Books - Sources

Menaion - July 25

Memory of the Repose of Saint Anna

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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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You carried within your womb her who was pregnant with Life, * the Mother of God, O godly-minded Anna; and thus * to heaven were you today * transported with great rejoicing, where those who feast dwell in glory. * You pray for the forgiveness of offenses for the faithful * who honor you with longing, O ever-blessed one. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You carried within your womb her who was pregnant with Life, * the Mother of God, O godly-minded Anna; and thus * to heaven were you today * transported with great rejoicing, where those who feast dwell in glory. * You pray for the forgiveness of offenses for the faithful * who honor you with longing, O ever-blessed one. [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

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 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

The most illustrious, praiseworthy, God-inspired * and ever-ven’rable Anna is lifted up, * from the temporal life on earth and taken to life immortal, * living in eternity, joining chorus with hosts on high, * interceding ceaselessly with her daughter, the undefiled * Theotokos, for the salvation * of those who call her blessed with faith and love. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

The most illustrious, praiseworthy, God-inspired * and ever-ven’rable Anna is lifted up, * from the temporal life on earth and taken to life immortal, * living in eternity, joining chorus with hosts on high, * interceding ceaselessly with her daughter, the undefiled * Theotokos, for the salvation * of those who call her blessed with faith and love. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

You kept the Law’s commands in a God-pleasing manner, * and so you rose above all of Israel’s mothers, * for carrying in your womb the ever-virgin Theotokos. * Elect in holiness, the Lord’s ancestress Anna, * being conveyed from earth to the divine bridal chamber, * you clearly surpass the Just. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

You kept the Law’s commands in a God-pleasing manner, * and so you rose above all of Israel’s mothers, * for carrying in your womb the ever-virgin Theotokos. * Elect in holiness, the Lord’s ancestress Anna, * being conveyed from earth to the divine bridal chamber, * you clearly surpass the Just. [SD]

The published Menaion does not provide for a Matins Gospel. We have included this section as optional, for a more festal celebration.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

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. Psalms 32, 127.

Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O righteous ones; praise is fitting for the upright. (2)

Verse: Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.

Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O righteous ones; praise is fitting for the upright. [SAAS]

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.

HIERARCH: 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. 1:39 – 49, 56

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

HIERARCH (read)

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]

Menaion Supplement - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of the holy Ancestors, 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 pl. 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]

By divine providence, you served God, by giving birth to His all-holy Mother, in your old age, as a woman whose soul was pure, O highly acclaimed St. Anna. When you completed your sojourn on earth, with virtue and excellence, you went up to the eternal mansions; and you were granted ineffable blessings, as the renowned Mother of the all-immaculate Theotokos. And now we implore you: Join her interceding for us, and entreat our merciful Lord, to save us who solemnly call you blessed. [GOASD]

DEACON

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Ode 1: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. I open my mouth.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All-lauded St. Anna, pray for me today as I celebrate * your luminous memory, that all my sins be absolved, * that I might receive divine illumination, * be rescued from evils, and that I correct my life. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With godly decorum you gave birth her who gave birth to Life. * You therefore have been transported to eternal life. * You experience unutterable gladness, * and light never-setting, O St. Anna, called by God. [SD]

Glory.

St. Anna, whose name means grace, has been transported to Joy on high, * the Lord, whom her virgin daughter mothered without seed. * Now she stands near Him, and she is interceding * with confidence on behalf of the salvation of all. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and all-blameless and all-blessed Virgin, from you shone forth * the true Sun of Righteousness; and over all the earth * He has shined the light of knowledge of the Godhead, * and thus He dispelled the blinding mist of godlessness. [SD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 3: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Not in our wisdom.

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Conceiving Mary, * who would later conceive Him who holds all things, * you carried her in your womb; * and she ineffably carried Christ. * O Anna, we honor you in your repose today. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

We sing your praises, * celebrating your glorious memory. * For us you mothered the pure * Mother of God, who surpasses all * our praises extolling her, O Anna, called by God. [SD]

Glory.

Joachim and Anna * came together in love, like the sun and moon, * and they famously produced * the shining ray of virginity, * their daughter, through whom the light of God has shined on us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, * we have you for protection and strong support. * Having put our hope in you * we are delivered and rescued and saved. * We feel we are safe and sound when we rely on you. [SD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Having strictly abided by the commands * of the Lord and Creator, O all-renowned * Anna, you thus became the mother of His mother. * And therefore when you died you were truly transported to * immortal life on high, and indeed never-setting light. * Therefore we are always filled with light in the Spirit, * whenever we celebrate your splendid holy memory. * All together we sing to you: * Intercede with Christ our God, that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to us who keep your all-holy memory with faith and love. [SD]

Ode 4: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. He who sits in holy glory.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having studied what was written * in the Law, you performed it all. * You became the mother * of the one who mothered the Lawgiver. * Now all creation is in your debt and celebrates * your memorial * with jubilation and sacred joy. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Now your womb is truly blessed, * for it carried to term the one * who carried in her own womb * the light of the world and gave birth to Him. * O Anna, beautiful truly are your breasts that nursed * Virgin Mary who nursed * the infant Christ, who became our food. [SD]

Glory.

Living blamelessly, O Anna, * you gave birth to the Maid who would * as the Theotokos * blamelessly give birth to the Father’s Word. * Now you repose and with glory you depart to Him. * Partaking in the divine, truly you were deified. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Now the belly of the Virgin * truly seems like a threshing floor * where uncultivated * wheat, namely the Lord, is contained and stored, * through which creation is nourished, as it cries aloud, * “O almighty God, * glory to Your strength, O Christ!” [SD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 5: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. The ungodly will not see.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You gave birth to Mary, who was heaven on the earth. * She gave birth to the Lord who made heaven, who majestically * today transported you, * O glorious St. Anna, to the heavenly abodes on high. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With the immaterial orders you dance with joy, * in your immaterial mind, being filled with glowing light * that gives you wealth divine. * When you pray, remember us, who commemorate you faithfully. [SD]

Glory.

Glorious St. Anna, you produced the Virgin Maid, * who is clearly from Jesse’s root, as the rod that blossomed forth. * And she herself produced * the unfading flower, namely our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-holy Lady Theotokos, only you * are the mighty and strong protection of the believers all. * In you I place my hope * of salvation. Please do not spurn my prayer, for I rely on you. [SD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 6: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. I will sacrifice to You.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The Grandparents * of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ our God, * namely Joachim and Anna, * who adorned their lives with all godly virtue, * should be honored * and extolled on this day, as is right to do. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

St. Anna * is above every paean extolling her, * for she gave birth to her daughter, * our Lady above every hymn of praise. * For this reason * she resides in the courts of the Saints on high. [SD]

Glory.

Luminous * and resplendent indeed is your memory; * it sparkles bright with salvation * for those who observed it throughout the world. * Righteous Anna, * you are filled with the gifts of the grace of God. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Anna * you, O Mary, the Queen of the world, were born. * and you indeed are the Mother * of the King of all and remained a virgin * after childbirth. * Spotless Maid, you are higher than Cherubim. [SD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

Today we observe the memory of Christ’s forebears, * and also we pray that we might receive their aid, * so that all of us may be freed from tribulations, as we cry aloud, * “Be with us, O Lord our God, * who glorified them as You were pleased to do.” [SD]

Oikos.

Let us all prophetically come together to worthily extol the all-holy passing of Christ’s grandmother. For today she passed from this temporal life and joyfully made her way into heaven, where she greatly rejoices. As the true mother of the true Theotokos, she cries out with faith: “My soul magnifies the Lord, for I gave birth to His Mother on earth.” May He be with us, He who glorified them as He was pleased to do. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On July 25, we commemorate the Dormition of Saint Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On this day we also commemorate the holy 165 Fathers, who convened for the Fifth Ecumenical Council and refuted the teachings of Origen.

On this day we also commemorate the devout and blessed Olympias the Deaconess.

On this day we also commemorate our devout Mother Eupraxia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Sanctus, Maturus, Attalus, and Blandina.

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

Ode 7: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You saved Your Servants.

Ὁ διασώσας ἐν πυρί.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Anna, since you gave birth to her * who became the Mother of true Life, * you were transported to true life, * as you faithfully shouted and sang to Him, * “O supremely extolled and praised * Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Being the mother of our Lord’s * and Redeemer’s Mother, O Anna, * adorned in virtue you went up * from the earth into heaven, to dwell therein, * as you sang out the hymn of praise, * “Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Glory.

You went to everlasting life * and the spacious ranges of Eden, * that ancient Garden of Delight, * and to light never-setting, God-bearing Saint, * righteous Anna, and sang aloud, * “Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

All-spotless Virgin, all adorned * with the holy beauty of virtues, * your Son, the Logos, whom you bore, * is more handsome and fair than the sons of men. * He adorns those extolling Him * with the most delightful tokens of His own beauty. [SD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

Ode 8: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Guiltless were those Servants.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The mother of the only Theotokos, * once barren, and now the grandmother of Christ, * having once divested herself * of the garb of barrenness, * and now of death, has entered the land of the living and sings, * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Christ opened wide the gates of heaven * for you and He welcomed you with utter joy * for you are the one who bore * the gate that only He passed through * and showed it to be sealed again after He passed through it, * O godly-minded, praiseworthy Anna. * Therefore we extol you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Glory.

You led a most holy life, becoming * the mother of the all-holy ever-virgin Maid, * who became the Mother of * the all-holy Logos of God, * who grants the gift of holiness and of redemption to us, * O godly-minded, praiseworthy Anna. * Therefore we extol you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Afflicted am I by many dangers. * Imperiled am I by sin as if by turbulence. * Virgin who gave birth to God, * be my pilot, guiding me * on the all-holy Spirit’s calming winds to tranquil ports. * For Christians you are the harbor, O Lady. * Therefore we extol you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Kontakia and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

Today we observe the memory of Christ’s forebears, * and also we pray that we might receive their aid, * so that all of us may be freed from tribulations, as we cry aloud, * “Be with us, O Lord our God, * who glorified them as You were pleased to do.” [SD]

Oikos.

Let us all prophetically come together to worthily extol the all-holy passing of Christ’s grandmother. For today she passed from this temporal life and joyfully made her way into heaven, where she greatly rejoices. As the true mother of the true Theotokos, she cries out with faith: “My soul magnifies the Lord, for I gave birth to His Mother on earth.” May He be with us, He who glorified them as He was pleased to do. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On July 25, we commemorate the Dormition of Saint Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On this day we also commemorate the holy 165 Fathers, who convened for the Fifth Ecumenical Council and refuted the teachings of Origen.

On this day we also commemorate the devout and blessed Olympias the Deaconess.

On this day we also commemorate our devout Mother Eupraxia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Sanctus, Maturus, Attalus, and Blandina.

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Theotokos

Ode i. Mode 4.

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

Ode iii.

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

Ode iv.

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

Ode v.

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

Ode vi.

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

Ode vii.

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

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Magnificat: Mode of Canon

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]

Ode 9: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

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

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Because of the malady.

Εὕα μὲν τῷ τῆς παρακοῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Because of the malady of disobedience, * Eve received the curse within herself. * You bore the virgin Theotokos, * which freed you from the curse of your barrenness; * and she would bear the blessing of Christ our God. * Now you rejoice with her, O honored Saint. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Holy ground that was not plowed was truly born * from the ground of your once barren womb; * it was unsown yet it brought forth * the wheat that feeds the world, namely Christ the Lord. * Ingeniously He has transported you, * O blessed Anna, to delight on high [SD]

Glory.

Anna, we all call you blessed as is right; * for in dying, you were welcomed by * the painless life without corruption, * where you now partake of the tree of life. * You celebrate with all of the righteous Saints * and with the bodiless angelic hosts. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mary, I implore you, Lady of the universe, * that you free me from my slavery * to all my sins and my transgressions, * since you gave birth to Him who has saved us all: * as God He has redeemed us set us free * from the ancestral sin and slavery. [SD]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 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]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Of righteous Anna, called by God, * let us duly sing praises. * For she conceived beyond all hope * and bore the Virgin Mary, * the most-holy Theotokos; * and in so doing she was * shone forth to be the kin of Christ * our Redeemer; and He has today as God * taken her to join Him on high in heaven. * She intercedes on our behalf * and for the sake of world peace. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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

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

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.

Stichera. For the Righteous.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

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

Holding this happy observance, we sing Your praises, O Christ; * for from this life that passes * You wondrously translated * to unending glory Anna who bore * Your own Mother, the Virgin Maid, * and Theotokos who seedlessly would conceive * and ineffably give birth to You. [SD]

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

Holding this happy observance, we sing Your praises, O Christ; * for from this life that passes * You wondrously translated * to unending glory Anna who bore * Your own Mother, the Virgin Maid, * and Theotokos who seedlessly would conceive * and ineffably give birth to You. [SD]

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

Holding the feast of the righteous * and blessed Grandparents of Christ, * Joachim and Anna, * who were saintly and blameless, * we glorify our merciful Savior and Lord and Redeemer unceasingly, * who from this life that is fleeting translated them * to immortal life that ages not. [SD]

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

To immaterial choirs, to where the Just reside, * wherein angelic orders and the saints all assemble, * are taken now the spirits of Joachim * and of Anna, that righteous pair, * to celebration and joy. As we sing their praise, * let us call them blessed reverently. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Come, all you fans of virginity and admirers of chastity. Come, let us celebrate St. Anna’s dignified repose. She is the one who amazingly gave birth to the fountain of life, to Mary, who in turn gave birth to a Child who is God, our Redeemer, who illumines and sanctifies 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.

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

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

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

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

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

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You carried within your womb her who was pregnant with Life, * the Mother of God, O godly-minded Anna; and thus * to heaven were you today * transported with great rejoicing, where those who feast dwell in glory. * You pray for the forgiveness of offenses for the faithful * who honor you with longing, O ever-blessed one. [SD]

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.

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.

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.

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.