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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Monday Morning

On Monday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 22

Memory of St. Theodore of Sykeon

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 1.

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 pl. 1.

It is time to sing hymns; it is the hour of prayer. Let us earnestly cry out to our only God: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the protection of the Bodiless Hosts have mercy on us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring to portray Your spiritual armies, O unoriginate Trinity, we cry out with unworthy lips: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

O Christ our God, You were contained in the womb of the Virgin, and never parted from the bosom of the Father. Accept us as we cry to You together with the Angels: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 4. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode pl. 1.

When the Judge has been seated and the Angels are there, when the trumpet has sounded, and the fire is aflame, what will you do, O my soul, as you are brought in to be judged? For you will hear the charges against you, and evidence with be shown of the awful things you did, even in secret. So before the end, cry out and pray, “God, be merciful to me, and save me!” [GOASD]

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

What is here is fleeting, what is there is eternal. I see the court of justice and the Judge on His throne, and I am dreading the verdict. O my soul, repent with all seriousness, for no one can pardon the final judgment. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

The heavens with the Angels, and the earth with humanity, shout to you, O Theotokos, with a voice of exultation. Rejoice, O Gate, wider than the heavens; rejoice, the only salvation for us born on earth. Rejoice, O Maiden full of grace, and Mother of incarnate God. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 5. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 1. (NM)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Rolling away the stone of hardness from my heart, raise up my soul that is slain by the passions, O loving Lord, and count me worthy in compunction to bring palms of virtue to Thee the Victor over hell. So may I obtain eternal life, singing the praises of Thy power and Thy compassion, for Thou alone lovest mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O full of grace, beholding in thee the wonder of all wonders, the creation rejoices. For without seed thou hast conceived, and ineffably hast borne as child Him upon whom the leaders of the angelic hosts dare not gaze. O Theotokos, pray to Him for the salvation of our souls. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 1. (NM)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

As we set out upon the sixth week of the Fast, let us sing to Christ a hymn in preparation for the Feast of Palms. He comes for our sake seated on the foal of an ass, that as King he may subdue the wild and unruly nations to His Father. Let us all make ready for Him branches of virtues, that with rejoicing we may see His Resurrection. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

Extend your holy hands, with which you held our Creator, * imploring Him who graciously for us became incarnate, * all-holy Virgin Mother, and entreat * for us who are extolling you with love, * that He free us from temptations, * from passions, and from dangers, as we sing to you: * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from you! * Glory be to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [SD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Τῷ ὁδηγήσαντι πάλαι.

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

To God our redeemer, who long ago led Israel escaping from bondage under Pharaoh, and who fed them in the wilderness, let us sing a hymn of victory, for He is greatly glorified. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The noetic Sun, Christ our God, has made you a shining star in the firmament of the Church, O wise father. You ceaselessly glow with the light of miracles, ever dispelling the darkness of our passions. [MLGS]

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

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

The Creator sanctified you while you were yet in your mother’s womb, as He did the prophet Jeremiah. The Holy Spirit made you His vessel, and so you terrify evil spirits and drive them away with ease, O holy father Theodore. [MLGS]

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

By the sweat of your ascetic discipline, O father Theodore, you extinguished the flame of the passions; your prayers, like torrential rain, produced streams of miracles, and quenched the burning heat of illnesses. [MLGS]

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

Theotokion.

Like a fine cluster of grapes from an uncultivated vine, Christ came forth from your womb, O virgin Mother. He offers the sweet wine of forgiveness that gladdens the hearts of all, who were formerly delirious and drunk with wickedness. [MLGS]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode One.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 1. Let us all sing. (N/M)

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

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

Through abstinence let us put to death the passions and through godlike actions let us bring to life the spirit, that with pure minds we may see the holy Passion of Christ. [KW]

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

O Christ of many mercies, I have followed the ways of the rich man who showed no compassion; but I pray Thee, make me to dwell with the poor man Lazarus, and deliver me from the flame and the fire that never shall be quenched. [KW]

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

O Lord, I have fasted from every act of virtue, and taken my fill of sin. Now I am hungry: O feed me with the holy food of salvation. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O undefiled Lady, I am condemned as an outcast because of my actions: save me and take pity on me, for thou hast borne God the allcompassionate. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode i. Mode 1. (NM) Let us sing a song.

Τῷ βοηθήσαντι Θεῷ.

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

O ye faithful, let us prepare to celebrate Palm Sunday, joyfully observing the forefeast from this present day onwards, that we may be counted worthy to see the lifegiving Passion. [KW]

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

Christ draws near and comes to Jerusalem, seated as King on the foal of an ass, that He may subdue the disobedient nations beneath the Father’s yoke. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

One in Godhead, Unity in three Persons, God and Father unbegotten, only-begotten Son, one and only Holy Spirit, single sovereignty and power, save us all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Glorious things are spoken of thee throughout all the world, for thou hast borne in the flesh the Maker of all, O Theotokos Mary who hast known no marriage and no bridal bed. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Behold, Christ has come to the city of Bethphage. Rejoice, Bethany, home of Lazarus, for a great miracle shall He show to thee, raising Lazarus from the dead. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Τῷ βοηθήσαντι Θεῷ.

Let us sing a song of triumph unto God, who came to Moses’ aid in Egypt, and drowned Pharaoh with all his host: for He has been glorified. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Ὁ στερεῶν βροντήν.

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

O Lord, who make thunder strong and produce the wind, strengthen me, that I may sincerely extol You, and and that I may do Your will, for no one is holy like You, our God. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

How marvelous was your life, O godly-minded father! How awesome are your miracles! You focused on ascending straight to God on high, and acquired great intimacy with Him, most glorious Theodore. [MLGS]

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

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

You curbed the vehement force of the passions by giving yourself over to toil and labor; you destroyed the deceitful traps of the demons by the power of the all-holy Spirit. [MLGS]

Glory.

All of us who extol you in hymns, and faithfully venerate your holy relics, draw from the ocean of your miracles. We find a treasure of healings, and receive abundant gifts from you, O Theodore. [MLGS]

Both now. Theotokion.

Laws of nature were altered in you, O Virgin. You have given birth to the Creator and Master, supernaturally and beyond explanation. Entreat Him fervently for the salvation of your servants. [MLGS]

Heirmos.

O Lord, who make thunder strong and produce the wind, strengthen me, that I may sincerely extol You, and and that I may do Your will, for no one is holy like You, our God. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

After you struggled well against evil spirits, * and you defeated them, O hierarch Theodore, * the Lord gave you the power and ability * to heal all the illnesses and to cure the diseases * of all who at any time approach your holy relics * to venerate and pray to you with faith. * Now we extol you and honor your memory. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Who can relate my many sordid ideas * and my unseemly thoughts that rage like a blizzard, * for they should not be uttered, O Virgin pure? * Also the disturbances from my bodiless opponents, * and their awful wickedness: who can fully describe them? * But I implore you to deliver me * from them, O Good One, * by your intercessory prayers. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Εἰσακήκοα ὁ Θεός.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

The Prophet said, “I have heard Your report, O God, and was afraid; I considered Your works, and I glorified Your strength.” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You are truly like a river flowing with divine water, filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, by which you water the entire Church, O father Theodore. [MLGS]

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

You are truly like a river flowing with divine water, filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, by which you water the entire Church, O father Theodore. [MLGS]

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

Your unceasing struggles were like a rope that you took in hand to hang our enemy the devil, and you annihilated all his wicked armies by the sword of your prayers, all-blessed Theodore. [MLGS]

Glory.

Meditating on the law of God, you flourished like a divine tree, watered by streams of ascetic discipline, and so you produced the abundant fruit of virtue, O Theodore. [MLGS]

Both now. Theotokion.

Truly you are blessed by all generations, O virgin Mother. You gave birth to Christ, the One who makes blessed those who practice His commandments and beatitudes, O undefiled Lady. [MLGS]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Ἀνάτειλόν μοι Κύριε.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Let the light of Your commands rise on me, O Lord, for to You my spirit rises early and extols You. For You are our God, and I rely on You, the King of peace. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The eternal Light has set you, O Theodore, as a lantern on a lampstand, a vigil lamp that never goes out. You shine upon us, who are dominated by our dark and dreary passions, and enfeebled by our many dismal sins. [MLGS]

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

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

From the tender years of your childhood, holy father, George the great martyr often appeared to you and guided you. You imitated his virtues, his eagerness in all things, and his deep affection for the Lord. [MLGS]

Glory.

Your self-control was genuine, your patience incomparable, your faith, hope, and humility were superhuman; accordingly, the grace you received from God was extraordinary. [MLGS]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-immaculate Virgin, my mind is parched and withered by the burning heat of sin; I pray you water it with refreshing droplets of your mercy. Relight the extinguished lantern of my soul, O gateway of the divine light. [MLGS]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos (not metered).

Ζάλη με λογισμῶν.

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

A storm of thoughts overwhelms me, and it pulls me down into the deep ocean of countless offences. I pray You, good Pilot, quickly come and rescue me. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You shunned the cares of earthly life, because all your soul’s desire was set upon your Master; so you delighted in His divine beauty and the light of His countenance, O holy father. [MLGS]

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

You shunned the cares of earthly life, because all your soul’s desire was set upon your Master; so you delighted in His divine beauty and the light of His countenance, O holy father. [MLGS]

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

Standing inside your ascetic cage and freezing from the cold, you melted the icy chill of sin; you endured the beating winds like one bodiless, O father, warmed and protected by divine grace. [MLGS]

Glory.

As we venerate your holy relics and honor you with love, O hierarch and venerable wonderworker, we are filled with the fragrance of divine knowledge, and delivered from the stench of our passions. [MLGS]

Both now. Theotokion.

The violent storm of my passions agitates me; my heart is sinking in an ocean of despair. O Virgin, who gave birth to Christ, our Savior and guide, I pray you, rescue me and save me. [MLGS]

Heirmos.

A storm of thoughts overwhelms me, and it pulls me down into the deep ocean of countless offences. I pray You, good Pilot, quickly come and rescue me. [GOASD]

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 pl. 1.

Lord, Your medal-winning martyrs longed to drink the cup of Your Passion. So they forsook the delights of this life, and they became partners with the Angels. At their supplications, grant to our souls forgiveness of sins and the great mercy. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 22 we commemorate our devout father Theodore Sykeotis, Bishop of Anastasiopolis.

On this day the holy Martyr Nearchos died by fire.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostle Nathanael, who is also Simon the Zealot. This is the commemoration of when he met Christ.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

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

Our God in Babylon preserved * those pious Servants, the three young men of the Hebrews, * in the heated furnace fire. * Bless the Lord, priests and people, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

As a true and faithful hierarch, you offered the bloodless sacrifice through the Holy Spirit, and by putting your passions to death, you also offered yourself as a fragrant sacrifice to the Master, O all-blessed father. [MLGS]

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]

Just as you extinguished the fire of sensual pleasure by the sweat of your ascetic discipline, so also, when the earth was parched with drought, by your prayers you opened the heavens and brought downpours of rain, like Elijah the prophet, O holy wonderworker. [MLGS]

Glory.

You were sanctified from your mother’s womb, and by the power of your unrelenting prayers, you turned barren women into mothers of many children; you gave sight to the blind, and enabled the lame to walk, thrice-blessed father Theodore. [MLGS]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Theotokos, you are the beauty of Jacob. God chose you for himself, and He came and dwelt within you, preserving you a virgin after childbirth, just as before. [MLGS]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Γῆ καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ.

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

Earth and all therein, bless the Lord! * All you springs and rivers and the sea, * heavens of heavens, bless the Lord! * Light and darkness, frost and summer heat, * you children of men, and you priests and servants of the Lord, bless the Lord! * Exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages! [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You built the house of your soul on the rock of patience, and so you did not give way when attacked by the adversary, nor were you shaken by the assaults of the enemy. You strove to reach the divine heights, and now you intercede for us who honor you faithfully. [MLGS]

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

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

A spiritual river of healing and cures streams from your reliquary, O great wonderworker Theodore. It washes away the stains of passions from our souls, cleanses the infections and festering wounds of our bodies, and waters the hearts of the faithful, as they honor you with love. [MLGS]

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]

Let us all extol Theodore the great, teacher of Christ’s mysteries, whose name denotes the gifts of God. Truly, he is a model for ascetics, the glory of clergy, a sacred vessel of the fragrance of the Holy Spirit, and he pours forth miracles like a fountain. [MLGS]

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

Theotokion.

The sacred voices of the divine prophets proclaimed you symbolically gate, mountain, tabernacle, and divine cloud of light from which Christ the Light-giver shone forth, as the Sun, enlightening those who sat in the shadow of darkness. [MLGS]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

Bless the Lord, every shower and dew, all you winds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Bless the Lord, you fire and heat, you winter cold and summer heat, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you dews and snows, you frost and cold, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you hoarfrosts and snows, you lightning and clouds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you light and darkness, you night and day, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you earth, you mountains and hills, and all you things growing on the earth, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you springs, you seas and rivers, you sea-monsters and everything that moves in the waters, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 1. Him before whom the angels (NM).

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

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

In my wretchedness I have grown rich in unprofitable thoughts, I have defiled my soul with lawless pleasures, and the darkness of despair surrounds me. O my God, shine upon me with the light of repentance. [KW]

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

As once Thou hast given light to the man blind from birth, shine upon my soul that does not see Thy Light, O merciful Lord, but lies buried in the darkness of sinful forgetfulness and in the cares of this life. [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]

Through fasting Elijah opened the heavens and watered the thirsty earth with showers of rain. Let us fast, pouring out streams of tears from our soul, that we may be granted mercy. [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.

As a living vine, pure Virgin, hast thou borne for us the ripe Cluster of grapes, from which there flows the wine of forgiveness, drying up the drunkenness of sin. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 1. As the Children in the furnace. (NM)

Ὕμνον σοι προσφέρομεν.

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

The door of the forecourt is opened, that leads us to the raising of Lazarus: for Christ is come, to awaken the dead man as from sleep and to overthrow death by life. [KW]

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

Great is thy glory, O Bethany! For thou art counted worthy to receive the Creator as thy guest, and thou dost cry aloud: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [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.

Let us glorify Thee, O Trinity in Unity, supreme in Being, one in Essence yet distinct in Persons, Father, Son and Spirit of God. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

With the angel we say to thee ‘Rejoice!’, for thou hast brought into the world the Joy and Saviour of the world. O Virgin worthy of all praise, entreat Him for us all. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We offer unto Thee a hymn; for Thou who ridest on high upon the cherubim ridest now upon a foal, bringing all men into subjection beneath Thy power, O Christ. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Ὕμνον σοι προσφέρομεν.

As the Children in the furnace, we offer unto Thee the hymn of the angels and we sing Thy praises, saying: O ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα.

For He who is all-powerful, as God almighty, has done * great things for me, and holy is His name. * And his mercy is on those who truly fear Him * from generation to generation. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Like morning radiance, like noonday splendor, your feast has shone forth, illuminating the hearts of the faithful who extol your venerable labors, O wise father Theodore. [MLGS]

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

Like morning radiance, like noonday splendor, your feast has shone forth, illuminating the hearts of the faithful who extol your venerable labors, O wise father Theodore. [MLGS]

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

Living now in heaven with angels, apostles, martyrs, hierarchs, ascetics, and righteous saints, you ever intercede with Christ for us, O father. [MLGS]

Verse: As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us. [RSV]

O wise father, your holy reliquary became like another pool of Siloam. For you continue to work miracles even after your death, and sanctify the souls of the faithful who draw near to you, honoring your memory. [MLGS]

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

Theotokion.

Awesome was your childbirth, O Theotokos, Mother of God. Therefore from generation to generation we call you blessed and glorify you faithfully, now and forever and to the ages. Amen. [MLGS]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Let us honour in hymns the Theotokos.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

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]

Slain by my many sins, I am imprisoned in the tomb of negligence, and upon me lies the stone of despair. Remove it in Thy mercy, O Christ, and raise me up as once Thou hast raised Lazarus. [KW]

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

Let us flee from the example of the rich man, who was condemned to the fire that never shall be quenched, and let us acquire the patience of Lazarus in his troubles, that Jesus may comfort us and make us sharers in His Kingdom. [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]

Let us observe with gladness the Fast that kills our passions; let us steadfastly devote ourselves to prayer; let us weep and mourn and lament with all our heart, that when we depart hence, we may go to dwell with Abraham. [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.

Divine treasure of virginity, the only restoration of our forefathers, fountain flowing with the deep waters of compassion, excellency and beauty of Jacob: let us sing the praises of the Theotokos, for through her we have been saved. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 1. (NM) Thou art the Gate that Ezekiel.

Σὲ τὴν ὁραθεῖσαν.

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]

While He is staying beyond Jordan, Christ is told today that Lazarus is ill; and, knowing all things in advance, He says: ‘This sickness is not unto death.’ [KW]

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

Make ready, O Bethany, adorn thy gates for God, open wide thy courts; for behold, the Master shall enter with the apostles, bringing life to him whom thou hast nurtured. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The host of six-winged seraphim glorifies Thee, O Unity in three Persons, undivided Essence; and in our hymns with all mankind we magnify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

In ways past all interpretation Thou wast begotten outside time from the Father, and born within time from Thy Mother for the salvation of all; and in our hymns, as Creator and Master, we magnify Thee. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Bearing the branches of our generosity and the palms of our purity, let us all make ready to meet Christ who comes to Jerusalem as our God. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 1.

Σὲ τὴν ὁραθεῖσαν.

Thou art the gate that Ezekiel the Prophet saw of old, through which none has ever passed save God alone; and in our hymns, O Theotokos Virgin, we magnify thee. [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 pl. 1.

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the protection of the Bodiless Hosts, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord and Giver of light, send out Your light and illumine my heart, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 1.

Condemn me not, O Christ, to the flames of Gehenna, as the rich man was condemned because he had neglected Lazarus; but grant even to me, who ask with tears, a drop of Thy lovingkindness, O God, and have mercy upon me. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

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

Blessed is the army of the heavenly King: for though the victorious martyrs were born of this earth, yet despising their bodies they made haste to attain to the angelic estate; and through their sufferings they were counted worthy of the honour of the bodiless angels. At their prayers, O Lord, send down upon us Thy great mercy. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

O Maiden full of grace, we entreat you to supplicate on our behalf, and ask for abundant mercies to be sent to our souls, and for the forgiveness of our many offenses. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.