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Menaion - December 5

Memory of our Devout and God-bearing Father Savas the Sanctified

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion. For the Devout Man.

Mode pl. 4.

With the rivers of your tears you made the barren desert bloom; and with your sighs from deep within, you made your labors bear their fruits a hundredfold; and you became a star, illuminating the world by your miracles, O Savas, our devout father. Intercede with Christ our God, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4.

You were born of a Virgin, and You endured crucifixion for us, O good Lord. By Your death You divested death of spoils, and You displayed resurrection, as God. Please do not despise us, the work of Your hand. Demonstrate Your loving kindness, O merciful Master. Defer to Your Mother, the Theotokos, when she intercedes on our behalf, and save us, Your people in despair, O Savior. [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 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.

Τὸν τάφον σου Σωτήρ.

You led your life on earth in a most godly manner, * becoming a pure vessel of the all-holy Spirit, * O father, enlightening those who come now to you with faith. * Therefore earnestly entreat the Lord, to illumine * our souls as we extol you, godly-minded and blessed * St. Savas, and honor you. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1. The soldiers.

We know you as the Mother of God and all-blameless, * for you remained a virgin indeed after childbirth. * With longing we flee to you and appeal to your tender love. * We are sinners all, but we have you to defend us. * We rely on you, O Lady. Rescue and save us * when we are in dire straits. [GOASD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Once you took up the Cross of the Savior Christ, * father Savas, you followed Him to the end, * and never turned back in mind to the world, O divinely wise. * Mortifying the passions through labors and self-control, * you prepared yourself to be a temple for your Lord. * Then you were rewarded with the gifts of the Spirit, * the power to drive away unclean spirits and heal the sick, * O God-bearing and blessed Saint. * Intercede with Christ our God, that He grant forgiveness of offences * to us who celebrate your holy memory with faith and love. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

By conceiving the Wisdom and Word of God * in your womb inexplicably, Mother of God, * for the world’s sake you carried Him who has the whole world in His hand, * and in your arms you held Him who holds together the universe, * which He provides with food, as its Creator and Lord. * Therefore, O all-holy Virgin Mary, I pray you, * that I be forgiven of my offenses when I shall stand before Him who created me. * O all-lauded Lady most pure, I implore you to assist me in that hour. * I am sure you can accomplish whatever you wish. [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Even though you abandoned all things mundane, * you were physically living within the world, * but in spirit you became a partner of the Angels. * For you killed the passions of the body, O blessed one, * and thus became a servant of the all-holy Trinity. * Now you cure the passions and the ills of the ailing. * By God’s grace you drive away evil spirits by word alone, * holy God-bearing Father. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who keep your all-holy memory with faith and love. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Let us sing hymns in praise of the holy ark * and the heavenly gate and the shining cloud, * the all-holy mountain, and the heavenly ladder, * the rational Paradise, and the redemption of Eve, * the magnificent treasure of the entire universe. * For in her and through her for the world was salvation * accomplished and forgiveness of its ancient transgressions. * Let us therefore cry out to her, * “Intercede with your Son and our God * that remission of offenses be bestowed * on those who piously worship the all-holy Child you bore.” [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

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. Psalm 115.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His holy one. (2)

Verse: What shall I give back to the Lord for all He rendered to me?

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His holy one. [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 Luke.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Lk. 6:17 – 23

At that time, Jesus stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven.” [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 Your holy Ascetic, 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 pl. 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]

Devout Father, the proclamation of your achievements went forth into all the earth. For your labors you found the reward in heaven. You destroyed the arrays of demons, and you attained to the orders of the Angels, whose lifestyle you emulated blamelessly. Since you have confidence before Christ our God, ask Him to grant peace to our souls. [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, 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 devout and God-bearing father Savas the Sanctified, 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.

Ode 1: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

Of old when the Israelite had crossed * the watery passage as if over a tract of land, * fleeing from the misery of Egypt, * he cried: “To God our Redeemer, O let us sing.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

By many temptations am I distressed. * Praying to be rescued, for salvation I run to you. * O Virgin and Mother of the Logos, * from all afflictions and evils deliver me. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Assaults from the passions unsettle me, * and they fill my soul to overflowing with much despair. * Quiet them, O undefiled Maiden, * with the dispassionate calm of your Son and God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin who mothered our Savior God, * I earnestly beg that I be rescued from my distress. * For now as I flee to you for refuge, * my soul and reason I lift up in ardent prayer. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

My body and soul are alike diseased. * Only Theotokos, count me worthy of your divine * providence and gracious visitation, * since you are good and the Mother of Him who is good. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The rod of Moses.)

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Sabbas, enlighten us with the splendor of the Holy Spirit ⁄ as we praise you with hymns of love: ⁄ You are the boast of those who fast; the glory of monastics; ⁄ the adornment of the desert and teacher of piety! [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You offered all your love to God from your youth ⁄ and made Him the object of all your desire. ⁄ You rejoiced as you mortified the movements of the flesh ⁄ and the assaults of the passions, all-praised God-bearer Sabbas. [OCA]

Glory.

You conquered the serpent hidden in the fruit, ⁄ trampling it down and passing easily over his traps. ⁄ You took flight on the wings of faith, Father, ⁄ and you rejoiced as you partook of life in the garden of the Cross. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Death has laid hold on us with irresistible attacks, ⁄ but it drew near to your Child and perished! ⁄ It was destroyed as it rushed against Him! ⁄ You indeed gave birth to eternal Life incarnate, Virgin Theotokos! [OCA]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. 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 3: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

O divine Master Builder of the celestial vault, * Founder of the Church and the ultimate object of desire, * only benevolent support of every believer, * in the love for You, O Lord, firmly establish me. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I have named you the shelter and the defense of my life. * Therefore, I entreat you, O virgin Maid who gave birth to God, * conduct me to your port, * originator of good things, * the believers’ firm support, * only all-lauded one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I beseech you, O Virgin, dispel my soul’s turbulence, * also the tempestuous surging of grave despondency. * For you, O Bride of God, * gave birth to Christ who is Author * of serene tranquility, * only all-spotless one. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Pour the wealth of your goodness and benefactions on all, * since you bore the great Benefactor, the Cause of every good. * You carried in your womb * Christ who is mighty in power; * therefore you can do all things, * O Lady blest by God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I implore you to help me as I am now being tried * by distressing ailments, O Virgin, and morbid suffering. * For I know you to be * an inexhaustible treasure * plenteous in remedies, * only all-blameless one. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (In the beginning.)

Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You set your mind as master over the passions, most wealthy one, ⁄ revealing yourself to be a dispenser of justice, ⁄ for you openly subjected what is lower to what is higher. ⁄ Therefore, Father, you flourished like a palm tree in the desert. [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You resolved to follow in the steps of the Master ⁄ and left your native land. ⁄ You made your dwelling in the desert, ⁄ winning a victory over the adversaries, ⁄ strengthened by the power of God! [OCA]

Glory.

Made strong by steadfastness of mind, most blessed one, ⁄ you denounced the various wiles of the enemy: ⁄ you unmasked them in the sight of all, ⁄ destroying his overpowering insolence, O wise one. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You have been known as indeed the wonderful gate ⁄ of the dispensation of the Word Who saves us. ⁄ For you have brought forth for us, Virgin Mother, ⁄ the spiritual Ray of the all-divine Godhead. [OCA]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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 3: Short Litany

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are our 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.

Mid-Ode Kathisma or Hypakoe

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (By conceiving the wisdom.)

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

You abandoned the turmoil of life and took your Cross upon your shoulders. ⁄ You offered yourself completely to God! ⁄ You transcended the flesh and the world and conversed with the Holy Spirit. ⁄ Therefore you raised men up to fervor: ⁄ You emptied the cities and made cities in the desert! ⁄ Our God-bearing Father, pray to Christ our God that remission of sins ⁄⁄ may be granted to those who celebrate your holy memory with love! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

I am dirty, O Virgin; for I began * from a young age polluting my sorry soul. * With sins, both in word and deed, I completely defiled myself. * And now I do not know what to do or where else to go; * there is no other hope that I know of, except for you. * Woe to me, the worthless servant. Therefore I run now * to you, all-immaculate Theotokos, and pray to you * and confess that I have sinned. * Intercede with your Son and our God, that He grant me forgiveness of offenses. * O Virgin, I have set all my hopes on you. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of Your incarnation, which is a mystery. * I considered Your astounding works, * and I glorified Your divinity. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat you, O Bride of God * who have borne the Helmsman and Lord, to pacify * the confusion that my passions bring * and the surging waves of my iniquities. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have borne the compassionate * Lord who is the Savior of all who sing your praise. * Hence, bestow upon me the abyss * of your own compassion which I now invoke. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We who know you, O wholly pure * Virgin, to be truly the Mother of our God, * have enjoyed so many gifts from you. * Hence, we sing this canticle of gratitude. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

In possessing you as our hope * and the stable buttress and solid battlement * of salvation, O all-lauded one, * we are liberated from all misery. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (You are my strength.)

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You cleansed and expanded the state of your soul with Godly visions; ⁄ you indeed built it into a dwelling place of divine gifts, divinely blessed one. ⁄ As a follower of the Master, ⁄ by laying on your hands, you healed the afflicted. [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

The one who spoke against you in arrogance, Father, ⁄ was swallowed up like the wretched Dathan ⁄ and was destroyed like Abiram, ⁄ for the grace of God, intending the salvation of many, ⁄ invisibly preserved you, ⁄ most blessed, glorious and divinely-wise Sabbas. [OCA]

Glory.

Divinely spoken one, you chastened your senses with the Law of God. ⁄ You directed your skillful thought ⁄ to the knowledge of bodiless and spiritual things. ⁄ You went without hindrance from glory to glory ⁄ and from strength to strength, O Father. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You have been revealed as a newly created and beautiful paradise, ⁄ for you divinely bear within your womb ⁄ and give birth to the Tree of Life planted there. ⁄ It pours out the hope of salvation on all ⁄ who with faith know you to be the Theotokos! [OCA]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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 5: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode v. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Φώτισον ἡμᾶς.

Sovereign Lord our God, * as the One who is benevolent, * with your commandments enlighten us, we pray; * and also grant us * Your peace with Your own uplifted arm. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Since you bore the prime * Source of happiness, impart to me, * O pure Maid, your unadulterated joy. * And fill my heart now * to overflowing with your happiness. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Mother of our God, * do redeem us from all jeopardy, * since the eternal Redemption you have borne, * and Peace that passes * all understanding, O Virgin pure. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Dissipate the gloom * of my trespasses, O Bride of God, * with the effulgence of your irradiance, * being the Mother * of the divine pre-eternal Light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Cure the weakness wreaked * by my passions, O pure virgin Maid. * Account me worthy of your solicitude, * and by your earnest * intercessions give me health again. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Why reject me.)

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You sent steady thought towards Him Whom you desired ⁄ and from Him you received the certain grace of splendid miracles. ⁄ Father, you have compassionately healed those ⁄ who turn to you in faith, O venerable one. [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You put away the heavy coarseness of the flesh, ⁄ becoming a divinely fashioned and chosen vessel of the Holy Spirit. ⁄ Wondrous one, you were adorned with abstinence from foods, ⁄ with patience and chastity. [OCA]

Glory.

You were appointed to be the loud herald ⁄ of the divine dogmas of the Councils, Father. ⁄ You participated with the saints, blessed one, ⁄ and enlightened emperors, ⁄ to whom you were clearly shown to be protected by the grace of God. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All pure one, intercessor for the faithful, ⁄ indestructible rampart of those that praise you, ⁄ save my soul, since you gave birth in the body to God, ⁄ the Salvation revealed to the whole human race! [OCA]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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 6: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

I pour out my supplication to the Lord, * and I tell Him all about my afflictions, * and that my soul has been flooded with evils, * and that my life has come close to being in hell. * Like Prophet Jonah, I entreat, * “Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Solicit * your Son and Lord to rescue me * from the enemies’ malignance, O Virgin, * as He redeemed out of death and corruption * my human nature held down by mortality * and overpowered by decay, * having freely submitted Himself to death. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, * I know you well as Patroness * of my life and most reliable sentry. * For you disperse a great throng of temptations, * and spiteful treatment by demons you drive away. * And constantly do I entreat * to be saved from my passions’ depravity. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

We have you * as a protective citadel * and the absolute salvation, O Maiden, * of our souls, and in straits as a broad way. * And in your light we unceasingly jubilate. * And now, O Lady, we beseech, * from the passions and perils deliver us. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I lie now * in failing health upon my bed, * and there is no cure for my ailing body. * But I entreat, O good Lady who gave birth * to the Reliever of illnesses, who is God * the Savior of the world, and plead: * raise me up from the ravages of disease. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Be gracious to me.)

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You acquired love for God and neighbor, ⁄ fulfilling the chief precepts of the Law and the prophets. ⁄ Father, you achieved the virtue that cannot be attained, ⁄ surpassing all others! [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You reached a life on earth equal to that of the angels ⁄ and Christ has given you honor equal to theirs, ⁄ sending your soul as a companion in the ranks of the holy ones. [OCA]

Glory.

You were revealed to be a child of wisdom, ⁄ for you desired the beginning of wisdom: the fear of God. ⁄ You were strengthened by that O Father, ⁄ and attained the perfection permitted to men. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure Lady, you gave birth to God, ⁄ the Savior and Deliverer of all Who took our flesh upon Himself. ⁄ Save those who call upon you from misfortune. [OCA]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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 6: Short Litany

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, 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.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4. O Champion General.

Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ.

Since to God, who knew about you before you were born, you were through virtue offered as a blameless sacrifice from the time you were an infant, O blessed Savas, you became the pride and joy of the ascetic saints, the praiseworthy populater of the wilderness. Hence I cry to you, Rejoice, O Father extolled by all. [SD]

Oikos.

As the offshoot of wisdom, O devout Savas, from childhood you longed for the hypostatic Wisdom. When it dwelt with you, it separated you from the earth and led you up on high, and weaved for you a garland of immaterial flowers and laid it on your hallowed head, O Godly-minded man. Being thus decorated, propitiate God, that I might worthily be given wisdom of speech, so that I may extol your holy Dormition which Christ our God glorified. Therefore we cry to you, Rejoice, O Father extolled by all. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 5, we commemorate our devout father Savas the Sanctified.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Anastasios.

On this day the holy martyr Diogenes died by stoning.

On this day the holy martyr Abercius died by the sword.

On this day devout St. Nonnos reposed in peace.

Devout St. Gratos reposed in peace.

We also commemorate our devout father Nektarios of Mt. Athos.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Ode 7: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Οἱ ἐκ τῆς Ἰουδαίας.

Those Servants from Judea, * who of old were deported and sent to Babylon, * once treaded on the fire * of the furnace by holding * to the faith in the Trinity * and chanted: Blessed are You the God of our fathers. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

As You wished our salvation * to be thusly dispensed, You abode within the womb * of the all-holy Virgin * whom You have manifested * to the world as our patroness. * O Savior, blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Mother, implore Him * unto Whom you gave birth, Who delights in steadfast love, * to free from their offenses * and from their souls’ defilements * those who cry out in faith and say * to Him: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You have shown forth Your Mother * as a tower of safety, salvation’s treasury, * a spring of incorruption, * the doorway of repentance * unto all those who cry aloud * and say: O blessed are You * the God of our fathers. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto us you delivered * Christ the Savior; and hence we entreat you: Deign to heal * the bodily diseases * and spiritual ailments * of your servants who earnestly * to your divine shelter run, * O Lady Theotokos. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The fire in Babylon.)

Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

You put away passing things ⁄ and were rewarded with those which are eternal. ⁄ Since you led an angelic life, ⁄ you join the chorus with the angels. ⁄ Together with them, you sing: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your great and most honorable lavra cries out to the Lord in thanksgiving, ⁄ presenting you as its inhabitant, founder and citizen. ⁄ Wise one, it cries out in praise: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Glory.

Most wise Sabbas, ever entreat the Lord ⁄ for the sake of the flock you have gathered. ⁄ Earnestly pray that your labors may be preserved forever ⁄ for those who bear fruit and cry out with love: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

With true reason, we call you the bridal chamber, ⁄ the banquet hall and throne of the Word’s incarnation. ⁄ Your purity is ineffable and we rejoice to cry to your Son: ⁄ Blessed are You, God of our fathers! [OCA]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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 8: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν οὐρανῶν.

O praise and bless Him * who by the armies of Angels * is extolled as King of the heavens, * supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not disdain us * who need the help that you offer, * virgin Maiden, and who bless and extol you, * supremely exalting you unto all the ages. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Virgin, you pour out * your great abundance of healings * over those who faithfully extol you * and exalt supremely your ineffable childbirth. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You heal the sicknesses * of my soul, O pure Virgin, * and the physical pains that afflict me. * Hence I glorify you the highly favored Maiden. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You drive away from us * the assaults of temptations * and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. * Therefore do we praise you in hymns throughout the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

The ranks of the Saints joyfully precede your most pure soul, ⁄ leading it on it’s way to the place of rest, ⁄ to luminous dwellings, where the choirs of Saints are. ⁄ With them now you sing: ⁄ Priests, praise Christ; ⁄ people exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Strange are your miracles, God-bearer: ⁄ You tamed wild beasts, for you had stilled the waves of the passions. ⁄ With your gift of prophecy you foretold things to come! ⁄ Casting out the ranks of demons, ⁄ you wounded them with your truly powerful vigils, prayers and fasts ⁄ and with the invincible weapon of the Cross! [OCA]

Glory.

He who spoke of old to Moses from the pillar of cloud and fire, ⁄ showed you to be a most splendid pillar, ⁄ reaching from the earth where your patient and long-suffering body lies, ⁄ to the heavens. ⁄ We stand before your relics in confidence and chant with faith: ⁄ People, exalt Christ above all forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You remained Virgin and gave birth without knowing a man! ⁄ By your strange childbearing you have brought all together, ⁄ abolishing the conflict of time and great distance, ⁄ bearing in your womb Christ, the Giver of peace! ⁄ We sing hymns to Him in faith and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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]

Kontakia and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode pl. 4. O Champion General.

Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ.

Oikos.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 5, we commemorate our devout father Savas the Sanctified.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyr Anastasios.

On this day the holy martyr Diogenes died by stoning.

On this day the holy martyr Abercius died by the sword.

On this day devout St. Nonnos reposed in peace.

Devout St. Gratos reposed in peace.

We also commemorate our devout father Nektarios of Mt. Athos.

By their holy intercessions, O God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Christmas I

Ode i. Mode 1.

Ode iii.

Ode iv.

Ode v.

Ode vi.

Ode vii.

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Magnificat: Mode of Canon

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ode 9: Horologion: Canon-1

From Horologion - - -

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Κυρίως Θεοτόκον.

You are the Theotokos * lit’rally, O Virgin; * and we confess it, for we have been saved through you * whom we, O pure one, with choirs of angels magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Do not dismiss the river * of my tears, O Virgin. * For in your womb you conceived and you carried Christ * the Lord who takes every teardrop away from every face. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With joy, all-holy Virgin, * fill my heart to fullness, * having received, O pure Maiden, the fullness of joy * and thereby causing the sorrow of sin to disappear. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

For those who flee for safety * unto you, O Virgin, * be a retreat and a fortress immovable, * defense and shelter and refuge and joyous ecstasy. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

With rays of your effulgence * brighten us, O Virgin, * who in the Orthodox manner declare you to be * the Theotokos who drives out the gloom of ignorance. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Restore my health, O Virgin; * for because of illness, * I am reduced to a state of tormenting pain. * Transform my feeble condition into vitality. [SD]

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Devout Man.

From Menaion - - -

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

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your shrine sends out a sweet spiritual fragrance, ⁄ Bringing fruitful joy to your children who ardently surround you, ⁄ commemorating your angelic sojourn on earth, venerable one, ⁄ and the radiance, glory and eternal beauty that were granted to you! [OCA]

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father, water sprang forth in the desert ⁄ and the parched earth became moist, transformed by your prayers! ⁄ Legions of fasters inhabit it as though it were a river valley ⁄ and the land of the Jordan blossoms as a lily ⁄ watered by your tears. [OCA]

Glory.

The splendor of heavenly saints shone on you, ⁄ for you were a righteous man, O Father. ⁄ You openly loved the true righteousness of Christ: ⁄ following His way of life, most blessed one, ⁄ you imitated His life-giving holiness as far as you were able. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure one, you are more highly exalted than all mortals ⁄ in your incomparable excellence, ⁄ for in your womb, you contained God, ⁄ the Creator of all creation. ⁄ Pray to Him, for He is merciful, ⁄ that He may grant His Churches unity of mind, peace and serene well-being. [OCA]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.