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Pentecostarion

Monday of the Holy Spirit

Menaion - June 24

The Birth of the Holy Forerunner

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MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Blessed are You, O Christ our God. You sent down the Holy Spirit into the fishermen, and You gave them knowledge and wisdom in everything; and through them, as in a net You caught the whole world. O Lord who loves humanity, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Prophet and Forerunner of the appearance of Christ, * with longing we honor you, although we have not the means * of extolling you worthily. * Your birth, which was exalted * and most glorious, ended * the barrenness of your mother and the muteness of your father; * and unto the world it announced * the Incarnation of God the Word. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 4. 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 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 Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Unto us now has the son * of Zacharias been born, * and he mystically gives joy * to the believers’ minds. * He is the desert’s ornament, and the pedestal of the Prophets. * And thus did he become * the Forerunner * who testifies the truth * of the coming of Christ. * So let us cry aloud unto the Baptist * singing in unison spiritual songs: * O intercede for our salvation, * Prophet and Herald of the truth. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Let us celebrate with joy this final post-festal feast, * O believers; for it is the feast of Pentecost today, * and the fulfillment of the promise and the appointed time. * For on this day the fire of the Paraclete * descended to the earth immediately, * as in the form of tongues, and illumined the Disciples * and made them initiates of heaven. * The holy light of the Holy Spirit * has appeared and illumined the world. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For 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 II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

You were born in a truly uncommon way * as the first-fruits of the appearance of Christ, * O John, praised in all the world, * and the paramount of Prophets. * And as you were the voice of the Logos you cried aloud: * Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is nigh at hand. * Hence did you prepare the way of the Master, * becoming the Forerunner * of divine grace to all the world, * O Apostle and Baptist John. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

When the well-spring of the grace of the divine Spirit came * down to those upon the earth and into fire-bearing streams * parted noetically, it refreshed the Apostles * and led them to the light. The fire became for them * a dewy cloud and rainy flame illumining them. * And we in turn through them received divine grace * by means of fire and water. * The holy light of the Holy Spirit * has appeared and illumined the world. [SD]

The Polyeleos.

Psalm 134 (135).

Psalm 135 (136).

Selected Psalm Verses

Selected Psalm Verses for the Feast of the Holy Forerunner

The man who fears the Lord Alleluia.

1. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord; he will delight exceedingly in His commandments. Alleluia. (111:1) [SAAS]

2. His seed shall be mighty on earth. His righteousness continues unto ages of ages. Alleluia. (111:2) [SAAS]

3. For the upright, light springs up in darkness. Alleluia. (111:4) [SAAS]

4. A righteous man shall be in everlasting remembrance. Alleluia. (111:6) [SAAS]

5. His horn shall be exalted with glory. Alleluia. (111:9) [SAAS]

6. Now the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord. Alleluia. (36:39) [SAAS]

7. Light dawned for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart. Alleluia. (96:11) [SAAS]

8. The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him. Alleluia. (63:11) [SAAS]

9. The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it. Alleluia. (131:11) [SAAS]

10. I shall set upon your throne one from the fruit of your loins. Alleluia. (131:11) [SAAS]

11. There I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed. Alleluia. (131:17) [SAAS]

12. Behold, I fled far away, and lodged in the wilderness. Alleluia. (54:8) [SAAS]

13. I have become like a pelican in a desert; I have become like an owl in a ruined house. Alleluia. (101:7) [SAAS]

14. I kept watch, and have become like a sparrow alone on a housetop. Alleluia. (101:8) [SAAS]

15. My knees were weak from fasting, and my flesh was changed because of the oil. Alleluia. (108:24) [SAAS]

16. He who walks blamelessly, and works righteousness. Alleluia. (14:2) [SAAS]

17. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High. Alleluia. (Ode 9b:8) [RSV]

18. For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. Alleluia. (Ode 9b:8) [RSV]

19. To give knowledge of salvation to his people. Alleluia. (Ode 9b:9) [RSV]

20. In the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. Alleluia. (Ode 9b:9) [RSV]

21. I held to hard ways because of the words of Your lips. Alleluia. (16:4) [SAAS]

22. I declared Your truth and Your salvation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

23. I did not hide Your mercy and Your truth from the great congregation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

24. I said to those who transgress the law, “Do not transgress the law,” and to those who sin I said, “Do not exalt yourselves.” Alleluia. (74:5) [SAAS]

25. Behold, I shall not restrain my lips, O Lord, You know. Alleluia. (39:10) [SAAS]

26. And my tongue shall meditate on Your righteousness, and on Your praise all the day long. Alleluia. (34:28) [SAAS]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Mode 1.

Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1.

We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [SD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For hallowed and glorified is Your all-honored and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Exult, O father; and mother, now be joyous. * For you gave birth today on earth unto the Prophet * who by God is called Forerunner, even as was promised. * The barren one now is nursing her newborn babe * the Baptist; while Zacharias is overjoyed * by the childbirth, and says: “My tongue * has by your childbirth been loosed, * O Lamp of the great Light. This indeed * is a marvelous miracle.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

After Your rising from the sepulcher, O Savior, * and Your divine Ascension to the heights of heaven, * You sent down on Your Disciples Your glory, O Good One, * renewing an upright Spirit in them, O Christ. * And therefore those men who saw God proclaimed to all * Your sayings and Your economy, as if melodious guitars * that mystically are played with the pick * of the Spirit, O merciful Lord. [SD]

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

Glory.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Ode ix.

And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. (2)

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

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

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, 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.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Lk. 1:24 – 25, 57 – 68, 76, 80

At that time, Elizabeth, the wife of Zacharias, conceived, and for five months hid herself, saying, “Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zacharias after his father, but his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your kindred is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all marveled. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

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]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of Your Forerunner, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]

He who was sanctified from his mother’s womb, and who received the fullness of prophecy, was born today from a barren woman. He is distinctly proclaiming the coming of the Lord, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” [SD]

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, whose Birth we celebrate; 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 Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Feast.

Ode i. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Πόντῳ ἐκάλυψε.

The Lord is a warrior when His arm is exalted; * and He cast into the sea Pharaoh’s army and chariots. * Let us sing to Him, for He is glorified. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ, You have done what You once promised Your Disciples, * for You sent out the Paraclete Spirit and You shone * light into the world, O Lord who love mankind. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

That which of old was proclaimed in the Law and Prophets * was fulfilled; for today was the Holy Spirit’s divine * grace was poured on all have believed in Christ. [GOASD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

The Acrostic formed by the first letter of each line is as follows:

Logos Son of God, You sent the Spirit,

another Advocate, from the Father’s bosom

to those on earth in fiery tongues, sign of

inherent Godhead, and grace to the translator. [GOASD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θείῳ καλυφθείς.

Long ago, Moses entered the darkness where God was. * Obtaining divine inscriptions, he promulgated * God’s Law. For cleansing his mind’s eye he saw the only * One who Is and was given knowledge of the Holy * Spirit, whom he honored with inspired songs of praise. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

So said the divine mouth of Christ to His Disciples, * “O friends, when I am seated on the throne in heaven * Next to my Father, I will pour out abundant grace * Of the Spirit into souls who long for it to shine. * From My love you shall thus never be separated.” [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

God the Father’s Definition, Christ the Logos, * On completing His work, granted joy to His friends, * Distributing the Spirit, as He had promised, * Yes, with a rush of mighty wind and tongues of fire. * Oh, how He strengthens hearts to be calm and untroubled! [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Τριστάτας κραταιούς.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

As the dawn that precedes the Sun, ⁄ the offspring of barren parents clearly proclaims the Virgin’s conceiving. ⁄ He makes the enlightenment of grace and godliness ⁄ shine to the ends of the world! [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

You shall truly be called the prophet of the Most High, ⁄ for you shall go before the face of Christ. ⁄ Zachariah, transported by the Spirit said to you, his son: ⁄ you shall go before the Creator to prepare His way ⁄ all-praised John. [OCA]

Glory.

When he heard the words of the divine message of Gabriel, ⁄ Zachariah was seen to be disobedient. ⁄ He was condemned to silence, ⁄ but he was loosed suddenly from this silence, ⁄ for John, the Voice and Forerunner of the Word had been born. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Spotless Theotokos: ⁄ the City of God, the King of all, ⁄ the pure and divine receiver, ⁄ ever guard your inheritance which praises you, ⁄ honoring your childbearing with faith. [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

The Lord is a warrior when His arm is exalted; * and He cast into the sea Pharaoh’s army and chariots. * Let us sing to Him, for He is glorified. [GOASD]

Iambic. Mode 4.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon for the Feast.

Ode iii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Τὴν ἐξ ὕψους δύναμιν.

“Do not leave Jerusalem until you have been clothed * with the power to come from heaven,” * You commanded Your Disciples, O Christ. * “For I will send another Comforter like me. * This will be the Spirit of my Father and of me. * In Him your faith will be confirmed.” (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When the grace and power of the Holy Spirit came, * it united in holy concord * the language that was divided of old * when men badly agreed. It gives understanding * and knowledge of the Trinity to the believers, * in which we are confirmed in faith. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἔῤῥηξε γαστρός.

Unembarrassed prayer of the Prophetess Hannah * Shattered fetters on her womb that made her barren, * Ending the irritation of her fruitful rival’s * Needling; for she brought a broken heart and spirit * To the omniscient God and only Sovereign. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Truly incomprehensible is the most divine * Holy Spirit’s grace! It made unlettered fishermen * Erudite speakers, who by their brilliant preaching * Stifled many sophists, and who drew out countless * People from the deep and dark night of ignorance. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Immortal, almighty, the light-creating Splendor * Receives by procession from Light unbegotten * Its being. Now Its fiery sound reveals that It is * The consubstantial Beacon of God the Father’s * Authority through the Son, to the nations in Zion. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Not in our wisdom.)

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The Master’s birth is from a Virgin, ⁄ while the beloved servant’s is from an aged and barren womb. ⁄ Yet, greatest of wonders, ⁄ he rightly goes before. [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The Master’s birth is from a Virgin, ⁄ while the beloved servant’s is from an aged and barren womb. ⁄ Yet, greatest of wonders, ⁄ he rightly goes before. [OCA]

Glory.

An aged and barren mother kissed the Virgin, ⁄ having come to know without a doubt ⁄ that the bond of unfruitfulness would be undone ⁄ by her childbearing in the will of God. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You brought forth God incarnate while unwedded; ⁄ then establish me, for I am shaken by the assaults of passion. ⁄ There is no other help but you, undefiled one! [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day Christ’s Forerunner is born from her who was barren; and of all the prophesy he is himself the fulfillment. On the head of God the Word, who was by the Prophets heralded, he laid his hand at the Jordan River. Thus he showed himself to be His Prophet and Herald and likewise Forerunner. [SD]

Oikos.

Let us now extol the Lord’s Forerunner, whom Elizabeth bore to the priest, from a womb that was fruitless, but not without seed. Only Christ traversed the field that no one else traversed, that was truly without seed. John was borne of a barren woman, who bore him not without the agency of a man. Whereas Jesus was borne of a chaste Virgin, by the overshadowing of the Father and the divine Spirit. Yet the son of the barren one showed himself to be for the Son of the Virgin, Prophet and Herald, and likewise Forerunner. [SD]

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

As a radiating sun * did Zacharias’s son * rise upon us on the earth * out of Elizabeth’s womb. * He puts an end to his father’s voicelessness. * And boldly he cries out * and very openly says * to the peoples of the world: * “Make straight the ways of the Lord. * For He is surely coming and will save those * who in repentance return to Him.” * O John the Baptist, since you announced Him, * also entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

The Savior’s friends, who loved Him very much, were filled with joy, * receiving courage, they who formerly were frightened, * on this day, when the Holy Spirit from on high descended * upon the Disciples’ house in the upper room, * with each speaking to the people in different tongues. * For the tongues that appeared as fire were distributed to them, * and they were not consumed by the flames, * but instead were refreshed by them. [GOASD]

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon for the Feast.

Ode iv. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Κατανοῶν ὁ Προφήτης.

Prophet Habakkuk considered that in the last times You would come, * Christ, and to You he cried out, * “O Lord, I have heard the report of Your mighty power, * that You came for the salvation of all Your anointed ones.” (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today the Comforter Spirit, who through the Law had been declared * and who spoke in the Prophets * of old to the imperfect, is recognized as true God * by those were eyewitnesses and ministers of the Word. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Bearing the sign of the Godhead, on the Apostles as if fire * the Spirit was divided; * and in the foreign languages He was manifested, * coming as divine might from the Father of His own accord. [GOASD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἄναξ ἀνάκτων.

Now, O King of kings, only Logos begotten * Of the only uncaused Father, as Benefactor * To Your Apostles You send out Your unerring, * Holy, consubstantial, equipotent Spirit. * Evermore we sing, “Glory to Your might, O Lord!” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Regarding the divine bath of regeneration, * At night You spoke to one of composite nature, * Divine Logos; then on the Cross You poured out for me * Vital water from Your most pure side that was pierced. * On this day You complete it with the Spirit’s fire. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Creation all bends the knee to the Advocate * And the Father’s Son and the consubstantial Father, * The three hypostases in the single essence, * Eternal, unapproachable, infallible. * For the Spirit’s grace has shone as light and knowledge. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Ritually worship God, the Holy Trinity, * O all you servants of the tri-solar essence. * Munificent Christ supernaturally perfects * The faithful; and lighting the way to salvation, * He richly supplies all the grace of the Spirit. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (He who sits in holy glory.)

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

A mystery precedes the ineffable mysteries, ⁄ Revealing them by a form new to the established law of nature, ⁄ Foretelling its deliverance from sickness, O Christ, ⁄ Its amendment and deification. [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Isaiah spoke beforehand about the Son, ⁄ coming from the Father, about to become Incarnate, ⁄ and about a mortal Messenger, equal to the angels, saying: ⁄ Behold, I send him before Your face to cry in preparation: ⁄ Glory to Your power, O Christ! [OCA]

Glory.

I have been born to serve the Master as a servant; ⁄ I have come to announce His coming, ⁄ that the barren woman who brought forth a flower in her old age ⁄ might believe beforehand in the childbearing of the Virgin! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The transcendent Word of the Father ⁄ was pleased to dwell in the ho1y Theotokos as a sweet-smelling mansion. ⁄ Her womb was not corrupted, and she suffered no travail, ⁄ for she bore Emmanuel, both God and Man. [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon for the Feast.

Ode v. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Τὸ διὰ τὸν φόβον σου.

That which for the fear of You was conceived, O Lord, * in the belly of the prophets, and was brought forth on the earth, * the Spirit of salvation, * now in the Apostles is creating clean hearts, * and in the believers is renewed upright. * For, as it is written, Your commandments are light and peace. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

That which on this day has come down is strength divine: * the Spirit who is good, the Spirit of the wisdom of God, * the Spirit who proceeds from the Father * and is revealed to us believers through the Son. * To those in whom He dwells He imparts the holiness, * in which He is perceived by them to have it naturally. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λυτήριον κάθαρσιν.

Experience the fire-breathing dew of the Spirit, * Forgiving and purging your sins and offenses, * All you children of the Church who are illumined. * The grace of the Holy Spirit, as tongues of fire, * Has gone forth today as a new law from Zion. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Essentially one with the Father, the Spirit * Readily not servilely, as He was pleased, descended, * Supplying, by the tongues, the Apostles with knowledge. * By this He confirmed the vital words and the promise * Of the Savior, being himself the Father’s power. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Sovereign God and Logos, Christ cured the minds and hearts * Of His Apostles of every sin and thereby * Made them into immaculate dwellings for himself. * Today to dwell in them forever has the light * Of His coequal and consubstantial Spirit come. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Νῦν ἀναστήσομαι.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The earth has raised up a preacher who is true indeed. ⁄ He proclaims the Son of the Virgin to all with the tongue of the Spirit: ⁄ He Who is righteousness came down to us from heaven, ⁄ stooping to us in the form of the body. [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The Lord set you as the all-true candlestick of Christ, ⁄ for you send out light on all, ⁄ clothing those who are hostile to Him in shame as with a garment, ⁄ proclaiming forthrightly the Son and Word of God! [OCA]

Glory.

All creation rejoices at your divine birth, ⁄ for you, Forerunner, were revealed as an earthly angel and heavenly man, ⁄ showing forth to us the Incarnate God of heaven. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The voices of the prophets have told of your wondrous works, ⁄ calling you the undefiled mountain, the gate and shining candlestick, ⁄ from whom the miraculous Light flashed signs of fire indeed ⁄ to the whole world, all-pure one. [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon for the Feast.

Ode vi. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ναυτιῶν τῷ σάλῳ.

I was feeling nauseous from mundane tempestuous worries. * My sins, as if shipmates, threw me overboard into the maw of the beast that devours souls. * Now, like Prophet Jonah, I am praying, * “From this deathly Pit bring up my life, O Christ my God.” (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Even as You promised, You have richly poured out Your Spirit * on all flesh, according to Your holy Prophets, * and all the earth has been filled with Your knowledge, O Lord: * From the Father You the Son are without change * begotten, and the Spirit proceeds indivisibly. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλασμὸς ἡμῖν Χριστέ.

To snatch from corruption Adam and the entire * Human race that was fallen, like Prophet Jonah * Out of the maw of the sea beast, You, our Master, * Shone forth, O Christ our God, from the immaculate * Ever-Virgin, as expiation and salvation. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O almighty Lord, put a right and cherished Spirit * Newly deep into our souls to have forever, * Even Your Spirit who proceeds from Your Father, * Always united to You, and from our minds purges * Rotten images and all defiling matter. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Apostles of Christ awaited the cherished * Honor of Your coming on them with wind and fire * In Zion, O Spirit, token of the Word and Son * Naturally begotten of the consubstantial * Father; and You censured the babbling of the pagans. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Ἦλθον εἰς τὰ βάθη.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

As a prophet, you recognized God the Word ⁄ while still in the womb of your mother. ⁄ Proclaiming Him there with a prophet’s tongue, you confessed Him, ⁄ beholding in a dark chamber the unapproachable Light! [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Glory.

Never silent as the voice of one who cries aloud, ⁄ do not cease to pray the Deliverer of the world, O Baptist, ⁄ that He may loose the barrenness of soul ⁄ of those who sing the praises of your birth! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your pure womb was revealed, Theotokos, ⁄ As the unapproachable dwelling of divinity ⁄ Upon Whom the hosts of heaven cannot gaze without fear! [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Kontakion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

When the Most High God came down and confused the tongues, * He divided the nations. * When He distributed the tongues of fire, * He called all to unity. * And with one voice we glorify the all-holy Spirit. [SD]

Oikos.

Speedy and constant consolation give us, Your servants, O Jesus, when our spirits become despondent. Do not part from our souls when we are in trouble, nor be far from our minds when we are in peril. But draw near to us, draw near, O You who are everywhere. And as You are always with Your Apostles, so also unite yourself to us who long for You the Compassionate; so that united to You we may extol and glorify Your all-holy Spirit. [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On June 24 we celebrate the Nativity of the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, Monday after Pentecost, we celebrate the all-holy, life-giving, and almighty Spirit, God, one of the Trinity, same in honor, essence, and glory with the Father and the Son.

Verses

Everything that breathes, glorify the Lord’s Spirit,

through whom gone is the impudence of evil spirits.

By the coming of Your Holy Spirit, by the intercessions of Your Apostles, O Christ God, have mercy on us. Amen.

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Feast.

Ode vii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

Those godly Servants, who were cast into the burning fiery furnace, * sang hymns to God, who transformed the fire * and made it like a moist whistling wind were blowing. * They cried out, “You, O Lord, are God of our fathers, and blessed are You!” (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As the Apostles proclaimed the mighty works of God to the large crowd, * the Holy Spirit’s activity * was considered drunkenness by unbelievers. * Through it we know the one true God of our fathers is the Trinity. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Professing Orthodox doctrine, we say one undivided nature, * God the Father unoriginate * and coequal with the Logos and the Spirit. * We cry out, “You, O Lord, are God of our fathers, and blessed are You!” [GOASD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σύμφωνον ἐθρόησεν.

Instruments were played discordantly, demanding * Everyone fall down before the gold, lifeless image. * Rousing the faithful now to sing with reverence: * “You are blessed, equipotent, unoriginate * Trinity!” is the luminous grace of the Spirit. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

On hearing the Apostles speaking in foreign tongues, * Not aware it was fulfillment of prophecy, * Grossly mistaken men said they were filled with new wine. * Unto You, Lord, we faithful filled with the Spirit sing: * Ever blessed are You, who renew the universe! [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Seer and Prophet Joel thundered an oracle, * Spoken on behalf of the most divine Logos: * I will pour out on all flesh my Spirit’s divine * Grace, and all who receive it will cry out together: * “Nature shining with triple splendor, You are blessed.” [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Oh how enriched with grace divine was the third hour! * For it indicated that three hypostases * In oneness of dominion ought to be worshiped. * Now on Day One of the Lord, Father, Son, and Spirit, * Holy Trinity, one essence, You are blessed. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Νέοι τρεῖς ἐν Βαβυλῶνι.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

The entire nature of those born on earth was darkened before, ⁄ but you appeared, Forerunner! ⁄ You were the morning that cried aloud: ⁄ Blessed are You, Lord, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Your glorious birth from barrenness, Forerunner, ⁄ has entirely healed our sick nature, teaching it to sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, Lord, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

O Forerunner, you have been born from a barren woman. ⁄ For while the Law had become barren, ⁄ grace truly came, singing to Christ: ⁄ Blessed are You, Lord, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Intercede for us who pray to you, ⁄ pure and blessed Virgin, ⁄ for we all hope in you and cry aloud: ⁄ Do not despise your servants, Lady! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon for the Feast.

Ode viii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ἄφλεκτος πυρί.

Unconsumed by fire was the burning bush on Sinai, * revealing God to Prophet Moses, who was weak in speech and slow of tongue. * And zeal for God kept the three Young Men unscathed by fire and led them to compose the hymn: * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty, * energizing wind of the all-holy Spirit, * and there appeared divided tongues as of fire * on the fishermen, who proclaimed the mighty works of God. * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We who have not come now to a tangible mountain * nor are afraid of a blazing fire, * come and let us stand on Mt. Zion, in the city of the living God, * and join the Spirit-bearing Disciples and celebrate. * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [GOASD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λύει τὰ δεσμά.

Emblematic of the tri-luminous Godhead, * Releasing bonds and damping flames of old, those Servants * Extolled the Lord and invited all created * Nature to bless and to exalt beyond measure * The only omnific Savior as Benefactor. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

God the Spirit, You came in tongues of fire and rested * On the Apostles, and You brought to their remembrance * Divine and saving words that Christ from His Father * Heard and made known to them. And now all creation, * Estranged once, now reconciled, sings, “You are blessed.” [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Another Advocate is the Father’s Spirit; * Divine Light and giver of light, He is Savior, * And He comes at His own will. O Christ, You sent Him * Now as holy wind on Your Apostles to fill them. * Distribute Him, who hears us, also on Your servants. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

God-inspired mouths of the Prophets proclaimed You, * Ruler, as the One who would come to earth in body, * And the Spirit, who proceeds from the Father’s bosom, * Coequal, uncreated co-creator, whom You sent * Evincing the doctrine of Your Incarnation. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Εὐεργέτα Χριστὲ Παντοδύναμε.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Moses was the servant of Him Who gave the Law, ⁄ while Jesus is the God of the new covenant. ⁄ Now the Forerunner sings as the advocate of them both: ⁄ All works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord! [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

A dove has come from a desolate womb, ⁄ the Forerunner of Christ brings the Church a divinely-planted branch and sings: ⁄ All works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord! [OCA]

Glory.

God-bearing people, holy nation, ⁄ be like the dove of Christ. ⁄ live together in chastity and sweetly sing: ⁄ All works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Let us honor the pure and Virgin Lady ⁄ who conceived past nature for our salvation the uncreated and unoriginate Word ⁄ to Whom we cry aloud: ⁄ All works of the Lord, praise and bless the Lord! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Iambic. Mode 4.

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode ix. Canon 1.

Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Μὴ τῆς φθορᾶς.

When you conceived, you experienced no deflowerment. * You lent your flesh to the Logos, through whom all things were made. * Therefore we magnify you, Virgin Theotokos, * Mother who knew no man, space and holder of your Maker, who is uncontainable and infinite. (2)

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

That fire breathing and zealot Elijah joyfully * boarded the blazing and fiery chariot of old, * prefiguring fiery tongues, the Spirit who from heaven * inspired the Apostles, who being thus illumined made the Trinity known to everyone. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Something unnatural and uncommon was heard today. * For by the grace of the Spirit, the voice of each Disciple * spoke a variety of languages. And therefore * the peoples, tongues, and races heard the mighty works of God and learned about the Holy Trinity. [GOASD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χαίροις Ἄνασσα.

Theotokos, rejoice! Queen of all and the glory * Of mothers and virgins! There is no eloquence, * There is no hymn, no poetry, that can worthily * Honor you. And when we think about your childbirth, * Every mind is dazed. Therefore we all glorify you. (2) [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

To extol the Virgin who mothered Life is truly * Right, for only she in her womb held the Logos. * Assuming flesh, He healed our ailing human nature. * Now in heaven, at the right hand of the Father * Seated, He has sent down the grace of the Spirit. [GOASD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us glorify the tri-luminous Essence * As being wise, indivisible, equipotent, * The Godhead, from which we have received the divine breath * Of dazzling grace that flows therefrom and that has made us * Resplendent through a mystical transformation. [GOASD]

Canon 1 for the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. (N/M)

Λόγου Θεοῦ ἄφραστον.

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Behold, the Voice that goes before ⁄ sings now to barren and desolate hearts: ⁄ Prepare the way of Christ, for He comes in glory! ⁄ We obey, and magnify Him. [OCA]

Baptist of Christ, intercede for us.

Behold, the Voice that goes before ⁄ sings now to barren and desolate hearts: ⁄ Prepare the way of Christ, for He comes in glory! ⁄ We obey, and magnify Him. [OCA]

Glory.

Forerunner, as of old you proclaimed in the Holy Spirit ⁄ the Son and Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world, ⁄ so intercede for your flock to be delivered from sins. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Grant your people the trophies of victory, ⁄ for you reign over all creatures, O Queen. ⁄ Establish a truce for the Church from the enemy ⁄ that we may magnify you as the Theotokos! [OCA]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Grave Mode.

Iambic. Mode 4.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O all-holy Spirit * who from the Father issues forth, * and through the Son was indwelling * in the unlettered Disciples, * sanctify all who acknowledge * You to be God, and save us. [SD]

For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

The gladdening nativity * today of John the Forerunner * dispels the sadness attached to * the voicelessness of his father * and to his mother’s childlessness. * Moreover it proclaims the joy * and exultation still to come. * Therefore is all creation * celebrating it gaily. [SD]

For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

Light is the Father, light the Logos; * light is the Holy Spirit, * which was sent to the Apostles * in the form of fiery tongues, * and through which the entire world is guided by the light * to worship the Holy Trinity. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 2.

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.

Hide Stichologia

From Pentecostarion - - -

Stichera Idiomela for the Feast.

Mode 2.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

In the Prophets You announced to us the way of salvation; and now the grace of Your Spirit has shined in Your Apostles, our Savior. You are God, the first and the last; and to the ages You are our God. [SD]

Mode 2.

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

In Your courts, I will sing praise to You, the Savior of the world; and on bended knee I will worship Your invincible power. And I will bless You, O Lord, in the evening and the morning, in the middle of the day, and at every time. [SD]

Mode 2.

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

In Your courts, O Lord, we the faithful bend the knee of soul and body, and we extol You, the unoriginate Father, and the Son who is also without beginning, and the co-eternal and all-holy Spirit, which illumines and sanctifies our souls. [SD]

For the Forerunner.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

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

What a paradoxal miracle! * The holy Forerunner John, * as the herald of God the Word, * hastens to come forth today * from his elderly mother’s womb. * And by his birth he renders his father’s tongue, * that had been fettered, distinctly eloquent. * Truly ineffable, * Master, is Your providence! By which, O Christ, * save our souls, as You alone * are One compassionate. [SD]

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

What a paradoxal miracle! * He who is greater than those * born of women and Prophets all * for his mother now dispels * the indictment of barrenness, * as in the spirit and pow’r of Elias he comes, * going before the Lord to prepare His ways. * Truly unutterable, * Master, is Your tender love. By which, O Christ, * save our souls, as You alone * are One compassionate. [SD]

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

What a paradoxal miracle! * He who announced unto all * the kenósis of Christ the Lord * by the Master’s voice is shown * to be greater than everyone. * And he releases Elizabeth’s barrenness * by divine power, and Zachariah’s voice. * Truly magnificent, * Master, are Your miracles. By which, O Christ, * save us who honor Your great * Baptist and Forerunner. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Star of stars, the Forerunner, from a barren womb is born on earth today: John, yes, John loved by God. And he manifests the resplendent dawning of Christ, the Orient from on high, for the straight passage of the faithful. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Tongues were confused once because people dared to build the Tower. Tongues now obtain skill, for the glory of divine knowledge. There, God condemned the impious for their transgression; here, by the Spirit, Christ illumined the fishermen. Then, discord was contrived as penalization; now a new concord has arrived, for the salvation of our souls. [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.

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.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Litanies, End, no Dismissal

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST

For You are merciful 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.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: 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.

Litanies and Dismissal

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

PRIEST

For You are merciful 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.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR

Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

( 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.

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 He who sent down the all-holy Spirit from heaven in the form of fiery tongues on His holy Disciples and Apostles, 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, whose Birth we celebrate; 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.