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Triodion

Mode 4. On Monday Morning

On Monday of the Fifth Week Morning

Menaion - April 15

Memory of the Holy Martyr Crescent

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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 4.

We mortals dare to offer You the hymn of Your noetic ministers, and we say: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory.

Now like the orders of Angels in heaven, and the ranks of people on earth, with fear we offer You a hymn of victory, O good One. Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Like the Cherubim we dare to glorify the unoriginate Father, and You, O Christ God, and Your all-holy Spirit, and we say: 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 4. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 4.

O Lord, visit my humble soul, which as spent the entire time of this life in sins. Accept me and save me, as You once did the harlot. [SD]

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

As I sail across the ocean of the present life, I remember the abyss of my many vices. Since I have no good thought to pilot me, I shout to you the words of Peter: Save me, O Christ my God. Save me, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

To you who were raised in the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, and who were clothed in faith and wisdom and measureless virginity, the Supreme Commander Gabriel from heaven brought the salutation, “Rejoice”; “Rejoice, O blessed Maiden! Rejoice, O glorified one! The Lord is with you.” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. 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 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

The most beautiful of seasons is at hand, the much praised day of abstinence has dawned. Let us make haste, brethren, to be cleansed, that we may appear in purity before our Maker and share in His beauty, at the prayers of her who bore Him, the only pure Mother of God. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

You were so beautiful in your virginity. * Archangel Gabriel admired your purity, * which was resplendent; and amazed, he said to you, Theotokos, * “As there are no accolades that can worthily honor you, * I am at a loss for words to address you, so awed am I. * But I will say what I was commanded: * Rejoice, O favored Maiden full of grace!” [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 6. 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.

Grave Mode.

O Lord, Thou hast granted us to reach the present day, on which in radiant light we commence the holy week of the dread raising of Lazarus from the tomb. Count us Thy servants worthy to walk in Thy fear, and to complete the whole course of the Fast. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

All-Holy Virgin, thou art greater in honour than the glorious cherubim. Unable to endure the divine splendour, they veil their faces with their wings as they perform their ministry; but thou dost gaze with thine own eyes upon the Incarnate Word. Without ceasing pray to Him for our souls. [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 Saint.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

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

The Red Sea was crossed by ancient Israel. They walked across dry ground, * when Moses stretched his hand over the sea * with his rod, in the form of a cross; * and likewise in the wilderness, they put to flight the hosts of Amalek. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Let us, the faithful, joyously clap our hands for the memorial of the athlete and martyr, who sacredly struggled and put to flight the prince of darkness by divine grace. [VPA]

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified. Horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. [SAAS]

Let us, the faithful, joyously clap our hands for the memorial of the athlete and martyr, who sacredly struggled and put to flight the prince of darkness by divine grace. [VPA]

Verse: The Lord became my helper and the shield of my salvation; He is my God, and I will glorify Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. [SAAS]

Having gone beyond the instability of changeable things, martyr of many labors, you wholeheartedly gave yourself to tortures and whipping and, having been victorious, you stand before God, wearing a crown. [VPA]

Verse: The Lord brings wars to nothing; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and army He cast into the sea. [SAAS]

O faithful, let us observe a cheerful day today, celebrating the contest the godly-minded Crescens, and with joy let us honor his august struggles [VPA]

Verse: The sea covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

In His exceeding goodness, the Lord takes flesh from you, and, for us, He who is unapproachable in nature is seen in our likeness. Earnestly entreat him on our behalf, pure and all-blameless one. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode One.

Your right hand, O God, is glorified in strength; Your right hand, O God, dashed the enemy in pieces. In the greatness of Your glory You broke the adversaries to pieces. [SAAS]

You sent forth Your wrath; it consumed them like stubble.

By the Spirit of Your anger the waters were gathered together; the waves stood upright in the midst of the sea; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea.

The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoils; I will satisfy my soul; I will destroy with my sword; my hand shall have dominion.’

You sent forth Your Spirit; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorified in holiness, marvelous in praises, doing wonders?

You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them up.

In righteousness You guided Your people whom You redeemed; in strength You called them to Your holy resting place.

The nations heard and were angry; pangs seized the inhabitants of Philistia. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 3. (NM)

Ὁ τὰ ὕδατα.

Verse: The princes of Edom and the chiefs of the Moabites were dismayed; trembling took hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan melted away. [SAAS]

Tilling the soil of our mind with the divine ploughshare of the holy Fast, let us reap the sheaf of virtues: then we shall not hunger in eternity, but will rejoice in gladness with a joy that has no end. [KW]

Verse: Fear and dread fell upon them; by the greatness of Your arm, let them become as stone. [SAAS]

I bear within me the passions of many years, that darken my unhappy soul; but with contrite heart I fall down before Thine unconquerable power, O timeless Word of the eternal Father, and I pray: Take pity on me and save me. [KW]

Verse: Till Your people pass over, O Lord, till Your people pass over, whom You purchased. [SAAS]

Thy holy Fast feeds our hearts, ripening within us thoughts acceptable to God, and causing the deep abyss of our passions to dry up; and with the rain of compunction it cleanses those who in faith offer praise to the Almighty. [KW]

Verse: The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands established. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Rejoice, holy Virgin, Maiden of many names: Mary Mother of God, glory of the faithful, deliverance from the curse, heavenly ladder, wonder past understanding, bush unburnt, earth untilled. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Grave Mode. (NM) Let us sing a song

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

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

Now that we have venerated the lifegiving Wood, with gladness let us advance upon the path of the Fast to the Passion of Christ. [KW]

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

Following Christ, let us deny the world and take the Cross upon our shoulders, sharing in His divine suffering. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us all sing the praises of the Godhead, supreme in Essence, one in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin that hast not known corruption, pray to Jesus our Saviour whom thou hast borne in ways past understanding, that He maybe merciful to thy servants. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When Thou comest, O Christ, in glory with the angels to judge the whole world, enable us to make a good answer before Thee. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Let us sing a song of triumph to the Lord, who drowned all the power of Pharaoh in the sea: for He is glorified. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

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

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been hung up, you endured scrapings with strength of mind, clearly putting off the weight of corruption, glorious one. [VPA]

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

Having been hung up, you endured scrapings with strength of mind, clearly putting off the weight of corruption, glorious one. [VPA]

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

Jesus gave you strength as you were struggling steadfastly, glorious one, and you bore the pains of the flesh with strength of spirit. [VPA]

Glory.

Truly pierced by the love of Christ, glorious Crescens, you struggled steadfastly, not sparing your body in pains. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Let us honor with sacred hymns the Lady of all people, the only one among women who gave birth to God in an indescribable manner. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (You who were lifted.)

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

You were shown to be an inheritor of eternal good things through your faithful martyrdom, glorious great martyr, and you stand in the presence of the Master of all, resplendent with glory. Therefore, we celebrate your holy memorial, seeking release from errors through your intercessions, O Crescens. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Church beheld You raised on the Cross unjustly, * O Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, crucified for our sake, * she stood in her course, like the moon, * and fittingly cried aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Lifted up on wood, you bore pains with a noble mind, prise-winning martyr, for you portrayed the divine and pure passion, through which you found dispassion. [VPA]

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

Lifted up on wood, you bore pains with a noble mind, prise-winning martyr, for you portrayed the divine and pure passion, through which you found dispassion. [VPA]

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

Having stood before the tyrants, you confessed the name of the Lord with undoubting faith and contested with joy, O Crescens. Therefore, we piously honor you. [VPA]

Glory.

Having stood before the tyrants, you confessed the name of the Lord with undoubting faith and contested with joy, O Crescens. Therefore, we piously honor you. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The one who conceived beyond nature the Lord of all created things for the benefit of His own creation, the all-pure Lady is blessed, as is fitting. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

My Lord, You are the light. * Holy light, to the world You came * to turn people from the darkness * and the night of not knowing. And now in faith we sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been filled with the living waters of the Spirit, you dried up the rivers of evil, God-inspired martyr. [VPA]

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

Having been filled with the living waters of the Spirit, you dried up the rivers of evil, God-inspired martyr. [VPA]

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

Having acquired undecaying life through death, all-lauded one, you spring up immortal gifts for those who come near to you in faith. [VPA]

Glory.

Having been made red by the flow of your blood in a sacred manner and made beautiful with the wounds of a prize-winner, O martyr, you were seen as a star. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

We hymn you, through whom we have been redeemed from corruption, all-hymned Theotokos, and we cry out to you: Rejoice, joy of the martyrs. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

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

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your Master was glorified in your members, God-inspired martyr Crescens; for this cause He now glorifies you in return with signs and many miracles and wonders. [VPA]

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

Your Master was glorified in your members, God-inspired martyr Crescens; for this cause He now glorifies you in return with signs and many miracles and wonders. [VPA]

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

Being aflame with the live coal of the love of the Lord, you received your divine end through fire, prize-winning martyr, having burned up the godlessness of polytheistic deceit. [VPA]

Glory.

Your death was shown forth as precious in the sight of the Lord, all-blessed Crescens, for you were seen unburnt in the midst of fire, magnifying and glorifying God [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

We hymn you, Maiden, as the fiery throne of the Master of all, a delightful palace and lampstand, bridal chamber and table which received God, immaculate one. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 4.

The hosts of the Angels are in attendance today, for the observance of the memory of the prize-winning martyrs, to illumine the minds of the faithful, and to brighten the civilized world with grace. O God, be importuned by them, and grant us Your great mercy. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 15 we commemorate the holy Martyr Crescens of Myra in Lycia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy women Martyrs, Basillissa and Anastasia.

On this day we also commemorate our father among the saints Leonidas, Bishop of Athens.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Theodore the presbyter and Pafsolipios.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

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

Inside the furnace * in ancient Persia, sons of Abraham * were consumed with pious fear and the love of God * rather than the fiery flame, and sang * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Being an image of the three young servants, glorious martyr, you were thrown in the midst of fire for the sake of Christ and there received your blessed end, while hymning God, all-blessed one. [VPA]

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

Being an image of the three young servants, glorious martyr, you were thrown in the midst of fire for the sake of Christ and there received your blessed end, while hymning God, all-blessed one. [VPA]

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

You stood in the midst of insufferable fire like refined gold, flashing with true faith, O martyr, and illumining those who shout: Blessed are you, O Lord, in the temple of your glory. [VPA]

Glory.

Having a resistance more powerful than fire, all-blessed one, when you were thrown in the midst of flames you remained unmoved, all-lauded one, quenching the coals of deceit, O Crescens of many labors. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were seen to be holier than the Cherubim, all-blameless one, having conceived by a word the Word of the Father, to whom we cry out, singing: Blessed are you among women, all-blameless Lady. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

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

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Desiring to behold Christ, you made yourself bright with garments of virtues woven for you from above and you stand rejoicing beside the immortal King, truly happy one, crying out: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [VPA]

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

You submitted to a bitter death with steadfastness of mind, glorious one, being baked in fire as a delectable bread for the king of all. Standing in His presence you cry out with a joyous soul: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [VPA]

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]

Having clearly received from God the grace to loose afflictions and to drive away spirits, glorious one, I beg you: heal my soul which is ailing from the attacks of sins, so that I may cry: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [VPA]

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]

Having been made beautiful with many wounds, holy one, you bore the unendurable fire, and having mounted upon it as a chariot, you went up to God for whom you yearned, rejoicing and singing: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

O wonder! How did you, who are graced by God, bear God become mortal? How did you remain unburned having contained the unendurable fire? Therefore we glorify you with thankful voices and cry out: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [VPA]

(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 3. (NM)

Βαβυλωνία κάμινος.

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]

Led astray by the harmful deceptions of the serpent, beguiled in my mind, each day I add new anguish to my pain. And so I cry to Thee, O Saviour: Physician of the sick, come to me and save me. [KW]

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

Strengthened in spirit by fasting, Elisha once raised up the child of the Shunnamite. We have been killed by the pleasures of passion: through the lifegiving Fast, O ye faithful, let us regain life once more. [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]

In Thy compassion, O Lord who lovest mankind, of old Thou hast saved the men of Nineveh when they repented with tears and fasting. In Thy mercy do Thou take pity also upon us, for we are at a loss how to confess Thee through our actions. [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 and blameless Virgin, who hast remained without corruption after bearing child, we pray thee, deliver from corruption thy servants who sing to thee with faith in unity of soul: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Grave Mode. (NM) He is the Lord

Τὸν φοβερὸν τοῖς Χερουβίμ.

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

With God’s help we have rounded the turning post of the Fast. Let us run the remainder of the course with all our strength, and win a victor’s crown. [KW]

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

Seeing my sickly soul barren of fruit, be patient, O Christ, and do not cut me down like the fig tree Thou hast cursed. [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.

Trinity all-sovereign, Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and Spirit, deliver from every danger and temptation those who sing of Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Hail, Mountain of God; hail, ever-shining Lamp; hail, new Heaven; hail, Mind bright as lightning; hail, Temple of the Lord; hail, worthy of all praise. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When I think of the dread trial before Thee, O Christ, I am filled with fear and trembling, and I cry: There is no limit to Thy great mercy; save me in my wretchedness. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὸν φοβερὸν τοῖς Χερουβίμ.

He is the Lord and Maker of the world, who fills the cherubim with awe and the seraphim with wonder: O ye priests and servants and spirits of the righteous, sing His praises. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Martyr of Christ, we honor you with sacred and divine hymns, for having exceedingly pleased the King of the ages and most bravely destroyed the carved images of perdition. [VPA]

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

How far beyond nature are your sufferings! How famous are your labors! Having endured them for Christ you were made worthy of indescribable glory, as you pray for us who piously bless you. [VPA]

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

Today the city of Myra manifestly feasts, singing of your struggles, O martyr, and the dangers and contests which you nobly bore while contending for Christ. [VPA]

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]

The Church knows you as a star that shines by day, illuminating the whole world round with divine beacons of light, O great martyr. Therefore she keeps your light-bearing memorial praising you. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Light arose upon us from your light-bearing womb, maiden - the one who crafted the sun and moon, Christ the Lord. Earnestly entreat Him to illumine our souls. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM)

Καινὸν τὸ θαῦμα.

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

The grace of the Fast has filled a divine cup with the wine of compunction, and it calls together all the faithful, crying out clearly: Come and partake with gladness, laying aside the drunkenness of the passions, that ye may be counted worthy of the joy to come. [KW]

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

The judgement is at hand: give heed, my soul. Be attentive to thy conscience, doing what is right, and it will always keep thee uncondemned. For if we have judged ourselves in this present life, we shall not lack witnesses to plead on our behalf at the Judgement in the Age to come, when the guilty are condemned. [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]

Principalities and powers, thrones, seraphim and dominions, authorities and cherubim, angels and archangels: pray to God that we may complete the time of the Fast, doing what is acceptable to Him, that as servants who have pleased Him we may share in glory. [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.

With the martyrs and the prophets and all the saints, Thy Mother intercedes on behalf of us Thy servants who have angered Thee; accept her prayers, for Thou alone lovest mankind, O Christ our Master before whom the hosts of heaven tremble. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. (NM) Mother beyond nature

Τὴν ὑπὲρ φύσιν Μητέρα.

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]

Sailing through the calm waters of the Fast with the fair wind of the Spirit, let us pray that we may reach the haven of Christ’s Passion. [KW]

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

Like the woman of Canaan, I cry aloud to Thee: Have mercy on me, O God, Thou Son of David; heal my sick soul, as Thou hast healed her daughter. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us sing the praises of the divine Nature, Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou hast conceived within thy womb the Word uncircumscribed, and without seed thou hast borne Him in the flesh: pray fervently for the salvation of our souls. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Thou hast justified the Publican when he cried: ‘Be merciful to me.’ Grant Thy mercy also unto me a sinner, O Judge of all, and forgive me my offences. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Grave Mode.

Τὴν ὑπὲρ φύσιν Μητέρα.

Mother beyond nature and Virgin by nature, she alone is blessed among women: let us and all the faithful, as is right, magnify her with our songs. [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 4.

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the protection of the Bodiless Hosts, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

I am like the man who fell among thieves, O Master of all, for I have fallen among my sins and have been cruelly wounded by them. Yet leave me not without healing, O Lord who camest not from Samaria but from the pure Virgin. Jesus, Name that means salvation, have mercy upon me. [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. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

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

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4.

The hosts of heaven now extol you, O unwedded Mother full of grace; and we also glorify your incomprehensible childbirth. Theotokos, intercede that our souls be saved. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

May 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.