an.cl reject me not, O Christ. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Putting off the loathsome garment of self-indulgence, let us put on the shining robe of abstinence, and so in joy and glory let us come to the brightness of the Redeemer’s Resurrection. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Save me, O save me, Mother of the Saviour. O pure Lady, look on my distress, for each day the countless number of my sins brings my unhappy soul to despair. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode 3. (NM) See now, see.

Ἴδετε, ἴδετε.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

See now, see, that I am your God, the spring that flows with salvation for you: let every mortal man through abstinence draw water from this fountain. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

See now, see, that I have appointed for you this holy season of the Fast as a spiritual banquet. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us glorify the Trinity and worship the Unity: the only-begotten Son without beginning from the Father without beginning, and the Spirit enthroned with the Son and coeternal with the Father. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, intercede before the Saviour without ceasing on behalf of those who confess thee to be truly Theotokos in body and soul, that they may be delivered from all distress. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvellous are Thy works: of old Thou hast saved Daniel from being eaten in the lions’ den, for he was protected by fasting. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ἴδετε, ἴδετε.

See now, see, that I am the Saviour of the world, the true Light, the Fountain of life, the Son of God. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ εἶ τὸ στερέωμα.

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

Lord, You are the firm support * of those run to You faithfully. * You are the light * of those who are darkened. * And my spirit is praising You. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Father Titus, as myrrh of sanctification, you were infused completely with ascetic spices and became a sweet perfume unto our God [RB]

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

O righteous one, abstinence was your weapon and prayer was your breastplate, and so you defeated the powers of darkness, putting them to shame. [RB]

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

You wisely held back the law of the flesh with the law of the Spirit, and you served the Lord lawfully. [RB]

Glory.

O righteous Father, you fixed all your desire and your mind upon yearning for Christ, and you held as nothing worldly cares. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, I entreat you that, at your prayers, He born of you may be merciful to me on the day of judgment. [RB]

Heirmos.

Lord, You are the firm support * of those run to You faithfully. * You are the light * of those who are darkened. * And my spirit is praising You. [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Wise Father, you shot up and brought forth abundant fruit of all righteousness as a tree that grew tall watered by unending rivers of tears. And so, wonderworking Titus, lovely flower of ascetics, we gather as we should to show you honor. And now, save us at your prayers to the Lord. [RB]

Glory. Another.

Mode 4. N/M (You appeared.)

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

O Titus, you left behind the storm and stress of life. And so, O just Father, wise miracle-worker, since you lived your entire life in silence and stillness, you have passed over to dwell with God. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. N/M (You appeared.)

O pure Virgin, full of grace, we run to your mighty shelter for refuge, and we all entreat you earnestly: plead without ceasing to the God who loves mankind that we your servants will be saved through your holy prayers. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you despised all of sin’s rottenness, and you wounded the host of demons with the spear of asceticism. [RB]

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

O all-blessed one, the desire for purity pierced your soul. And so you zealously followed Christ, and entered into the bridal chamber of glory. [RB]

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

You have bloomed with self-control as though you were a sweet-smelling meadow and a living garden of the virtues, with which you feed all that honor you. [RB]

Glory.

We all call you blessed, for in truth we hold you as like Moses and David, a lawgiver of asceticism and an icon of unerring meekness. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, you are more exalted than the Cherubim and the Seraphim, and we praise you; for you have held in the flesh with your own arms Him before Whom all things tremble. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you quenched the passions with the mists of your struggles, and you built a fire of love and faith. And so you became a lamp of self-control, a beacon of passionlessness, and a son of the day. [RB]

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

O blessed Titus, you quenched the passions with the mists of your struggles, and you built a fire of love and faith. And so you became a lamp of self-control, a beacon of passionlessness, and a son of the day. [RB]

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

O Father, you nurtured the grapes of faith with divine expertise, you put them in the winepress, and you pressed out the wine with ascetic struggles. And so you filled the spiritual cup of self-control, and you make the hearts of your flock to rejoice. [RB]

Glory.

O righteous Father, you bravely endured the attacks and wounds of the demons, you were a pillar of strength, you guided your flock in certainty with a divine staff, and you grazed your sheep in the pastures and the waters of self-control. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate and all-blameless Virgin, we all have you as our refuge, high wall, fortress, and stronghold, and a gateway into the Kingdom that can never fall. And so we entreat you that at your motherly intercessions, we may not miss the mark of our hope. [RB]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

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

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Titus, you endured by many struggles and dangers for the Faith, and so you dispersed the foggy and dark night of passions, and you brought about the light of sunrise to illumine all your ways. [RB]

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

O God-inspired Titus, you loved asceticism and were captivated thoroughly by God; you abandoned the world and the things of the ruler of the world, and you held fast to the delight of the Kingdom that is beyond the world. [RB]

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

You gathered to your soul the divine riches of grace, immaculate prayer, purity, holiness, and intense focus, and so you were acknowledged as a house of our God. [RB]

Glory.

O wise Father, you passed over the crudeness of matter below, and in spiritual prayer you gave wings to your mind, and you became an heir of the inheritance of heaven through your blameless way of life. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, you truly conceived the Word of God in your womb and gave birth to Him who is beyond nature; at your intercessions make Him merciful, so that He may rescue all your servants from threats. [RB]

Heirmos.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 2.

You make Your holy martyrs shinier than gold, and You glorify Your devout ascetics, since You are good. Being importuned by them, O Christ our God, bring peace into our lives, O benevolent Lord, and let our prayer as incense rise to You, who alone dwell in the holy. [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 2 we commemorate our devout father Titus.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs and brothers Amphianos and Aidesios.

On this day we also commemorate the holy virgin martyr Theodora.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Polycarp.

On this day the devout Gregory, who struggled in asceticism in the Gulf of Nicomedia, reposed in peace in the year 1240.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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

Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father, for us you were a river of abstinence never tainted with sins, drowning the passions, and washing away the stain of those who cry with faith: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

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

O blessed of God, you now are a member of the angelic choirs, and you enjoy ceaselessly the glory of the heavenly Kingdom. Watch over them that sing: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

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

O Father Titus, you were steadfast and unchanging in your confession of faith; for in portraying and circumscribing Christ in the flesh, you worshipped Him and shouted: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

Glory.

O Father, you carry the marks of Jesus the Master on your body; heal me too, for I am wounded with the arrow of Belial, and I shout: O God of our Fathers, blessed are You. [RB]

Both now. Theotokion.

O gracious Lady, you gave birth to the Master of all in a manner surpassing nature and rational thought, and with your breasts you fed Him that prepares a table for all in due season. Entreat him for us unceasingly. [RB]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Devout Man.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

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

O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father Titus, we hold you as a living monument and image of self-control, and we honor your memory unto all the ages. [RB]

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

The company of monastics rejoice, and the righteous and the just dance; for together with them you have been deemed worthy to win a crown. [RB]

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]

Being well-favored with the virtues, you were summoned to the bridal chamber of ineffable glory, singing hymns to Christ unto all the ages. [RB]

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]

You were clothed with the priestly vestments, you performed the bloodless Sacrifice, and so you were offered as a sacrifice to God unto all the ages. [RB]

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

Theotokion.

O immaculate Virgin and Mother of God, you conceived in your womb Him that existed before you, and you ineffably gave birth to Christ the King. [RB]

(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. Him before whom the angels (NM).

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

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]

I lament and weep as I think of the hour when I shall stand before the fearful throne, and be called to account for the many evil deeds that I have done in ignorance and in knowledge. [KW]

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

Moses, having found in fasting a means of purification, spoke with God who alone is pure. O my soul, be purified by fasting, and so draw near to the God of love. [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]

Let us love fasting, the mother of virtues, and hate pleasure, the begetter of passions; and let us cry: Father who art in heaven, save us, O save us, at the prayers of Thy saints. [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 pure Virgin Mary, at the hour of judgement pray to the Judge whom thou hast borne, that He may take pity on me and save me from condemnation; for thou art the only protection of mankind. [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]

Entering as initiates into the dazzling grace of the Fast, let us shine as lightning with the virtues, and by our peaceful faces and our peaceful way of life let us display the peace that is within our souls. [KW]

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

By fasting Elisha gave back to the Shunnamite her child alive. From this let us learn, O brethren, how great a blessing is the Fast, and how it is a grace given by God. [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 with the angels: 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 brethren, let not one of us be sunk in idleness and sloth. This is the time for work, the hour of solemn festival. Who, then, is wise and in one day will gain eternal life? [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 pl. 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 Devout Man.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἁγνὴν ἐνδόξως.

The pure Theotokos who in her womb * conceived the divine fire * without being burned, let us honor gloriously, O peoples, * magnifying her with never-silent hymns. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O blessed Titus, you were a doctor sent by God for those sick with passions, and you banished and chased away the evil demons. And so we call you blessed. [RB]

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

O Father, you abandoned the world as the dwelling place of corruption, and you lived in the land of the meek, with whom you rejoice, enjoying divine delight. [RB]

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

We magnify the Creator with hymns, for we have your struggles as a permanent monument of faith and example of self-control. [RB]

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]

Today is a day to celebrate; for Titus calls the flocks of monastics together to form a choir, and to enjoy a common banquet served with the food of immaculate life. [RB]

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

Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, when He that dwelt in you was born, He defeated the destroyer of humanity that once wickedly caused our ancestors to stumble, and He saved us all. [RB]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Let us glorify the cloud of light.

Τὴν φωτοφόρον νεφέλην.

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]

Having fallen into a sea of sin, a deep of despair, a tempest of thoughts and a storm of passions, to Thee I raise my cry: O Abyss of mercy, help me and in Thy compassion grant me, as the rain from heaven, cleansing for my sins. [KW]

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

O ye faithful, let us cleanse the body through fasting, the spirit through abstinence, and the soul through tears. So in purity let us go with joy to meet Him who is pure, and to look upon the saving Passion that the Redeemer endured for our sake. [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]

I groan like the Publican; I weep like the Harlot; and I cry out like the Thief, ‘Remember me, O merciful Lord.’ With the blind man I call unto Thee, O Son of God, ‘Open the eyes of my soul, for they are blinded by the wickedness of the deceitful enemy who makes me stumble.’ [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 ye faithful, let us bless the Virgin, for she is the Mountain not cut by hand of man, the Gate through which none may pass; she is higher than the heaven and all creation, the beauty and the excellency of Jacob, the golden Vessel of manna, the Bridge, and the Mother of the Creator. [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]

Knowing the present days to be sacred above all others, let us offer up prayers to God with a pure conscience, kneeling often on the ground, and let us say: O Lord, accept at all times the petitions and entreaties of Thy servants. [KW]

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

The people, so it is written, sat down to eat and drink, and then rose up to dance and worship the carved image of Belphegor. Behold the grievous fruits of gluttony! But let us fast, and we shall be glorified like great Moses. [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.

O Lord, since Thy wrath against sinners is not to be endured, who shall stand unafraid when it threatens him? Boundless is Thy mercy: save me in Thy compassion, and judge me not according to my many sinful works. [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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 2.

Send out Your eternal light, O Lord, and illumine the hidden eyes of my heart, by the intercessions of the Forerunner, and save me. [SD]

Send out Your eternal light, O Lord, and illumine the hidden eyes of my heart, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

Send out Your eternal light, O Lord, and illumine the hidden eyes of my heart, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Grave Mode.

I confess to Thee, O Lord, that I have sinned as the Prodigal. I dare not raise my eyes to heaven, whence I have fallen in my wretchedness. I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am not worthy to be called Thy son. I openly proclaim my guilt; I have no need of others to accuse me or bear witness; for my own life of sinful prodigality triumphantly condemns me; my evil habits cry aloud against me; my nakedness puts me to shame, and the rags which clothe me bring disgrace upon me. O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, receive me in repentance and have mercy upon me. [KW]

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

I confess to Thee, O Lord, that I have sinned as the Prodigal. I dare not raise my eyes to heaven, whence I have fallen in my wretchedness. I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am not worthy to be called Thy son. I openly proclaim my guilt; I have no need of others to accuse me or bear witness; for my own life of sinful prodigality triumphantly condemns me; my evil habits cry aloud against me; my nakedness puts me to shame, and the rags which clothe me bring disgrace upon me. O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, receive me in repentance and have mercy upon me. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Grave Mode.

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

In the midst of the arena, before the lawless pagans, the victorious martyrs cried aloud rejoicing: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’ [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode.

Thou wast born, O Christ, of a Virgin in ways surpassing all interpretation; Thou hast brought light to those in darkness, and they cry: ‘O Lord, glory to Thee.’ [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.

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

( Amen. )

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.