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Menaion - December 6

Memory of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra

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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. For the Saint.

Mode 4.

A rule of faith are you, and an icon of gentleness, and a teacher of self-control. And to your flock this was evident, by the truth of your life and deeds. You were humble and therefore you acquired exalted gifts, treasure in heaven for being poor. O Father and Hierarch St. Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, and entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Mode 4.

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

O Theotokos, revealed through you to us on earth was the mystery, that was hidden for ages and unknown by the angels. God became incarnate, uniting natures without confusion, and for us He voluntarily accepted crucifixion, through which He resurrected the first-formed man, and He saved our souls from death. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 19. Then the 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

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.

You brightly shine on earth with the rays of your wonders, * inciting every tongue to sing praises and glory * of God who has glorified you on earth, O wise Nicholas. * Pray Him earnestly, as one select of the fathers, * that we who keep your feast with faith and love be delivered * from every necessity. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

O Mary, whose august body hosted the Master, * we pray you raise us up, for we are sunk in the darkness * of dreadful despondency, of transgressions and suffering. * Lady, you indeed are the salvation of sinners. * You give help to us; you are our mighty protection; * and you save us your servants. [GOASD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 20. Then the 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 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.

CHOIR

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

Blessed father Nicholas, * you are a foremost defender * of the faithful, guard and shield, * Ven’rable saint, and it is clear * that you redeem them from every woe, * O finest honor and glory of hierarchs. [SD]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

As the ready advocate * for those who trust you, * overlook me not, I pray, * but from the perils set me free, * O Theotokos, the help of all, * and for the needy, defense unassailable. [SD]

The Polyeleos.

Psalm 134 (135).

Psalm 135 (136).

Selected Psalm Verses

Selected Psalm Verses for Hierarchs

Of the world. Alleluia.

1. Hear this, all you nations; give ear, all you inhabitants of the world. Alleluia. (48:2) [SAAS]

2. Both earthborn and the sons of men, rich and poor together. Alleluia. (48:3) [SAAS]

3. My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart, understanding. Alleluia. (48:4) [SAAS]

4. Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Alleluia. (33:12) [SAAS]

5. He who walks blamelessly, and works righteousness. Alleluia. (14:2) [SAAS]

6. He who has innocent hands and a pure heart; he who does not lift up his soul to vanity. Alleluia. (23:4) [SAAS]

7. I proclaimed righteousness in the great church. Alleluia. (39:10) [SAAS]

8. I did not hide Your mercy and Your truth from the great congregation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

9. I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

10. I declared Your truth and Your salvation. Alleluia. (39:11) [SAAS]

11. I will declare Your name to my brethren; in the midst of the church I will sing to You. Alleluia. (21:23) [SAAS]

12. I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord. Alleluia. (25:6) [SAAS]

13. That I may hear the voice of praise and tell of all Your wondrous works. Alleluia. (25:7) [SAAS]

14. O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Alleluia. (25:8) [SAAS]

15. I said to those who transgress the law, “Do not transgress the law,” and to those who sin I said, “Do not exalt yourselves.” Alleluia. (74:5) [SAAS]

16. I have not sat down with vain councils, nor will I go in with those who transgress the law. Alleluia. (25:4) [SAAS]

17. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the ungodly. Alleluia. (25:5) [SAAS]

18. The mouth of the righteous shall meditate on wisdom, and his tongue shall speak of judgment. Alleluia. (36:30) [SAAS]

19. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be tripped up. Alleluia. (36:31) [SAAS]

20. He will manage his words with judgment. Alleluia. (111:5) [SAAS]

21. He shall not be afraid because of an evil report. Alleluia. (111:7) [SAAS]

22. The righteous man shall be glad in the Lord, and shall hope in Him. Alleluia. (63:11) [SAAS]

23. The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall be multiplied like the cedar in Lebanon. Alleluia. (91:13) [SAAS]

24. Those planted in the house of the Lord shall blossom forth in the courts of our God. Alleluia. (91:14) [SAAS]

25. Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. Alleluia. (131:9) [SAAS]

26. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they shall praise You unto ages of ages. Alleluia. (83:5) [SAAS]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Mode 1.

Let us bow in worship and adore * the Father; likewise let us glorify * the Son; and also let us praise * the all-holy Spirit faithfully, * crying out in unison, * “Save us all, we implore, all-holy Trinity.” [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 1.

We Your people now invoke the name * of Your holy Mother entreating for us. * O Good One, at her fervent prayers, * send to us Your tender mercies, O Christ, * so that we may glorify * You, the hope of our souls, O Lord. [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

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Nicholas, manifestly you protected the Church * of Christ with the utmost zeal, refuting godless beliefs * and doctrines of heresies, * censuring them with candor. * And for all you were clearly * Orthodoxy’s rule of faith and great intercessor * for all who would follow your divine teachings and conferences. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Be swift to accept our fervent prayers, O Lady and Queen, * and take them, all-blameless Maiden, and present them for us * before your own Son and God. * Rescue from every trouble * those who run to your shelter. * Frustrate the machinations and humble the boldness * of the godless who against your servants have taken arms. [SD]

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 John.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Jn. 10:1 – 9

The Lord said to the Jews who had come to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” [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 Hierarch, 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]

Well done, good and faithful servant; well done, O laborer of the vineyard of Christ! You bore the burden of the day, and increased the talent that was given you, and did not envy those who came after you. Therefore the portal of heaven was opened to you. Enter into the joy of your Lord, and intercede on our behalf, O Saint Nicholas. [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, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, the wonderworker; 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 Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, 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: Menaion: Canon-1

The Canon

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Ode i.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

An anthem of victory let us all sing now * to God as the One who wrought * wondrous and portentous signs * by His exalted arm, * and who saved Israel of old. For He is glorified. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O blessed Maiden, the spring that gushes forth grace, as the Mother of the ocean of wisdom, send down to me a drop of wisdom, so that I might extol your sea of graces. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-lauded Virgin, I praise you, whom the angelic orders extol you for giving birth to God who is praised in song beyond measure, and whom all creations extols, for He is glorified. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Christ is born.)

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

I come before you, Nicholas, ⁄ for your greatness is divine. ⁄ My tongue and lips are not equal to offer you even a short hymn of praise. ⁄ But you are the giver of riches: ⁄⁄ Give me the Savior and God of mercies! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You appeared on earth as the equal of the angels, ⁄ heavenly mortal, Father Nicholas. ⁄ You were a great protector of widows, ⁄ an avenger of the oppressed, ⁄⁄ and a help in danger for all the afflicted. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I venerate the uncreated Trinity, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ simple essence and divinity, ⁄⁄ three Persons whose nature is not severed in substance. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You conceived the Word, undefiled one, ⁄ and gave birth to Him in the flesh ⁄ while remaining after childbirth as you were before. ⁄ Since He is your son and God, ⁄⁄ ever pray to Him on our behalf. [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: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode iii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Στερεωθήτω ἡ καρδία μου.

Firmly established be my heart, O Christ, * in Your holy will, O my Lord and God. * Heaven of heaven was made firm * over waters by You, O Word. * You established on the waters * the earth, O Almighty One. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I extol the Theotokos, the clearest heaven, the palace of the King, the fragrant Garden of Paradise, indeed scented with grace, the hope of Christians. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-blessed Virgin, by a word, you gave birth to the Word, who by a word brought all rational and irrational nature into being, and who rescues humanity from irrationality. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (To the Son, begotten.)

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Divinely wise one, ⁄ you acquired a tablet in your heart ⁄ inscribed with many virtues ⁄ by the immortal and all-pure finger of Christ your God. ⁄ And from your words, ⁄⁄ You let fall a sweetness sweeter than honey and the honeycomb! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Grace has shown forth wonders in you! ⁄ for the radiance of your way of life, Nicholas, ⁄ is indeed brighter than any gold, ⁄⁄ and it enlightens souls with the radiance of the Spirit of God. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

My life has been polluted by immeasurable faults; ⁄ be merciful to me, our God, ⁄ all-holy Trinity, Father, Son and living Spirit. ⁄⁄ keep me ever safe from affliction. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You give your servants hope of salvation Theotokos! ⁄ Be present with your speedy intercessions ⁄ to guard and keep us in necessities and dangers, ⁄⁄ for you, Bride of God, are the glory of the faithful! [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.

The depth of mercy has revealed you, Nicholas, ⁄ as a river flowing over with healing and a fountain of unending wonders! ⁄ Those who are bitterly weighed down by disease and afflicted in life, ⁄ find indeed in your warm protection a cure for all faintheartedness! ⁄ Therefore we cry aloud to you: ⁄ Intercede with Christ our God for the remission of sins ⁄ of all those who keep with love the feast of your holy memory! [OCA]

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]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode iv.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ἐν Πνεύματι προβλέπων.

When you, Prophet Habbakuk, inspired had foreseen * the incarnation of the Word, you shouted and declared, * “In the approaching years You shall be acknowledged; * You will be revealed when the time comes. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord.” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Eve became the cause of death for humanity, when she accepted the serpent’s advice. But you, O Virgin, became the cause of immortality and life, when you accepted the Angel’s word and gave birth to the Word. Therefore we rightly extol you. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Virgin, the inspired Prophets foresaw you as Mountain, Gate, Table, holy Ark, Lamp-stand, throne of life, Jar, Bed, and Mother of God. They pointed to you in symbols, and we see their fulfillment. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (A rod has come forth .)

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Just calling on your name, holy Nicholas, ⁄ delivers swiftly from all the purposes of the enemy, ⁄ those why cry to you with fervor. ⁄ As you delivered the soldiers, ⁄⁄ so now preserve us from every calamity. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

As you stand before the throne of God, ⁄ wise wonder-worker, Nicholas, ⁄ do not cease to intercede for us, your faithful servants, ⁄ that we may be delivered from eternal fire and the enemy, ⁄⁄ from the counsels of evil and wickedness. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I honor the might of the unoriginate Divinity, ⁄ and I venerate the Father, Son and all-holy Spirit, ⁄ the Creator of all who is truly One, ⁄⁄ undivided, yet ever three Persons! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You, Maiden and Theotokos, ⁄ were alone more honorable than mortal men and angels. ⁄ For you conceived the Creator in your womb, incarnate, ⁄⁄ and gave birth to Him wondrously without seed. [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: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode v.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τὸ φαεινὸν ἡμῖν ἑξανάτειλον.

Let Your radiant and unapproachable * light rise like dawn on us, * who rise early in the morning to observe * the judgments of Your commandment, * O benevolent Lord and Master, Christ our God. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O blessed Lady, as an Ark of holiness, and as a holy fiery throne, and as a sanctified Palace, you contained God the Ruler over all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O only all-pure Lady, ineffably you are among virgins a perpetually virgin Mother, and among mothers a Virgin. For you gave birth to God who shares in both natures. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (O God of peace.)

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father, the great city of Myra now proclaims your miracles; ⁄ the diocese of Lysia and all the world ⁄ tell of the wonders you worked. ⁄ Through them, honorable Nicholas, ⁄⁄ you delivered all mankind from distress and affliction. [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You are a haven for widows and father of orphans, Nicholas, ⁄ the best help in affliction, ⁄ a comfort for those who mourn, ⁄ a shepherd and guide for those who have gone astray. ⁄ Therefore, by your intercessions, ⁄⁄ deliver us also from danger! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify the Three without beginning, ⁄ sovereign Persons on one throne of the undivided Godhead. ⁄ Through Him, that which was not has come to be, ⁄ and I cry with the angels: ⁄⁄ Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You are the salvation of mortal men and the hope of all, ⁄ you are swift to be present and to save. ⁄ Take pity now on those who cry aloud to you, pure one, ⁄ for we call on you in our distress: ⁄⁄ After God, we have no other advocate but you! [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: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode vi.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τὸν Προφήτην Ἰωνᾶν.

Imitating the inspired Prophet Jonah in the whale, * I cry out to You, O Lord, * “From destruction free my life * and save me, I pray * to You, O Savior of the world. Glory to You!” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O protector of the faithful, joy of the depressed, fill your servants with gladness and spiritual joy; they trust in your protection. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I extol the rational heaven, the pure Temple, the holy Ark, the delightful Paradise of God, in which is the tree of life. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Jonah long ago.)

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Holy Nicholas, you are revealed as a new Abraham, ⁄ for you brought your mind to your Master ⁄ as an only-begotten son for sacrifice, ⁄ continually offering a bloodless holocaust. ⁄ And as Abraham, you were blessed for your hospitality, ⁄ becoming the divine dwelling of the Holy Trinity, ⁄⁄ all-immaculate Father! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Nicholas, you have wrought strange and fearful wonders ⁄ throughout the world and far off upon the sea, ⁄ protecting those in danger with your swift prayers, ⁄ healing the sick and feeding the poor! ⁄ You were a worthy bearer of your name, ⁄⁄ showing the holy people to be victorious against their enemies! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I venerate and honor the undivided Trinity ⁄ ever divided in three Persons, ⁄ yet one in essence and in nature; ⁄ one single sovereignty: Father Son and Holy Spirit, ⁄ ruling with power over all things, ⁄⁄ and preserving all creation as He desires. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Christ bowed the heavens by His Own will, ⁄ and came to dwell entirely in your womb, all-holy Virgin! ⁄ For He could not bear to look upon the work of His Own hands ⁄ held under the rule of the deceiver. ⁄⁄ Therefore He came in the form of a Servant to save mankind. [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 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

You became the minister of sacred mysteries in Myra, * holy father Nicholas. Fulfilling Christ’s holy Gospel, * you laid down your very soul for your people, * and you saved those who were innocent from dying. * For this reason you were hallowed as a great mystic * of the divine grace of God. [SD]

Oikos.

Let us now with songs extol the Hierarch, O people, that shepherd and teacher in Myra, so that by his intercession we may be illumined. Behold, he appeared completely pure, incorrupt in spirit, offering to Christ a blameless sacrifice, sincere, acceptable to God, as a priest purified in soul and body. Therefore he is truly the Church’s protector and her champion, as a great mystic of the divine grace of God. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 6, we commemorate our Father among the saints Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Neo-martyr Nicholas of Caramania, who witnessed in Smyrna in the year 1657.

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

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

CHOIR

From Menaion - - -

Ode vii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ἡ κάμινος Σωτὴρ ἐδροσίζετο.

O Savior, as the furnace was cooled with due, * the Servants who were in it sang praise to You, “O Lord and God of our fathers, blessed are You!” (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure Virgin, the Most High God showed you to be a living Paradise, a grace-woven and gold-embroidered royal purple robe, and heaven. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin Mother, strengthen my mind when it turns, and when my thinking is shaken stabilize me on the unshaken rock of your protection. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Brought up together.)

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You revealed yourself, Father Nicholas ⁄ as a noble physician of a multitude of destroying sickness: ⁄ Heal the infirmity of my soul and grant me health to cry: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

In days of old, you delivered the soldiers from death, ⁄ and raised them to praise and glorify the Savior Christ! ⁄ With warm faith they also cry to you: ⁄⁄ we praise you, Father Nicholas, as our wise benefactor! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I sing Your praises, all-holy Trinity: ⁄ One, single essence shining in three Persons: ⁄ Father, Son and Holy Spirit, ⁄ in Whom all we who are baptized sing: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You, the God of our fathers! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

As you accept the prayers of all, Theotokos, ⁄ intercede with your Son and God for those who truly honor you, ⁄ and who cry for their salvation: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You, the 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: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode viii.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

To Him, the Creator and the Lord, at whom all hosts * and armies of Angels shudder, sing a hymn of praise, * you priests, and you Servants, glorify Him and bless, * and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, we see you as a soul-endowed bridal chamber and a living crimson robe, the scarlet mantle of the King of all, and the royal purple, from which was woven the flesh of the Logos, who is God and man. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

You, O immaculate Virgin, conceived the Creator and God, who in His hand holds all creation. For our sake He ineffably and inexpressibly became a mortal like us, yet He did not depart from what He was. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Babylon’s bedewing furnace.)

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The companies of patriarchs and apostles, ⁄ the assembly of martyrs and gathering of prophets, ⁄ the whole army of ascetics unite ⁄ and call your divine way of life blessed! ⁄ We join them to call out to you: ⁄ Never cease to pray to the Lord for us ⁄⁄ that we may be delivered from all harm! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Most high and almighty King of all, ⁄ grant peace to the lives of all Christians ⁄ through the prayers of Your holy shepherd. ⁄ Lead them, we pray, Word, against their enemies, ⁄ give them victory and strength ⁄⁄ that we may praise Your power and exalt it above all forever! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

We praise the Trinity in faith: ⁄ the Life and lives, One in three Lights: ⁄ Father Son and Holy Spirit ⁄ as we follow the divine teaching of the Fathers. ⁄ Together with them we sing in reverence: ⁄⁄ Let the creation bless the Lord and exalt Him above all forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

In ancient times, the bush that strangely burned but was not consumed ⁄ prefigured the mystery of your child-bearing, undefiled Maiden: ⁄ For in you the fire of divinity came to dwell ⁄ while keeping you unharmed. ⁄⁄ Therefore we praise you 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]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ode ix.

Canon for the Theotokos.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τὴν ζωοδόχον πηγήν.

A spring, abundantly flowing, that hosted life, * a golden lamp-stand that bore the unwaning Light, * living Temple, and all pure * tabernacle symbolize * the Theotokos, who is said to be wider * than earth and heaven. With hymns let us honor her. (2) [SD]

Troparia.

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

O grace-streaming fountain that brought forth the River of Graces, from which they who drink shall never thirst, rain on me with the stream of your grace, for I am tragically melting, scorched in the flame of calamities. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat you, save me, O Lady of all, the Bridegroom’s beautiful bridal chamber, the Master’s living palace, the gold-embroidered purple mantle , and the delightful royal dwelling of Christ. [SD]

Canon 2 for the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (I see here.)

Μυστήριον ξένον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All lovers of the feasts, rejoice in spirit, ⁄ mountains and valleys, Churches and choirs of ascetics, ⁄ celebrate the memorial of the all-blessed saint: ⁄ As we come together with joy today ⁄⁄ let us magnify the Savior! [OCA]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

All the ends of the earth, sing unending hymns ⁄ and adorn the head of Nicholas with wreaths of praise! ⁄ He is the well-pleasing servant of Christ our God, ⁄⁄ through whom we are delivered from passion and anger. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

The Trinity is united by one consubstantial will ⁄ while divided in Persons. ⁄ Yet again, it is undivided ⁄ while preserving the Father, Son and Living Spirit: ⁄ One Sovereignty and One God, ⁄⁄ the Three Persons Whom we magnify! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

All of creation is saved by your childbearing! ⁄ Through it, the Lord has removed weeping, sorrow and tears from all faces. ⁄⁄ Spotless Theotokos, we rightly praise you! [OCA]

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

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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

Come all believers, let us praise * the great archpastor, hierarch, * and prelate of those in Myra, * Saint Nicholas, and extol him; for he delivered many men * from wrongful death, appearing in * a dream unto the Emperor * and to Ablabius, thereby * rescinding the unjust sentence. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

Γυναῖκες ἀκουτίσθητε.

O Nicholas the Hierarch, * both in your life and after death, * the Lord greatly glorified you * with miracles, holy father. * For who has ever simply prayed, * invoking your all-holy name * with all his faith and not been heard * immediately or found you * to be his ardent protector? [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. O Women, hearken.

O Virgin who gave birth to Christ, * the great Physician of one and all, * who is hypostatic Wisdom * and super-essential Logos, * I supplicate you fervently * to heal my soul’s distressing sores * and its long-standing maladies, * and stop my heart’s meditation * on unseemly recollections. [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.

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

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

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For the Hierarch.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

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

As you are hovering over the flowers of the Church, * being yourself a fledgling * of the nest of the Angels, * O Nicholas thrice blessed, you ever cry * unto God on behalf of all * who in temptations and perils invoke your aid; * and you rescue them by fervent prayers. [SD]

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

By means of practical virtue you made the elegance * of sacerdotal vesture shine with greater resplendence, * O God-bearing Father. Hence as a priest * you accomplish terrific deeds, * and from lamentable woes you deliver us, * as you work your famous miracles. [SD]

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

Being surrounded by beauties of things invisible, * you gained a comprehension of that awe-inspiring glory, * Nicholas, O holy one among saints. * And you therefore announce to us, * O sacred father, the heavenly words that speak * of the vision of eternity. [SD]

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

As you appeared in a dream to the pious Emperor * and thus from death then rescued * those unjustly imprisoned, * intercede unceasingly so that now * we who worthily sing your praise * be from temptations and perils and every pain * likewise rescued, Father Nicholas. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

Let us sound the trumpet with the clarion of song, and festively let us leap for joy, and exultantly let us join chorus for the annual celebration of the God-bearing Father. Let the kings and princes run to gather together, and with hymns extol him who by his fearsome appearance in a dream convinced the Emperor to release the three imprisoned officers, for they were innocent. O Shepherds and Teachers, let us come together and praise the Shepherd and zealous imitator of the Good Shepherd. Those of us who are sick let us praise the physician; our rescuer, we in perils; and sinners, our defender; you paupers, him who makes you rich; you in tribulation, your consolation; your fellow traveler, you who travel; your pilot, you who sail the seas. And everyone extol him who anticipates everywhere, as the grandest Hierarch. And in lauding him, let us say to him, “All-holy father Nicholas, quickly come and deliver us from the present necessity, and save your flock, by your supplications.” [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Both now. Theotokion.

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]

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.

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. For the Saint.

Mode 4.

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

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.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the God of mercy and compassion and love for humankind, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Holy Lord, who dwell in the highest and look upon the humble and observe all creation with Your all-seeing eye, to You we bow the neck of soul and body, and we pray You, Holy of holies: Extend Your invisible hand from Your holy heavens and bless us all. And as good and benevolent God, forgive us any misdeeds we committed voluntarily or involuntarily, and grant us Your blessings in this world and in the next.

PRIEST (aloud)

For Yours it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

The Lord God make firm the holy and pure faith of the pious Orthodox Christians, together with the Holy and Great Church of Christ, our Sacred Archdiocese, [this Sacred Metropolis,] and this city, to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Dismissal

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 Nicholas the Wonder-worker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, whose memory we celebrate; and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Conclusion, i.e. “Through the prayers…”

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

CHOIR: Amen.