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Pentecostarion

Leave-taking of Pentecost - On Friday After Pentecost in the Evening

Menaion - June 29

Memory of the Preeminent Apostles Peter and Paul

__________

VESPERS

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.

READER

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.

Psalm 103 (104).

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

THE PEACE LITANY

DEACON

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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 to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

The first stanza of Kathisma 1 of the Psalter may be read, followed by 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

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

Mode 1.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Idiomelon 1. Mode 1.

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord. [SAAS]

We are celebrating Pentecost, and the coming of the Spirit: the appointed time of the promise, and the fulfillment of our hope. How great is the mystery? Great indeed and venerable! Therefore we cry to You, O Creator of all: Glory to You, O Lord! [SD]

Idiomelon 2. Mode 1.

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me. [SAAS]

You renewed Your Disciples, O Christ, with foreign languages, so that they might use them to proclaim You, the immortal Logos and God, who grants to our souls the great mercy. [SD]

Idiomelon 3. Mode 1.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. [SAAS]

The Holy Spirit supplies all things: He pours out prophecies, He perfects priests; He taught wisdom to the unlettered, He showed fishermen to be theologians; He welds together the whole institution of the Church. “O Comforter, You who share the same essence and throne with the Father and the Son, glory to You!” [SD]

Idiomelon 4. Mode 2.

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. [SAAS]

We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit. We have found the true Faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity; for this has saved us. [SD]

Idiomelon 5. Mode 2.

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [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]

Idiomelon 6. Mode 2.

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [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]

Stichera. For the Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Automelon.

Ποίοις εὐφημιῶν στέμμασιν.

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]

Are there any worthy crowns of praise * for Sts. Peter and Paul the Apostles? * Although they were physically separate, * yet in the Spirit they were unified. * They were the premiers among God’s heralds: * the one, who was the leader of the Apostles’ band; * the other, who truly labored more than all the rest. * They have been crowned with the halos * of immortal glory -- * being worthy of them indeed -- * by Christ our Lord and God, * the Savior who has the great mercy. [SD]

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]

How shall we worthily sing hymns to honor Peter and Paul? ⁄ Their hands were filled with grace and truth; ⁄ their feet carried them to the ends of the earth, ⁄ preaching the Gospel of peace. ⁄ Once driven by the wind of the Spirit, ⁄ they are now carried up to heaven! ⁄ Truly they are rivers of wisdom and upholders of the Cross! ⁄ Through them Christ our God, Who has great mercy, ⁄⁄ has cast down the arrogance of demons! [OCA]

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]

What spiritual songs shall we sing for Peter and Paul? ⁄ They have silenced the sharp tongues of the godless. ⁄ They are awesome swords of the Spirit. ⁄ They are the adornment of Rome; ⁄ they have nourished the whole world with the Word of God. ⁄ They are the living tablets of the New Testament ⁄ written by the hand of God: ⁄ Christ, Who has great and rich mercy, ⁄⁄ has exalted them in Zion. [OCA]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Three times, Christ asked Peter, “Do you love me?” In this way He remedied the three denials. And Simon replied to Him, who knows all secrets, “Lord, You know everything. You are aware of everything. You know that I love You.” Then the Savior said to him, “Tend my sheep. Tend my chosen. Tend my lambs, which by my blood I have made my own for their salvation.” O Apostle, whom God called blessed, entreat Him to grant us His great mercy. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Come, all people, let us worship the one God in three hypostases: the Son in the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Father, outside of time, begat the Son, co-eternal and sharing the throne, and the Holy Spirit was in the Father, glorified with the Son. One power, one essence, one Godhead, which we all worship and we say: “Holy God, You created all things through the Son by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. Holy Mighty, through You we came to know the Father and the Holy Spirit came to the world. Holy Immortal, the Comforter Spirit, You proceed from the Father and rest in the Son. O Holy Trinity, glory to You!” [SD]

Stand for the Entrance.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Let us pray to the Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

ENTRANCE PRAYER

In the evening, in the morning, and at midday, we praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Master of all, benevolent Lord. Let our prayer be set forth before You as incense. Incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For our eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You, and in You we hope. Leave us not embarrassed, O our God.

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise.

CLERGY AND PEOPLE

Mode 2.

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You. [SD]

DEACON

The evening Prokeimenon!

CHOIR

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode.

You are my protector, O God. Your mercy shall go before me. (2) [SAAS]

Verse: Rescue me from my enemies, O God, and redeem me from those who rise up against me.

You are my protector, O God. Your mercy shall go before me.

The Readings

From Menaion - - -

READER

The reading is from Peter’s First Universal Letter.

DEACON

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

1:3 – 9

Brethren, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls. [RSV]

READER

The reading is from Peter’s First Universal Letter.

DEACON

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

1:13 – 19

Beloved, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you invoke as Father him who judges each one impartially according to his deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. [RSV]

READER

The reading is from Peter’s First Universal Letter.

DEACON

Let us be attentive. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

2:11 – 24

Beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul. Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing right you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live as free men, yet without using your freedom as a pretext for evil; but live as servants of God. Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to the kind and gentle but also to the overbearing. For one is approved if, mindful of God, he endures pain while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it, if when you do wrong and are beaten for it you take it patiently? But if when you do right and suffer for it you take it patiently, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. [RSV]

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us all say.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Lord, Ruler of all, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

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.

Stand for the reading of prayer.

READER

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. ( Amen. ) [HC]

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our evening 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 evening 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 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)

Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.

PRIEST (aloud)

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Litany and Blessing of Loaves.

CHOIR

Idiomelon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Let us come today and gather in chorus, ⁄ live offering of the faithful! ⁄ Let us exalt the apostles Peter and Paul, ⁄ the two vessels of grace. ⁄ Let us worthily crown them with praises! ⁄ For they bountifully spread the seed of the Word, ⁄ giving all mankind its rich harvest. ⁄ Filled with the grace of the Spirit ⁄ they were branches of the true vine ⁄ who tended the fruit that gladdens our hearts. ⁄ Let us sing to them with unveiled faces and pure hearts: ⁄ Rejoice, guides of those without reason, ⁄ who cared for those who gained wisdom! ⁄ Rejoice, chosen friends of the Creator! ⁄ Rejoice, stewards of bounty and foes of illusion! ⁄ Let us ever pray to them ⁄ that they may intercede with their Creator and Master ⁄ that He may grant peace to the world ⁄⁄ and great mercy to our souls! [OCA]

Idiomelon 2.

Mode 2.

Let us praise as champions of all the world ⁄ those leaders Peter and Paul: ⁄ The disciples of Christ, and founders of the Church, ⁄ true foundations, pillars and trumpets of inspiration ⁄ sounding forth the teachings and sufferings of Christ! ⁄ They indeed went out into all the earth ⁄ as husbandmen spreading the seed of the faith, ⁄ planting for all mankind divine understanding, ⁄ revealing the Word of the Trinity. ⁄ Peter, rock and foundation! ⁄ And Paul, the chosen vessel! ⁄ You were Christ’s yoke of oxen, drawing all to the knowledge of God: ⁄ The gentiles, men of the cities and islands, ⁄ and returning the Jewish people to Christ. ⁄⁄ Now you both intercede that our souls may be saved! [OCA]

Idiomelon 3.

Mode 2.

Peter, chief of the glorious Apostles and rock of the Faith; and sweet-voiced Paul, preacher and beacon of the holy churches. Being present at the divine throne, make intercession on our behalf. [SD]

Idiomelon 4.

Mode 2.

Paul, the spokesman of Christ and founder of His teachings, ⁄ who before persecuted Jesus the Savior, ⁄ now you fill the first throne of the apostles, blessed one. ⁄ Thus you saw things which cannot be spoken, ⁄ and ascending to the third heaven you cried: ⁄⁄ ome with me, and be filled with good things! [OCA]

Idiomelon 5.

Mode 3.

Citizens of heavenly Jerusalem, ⁄ Peter, the rock of faith, ⁄ and Paul the orator of Christ’s holy Church! ⁄ You were an invincible team for the Trinity. ⁄ You have caught the whole world in your net; ⁄ you have endured the contest of suffering. ⁄ Today you depart this world for the throne of God: ⁄ as you stand before him with boldness, ⁄⁄ pray that our souls may be saved! [OCA]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

As the Wisdom of God, the co-eternal Logos of the Father, said of old in the Gospels, you, O all-praised Apostles, are fruitful vines, whose branches bear ripe and delicious grapes. When we the faithful eat of them, they leave a pleasing taste. O Peter, the rock of faith, and Paul, the pride of the civilized world, firmly support the flock that you procured by your teachings. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Lord, when You sent down Your Spirit to the Apostles as they were sitting, the descendants of the Hebrews who witnessed it were bewildered and amazed; for they heard them speaking in other tongues and foreign languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Previously simple men, they were made wise; and with captivating speech, they told the mighty works of God, as they captured the Gentiles alive for the Faith. And we, for our part, now sing to You, “O Lord, You appeared on earth and You saved us from delusion. Glory to You!” [SD]

Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [SD]

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 the protection of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese (and this Sacred Metropolis), this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasion, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and benevolent God may be merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and may divert and disperse all anger and disease coming against us, and deliver us from His impending justified threat and have mercy on us.

Again we pray that the Lord our God may hear the prayer of us sinners, and have mercy on us.

PRIEST

Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of earth and of those far off at sea, and forgive us, O Master, forgive us our sins, and have mercy on us. 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.

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

Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God,

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

Accept our prayer; grant us forgiveness of our transgressions; protect us under the shelter of Your wings; drive away from us every enemy and adversary; grant peace to our life; Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world; and save our souls, as You are good and benevolent.

PRIEST or: CHOIR

Hymn to the Theotokos.

O Virgin Theotokos, rejoice, Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb; for you have borne the Savior of our souls. [SD]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Blessing of the Loaves.

Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who in the wilderness blessed the five loaves and from them satisfied five thousand men, we pray You bless these loaves, this wheat, wine, and oil, and multiply them in this city, and throughout Your world; and sanctify Your faithful servants who partake of them.

For You are He who blesses and sanctifies all things, Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

CLERGY

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. [SAAS]

CHOIR

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. (2) [SAAS]

CHOIR

Aposticha of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Idiomelon 1. Mode pl. 2.

The Gentiles were unaware of the mighty work of the all-holy Spirit that was done in Your Apostles, O Lord, and so they thought that the alternation of languages was caused by drunkenness. But we have been strengthened by them, and so we say, “Do not take Your Holy Spirit from us, we pray, O benevolent God.” [SD]

Idiomelon 2. Mode pl. 2.

Verse: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. [SAAS]

O Lord, the coming of the Holy Spirit filled Your Apostles and enabled them to speak in other languages. The unbelievers thought this strange occurrence was mere intoxication, but for the believers it was the means of salvation. Count us also worthy of that illumination, we pray, O benevolent God. [SD]

Idiomelon 3. Mode pl. 2.

Verse: Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. [SAAS]

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, treasury of good things and giver of life: come; take Your abode in us; cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good one. [SD]

Glory. For the Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

A joyous feast is shining on the whole world today. It is the preeminent commemoration of the most wise and paramount Apostles, Peter and Paul. O brethren, let us also joyfully celebrate this solemn day, with hymns and poetry, and let us salute them and say, “Rejoice! O Peter, Apostle and genuine friend of your teacher, Christ our God! Rejoice! O beloved Paul, preacher of the faith and teacher of the whole world! As you were both chosen in holiness and have confidence in prayer, earnestly entreat Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls.” [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 reading of prayers

PRIEST

Song of Simeon

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. [NKJV]

PEOPLE

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.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

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 Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Preeminent Apostles and teachers of the universe, intercede with the Master of all, to grant peace to the whole world, and great mercy to our souls. [SD]

Both now.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

PRIEST: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for humankind, 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.

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, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, the holy, glorious, and all-laudable, paramount Apostles Peter and Paul, whose memory we celebrate; and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

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

CHOIR

Amen.