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Triodion

Mode 4. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday of the Fifth Week Morning

Menaion - April 17

Memory of Holy Hieromartyr Symeon of Persia and those with him

__________

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 power of Your Cross 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 19. 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 20. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 4.

You ransomed us from the curse of the Law by Your precious Blood. You were nailed to the Cross, and You were pierced with a spear, and You gushed forth immortality for humanity. Our Savior, glory to You! [SD]

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

Mode 4. Automelon.

Come quickly, O Lord, and keep us from becoming enslaved * to foes who speak blasphemies against You, Christ our God, * and boastfully threaten us. * Annihilate by the power of Your Cross those who fight us. * Let them know how the faith of the Orthodox has power. * Only benevolent God, accept Your Mother’s prayers for us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Mother of Christ our God, all-blameless Virgin most pure, * as Symeon told, a sword pierced through your all-holy soul * when you saw your Son and God * crucified by transgressors of His own will, O Lady. * Cease not to importune Him, * that He grant the forgiveness * of failings to us your servants, * O only most-blessed one. [SD]

If the Great Canon is on Wednesday at Compline, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 20. Then the short litany.

If, however, the Great Canon is on Thursday at Matins, the appointed Kathisma of the Psalter is Kathisma 1. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Sinfully Adam ate from the tree, and reaped in bitterness the fruits of his greed; but Thou wast lifted on the Tree, O merciful Lord, and hast delivered him from his grievous condemnation. Therefore we raise our cry to Thee: Grant us, Master, to abstain from the fruit that brings corruption, and to do Thy will, that we may receive Thy mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (When he perceived.)

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

O holy Virgin, Christ took flesh from thy pure womb and was born from thee in ways beyond our understanding; seeing Him hang between two evildoers on the Cross, thy heart was filled with anguish, and with a mother’s grief thou hast cried out: ‘Woe is me, my Child! What is this divine and ineffable act of Thy loving providence, whereby Thou hast restored to life Thy creature? I sing the praises of Thy deep compassion.’ [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 2. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

Singing the praises of the most holy Wood of the Cross, we ever venerate Thy boundless love, O Christ our God. For through the Cross Thou hast put to shame the hosts of the enemy, and hast given a sign to those that set their trust in Thee. Therefore in thanksgiving we cry aloud to Thee: Grant that with good courage and in peace we may all complete the time of the Fast. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

When the Ewe-Lamb saw the innocent Shepherd hanging on the Wood, with a mother’s grief she cried aloud: ‘O my Son, Thou hast spread out a cloud for Thy people as they journeyed through the wilderness, but with ingratitude they have condemned Thee to death. Woe is me! I have no husband, and now I have no Child. But, arise, O Sun, and let Thy light shine forth; and I shall be glorified among the children of mortal men.’ [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 pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ἵππον καὶ ἀναβάτην.

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

He who brings wars to nothing with arm exalted is Christ. * Horse and rider of Egypt He shook off; and He threw them in the midst of the Red Sea * and delivered Israel, * who were singing a song of victory. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having put on the crown of incorruption and standing by the throne of the Lord, all-blessed one, ever save those who faithfully honor your light-bearing contest. [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 put on the crown of incorruption and standing by the throne of the Lord, all-blessed one, ever save those who faithfully honor your light-bearing contest. [VPA]

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

You were shown to be a precious vessel of the divine Spirit, God-bearing Symeon, and having been anointed by Him, you shepherded His people with the staff of divine doctrines upon the waters of knowledge, O Martyr. [VPA]

Glory.

You shone in the world through word and action, wise one, in brightness of life and shepherded unto a life-bearing pasture a people which honors your divine memory. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Virgin, you bear in your hands Him who bears all things, and nurse as an infant the provider of milk. Ever entreat Him to take pity on all your people who faithfully hymn you. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ πήξας ἐπʼ οὐδενός.

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

O Lord, You established earth on nothing by Your command, * and You made it free floating, heavy though it be. * Do likewise now establish Your Church on Your divine commandments, * as on a rock that is immovable. * You alone are good and humane, O Christ. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having beautifully ordered the movements of your soul and walking the path which leads on high, you turned away from every evil false path and were brought to the gate of life, glorious one, unto everlasting rest. [VPA]

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

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

Setting your thoughts far from the passions of the body, you offered bloodless sacrifices unto the Lord who was sacrificed for us, and proclaiming His divine incarnation which is beyond words, you were sacrificed as a guileless lamb. [VPA]

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

You were brought up to the altar of God as a pure and blameless sacrifice, famous and blessed one, and having been willingly sacrificed for the faith as an acceptable whole-burnt offering, you received illustrious glory, being made illustrious. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Pure and ever-blessed one, who are the adornment of prizewinners and propitiation for sinners, you freed us from the ancestral curse,, having give a body to the Logos who has crowned us all with blessings. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Three.

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Lord, Thou Builder

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

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

Stretching out Thine hands upon the Cross, O just Judge, Thou hast condemned the enmity that separated man from God; and now save me the prodigal condemned by my sins, for I have provoked Thee, O longsuffering Saviour. [KW]

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

As the beasts I have desired a way of life that inflames the passions; I have departed far from Thy commandments, loving Saviour, and have become the servant of alien and unclean citizens. But now I turn back to Thee: accept me and save me. [KW]

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

As once Thou hast opened the ears and loosed the tongue of the man with an impediment in his speech, open now the ears of my soul that is grown deaf in its understanding, and count it worthy to hear Thy saving word, O Jesus who alone lovest mankind. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

All-holy Lady, Gate of salvation, Bridge to God, Protector of Christians, pilot me on my way, O Virgin, for I am beset by the troubles of this life and tossed to and fro. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 2. (NM) O God, the husbandman.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

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

In Thy tender love Thou hast mounted on the Cross, O Christ, and drawn me up from the pit of the passions, raising me to heaven. [KW]

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

Stretching out Thy hands upon the Cross, O Christ, Thou hast embraced all the nations that were far from Thee, and hast brought them close to Thy dominion. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three Persons, Trinity supreme in Essence, one Godhead, Father, Son and Spirit of righteousness, save those who honour Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who among those born on earth can praise thee as is right, O Virgin Mother? For thou alone wast chosen among women, and art blessed by all. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For my sake, who have provoked Thee by my disobedience, Thou wast lifted up on the Cross, O Jesus, and Thy side was pierced and Thou hast tasted gall. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

O God, the husbandman of all good trees and fruit, make fruitful my barren mind in Thy compassion. [KW]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Wise hierarch Symeon, your holy memory and that of your fellow martyrs arose for us like a sun, enlightening the faithful. Celebrating it today, we cry out: O prizewinners entreat the only lover of humanity on our behalf. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. N/M (The soldiers.)

Seeing you, O Christ, dead when stretched upon the cross, your all-blameless mother cried out: My son, co-beginningless with the Father and the Spirit, what is this unutterable economy of yours through which you saved the skilled creation of your spotless hands? [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Τὴν θείαν ἐννοήσας.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

Habakkuk as a prophet considered Your divine self-emptying, O Christ, and in astonishment said to You, * “For the salvation of Your people You have come, to save Your anointed ones.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been led in bonds, you destroyed the devices of the evil one, blessed initiate of sacred mysteries, and having contested bravely you received crowns of incorruption. [VPA]

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

Having been led in bonds, you destroyed the devices of the evil one, blessed initiate of sacred mysteries, and having contested bravely you received crowns of incorruption. [VPA]

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

With the spear of your words you devoured the compositions of the transgressors, hieromartyr Symeon and you burned the deceit of polytheism by the fire of your blood. [VPA]

Glory.

Your pains drip healing to those with ailing souls, for you were truly shown to walk in the ways of the apostles and a match of the divine prizewinners. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The sun of righteousness, having arisen from you beyond understanding, enlightened the world and put an end to the winter of deceit, O maiden graced by God. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ ἀναβαλλόμενος.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Early do I rise to You, who cover yourself with light * as with a garment. O God, I cry out * to You, to illumine my soul that has been darkened, * O Christ, the only merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were seen to be a pillar and foundation of the Church of Christ by your contest, all-blessed one. Keep it unswerving and unshaken unto the ages by your mediations. [VPA]

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

You were seen to be a pillar and foundation of the Church of Christ by your contest, all-blessed one. Keep it unswerving and unshaken unto the ages by your mediations. [VPA]

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

With hymns we bless your way of life, your persecutions, and your resistance, blessed Symeon, by which you were made worthy of the lot of blessedness. [VPA]

Glory.

Having become a shepherd through the myrrh of divine anointing, you were sacrificed for your flock as a fine ram, and made the Church of the first-born rejoice. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Lady, may I, who faithfully glorify you, find you a deliverer from condemnation in the hour in the hour of judgment, and may I be redeemed from places of chastisement which await me. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Μαινομένην κλύδωνι.

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

I implore You, Master Christ, that You quiet the furious sea * of the passions and the soul-destroying waves; * and from corruption raise me, O compassionate Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were seen to be filled with divine joy, blessed Symeon, having received the blessed end through swords with a hundred divine martyrs. [VPA]

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

You were seen to be filled with divine joy, blessed Symeon, having received the blessed end through swords with a hundred divine martyrs. [VPA]

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

Young ones and elders, monastics and sacred ministers, having completed the good fight, you were sacrificed for Christ like lambs. [VPA]

Glory.

Having lived blessedly, O prizewinners, you truly obtained a blessed end in Christ, having been perfected by the sword with rejoicing. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-holy one, the Maker of the world has risen from you and with rays of divine knowledge He has enlightened those in the night of ignorance. [VPA]

Heirmos.

I implore You, Master Christ, that You quiet the furious sea * of the passions and the soul-destroying waves; * and from corruption raise me, O compassionate Lord. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 4.

Your Martyrs, O Lord, were worthily awarded by You * the crowns of incorruption, in that they contested for You our immortal God. * Since they possessed Your power, they defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at their fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 17 we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Symeon, Bishop of Persia, and those with him: Abdechalas the Presbyter, Gothazat, Fusik, and another 1,150 martyrs.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyr Adrian.

On this day we also commemorate of father among the saints Agapetos, Pope of Rome.

On this day we also commemorate our father among the saints Makarios, Archbishop of Corinth, who ultimately lived as an ascetic on the Island of Chios, and finished his life there as a monk, and went to the Lord in the year 1805.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ ὑπερυψούμενος.

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

Praiseworthy and beyond measure exalted Lord and God * extinguished the furnace fire, refreshing the three young men, * who sang to Him together, * “God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

A lamp shining with knowledge, venerable one, you were known as a light to those who slept in the darkness of ignorance and you dissolved the darkness of the fire-worshipers when you when you contested admirably. [VPA]

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

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

Godly-minded Symeon, you were seen as a leader of a body of martyrs, with whom you were perfected by the sword crying out: O God, you are blessed. [VPA]

Glory.

Let us honor that number of martyrs who were joined into one from diverse cities: divine priests and God-bearing monastics. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-blameless one, heal the passions of my heart, abate the turmoil which distresses my mind, and save me as I cry: O God, you are blessed. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Σοὶ τῷ παντουργῷ.

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

Summoning a worldwide chorus in the furnace, * Your Servants sang to You, O God who created all, * “All you works, to the Lord sing a hymn and praise Him; * exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having been shown to be a noetic coal, most blessed Symeon, you did not adore the fire, but your burned up the bitter wood of polytheism and were worthily translated to the unsetting light. [VPA]

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

Having been shown to be a noetic coal, most blessed Symeon, you did not adore the fire, but your burned up the bitter wood of polytheism and were worthily translated to the unsetting 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]

Heal our sicknesses, martyr, drive away the darkness from our hearts, and show us partakers of eternal life by your mediations with the Master, godly-minded one. [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]

Father, your struggles drip gladness of soul upon us, and drive away diverse passions and diseases of the body for those who faithfully run to your reliquary. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

That it may foretell your august childbearing all-pure one, bush was seen not being burned, for when you received the divine fire within you, you were entirely unburned. Therefore we hymn you in song. [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 pl. 4. (NM) The Chaldaean tyrant

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

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]

With Thine unsleeping eye look upon me and take pity on me: for I am held fast by the drowsiness of sloth and lie upon the bed of the passions, a slave to the sleep of sensual pleasure. Thou hast bowed Thine head upon the Cross, O Christ, and of Thine own will Thou hast awaked from sleep; and Thou hast driven away the night of sin, for Thou art the Light of righteousness. [KW]

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

I was adorned at Baptism with Thy rich gifts of grace; but instead I have loved the poverty of evil, and in my misery I have become a stranger to the virtues. I have wandered into a far country of sin: but make me turn back, O Saviour, and embrace me, fencing me round with Thy Cross unto eternity. [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]

Cast aside, my soul, the drunkenness of the passions, and by fasting seek the cleansing wine of tears that makes glad the heart of man, withering lust and putting out the furnace of the flesh. Make haste to be crucified with Christ, who for thy sake was nailed upon the Wood, and to live with Him unto eternity. [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.

Most pure Mother of God, cleanse the wounds of my soul and the scars of my sins, bathing them in the fountain that flows from thy Son’s side. To thee I cry, O full of grace, to thee I flee for refuge, and I call upon thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. (NM) With every mortal.

Τὸν ἐν φωναῖς Ἀγγελικαῖς.

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

The angels and we men born on earth sing for ever the praises of Jesus, who was crucified in the flesh, yet did not suffer in His divine nature. [KW]

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

At Thy Crucifixion, O Christ, choosing an accursed and shameful death, Thou hast delivered us from corruption and saved us. [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

With the chembim, O Trinity, I praise Thee, singing: Holy, Holy, Holy, one Godhead, simple, without beginning, beyond the understanding of all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

In songs of praise, pure Virgin, all generations honour thee with gladness, for thou hast borne the Maker. O dread wonder and all-blessed work! [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Solely for the sake of my salvation, O Christ, Thou hast consented to suffer all things. I sing the praises of Thy Crucifixion, nails and death unto all eternity. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν φωναῖς Ἀγγελικαῖς.

With every mortal born on earth, let us sing to God who is glorified in heaven by the voices of the angels; and let us praise Him unto all eternity. [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. 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε.

O Isaiah, dance with joy, * for the Virgin conceived in the womb; * and she brought forth a son, who is God and man. * His name is Emmanuel, Dayspring and dawn, Orient, The Branch. * We magnify the Lord, and we also call the Virgin blest. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Wise one, you were offered unto the King of all as acceptable incense, a holy victim, a most comely sacrifice, myrrh, offering, sweet-smelling rose, and the joy of the martyrs. [VPA]

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

Wise one, you were offered unto the King of all as acceptable incense, a holy victim, a most comely sacrifice, myrrh, offering, sweet-smelling rose, and the joy of the martyrs. [VPA]

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

Having become the support of all the faithful, O hierarch, you were sacrificed like a ram; and you passed to the noetic kingdom and rejoicing you stand in the presence of the king and God of all, enlightened by the divine glory. [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 august rank of martyrs, having proclaimed Christ amidst the impious, destroyed the fullness of hostile demons and were truly united to the angelic armies, made illustrious by divine glory. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

All-holy mother of God, illuminate my mind with most brilliant rays, for it is seized by the painful darkness of ignorance, that I, having gained divine enlightenment, may proclaim your mighty acts, ever-virgin. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Heaven was amazed

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

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]

Seeing Thee nailed upon the Cross, O King of all, the sun hid its rays; and the whole earth was seized with trembling, looking on Thee suffering of Thine own will, though Thou art by nature impassible. And so I pray to Thee, O Christ the physician: Heal the passions of my soul. [KW]

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

Forsaking the ways of salvation, I have gone along the path that leads to hell; round me is the deep darkness of lust, the slippery places of the passions, and the tempest of temptation. Therefore I entreat Thee: Save me by Thy Cross, O Christ, for Thou alone art rich in mercy. [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]

Beset by the storm of temptations, drowning in the waves of passion, and assailed by the tempest of lust, I have now reached the sea of the Fast that is mild and calm. Pilot me across it by Thy Cross, O compassionate Lord, and bring me to the harbour of salvation. [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.

Without seed, O Virgin, and without the desires of the flesh thou hast conceived the Word of God who created all things; and without corruption and the pangs of travail thou hast given birth to Him. Therefore with both tongue and heart we confess thee to be Theotokos and we magnify thee. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM) O Theotokos undefiled.

Τὴν παρθενίαν σου.

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]

Of Thine own will, O our Saviour, Thou hast endured Crucifixion, to deliver us all from death and to give us life. [KW]

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

By a tree was I killed, and by the Tree of the Cross have I returned to life: for my Christ was nailed upon it and has slain the enemy. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us with one mind worship the Son who coexists with the Father, and the Holy Spirit who is ever present with them. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O marvellous wonder!O strange tidings! How dost thou give birth as a mother, O pure Lady, while still remaining inviolate as a virgin? [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I sing of Thy lance, I praise Thy nails, the sponge, the reed and the Cross: for through them I have been saved, O Jesus my God. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 2.

Τὴν παρθενίαν σου.

O Theotokos undefiled, we magnify for ever thy virginity, that was not burnt by the fire of the Godhead. [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 power of Your Cross, 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 3.

Forsaking the height of the virtues, O my soul, thou hast descended to the depths of sin, and fallen among evil thieves upon the road; and now thou dost lie covered with rotting sores, prostrate and helpless. But cry aloud to Christ thy God, who was crucified and wounded of His own will for thy sake: ‘Take care of me, O Lord, and save me.’ [KW]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

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]

In my misery I have been wounded by thieving thoughts and left half dead, O Lord. The company of the prophets passed me by, seeing me at the point of death, incurable by human skills. Therefore, in my cruel suffering, with humbleness of heart I cry to Thee:O Christ my God, in Thy compassion pour upon me Thy great mercy. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4.

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

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

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4.

When the all-pure Virgin saw Thee hanging in the flesh upon the Cross, her heart was wounded and she cried with tears: ‘O Word, where hast Thou gone, O most beloved Jesus, my Son and my Lord? I am Thy Mother: leave me not alone, O Christ.’ [KW]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.