Books - Sources

Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 25

Memory of St. Mark the Evangelist

Horologion

Service of the Small Paraklesis

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 3.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion. For the Evangelist.

Mode 3.

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, make intercession to our merciful God, that He grant our souls forgiveness of offenses.

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3.

Virgin Theotokos, we sing hymns extolling you, through whom came humanity’s salvation. For your Son and our God, who is benevolent, accepted the Passion and the crucifixion, in the flesh that He assumed from you, and thus from destruction He rescued us. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 6. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us honor the ministers and eyewitnesses * of the Word, O believers, with spiritual songs, * and with hymns let us extol the wise Apostles of Christ. * For they earnestly implore Him and intercede with Him * for all of us who revere them * and venerate their holy relics and celebrate their memory. [GOASD]

Verse: Their proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. [SAAS]

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us all now extol the Apostles of Christ, * for they preached to believers the Orthodox faith * and Lord’s unerring teaching, and they also dispelled * the confusing clouds of heresy, and throughout the world * they shined and the grace of Spirit’s * illumination and dogmas, and they pray for the salvation of all. [GOASD]

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

As the Father and Spirit.

All the hosts in the heavens were utterly amazed * by the feats and the contests the holy Martyrs won. * For by the power of the Cross, they competed very well; * they invisibly defeated the bodiless foe, * while in their own mortal bodies. * Now they intercede with the Master, * that He be merciful to our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

O immaculate, pure, ever-virgin Bride of God, * we extol you unceasingly with angelic hosts. * For through you your Son and God has done great things for us. * As the Father’s pre-eternally begotten only Son, * He was well pleased to abide in * your holy womb and be born from you, * to free the human race from the devil’s deceit. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Yoking contemplation to action, let us make haste to offer up our prayers to Christ, that by His dread authority He may call our spiritual understanding back from the tomb to life, like another dead Lazarus; and we shall bring Him palms of righteousness and cry: Blessed art Thou who comest. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Be swift to heal the painful passions of my soul and the diseases of my flesh. Keep my mind from turning away, O most pure Theotokos, and enable me in stillness of thought to offer pure prayers to the King of all, and to gain remission of sins. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. Then the short litany.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἀγγελικαὶ Δυνάμεις.

Lazarus has been dead now for two days, and his sisters Martha and Mary shed tears of grief for him, gazing at the stone before his tomb. But the Creator has come with His disciples, to despoil death and bestow life. Therefore let us cry to Him: O Lord, glory to Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2. (NA)

Ἐλπὶς τοῦ κόσμου ἀγαθή.

Hallowed Lady, Mother of Christ our God, thou hast borne ineffably the Maker of all. In union with the holy apostles pray to Him at all times, that in His love He may release us from the passions and grant us the remission of our sins. [KW]

READER

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; the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist Mark, whose memory we celebrate, 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 Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

By many temptations am I distressed. * Praying to be rescued, for salvation I run to you. * O Virgin and Mother of the Logos, * from all afflictions and evils deliver me. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Assaults from the passions unsettle me, * and they fill my soul to overflowing with much despair. * Quiet them, O undefiled Maiden, * with the dispassionate calm of your Son and God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin who mothered our Savior God, * I earnestly beg that I be rescued from my distress. * For now as I flee to you for refuge, * my soul and reason I lift up in ardent prayer. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

My body and soul are alike diseased. * Only Theotokos, count me worthy of your divine * providence and gracious visitation, * since you are good and the Mother of Him who is good. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Glorified in strength.)

Σοῦ ἡ τροπαιοῦχος.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

That I may praise the God-seer, Mark, I invoke the grace of the Spirit. May He inspire me with brilliance and remove my ignorance, granting me a divine wealth of wisdom! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You have enlightened Your divinely eloquent one with the light of grace, Savior and Word of God. As the Source of all good, You sent out into the world him who has preached the Gospel of Your coming to us! [OCA]

Glory.

A disciple of the most wise Peter, glorious Mark, you were enriched by his adopting you. You were shown to be an initiate of the mysteries of God and a joint heir of His glory! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He who drowned the Egyptians in the deep through the cloud of the Spirit, later came to the Egyptians through you, pure one, and through Mark, set them free from delusion! [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [GOASD]

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

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. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I have named you the shelter and the defense of my life. * Therefore, I entreat you, O virgin Maid who gave birth to God, * conduct me to your port, * originator of good things, * the believers’ firm support, * only all-lauded one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I beseech you, O Virgin, dispel my soul’s turbulence, * also the tempestuous surging of grave despondency. * For you, O Bride of God, * gave birth to Christ who is Author * of serene tranquility, * only all-spotless one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Pour the wealth of your goodness and benefactions on all, * since you bore the great Benefactor, the Cause of every good. * You carried in your womb * Christ who is mighty in power; * therefore you can do all things, * O Lady blest by God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I implore you to help me as I am now being tried * by distressing ailments, O Virgin, and morbid suffering. * For I know you to be * an inexhaustible treasure * plenteous in remedies, * only all-blameless one. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (As You are the only One.)

Ὁ μόνος εἰδώς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The glorious Mark, Your favored one, was illumined by the rays of Your light. He preached You, O Christ, the Personal Wisdom Who appeared to all the world, granting life and enlightening all people. You are the Master and Lover of mankind! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your eye-witness Mark, Lover of mankind, received an ever-flowing stream of wisdom, rushing like a river. He has watered the ends of the earth with the light of divine knowledge, revealing the truth of Your prophecy. [OCA]

Glory.

You openly followed Peter, wise one. As his disciple you copied the Gospel. You received the light of theology from him, Apostle, clearly proclaiming the coming of God in the flesh! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

In days of old You were carried to Egypt in the Virgin’s arms and You made the temples of the demons quake. You sent Mark there that all might know the mystery of Your becoming Man. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Establish your servants who extol you, * O Mother of God, for they have formed * a spiritual choir for you * the living and abundant fount; * and graciously in your divine glory give glorious crowns to them. [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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

O godly Mark, you rose to the summit of virtue; * from there you thundered forth * unto us saving doctrines, * profound and great mysteries, * as a preacher sent out by God. * Therefore we with faith now importune you, All-blessed, * that you keep us free from every sin and affliction * and dangerous circumstance. [SD]

Glory. Another.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

Glorious Apostle Mark, * the Church now has you * as a great and shining star; * and she is brightened by the rays * of your divine teachings, and she cries: * Rejoice, all-blessed Evangelist of the Lord! [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Sinful passions stain my soul, O Theotokos. * By your intercessory entreaties, cleanse it once again, * since you are good and immaculate. * Purification that saves us is found in you. [GOASD]

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat you, O Bride of God * who have borne the Helmsman and Lord, to pacify * the confusion that my passions bring * and the surging waves of my iniquities. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have borne the compassionate * Lord who is the Savior of all who sing your praise. * Hence, bestow upon me the abyss * of your own compassion which I now invoke. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We who know you, O wholly pure * Virgin, to be truly the Mother of our God, * have enjoyed so many gifts from you. * Hence, we sing this canticle of gratitude. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

In possessing you as our hope * and the stable buttress and solid battlement * of salvation, O all-lauded one, * we are liberated from all misery. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. (N/M)

Ὄρος σε τῇ χάριτι.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your sound has gone out into all the earth, most wise one, and the power of your words openly reaches the ends of the earth. Like David, you proclaim our salvation and renewal with splendor. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your most wise apostle has appeared to the world like lightning, O Savior. Enlightened with brightness of radiance, he announces the joy of truth for our salvation and renewal. [OCA]

Glory.

As it was prophesied, your feet were made beautiful, for you have ineffably announced to us and the ends of the earth the Peace that openly revealed Himself in the flesh for our salvation and renewal. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Word sat upon the cloud of the Virgin, and in His mercy, made the counsels of Egypt senseless. He has destroyed thoughts opposed to God through the teachings of the divine Mark for our salvation and renewal. [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

When the Prophet Habakkuk heard the divine * and incomprehensible counsel of Your Incarnation * from the Virgin, O Most High, * considering, he cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [GOASD]

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Since you bore the prime * Source of happiness, impart to me, * O pure Maid, your unadulterated joy. * And fill my heart now * to overflowing with your happiness. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Mother of our God, * do redeem us from all jeopardy, * since the eternal Redemption you have borne, * and Peace that passes * all understanding, O Virgin pure. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Dissipate the gloom * of my trespasses, O Bride of God, * with the effulgence of your irradiance, * being the Mother * of the divine pre-eternal Light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Cure the weakness wreaked * by my passions, O pure virgin Maid. * Account me worthy of your solicitude, * and by your earnest * intercessions give me health again. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. (N/M)

Ὁ φωτίσας τῇ ἐλλάμψει.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Most blessed and God-pleasing Mark, You let fall the sweetness of devotion, the shower of your divine words. You cast light over all in bright radiance, clearly revealing the grace of the spiritual Sun. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

From the house of the Lord, Apostle, you poured out a wellspring to water barren hearts with the abundance of spiritual streams. You teach them to bring forth fruit in place of barrenness. [OCA]

Glory.

Apostle and God-seer, Mark, you were the Son of the great Peter. Enlightened by his teaching, you brought light to the souls who came to you with fervor. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Christ, You shone forth from the Father before all creation, and were born of the Virgin as a man. You were sent to the Egyptians, and you anointed Mark, O Wise One, to teach them the mysteries of divine knowledge. [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Amazed was the universe by your divine magnificence. * You who were perpetually virgin * carried the heavenly God of all in your womb * and gave birth to the eternal Son, * who awards salvation to all who sing hymns of praise to you. [GOASD]

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Solicit * your Son and Lord to rescue me * from the enemies’ malignance, O Virgin, * as He redeemed out of death and corruption * my human nature held down by mortality * and overpowered by decay, * having freely submitted Himself to death. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, * I know you well as Patroness * of my life and most reliable sentry. * For you disperse a great throng of temptations, * and spiteful treatment by demons you drive away. * And constantly do I entreat * to be saved from my passions’ depravity. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We have you * as a protective citadel * and the absolute salvation, O Maiden, * of our souls, and in straits as a broad way. * And in your light we unceasingly jubilate. * And now, O Lady, we beseech, * from the passions and perils deliver us. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I lie now * in failing health upon my bed, * and there is no cure for my ailing body. * But I entreat, O good Lady who gave birth * to the Reliever of illnesses, who is God * the Savior of the world, and plead: * raise me up from the ravages of disease. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. (N/M)

Ἐκύκλωσεν ἡμᾶς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Lord, You brought low the scorn of the wicked and put down their prideful arrogance. You revealed Your apostle to be a conqueror by Your might, for You are the strength and restoration of the weak. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

By your words, wise Mark, you preached the Fashioner of creation, the Crown of hope with which we are now crowned, which was fashioned from the nature of the flesh for our glory. [OCA]

Glory.

The pre-eminent Peter clearly taught you, glorious one, to record spiritually the precious Gospel. He showed you to be a servant of divine grace, for you shed the light of divine knowledge on us. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Through the Virgin Mother of God You enlightened Egypt which had been in darkness. You entered it as an infant, O Lord, and reproved its vanity, Lover of mankind, through the teachings of the divinely-spoken Mark. [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

O godly-minded believers, come * and celebrate this sacred and venerable feast and thus extol * the Theotokos, and clap our hands, * and glorify our God who was truly born of her. [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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

Receiving the grace of the Holy Spirit from on high, O Apostle, you cut through the philosophers’ web of words, and you drew the nations all in your net, and brought them to the Master, O famous Evangelist Mark, as you preached the divine Gospel. [SD]

Oikos.

You became the disciple of Peter, the Paramount Apostle, and along with him you preached Christ the Son of God, and you established on the rock of the truth those who were shaken by error. Establish me also on that rock, and guide the steps of my soul, so that delivered from the snares of the enemy and with nothing to impede me, I may glorify you. For you illumined everyone, O wise Evangelist Mark, as you preached the divine Gospel. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 25 we commemorate the holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark.

On this day we commemorate the consecration of the august shrine of the holy and all-lauded preeminent Apostle Peter.

On this day we also commemorate our father among the saints Macedonios, Patriarch of Constantinople.

On this day we also commemorate the holy woman Martyr Nike.

On this day we also commemorate the holy eight monastic Martyrs who were hermits.

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

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

As You wished our salvation * to be thusly dispensed, You abode within the womb * of the all-holy Virgin * whom You have manifested * to the world as our patroness. * O Savior, blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Mother, implore Him * unto Whom you gave birth, Who delights in steadfast love, * to free from their offenses * and from their souls’ defilements * those who cry out in faith and say * to Him: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have shown forth Your Mother * as a tower of safety, salvation’s treasury, * a spring of incorruption, * the doorway of repentance * unto all those who cry aloud * and say: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto us you delivered * Christ the Savior; and hence we entreat you: Deign to heal * the bodily diseases * and spiritual ailments * of your servants who earnestly * to your divine shelter run, * O Lady Theotokos. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. (N/M)

Σὲ νοητήν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Enlightened with divine radiance, most blessed Mark, by reflection, you mystically send out brilliant rays. You preach the Word incarnate, the Timeless One, the most praised and glorified God of our fathers! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You armed Your divinely eloquent apostle with divinely effective power, Creator of all. You made him a wonder worker, for he has dispelled affliction and healed wounds by preaching You, the most praised and glorified God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

Having as a teacher the divine Peter, the first in rank among the choir of the apostles, you revealed yourself to be like him, for you bought order to all the fullness of the Church of the most praised and glorified God of our fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Following the saying of Isaiah, most glorious one, you set up a pillar in Egypt: the writing of your Gospel of the One, who without seed, was born of the Theotokos. You proclaimed the most praised and glorified God of our fathers! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Godly-minded three * did not adore created things in the Creator’s stead; * rather, disdaining the threat * of fire, they trampled it, and joyfully they sang: * “O supremely praised * and most exalted Lord and God * of the fathers, You are blessed.” [GOASD]

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not disdain us * who need the help that you offer, * virgin Maiden, and who bless and extol you, * supremely exalting you unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Virgin, you pour out * your great abundance of healings * over those who faithfully extol you * and exalt supremely your ineffable childbirth. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You heal the sicknesses * of my soul, O pure Virgin, * and the physical pains that afflict me. * Hence I glorify you the highly favored Maiden. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You drive away from us * the assaults of temptations * and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. * Therefore do we praise you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. (N/M)

Ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδες.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You preached Christ, the Word begotten of the Father before all ages, Who clothed Himself in human nature. And you cried aloud, glorious one: Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord! Sing and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You glorified Christ, glorious one, Who gave Himself as deliverance from our sins and passions. He has raised up the fallen and you cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord! Sing and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Glory.

You submitted to the most wise teaching of Peter, Mark, and wisely committed the precious Gospel to writing for the sake of the faithful who cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord! Sing and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The Virgin carried Emmanuel as an infant and stood before the Egyptians. Mark is set like a radiant star before them, crying aloud: Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord! Sing and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [GOASD]

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 Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not dismiss the river * of my tears, O Virgin. * For in your womb you conceived and you carried Christ * the Lord who takes every teardrop away from every face. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With joy, all-holy Virgin, * fill my heart to fullness, * having received, O pure Maiden, the fullness of joy * and thereby causing the sorrow of sin to disappear. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

For those who flee for safety * unto you, O Virgin, * be a retreat and a fortress immovable, * defense and shelter and refuge and joyous ecstasy. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With rays of your effulgence * brighten us, O Virgin, * who in the Orthodox manner declare you to be * the Theotokos who drives out the gloom of ignorance. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Restore my health, O Virgin; * for because of illness, * I am reduced to a state of tormenting pain. * Transform my feeble condition into vitality. [SD]

Canon for the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. Burning, yet remaining.

Τύπον τῆς ἁγνῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Now that you attained the very source * of the tri-solar light, which is unattainable, * you experience incomprehensible theosis * and more clearly and fully delight in it. * You dance now with the Angels, * sacred revealer of things divine [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were Peter’s partner in the work * of sacred teaching and of preaching the Gospel word. * Now along with him you go about in the heavenly * tabernacles, and with him you intercede * on our behalf, O blessed * Apostle Mark and the spokesman of God. [SD]

Glory.

Mark, you were illumined by the light * of grace divine, and therefore proclaimed it piously * that united is the three-fold light of the only God, * and yet strangely is also a Trinity. * We earnestly entreat you * to ever intercede on our behalf. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mark, the most august Apostle, was * a gift to the Egyptians, to be their hierarch. * Egypt is where Christ, the Lord of glory, had visited, * being born in the flesh of the Virgin pure, * the holy Theotokos. * And we extol Him and we magnify. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.

All you born on earth, * with festival lamps in hand, in spirit leap for joy; * and all you the heavenly angelic orders, join in and celebrate; * and honoring the sacred wonders of the Mother of God, * sing the joyful salutation, “O rejoice, * Theotokos, all-blest, ever-virgin pure!” [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Unaltered light.

Φῶς ἀναλλοίωτον.

You were enriched with sonship * to Peter the great Apostle; * thereafter before all others, * O Mark, first for the Egyptians, * you wrote down the Holy Gospel, * through which the world is illumined. [SD]

Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O sweetness of the Angels, * O joy of those in affliction, * and the protectress of Christians, * O Virgin Mother of the Lord, * come to my aid and redeem me * from the eternal torments. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

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.

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.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For the Evangelist.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

The bright star of Egypt, holy Mark, * being the most-excellent and all-wise preacher of God the Word, and also the divine * author of the Gospel, * be extolled by us today * with sacred and divine songs and melodies; for he beseeches Christ, * interceding that surpassing peace * and great mercy * be upon our souls bestowed. [SD]

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

The bright star of Egypt, holy Mark, * being the most-excellent and all-wise preacher of God the Word, and also the divine * author of the Gospel, * be extolled by us today * with sacred and divine songs and melodies; for he beseeches Christ, * interceding that surpassing peace * and great mercy * be upon our souls bestowed. [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

Becoming an author of divine * dogmas of the Savior Christ, you thus illumined the universe, all-wise one, having preached * of His incarnation * and His sufferings divine, * His holy resurrection and the ascension to His Father God, * O Apostle; and the nations all * you attracted * to the knowledge of the truth. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

O Mark, the Apostle of the Lord, * you were a devoted follower of Peter the most divine; * and when you had believed * his inspired teachings, * you illumined peoples by the Holy Spirit’s grace, being wise in all, enlightening the minds * of Egyptians to believe in Christ, * and adorning * their city with piety. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Grace was poured upon your lips, O Apostle Mark, and you became a shepherd of the Church of Christ, teaching the reasonable sheep to believe in the Trinity, coessential, in one Divinity. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

Theotokos, you are the true vine that produced the fruit of life. Lady, we fervently entreat you to intercede along with the Apostle and all the saints, that our souls be treated mercifully. [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, 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 hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. 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.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion. For the Evangelist.

Mode 3.

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, make intercession to our merciful God, that He grant our souls forgiveness of offenses.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

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

( Amen. )

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

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, the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist Mark, whose memory we celebrate, 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.