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Octoechos - Grave Mode.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - December 8

Forefeast of the Conception of St. Anna

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Grave Mode.

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.

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Grave Mode.

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory. Repeat.

You destroyed death by Your Cross, You opened Paradise to the Robber. You turned the Myrrh-bearing Women’s lament into joy, and You commanded Your Apostles to preach that You rose, O Christ God, granting the world the great mercy. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Grave Mode.

All-lauded Lady, our resurrection’s treasure house, we put our trust in you and pray you bring us up out of the pit and deep sea of our offences. For you saved us who were liable for sin when you gave birth to our salvation, as a virgin before childbirth, and a virgin during childbirth, and after childbirth a virgin still. [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 Octoechos - - -

Grave Mode.

Life was placed in the sepulcher, and a seal was placed on the stone. The soldiers were guarding Christ like a sleeping king. The Angels glorified Him as their immortal God. And the women cried aloud, “The Lord has risen, and He has granted to the world the great mercy.” [GOASD]

Glory.

While You were buried for three days, You devastated death. You brought life to humanity, which had been destroyed; and when You rose, You resurrected it, O Christ God, as the benevolent Savior. Glory to You! [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Christ God was crucified for us; He destroyed the power of death; and He rose from the dead. O Virgin Theotokos, we pray you unceasingly implore Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Grave Mode.

The tomb being sealed, You rose from the sepulcher, O Christ God, the Life. And the doors being shut, You came to the disciples, O resurrection of all. Through them You renew a right spirit within us, according to Your great mercy. [GOASD]

Glory.

In tears, the women ran to the tomb, bringing ointments. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” For You, the King of all, were guarded by soldiers. Then they heard the angelic voice addressing them, “The Angel of great Counsel has trampled death, and He has risen!” O almighty Lord, glory to You! [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Maiden full of grace, O Virgin Theotokos; You are the haven and protection of the human race. From you the Redeemer of the world became incarnate, and only you are both a mother and a virgin. O Lady, ever blessed and glorified, we pray you intercede with Christ God, to grant peace to the whole world. [GOASD]

Resurrectional Evlogetaria.

Mode pl. 1.

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

When the hosts of the Angels saw how You were accounted among the dead, they all marveled. You, O Savior, are the One who destroyed the might of death; and when You arose You raised Adam with yourself and from Hades liberated everyone. [SD]

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

“Why do you mingle the ointments with your tears full of pity, O women disciples?” Thus the Angel who was shining in the tomb cried to the myrrh-bearing women. “See for yourselves the empty tomb and understand, that the Savior has risen from the sepulcher.”

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

Very early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women were hastening to Your tomb lamenting. But the Angel appeared to them and uttered, “The time for lamentation has ended; weep no more. Go announce the Resurrection to the Apostles.”

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

When the myrrh-bearing women had come with their spices to Your sepulcher, O Savior, they heard the voice of an Angel clearly speaking to them, “Why do you account among the dead the One who lives? For as God, He has risen from the sepulcher.”

Glory.

We bow down in worship to the Father and His Son and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, one in essence; and we cry aloud with the Seraphim: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O Lord.

Both now.

Giving birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you delivered Adam from sin, and to Eve you have rendered joy in place of sorrow. He who from you became incarnate, God and man, has directed to life him who fell from it.

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Hypakoe. Grave Mode.

O Christ God, who took our form and bodily endured the Cross, save me by Your resurrection, O benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Grave Mode.

You returned the captives of Zion from their wandering. As for me, enliven me, and free me from captivity to passions. [GOASD]

In the south those who sow afflictions with tears and with fasting will reap the sheaves of joy, the staff of life everlasting. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the source of divine treasures. From Him is wisdom, understanding, and fear. To Him praise is due, glory, honor and dominion. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

Unless the Lord builds the house of the soul, we labor in vain; for without Him no action or word is accomplished. [GOASD]

Moved by the Spirit, the saints produce the Father’s dogmas about the sonship of the fruit of the womb. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, the universe has its existence. For He is God before all, universal lordship, unapproachable light, and the life of all. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

Those who fear the Lord and find the ways of life, both now and ever will be called blessed, for having immortal glory. [GOASD]

As you see your offspring like olive trees around your table, rejoice and be glad, chief shepherd, as you bring them to Christ. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is an ocean of divine gifts, a wealth of glory, a great depth of judgments; He is identical in glory to the Father and the Son, and therefore to be worshiped. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high, and do not forget Your poor to the end. (2)

Verse: I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with my whole heart.

Arise, O Lord my God, let Your hand be lifted high, and do not forget Your poor to the end. [SAAS]

Eothinon Gospel (Not EP / GOA)

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 Mark.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 2

Mark. 16:1 – 8

When the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, 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]

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [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; 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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Νεύσει σοῦ πρὸς γεώδη.

Lord, at Your divine signal, the fluid streams of the Red Sea * became solid walls, as they were held back by a mighty wind. * Israel passed over dry-shod; * and they sang the victory song unto You, O God. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The tyranny of death has been judged through a tree, O Savior, * for You, Lord, had been condemned to unjust death and crucified. * Therefore the ruler of darkness * justly was cast out, having no power over You. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Hades with death assaulted You, but its teeth had no power * to shatter Your sinless body, but instead its jaws were crushed. * When You, O Lord, loosed and ended * pangs of death, You rose within three days, O Savior Christ. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Loosed are the pain and sorrow of Eve our ancestral mother. * For you without seed conceived and gave birth without labor pains. * Knowing from this, O all-pure one, * that you are the Mother of God, we all glorify you. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Peoples, now come.)

Δεῦτε λαοί.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today it is revealed to us before the time that the storehouses of joy have been opened and the sorrow of the curse has been closed, for the Mother of God has been divinely conceived. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today it is revealed to us before the time that the storehouses of joy have been opened and the sorrow of the curse has been closed, for the Mother of God has been divinely conceived. [un]

Glory.

Let us the faithful today pick beautiful flowers of words inspired by God. Let us weave a wreath of praises in anticipation for the feast. Let us praise the Virgin for her conception. [un]

Both now.

Let us the faithful today pick beautiful flowers of words inspired by God. Let us weave a wreath of praises in anticipation for the feast. Let us praise the Virgin for her conception. [un]

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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ὁ κατʼ ἀρχὰς τοὺς οὐρανούς.

First You established by Your Word, by Your omnipotent Logos, * the heavens, O Savior, and You made * all their host by Your divine omnificent Spirit, as the breath of Your mouth. * I pray You, on the unshaken rock of Your confession, Lord, establish me. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Merciful Savior, You went up onto the Cross and You suffered * pains and sorrows willingly for us. * The wound that You bore became the cause of peace and of salvation for us all; * and by it we the believers have been reconciled to Your Father, O Christ. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The dragon bit my soul of old; it caused a wound that had festered. * You have disinfected it, O Christ. * When I had been dwelling in the darkness and corruption, You showed me the light; * for You descended to Hades through the Cross, and with yourself You raised me up. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Savior Christ, at the entreaties of Your ever-virgin Mother, * give the world the precious prize of peace; * keep our country safe from foreign enemies and from ungodliness within; * grant Your ineffable glory to us who extol You and sing glory to You. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Establish us in You.)

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Let us loudly blow the trumpet in triumph on this day. Let us piously invite all of creation to praise the holy conception of the all-pure Mother in anticipation of the feast. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Let us loudly blow the trumpet in triumph on this day. Let us piously invite all of creation to praise the holy conception of the all-pure Mother in anticipation of the feast. [un]

Glory.

The gifts and graces of God are offered to humanity today, for this conception is shown to be the time of the wondrous gifts of Christ. [un]

Both now.

The gifts and graces of God are offered to humanity today, for this conception is shown to be the time of the wondrous gifts of Christ. [un]

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are 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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Today the gate which shall not be entered is truly conceived for the world. The bright city shines with her light, and the only one without stain is declared today to the righteous by an Angel. Thus they joyfully exclaimed to the Creator: “The source of incorruption do you grant unto us as fruit.” [un]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ὁ Πατρικοὺς κόλπους.

O Christ our God, You did not depart * Your Father’s bosom when You descended to the earth. * I have heard about the mystery of Your plan to save us all, * and I glorify You, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Giving His back willingly to whips, * the Lord, incarnate of the Virgin, physically felt * painful torments, being innocent, * as Master dismissing all accusations of sin against me His slave. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The One who stood trial and was judged * guilty by judges who were not keeping their own laws, * and was also struck with a hand of clay, * is the One who fashioned man, * being God, who righteously judges the earth. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Being in truth Mother of our God, * implore your Maker and your Son on my behalf, * that He steer me to His glorious will, * my soul to an anchorage, * that is my salvation, O all-blameless one. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Theotokos, on this day the creation joyfully sings praise to you in anticipation of the feast. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Theotokos, on this day the creation joyfully sings praise to you in anticipation of the feast. [un]

Glory.

O Virgin, the sky becomes clear, and the clouds calmly roll away, as they prefigure the joy of your conception to humanity. [un]

Both now.

O Virgin, the sky becomes clear, and the clouds calmly roll away, as they prefigure the joy of your conception to humanity. [un]

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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode v. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Νὺξ ἀφεγγής.

For unbelievers, delight is dark night; * but for believers, the light is in delighting in Your words, O Christ. * And so I rise early in the morning to sing in praise of Your divinity. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

For us Your slaves, You were paid for, O Christ, * and You endured to be struck, * which led to liberty for us who sing, * “I rise early in the morning to sing in praise of Your divinity.” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Savior Christ, by Your power as God, * and through the weakness of flesh, You beat the strong man, namely the devil; * and You have shown that I am victorious over death, by resurrecting me. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Mother pure, you gave birth to our God. * He was incarnate of you in a manner befitting God. * You knew no man, O all-lauded Virgin, yet by the Holy Spirit you conceived. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Lord, the provider of light.)

Ὁ τοῦ φωτὸς χορηγός.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O pure Bride of God, the earth is filled with gladness, and those born on it receive spiritual joy by your conception. Thus we celebrate the anticipation of your festival and longingly sing your praise. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O pure Bride of God, the earth is filled with gladness, and those born on it receive spiritual joy by your conception. Thus we celebrate the anticipation of your festival and longingly sing your praise. [un]

Glory.

O immaculate Maiden, although our nature had become weak, now it is strengthened and receives the first-fruit of a sacred flourishing in the virtues because of your conception beyond expectation. [un]

Both now.

O immaculate Maiden, although our nature had become weak, now it is strengthened and receives the first-fruit of a sacred flourishing in the virtues because of your conception beyond expectation. [un]

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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vi. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ναυτιῶν τῷ σάλῳ.

I was feeling nauseous from mundane tempestuous worries. * My sins, as if shipmates, threw me overboard into the maw of the beast that devours souls. * Now, like Prophet Jonah, I am praying, * “From this deathly Pit bring up my life, O Christ my God.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The souls of the righteous, shut up in the belly of Hades, * remembered You, even as they were fainting. * Like Prophet Jonah they prayed for deliverance, * which, being compassionate, You granted, * when You went yourself into the netherworld, O Christ. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your Apostles lost hope that they would again see the living * temple of Your body not made by human hands, * which, as they thought, was destroyed by Your sufferings. * Then beyond all hope they saw You risen; * and when they had worshiped You, they preached You everywhere. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Bride of God and Virgin, no human is able to explain * the manner of your all blameless childbirth * for our salvation, for it is ineffable. * Uniting with you, the divine Logos * became flesh from you and yet remained uncircumscribed. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Like a deep sea, my sins.)

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today begins the preludes of the salvation of mortals. They are announced to those who observe the prefestival of the conception of the pure Virgin. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today begins the preludes of the salvation of mortals. They are announced to those who observe the prefestival of the conception of the pure Virgin. [un]

Glory.

The One Who announced to Anna the conception of the Virgin who is transcendent in her blamelessness has granted the good news of our common joy and a surplus of goodness to humanity. [un]

Both now.

The One Who announced to Anna the conception of the Virgin who is transcendent in her blamelessness has granted the good news of our common joy and a surplus of goodness to humanity. [un]

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the 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

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

No longer will the power of death be able to detain human beings. For Christ went down and crushed it and destroyed all its forces. Hades is shackled, and the Prophets in unison rejoice and proclaim, “The Savior has come to those in darkness. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Oikos.

The netherworld below was trembling today, Hades and death, before One of the Trinity. Earth shook, and when they saw You, the doorkeepers of Hades quaked. Now all creation, along with the Prophets, rejoices and sings You an ode of triumph, O God our redeemer, who now destroyed the force of death. And let us shout aloud to Adam and his descendants, “A tree brought him in. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 8, we commemorate our devout father Patapios.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostles of the Seventy: Sosthenes, Apollo, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar, and Onesiphorus.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Sophronios, Bishop of Cyprus.

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

Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Κάμινον Παῖδες.

The fiery furnace turned moist and dew-laden, when the Servants were cast therein, * and they extolled the one God, and they sang to Him, * “O highly exalted God of our fathers and exceedingly glorious.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Adam was slain through a tree, for he acted in disobedience willfully. * He was refashioned by Christ’s full obedience; * for the highly glorified Son of God was crucified on a tree for me. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When You arose from the tomb, all creation extolled You, Christ, highly glorified. * To those in Hades You brought forth eternal life, * resurrection to the dead; and on those who sat in darkness You shined the light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Rejoice, O daughter of Adam the mortal! Rejoice, unique virgin Bride of God! * Rejoice! Through you has corruption been ostracized. * Truly you gave birth to God. O pure Lady, implore your Son to save us all. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (The image of gold.)

Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today the foretaste of God’s grace has descended to humanity by the conception of the all-immaculate Virgin. We celebrate it in anticipation and longing, as we exclaim: “Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers.” [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Today the foretaste of God’s grace has descended to humanity by the conception of the all-immaculate Virgin. We celebrate it in anticipation and longing, as we exclaim: “Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers.” [un]

Glory.

The sacred conception of the all-pure Virgin exudes a spiritual fragrance before the time. Our understanding is filled with the breath of myrrh which bestows the sweet fragrance of grace onto those who keep her prefestival and exclaim: “Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers.” [un]

Both now.

The sacred conception of the all-pure Virgin exudes a spiritual fragrance before the time. Our understanding is filled with the breath of myrrh which bestows the sweet fragrance of grace onto those who keep her prefestival and exclaim: “Blessed are You, the God of our Fathers.” [un]

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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode viii. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Ἄφλεκτος πυρί.

Unconsumed by fire was the burning bush on Sinai, * revealing God to Prophet Moses, who was weak in speech and slow of tongue. * And zeal for God kept the three Young Men unscathed by fire and led them to compose the hymn: * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

When the Lamb of God, who is rational and spotless, * was slaughtered for the world, He ended sacrifice according to the Law, * for He is God without sin, and thus He purified the world, which now forever sings: * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Prior to His Passion, our flesh that our Creator assumed was not incorruptible. * After His suffering and rising, it was rendered inaccessible to corruption; * it renews mortals who sing to Him: * “O all you works of the Lord, sing a hymn to the Lord, * and exalt Him beyond measure unto all the ages.” [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Since you were most pure and all-blameless, holy Virgin, * the Lord was born of you, and He washed away the unsightly filth of the world. * All-pure Mother, therefore we call you the cause of our reconciliation to God. * All generations now bless you, O Virgin Theotokos, * and exalt you beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (When God went down.)

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The fruit of barrenness will foretell the surplus of goodness that will come to humanity when she sprouts forth. She invites all mankind together for the joy of her prefestival. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The fruit of barrenness will foretell the surplus of goodness that will come to humanity when she sprouts forth. She invites all mankind together for the joy of her prefestival. [un]

Glory.

Now it has been clearly announced that the roots of the curse will be pulled up, even though the curse had sprung up among mortals by the sin in Eden. Likewise, the staff now shows the world that a holy blessing will spring up in it. [un]

Both now.

Now it has been clearly announced that the roots of the curse will be pulled up, even though the curse had sprung up among mortals by the sin in Eden. Likewise, the staff now shows the world that a holy blessing will spring up in it. [un]

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

READER

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

No longer will the power of death be able to detain human beings. For Christ went down and crushed it and destroyed all its forces. Hades is shackled, and the Prophets in unison rejoice and proclaim, “The Savior has come to those in darkness. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Oikos.

The netherworld below was trembling today, Hades and death, before One of the Trinity. Earth shook, and when they saw You, the doorkeepers of Hades quaked. Now all creation, along with the Prophets, rejoices and sings You an ode of triumph, O God our redeemer, who now destroyed the force of death. And let us shout aloud to Adam and his descendants, “A tree brought him in. Come out now, believers, to the resurrection!” [GOASD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 8, we commemorate our devout father Patapios.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Apostles of the Seventy: Sosthenes, Apollo, Cephas, Tychicus, Epaphroditus, Caesar, and Onesiphorus.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Sophronios, Bishop of Cyprus.

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.

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

Ode iii.

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

Ode iv.

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

Ode v.

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

Ode vi.

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

Ode vii.

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

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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

Eothinon Gospel (EP / GOA)

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 Mark.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the altar table)

Eothinon 2

Mark. 16:1 – 8

When the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.” And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. Your Cross, O Christ, we venerate, and Your holy Resurrection we praise and glorify. For You are our God; apart from You we know no other; we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold, through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection; for having endured the Cross for us, He destroyed death by death. [GOA]

CHOIR

Psalm 50 (51).

Mode 2. (or the Mode of the week)

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. And have mercy on me, O God. [SAAS]

Glory.

At the intercession of the Apostles, 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]

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

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, has granted us eternal life and great mercy. [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; 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.

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. Grave Mode.

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: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode ix. Grave Mode. Heirmos.

Μὴ τῆς φθορᾶς.

When you conceived, you experienced no deflowerment. * You lent your flesh to the Logos, through whom all things were made. * Therefore we magnify you, Virgin Theotokos, * Mother who knew no man, space and holder of your Maker, who is uncontainable and infinite. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

All you professors of doctrines that are not Orthodox, * who to the Godhead attribute suffering, shut your mouths! * He is the Lord of glory, crucified in body, * but not in divine nature. And so we magnify Him in natures two, the one hypostasis. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Go to the tomb of the Savior, all you who would reject * the resurrection of bodies, and be instructed there. * See that the flesh of Christ the Life-giver, which truly had died, has truly risen, * confirming thus the final resurrection, for which we surely hope. [SD]

Holy Trinity, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

For the Trinity.

Not in a Triad of godheads but of hypostases, * not in a Monad of persons but of Divinity, do we believe. * We cut off those who would divide It, * and mix together all who would attribute confusion to the Trinity, which we magnify. [SD]

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-1

Canon for the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. N/M (Being from God.)

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O most august and pure Lady, your conception makes spiritual graces to dawn upon the world before the time as though they were rays of wondrous light. Your conception makes them to be radiant who thus faithfully and longingly sing a prefestal song to the Master of all. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O most august and pure Lady, your conception makes spiritual graces to dawn upon the world before the time as though they were rays of wondrous light. Your conception makes them to be radiant who thus faithfully and longingly sing a prefestal song to the Master of all. [un]

Glory.

O immaculate and all-pure Virgin, Anna was freed from her barrenness. Now she declares to all mortals a bounty of blessings and the fruitfulness of nature. Because of your conception, she invites all creation to give you praise as gifts in anticipation of the festival. [un]

Both now.

O immaculate and all-pure Virgin, Anna was freed from her barrenness. Now she declares to all mortals a bounty of blessings and the fruitfulness of nature. Because of your conception, she invites all creation to give you praise as gifts in anticipation of the festival. [un]

Magnificat: Mode of Katavasia

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 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Mode 2.

Holy is the Lord our God. (2) [SAAS]

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet.

For He is holy.

From Octoechos - - -

Exaposteilarion.

Eothinon 2.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

The Myrrh-bearers were filled with joy, * seeing the very large stone * had been rolled back. And entering * the tomb, they saw a young man * who was sitting on the right side. * And he addressed them, saying, * “Christ has risen from the dead! * Go, tell Peter and the disciples, and say, * ‘You will meet in Galilee on the mountain, * and there He will appear to you, * His friends, as He had told you.’” [GOASD]

Theotokion. Same Melody.

Before You were conceived, O Christ, * an Angel brought the Virgin * the salutation, “Hail! Rejoice!” * Again, an Angel rolled back * the stone from Your tomb, O Savior. * The one, instead of sorrow * announced the joy ineffable, * the other magnified You as He proclaimed * that instead of death You give life eternal. * He told the women that You rose, * and they told Your disciples. [GOASD]

Lauds. Grave Mode.