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Triodion

Mode 4. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Fifth Week Morning

Menaion - April 16

Memory of the Holy Women Marytrs: Charity, Peace, and Snow

__________

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 intercessions of the Forerunner save 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]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 11. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Quickly let us enter the bridal hall of Christ, that we may all hear His blessed voice, the voice of our God. Come, you who love the heavenly glory, and join the wise virgins and make your lamps to shine brightly by faith. [SD]

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

Mode 4. N/M (Joseph marveled.)

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

O my soul, meditate on how we shall stand before the Judge in that frightening hour, how those intimidating thrones will be set up, and the actions of all people will be examined. The Judge will be unmoved. Before the tribunal fire will go forth, like a roaring wild sea, engulfing the guilty. Meditate on these things, O my soul, and correct your ways. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, the true and literal Theotokos, as a Mother you interceed with your Son and our God with confidence. Protect your flock, which runs especially to your shelter and takes refuge in you, the harbor, the fortress, the only protection of the human race [SD]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 11. Then the short litany.

If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 12. 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)

Θείας πίστεως.

In fervent faith let us burn up with abstinence the lustful passions, and flee from the icy cold of sin; with the streams of our tears let us quench the everlasting flame, crying aloud: We have sinned against Thee, O most loving Lord; forgive us and grant us Thy great mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. Your confession.

Θείας πίστεως.

You in purity surpass the Angels; * therefore you became the tabernacle * of the Logos, O immaculate Mother of God. * But as for me, I surpass everybody else * in the pollutions resulting from sins of the flesh. * With the waters of your intercession wash away my filth, * All-holy Maid, and grant me the great mercy. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

Most glorious is the grace of the holy Fast. Through it the Prophet Elijah found the chariot of fire, and Moses received the Tables of the Law; Daniel was magnified, and Elisha raised the dead; the Children quenched the fire, and all men are reconciled to God. Rejoicing in the Fast, let us cry aloud: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, whose good pleasure this has been; glory to Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 2.

Having obtained in my distress thine unconquerable intercession, O Mother of our God, I am set free miraculously and past all hope from everything that troubles me. For thou art always swift to help those who ask of thee in faith, and dost deliver them when oppressed by the temptations of the enemy. Therefore with thanksgiving we cry unto thee: Accept, O Lady, this small offering of grateful praise, and be my help in all things. [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 Saints.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

ᾌσωμεν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

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

Using the words of Moses * and the people, let us sing unto the Lord, * who led them through the Red Sea. * Only He is triumphantly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyrs of the Lord, ask that grace from heaven be given now to me, who honors your light-bearing festival upon the earth. [VPA]

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

Having broken asunder the bonds of passionate attachment to the flesh in the divine Spirit, the virgins were bound to Christ by the strength of the divinity. [VPA]

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

Of old, Belial was able to beguile Eve, O august martyrs, but now he is put to shame being truly trampled under your feet. [VPA]

Glory.

Having attended in pure bodies upon the Logos who shone forth from a virgin maiden, the virgins now rejoice with Him. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You inexplicably give birth to theo one whom the Father begat without change, and with your breasts, O Lady, you nourish the one who sustains all things. [VPA]

(read)

READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode 3. Heirmos (NM).

Πρόσεχε γῆ καὶ οὐρανέ.

Hearken, O earth, and give ear to my words, O heaven: for I shall tell to those on earth the wonders of God. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through unceasing prayer and abstinence and contemplation, let us give wings to our souls and raise them to the love of God. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Fleeing from the icy cold of self-indulgence, let us all warm ourselves with the light of abstinence and the Holy Spirit. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O my soul, drive away the putrefaction of sin with the salt of the divine virtues, and cleave to God. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Christ came to dwell in thee who alone art blessed, and He took from thee the flesh He made His own. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode 2. (NM) Attend, O ye peoples.

Προσέχετε λαοί.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us make our own pure fasting, prayer, tears, meditation on holy things, and every other virtue; and let us bring them now as an offering to God our Master. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Eve was taken captive by the fruit. O my soul, consider this and be not deceived if ever the serpent tempts thee, urging thee to eat the fruits of lust. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify three Persons in one Nature, Father, Son and Spirit, the one Power of the Godhead, one Kingdom over all and one Brightness. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thy childbearing, O pure Lady, fills our hearts with fear. For it is God who has become man, begotten outside time from the Father and in the last days brought forth by thee through a virgin birth. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O my Christ, Thou hast healed the woman with an issue of blood when she touched the hem of Thy garment. Trusting in Thy mercy, I too stretch out my hand to touch Thee: heal me from the passions. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Προσέχετε λαοί.

Attend, O ye peoples, to the wonders worked by My divine power, and know from this that I only am the God of all. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ εἶ τὸ στερέωμα.

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

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Watered with rains of the divine Spirit, the virgins bloomed with sheaves of martyrdom by divine tillage. [VPA]

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

Watered with rains of the divine Spirit, the virgins bloomed with sheaves of martyrdom by divine tillage. [VPA]

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

Having loved unseen things more than those seen, the virgins put to flight visible and invisible demons [VPA]

Glory.

Having been set aflame with the divine fire of the Spirit, you were not afraid of the fire. Therefore you gush forth the divine dew of healings. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Tear asunder the terrible handwriting of my errors, O Lady who have loosed the bonds of Hades by your seedless conception. [VPA]

Heirmos.

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

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

As wed to the Lord in a God-befitting manner, O prize-winning virgins, you offered to Him as a dowry your blood and your slaughter and you worthily obtained the divine bridal chamber, being unceasingly filled with unutterable light. Therefore, celebrating your holy and august memory in spirit, we glorify the Savior and faithfully cry out: Intercede with Christ God that remission of errors be granted to them who fervently celebrate your holy memory. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

By conceiving the Wisdom and Word of God * in your womb inexplicably, Mother of God, * for the world’s sake you carried Him who has the whole world in His hand, * and in your arms you held Him who holds together the universe, * which He provides with food, as its Creator and Lord. * Therefore, O all-holy Virgin Mary, I pray you, * that I be forgiven of my offenses when I shall stand before Him who created me. * O all-lauded Lady most pure, I implore you to assist me in that hour. * I am sure you can accomplish whatever you wish. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

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

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Love of the body, withdrawing because of divine love, perfected the virgins of Christ as dwellings of the Spirit. [VPA]

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

Having set yourselves with oneness of mind you against the adversaries you carried off a divine victory and were made worthy of divine crowns. [VPA]

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

When the blessed choir of ever-virgins was burnt in fire, it offered up a pleasing fragrance to Him who arose from the Virgin. [VPA]

Glory.

Sacredly, as guileless ewe-lambs, you were led to sacrifice, all-revered ones, and you neither struggled nor cried out, but were willingly put to death. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Lady of all creation, you gave birth in a body to the Lord. All-holy one, entreat Him to deliver us from the lord of this age. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The godly-minded virgins rose together to Christ the never-setting light and were made to shine beyond the brightness of the sun. [VPA]

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

You courageously surrendered your members to tortures and tortured the tyrant with the endurance of your faith, admirable martyrs. [VPA]

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

You were shown to be a sacred flower of the martyrs, breathing forth the pleasant fragrance of divine knowledge for the Church, all-praised ones. [VPA]

Glory.

The boastful one is is muzzled by your words, for he is defeated by your endurance and is sent to destruction, all-famous ones. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O maiden, ever intercede that I have a good end, that I may flee from the punishments which await me, and be saved. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

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

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Christ’s prizewinners and brides, Chionia, Agape, and Irene, bravely endured the pains of the flesh and punishments by fire and received a comely crown and unutterable glory. [VPA]

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

Christ’s prizewinners and brides, Chionia, Agape, and Irene, bravely endured the pains of the flesh and punishments by fire and received a comely crown and unutterable glory. [VPA]

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

Having been dragged upon the ground like rocks, O virgins, you trampled upon the house of deceit by the strength of the Logos, and having been brought to the holy temple, you stand exceedingly glad in the presence of the one who is Lord of all creation. [VPA]

Glory.

The shrine of Chionia, Irene, and Agape, springs forth healings, being richly watered from the springs of the Paraclete, stops diseases and, by grace, gives drink to the hearts of those who piously draw near. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Adam, casting off mortality’s garment of skin, is clothed in a robe of divine glory through the incarnation of your Son, O Virgin Theotokos, glorifying you with exceeding gladness as the all-blameless Mother of God. [VPA]

Heirmos.

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 4.

Your Church is arrayed in the holy blood of Your Martyrs who witnessed throughout the world, as though in purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to You, Christ our God, “Send down to Your people Your tender love, grant peace from above to Your commonwealth, and to our souls Your great mercy.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 16 we commemorate the holy women Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia.

On this day we also commemorate Saint Felix the bishop, Januarius the presbyter, Fortunatus and Septiminus.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Leonides, Charissa, Nike, Galina, Kallis, Nunechia, Basilissa, and Theodora.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Irene.

On this day the holy Neo-martyr Michael of Vourlae witnessed and died by the sword in Smyrna in the year 1772.

On this day the devout monastic Martyr Saint Christopher witnessed and died by the sword in Adrianoupolis in the year 1818.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

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

Servants, descendants of the Hebrews, * bravely trampled down the flame within the furnace; * and they changed into dew * the fire, and they chanted: * Blessed are You, O Lord, the God * of our fathers to the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The young maidens of Christ sensibly did not fear the wild beasts set upon them, nor the blustering assault of the insufferable fire, nor the cutting off of their limbs, nor pains of many kinds. [VPA]

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

Having the eyes of their heart upon the saving God and King, Christ’s ewe-lambs went forth against the ranks of the foe and courageously triumphed. [VPA]

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

Be merciful to Your servants, You who are beyond goodness, through the intercessions of Chionia, revered Irene, and august Agape, granting us forgiveness of sins through them. [VPA]

Glory.

Having lifted up their whole minds towards the bridegroom Christ, the prizewinners considered the bitter tortures and delights, crying: Blessed are you, O God, unto the ages. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure one, who conceived joy and put the serpent to death, put the death the living sin that mortifies my soul and make me worthy to partake of divine life. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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

Those Servants, speaking from God, in the furnace trampled * the fire and also the error * and the deception and they sang, “All you works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Having been paradoxically initiated into divine things, at the time of contest the ewe-lambs of Christ took up a manful disposition and firmly bore the struggles. [VPA]

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

Darkened by the drunkenness of gloomy sin, the persecutor was seen to bring laughter upon himself, but the virgins of Christ were shown as light. [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]

Virgin maidens, you were shown to be truly a harp zealously sounding forth a divine melody of God-inspired confession, martyrdom, and faith. [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 strengthened with yearning for the Master, you destroyed all the fortresses of the devil, prizewinners of the Lord, and now you are blessed. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Bearing of old a symbol of your childbirth, virgin mother, the furnace did not burn the youths, just as the fire of divinity did not burn your womb. [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) God is glorified.

Τὸν ὑπʼ Ἀγγέλων.

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]

The evil one secretly lies in wait for me each day, seeking to catch me and devour me. Deliver me, O Saviour, from his malice, as Thou hast saved Jonah from the whale. [KW]

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

Cleansed through fasting, let us draw near to the mountain of the virtues and let us clearly hear what God will say within us; for He will speak to us of peace and illumination and the healing of our broken souls. [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]

Blinded each day by the darkness of my sins, I cannot perceive Thy wonders, O Lord: but do Thou open the eyes of my heart, O Jesus Giver of Light. [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 Ever-Virgin undefiled, with the waters of thy mercy wash from my heart the defilement of the passions, and give me streams of tears to cleanse my soul. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) By a strange miracle.

Τὸν πάλαι δροσίσαντα.

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

The fire shall not be quenched, so it is written, and the worm shall not die. Fear the threat, my soul, and serve Christ, that thou mayest find joy in the dwelling-place of all those who rejoice. [KW]

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

My soul burns with the fever of lust: by Thy touch, I pray Thee, raise it up, as Thou hast raised the mother-in-law of Peter; so shall I be enabled to serve Thee acceptably, returning thanks to Thee for ever. [KW]

Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

For the Trinity.

O ye faithful, let us sing in praise to the Father, eternal and without beginning, and to His coeternal Son, and to the Spirit that shines forth from the Father, three consubstantial Persons but one in sovereign power and rule. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mary, called by God, truly thou art the mercy-seat of the faithful: for through thee forgiveness is freely bestowed upon all. Cease not to intercede before thy Son and Lord, gaining His gracious favour for us who sing thy praises. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Open the deaf ears of my soul, O Christ, and make my tongue to speak clearly, as once Thou hast done to the deaf man who had an impediment in his speech: so shall I listen to Thy voice and sing to Thee with my tongue, praising Thee for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὸν πάλαι δροσίσαντα.

By a strange miracle the Lord of old refreshed with dew the Children of the Hebrews in the fire, yet burnt the Chaldaeans. Let us sing His praises, saying: Bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O virgins, you were guided to divine harbors by the piloting of Christ our God, as you passed through the furious waves of temptations. [VPA]

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

Irene, Chionia, and Agape, shining like stars and lamps, richly illumine the whole fullness of the Church. [VPA]

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

You have been united to the choirs of the bodiless, O prizewinners, for while in a body you clearly overthrew your bodiless enemies. [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]

Your memory is seen brighter than the sun. It enlightens the fullness of the faithful, virgin martyrs and we therefore honor it yearly. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, lover of good, make good my soul which had been made evil through sin, for you have brought forth the all-good Logos. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) O Holy Virgin, Bush that burned.

Σὲ τὴν ἀκατάφλεκτον.

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]

Calling to mind the flames of the fire that never shall be quenched, with fervent hearts let us draw near to the fire of repentance and burn up the passions. [KW]

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

Words of fire came forth of old from the mouth of him who fasted, and overwhelmed the elements. Emulate his zeal, my soul, and live rightly. [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]

Keeping in mind the fearful judgement seat, my wretched soul, always guide thy steps to the accomplishment of the Redeemer’s will. [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.

My soul is darkened by the pleasures; give light to it, pure Virgin, who hast borne the Light, that with fear and faith I may for ever magnify thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM) With faith let us magnify.

Τὴν ὑπερφυῶς σαρκί.

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 us offer to Christ all the members of our body as weapons of righteousness, ‘lifting up’, as it is written, ‘holy hands, without wrath and doubting’. [KW]

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

Coming once to the disciples in the boat, my Christ, Thou hast stilled the raging sea: do Thou also still the tempest of my thoughts. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I worship one Nature, I sing the praises of three Persons, one God of all, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, sovereignty eternal. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Though a pure maiden thou hearest child, and though a virgin thou givest suck. How can these things be found together? How dost thou give birth and yet remain virgin? ‘It is God who has brought this to pass; ask me not how.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The passions have defiled my soul, and I have been robbed like the man who fell among thieves. But heal me, O my Christ, and pour Thy mercy upon me. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὴν ὑπερφυῶς σαρκί.

With faith let us magnify the only Theotokos, for in ways surpassing nature she has conceived within her womb, according to the flesh, the Word that outside time shone forth from the Father. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 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 intercessions of the Forerunner, 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.

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Grave Mode.

Visit, Lord, my wounded and humiliated soul, O Physician of the sick, storm-free haven of the hopeless. For Thou art the Deliverer of the world, and hast come to raise the fallen from corruption. In Thy great mercy raise me also, for I kneel before Thee. [KW]

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

Visit, Lord, my wounded and humiliated soul, O Physician of the sick, storm-free haven of the hopeless. For Thou art the Deliverer of the world, and hast come to raise the fallen from corruption. In Thy great mercy raise me also, for I kneel before Thee. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Grave Mode.

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

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

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Grave Mode.

We sing thy praises, most pure Theotokos; we glorify God the Word whom thou hast borne, and we cry: ‘Glory to thee.’ [KW]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

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

( Amen. )

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.