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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.

On Sunday Morning

Menaion - December 11-17

Sunday of the Holy Forefathers

Menaion - December 15

Memory of St. Eleftherios

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

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

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

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

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

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 4.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and consented to a three-day burial, to free us from the passions. O Lord, our life and resurrection, glory to You! [GOASD]

Glory. For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

You were fully adorned with the sacred priestly robes. * You were dripping with streams of your own martyric blood. * In this state, you ran to Christ your Master, O blessed Saint * Eleftherius, destroyer of Satan; you are wise. * Therefore cease not interceding * for us who loyally honor * your blessed contest of martyrdom. [SD]

Both now. For the Forefathers.

Mode 2.

By faith You justified the Forefathers, having through them betrothed to yourself the Church that came out of the nations. The saints are boasting in glory; for the glorious fruit, the Virgin who without seed gave birth to You, is from their progeny. At their entreaties, O Christ our God, save our souls. [SD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Kathisma I.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

O Life of all, You rose from the dead; and an Angel, * his countenance like lightning, called out to the women, * “Weep no more! But go quickly and bring to the Apostles the tidings of joy. * Sing out in exultation, ‘Truly risen from the dead is Christ the Lord, * who was well pleased to save the human race, as God our only Savior.’” [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Having risen indeed from the tomb, O Lord, * as recorded in Scripture, You told the devout * women to proclaim Your resurrection to the Apostles. * Then Peter came out and he ran to the tomb; * he was amazed beholding the light in the sepulcher. * Looking in he saw that Your holy body was missing; * the napkin and linen cloths were by themselves, lying separately. * Then he believed it and cried aloud, * “Glory to You, Christ God, for You save all people, O Savior! * You are the reflection of the Father’s glory!” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

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

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

Mode pl. 4.

Human beings put a seal on Your tomb; an Angel rolled the stone away from its door. Women saw You risen from the dead, O Savior, and they brought the joyful news to Your disciples in Zion, that You the life of all had risen, and that the bonds of death were shattered. Glory to You, O Lord! [GOASD]

Glory.

Mode pl. 4. O Life of all, You rose.

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

The women who were taking the burial spices * heard an angelic voice from the sepulcher saying, * “Weep no more! And instead of your sorrow take with you the tidings of joy. * Sing out in exultation, ‘Truly risen from the dead is Christ the Lord, * who was well pleased to save the human race, as God our only Savior.’” [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

In you, O Lady full of grace, all creation rejoices, the hosts of Angels and the human race. O consecrated temple and allegorical Paradise, virgins boast of you. For God became incarnate from you, yes, our eternally existing God became a child from you. He made a throne of your womb, and He made your body wider than the heavens. In you, O Lady full of grace, all creation rejoices. Glory to you! [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

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. Mode pl. 4.

The Myrrh-bearing Women went to the tomb of the Giver of Life, seeking the immortal Master among the dead. And receiving good tidings of joy from the Angel, they reported to the Apostles, that the Lord had risen, granting the great mercy to the world. [GOASD]

CHOIR

Anavathmoi.

Antiphon 1. Mode pl. 4.

From my youth the enemy tempts me, with the pleasures he inflames me. But trusting in You, O Lord, I repel and vanquish him. [GOASD]

Let those who hate Zion become like the grass before it is plucked up. For Christ will cut their necks in pieces with the cutting blade of torments. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit is the life of all things living. He is light from light and great God. We extol Him with the Father and the Logos. [GOASD]

Antiphon 2.

Let my heart be humble-minded and covered with the fear of You, O Lord, lest it be exalted and fall from You, all-compassionate Master. [GOASD]

Whoever hopes in the Lord will not fear when He will judge and punish all things with fire. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit every holy person sees and speaks as a prophet. They do sublime miracles, praising the one God in three persons. For though It shines with three-fold light, yet the Godhead rules as monarch. [GOASD]

Antiphon 3.

I cried to You, O Lord. Attend to me. Incline Your ear to me who am crying, and purify me prior to taking me from this life. [GOASD]

Everyone who sets in the earth, his mother, will again return thence, to receive the torments or honors for his life’s actions. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

From the Holy Spirit comes theology. One God, thrice-holy: The Father is without beginning, and the Son came from Him eternally, and the Spirit, sharing form and throne, shone at once from the Father. [GOASD]

Antiphon 4.

Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brethren to dwell together? For in this the Lord has promised life everlasting. [GOASD]

He who adorns the lilies of the field commands us not to be concerned about our clothing. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now.

In the Holy Spirit, the unifying Cause, all things are sustained in peaceful coexistence. This is so for He is God, with the Father and the Son being truly one in essence. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon.

The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. (2)

Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul!

The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. [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 3

Mark. 16:9 – 20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen. [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; the hieromartyr Charalampus; 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; the holy and glorious hieromartyr Eleftherios, and the holy Forefathers, whose memory we observe; 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

The Canon

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode i. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἁρματηλάτην Φαραώ.

The rod of Moses working wonders once submerged Phar’onic charioteers * when it smote the waters * in the figure of a cross and thereby split the sea in two; * while it rescued on dry land wayfaring fugitive Israel, * which to God resoundingly sang a song. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

How can we all not be amazed by the almighty divinity of Christ! * From the Savior’s Passion * pour out incorruption and dispassion to believers all; * from His holy side that was pierced ever flows an immortal fount; * from His empty tomb, everlasting life. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The holy Angel, whom the women see today, appears so glorious, * wearing the resplendent * emblems of intrinsic and immaterial purity, * his appearance alone indicating the resurrection’s light, * crying out, “The Lord is risen indeed!” [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

All generations call you blest, proclaiming glorious things concerning you, * as the only woman * who held God the Logos in her womb, remaining ever pure, * Virgin Mother of God; therefore we the faithful all honor you * as our mighty champion after God. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us offer praise to the Fathers, ⁄ who shone forth both before and during the Law. ⁄ With righteous minds they served the Lord and Master ⁄ Who shone forth from the Virgin. ⁄⁄ Now they delight in the unending light! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us honor Adam, the first-formed man and fore-Father of us all, ⁄ who was honored by the hand of the Creator. ⁄ He rests in the heavenly mansions ⁄⁄ with all the chosen. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You accepted Abel as he brought forward a gift ⁄ with a most noble soul, O God and Lord of all. ⁄ And when in days of old he was murdered by a blood-guilty hand, ⁄⁄ You brought him before the Light as a divine martyr. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Let us hear the divine words of those who cry aloud ⁄ telling of the appearance of Christ: ⁄ For behold, He is born in a cave of an unwedded Maiden, ⁄ and His awesome birth is foretold to the wisemen ⁄⁄ by the suddenly-appearing star. [OCA]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (An anthem of victory.)

ᾨδὴν ἐπινίκιον.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr Eleftherios, free me by your shining prayers, for I have been enslaved by the darkening of the passions. Thus I will sing your praise with sacred songs as a servant of Christ [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O most sacred Eleftherios, you shone with the clear light of your contest, for your holy garments were stained with your blood. You became as light through the Holy Spirit. [un]

Glory.

O Saint, in your youth you clung to God with a very pure mind. You banished the carnal mind far from your soul, and thus you were wealthy with ample grace to work wonders. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady graced of God, you bear the Creator as a fiery throne. You contain the King Who became like us, for you are a living bride-chamber and a joyful palace. [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. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ στερεώσας κατʼ ἀρχάς.

In the beginning, You O Christ, * established all of the heavens, * and You made firm the earth upon the waters, * with intelligence divine. Confirm me on the Church’s rock. * No one but You is holy, and only You are benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Condemned was Adam when he ate * and tasted sin in the Garden. * But Your physical Passion that has saved us * vindicated him, O Lord, because You were not liable * to have to undergo death, * since You were sinless, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The resurrection’s brilliant light, * my God and Savior Lord Jesus, * shined on people who were sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. * And by His own divinity, * He bound the strong man devil, * and then He plundered his house and goods. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You are superior to all * the Angels, O Theotokos, * the Cherubim and Seraphim, O Virgin. * Only you held in your womb God, who is uncontainable. * And therefore all believers * ever extol you and call you blessed. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Seth’s fervor for the Creator is sung throughout the world, ⁄ for he served Him truly with a blameless life and disposition of soul. ⁄ Now in the land of the living, he cries aloud: ⁄⁄ Holy are You, O Lord! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

With his whole mouth and tongue, and heart, ⁄ the wonderful Enoch hoped that in the Spirit and with a Godly mind ⁄ he might call upon God the Master of all. ⁄ He lived on earth in a well-pleasing manner, ⁄⁄ and has been given glory. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us again bless Enoch with holy words of praise, ⁄ for since he was well-pleasing to the Lord, ⁄ he was translated in glory: ⁄ As it is written, he was seen to be too great for death, ⁄⁄ since he was manifested as a most true servant of God. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Now the expectation of the nations comes forth from a Virgin, ⁄ and in a mystery, ⁄ Bethlehem fittingly opens Eden which had been closed, ⁄ for it receives the Word Who has taken a body, ⁄⁄ and has lain in a manger in the flesh! [OCA]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (Firmly established be.)

Στερεωθήτω ἡ καρδία μου.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise Eleftherios, you accepted pain of body when you decided to suffer for the sake of Christ. You took joy in the sufferings and trials. Thus you have now inherited the painless life. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O athlete Eleftherios of a godly mind, you were overwhelmed with a burning love for the One Who made you. You throw yourself onto the burning torture device, for you have been watered with the fire of the Holy Spirit. [un]

Glory.

O blessed one, you have been proven to be most sacred among priests. You are a sturdy Martyr among Martyrs. Thus you have been give a double crown, while you never cease to behold the face of God. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure dove, Ever-virgin who knew no man, you have caused a staff of power to bud forth, producing Christ our Foundation. For the staff of Aaron prefigured you when it flowered. [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

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

From Menaion - - -

READER

Hypakoe. Mode 2.

The flame was changed to dew for the youths, ⁄ and grief was chanced to joy for the women: ⁄ An angel was minister to both the wonders, ⁄ changing the furnace into a place of rest for the youths, ⁄ and revealing the resurrection on the third day to the women! ⁄⁄ Lord, the author of our life, glory to You! [OCA]

Secondary Kontakion

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Kontakion.

When You rose from the grave, You also raised the dead, and You resurrected Adam. Because of Your Resurrection, Eve is rejoicing, and people the world over celebrate Your resurrection from the dead, O very merciful Lord. [GOASD]

Oikos.

When You ransacked the realm of Hades, and You raised the dead, O long-suffering Master, You met the Myrrh-bearing Women, and You gave them joy in place of sorrow. You showed Your Apostles the marks of Your victory, O Savior and Giver of Life, and You illumined creation, O benevolent God. Therefore the world also celebrates Your resurrection from the dead, O very merciful Lord. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Σύ μου ἰσχύς.

You are my strength. * You are my power, O Christ my Lord. * God my Savior, You are my exceeding joy. You came to us, never absent from the bosom of the Father, * and You assumed human poverty. * And so I join the Prophet Habakkuk, singing: Glory * to Your strength, O benevolent Lord my God! [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You loved me much, even when I was an enemy. * By Your novel emptying, O merciful Savior, You came down to me on earth; * You were not ashamed of my degradation’s profundity. * Remaining in the heights, with Your ineffable glory * You have glorified me who was once abased. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Master Christ, who does not marvel when they observe * how through Passion death has been destroyed, and also through the Cross decay disappears; * by Your death, O Savior, Hades is plundered of all its wealth. * This wondrous feat of Your divine power is amazing, * O benevolent Lord who were crucified Lord. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Virgin Bride, You are the boast of believers all. * You protect us Christians and you shelter us, for you are both harbor and a wall. * O all-blameless Lady, you bring petitions before your Son. * With faith and love we know you as the pure Theotokos, * and you save us from danger and tragedy. [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us offer praise to God ⁄ as we venerate the truly righteous Noah. ⁄ He was made beautiful in all the divine commands, ⁄ and seen to be well-pleasing to Christ. ⁄ Let us sing to Him with faith: ⁄⁄ Glory to Your power, O Lord! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Noah, as He saw your nobility, ⁄ the purity of your character and perfection in all things, ⁄ God manifested you openly as the founder of the second world. ⁄ You preserved for it the seed of every kind, as He Himself decreed, ⁄⁄ from the overwhelming flood. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us bless Noah with reverence and songs of praise, ⁄ for he kept inviolate the law of God. ⁄ He was found a righteous man in his generation in days of old, ⁄ and long ago by the command of Him Who does all things ⁄⁄ he preserved earth’s animals in a wooden Ark. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Now our Redemption lies in a manger ⁄ and is swaddled as an infant; ⁄ and Magi, Kings of the east, ⁄ come to see Him Who as God and King has been born on earth, ⁄⁄ and they faithfully worship Him with their gifts. [OCA]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M ()

Ἐν Πνεύματι προβλέπων.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O sacred teacher, your endurance was not weakened by the wide mouths of lions, the searing heat of fire, or the ferocity of sufferings. With firmness you took joy in the sufferings, for you were burning with sacred zeal. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O sacred Martyr, your mouth was filled with the water of life. Thus it poured out rivers of teaching inspired by God. You drowned the false wisdom of the wicked and irrigated the hearts of those who know Christ as God. [un]

Glory.

O athlete, your Maker glorified you greatly, for you accepted suffering. He sent a dove bearing the food of Angels, for you had become the equal of Angels through the shining rays of your trials. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin Mother of God, the ranks of Angels were astounded when they saw how by you the One Whom no one may look upon was seen as a Human. Beg HIm to grant salvation to all who glorify you in faith. [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. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἵνα τί με ἀπώσω.

Why reject me, Your servant, * from before Your face, O Lord the light that never sets? * Miserable sinner that I am, now this strange darkness covers me. * Savior, I implore You to bring me back to Your commandments, * which are light, and I pray You to guide my ways. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Leading up to Your Passion, * You endured the mocking when a robe was put on You, * covering in this way first-formed Adam’s inglorious nakedness. * Naked You were fastened unto the Cross, O Christ my Savior; * thus You stripped off the garment of death, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

You refashioned my being, * fallen human nature, from the dust of death, O Christ, * by Your resurrection; and You made it to have immortality * and restored within it Your undistorted kingly image, * so it shines with divine incorruption’s light. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-pure holy Virgin, * when you speak to Christ you have maternal confidence. * Therefore we implore you to remember your kindred concern for us. * For we Christians have you, our gracious Lady, interceding * with your Son and our Lord, to forgive our sins. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Shem, you are honored with inspired praises, ⁄ for you reaped the fruits of your Father’s blessing. ⁄ You were revealed to be well-pleasing in the presence of God. ⁄ and were chosen for the choirs of the forefathers: ⁄⁄ You rest joyfully in the land of the living! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Abraham, as a friend of God, ⁄ was made worthy to see the day of his Lord ⁄ and was filled with the joy of the Spirit. ⁄ Let us all honor him with true understanding, ⁄⁄ blessing him as the faithful servant of God. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You beheld the Trinity in a manner fitting for the sight of mankind ⁄ when you received a guest as a most-faithful friend. ⁄ Therefore you gained the reward of the awesome hospitality ⁄ becoming the Father of countless gentiles ⁄⁄ through your faith, O Abraham! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

He Who is full empties Himself for our sake through the flesh; ⁄ the unoriginate One accepts a beginning! ⁄ The rich one becomes poor; ⁄ The Word of God lies in a manger of dumb beasts! ⁄⁄ As an infant, He accomplishes the recreation of all from eternity! [OCA]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (O Son and Word.)

Τὴν σὴν εἰρήνην.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Martyr, the evil adversary has been made a mockery, though he schemed to rob you with clever words, and the wicked schemer has been outsmarted by your wisdom. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Eleftherios, you were taken up in the chariot of holy virtues. You rose to the height of martyrdom and humiliated the uplifted conceit of the evil demons. [un]

Glory.

O righteous one, you desired to look upon the beauty of Jesus. Thus you clothed yourself with the beauty of martyrdom. You were crowned with a crown of light when you went to Him. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, every mind is amazed at your wonder, for you gave birth to God in the flesh, as He alone knows. You nourish the Nourisher with milk, even though you have never known a man. [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. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἱλάσθητί μοι Σωτήρ.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, * for many are my iniquities; * and bring me up from the depth of evils, I supplicate. * Like Jonah, I cry to You. * O my Savior, hear me, * as the God of my Deliverance. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

The evil one through a tree * brought down humanity mightily. * When You were hung on a tree, * O Christ, You were mightier. * Through the Cross You brought him down, * displaying his weakness, * and You raised fallen humanity. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Lord, You rose from the tomb * and had compassion on Zion, making her new instead of old, * O Christ, by Your divine blood, * our God most compassionate; * and now and forever, * as the King of all, You reign in her. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

May we, by your earnest prayers, * avoid committing the grievous sins, * Mother of God, and attain * the divine enlightenment * of the Son of God, who was ineffably incarnate of you, O all-immaculate one. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You clearly became a figure of Christ’s Passion, ⁄ most blessed Isaac, ⁄ as you were raised up to be sacrificed ⁄ through your Father’s ready obedience. ⁄ Therefore you are blessed, and revealed as a true friend of God, ⁄⁄ and you dwell with all the righteous. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Jacob was seen to be a most faithful servant of the God of all: ⁄ He wrestled with an angel; ⁄ his name was changed as he beheld God with his mind, ⁄ and as he slept, he beheld the divine ladder upon which our God came down ⁄⁄ Who in His goodness was united with the flesh. [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Joseph as a lover of obedience to his Father, ⁄ was cast into a pit and sold. ⁄ Thus he prefigured Christ Who was sacrificed and went down into the pit. ⁄ He was appointed to feed Egypt with corn, ⁄⁄ for in chastity and righteousness he truly ruled over the passions. [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

The Existing One, eternally with the Father and the Spirit, ⁄ is known as a little child on earth. ⁄ He Who was revealed clothing the earth with clouds ⁄ is wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger of dumb beasts. ⁄ Now let us rejoice in the prefeast ⁄⁄ as we celebrate His seedless Nativity! [OCA]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M ()

Τὸν Προφήτην Ἰωνᾶν.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Eleftherios is the exceptional ram of Christ’s lambs, for he is the spiritual shepherd and the joy of trials. Thus he who had glorified God in his own body is glorified himself. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise Eleftherios, you were fortified with your struggles towards God. You have conquered the fortress of the adversary. Now you are the praiseworthy boast of Martyrs and the model of priests. [un]

Glory.

O Saint, you endured torture with perseverance. You willingly went to the fire. You put the wild, angry animals to sleep, for your goodwill to your Creator never sleeps. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Mary, you were manifested as the tabernacle of holiness. Sanctify my wretched soul, which has been defiled with pleasures, so that I may become a partaker of divine glory. [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

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

Kontakion. For the Forefathers.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. (not metered)

Worshiping not the image made by hands, but putting on the breastplate of the unwritten essence, in the arena of fire you, thrice-blessed ones, were glorified. Standing in the midst of a flame unendurable, you called upon God, “Make haste, O Compassionate one, and hurry as the Merciful one, unto our aid, for You can do what You will.” [SD]

Oikos.

Extend Your hand, which of old the Egyptians, making battle, and the Hebrews, then embattled, had experienced. Do not forsake us, that Death, who thirsts after us, and Satan, who hates us, may drink us down. But be near us and spare our souls, as You once spared Your lads in Babylon as they ceaselessly sang Your praises, and were for You thrown into the furnace, and from thence called to You, “Make haste, O Compassionate one, and hurry as the Merciful one, unto our aid, for You can do what You will.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 15 was the contest of the holy Hieromartyr Eleftherios.

On this day Saint Anthia, mother of Saint Eleftherios, died by the sword as she was holding her son’s dead body.

On this day Saint Coremmon the Eparch died by the sword after he believed in Christ and was baptized.

On this day the two Executioners who believed in Christ died by the sword.

On this day was the contest of the devout martyr St. Susanna.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Eleftherios the Chamberlain.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyr Bacchus the New.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul the New, who was an ascetic on Mt. Latrus in the days of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos.

Today is also the Sunday of the holy Forefathers.

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

Ode 7: Octoechos: Canon-1

From Octoechos - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Resurrection.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Θεοῦ συγκατάβασιν.

The fire in Babylon * withdrew in fear from the condescension of God. * For this reason the Servants * within the furnace as in a moist meadow danced * with feet exultant, and sang that immortal hymn, * saying, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Your glorious emptying, * the divine riches of Your poverty, O Christ, * caused amazement to Angels, * as they were watching You being crucified * for the salvation of all who believe in You * and sing, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

O Christ God, by Your descent * into the netherworld, it was filled with light; * and the darkness that chased us * was chased away; and the prisoners from all time * were resurrected; and rising they cried aloud * and sang, “O God of our fathers, blessed are You!” [SD]

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

For the Trinity.

We call You the Lord of all, * as we profess Orthodox theology; * and we name You the Father * of one and only only-begotten Son; * we know the consubstantial, co-eternal Comforter, * the one and right Holy Spirit proceeding from You. [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Ananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, ⁄ you are praised together with Daniel, ⁄ for you quenched the fiery furnace and tamed the ragings of lions, ⁄ singing in harmony to Christ: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Job, you struggled righteously in temptations, ⁄ and in unceasing afflictions ⁄ you were called a wholly faithful servant of God. ⁄ You were gentle, meek, perfect, upright and blameless, ⁄⁄ crying: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us honor Moses and Aaron in faith, ⁄ let us praise Joshua and the most holy Levi ⁄ together with Gideon and Sampson, ⁄⁄ crying: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Behold, as the prophet foretold, ⁄ the unwedded one conceived God in her womb! ⁄ She hastens to give birth to Him in a cave in Bethlehem. ⁄ We all sing to Him: ⁄⁄ Blessed are You, O God of our fathers! [OCA]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M (O Lord and Savior.)

Τοὺς ἐν καμίνῳ Παῖδας.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O wise Eleftherios, you exclaimed while being tortured on the rack: “Now may Christ be magnified in my flesh. I do not fear the burning of the cauldrons. Because of He Who is the Life of all, I fear neither death nor the ferocity of wild animals. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Martyr, you exclaimed: “Only the beauty of God do I seek. I yearn to possess only His glory. Let my body be racked and all my members be torched. I look for the freedom that subjects me to Christ. [un]

Glory.

O blessed one, you radiated like gold when tested in the fire of persecution, and thus you are stored away in the treasuries of the mansions in heaven. Because you looked to the life that never fades, you truly died to the world. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Bride of God, the most pure Word of God found only you to be most pure. Having been born from your womb, He makes the faithful pure of the defilement which covers us through the raging of the passions. [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. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos.

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

The tyrant king of Babylon * had the furnace made seven times * hotter for the godly men, for he was furious. * But after he witnessed how * a higher power rescued them, * he cried out and said, “You Servants, bless the Creator; * sing hymns to the Redeemer, O you priests; and you people * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.” [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

Jesus in His divinity is above every so-called god, * and His divine might shone forth in what He did for us. * He physically tasted death, * death on a Cross, for the sake of all, * and destroyed the might of Hell. Unceasingly bless Him, * you Servants; sing a hymn, O you priests; and you people, * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Glory to Your holy Resurrection, O Lord.

He who was crucified arose; * he who boasted has fallen down; * he who fell and shattered has been raised and stands again. * Corruption is driven out, * as incorruption blossoms forth; * perishable nature has by life now been swallowed. * You Servants, bless and praise Him; O you priests and you people, * exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

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

For the Trinity.

Single is the Divinity that is shining with triple light, * radiance from one nature in three hypostases: * Father unoriginate, * and the Father’s connatural Word, * and the consubstantial, co-reigning Holy Spirit. * You Servants, bless and sing hymns, O you priests and you people, * exalting beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

For the Forefathers.

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

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Today let us celebrate the divine memory ⁄ of the divine fathers of ancient days: ⁄ Adam and Abel, Seth, Noah and Enos, ⁄ Enoch, Abraham, Melchizedek and Job, ⁄ with Isaac and the faithful Jacob. ⁄ Let creation cry out and bless the Lord, ⁄⁄ and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us praise the ranks of divine fathers who were pleasing to God: ⁄ Barak, Nathan and Eleazar, ⁄ Josiah, David, Jephthah and Samuel ⁄ who in reverence beheld the things to come and raised the cry: ⁄ Let all creation bless the Lord ⁄⁄ and exalt Him throughout all ages! [OCA]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Let us offer songs of praise to the prophets of God: ⁄ we praise Hosea and Micah, ⁄ Zephaniah and Habbakkuk, ⁄ Zachariah, Jonah, Haggai and Amos, ⁄ Obadiah and Malachai, ⁄ Nahum, Isaiah and Jeremiah, ⁄⁄ and Ezekiel, with Daniel, Elijah and Elisha! [OCA]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You were seen taking flesh from the blood of a Virgin ⁄ by an ineffable word, O Christ. ⁄ You were born as a perfect babe in a cave, ⁄ through the greatness of compassion. ⁄ A star revealed You to the magi from afar, who cry in faith: ⁄⁄ Praise and greatly exalt Christ throughout all ages! [OCA]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

For the Saint.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 1. N/M ()

Ὃν φρίττουσιν Ἄγγελοι.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

O beauty of Martyrs, you blossomed in your trials like a flower. Now you are a flower in Paradise, and you divinely exude a sweet and godly fragrance. [un]

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Your mother mixes her own blood with drops of the blood of whom she gave birth to. By piously embracing your relics, she is perfected by the sword and lives for eternity. [un]

Glory.

O wise Hierarch and Martyr, your casket overflows with healings and miracles for those in need. It washes away the stain of soul-destroying passions. Thus we honor you. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, Christ descended like rain into your womb, for He is the only Benefactor. He has truly watered all creation and dried up the muddy rivers of the insanity of idolatry. [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