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Triodion

Mode pl. 1. On Friday Morning

On Friday Before Palm Sunday Morning

Menaion - April 26

Memory of Basileus

__________

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 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode pl. 1.

The Place of the Skull became Paradise; for once the tree of the Cross was planted there, immediately it blossomed the grape cluster of life, namely You, O Savior, to gladden our hearts. Glory to You. [SD]

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

Mode pl. 1.

O Savior, the tree of Your Cross became the salvation of the world. For You were willingly nailed to it, and thus You delivered us born on earth from the curse, O Life of all. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

As Your Mother was watching You voluntarily * being nailed to the Cross as innocent lamb, * she lamented, and it wore her out, O Christ, and she cried, * “Woe is me! For You, my light, have been cruelly put out! * You are the King of all creation, * and yet You die like a villain * among criminals, my Son and God!” [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. 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 4. (NM) Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Two of the disciples are sent to bring the foal of an ass, in accordance with the prophecy; and, mounting upon it, Christ comes in His beauty, accepting the divine praise offered by the children. So let us eagerly hasten to meet Him, bearing as palms our acts of righteousness. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

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

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 15. 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. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Two of the disciples are sent today to bring the foal of an ass to the Master of all. He who is borne on high by the hosts of the seraphim comes riding on a colt, and all-devouring death, the ruler of this world, begins to be afraid; for, through Lazarus first of all, he is despoiled of mankind. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Standing at the Passion of her Son, the pure Virgin lamented bitterly and cried in sorrow: ‘Woe is me, my Child! Thou art glorified by the angels with never-silent hymns; how have the Hebrew children brought Thee before the judgement seat of Pilate? O Word, I sing the praises of Thy great and ineffable compassion.’ [KW]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode i. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Δεῦτε λαοί.

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

Peoples, now come * and let us sing a song to Christ our God, * who by His prophet split the sea and through it led across * His people and possession, out of Egyptian bondage, * for He was glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You stand by the King of the heavenly powers wearing a crown, God-bearing Basil, asking for grace and mercy for all who fervently honor you. [VPA]

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

You stand by the King of the heavenly powers wearing a crown, God-bearing Basil, asking for grace and mercy for all who fervently honor you. [VPA]

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

Blessed one, you had mastery over the passions of the flesh and trampled the godless king who encouraged you to deny the heavenly King. [VPA]

Glory.

Guardian of the divine royal commandments, the king of glory anointed you royally with divine chrism and adorned you with the crown of martyrdom, blessed one. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Ever-virgin, the refuge of the faithful, the firm help of those who run to you, save us from all necessity and opposing harm. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν πέτρᾳ με τῆς πίστεως.

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

You strengthened me on the rock of faith, O Savior. * You made me smile at my enemies and deride them. * My spirit is rejoicing, as I am singing, * “No one is holy like our God, * and no one is righteous but You, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were numbered in the company of the first-born, deified by partaking in divine things, and seeing the more pure beauty of the Master. Unconquered martyr, blessed Basil made wise by God. [VPA]

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

You were numbered in the company of the first-born, deified by partaking in divine things, and seeing the more pure beauty of the Master. Unconquered martyr, blessed Basil made wise by God. [VPA]

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

You put and end to the winter of heresies by the warmth of your all-wise teachings, you scattered the band of idols by the light of your contests. Therefore, blessed Basil, illumine me, who honor you. [VPA]

Glory.

Glafyra, running from the soul-destroying chasm, she found you, Father, as a harbor of salvation. Therefore becoming a bride of Christ the Creator, she rejoices crying out: You are our God and there is no one holy except for you, Lord. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You bore the King without beginning who took a beginning from you, Virgin-mother. Entreat him, as a lover of mankind to save your servants from all affliction and capture by enemies, all-blameless one. [VPA]

Heirmos.

You strengthened me on the rock of faith, O Savior. * You made me smile at my enemies and deride them. * My spirit is rejoicing, as I am singing, * “No one is holy like our God, * and no one is righteous but You, O Lord.” [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. N/M (Your confession.)

Θείας πίστεως.

Having escaped from the godless storm of the deceit of idols, you who were initiated into holy things, and being drowned through the sword in the sea, you arrived at the anchorage which is without waves and, ever dwelling there, Venerable Father, intercede with Christ God that great mercy be given to us. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. N/M (Your confession.)

When you were crucified, the earth shook; when you died, the light was hidden and the dead were freed from their bonds, but your all-spotless Mother, O Master, bitterly shedding tears, cried out: Most beloved child, I sing of your great mercy for you suffered this to save mortals. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐλήλυθας ἐκ Παρθένου.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

You came, O Lord, * not an elder nor angel, but You yourself, * God incarnate, being born of a pure Virgin, thus saving me * and all of humanity. * Therefore I sing to You: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having sacrificed yourself as an all-holy lamb, you were slain, all-blessed one, and by the rivers of your blood you dried up the sea of evil atheism by divine grace. [VPA]

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

Having sacrificed yourself as an all-holy lamb, you were slain, all-blessed one, and by the rivers of your blood you dried up the sea of evil atheism by divine grace. [VPA]

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

Coloring a royal vestment with your blood, and wearing a diadem of victory on you head, you joyously went to the royal palaces in heaven, Father. [VPA]

Glory.

Having shepherded your flock piously and righteously, you led it to the heavenly fold, venerable Saint, where you also went adorned with the crown of the contests. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-hymned one, the ready help of humanity, calm the wild waves of temptations, saving your servants from the abuse of enemies by your intercessions. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

You are the light * of those lying in darkness, and the salvation * of those who are desperate, O Christ my Savior. * O King of peace, to You I rise in the morning. * Shine upon me and enlighten me. * For I know no other God except for You, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Being illumined by the rays of light of the Spirit, you put an end to the darkness of godlessness, you who were initiated in holy things, and you led many who were imprisoned in the mist of vanity to the heavenly dwelling places. [VPA]

Verse: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Being illumined by the rays of light of the Spirit, you put an end to the darkness of godlessness, you who were initiated in holy things, and you led many who were imprisoned in the mist of vanity to the heavenly dwelling places. [VPA]

Verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth. [SAAS]

Being a guardian of the commandments of God, and shut in prison by the godless, you saw the divine end coming upon you having been taught by an angel, foundation and support of hieromartyrs. [VPA]

Verse: O Lord, Your arm is exalted, but they did not know it. But when they know it, they shall be ashamed. [SAAS]

A frightful miracle was shown to all at your end, for your head, being cut by a sword and thrown into the sea, O hieromartyr, was joined to your divine body, a gift given by God to those who yearn for you. [VPA]

Verse: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

City of God about which glorious things were said, Virgin Theotokos, redeem this, your city, and the entire country from dangers, famine, and barbarians, the only unshamable protection of the faithful. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

O Lord our God, grant us peace, for You render everything to us. [SAAS]

O Lord our God, possess us; O Lord, we know no other besides You; we name Your name.

The dead will not see life; neither will physicians raise them. Therefore You brought evils upon them and destroyed them, and took away every male of theirs.

Because of Your fear, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, and we have given birth. We brought forth the spirit of Your salvation on the earth. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 4. (NM)

Ἀνάτειλόν μοι Κύριε.

Verse: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, on the glorious of the earth [SAAS]

Falling asleep upon the Cross, O Lord and Master, Thou hast put death to sleep. For Thou hast cried: ‘My friend Lazarus is sleeping, but I shall go now to awake him.’ [KW]

Verse: O Lord, I remembered You in my hard circumstances. Your chastening to us was a small affliction. [SAAS]

Fulfilling the sayings of the prophets, in Thy compassion Thou hast come, O Christ, to the city that killed the prophets; and there of Thine own will Thou shalt be slain, saving from corruption me who am dead. [KW]

Verse: As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so we became Your beloved. [SAAS]

All ye who through abstinence and prayer have made your rebellious body submissive to the Word, both monks and laity, go out and meet Christ who rides upon a foal and comes to His Passion. [KW]

Verse: We shall not fall but the inhabitants of the world shall fall. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O all-pure Virgin, with the drops of thy mercy water my heart that is tormented in the flame of sin. O Gate of the Light, kindle my lamp that has gone out. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O Christ my God

Τὸν ζόφον τῆς ψυχῆς μου.

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

Approaching Bethany, O Christ, Thou sendest two of Thy disciples to fetch Thee a foal on which no man had sat. For none but Thyself, O Saviour, has brought into subjection the peoples who were without reason. [KW]

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

A great number of Jews came today from Jerusalem to Bethany and shared the sorrow of the sisters of Lazarus; but when they learned on the next day that Lazarus had come out from the tomb, they sought to kill Christ. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and all-creative Spirit, blessed Godhead, Essence without beginning, threefold Light, all-seeing Power, guard Thy servants. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

When she beheld Thee nailed upon the Cross, O Christ, with blood and water flowing from Thy lifegiving side, in her love Thy Mother suffered with Thee as none but a mother can, for she knew Thee as her Son. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Behold, Christ makes ready to enter Jerusalem. Let all who dwell as solitaries in the mountains and the desert assemble together and come to meet Him, sharing in the joy of the whole world. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ζόφον τῆς ψυχῆς μου.

O Christ my God, Giver of Light, who hast driven out the primeval darkness of the abyss, disperse, O Word, the darkness from my soul, and give me the light of Thy commandments, that early in the morning I may glorify-Thee. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

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

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You made a journey upon water, drying up the waters of deceit by the flow of your holy blood and you reached the never-flooded harbor. [VPA]

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

You made a journey upon water, drying up the waters of deceit by the flow of your holy blood and you reached the never-flooded harbor. [VPA]

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

You became life-bearing when dead, Father, passing through the water, Father Basil, and being given to the disciples manifestly by divine initiative. [VPA]

Glory.

You adorned your holy robe with august blood like a royal linen, which, O Basil, you wore as you stood before Christ bearing a crown. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-holy Virgin bride of God, who are, after God, the protection of your servants, rescue us from capture by barbarians and from dangers. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode pl. 1.

The medaled Martyrs’ commemoration is splendid today, for it is illumined with a heavenly light. The chorus of Angels is celebrating, and the human race is also observing the feast. And therefore they intercede with the Lord, to have mercy on our souls. [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On April 26 we commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Vasilevs, Bishop of Amasia.

On this day Saint Glaphyra died in peace.

On this day devout St. Justa died in peace.

On this day devout St. Nestor, who left his parents and became a monk, died in peace.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς.

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

The image of gold * was in Babylon on Dura being worshiped. * But Your three Servants showed complete disdain * for that abominable decree. * Thrown into the fiery furnace, * in the midst of it they were bedewed, * singing: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

By painting with blood you colored for yourself a porphyry cloth, O Martyr, and donning it with joy and bearing the Cross, which is a weapon of salvation, all-memorable Basil, you ever reign with the immortal King. [VPA]

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

By painting with blood you colored for yourself a porphyry cloth, O Martyr, and donning it with joy and bearing the Cross, which is a weapon of salvation, all-memorable Basil, you ever reign with the immortal King. [VPA]

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

Your body, which contended well, was given to your flock from the bosom of the sea, which spring up a sea of healings and the drying up the flow of the passions by grace of the divine Spirit, hieromartyr Basil. [VPA]

Glory.

O Father, to the bridegroom Christ you brought Glafyra, a bride all-adorned with virtues and shining with virginity, and beautifying her with teachings, you made her worthy of the bridal chamber and you rejoice with her, O Basil in the heavenly dwellings. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The only hope and help of the faithful, O Mother of God, hasten to help those who entreat you, who are sunk in afflictions and are in need and pain, O Virgin, who flee to you for refuge with boldness of soul. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

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

When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and exalt Him beyond measure, * unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With the staff of your wise teachings pasturing your flock to the pasture of salvation and you drove away the evil and grievous wolves from its midst, O Father, and you were slaughtered willingly, as a lamb. [VPA]

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

With the staff of your wise teachings pasturing your flock to the pasture of salvation and you drove away the evil and grievous wolves from its midst, O Father, and you were slaughtered willingly, as a lamb. [VPA]

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

Having been lifted up from the marine depths as a pure pearl, your holy disciples gather your pieces with faith, as you send rays of miracles the rule and great renown of hieromartyrs. [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]

Wholly from infancy dedicated to God by divine anointing, you were sanctified with holiness, and you sacrificed yourself, having offered yourself as priest and sacrifice on the immortal and mystical table. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Refuge of Christians, helper joined to those in fearful situations, all-holy Virgin, do not overlook us, shaken by dangers everywhere and by many attacks of evil barbarians. [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 4. (NM) Earth and all that is therein.

Γῆ καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ.

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]

Why, O women, do ye weep bitterly for your beloved brother, when ye have with you the Resurrection and the Life? He who brings gifts to all has come and will restore to life His true friend, through Lazarus’ resurrection foretelling the resurrection of all. [KW]

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

Monks from your hermitages, sheep in the flock of the Word, assemble now with branches in your hands to meet Christ the Chief Shepherd. The Lord comes willingly as a lamb to the slaughter, that He may destroy the tyranny of the wolf. [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]

As Thou wast approaching Bethphage, hell our adversary heard the sound of Thy feet, and he touched the feet of Lazarus, saying: ‘If the Life calls thee, delay not, but go out: for I know that my destruction will come swiftly.’ [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.

The holy voices of the prophets proclaim thee symbolically, O Virgin, as Gate and Mountain, sacred Ark and Cloud of light, from whom the Sun, the only Giver of Light, has shone forth on those in darkness and shadow. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) O ye angels

Ἄγγελοι καὶ οὐρανοί.

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

Two of the disciples were sent to fetch an ass for Him who rides upon the clouds, whom all things praise and exalt above all for ever. [KW]

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

Christ is at the door: so be not sad, O Bethany. For He will change thy sorrow into joy by raising from the tomb Lazarus thine offspring, who sings His praises. [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.

The Trinity is one God: the Father is not begotten like the Son, nor does the Son proceed like the Spirit, but each keeps His distinctive properties; and I glorify the Three as Light and God for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Thou alone hast conceived and yet remained inviolate; thou alone hast given suck to thy child, yet hast not known the pains of travail; thou alone hast borne thy Maker and Master, and thou art both His handmaid and His mother. We sing thy praises, O Virgin Mother, for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Invisibly with the branches of our virtues, and visibly with branches from the trees, let us prepare to receive Christ who is twofold in nature. He comes riding on a colt, and we exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἄγγελοι καὶ οὐρανοί.

O ye angels and ye powers of heaven, sing to Him who sits upon the throne of majesty, and is glorified unceasingly as God: bless, praise 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 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode ix. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

Being from God, God the Logos * with ineffable wisdom * came to make Adam new who fell through food * into corruption unhappily. * From an all-holy Virgin * ineffably He took on flesh for us. * We the faithful extol Him concordantly and magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All-blessed one, shining with the divine adornments of priesthood and holy martyrdom now you dwell in the heavenly dwellings and stand, rejoicing, before the holy trinity, O Basil, with all the martyrs interceding for us. [VPA]

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

All-blessed one, shining with the divine adornments of priesthood and holy martyrdom now you dwell in the heavenly dwellings and stand, rejoicing, before the holy trinity, O Basil, with all the martyrs interceding for us. [VPA]

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

How bright your memory shining like a ray of light of divine gifts for the faithful, how holy your temple where, reposing, you spring up healings and save those who honor you with yearning from grave dangers, O Basil. [VPA]

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

The container of your relics is seen as a spring, welling up a spring of healings and curing all illnesses of soul and body, O Father Basil. Therefore we faithfully keep your memorial. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin and Mother of the Light, with the bodiless angels, apostles, prophets, hierarchs, those who competed well and all the venerable ones, entreat the only God who is beyond good to save our souls from dangers. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 4. (NM) For He that is mighty.

Ὅτι ἐποίησέ μοι μεγαλεῖα.

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]

‘Behold, we go up to the Holy City,’ Thou hast foretold to Thy disciples, O Jesus; ‘and by the hands of murderers I shall be delivered to Crucifixion, and I shall be truly slain according to the flesh.’ [KW]

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

Wishing to deliver Thy friend from death, Thou dost make haste to suffer death for our sake in the flesh, granting immortality to mortal men who believe in Thee, O Word who alone art immortal. [KW]

Verse: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. [RSV]

Let us offer the palm branches of our self-control to Christ, who draws near humbly in the flesh upon a foal, and let us say to Him: O Saviour who comest to Thy Passion, blessed art Thou. [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.

Dread is thy childbearing, Theotokos and Mother of Christ; therefore in faith we and all generations call thee blessed, and in reverence we glorify thee to all ages. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

Sending out His disciples now, Christ said to them: ‘Loose the colt and bring it to me, and I will ride upon it, that I may loose the nations from their lack of reason, and as Son bring them into subjection to the Father.’ [KW]

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

The Lord draws near: open thy gates, Bethany, and receive the Master with faith. He is come to raise Lazarus from the tomb, for He alone is all-powerful. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Lord, the threefold Brightness of Thy single Power shines on our mind with the light of revelation; it turns us from the error that divides, and brings us to the divine life that unites. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Palace of the King of all. Through thee, O Virgin Theotokos, the Kingdom of Heaven has been opened to us on earth and we dwell with the angels. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

All who dwell in deserts, in mountains and in caves, draw near and assemble with us, to meet the King and Master with palms in your hands; for He comes to save our souls. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

The burning bush upon the mountain revealed in prophecy to the Giver of the Law Christ’s birth from the Ever-Virgin for our salvation: and with never-silent songs of praise we magnify Him. [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 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.

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

Despising the divine commands, my soul, thou hast become an easy prey to the snares of the enemy; and by thine own choice thou hast surrendered thyself to corruption. Sunk in slumber through thy many trespasses, thou hast covered with filth the garment that God wove for thee, and made thyself unfit for the wedding of the King; and thou shalt be dragged away because of thy sin. For if thou sittest at the wedding feast clad in the raiment of the passions, He will ask thee how thou earnest in, and thou shalt be cast out from the bridal chamber. But cry to the Saviour: O dread eye of God, Thou hast become what I am, without ceasing to be who Thou wast. Before Thy Crucifixion, for my sake Thou hast worn a robe of mockery: tear in pieces my sackcloth and clothe me with gladness; deliver me from the outer darkness and eternal weeping, and have mercy upon me. [KW]

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

Despising the divine commands, my soul, thou hast become an easy prey to the snares of the enemy; and by thine own choice thou hast surrendered thyself to corruption. Sunk in slumber through thy many trespasses, thou hast covered with filth the garment that God wove for thee, and made thyself unfit for the wedding of the King; and thou shalt be dragged away because of thy sin. For if thou sittest at the wedding feast clad in the raiment of the passions, He will ask thee how thou earnest in, and thou shalt be cast out from the bridal chamber. But cry to the Saviour: O dread eye of God, Thou hast become what I am, without ceasing to be who Thou wast. Before Thy Crucifixion, for my sake Thou hast worn a robe of mockery: tear in pieces my sackcloth and clothe me with gladness; deliver me from the outer darkness and eternal weeping, and have mercy upon me. [KW]

For the Martyrs.

Mode 4.

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

Come, all ye peoples, and with hymns and spiritual songs let us honour the victorious martyrs of Christ. They are lights to the world and preachers of the faith, and an everlasting fountain that flows with healing for the faithful. At their prayers grant peace to Thy world, O Christ our God, and to our souls great mercy. [KW]

Glory. Idiomelon.

From Triodion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our soul, we beseech Thee in Thy love for man: Grant us also to behold the Holy Week of Thy Passion, that in it we may glorify Thy mighty acts and Thine ineffable dispensation for our sakes, singing with one mind: O Lord, glory to Thee. [KW]

Both now. Repeat.

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

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

( Amen. )

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

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

Prayer of St. Ephrem

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

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

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

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

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

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

or:

READER

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.