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Octoechos - Mode 4.

On Wednesday Morning

Menaion - September 25

Memory of our Devout Mother Euphrosyne

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion. For the Devout Woman.

Mode pl. 4.

In you, O Mother, is preserved undistorted what was made in the image of God; for taking up the cross, you followed Christ and by example taught, that we should overlook the flesh, since it passes away, and instead look after the soul, since it is immortal. And therefore, O devout Euphrosyne your spirit rejoices with the angels. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

When the Mother of the Lamb and Shepherd and Savior of the world saw Him on the Cross, she uttered tearfully, “The world rejoices at receiving redemption, but my insides are burning as I see Your crucifixion, which You endure for all, O my Son and my God.” [SD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 4.

You ransomed us from the curse of the Law by Your precious Blood. You were nailed to the Cross, and You were pierced with a spear, and You gushed forth immortality for humanity. Our Savior, glory to You! [SD]

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

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]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Standing near the Cross of Christ the Redeemer and the Lamb, * the all-blameless Ewe, in shock and in her grief, eat her breast. * And as she looked at Him, she cried in lamentation, * “Alas! What is this new and strange spectacle? * How is it that of Your own will You bear these things? * You endure voluntary crucifixion * and painful death, O sweetest Son of mine! * O my Creator, I glorify Your ineffable condescension.” [GOASD]

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

CHOIR

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Cross.

Mode 4. Automelon.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Come quickly, O Lord, and keep us from becoming enslaved * to foes who speak blasphemies against You, Christ our God, * and boastfully threaten us. * Annihilate by the power of Your Cross those who fight us. * Let them know how the faith of the Orthodox has power. * Only benevolent God, accept Your Mother’s prayers for us. [SD]

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

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Savior, the Jewish leaders had You nailed to a cross, * by which You have called so many of us back to yourself * from the Gentiles, O Christ our God. * Willingly You were crucified, O Lord, and accepted * to be pierced in the side by a lance, in Your abundant * tender mercies, O benevolent Master. Glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Savior, You Virgin Mother saw You lifted up on the Cross. * And looking at You, she bitterly lamented and wept * and uttered such things as this: * “What an extraordinary, new, unusual wonder! * How did these lawless people have the gall to crucify You, * the only Giver of life, O sweetest Light of mine!” [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For the Cross.

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]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

Your Church is arrayed in the holy blood of Your Martyrs who witnessed throughout the world, as though in purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to You, Christ our God, “Send down to Your people Your tender love, grant peace from above to Your commonwealth, and to our souls Your great mercy.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

As Your all-blameless, virgin Mother was watching * as You were hanging on the Cross, O Almighty, * she lamented tearfully and said to You, * “Great is Your unspeakable condescension, O Logos! * How could people subject to condemnation condemn You, * who will be Judge of everyone as God! * I praise Your mercy, sublime and ineffable.” [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 2. N/M (In seeking the heights.)

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

Yearning for the life on high, you diligently renounced the delights below, and you disguised yourself as a man among men, O famous Saint. For the love of Christ your true bridegroom, you denied yourself a temporal spouse. [SD]

Oikos.

Let us rise and listen attentively to an unusual story, with gladness and cheer, happy in soul. For this account is quite extraordinary and shocking. A woman lived in the company of men and defeated the devil; she trampled the fire of pleasure and was not burned at all. You see, Euphrosyne, who was spotless, longed for Christ, and she denied herself a temporal spouse. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On September 25, we commemorate our devout mother Euphrosyne, daughter of Paphnutius the Egyptian.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyr Paphnutius.

On this day we remember the massive earthquake [in Constantinople], during which a child was wondrously caught up into the air [and heard the Thrice-holy Hymn].

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Paul, Tatta and their children Sabinian, Maximus, Rufus and Eugene.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode pl. 1.

Σοὶ τῷ παντουργῷ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Summoning a worldwide chorus in the furnace, * Your Servants sang to You, O God who created all, * “All you works, to the Lord sing a hymn and praise Him; * exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [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

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 1.

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. 1.

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε.

O Isaiah, dance with joy, * for the Virgin conceived in the womb; * and she brought forth a son, who is God and man. * His name is Emmanuel, Dayspring and dawn, Orient, The Branch. * We magnify the Lord, and we also call the Virgin blest. [GOASD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion of the Day. For the Cross.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

We praise you now, O holy Cross, and venerate you faithfully, * and worthily we extol you, * for you are the Faith’s supporter, * the weapon undefeatable, a refuge great and most secure, * the guardian of the Orthodox, * the pride and joy of all Christians, * the glory of holy martyrs. [SD]

For the Devout Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

You craftily evaded * the ruler of obscenity * and showed him to be lacking wit* by your wisely chosen habit. * While both in body and in soul * you were a virgin, you became * a man in faith and sound judgment, * O devout Euphrosyne, * as the beauty and the jewel* of virgins and women monastics. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Thrones and Principalities * Dominions and the Powers * Archangels and the Angels all, * O Maiden Virgin Mother, * adore your Son and worship Him, * since He is God and Master; * and ceaselessly they extol you. * O Pure one, ever entreat Him, * so that I may be redeemed * from the dreaded condemnation. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. 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. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

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. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]

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

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 of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

May Your Cross be a wall for us, O Jesus our Savior. For we believers have no other hope, except for You who were physically nailed to it, and who grant the great mercy unto us. [SD]

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

Automelon.

Ἔδωκας σημείωσιν.

You have given those who fear You, Lord, a token, Your precious Cross, * having triumphed by means thereof * over Principalities and Powers of darkness. * Furthermore, by means of the Cross You brought us up again * to the beatitude that was ours of old. * O Jesus, the almighty Savior of our souls, we all glorify * Your benevolent plan, by which * You have saved the entire world. [SD]

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

O holy Martyrs, how shall we not cease to marvel at your contests! You had a mortal body, and yet you routed the bodiless foes. The tyrants’ threats did not frighten you, nor did the prospects of torture cause you to shrink in fear. Worthily indeed were you glorified by Christ. And now you pray that He grant our souls the great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

When she saw You were suffering, * being stretched out upon the Cross, * fixed to it with nails, and a spear piercing Your side, * Your holy Mother cried out in grief. Lamenting, she said to You, * “Woe to me, beloved Son! * Look at how this unlawful mob sent You to Your death, * even You who give life to those in Hades! Quickly rise again, O Savior, * and thus bring joy to the ones You love.” [GOASD]

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 Devout Woman.

Mode pl. 4.

In you, O Mother, is preserved undistorted what was made in the image of God; for taking up the cross, you followed Christ and by example taught, that we should overlook the flesh, since it passes away, and instead look after the soul, since it is immortal. And therefore, O devout Euphrosyne your spirit rejoices with the angels. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

O immaculate Maiden, the fruit of your womb is the fulfillment of the Prophets and the Law. Therefore, O Theotokos, with understanding, we glorify and magnify you piously. [SD]

(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, and our devout Mother Ephrosyne, 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.