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Octoechos - Grave Mode.

On Wednesday Morning

Menaion - October 16

Memory of the Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurian

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion. For the Martyr.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

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

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

For the Cross.

Grave Mode.

O Christ God, who for me endured being nailed to the Cross, accept my vigilant praise, and save me, in Your benevolence for humanity. [SD]

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

O Christ God, the commander of the bodiless hosts, You know the laziness of my soul. By Your Cross, save me, for You are benevolent. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

O Virgin, as we are ever shielded by the Cross of your Son, we turn away from the assaults of demons. Therefore, we dutifully extol and glorify you, O all-lauded Theotokos. [SD]

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

CHOIR

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Cross.

Grave Mode. More dazzling than flame.

O Christ, You gave power to the wood of Your holy Cross, * for it is more luminous than flames of fire and more caustic; * for it burns away the sins of those in illness, * and it illumines the hearts of those extolling * Your voluntary crucifixion. O Christ our God, glory to You! [GOASD]

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

The Church worships You, O Christ God, and venerates the cedar, pine, and cypress. And she prays to You, “Grant success to our government, through the Theotokos, and have mercy on us.” [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Creation knew you to be a mother, but the Creator showed you be a virgin, when you physically gave birth to Christ God, the Savior of our souls. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For the Cross.

Grave Mode.

Ὁ διʼ ἐμὲ ἀνασχόμενος.

O Christ our God, for us You accepted painful crucifixion, accept us as we extol Your Passion and save us. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

Be glad, O you righteous; let the heavens sing for joy. For when the Martyrs competed, they trampled the enemy, and they brought down the deception of the idols. Let the Church leap for joy, as she celebrates the Judge of the contest, Christ our God, who alone confers victory, and who grants the world the great mercy. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Christ our God was crucified for us, and He brought down the dominion of death. O Virgin Theotokos, unceasingly entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

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. You revealed yourself today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

On this day the Church is glad, and she rejoices * in the sacred memory * of St. Longinus the renowned * and medaled Martyr, and she cries out, * “O Christ my Savior, You are my foundation and might.” [SD]

Oikos.

Seeing the sky become very dark, and the earth begin to quake, the rocks breaking apart, and the veil of the Temple torn in two, during the divine Passion of Christ, the Martyr acknowledged Him to be the Son of God, who was suffering out of compassion, although impassible in His divinity and glory, and sustaining and preserving all creation, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for He is true God and King. Therefore, with joy Longinus cried out, “O Christ my Savior, You are my foundation and might.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On October 16, we commemorate the holy martyr Longinus the Centurion.

On this day we commemorate the two holy martyrs who were killed along with St. Longinus.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyrs Leontius, Dometius, Terrence, and Domninus.

On this day we commemorate our devout father Malus.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 4.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [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 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 4.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Exaposteilarion 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 Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

When you witnessed the Lord of all * and true God breathe His last breath * on the Cross voluntarily, * and all creation quaking, * as His Passion was unfolding, * medaled Athlete Longinus, * you and the grateful robber both * confessed that He was truly the Son God, * for whom you yourself were joyfully slaughtered. * Now intercede for everyone, as an excellent Martyr. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

The Logos, perfect and complete, * into your womb is emptied, * ineffably departing not * the divine Father’s bosom, * and He became flesh, an infant * born of you, Theotokos. * Earnestly pray to Him for us, * that He save us from trials and any harm * and from our offenses, as we profess you * to be the all-immaculate * Mother of God, O Virgin. [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 - - -

Grave Mode. No longer are we barred.

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

Benevolent Life-giver, Savior, and Master, * You have ransomed the entire world through Your crucifixion. * Glory to You, O Lord! [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]

No longer are we barred.

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

When You were crucified of Your own volition * for the world, O merciful Savior, the sun was darkened. * Glory to You, O Lord! [SD]

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

No longer are we barred.

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

Extolled in every land are the holy Martyrs. * They became the stars of the world, as to Christ they shouted, * “Glory to You, O Lord.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

No longer are we barred.

Οὐκ ἔτι κωλυόμεθα.

O Lord, when You were crucified of Your own will, * the all-holy Theotokos extolled Your power, * even as watched and grieved. [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 Martyr.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

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

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

PRIEST: Wisdom.

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 Martyr Longinus, the Centurian, 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.