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Octoechos - Mode 2.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - September 8

The Nativity of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 2.

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.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode 2.

When You descended unto Death, O Lord, You who are immortal Life put Hades to death, by the lightning of Your divinity. And when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the hosts of heaven sang aloud to You, “O Christ God, Giver of life, glory to You!” [GOASD]

Glory. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Your Nativity, O Theotokos, imparted joy to the entire earth, for out of you has risen the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God. He nullified the curse and instead gave His blessing; and causing death to be neutralized, He granted us eternal life. [SD]

Both now. Repeat.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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 - - -

Mode 2.

When he took down Your immaculate Body from the Cross, the honorable Joseph wrapped it in a clean linen shroud with spices and laid it for burial in a new tomb. But on the third day You rose, O Lord, and granted to the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory.

The Angel who had come to the sepulcher said to the Myrrh-bearing women, “Ointments are appropriate for mortal men; but Christ is indeed a stranger to decay. Now go proclaim that the Lord has risen and granted to the world the great mercy.” [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Both now. For the Feast.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Shout, O David, and declare, * what oath did God swear to you? * And he answers, “What He swore, behold, He also has fulfilled, * for He has given the Virgin as the fruit of my loins. * From her has Christ the new Adam and Fashioner * been born, as it is written, to be King on my throne. * And He whose reign is unshakable is reigning today and forevermore. * The barren woman bears the Theotokos, * the nourisher of our Life.” [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Mode 2.

Not preventing the sealing of the stone of the tomb, with Your rising You gave to all the rock of the faith. Glory to You, O Lord. [GOASD]

Glory.

The choir of Your disciples and the Myrrh-bearing Women are greatly rejoicing together with us. For we are celebrating one and the same feast, which glorifies and honors Your resurrection. By their intercessions, O benevolent Lord, grant to us Your people the great mercy. [GOASD]

From Menaion - - -

Both now. For the Feast.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Unto us is born today Mary the child of God, * as the branch from Jesse’s root, and as the fruit of David’s loins, * and all creation is re-created and deified. * O heaven and the earth, rejoice in unison. * Sing praises unto her, O all you Gentile clans. * Joachim is exultant, and Anna is keeping festival, crying out: * “The barren woman bears the Theotokos, * the nourisher of our Life.” [SD]

Kathisma III. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Exult, O Heaven, and you also, Earth, be joyful. * Because the very Bride of God and God’s own heaven * has been born on the earth fulfilling thus the promise. * The barren woman is nursing Mary the babe, * and joyous is righteous Joachim at the birth, * and he says, From the root of David unto me is born a Rod, * from which has bloomed the flower Christ. * Truly wondrous the miracle! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For 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.

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Mode 2.

After Your Passion, O Christ God, the women went to the tomb to anoint Your body. They saw Angels in the sepulcher, and they were amazed. For they heard them saying that You the Lord had risen, granting to the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Mode 2.

I direct the eyes of my heart to You in heaven, O Savior. Save me, I pray, shining on me Your resplendence. [GOASD]

Have mercy on us who hourly offend You in many things, O my Christ; and before the end, give us ways to return to You in repentance. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

To the Holy Spirit it is proper to rule, to sanctify, and to move all creation; for He is God, one in essence with the Father and the Logos. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

If the Lord had not been with us, who would be sufficient to preserve himself uninjured from the enemy and murderer of mankind? [GOASD]

Do not deliver me to the teeth of my enemies, O Savior, for in the manner of a lion they move against me Your servant. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the principle of life, and to Him belongs the honor. He is God, and in the Father through the Son He strengthens and sustains every creature. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

Those who trust in the Lord are like the holy mountain. They are in no way shaken by the devil’s assaults. [GOASD]

Let those who live for God never stretch out their hands in lawlessness. For Christ will not permit the rod to be upon His inheritance. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

From the Holy Spirit all wisdom gushes forth, as does grace to Apostles. By Him Martyrs are awarded for their contests, and Prophets have visions. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Psalm 44.

I will remember your name from generation to generation. (2)

Verse: My heart overflowed with a good word; I tell my works to the King.

I will remember your name from generation to generation. [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.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Lk. 1:39 – 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.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

Psalm 50 (51).

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, 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 4.

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]

Joy for all the world has dawned on us of righteous parentage; of Joachim and Anna comes the all-lauded Virgin. Through a super-excellent kindness, a soul-endowed temple of God she comes to be, and she alone in truthfulness as Theotokos is known to be. At her supplication, O Christ our God, to the world send down Your peace and tranquility, and to our souls Your great mercy. [GKD]

PRIEST

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

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

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Ode 1: Octoechos: Canon-1

The Canon

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν βυθῷ κατέστρωε.

Long ago the overwhelming Force * utterly destroyed the chariots and army of Pharaoh within the Sea. * Now the Logos put on flesh * and He wiped out malignant sin and its burdens all. * He is Lord, forever glorious, and He is greatly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Good One, disobeying Your command, * we were sadly registered to the ruler of this world as his property. * By Your Cross is he condemned; * for assaulting You as if merely a mortal man, * he fell into Your authority, and he was rendered powerless. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Master, You have come into the world * as Redeemer of the human race and as the Author of immortal life. * For You shredded shrouds of death * by Your resurrection, which we all now glorify. * For You are forever glorious, and You are greatly glorified. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Unto the Creator you gave birth, * when in His good pleasure He became incarnate, O Maid, in your virgin womb. * Hence you are superior * to creation all, invisible and visible. * Intercede with Him with confidence, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Peoples, now come.)

Δεῦτε λαοί.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Come, faithful, rejoicing in the divine Spirit, ⁄ let us honor the ever-Virgin Maiden in hymns ⁄ for she came forth today from a barren woman ⁄ for the salvation of mortal men. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Come, faithful, rejoicing in the divine Spirit, ⁄ let us honor the ever-Virgin Maiden in hymns ⁄ for she came forth today from a barren woman ⁄ for the salvation of mortal men. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Rejoice, holy Mother and Handmaiden of Christ our God, ⁄ for you have restored original blessedness to mankind! ⁄ We rightly glorify you in song. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Today the Bridge of Life is born. ⁄ Through her, mortals who have fallen into hell ⁄ find their way back up again ⁄ and with song, they glorify Christ, the Giver of life. [OCA]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (N/M)

Τῷ συντρίψαντι πολέμους.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Let all creation dance for joy, ⁄ and let David also celebrate: ⁄ for a rod has come forth from his tribe and seed, ⁄ blossoming the Lord and Deliverer of all. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The Holy of Holies ⁄ is placed as an infant in the ho1y sanctuary ⁄ to be reared by the hands of an angel. ⁄ Let us all feast in faith on the day of her birth. [OCA]

Glory.

The barren and sterile Anna was not childless before God, ⁄ for she was foreordained from many generations ⁄ to become the mother of the pure Virgin ⁄ from whom the Maker of all creation ⁄ sprang forth in the form of a servant. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Who has ever beheld a child unbegotten by a Father, ⁄ reared on His Mother’s milk? ⁄ Or where has a Virgin Mother ever been seen? ⁄ Truly, pure Theotokos, ⁄ you fulfilled both these wonders in a manner past understanding! [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

Moses prefigured the Cross. * Lifting up the rod, he stretched out his hand and split the Sea for Israel to cross on land. * Then he stretched it out again, * and the sea returned and covered Pharaoh’s chariots. * The Cross was thus portrayed as our invincible armor. * So let us sing to the Lord, * Christ our God, for He is greatly glorified. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐξήνθησεν ἡ ἔρημος.

The gentile church was formerly like the barren wilderness; * and then it blossomed as the rose * and the lily, when You appeared on earth. * My heart is established in Your Advent, O Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Creation, at Your Passion, Lord, was confounded when it saw * that You, who had established all * by divine bidding, were in outward form * humiliated and sneered at by lawless men. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You fashioned me from dust, O Christ, * in Your image, with Your hand. * When I through sin was crushed again * to the dust of death, You went down with me * into Hades and raised me up again with You. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, the angelic hosts * were amazed that you gave birth * to God, O all-immaculate; * and the hearts of the people shook in awe. * With faith we honor you as the Mother of God. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Establish us in You.)

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The holy parents, who had lived before the Lord without reproach ⁄ brought forth the salvation of all, ⁄ giving birth to the one who bore our Creator and our God. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The holy parents, who had lived before the Lord without reproach ⁄ brought forth the salvation of all, ⁄ giving birth to the one who bore our Creator and our God. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The Lord, Who is a spring of life to all, ⁄ led forth the Virgin from a barren womb. ⁄ He was well pleased to enter into her, ⁄ preserving her virginity inviolate after childbirth. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us exalt Mary today: ⁄ the fruit of Anna who brought forth the Life-giving cluster. ⁄ Let us sing her praises as the Theotokos, ⁄ protector and helper of us all. [OCA]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (My heart exults.)

Ἐστερεώθη ἡ καρδία μου.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Blessed is your womb, Anna of sober spirit, ⁄ for it brought forth the fruit of virginity: ⁄ she who bore Jesus without seed, ⁄ the Food and Deliverance of all creation. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The whole creation calls you blessed, ⁄ ever-Virgin, born today of Anna: ⁄ the spotless branch of the root of Jesse, ⁄ who brought forth Christ as a flower. [OCA]

Glory.

Undefiled Theotokos, ⁄ your Son has exalted you above all creation; ⁄ He magnifies your birth from Anna, ⁄ filling all with gladness on this day. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Undefiled Theotokos, ⁄ you bore the Light-giver and Cause of the life of mankind; ⁄ You are revealed as the treasure of our Life, ⁄ and the unapproachable gateway of the Light. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

The rod of Aaron is seen as typifying the mystery; * for it budded, and thus was the priest selected. * Now in the Church, that was barren once, the Cross of Christ, like a tree, * has blossomed forth, * as power and a firm support. [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

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.

Secondary Kontakion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

Omnipotent Lord, You rose from the sepulcher. * The netherworld saw the miracle and was stupefied, * for the dead were also raised. * But creation saw it and rejoiced with You; * Adam also greatly rejoiced. * O my Savior, the world forever sings Your praise. [GOASD]

Oikos.

You, O Word of God, are the light of those in the darkness. You are the resurrection and the life of all humanity. When You destroyed the power of death and smashed the gates of Hades, You raised everyone with yourself. Mortals saw the miracle and marveled, All creation rejoices with You in Your resurrection, O benevolent Lord. So we all now glorify and extol Your condescension, O my Savior, and the world forever sings Your praise. [GOASD]

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (Joseph marveled.)

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mary, the Virgin and true Theotokos, ⁄ shines upon us today as a light-bearing cloud. ⁄ She proceeds from her righteous parents for our glory. ⁄ Adam is no longer condemned; ⁄ Eve is freed from her bonds! ⁄ Therefore we cry with boldness to the only pure one: ⁄⁄ Your birth brings tidings of joy to all the world! [OCA]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐλήλυθας ἐκ Παρθένου.

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

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You stood trial at Caiaphas’s court, Lord, not crying out, * as You brought forth justice to the Gentiles, as Isaiah said. * This is the salvation that You worked for the whole world, * through Your Passion, O Christ. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

By Your Passion, forsaken are the swords of the enemy, * as the Prophet David said. * By Your descent into Hades, Lord, * the cities of the foe were pulled down, * and the tyrant’s insolence was overthrown. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You, O Lady Theotokos, are known by the faithful all, * our fortress unshakable, * the harbor where we go to be saved. * By your intercessions you rescue our souls from all dangers and calamities. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We sing Your praises, Lord, ⁄ for You have given her who bore You ⁄ to all the faithful as a haven of salvation. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We sing Your praises, Lord, ⁄ for You have given her who bore You ⁄ to all the faithful as a haven of salvation. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Christ revealed you to all, Bride of God, ⁄ as the boast and strength of those who sing the praises ⁄ of your mystery with faith. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Gratefully we call you blessed, unwedded Lady, ⁄ absolved from sin by your supplication. [OCA]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (N/M)

Ἀκήκοα Κύριε τὴν ἀκοήν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us, the faithful, in songs and hymns ⁄ glorify the all-holy birth of the Theotokos! ⁄ Let us worship with faith the God Who never lies, ⁄ and Who swore of old to David to give him the fruit of his body. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Lord, You opened the womb of Sarah, ⁄ Giving her Isaac as fruit in her old age. ⁄ Today, Savior, You also gave Anna fruit born from her womb: ⁄ Your own spotless Mother. [OCA]

Glory.

Lord, You have heard my prayer, ⁄ let Anna exclaim. ⁄ Today You have granted me the fruit of promise: ⁄ the one who was foreordained from all generations and women ⁄ to be Your pure and undefiled Mother. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

The prophesies of those inspired by God ⁄ are now fulfilled in your birth, undefiled One: ⁄ those who in their faith called you the tabernacle and Gate, ⁄ spiritual mountain, bush, and the rod of Aaron ⁄ sprung from the root of David! [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

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

Ode 5: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Μεσίτης Θεοῦ.

O Christ our God, * You are the mediator between God and men. * For through You, O Lord, we have access to Your Father, the Author of Light, * in the Spirit, as Paul said, out of the night of ignorance. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Like a cedar, O Christ, * You shattered the raging of the enemies, * when in Your good pleasure, Lord, * You were voluntarily crucified * and in the flesh exalted with the cypress, pine, and cedar. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

They laid You, O Lord, * in the lowest pit, as one helpless and dead. * By Your bruise, O Savior Christ, * with yourself You raised up those whom David said * were no longer remembered, like slain men sleeping in a grave. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O pure one, implore your Son and Lord for us who put our hope in you. * Virgin, pray He grant to us * a peaceful existence and deliverance * from adverse circumstances, whenever we encounter them. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Ὁ σκιόγραφον ἀχλύν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Come, people, let us sing the praises of the Author of all, ⁄ Who caused Himself to become like us. ⁄ The prophets rejoiced, counted worthy to behold the images that prefigured Him, ⁄ and now as fruit, they enjoy His manifest salvation. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The shoot of the sapless rod ⁄ revealed the chosen priest to Israel, ⁄ and now in a marvelous fashion ⁄ the all-glorious offspring from a barren womb ⁄ manifests the shining glory of her parents. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Lord our God.)

Κύριε ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Your nativity was undefiled, Virgin: ⁄ your conception and travail were ineffable. ⁄ your child-bearing was past speech, unwedded Bride, ⁄ for it was God, Who has entirely clothed Himself in me. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Let the ranks of angels rejoice today; ⁄ let the children of Adam dance and sing. ⁄ For the rod is born, from whom Christ sprang forth as a flower, ⁄ the only Deliverer of Adam. [OCA]

Glory.

Today at your birth Eve is loosed from her condemnation; ⁄ Adam also is loosed from the ancient curse. ⁄ He cries out to you, undefiled Maiden: ⁄ Through you we have been delivered from corruption! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Your womb has become a holy table; ⁄ your purity has remained undefiled, Virgin. ⁄ Christ the Sun has come forth from you ⁄ as a Bridegroom out of His chamber! [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

Tree of the Cross, you are thrice-blessed, * for Jesus Christ, who is King and Lord, was crucified on you. * Through you fallen is the one who by a tree deceived us, * for he was lured by God who in the flesh indeed * was hung and nailed to you, * and who grants to our souls His peace. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

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

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The Righteous One was judged as a criminal, * and He has been crucified with those who broke the law; * and by His precious blood He gives * guilty sinners forgiveness of all their sins. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

As through one man, the first Adam, sin of old * came into the world and through it death spread to all, * much more through one, the Son of God, * resurrection has been manifested to all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You, O Virgin, conceived without knowing man * and remained a virgin, even after giving birth, * exhibiting the tokens that prove * the true divinity of your Son and God. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Πρὸς Κύριον ἐκ κήτους.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

In their barren affliction ⁄ the holy parents of the Theotokos cried aloud to the Lord, ⁄ and they brought her forth ⁄ for the common salvation and glory of all generations. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

In their barren affliction ⁄ the holy parents of the Theotokos cried aloud to the Lord, ⁄ and they brought her forth ⁄ for the common salvation and glory of all generations. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The holy parents of the Theotokos ⁄ received from heaven a gift worthy of God, ⁄ a throne higher than the very cherubim: ⁄ she who in childbirth bore the Word and Creator. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The holy parents of the Theotokos ⁄ received from heaven a gift worthy of God, ⁄ a throne higher than the very cherubim: ⁄ she who in childbirth bore the Word and Creator. [OCA]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The troubles of my life.)

Ὡς ὕδατα θαλάσσης.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We sing the praises of your holy birth, Virgin and Bride of God, ⁄ and venerate your conceiving without seed, Maiden; ⁄ and with us the ranks of angels and the souls of the saints dance for joy! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Your wise parents, undefiled One, ⁄ brought you, the Holy of Holies, ⁄ as an offering to the House of the Lord, ⁄ there to be reared in holiness ⁄ and made ready to become His Mother. [OCA]

Glory.

Let both mothers and barren women dance for joy! ⁄ Be bold and skip in gladness, childless ones! ⁄ For the barren and childless woman brings forth the Theotokos ⁄ who is to deliver Eve from her pains in travail ⁄ and Adam from the curse! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You became a golden censer, ⁄ for the Fire made His tabernacle in your womb: ⁄ the Word from the Holy Spirit, ⁄ and He was seen in the form of a man, pure Theotokos. [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

In the belly of the sea beast * the prophet Jonah prayed with his arms extended crosswise; * thus he clearly prefigured the saving Passion of Christ. * When after three days he emerged, * he was depicting the supernal resurrection from the dead * of Christ God, who was physically nailed to the Cross * and by His third-day arising illumined the universe. [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

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 4.

Both Joachim and Anna from their sterility’s stigma, and Adam and Eve from their mortality’s ruin have been set free, O immaculate Maid, by your holy nativity. For this do your people hold celebration, redeemed from the guilt of transgression as they cry to you, “The barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life.” [GKD]

Oikos.

The prayer with the sigh, sterile and barren, of Joachim and of Anna, was well-received in the ears of the Lord. It unbound them and they blossomed the fruit that brings life to the world. For while he on the mountain did offer a prayer, she in the garden the reproach did bear. But then with joy the barren one bears the Theotokos, the nourisher of our Life. [GKD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On September 8 is the Nativity of our most holy Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.

On this day the holy siblings Rufus and Rufianus died by the sword.

On this day Saint Severus died by the sword.

On this day Saint Artemidoros died by fire.

A very edifying story about love

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

Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἀντίθεον πρόσταγμα.

The godless decree of the unlawful tyrant * commanded the stoking of the furnace’s fiery flame. * But Christ joined His pious Servants, and He covered them * with the Spirit’s dewy breeze. * He is praised and blessed and exceedingly glorious. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Lord, in Your tender love, You did not bear it * to see that humanity had succumbed to death’s tyranny. * So You came and saved the human race by Your own blood, * becoming man, O Christ our God. * You are praised and blessed and exceedingly glorious. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ, when the keepers of the doors of Hades * saw You, who were clothed in the garment of vengeance, they quaked. * For You, as the Master, went there to subdue the unwise * tyrant, making him Your slave. * You are praised and blessed and exceedingly glorious. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

We recognize you, O undefiled Virgin, * as holy of holies. O unwedded Mother, only you * conceived and gave birth to God who is immutable. * By your childbirth you became * the spring of incorruption for the believers all. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Βάτος ἐν ὄρει.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Of old, the giver of the Law, all-holy Lady, ⁄ was unable to understand the invisible manifestation of your great mystery, ⁄ though he was taught through symbols ⁄ not to think earthly thoughts: ⁄ therefore, astonished at this wonder, he said: ⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Inspired by God, ⁄ the divine choir spoke of you in prophecy ⁄ as the mountain, the gate of heaven, and the spiritual ladder; ⁄ for a stone was hewn from you, not cut by hand of man, ⁄ and you are the gate through which has passed the Lord of wonders, ⁄ the God of our fathers. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (All ablaze.)

Τῶν Χαλδαίων ἡ κάμινος.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We honor and celebrate your holy birth ⁄ according to the promise, undefiled One, ⁄ for by it, through Christ’s appearance, ⁄ we have been delivered from Adam’s ancient curse. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Now Anna rejoices and cries aloud exulting: ⁄ though barren, I have given birth to the Mother of God, ⁄ through whom the condemnation of Eve has been remitted, ⁄ with all her pains in travail! [OCA]

Glory.

Adam is freed and Eve dances for joy, ⁄ and in Spirit they cry aloud to you, Theotokos: ⁄ by you, through Christ’s appearance, ⁄ we have been delivered from Adam’s ancient curse. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You alone Virgin after childbirth, have brought forth God; ⁄ you have renewed our nature by your bearing, Mary. ⁄ You have released Eve from the ancestral curse, ⁄ pure Theotokos. [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

The impious tyrant’s preposterous decree disturbed the populace, * breathing threats and blasphemous pronouncements hateful to God. * His brutal anger did not intimidate * the three Servants, nor did the consuming fire. * But when the dew-laden breeze whistled against the fire, they joined it and together sang, * “Blessed are You, O Lord. You are highly praised, O God, the God of our fathers.” [GOASD]

Ode 8: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Κάμινός ποτε.

Heeding the divine decree, the fiery furnace * of old in Babylon distributed its actions and energy; * for it burned up the Chaldean men, * but it refreshed the faithful young men who sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Christ, with Your own blood, Your body, like the garment, * of which Isaiah spoke, was stained crimson red. * And seeing it, all the hosts of the Angels shuddered marveling * at Your immense longsuffering, and they sang, * saying, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. Sing a hymn to Him.” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Tender-loving Savior, by Your resurrection * You clothed my mortal nature with the garment of immortality. * Now rejoicing and with gratitude, * Your chosen people sing Your praises, O Christ, * saying in the words of Paul, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

In your holy womb you conceived without seed * and you gave birth incomprehensibly to Him who inseparate * from the Father lived as God and man. * And therefore we consider you * the salvation of us all, O pure Virgin who gave birth to God. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

The preordained tabernacle of our reconciliation with God ⁄ now comes into being. ⁄ She is the one who will bear the Word for us ⁄ appearing in the material substance of the flesh. ⁄ He has brought us from non-existence into being! ⁄ We sing His praises, and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Anna’s barrenness was transformed, ⁄ destroying the world’s barrenness of good things. ⁄ This wonder plainly foreshadowed Christ’s coming to dwell with mortals. ⁄ He has brought us from non-existence into being! ⁄ We sing His praises, and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. (N/M)

Ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have wrought wonders for the barren womb of Anna, ⁄ You have opened her childless side and given her fruit: ⁄ You are the holy God, ⁄ You are the Son of the Virgin: ⁄ You have taken flesh from her, ⁄ the ever-flowering Virgin and Theotokos. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You shut up the springs of the deep ⁄ and open them again, ⁄ You bring water in the clouds, ⁄ giving showers of rain: ⁄ You, Lord, have made a pure fruit flower ⁄ from the barren root of holy Anna: ⁄ the rod that is the Theotokos! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Trinity, supreme in being, ⁄ Unity without beginning, ⁄ the ranks of angels sing Your praises in trembling before You. ⁄ Earth, heaven, and the seas stand in awe of You; ⁄ mankind blesses You! ⁄ Fire is Your servant: ⁄ all created things obey You in fear, Holy Trinity! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Strangest of tidings! ⁄ God has become the Son of a woman! ⁄ The birth was without seed, the Mother knew not a man, ⁄ and the Child she bore is God. ⁄ Awesome sight and ineffable birth! ⁄ Strange conceiving by the Virgin! ⁄ All these things are indeed beyond vision and understanding. [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

You three pious Servants, * same in number as the Trinity, * bless God the Father, Maker of all; * sing a hymn to the Word who condescended * and who changed the fire in the furnace into dew; * as for the all-holy Spirit, who gives life to all, exalt Him * beyond measure unto the ages. [GOASD]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

Oikos.

Kontakion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Oikos.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On September 8 is the Nativity of our most holy Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.

On this day the holy siblings Rufus and Rufianus died by the sword.

On this day Saint Severus died by the sword.

On this day Saint Artemidoros died by fire.

A very edifying story about love

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of the Cross

Ode i. Mode pl. 4.

Ode iii.

Ode iv.

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

Ode v.

Ode vi.

Ode vii.

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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 9: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode ix. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἀνάρχου Γεννήτορος.

To us was revealed the unoriginate Begetter’s Son, * from a Virgin incarnated. He is God and Lord, * coming to those sitting in darkness to give them light, * to gather the scattered. * And therefore the all-extolled Theotokos should be magnified. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The thrice-blessed tree of Your immaculate Cross, O Lord, * was planted on Calvary as if in Paradise. * O Christ, it was watered by water and blood that poured * from Your side, O Savior, * as if from a fountain, and it blossomed forth with life for us. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You put down the mighty, being crucified, Almighty Lord, * and exalted humanity’s nature that was held * below in the prison of Hades, and set it on the throne of Your Father. * With it You will come again; and we magnify and worship You. [SD]

Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

For the Trinity.

As Orthodox faithful, let us sing and glorify * the ternary Unity and consubstantial Trinity, * and praise the inseparate nature super-divine, the radiance unsetting, * triple-shining, and unique, uncompounded, shining light on us. [SD]

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Lady, from your virginal belly.

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

To the disobedient peoples * He poured out water from a rock, * but to the nations that obey, He gives a gift: * from the loins of one barren comes the fruit that brings us cheerfulness, * you, the pure Mother of our God, * whom as is fitting we do magnify. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You are she, who has rescinded * the severe decree of ancient times; * and you are she, who raised up our Progenitrix; * you are she, who has caused our race to be adopted back by God, * a bridge to our Creator you, * blessed Theotokos, do we magnify. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. Virginity is a state.

Ἀλλότριον τῶν μητέρων.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mother of God, as deserving of your pure virtue, * your birth comes in fulfillment of a solemn promise. * Unto her, the infertile, a fruit from God has been given; * Indeed all generations everywhere * now call you blessed evermore. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Fulfilled is the prophecy of him who has called out * and said that I shall raise up my tent which has fallen. * Thus, did David the sacred, O pure one, speak of you in augur, * through whom the compass of all human dust * will be rolled into a body for God. [SD]

Glory.

Your swaddling clothes we revere, O pure Theotokos, * and glorify the Giver of fruit to one once barren; * for He wondrously opened a womb, which had been infertile, * and makes to be all that He wills to be, * as He is God and all-powerful. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

You carried within your womb -- you, the Virgin Mother -- * a Person of the Trinity, Christ the King and Master. * All creation sings His praises as Thrones above are seized with trembling. * Entreat Him fervently, all-honored Maid, * to grant salvation to our souls. [SD]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

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: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode pl. 4.

Theotokos, you are mystical Paradise, * for without husbandry you have blossomed Christ, * by whom on earth the Cross, as a life-bearing tree, has been planted and watered. * As it is now exalted, * we adore Him and worship Him and magnify you. [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

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

Mode 2.

Holy is the Lord our God. (2) [SAAS]

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet.

For He is holy.

From Octoechos - - -

Exaposteilarion.

Eothinon 11.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

After He rose as God, the Lord * ascertained whether Peter * loved Him, by asking him three times, * “Do you love Me?” then named him * to be chief shepherd of His sheep. * Peter saw following them * the disciple whom Jesus loved, * and he asked Jesus, “Lord, and what about him?” * Jesus said, “What is it to you if it is * my will that he remain until * I come again, friend Peter?” [GOASD]

For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Today the reaches of the world * are festive and most jubilant * because of your birth, O Mary, * the Maiden and Theotokos, * and Virgin Bride who knew no man. * In being born, you have reversed * the sad reproach of barrenness * on your parents and the curse in childbirth * on Eve our ancestral mother. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

O Adam, be renewed today, * and you, O Eve, be magnified. * O Prophets with the Apostles * together dance with the Righteous. * A common joy in all the world * is shared by Angels and mankind. * Today from righteous parentage, * from Joachim and Anna, * is born the true Theotokos. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 2.

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

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

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.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Stichera.

Mode 2.

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

Everything that breathes and all creation glorifies You, O Lord, for by the Cross You made death powerless, to demonstrate to all people Your resurrection from the dead, as our only benevolent God. [GOASD]

Mode 2.

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

Let the Jewish leaders explain it. How did the soldiers lose the King, whom they were guarding? Why couldn’t the stone secure the rock of life? Either produce Him who was buried, or else worship Him as risen from the dead, then join us and say, “Glory to the abundance of Your tender mercies, our Savior, glory to You!” [GOASD]

Mode 2.

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

Rejoice and be glad, all people! An Angel sat on the stone of the tomb. And he announced to us the good news and said, “Christ has risen from the dead, as the Savior of the world; and He has filled the universe with fragrance.” Rejoice and be glad, all people! [GOASD]

Mode 2.

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

Before Your conception, an Angel brought the salutation, “Rejoice!” to the Maiden full of grace. Again, at Your resurrection, an Angel rolled away the stone from Your glorious tomb, O Lord. The one brought a promise of joy, replacing the pain and sorrow. The other declared that the Master gives life, reversing the threat of death. Therefore we sing to You: Lord and benefactor of all, glory to You! [GOASD]

For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. Marvel at the wondrous paradox.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου θαύματος.

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

What a paradoxical miracle! * That the fountain of life from a barren wife is born, * that grace, fulgent, may commence to bear its fruit henceforth. * Be joyous, O Joachim, * having become the God-bearer’s progenitor! * There is no one else like you * in generations of paternity, O godly one, * for the God-receiving Maiden, the tabernacle of our God * the mountain all-holy, unto us has been bestowed through you. [SD]

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

Verse: Listen, O daughter, behold and incline your ear, and forget your people and your father’s house. For the King desired your beauty. [SAAS]

What a paradoxical miracle! * The barren one’s fruit is brought forth at the command * of Him who has made all things, and our almighty God; * and deftly He has redeemed * the worldly realm that was sterile of His good things. * O mothers, in chorus join * the Theotokos’ own mother and cry aloud, “Lady full of grace, rejoice, * for the Lord is with you, and at your intercession, He bestows great mercy on the world.” [SD]

Verse: The rich among the people shall entreat your favor. [SAAS]

Anna the renowned, appearing as * an animate pillar of chastity and a bright * container shining with grace, has truly given birth * to progeny of her own, * the efflorescence divine of virginity. * And manifestly the Maid * awards virginity’s beauty to virgins all * and to those who truly long for * the grace of virginity, * and she freely is granting * unto all the faithful great mercy. [SD]

Glory. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

This is the Lord’s Day, O people, be filled with gladness! Behold! The bridal chamber of the Light and the book of the Word of Life has come forth from the womb. The Temple Gate that faces east has been born, and she awaits the entry of the Great High Priest. She alone introduces the only Christ to the world, for the salvation of our souls. [GKD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

You are supremely blessed, O Virgin Theotokos. For through Him who from you became incarnate, Hades has been captured, and Adam has been called back; the curse has been killed, and Eve has been freed; death has been put to death, and we have been brought back to life. Therefore we extol Him and cry out, “O Christ our God, You are blessed, for so was Your good pleasure. Glory to You!” [GOASD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

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

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

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

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

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

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

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

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

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

After the Doxology, sing the following Resurrectional Troparion.

Mode 4. (or the Mode of the week)

Today has salvation come to pass in the world. Let us sing to Him who resurrected from the tomb and is the Author of our life. For, destroying death by death, He gave us the victory and the great mercy. [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.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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

Litanies and Dismissal

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR

Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

( Amen. )

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

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

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

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.