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Menaion - November 25

Leave-taking of the Feast of the Entry, and Memory of the Holy Great-martyr Catherine

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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 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of God’s good pleasure, and the proclamation of humanity’s salvation. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in herself she announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a great voice cry aloud to her: “Rejoice, you are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” [SD]

Glory. For St. Catherine.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

Let us praise and extol the all-lauded Bride of Christ,* the Protectress of Sinai, divine Saint Catherine,* as the one who gives aid and her assistance to us;* for she brilliantly suppressed the impious orators,* with the sword of the Spirit.* And being crowned as a martyr,* she asks that all receive the great mercy. [SD]

Both now.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of God’s good pleasure, and the proclamation of humanity’s salvation. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in herself she announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a great voice cry aloud to her: “Rejoice, you are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” [SD]

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.

Kathisma I.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The soldiers keeping watch.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

Courageously you went to the contests, O Catherine, * and bravely you confessed Christ as God, blessed Martyr, * rebuking the impious, mad and tyrannous emperor, * shaming utterly his team of eloquent speakers. * Then you went in haste to the abodes in the heavens. * And therefore we honor you. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

Same Melody.

From Menaion - - -

The feeder of our Life, now an infant in body, * the offspring of the just Joachim and Anna, * is offered to God today in the holy Sanctuary. * She was blessed therein by the priest Zacharias. * Therefore let us all, with faith, proclaim she is blessed,* for she is the Mother of the Lord. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Truly strengthened by the might * and by the power of Christ * was the virgin martyr saint * Catherine, the modest and wise. * Greatly rejoicing she entered into the contest. * She mightily brought down the cruel and tyrannous king, * and also the entire team of impious foes. * With joy and gladness she was singing * with a loud voice unceasingly, * “Receive my spirit, O Christ, my glory * my Savior and Deliverer.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

Same Melody.

From Menaion - - -

Consecrated unto God * were you before you were conceived; * being born on earth, to Him * you now are offered as a gift, * O pure one, filling the promise made by your parents. * In purity returned unto the Temple divine * from infancy with lamps brightly shining, in truth * you were a temple divine and a vessel * of the divine unapproachable Light. * How truly great is your sacred entrance, * O only ever-virgin Bride of God. [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Now Alexandria, that famous godly city, * festively celebrates your memory, O modest * holy Catherine, and honors your martyric contests, * which you had bravely endured for the sake of Christ. * And proudly your city shouts to you and exclaims, * “You endured so many labors, virgin maid, and now you dwell * with your Creator in the heights. * O all-marvelous Martyr, rejoice!” [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

Same Melody.

From Menaion - - -

Exult, O David, the composer of divine hymns; * and dance for joy, O Joachim along with Anna; * for from you has come forth a most holy offspring, * yes, Mary the divine lantern bearing the light. * And as she enters the Temple she does rejoice. * As he saw her, the priestly son of Barachiah blest her, * and full of joy he cried aloud, Rejoice, wonder of all the world. [SD]

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 blessed is Your name, and glorified is Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

Glory.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Psalms 67, 15.

God is wondrous in His saints. (2)

Verse: To the saints on His earth, in them the Lord magnified all His will.

God is wondrous in His saints. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

25:1 – 13

The Lord said this parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man is coming.” [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

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]

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of the holy Martyr, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. [SAAS]

You led a spiritual life, and thus you captivated the godless tribunal, and you stood victorious, O Catherine, with dignity, decked in divine brilliance as if with flowers. And having put on the power of God, you ridiculed the tyrant’s decree, and you stifled the nonsensical chatter of the orators, O holy Martyr who suffered much. [SD]

PRIEST

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

through the intercessions of our all-immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, 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, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonderworkers; the holy, glorious, great martyrs George the triumphant, Demetrios the myrrh-streamer, Theodore the soldier, and Theodore the general; Menas the wonderworker; 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, 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; the holy Great-martyr and all-wise Catherine, whose memory we celebrate; and all Your saints:

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

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

The Savior’s most pure and immaculate temple, the very precious bridal chamber and Virgin, who is the sacred treasure of the glory of God, on this day is introduced into the House of the Lord, and with herself she brings the grace in the divine Spirit. She is extolled by the Angels of God. A heavenly tabernacle is she. [SD]

Oikos.

Seeing the grace of God’s ineffable and divine mysteries evident and manifestly fulfilled in the Virgin, I rejoice; and I am at a loss to understand the ineffable and strange manner in which the immaculate Maid alone proved to be chosen above all creation visible and invisible. Therefore, wishing to extol her, I am greatly perplexed in mind and speech. Nevertheless I dare to do it, and I proclaim and magnify: A heavenly tabernacle is she. [SD]

Kontakion. For St. Catherine.

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Τὰ ἄνω ζητῶν.

O friends of the saints and martyrs, now inspired by God * a chorus divine raise up to sing in honor of * the all-wise saint Catherine; for she proclaimed Christ in the stadium * and she trampled the serpent foe * and spat on the knowledge of the orators. [SD]

Oikos.

From childhood the Martyr grasped the wisdom that comes from God, and she was versed in all secular knowledge. Knowing from this the movement and intelligent design of the elements as well as the One who made them in the beginning by His Word, she offered Him gratitude day and night. She threw down the idols along with those who worshipped them, and spat on the knowledge of the orators. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On November 25, we commemorate the holy Great-martyr Catherine.

On this day, the holy 150 Orators who believed in Christ through St. Catherine, died by fire.

On this day the holy Empress, the wife of Maxentius, died by the sword.

On this day Saint Porphyrios the General along with 200 soldiers died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate the contest of Saint Mercurius the Great-martyr.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Peter the Hesychast.

On this day the holy 670 Martyrs died by the sword.

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Christmas I

Ode i. Mode 1.

Christ is born! Glorify Him! * Christ is come from heaven! Go and meet Him! * Christ is on earth! Arise to Him! * Sing to the Lord, all you inhabitants of earth, and all you peoples, praise Him, * and with merriment extol Him who is glorified! [GOASD]

Ode iii.

To the Son, begotten from the Father unchangingly before the ages, * and now becoming incarnate from the Virgin without seed; * to Christ God let us cry aloud, * “You have exalted the horn of our strength. * Only You are holy, O Lord!” [GOASD]

Ode iv.

A rod has come forth from Jesse’s root, * and You its flower grew from it, praiseworthy Christ, now born of the Virgin, * whom Habakkuk called Paran, shady, thickly wooded mountain. * From her who knew no man You came incarnate, O immaterial God. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [GOASD]

Ode v.

O God of peace and Father of mercies, * You have sent to us the Wonderful Counselor, * the Angel of Your great counsel, granting us peace. * And now to light of knowledge of God we have been guided, * and we rise from night to dawn and glorify You, O benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Ode vi.

Jonah long ago * was hurled from the belly of the whale as he went in, like a newborn babe. * With the Virgin now, * when the Logos had dwelt in His Mother’s womb, * taking flesh, He then emerged, preserving her intact.* Yielding not to changeability, * He preserved her unaltered in childbirth. [GOASD]

Ode vii.

Brought up together piously, the Servants * with contempt regarded the impious king’s decree. * The threat of the furnace did not frighten them. * Rather, standing in the midst of flames, they prayed and sang, * “Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers!” [GOASD]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Babylon’s bedewing furnace bore the image of an extraordinary wonder. * For it did not burn the youths it was holding, * nor did the fire of Divinity consume the Virgin’s womb wherein it went. * And so let us songfully extol and praise, * “Let all creation bless the Lord, sing a hymn to Him, * and 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

From Menaion - - -

Ode ix.

Canon 1.

Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὡς ἐμψύχῳ Θεοῦ κιβωτῷ.

When they saw the Entry of the Virgin Maiden, the Angels were astonished, at how she entered with glory into the Holy of Holies.

Now let no uninitiated hand * approach the living Ark of God to touch it. * Rather let believers’ lips sing out in exultation * the Angel’s salutation unceasingly * to the Theotokos and cry out: * You, O pure and virgin Maiden, are truly superior to all. [SD]

Troparia.

When they saw the Entry of the all-pure one the Angels were astonished at how she entered with glory into the Holy of Holies.

O pure Mother of God, since you have * the beauty of your soul clear and resplendent, * and since you are full of the Grace of God from heaven, * you ever illumine with eternal light * those who cry aloud with a glad heart: * You, O pure and virgin Maiden, are truly superior to all. [SD]

When they saw the Entry of the all-pure one the Angels were astonished how paradoxically she entered into the Holy of Holies.

Soaring higher than the power of speech * is your miracle, O pure Theotokos. * For beyond all reason I perceive in you a body * that in no way admitted the flow of sin. * Therefore with thanksgiving I cry out: * You, O pure and virgin Maiden, are truly superior to all. [SD]

Angels and people, let us all honor the Entry of the virgin Maid, how she entered in glory into the Holy of Holies.

Paradoxally the Law prefigured you, * O pure one, as a jar and tabernacle, * spiritual ark and rod of Aaron and the curtain, * indestructible Temple and the gate of God. * Thus it teaches us all to cry out: * You, O pure and virgin Maiden, are truly superior to all. [SD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. The cloud that radiates.

Τὴν φωτοφόρον νεφέλην.

O my soul, magnify the Maiden who was offered in the Temple of the Lord and was blessed by the priests’ hands.

Mary who bore a divine Son * was born herself to the holy * and righteous Joachim and Anne * as the fruit of a promise. * Now as an infant in the flesh * they offer her as incense acceptable * for to dwell in the holies * of the holy Temple as a holy Maid. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the Maiden who was offered in the Temple of the Lord and was blessed by the priests’ hands.

She is by nature an infant * who in a way passing nature * will be the Mother of her God. * Let us therefore extol her. * For she is offered to the Lord * in the Temple according to the Law today, * for a sweet-smelling savor, * as the spiritual fruit of the righteous pair. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the Maiden who was offered in the Temple of the Lord and was blessed by the priests’ hands.

Let us believers salute now * the Theotokos and cry out * with the Archangel, “Rejoice!” * Rejoice, O Bride, fine and lovely; * rejoice, O brightly shining cloud, * from which has the Lord of all shone forth to us, * who were sitting in the darkness * of ignorance; rejoice, the hope of all. [SD]

O my soul, magnify the Maiden who was offered in the Temple of the Lord and was blessed by the priests’ hands.

For us who faithfully hasten * to your compassion for refuge, * O Virgin Mother of our God, * and who piously worship * your Son as God of all the world * and Master, entreat Him now most fervently * that He save us from injury and dangers * and temptations of all kinds. [SD]

Canon for the Holy Woman.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The heavens.)

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were translated to radiant nuptial chambers, adorned with wedding jewelry and holding in your right hand a virgin’s lamp, while in the other hand holding your head that was cut off. And now, as you stand near Christ, your Bridegroom, protect us who extol you. [SD]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O godly-minded Saint, your prayer was received; and the Master now saves from trials those who invoke your name with faith, and He gives them good health and frees them from every disease of both soul and body. Therefore, O modest Catherine, we celebrate and call you blessed. [SD]

Glory.

Now you have arrived at the calm port, having nimbly crossed the sea of this world with ease, without succumbing to temptation. And you bring to Christ, as diverse wealth, the company of Martyrs, O all-blessed and all-wise Martyr Catherine. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, You became the Mother of God, when in a manner above nature you physically gave birth to the good Word, which the Father, being good, poured forth from His own heart before all ages. We now understand Him to transcend all bodies, even as He is clothed in a body himself. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

O my soul, magnify the woman who is higher in honor and in glory than the armies of heaven.

I see here a new and paradoxical mystery. * For the cave resembles heaven, * the Virgin, the cherubic throne, * the manger, a grand space, * in which He whom nothing can contain was laid, Christ our God; * whom we extol in song and 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.

Exaposteilarion. For St. Catherine.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. The Elder in the Temple.

Ἐν Πνεύματι τῷ Ἱερῷ.

O Martyr, you intensified * the frame of mind of women, * all honored virgin Catherine * and the glory of Martyrs. * Inspired by God, you criticized * the philosophers’ folly * as nonsense and mythology; * for you had as your helper * the true Mother of our God, * indeed the all-blameless Virgin. [SD]

For the Feast. Same Melody.

The Temple receives you today * into it inner sanctum, * O pure virgin Mother of God, * at the hands of the High Priest. * And therein from the age of three * until you were twelve years old * you remained and received your food * at the hands of an Angel, * since you were the holy ark * of God who created all things. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera for the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

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

The virgins carrying lanterns are brightly paving the way * for ever-virgin Mary; * and truly in the Spirit * they prophesy the future; for she is led * to the Temple from infancy, * going with virginal glory. She is indeed * Theotokos and the temple of God. [SD]

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

The Theotokos was shown forth unto the world in truth * to be the noble offspring of a most holy promise, * superior to all things. As she is led * reverently into the house of God, * the pious prayer of her parents she now fulfills; * and by the Holy Spirit she is preserved. [SD]

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

Having been nourished, O Virgin, in faith on heavenly bread * within the Master’s Temple, * for the world you have brought forth * the bread of life, the Logos. And as His own * chosen temple immaculate, * in the Spirit you were mystically betrothed * to God the Father and became His Bride. [SD]

For St. Catherine.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You have given.

Ἔδωκας σημείωσιν.

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

Catherine, the all-lauded Martyr, as we keep the all-sacred feast * of your contest and martyrdom, * with voices incessant we glorify the Lord God,* who bestowed upon you patient endurance to the end, * and who exalted you as victorious, * and gave you words of wisdom to defeat the impious orators,* as our good and benevolent * Master Jesus, who saves our souls. [SD]

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

Catherine, the all-glorious, you came to martyrdom willingly, * and you censured vehemently * the tyrant’s impiety; * also by divine grace * and the light of knowledge of God, you wisely overturned * the raving madness of polytheism. * And therefore Christ the Lord and Savior of our souls has rewarded you * with the crown of a martyr saint * and an all-blameless virgin maid. [SD]

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

Catherine, the all-glorious, once you were willingly purified * through a life-style of piety, * you opened your mouth to speak * and received divine grace * of the Holy Spirit; and with your steadfastness of mind, * you broke the tyrant’s impious insolence. * You matched the beauty of your body with the comeliness of your soul, * being mindful of God the Lord, * O adornment of Martyr Saints. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

You led a spiritual life, and thus you captivated the godless tribunal, and you stood victorious, O Catherine, with dignity, decked in divine brilliance as if with flowers. And having put on the power of God, you ridiculed the tyrant’s decree, and you stifled the nonsensical chatter of the orators, O holy Martyr who suffered much. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Today the all-blameless Virgin is led to the Temple, to become the abode of God the King of all and Nourisher of our whole life. Today the most pure sanctuary is introduced into the Holy of Holies as a heifer three years old. Let us cry out to her as once did the Angel: Rejoice, only blessed among women. [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

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

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

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

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

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Today is the prelude of God’s good pleasure, and the proclamation of humanity’s salvation. In the temple of God, the Virgin is presented openly, and in herself she announces Christ to all. Let us, then, with a great voice cry aloud to her: “Rejoice, you are the fulfillment of the Creator’s dispensation.” [SD]