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Menaion Supplement - November 9

Memory of St. Nektarios of Pentapolis

__________

VESPERS

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.

While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.

READER

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 103 (104).

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]

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

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

THE PEACE LITANY

DEACON

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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 to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

The first stanza of Kathisma 1 of the Psalter may be read, followed by 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

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

Mode 1.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Show Stichologia

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For the Hierarch.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 1. Marvel at the wondrous paradox.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου θαύματος.

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [SAAS]

What a paradoxal miracle! * That in recent times, * blessed Saint Nektarios, * has shined like a glowing lamp * providing light to the world. * By means of his way of life, * which was superior and irreproachable, * and God-pleasing way with words, * he shined the Gospel’s bright light on the faithful all. * Therefore he was filled with glory * by the Holy Spirit’s gift, * and he grants cures and healings * without ceasing unto those who ask. [SD]

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [SAAS]

O Christ, Your providence amazes us! * Even as You promised, * You have glorified the wise * Nektarios with Your grace, * as Your authentic friend. * You gave him the holy gift * of working miracles for glorifying You * through his pure and holy life, * and showed the power, O Lord, of the love for You. * Therefore at his intercession * grant forgiveness of our sins, * most benevolent Savior, * and bestow on us Your perfect peace. [SD]

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]

Faithful congregations festively * celebrate and honor * your memorial today, * and sing hymns of praise to you, * O Saint Nektarios. * And Christ’s Church throughout the world * mystically basks in your glory and miracles. * For you are in recent times * a strong support and a fortress unshakable. * And especially in Aegina, * do the Christians there rejoice, * for your relics reside there * as a treasure that enriches them. [SD]

Additional Stichera.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 2. Are there any worthy crowns.

Ποίοις εὐφημιῶν στέμμασιν.

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Are there any worthy crowns of praise * so that we might lay them on the Hierarch? * He is shining brightly in recent years, * and he has illumined the Church of Christ, * with the rays of pious life and teaching. * In our time, * he is the ornament of the Orthodox. * He rivaled * the holy Bishops of old in faith and zeal. * He wisely followed the example * of their blameless lifestyle. * Therefore he has been glorified * by Christ who through him bestows * on the whole wide world His great mercy. [SD]

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]

Are there any worthy songs of praise * so that we might sing them to the Hierarch? * A most loyal servant of God was he, * and a priceless gem of the virtues all. * He was like a harp that played divine dogmas. * In our time, * he has poured out into the Church of Christ * from heaven * the sweetest nectar of the truth of God, * namely the grace-filled divine words * from his wise, inspired lips; * and from God he has received * the gift to do miracles. * So we praise him, Saint Nektarios. [SD]

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]

Are there any worthy words of praise, * so that we might say them to you, Hierarch? * Living as you did in the secular world, * still you had a truly divine lifestyle, * for your deeds were holy, just, and blameless. * You founded * a holy Convent with the help of God, * located * on the Hellenic Isle of Aegina. * It is for souls a calm harbor. * Ever guard and protect it, * with its teacher and Patron Saint * divine Dionysius, * holy Father Saint Nektarios. [SD]

Glory.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode pl. 2.

Today the sacred feast of the hierarch Nektarios has shone forth brightly, like a new star, and it illuminates the Church of Christ. So come, all you congregations of Orthodox Christians, let us call to him with voices of great rejoicing. “Rejoice, for you emulated the life of the devout fathers of old, even in days that were evil, when the love of many had grown cold, as the Savior foretold. Rejoice, for you combined virtue and learning, and you gladdened the souls of the faithful with your words of wisdom. Rejoice, the jewel of hierarchs, the protector of Aegina, and the ardent helper of your Monastery and the churches that bear your name. Therefore, all-blessed Saint Nektarios, as you stand near the throne of God’s magnificence, unceasingly entreat for us who loyally observe your ever-honored memory.” [SD]

Both now. Mode 2.

From Octoechos - - -

The First Theotokion of the Mode.

When grace came, the shadow of the Law passed away. The bush of old was not consumed, even as it was burning; likewise you, a virgin, gave birth and still remained a virgin. Instead of the pillar of fire, the Sun of righteousness has risen. Instead of Moses, there is Christ, the salvation of our souls. [GOASD]

Stand for the Entrance.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Let us pray to the Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

ENTRANCE PRAYER

In the evening, in the morning, and at midday, we praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Master of all, benevolent Lord. Let our prayer be set forth before You as incense. Incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but deliver us all from those who pursue our souls. For our eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You, and in You we hope. Leave us not embarrassed, O our God.

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise.

CLERGY AND PEOPLE

Mode 2.

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You. [SD]

DEACON

The evening Prokeimenon!

CHOIR

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode.

You are my protector, O God. Your mercy shall go before me. (2) [SAAS]

Verse: Rescue me from my enemies, O God, and redeem me from those who rise up against me.

You are my protector, O God. Your mercy shall go before me.

The Readings

Menaion Supplement - - -

READER

The reading is from the Proverbs of Solomon.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Pr 10:8a, 7a; 3:13 – 16, 18; 8:32, 34, 4, 12, 14, 17, 5 – 9; 22:24, 22; 15:4b

The remembrance of the righteous is with eulogies; the blessing of the Lord is upon the head of a righteous man. Blessed is a man who finds wisdom, and a mortal who sees discernment; for the profits gained from wisdom are better than the treasures of gold and silver. Wisdom is more valuable than precious stones, and nothing evil will withstand her. She is well known to all who come near her, and no honor is worthy of her. Righteousness proceeds from her mouth, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue. Now therefore, my son, hear me: Blessed is the man who shall hearken to me and the man who shall guard my ways; for my issues are the issues of life, and grace is prepared from the Lord. You, O men, I exhort, and I utter my voice to the sons of men. I, wisdom, dwell with counsel, and I call upon knowledge and understanding. Counsel and safety are mine; discernment is mine, and strength is mine. I love those who love me, and those who seek me shall find me. Understand astuteness, O simple ones, and put it in your heart, O uninstructed ones. Obey me, for I speak sacred things, and from my lips I will bring forth things that are true. For my mouth shall speak the truth, but false lips are an abomination before me. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; there is nothing in them crooked or twisted. All things are evident to those who understand and true to those who find knowledge. Therefore, I teach you a true word and good knowledge to be obeyed, that you might answer words of truth to those who question you, that your hope might be in the Lord, and the one who guards it will be filled with the Spirit. [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Wisdom of Solomon.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

WSol 4:7 – 15

Though a righteous man may die before his time, he shall be at rest. For old age is not honored for its length of existence, nor measured by its number of years; but discernment is gray hair for mankind, and a spotless life is the maturity of old age. There was once a man pleasing to God and loved by Him, and while living among sinners he was taken up. He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or deceit deceive his soul. For envy arising from lack of judgment obscures what is good, and a whirling of desire undermines an innocent heart. He was made perfect, for in a short time he fulfilled long years, for his soul was pleasing to the Lord; therefore, He took him early from the midst of evil. Yet peoples saw this but did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that the Lord’s grace and mercy are with His elect and that He watches over His holy ones. [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Wisdom of Solomon.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

WSol Proverbs 10:32a, 33a; 11:2b, 5a, 6a, 18a; 13:2a, 9a; 15:2a; 14:34a; 22:12. Wisdom of Solomon 6:12a, 13, 12b, 14a, 15b, 16a; 7:30b; 8:2c, 2a-b, 3b-4, 7b-d, 8, 17c, 18d, 21e; 9:1 – 3a, 4 – 5a, 10 – 11, 14

The mouth of a righteous man distills wisdom; the lips of righteous men distill grace, but the mouth of the humble meditates on wisdom. The righteousness of upright men delivers them. When a righteous man dies, his hope does not perish. A righteous son is begotten unto life; a good man eats from the fruits of righteousness. Light is with the righteous continually, and they will find grace and glory from the Lord. The tongue of the wise understands good things. There is wisdom in the good heart of a man. The Lord loves holy hearts, and all the blameless are acceptable to Him. Wisdom is radiant and unfading; she comes upon those who long to know her beforehand, and is easily perceived by those who love her. He who rises early in the morning to seek her will not grow weary, and he who keeps watch for her will soon be free from worry; because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she appears to them favorably in their paths. Evil cannot overcome wisdom. I became a lover of her beauty, I loved her and sought her from my youth, and desired to take her as a bride for myself. The Master of all loves her. For she is the initiate of the knowledge of God and one who chooses His works. The products of righteousness are the virtues. For wisdom teaches self-control, discernment, righteousness and courage, concerning which things there is nothing more valuable in the life of man. But also, if anyone longs for great experience, she knows the things of old and portrays the things to come; she understands subtlety of words and the solution of riddles; she has foreknowledge of signs and wonders and the outcomes of times and seasons. And to all she is a good counselor. In kinship with wisdom there is immortality, and in the fellowship of her words there is good repute. So I entreated the Lord and besought Him, and with all my heart, I said: “O God of our fathers and the Lord of mercy, who made all things by Your word and in Your wisdom built a man, that by You He might be the master of what is created, and manage the world in holiness and righteousness, give me the wisdom that sits by Your throne, and do not reject me from among Your servants; because I am Your servant and the son of Your maidservant. Send her forth from Your holy heavens, and send her from Your glorious throne, that she might be present with me and labor and that I might know what is well-pleasing to You. For she knows and understands all things, and she will guide me wisely in my actions and guard me with her glory. For the reasoning of mortals is cowardly, and our intents are unsafe. [SAAS]

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us all say.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Lord, Ruler of all, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

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.

Stand for the reading of prayer.

READER

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. ( Amen. ) [HC]

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our evening 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 evening 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 good 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.

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)

Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.

PRIEST (aloud)

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Litany and Blessing of Loaves.

CHOIR

Idiomelon 1.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 1.

Be glad in the Lord, O Orthodox Church! Exult and dance for joy, O chosen bride of the heavenly King. Behold, in our own age, devout St. Nektarios, a genuine Hierarch of Christ, confirms yet again those things that were delivered to you by God, and he thrillingly proclaims them, in the glory with which he was glorified by the only God. As you have him now as your pillar and foundation, and as you see the grace of his miracles, shout to your Bridegroom: “Glory to You, O Lord!” [SD]

Idiomelon 2.

Mode 2.

Who would not leap for joy! Who would not dance in the spirit, on this new feast day of the Hierarch Nektarios! Surely every soul greatly rejoices, seeing him glorified, and recognized as a Saint, and renowned for miracles. Therefore we extol his illustrious life and his holy virtues, and we shout: “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today, and for ever!” [SD]

Idiomelon 3.

Mode 3.

Let us borrow the words of David, and applying them to the Hierarch Nektarios, let us say to him: “You are blessed, and it shall be well with you, all-blessed Father! You lived your life irreproachably and with self-restraint, and you were known as heavenly-minded, a high priest, holy and blameless, and you served God in a manner befitting the priesthood. You ministered in the Church of Christ with prudence and wisdom. You were worthily glorified by miracles. You are there for those in need, and to one and all you grant their requests unto salvation.” [SD]

Idiomelon 4.

Mode 4.

As you excelled in the word of grace, you proved to be a worthy laborer of the Gospel of peace, O Father Nektarios, and the mouthpiece of God, through the gift of prophecy. Once you arrived in Aegina, you avoided the commotion of the world, and by means of stillness you were united with God. You also established a convent there, like a school for the soul, and you became a paragon of virtue for the nuns, and their father and teacher. You reposed in the sleep proper to monastic saints, and you now you unceasingly intercede on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon 5.

Mode 4.

So holy was you life, and so pleasing to God, O God-bearer Nektarios! So amazing are the miracles that you perform each day, by the grace that God has given you! Who would not marvel at you, who are truly worthy of honor! Who would not glorify you, who were glorified by God! Your holy relics are like a healing spring; they cure serious illnesses, and they drive out unclean spirits. Each believer who approaches them receives spiritual salvation and physical healing, glorifying Christ, who has wondrously glorified you. [SD]

Glory.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 1.

Come now, all you families of believers; come, let us run to Aegina. Come and see the strange wonders that the right hand of the Most High has done recently. For, as He promised, He glorifies Saint Nektarios with immortal gifts of grace, because he lived according to the Gospel. Therefore He caused his revered bones to exhale a sweet fragrance and to be a wellspring of cures and healing to those who approach them reverently. From them we take our fill of the fragrant aroma of life, and with the Prophet David we cry aloud, “Great are You, O Lord; and Your greatness has no limit! O Lord, in Your benevolence, save our souls.” [SD]

Both now.

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [SD]

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 the protection of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese (and this Sacred Metropolis), this city and every city and land, from wrath, famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, sword, foreign invasion, civil strife, and accidental death. That our good and benevolent God may be merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and may divert and disperse all anger and disease coming against us, and deliver us from His impending justified threat and have mercy on us.

Again we pray that the Lord our God may hear the prayer of us sinners, and have mercy on us.

PRIEST

Hear us, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of earth and of those far off at sea, and forgive us, O Master, forgive us our sins, and have mercy on us. 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.

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

Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God,

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

Accept our prayer; grant us forgiveness of our transgressions; protect us under the shelter of Your wings; drive away from us every enemy and adversary; grant peace to our life; Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world; and save our souls, as You are good and benevolent.

PRIEST or: CHOIR

Hymn to the Theotokos.

O Virgin Theotokos, rejoice, Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb; for you have borne the Savior of our souls. [SD]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Blessing of the Loaves.

Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who in the wilderness blessed the five loaves and from them satisfied five thousand men, we pray You bless these loaves, this wheat, wine, and oil, and multiply them in this city, and throughout Your world; and sanctify Your faithful servants who partake of them.

For You are He who blesses and sanctifies all things, Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CLERGY

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. [SAAS]

CHOIR

Rich men turned poor and went hungry; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. (2) [SAAS]

Aposticha.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode pl. 1. Rejoice.

Χαίροις ἀσκητικῶν.

Rejoice! For as a modern-day Saint, * you shine most brightly in the firmament of the Church; * and those, whom the passions darkened, * are led to light mystically * by the shining brilliance of your miracles. * Your mind was possessed by God, * overflowing with light divine. * As it is written, * you have studied the law of God * with full understanding, O Father Nektarios. * You are a brightly shining lamp; * and during your earthly life * you radiated the brightness of true religion throughout the world. * To Christ pray intently, * and entreat Him that great mercy be granted to our souls. [SD]

Verse: My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. [SAAS]

When you had led a spiritual life, * having your mind set in the heavens, O Hierarch, * you shone as the Holy Spirit’s * distinguished vessel, O Saint. * You adorned yourself with a humble frame of mind. * Your manners were courteous, you behaved unaffectedly, * and thus the brightness of your soul became evident. * Hence your legacy: to be numbered among the saints. * Therefore as we surround the case, * O Father Nektarios, * that holds your redolent relics, * with great compunction we cry aloud, * “Grant health and salvation * to our souls and to our bodies, today and evermore.” [SD]

Verse: O Lord, Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. [SAAS]

The Church of Christ rejoices today, * O Saint Nektarios, beholding you glorified * with glory that comes from heaven; * and now she magnifies Christ, * for the Lord has made you a worker of miracles. * The Island of Aegina now especially beams with joy, * for she possesses the container with your remains, * as a never-emptying treasure of holiness. * Churches throughout the world that bear * your name, more than all are glad, * for they have recourse at all times * to you and tearfully cry aloud, * “O Father, my glory, * my assistance and my shelter, you are my Patron Saint.” [SD]

Glory.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode pl. 4.

The heavenly Jerusalem has your holy soul, together with the spirits of the Saints, O glorious Nektarios. And the Island of Aegina has your grace-filled relics, as a God-given treasure, a free clinic for every kind of illness and any kind of trouble. Those who are suffering come to it from everywhere, and they are healed and cured, and they are granted their requests, unto salvation. With a grateful voice they glorify you who glorified the Lord. We pray you to intercede with Him to save our souls. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

All-blameless Virgin, who did not know man yet ineffably conceived God in the flesh, Mother of God Most High, hear our supplications when we pray to you, who provide the cleansing of offenses to all. Again we pray you, receive us who now entreat you, and implore your Son to save us all. [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of prayers

PRIEST

Song of Simeon

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. [NKJV]

PEOPLE

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.

Apolytikion.

Menaion Supplement - - -

Mode 1. As a citizen of the desert.

Τῆς ἐρήμου πολίτης.

That son of Silybria and guardian of Aegina * was an ardent lover of virtue * and a saint of the modern age, * that God-inspired servant of Christ, * Nektarios. So let us honor him. * He pours out all kinds of healing to those who pray * with faith and cry out reverently, “Glory to Christ who glorified you; * glory to Him for your miracles; * glory to Him who through you gives cures and healing to all.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

When Gabriel had said to you, “Rejoice!” blessed Virgin, * and you had voiced your assent, the Lord of all became incarnate * in you, who became the holy Ark, * as righteous King David said of old. * You carried your Creator, and thus your womb was wider than the heavens. * Glory to Him who dwelt inside of you! * Glory to Him who came forth from You! * Glory to Him who through your childbirth has set us free! [GOASD]

PRIEST: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for humankind, 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.

PRIEST

Glory to You, 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, our father among the saints Nektarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis, the Wonderworker, whose memory we celebrate; and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

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

CHOIR: Amen.