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Triodion

On Wednesday of the Fourth Week Morning

Mode 3. On Wednesday Morning

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 3.

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 3.

O Trinity, consubstantial and undivided, O Unity, with three hypostases and co-eternal, to You as God we shout the hymn of the Angels: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring to glorify the unoriginate Father, the co-unoriginate Son, and the co-eternal Spirit, the one Godhead, we utter in the manner of the Cherubim: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

The Judge will arrive suddenly, and the actions of each of us will be laid bare. So, with fear, let us cry out in middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 19. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

The regiments of Angels were amazed by the immensity of Your authority and the voluntary nature of Your crucifixion, as they watched how You, who are invisible, were being whipped in the flesh, wishing as You did to rescue human nature from corruption. Therefore they cried out to You, the Giver of Life, “Glory to Your compassion, O Christ!” [SD]

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

The Cross was set up on the earth, and it touched the heavens; not that the tree reached that height, but that You who were on it fill all things. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

We have obtained the Cross of your Son, O Theotokos, as a rod of power. By it we subdue the insolence of the enemies. And with love we magnify you unceasingly. [SD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

The divine and precious Cross lies before us for our veneration, and it sanctifies the time of abstinence. Let us approach with a pure conscience: let us draw from it hallowing and enlightenment, and let us cry aloud with fear: Glory be to Thy compassion, O our Saviour who lovest mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

Standing by the Cross of the Child she bore without seed, the Virgin Mother cried aloud: ‘O my Son, a sword has pierced my heart, and I cannot bear to see Thee hanging on the Wood. Before Thee all things tremble, for Thou art their Creator and their God. Glory be to Thee, O longsuffering Lord.’ [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 1.

Clothed in glory by the virtues and cleansed by abstinence, let us draw near and venerate the precious Cross, crying aloud: Sanctify our souls and bodies, O only God of all, and count us worthy to celebrate Thy most pure Passion, granting us Thy mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

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

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 Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Ode i.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

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

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Filled with light and joy by the Fast, let us venerate the holy Wood on which Christ stretched out His hands, putting to flight the hostile powers, and let us praise and glorify the Lord almighty. [KW]

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

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

The saving Cross, source of hallowing, lies here before us. Having purified our body and heart, let us approach and draw from it the grace of salvation. [KW]

Glory.

Cleanse me with the fire of Thy commandments, O Lord who lovest mankind, and grant me to behold and venerate with love Thy saving Passion, fortified and preserved by Thy Cross. [KW]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

When Thy Mother saw Thee nailed to the Cross out of love for mankind, she lamented crying: ‘How does the Lord of glory and the Judge of all hang here as one condemned?’ [KW]

Ode iii.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

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

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Casting our hearts into the waters of fasting, with faith let us embrace the Wood of the Cross on which Christ our Benefactor was crucified, pouring out upon us the waters of forgiveness. [KW]

Verse: My heart is strengthened in the Lord; my horn is exalted in my God. I smile at my enemies; I rejoice in Your salvation. [SAAS]

Casting our hearts into the waters of fasting, with faith let us embrace the Wood of the Cross on which Christ our Benefactor was crucified, pouring out upon us the waters of forgiveness. [KW]

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

With the Cross as our sail, swiftly we have journeyed to the middle of the saving Fast. By this Thy Cross, O Jesus, Messiah and God, bring us to anchor in the haven of Thy Passion. [KW]

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

Moses prefigured thee, O Cross, upon the mountain when he overthrew the nations; and we make the sign of the Cross as we look upon thee in our hearts, and venerating thee we turn to flight our bodiless enemies through thy power. [KW]

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

Stavrotheotokion.

‘By Thine own will wast Thou made man, who art God and Maker of all,’ said Thy Mother, ‘and now, O Christ my Son, I see Thee hanging on the Cross, and my heart is wounded.’ [KW]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Κύριος ὢν πάντων.

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

O God the Lord and Creator of all, Thou wast raised upon the Cross in the midst of the earth, and Thou hast raised up with Thee the nature of man, fallen through the evil counsel of the enemy. Strengthened by Thy Passion, in faith we glorify Thee. [KW]

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

O ye faithful, let us purify our senses with the light of the Fast, and let us be illumined with the spiritual radiance of the Cross. Let us gaze on it with reverence as it lies this day before us, and venerate it with pure lips and mouth and heart. [KW]

Verse: Let not the man of learning boast in his understanding, nor let the man of might boast in his might, nor let the man of riches boast in his riches. [SAAS]

Here at the place where the feet of Christ have stood, let us worship the Holy Cross. Let us ask that the feet of our souls may be established on the rock of God’s commandments, and our footsteps guided by divine grace into the way of peace. [KW]

Verse: Only let the one who boasts boast in this: to understand and to know the Lord and to do justice and righteousness in the midst of the earth. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Thou hast come forth from a Virgin, O Christ, and from her hast taken human flesh, with a human mind and soul. By Thy Cross Thou hast destroyed the enemy and renewed the nature of mortal men that was grown corrupt. Therefore I glorify Thy compassion. [KW]

Canon 3 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1. (NM) Firmly establish Thy Church.

Στερέωσον Κύριε.

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

Let all the ends of the earth rejoice and sing, beholding the veneration of the Wood whereon Christ was hung and through which the devil was wounded. [KW]

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

The lifegiving Cross is set before us today. Come, with joy and fear let us worship the precious Cross of the Lord, that we may receive the Holy Spirit. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Sun with threefold ray, thrice-glorious Light, O God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Nature and Glory without beginning, deliver from danger those who sing Thy praises. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The ranks of angels magnify thee, blessed Theotokos worthy of all praise; and with them now we and all mankind glorify thee, Virgin who hast not known man. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As I approach to touch thee, O lifegiving Cross, my tongue and understanding tremble, for I see that the divine Blood of my Lord was shed on thee. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Στερέωσον Κύριε.

Firmly establish Thy Church, O Lord, which Thou hast made Thine own by the power of Thy Cross: for by the Cross Thou hast triumphed over the enemy and brought light to the inhabited earth. [KW]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Today the words of the Prophet are fulfilled: for see, we worship at the place on which Thy feet have stood, O Lord; and, tasting from the Tree of salvation, we have been delivered from our sinful passions at the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Thou who alone lovest mankind. [KW]

Glory. Another.

Mode pl. 2.

Thy Cross, O Lord, is holy, and brings healing to those who are in sickness through their sins. Venerating it, we fall before Thee: have mercy upon us.

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

No sooner had the wood of Thy Cross been set up, O Christ our Lord, than the foundations of death were shaken. Hell swallowed Thee eagerly, but it let Thee go with trembling. Thou hast shown us Thy salvation, O Holy One, and we glorify Thee, O Son of God; have mercy upon us. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Ode iv.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Once the venerable Jacob crossed his hands as he stretched them out to bless his grand-children; so he foreshadowed the figure of the Cross and signified the blessing of salvation that is given to us all. [KW]

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]

Preserved by the seal of the Cross, and kissing it with joyful spirit as it lies before us, let us hasten onward to the saving Passion and put to death the deadly passions of the flesh. [KW]

Glory.

O honoured Cross, weapon of salvation, unconquerable ensign of victory, token of joy whereby death has been slain, we embrace thee and share in the glory of Him who was nailed upon thee. [KW]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

‘No angel can approach Thee, Jesus my Son, yet Thou hast appeared to me in visible form, borrowing flesh from me,’ said the Mother of Christ. ‘And now I see Thee nailed upon the Cross, and I lament.’ [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Ode v.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Nailed to the Cross, Thou wast accounted dead, who art the Life and the Salvation of all. Grant, O Saviour, that with a pure heart we may embrace this Thy Cross and look with joy upon Thy saving Passion. [KW]

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

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

The ranks of angels tremble as they stand before thee, O lifegiving Cross, for Christ poured out His precious Blood upon thee, washing away the polluted blood offered to the demons for man’s destruction. [KW]

Glory.

I am pierced by the sword of the adversary: heal me by Thy Blood, O Word. Make haste, I pray Thee, O Saviour: with Thy lance tear up the record of my sins, and in Thy compassion write my name in the book of the saved. [KW]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

‘O ripe Cluster of grapes, how dost Thou hang upon the Tree? O Sun of glory, how art Thou raised on high, darkening the sun’s light by Thy Passion?’ So Thy Mother, O Saviour, cried in her grief to Thee her Lamb. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Ode vi.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐβόησε προτυπῶν.

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

Prefiguring * in the whale the divine three-day burial, * Prophet Jonah cried aloud, * in affliction beseeching God: * From corruption save me, * O Lord Jesus the King of angelic hosts. [SD]

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Fixed in the earth, O honoured Cross of the Lord, thou hast shaken the dwelling-place of hell; and for the faithful thou hast become a firm support and sure protection. [KW]

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

Fixed in the earth, O honoured Cross of the Lord, thou hast shaken the dwelling-place of hell; and for the faithful thou hast become a firm support and sure protection. [KW]

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

Fruitful in the virtues, let us harvest from the divine Tree the life giving fruits borne by Jesus the fruitful Vine, who was stretched out upon it. [KW]

Glory.

We praise Thy great love, O Jesus, and we venerate Thy Cross, with the lance and reed. For through them in Thy compassion Thou hast broken down the middle wall of division and hatred. [KW]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

The Virgin bore Thee, who art the fountain of our restoration, the river of life; and, stretched out upon the Cross, Thou hast poured out the waters of salvation. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode 4.

Ἐβόησε προτυπῶν.

Prefiguring * in the whale the divine three-day burial, * Prophet Jonah cried aloud, * in affliction beseeching God: * From corruption save me, * O Lord Jesus the King of angelic hosts. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Grave Mode. Automelon.

The fiery sword is not guarding the entrance to Eden anymore. For it was extinguished in paradoxical manner by the tree of the Cross. The sting of death and the victory of Hades have been stricken. And You, my Savior, came and cried out to those in Hades: Enter again into Paradise. [SD]

Oikos.

On Golgotha did Pilate lift up crosses three: two for those guilty of larceny, and one for Him who gives us life, whom Hades spied and voiced to those below, “My ministers and governors: my heart! - who has affixed it with a nail? A lance of wood abruptly pierced me through, and I am rent in twain. My inner parts distressingly are pained, my belly aches, the organs of my senses. My breathing pants and am compelled Adam and those of Adam to expel, who by a tree were given me. For it is a tree that leads them back again into Paradise.” [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 10, we commemorate the holy martyrs Terence, Africanos, Maximos, Pompey, and another thirty-six; and also those with the blessed Zeno and Alexander and Theodore.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Prophetess Olda.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Iakovos the priest and Azas the deacon.

The holy new martyr Demos, who witnessed in Smyrna in the year 1763, died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate our father among the saints Gregory V, the new hieromartyr, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriach, who witnessed by hanging in that city in the year 1821.

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

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Ode vii.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.

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

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

The axe-head that Elisha drew out from the Jordan signified the Cross, O Christ, whereby Thou hast drawn out the nations from the depths of falsehood, and they sing: O Lord God of our fathers, blessed art Thou. [KW]

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

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

Earth and heaven rejoice together at thy veneration. For through thee, O Cross, men are united with the angels, and they cry: O Lord God almighty, blessed art Thou. [KW]

Glory.

Let us venerate the Cross of the Lord, offering our tender affection as the cypress, the sweet fragrance of our faith as the cedar, and our sincere love as the pine; and let us glorify our Deliverer who was nailed upon it. [KW]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

O chosen city of God, without shaking the heavens God came down to dwell within thy womb; but, when He was hung upon the Cross, He shook the creation. Intercede with Him, that He may set me firmly on His rock that cannot be shaken. [KW]

Ode viii.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Tree, O Lord, and so hast freed us from the sin of Adam, who stretched out his hand in greed. Thou wast pierced by a spear, and with that spear Thou hast wounded the adversary. Thou hast tasted gall, and so hast taken away the sweet temptation of evil. Thou wast given vinegar to drink, who art the Joy of all. [KW]

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]

With mind and conscience pure, let us joyfully draw near and venerate the precious and honoured Wood that lies here before us. Upon it Christ submitted to a shameful death, and so He raised us to the highest honour, when through the transgression we had fallen into shame and dishonour. [KW]

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]

I have been slain by the wood of sin, and through tasting from the pleasures I have been put to death. Bring me to life, O Lord; raise me up from where I lie, and grant that I may worship at Thy Passion and share in Thy divine Resurrection, becoming a fellow heir with those that have loved Thee. [KW]

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

Stavrotheotokion.

‘I see Thee lifted on high,’ cried the Holy Virgin, ‘and because of Thy suffering there is neither form nor beauty in Thee; yet when I first saw Thee incarnate in the flesh, Only-begotten Son, Thou wast fairer than all the sons of men. O salvation of all, manifest Thy glory.’ [KW]

(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 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM) Accepting danger

Νόμων πατρῴων.

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

By Thine own will, compassionate Lord, Thou wast crucified in the middle of the day in the midst of the earth, and Thou hast plucked the ends of the world from the midst of the dragon’s jaws. Therefore in this middle week of the holy Fast we venerate and glorify Thy precious Cross, crying aloud: Praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

O sign of joy, unconquerable weapon, rampart of the Church, glory of martyrs, adornment of apostles, firm support of bishops, strengthen my sickly soul, and count me worthy to venerate thee and to sing thy praises, crying: O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [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]

O longsuffering Lord, I mourn and weep and lament, when I call to mind how I shall be condemned before the judgement seat where there is no respect of persons. Therefore spare me and lighten the heavy yoke which weighs upon my soul, that I may cry rejoicing: O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, O holy ones and humble in heart, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, the bush was a figure of the mystery of thy childbearing that no mind can understand. For like the bush thou hast remained unconsumed when thou hast borne the Fire, Christ our Saviour, who was lifted on the Cross. Pray to Him that I may be delivered from the everlasting fire as I cry aloud: Praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Canon 3 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1. (NM)

Αὔτη ἡ κλητή.

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

Cleansed by fasting, come and let us embrace with love the Cross of Christ that is set before us. For unto us it is a treasury of strength and sanctification, and by its power we sing the praise of Christ for ever. [KW]

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

Here before us is the great and threefold Cross: though it appears small, yet it reaches up to heaven; by its power it raises men to God, and in its name we bless Christ for ever. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify one Substance in three distinct Beings: Father, Son and Spirit, neither confused in Persons nor divided in Essence; for there is one God in Trinity, ruling over all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Alone among mothers, Mary Bride of God, thou hast remained a virgin. Without knowing man thou hast given birth to the Saviour Christ, yet kept the seal of thy purity unbroken; and with all the faithful we shall call thee blessed for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us honour this holy Wood, which, as the Prophet said of old, was put into the bread of Christ by the Israelites who crucified Him; and let us exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Χεῖρας ἐν τῷ λάκκῳ.

Daniel, great among the prophets, was cast into the lions’ den; but, stretching out his hands in the form of the Cross, he was delivered from their mouths and kept unharmed, blessing Christ our God for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ode ix.

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἅπας γηγενής.

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

Troparia.

[All-holy] Cross of Christ, guard us by your power.

Thy side was pierced with a spear, and Thou hast poured upon us a fountain of forgiveness. Thou wast nailed to a tree, O loving Lord, and Thou hast destroyed in the midst of the earth the condemnation that came through a tree. On this middle day of the Fast, we embrace the Wood of the Cross and sing the praises of Thy goodness. [KW]

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

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

O mountains, flow with sweetness, and little hills, pour forth joy and love. Trees of the plain and cedars of Lebanon, rejoice today at the veneration of the lifegiving Cross. Prophets and martyrs, apostles and spirits of the righteous, dance in gladness. [KW]

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 Lord, look favourably upon Thy people and Thine heritage, who sing Thy praise with fear, and for whose sake Thou hast suffered voluntary death. Let not the countless number of our evil deeds vanquish Thy compassion, but in Thy surpassing goodness and Thy love for mankind save us all by Thy Cross. [KW]

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

Stavrotheotokion.

‘Crucified of Thine own will, Thou dost shake the visible world, and yet Thou still remainest hanging on the Cross’, said the Theotokos weeping. ‘For it is Thy purpose, O Christ, to set free the passiondominated thoughts of the first-formed man and in Thy love to heal his brokenness.’ [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. (NM)

Ἀπορεῖ πᾶσα γλῶσσα.

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]

When Elisha once drew the axe-head from the river with a piece of wood, he prefigured thee, O Cross: for thou art the lifegiving wood with which Christ has drawn the nations from the depths of the madness of idolatry, when He was nailed upon thee. We therefore venerate thee and we glorify His power. [KW]

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

O Saviour, the radiance of the sun was turned to darkness at Thy Crucifixion, the light of the moon was quenched, and all the elements trembled and were changed. And so I cry to Thee: My thoughts have been turned to darkness by the passions; changing me with Thy right hand, O Word, give me light and save me. [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]

With the lacerations of Thy body cure the passions of my soul; and with Thy wounded side heal the painful wounds inflicted by the demons. With Thy nails, O Christ, uproot my sensual lusts; and grant that, freed from passions, I may worship at Thy Holy Passion and Thy Resurrection. [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.

A fair Virgin bore Thee, O Lord fair in beauty; but, seeing neither form nor beauty in Thee at Thy Passion, she said lamenting: ‘I am filled with wonder, O my Son, at this Thy strange abasement, whereby Thou dost save the humbled nature of mankind.’ [KW]

Canon 3 from the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 1. (NM)

Φωτίζου, φωτίζου.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

Let all the people of God draw near with gladness; and looking upon the Wood of the Cross that lies before them, with fear let them kiss it and receive joy, ever praising the Lord of glory who was crucified upon it. [KW]

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

O Cross, thou art the divine weapon that protects my life; the Master mounted upon thee and brought me salvation. His side was pierced and poured out blood and water; from them I partake, and I rejoice and give Him glory. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I worship Thee, O holy God, as Trinity of Persons in Unity of Essence, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: one Power and Kingdom, sovereign over all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou art the great mountain, O Virgin, wherein Christ dwelt, as holy David says. By thee we are raised up to heaven, all-blessed Lady, receiving through the Spirit the adoption of sons. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Cross, divine sceptre of the King, the courage of His army, trusting in thee we put to flight the adversary. Grant for ever victory over our enemies 2 to us who venerate thee. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Ὦ Μῆτερ Παρθένε.

O Virgin Mother and true Theotokos, without seed thou hast borne Christ our God, who was lifted in the flesh upon the Cross. We and all the faithful, as is right, magnify thee with thy Son. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 3.

Send out Your light, O Christ God, and enlighten our hearts, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

Exaposteilarion. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Mode 3. (NM)

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

In the middle of the Fast God calls us all to the veneration of the holy Wood. Through our own sufferings let us join ourselves to the sufferings of Christ. Come, all ye faithful, and let us venerate the Wood of this dread mystery. [KW]

Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. (NM)

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

The all-holy Virgin Mother of God the Word cried weeping and lamenting: ‘Such are the good tidings of joy that Gabriel brought me. Go forth then, Child, to fulfill the secret counsel and the divine plan of salvation.’ [KW]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Having come to the middle point on the path of the Fast that leads to Thy precious Cross, grant that we may see Thy day that Abraham saw and rejoiced, when on the mountain he received Isaac back alive as from the tomb. Delivered from the enemy by faith, may we share in Thy mystical supper, calling upon Thee in peace: Our light and our Saviour, glory to Thee. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

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

Invincible martyrs of Christ, ye triumphed over falsehood by the power of the Cross, and gained as your reward the grace of life eternal. Ye felt no terror at the threats of tyrants, and when ye suffered torment ye rejoiced; and now your blood has become the healing of our souls. Intercede for our salvation. [KW]

Glory. Both now.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Having reached the middle of the sea of abstinence, let us look towards the haven of salvation, the season of Thy voluntary Passion, O Lord. In Thy lovingkindness and Thy mercy, grant us also to behold in peace the day of Thy glorious Resurrection. [KW]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.