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Menaion - September 16

Memory of the Holy Great-martyr Euphemia

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 1.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion. For the Cross.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

Glory. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Competing brilliantly out of your love for God, * you ran and thus attained the fragrant scent of Christ, * as a most beautiful young lady and Martyr, adorned and renowned. * You entered the heavenly * bridal chamber most worthily, * and from there you give the world * cures and healing by grace divine. * You rescue those who sing and salute you: * Rejoice! Godly-minded Euphemia! [SD]

Both now.

Apolytikion. For the Cross.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

Truly loving Christ the Bridegroom, O Martyr, * you kept your lamp lit and prepared to receive Him, * and thus you shone with virtues, O Euphemia. * Therefore you received from Him * crowns for winning your contest * and entered the wedding feast with Him, all-lauded Martyr. * From every danger free us who with faith * observe the feast of your all-holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

Mode 4. Automelon.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

You who were lifted on the cross voluntarily, * O Christ our God, bestow Your tender compassions * upon Your new community to which You gave Your name. * Cause our faithful emperors to be glad in Your power, * granting them the victories against their adversaries. * And for an ally, Lord, may they have You, * peace as their armor, the trophy invincible. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

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

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

O pure and modest maiden, your contests, and your crown, your sweat and your miracles have cast down the devil’s trophies. for you longed for Christ your Bridegroom with all your heart, and you were not frightened by torture and death for His sake, but you gave yourself wholly to God, wearing the crown of the true Faith. [un]

Glory. Both now. Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

I had a fatal fall in Eden by heeding * the poison counsel of the murderous devil. * But then You resurrected me on Calvary, O Christ. * By a tree you healed the curse of the tree, O my Savior, and you killed the serpent fiend who had killed me by deception. And You have given me eternal life. Glory to Your holy crucifixion, O Lord my God! [GOASD]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

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

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

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

All praised Euphemia, ⁄ you completed your struggle well! ⁄ Even after death, you pour out healing on us for our sanctification. ⁄ We stand beside your venerable relics to honor your holy dormition ⁄ that we may be delivered in faith ⁄ from the weaknesses of our nature ⁄⁄ and profit by the grace of your miracles! [OCA]

Oikos.

The church of the all-famed Euphemia has become a Garden of Paradise, for it has in its midst a tree of immortality, namely her holy body. Whoever enjoys its luscious fruit is quickly sanctified. They marvel when they see that a dead body pours out blood, as if alive, spreading a fragrance on all. So, everyone, eagerly come with me, the lowly one, and let us be cleansed of every stain, and let us embrace it, and profit by the grace of her miracles. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On September 16, we commemorate the holy Great-martyr and all-praised Euphemia.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyr Melitene.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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. [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Σὲ τὴν ἀπειρόγαμον.

With unceasing hymns of praise we glorify and magnify you, * the unwedded Mother of the Most High God; * by a word you gave birth to the true God inexplicably, * and you are higher than the immaculate angelic hosts. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilaria.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. With the disciples.

Τῶν Μαθητῶν ὁρώντων σε.

Today we have assembled to praise and honor * the mem’ry of illustrious Euphemia. * For, since she held on to the definition * of true and Orthodox belief, * which she received from the Fathers, * she made the Orthodox famous. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. With the disciples.

Τῶν Μαθητῶν ὁρώντων σε.

The Cross, which we exalt, is the world’s salvation. * The Cross, which we revere, is the staff of all Saints. * The Cross, the mighty fortress of believers all. * The Cross, the strength of Emperors. * The Cross, upbuilding of mankind. * The Cross, the downfall of demons. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 3.

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

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

Show Stichologia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hide Stichologia

Idiomela. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

As we observe an athletic festival being celebrated with God in mind, O believers, let us sing a hymn of gratitude to our God, who is wondrous in His counsels. For He defeated the unseen power of the hostile force, by means of the feminine; He made His own power perfect in the weakness of the excellent Martyr Euphemia. At her intercession, save our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

As we observe an athletic festival being celebrated with God in mind, O believers, let us sing a hymn of gratitude to our God, who is wondrous in His counsels. For He defeated the unseen power of the hostile force, by means of the feminine; He made His own power perfect in the weakness of the excellent Martyr Euphemia. At her intercession, save our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

The illustrious Martyr of Christ Euphemia, has mixed the wine-bowl of truth with the blood of her contest, and set it out, ever-flowing, before the Church. Now she invites those reared in piety therein, saying with the voice of Wisdom: “Draw for yourselves this drink: the witness to the resurrection, the purging of passions, the safeguard of pious souls; and cry out to the Lord: ‘You gave us drink from the river of the Spirit’s delights; save our souls.’” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 3.

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

We whose souls are sealed with the blood of Christ for the day of redemption, let us, as the Prophet Isaiah says, with spiritual joy draw the holy blood, which gushes from the well of the martyrs for us, and which depicts the Savior’s vivifying Passion and eternal glory. Therefore let us say to Him: “O Lord, who are glorified in Your saints, at the intercession of Your illustrious and victorious Martyr, save our souls.” [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The virgin and victorious Martyr stood at the right hand of the Savior, and she was decked in the invincibility of virtue and adorned with the oil of purity and the blood of the contest. Holding her lamp, with exultant joy she shouts to Him, “I have run after You for the smell of Your ointments, O Christ God, for I am wounded with Your love. Do not leave me, O heavenly Bridegroom.” At her entreaties, O almighty Savior, send down to us Your mercies. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3.

Today, since the tree of life was discovered in the ground and was raised and lifted up, it verifies the rising of Christ who was crucified on it. As it is elevated in the hands of the clergy, it proclaims His elevation to the heavens, by which our nature, which had fallen on earth, now lives in heaven. Let us therefore sing with gratitude, “O Lord, You were lifted up on the Cross, and through it You lifted us up as well. We entreat You to grant Your heavenly joy to us who sing Your praise.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER

Amen.

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

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.

CHOIR

Aposticha. For the Cross.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2. N/M (O Christ, as it is written.)

Τριήμερος ἀνέστης.

We bow down before the place ⁄ where Christ’s feet have stood, ⁄ exalting the thrice-blessed Cross ⁄ on which the blood of the Master poured forth, ⁄⁄ pouring forth Resurrection to the world! [OCA]

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

Having put to death the passions of the flesh by the spirit, ⁄ having crucified ourselves with Christ the Master, ⁄ let us, divinely wise ones, ⁄ strive to elevate ourselves through the elevation of the Cross ⁄⁄ to the heavenly rest! [OCA]

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

A life-bearing source has openly sprung forth ⁄ from the divine side of the Savior, ⁄ giving drink to the souls of those who worship in faith ⁄⁄ His divine passion, Cross and Resurrection! [OCA]

Glory. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

The choirs of the Fathers have assembled today, for the sake of Christ; and they bring you the Tome of the Orthodox Faith, O all-famed Euphemia. You have taken it into your honorable hands, and you preserve it till the end. We also, the choirs of mortals, have come together, to honor your contest, and piously we sing to you: Rejoice, O all-famed one, for you kept the Orthodox Faith, which was delivered to us by the Fathers, free of harm. Rejoice, O Martyr, who intercede on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

Today, what David said in the holy Psalm has truly come to pass. Lo and behold, we are worshiping at the footstool of Your immaculate feet. And now, we who are hopeful in the shadow of Your wings, cry out to You, all-compassionate Lord: Let the light of Your face be stamped on us! Exalt the horn of Your Orthodox people, by the exaltation of Your holy Cross, O very merciful Christ. [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

CHOIR

Apolytikion. For the Cross.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

Glory. For the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Competing brilliantly out of your love for God, * you ran and thus attained the fragrant scent of Christ, * as a most beautiful young lady and Martyr, adorned and renowned. * You entered the heavenly * bridal chamber most worthily, * and from there you give the world * cures and healing by grace divine. * You rescue those who sing and salute you: * Rejoice! Godly-minded Euphemia! [SD]

Both now.

Apolytikion. For the Cross.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1.

Save, O Lord, Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to the faithful over the enemy, and by Your Cross protecting Your commonwealth. [GOA]

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

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.

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

or:

Dismissal

PRIEST

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

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

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

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

CHOIR

Amen.