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Octoechos - Mode 3.

On Wednesday Morning

Menaion - July 24

Memory of the Holy Great-martyr Christina

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 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. For the Holy Woman.

Mode 4.

Your maiden Martyr, like a lamb, cries out, “O Jesus, for You, * my pure Bridegroom, I long; and seeking You I compete; * and I am crucified and buried with You in Your baptism. * I suffer for Your sake, that I may reign with You. * I die for You that I may also live in You. * Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice * as I offer myself to You with love.” * At her entreaties and intercessions, * save our souls, O Merciful Lord. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

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

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 10. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For 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 Octoechos - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 3.

The Cross was set up on the earth, and it touched the heavens; not that the tree reached that height, but that You who were on it fill all things. Glory to You, O Lord. [SD]

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

O Lamb of God, you were lifted up onto a cross, made of cypress, pine and cedar, in order to save us, who in faith reverence Your voluntary crucifixion. O Christ our God, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

We have obtained the Cross of your Son, O Theotokos, as a rod of power. By it we subdue the insolence of the enemies. And with love we magnify you unceasingly. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Cross.

Mode 3.

On behalf of the human race, You were slapped and yet were not enraged. Free our life of corruption, O Lord, and save us. [GOASD]

Verse: God is our King before the ages; He worked salvation in the midst of the earth.

Mode 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

The regiments of Angels were amazed by the immensity of Your authority and the voluntary nature of Your crucifixion, as they watched how You, who are invisible, were being whipped in the flesh, wishing as You did to rescue human nature from corruption. Therefore they cried out to You, the Giver of Life, “Glory to Your compassion, O Christ!” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

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

READER

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]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (You who were lifted.)

Venerable Christina, ⁄ you appeared like a shining dove ⁄ with a pair of golden wings ⁄ alighting in the highest heavens! ⁄ Therefore we celebrate your glorious feast ⁄ and bow before the place that holds your relics. ⁄⁄ Pray that we may receive grace and healing for body and soul! [OCA]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On July 24, we commemorate the holy Great-martyr Christina.

On this day the holy Martyrs Capito and Hymenaeus died by the sword; and the holy Martyr Hermogenes died after his teeth were pulled out.

The holy Neomartyr Theophilus of Zakynthos, who witnessed on Chios in the year 1635, died by fire.

The holy Neomartyr Athanasius of Kios, who witnessed in Constantinople in the year 1670, died by the sword.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

We dutifully honor you, * holy Martyr Christina, * for you became the Master’s * useful and precious vessel. * And also for the martyrs all * truly you were pride and joy, * the glory of virgin maidens; * you were also shown to be * a great healer sent from God * for innocent babes and infants. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

The orders of the Bodiless * gaily honor your childbirth. * For among women only you * filled the earth with rejoicing. * We faithful therefore glorify * you the pure and blameless maid; * with hymns we sing your glory; * for to those in the darkness * you shone forth the light of day, * yourself shining like the morning. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

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

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

Show Stichologia

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

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

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

Hide Stichologia

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

O Christ, we glorify Your great compassion and goodness, which You have bestowed on us; for even women destroyed the error and madness of idolatry by the power of Your Cross, O benevolent Lord. They were not frightened by a tyrant; they trampled on the crafty one. They had the strength to follow You; they ran after You for the smell of Your ointments, and they intercede for our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Leaving her father’s wealth, and desiring Christ sincerely, the Martyr found heavenly glory and riches; and protected by the full armor of grace, she trampled the tyrant by the power of the Cross. Angels admired her struggles, saying “The enemy has fallen, defeated by a woman; the Martyr is proven a crowned victor, and Christ reigns to the ages as God, who grants His great mercy to the world.” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

The power of Your Cross has worked wonders, O Christ; for Christina, the Martyr, has undergone her athletic contest. She threw aside the weakness of her nature and bravely confronted the tyrants. Therefore, she received the trophies of victory, and she intercedes for our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Clutching a Cross as a powerful weapon, O Martyr Christina, and with faith as a breastplate, hope as a shield, and love as a bow, you manfully overcame the tortures of the tyrants. Inspired by God, you destroyed the demons’ trickery; and your head being severed, you now celebrate in Christ, and you unceasingly intercede for our souls. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

When Christ the King of Glory was enamored of your virginal beauty, He wed you as a blameless bride to himself, in an immaculate union. In His will, He granted you beauty and power, and He made you invincible against enemies and passions. When you had endured bitter torments and most painful tortures, He doubly crowned you with a double crown, and He stood you at His right hand, as a queen in embroidered apparel. O Virgin-martyr Christina, earnestly entreat Him, to give salvation and life and great mercy to us who extol you. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

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]

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR

To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3.

I was cast out of Eden because of envy. It was a terrible fall. But You, O Master, did not overlook me. But You assumed my nature for me, and You were crucified. And You save me and bring me into glory. O my Redeemer, glory to You! [GOASD]

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

Automelon.

Σταυροφανῶς Μωυσῆς.

When Moses stood on the mountain extending * upwards his arms in the form of a cross, Amalek was routed. * When on the ven’rable Cross You extended * Your hands, O Savior, You held me * in Your embrace and You saved me from enslavement to the foe. * And thus You gave me a token of life to escape from the longbow of my enemies. * O deliver Your people from the hand of Your foes, in Your benevolence. [SD]

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

O holy Martyrs, even after death, you shine on the world like luminaries, for you fought the good fight. Now that you have confidence when praying to Christ, entreat Him to have mercy on our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

O glorious Christina, extolled by all, when in your longing for Christ you departed the world, you were numbered among the ranks on high. And now, you entreat Him to grant us the great mercy. [SD]

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. O Martyrs, extolled.

Πανεύφημοι μάρτυρες.

Beholding Him hanging on the tree * of the Cross, the Virgin cried aloud to Christ: O beloved Son, a sword has finally pierced * through my heart, O Master, * and is tearing it apart, * as Symeon of old once foretold to me. But hasten now to rise, * O Immortal One, and glorify * with yourself me * Your Mother and servant, I pray. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Apolytikion. For the Holy Woman.

Mode 4.

Your maiden Martyr, like a lamb, cries out, “O Jesus, for You, * my pure Bridegroom, I long; and seeking You I compete; * and I am crucified and buried with You in Your baptism. * I suffer for Your sake, that I may reign with You. * I die for You that I may also live in You. * Accept me as an unblemished sacrifice * as I offer myself to You with love.” * At her entreaties and intercessions, * save our souls, O Merciful Lord. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

We magnify you, O Theotokos, and salute you: Rejoice! You are the cloud of the never-setting light, for you held in your arm the Lord of glory. [GOASD]

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

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

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.

( Amen. )

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

or:

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and the holy Great-martyr Christina, whose memory we observe, 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.