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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Wednesday Morning

On Wednesday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 24

Memory of St. Elizabeth

__________

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

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 1. N/M (As the Father and Spirit.)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

O believers, let us extol and worship our Savior and Redeemer, who was voluntarily crucified, as He knew how and was well pleased to do. For He delivered the human race from error, and He nailed the sins of humanity to the Cross, and granted us the kingdom. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 1. N/M (As the Father and Spirit.)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

O Lord, who endured crucifixion of Your own will, and freed mankind from corruption, we believer extol You and worship You, for by the power of the Cross You illumined us. And now with fear we glorify You, the compassionate and benevolent Giver of life. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

As she stood near the Cross of the Lord on Golgotha * and lamented, the Mother of God cried out to Him, * “Woe is me! O Son and God, the sweetest light of my eyes! * Now stretched out on a cross are You who long ago as God * stretched out the heavens like a curtain, * and brought out fountains of waters * from the sea, by Your ordinance!” [GOASD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

Weighed down by many sins as by a stone, I lie in the tomb of negligence: but lead me up from there, O merciful and compassionate Lord. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Guarded by the precious Cross of thy Son, O pure Lady and Theotokos, easily we turn aside all the assaults of the adversary. Therefore, as is right, we glorify thee, for thou art the Mother of the Light and the only hope of our souls. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Today dead Lazarus is buried, and his sisters sing in lamentation: but Thou, in Thy divine foreknowledge, hast predicted what should come to pass. ‘Lazarus sleeps,’ Thou hast prophesied to Thy disciples, ‘but I go to raise up him whom I created.’ Therefore we all cry to Thee: Glory to Thy mighty power. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Your ever-virgin, pure Mother, saw You, O Christ, * when You were crucified, and You were hanging dead * upon the Cross, and she cried out expressing her maternal grief, * “What is this ingratitude of these people who break the Law? * Why have they repaid You thus, for the many amazing gifts * and blessings, O my Son, that You gave them? * I extol Your divine condescension.” [GOASD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

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

The rod of Moses working wonders once submerged Phar’onic charioteers * when it smote the waters * in the figure of a cross and thereby split the sea in two; * while it rescued on dry land wayfaring fugitive Israel, * which to God resoundingly sang a song. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

Surrounded on all sides by the waves of the passions and with the soul troubled by the waves of evil thoughts, guide me to the calm harbor of Christ’s will by your prayers, as I hymn you, O Elizabeth. [VPA]

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

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

Adorned with the gifts of virginity, God-blessed one, you were wedded to the pure Logos from infancy through ascetic endeavors, glorious one, and you followed his live-bearing steps, bearing with you the mortification of the passions. [VPA]

Glory.

Leaving the state of the world and being attached to the yearning for Christ, you melted the will of the body through fasting and were steadfast in virtues and labors and prayers, and were made worthy to work miracles. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The ever-memorable Elizabeth, with ardent love yearning for you, the all-blameless one, who gave birth beyond understanding to the inseparable Logos of of the Father, became a vessel of the Holy Spirit, shining with divine virtues. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

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

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

You dwelt in the bright heavenly chambers, having become a chosen bride of the Almighty and you spring up rivers of healings drying up the flows of the passions. [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]

You dwelt in the bright heavenly chambers, having become a chosen bride of the Almighty and you spring up rivers of healings drying up the flows of the passions. [VPA]

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

Emulating Elias and Moses, all-august one, you completed a fast as they did in length of days, receiving the heavenly bread of most wise visions by the grace of the Divine Spirit. [VPA]

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

A divine revelation of the manner of life and brightness that would be given you through virtues by the Divine Spirit was given to your mother before your conception, Maiden, glorious Elizabeth. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

The all-lauded Elizabeth, with faith yearning for you, the only pure temple of virginity, she rejoices, all-blameless one, she rejoices being brought to your Son, piously following after you. [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 2. (NM) O God, the husbandman.

Στειρωθέντα μου τὸν νοῦν.

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

Through the power of the Cross strengthen my mind that is weakened by the assaults of the evil one, and guide me, O Lord, to the performance of Thy will. [KW]

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

Sunk in the drowsiness of sloth, I lie sleeping on the bed of pleasure. Raise me up, O Christ, and make me a worshipper at Thy Passion. [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]

With our souls cleansed and illumined by fasting, let us make haste to meet Christ as He comes incarnate to Jerusalem. [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.

O pure Virgin, who wast not burnt by the fire of the Godhead, burn up the material impulses of my passions, that I may for ever glorify Thee with faith. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iii. Mode 3. (NM) O barren and infertile soul.

Στεῖρα ψυχή.

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

The death of Lazarus this day did not escape the all-seeing eye of Jesus, but He spoke of it to His disciples, crying: ‘My friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to raise him.’ [KW]

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

‘Let us go into Judaea again,’ Thou hast said, O Lord, and Thy words filled the disciples with fear. But Thomas boldly cried aloud: ‘He is the Life, let us go also; for if we die, we shall return to life again.’ [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Trinity one in Essence, Almighty Father, coeternal Son and Spirit of God that shares their throne, uncreated Godhead worshipped in Unity: with all mortal men we sing Thy praises. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Mother undefiled, Thou art the root of Jesse from which has sprung Christ the Flower that brings life to all on earth. Through thee we are delivered from corruption and mortality, and we all sing thy praises, O pure Lady. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Rejoice, O Zion! Now thy King comes, as the Prophet proclaimed: He is meek, and the foal of an ass carries Him in the body, though He holds all creation in His hand. Let us sing to His power. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Στεῖρα ψυχή.

O barren and infertile soul, bear a crop of glorious fruit and cry with joy: Thou hast firmly established me, O God; there is none holy and none righteous save Thee, O Lord. [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 3. N/M (Your confession.)

Θείας πίστεως.

Bearing the toil of self-control, you received the gift of dispassion and healings, God-inspired Elizabeth, to heal all manner of disease and drive away the work of demons, admirable one. Entreat Christ God that great mercy be given to us. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. Your confession.

When the undefiled Ewe of the Logos, * the immaculate Mother and Virgin, * watched as her Son who was born without labor from her * was at His Passion mistreated and crucified, * she as a mother lamented and cried aloud, * “Alas! My Child, how is it that You suffer now? * To rescue from the sinful passions all mankind.” [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You are my strength. * You are my power, O Christ my Lord. * God my Savior, You are my exceeding joy. You came to us, never absent from the bosom of the Father, * and You assumed human poverty. * And so I join the Prophet Habakkuk, singing: Glory * to Your strength, O benevolent Lord my God! [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

Elizabeth, by your prayers you killed a terrible snake, a dragon, first crushing all the schemes of the evil one by divine power and gave it as food to the beasts and all the birds, giving glory to the Master of all. [VPA]

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

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

Yearning for the ways of life of the divine men, by divine might you spent forty days, august mother, not partaking of any food, but endured without eating, putting to death the rebellions of the flesh in a most wise way and enlivening the spirit, God-inspired one. [VPA]

Glory.

Both now. Theotokion.

Only you carry in your womb God incarnate, who gives being to all, whom you desired from your soul, with whom Elizabeth was betrothed in the Spirit, O Virgin Theotokos, wonder for the angels and wound for the demons, all-wondrous one. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

You dried the rivers of sins by the shedding of tears and you stopped by grace the flow of blood, which had been going on for many years, of the pious women who came to you in various ways, all-lauded venerable Elizabeth. [VPA]

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]

For many you denied yourself the partaking of bread, glorious one, piously cleansing your soul by the toils of self-control and you gained the lack of flesh of the bodiless, Elizabeth, the adornment of the venerable ones. [VPA]

Glory.

By every means you dedicated your mind to the Lord; you kept both your mind and heart looking at him and for three years you did not look at the sky, but at the earth as being made of earth, you who are glorified by God. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You became higher than the powers on high, having born the Logos of the Father, O Virgin, who is co-beginningless and eternal, by whose beacon lights, the God-bearer being illumined, she dispersed the darkness of the passions. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

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

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

Yearning to attract the mercy of God through asceticism, august one, you gave up eating oil from your childhood, being gladdened by the progress of your toils. [VPA]

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

Yearning to attract the mercy of God through asceticism, august one, you gave up eating oil from your childhood, being gladdened by the progress of your toils. [VPA]

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

Your illumined life was adorned with the virtues, your falling asleep shone forth sacredly with miracles, driving away demons and by divine grace dispersing the winter of the passions. [VPA]

Glory.

Struggling against cold and frost through nakedness of body, you bore the burning of the sun steadfastly, glorious Elizabeth, directing your hopes towards the warmth which is on high. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You conceived in the womb the one who is before the ages, O pure one, and bore in the flesh the One bodiless by nature, and nourished with milk the One who is the feeder of all, O unwedded Mother of God. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 1.

O Lord and Savior, You appointed Your medaled Athletes to be great helpers in all the world. Through them the passions are driven away. At their intercessions, save our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 24 we commemorate devout St. Elizabeth the Wonder-worker.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Savas the Commander.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs, the 70 soldiers who believed through St. Savas and who died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Pasicrates and Valentine.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Efsevios, Neon, Leontios, Longinos, and four others.

On this day the holy Neo-martyr Dukas of Mytilene, a tailor, who witnessed in Constantinople in 1564, died after being flayed alive.

The holy Neo-martyr Nicholas, who witnessed in Magnesia in 1776, died after being severely beaten.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

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

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

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

Having a god-loving will, you lived with the angels pure one, keeping vigil fervently and chanting eagerly: Blessed are you, O Lord God, unto the ages. [VPA]

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

Having a god-loving will, you lived with the angels pure one, keeping vigil fervently and chanting eagerly: Blessed are you, O Lord God, unto the ages. [VPA]

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

You extend a hand of sympathy and grant health to those who run to your relics with faith, God-bearing Elizabeth, the support of monastics. [VPA]

Glory.

Performing great miracles and shown to be a handmaid of the Lord, august Elizabeth, you have now been translated to him with singing with the venerable ones: O God, you are blessed. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

See my affliction, O Virgin, which the fullness of my evil has brought on and snatch me out of the fire of Gehenna, as I cry out: All-pure one, blesses if the fruit of your womb. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

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

The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

Those who draw near to the bier of your relics always receive all their requests piously, God ever magnifying you, He who received your august struggles, to whom you unceasingly cry out: You priests, bless and people exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages. [VPA]

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]

Having the eyes of your heart illumined by the Spirit, you gave sight to the one who came with faith to your divine sepulcher, being made rich by Christ with an abundance of means of healing, to whom, Venerable one, you cry: You priests, bless and people exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages. [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]

You rose like a sun shining upon the earth made bright with divine virtues, all-revered one, sending out the arrows of your holy miracles, O Elizabeth, and those who partake of them cry out: You children bless, priests hymn, and people exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Spotless Virgin, you bore, bearing a body, and held in your embraces Jesus the Lord, who holds all things by his almighty will. Therefore we hymn you as Mother of God, crying out in praise: You priests, bless and people exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages. [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 2. (NM) The Lord of old foreshadowed.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

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]

Roll back from my humble soul, O Christ the Word, the heavy stone of grievous slothfulness, and raise me from the tomb of insensitivity, that I may glorify Thee. [KW]

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

In Thy divine foreknowledge and Thy tender mercy Thou hast foretold to Thy friends the death of Thy friend; and Thou hast raised him on the fourth day, to Thy praise and glory. [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]

Thou comest again, O Christ, to Judaea, which seeks to kill Thee the Tree of Life upon the tree of the Cross; for it is Thy will to make immortal those who had been slain by eating from the tree. [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.

In thee, pure Virgin, are the ways of God made manifest: for He kept thy virginity sealed after childbirth for ever. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 3. (NM) Begotten as God.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

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

Lazarus the friend of Christ has died today: he is carried out for burial, and Martha’s companions lament in sorrow for her brother. But Christ comes to him in joy, to show the nations that He is Himself the Life of all. [KW]

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

Raised on high through acts of compassion, as though upon the Mount of Olives, let us make ready for the invisible coming of Christ to us, as we praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

For the Trinity.

O Unity in three Persons, Father, Son and living Spirit, one Godhead and one Kingdom, the hosts of angels glorify Thee as the Light that never sets; and we on earth praise, bless and exalt Thee above all for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Behold, with all generations we call thee blessed, O Virgin undefiled, seeing the great things God has done to thee. For in ways surpassing nature thou hast borne the Maker of all, who is both God and man. Therefore we bless and exalt thee above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With the Children let us also go and meet Christ our God, bringing works of mercy instead of palms, and prayer in our hearts instead of branches; and let us cry: Hosanna! Bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Τὸν ἐξ ἀνάρχου.

Begotten as God before all ages from the Father without beginning, He has in the last times clothed Himself in flesh taken from the Theotokos: O sing His praises as true man and perfect God, and bless and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Holy Woman.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἔφριξε πᾶσα ἀκοή.

All hearers shuddered when they heard * the unheard-of condescension of God to us: * that voluntarily * the Most High came down, and even bodily, * and from a Virgin’s womb was born, * becoming a man from her. * Hence, the immaculate * Theotokos we believers now magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us

You yearned to see the noetic beauty of the Bridegroom in purity and you fervently cried to him: where do you sleep? Where do you shepherd? That I may rest in you and delight in your delights, magnifying your goodness. [VPA]

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

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

O wonder! How after burial and lying years in the grave you relics are seen lying unspoiled, graced and enlightened with signs and wonders and granting streams of healings to the faithful every day. [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]

You had wisdom in your soul and humility and divine gentleness, pure faith and together with hope, divine love, attending God in night-long prayers and by the rays therefrom, Elizabeth, you were illumined most brightly. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Spare me, O Savior, who were born and kept her who gave birth to you incorrupt after the birth, when you will sit to judge my works, overlooking my lawless deeds and my sins, since you are beyond good, and merciful, O good one who loves mankind. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (NM)

Τῶν γηγενῶν τίς ἤκουσε.

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]

With fasting as his protection, Daniel stopped the mouths of wild beasts. Follow his example, O my soul, and with the aid of the Cross drive off the serpent who goes about as a roaring lion, seeking to devour every soul. [KW]

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

O Word of God, by Thy life-giving word raise up my soul that is slain by sin and imprisoned in the tomb of transgression; and count me worthy to offer palms of virtue to Thee the Conqueror of death. [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]

The Word of God the Father, whose throne is heaven and His footstool earth, enters the Holy City riding on a foal; and, as King of all, out of the mouths of babes He has appointed perfect praise. [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.

O pure and most wonderful Virgin, thou only art fair among women, for thou hast conceived the Word who is fairer than all mortal men. Entreat Him, then, to make beautiful the ugliness of my heart. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) In the bush upon Mount Sinai.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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]

Seeing their brother today beneath the bitter stone, the sisters of Lazarus shed tears of mourning. And from afar, my Christ, Thou hast spoken of this to Thine apostles, saying: ‘I am glad for your sakes’; for Thou wast not there in the flesh. [KW]

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

O murderous Judaea, desiring to fulfill as God His saving Passion. Willingly and by His own free choice, He accepts violent death at thy hands for our salvation. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The Godhead is both Unity and Trinity: O marvellous transmutation! It is single in Nature, yet distinguished in Persons; though indivisible, it is divided; though one, it is three; Father, Son and Spirit of Life, together guarding all things. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who has ever heard of a virgin that bore child and a mother that knew not man? O Mary, this miracle thou hast accomplished, but tell me how? ‘Do not enquire into the mystery of my divine childbearing: it is altogether true, yet beyond man’s understanding.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Weaving branches of palms, both inwardly and outwardly let us make ready to meet the Master that comes to us: for blessed is He that comes as true Son in the Name of the Lord and Father. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode 3.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

In the bush upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee, who hast conceived within thy womb the fire of the Godhead, and yet wast not consumed. Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by hand of man, and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed from the root of David. [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 power of Your Cross, 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 1.

Israel was clothed in purple and fine linen, arrayed in the glory of priestly and royal garments; rich in the Law and the Prophets, it rejoiced in the worship of the Old Covenant. But it crucified Thee outside the gates, O Benefactor who hast made Thyself poor, and it rejected Thee when Thou hast returned alive after the Crucifixion, O Thou who art ever in the bosom of God the Father. Israel thirsts now for a single drop of grace, like the rich man clothed in purple and fine linen, who showed no mercy to Lazarus in his poverty, and so was punished in the fire which never shall be quenched. Israel is filled with anguish as it looks upon the people of the Gentiles, who once lacked even the very crumbs of truth. But now they are comforted in the bosom of the faith of Abraham; they wear the purple of Thy blood and the fine linen of Baptism; and they make glad and rejoice in Thy gifts of grace, saying: O Christ our God, glory to Thee. [KW]

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

For the Martyrs.

Mode 1.

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

O martyrs praised in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress nor hunger nor persecution, neither scourging nor the fury of wild beasts nor the sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. But suffering out of love for Him, as though your bodies were no longer your own, ye forgot nature and despised death. So ye have received the reward that ye deserve for all your toil, and ye have become inheritors of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer intercession without ceasing for our souls. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. (NM)

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

When Thy Virgin Mother saw Thee, O Christ, out of love for man hanging upon the Cross, who hast hung the earth upon the waters, she cried aloud: ‘Woe is me! What is this strange sight? O my beloved Son, where is Thy surpassing beauty gone? I magnify Thy mercy, for by Thine own free choice Thou sufferest for all mankind.’ [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.