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Octoechos - Mode pl. 4.

On Thursday Morning

Menaion - December 19

Memory of the Holy Martyr Boniface

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion. For the Martyr.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

We have come to know that the Word of the Father, Christ our God, became incarnate from you, O Virgin Theotokos, only pure, only blessed. Therefore we never cease to extol and magnify you. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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 - - -

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Let us sing hymns extolling our God’s divine * and all-honored disciples, who for the world * are luminaries guiding us, and our salvation’s first fruits. * They have shined out the light on to us who were in the dark, and they gave all the knowledge of Christ the glorious Sun. * Also they brought down the deception of the idols, * by preaching the Trinity which is one in divinity. * Let us therefore cry out to them, * “As Christ our God’s Apostles, entreat * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory.” [SD]

Verse: Their proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

To the ends of the world into all the earth * did the sound of your wise proclamation go. * Indeed it has publicly proclaimed the knowledge of God to all. * It turned the Gentiles’ ignorance into full knowledge of the truth, * O holy and all-lauded Apostles of Christ the Lord. * Also it dispelled all the darkness of the idols, * and shined on to those who sat in the darkness the light of truth. * And we therefore now pray to you: * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Holy Virgin, behold how my humble soul * in the storm of temptations of life is tossed, * with no one to pilot it, * overtaken by turbulence; * you see it overweight with the baggage of all my sins, * and even now in danger of crashing to the depths of hell. * Hasten, Theotokos, with your strong intercession, * and save me by steering me * to your port of tranquility, * that with faith I may cry to you: * Pray to Christ, your Son and our God, * that He grant me forgiveness of offenses. * For I, your servant, have you as my only hope. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma II.

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

Holy eye-witnesses of Christ, you have appeared as * bright luminaries guiding all the earth to true light, * and dispelling the darkness of pagan religion * with radiance from your teaching the truth of God. * Now I, who am without scruples living my life * in the darkness of pleasures, pray that by the light of your divine * entreaties you enlighten me, * O God-bearing Apostles of Christ. [SD]

Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament shows the creation of His hands.

Mode pl. 4. When he perceived.

Τὸ προσταχθέν.

When the Apostles faithfully received the Master’s * commandments in their souls, as if a treasure * that makes rich, they became for all men benefactors, * by making demonic poverty disappear * and making all people rich with the wealth of God. * Let us all now cry out to them, “We who are poor now entreat * that you enrich us spiritually, * by your labors most excellent.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

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

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

From every threat and wickedness of bad people * deliver us, we pray you, all-holy Virgin. * For we all have you as our shelter and ardent protectress. * And in you taking courage, we ever approach and bow before the Son you bore. * Will you implore Him to deliver us * from danger and adversity. [SD]

From Octoechos - - -

Kathisma III.

For the Apostles.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

With the net of your sacred and godly words, * O Apostles, you caught the rational fish. * You offered them to our God as the first-fruits, O blessed one. * You longed to emulate Christ and thus you were shown to be * imitators of His Passion and put on the marks thereof. * Therefore bound by duty we assemble to honor * the feast of your memory, O Apostles extolled by all, * and together we cry to you: * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Verse: God is wondrous in His saints.

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

By your strong faith as martyrs you have become * ever radiant torches for all the world, * for you placed your every hope * in the Lord, who enabled you; * you kept your souls, like lamps, lit * with the spiritual oil * of the all-holy Spirit, * O Martyrs extolled by all. * Therefore you are also known as spiritual wine bowls * that serve up as beverages * cures and healings to all mankind, * O victorious martyr saints. * Intercede with Christ our God * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to those who with longing observe your holy memory. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Theotokos, as the intelligible Gate of life, rescue from peril those who run to you with faith, so that we may glorify your all-holy childbirth, for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

Kontakion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. N/M (You revealed yourself today.)

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

Of your own accord, O Saint, you offered yourself as a blameless sacrifice to the Lord, whose birth from the Virgin for our sake we will soon celebrate, O wise crown bearer Boniface. [SD]

Oikos.

O godly-minded Saint, divine inspiration guided you from the west, like the Star in the east guided the Magi from Persia, so that to Christ, who was pleased to be born in a grotto, you might offer worship as to the King of all creation, and might bring Him your gifts, faith, and love, and hope, like their frankincense, myrrh, and gold. You offered yourself entirely to Him as an unblemished gift, and boldly you shouted and said to the tyrant judge, “I am a servant of my Christ,” O wise crown bearer Boniface. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 19, we commemorate the holy Martyr Boniface.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Elias, Probus, and Ares.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Martyrs Timothy and Polyefktos.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyrs Eutychios and Thessaloniki, and the two-hundred men and seventy women with them, who died by the sword.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Gregentios, Bishop of Ethiopia.

On this day we commemorate the holy Martyr Tryphon.

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

CHOIR

Ode viii. Heirmos. Mode 4.

Λυτρωτὰ τοῦ παντός.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

O almighty Redeemer of all the world, * You came down in the midst of the furnace fire, * and You bedewed those pious men, * and You taught them to sing praise, * “O all you works, to the Lord sing * a hymn as you bless the Lord.” [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heirmos. Mode 4.

Εὕα μὲν τῷ τῆς παρακοῆς.

Because of the malady of disobedience, Eve received the curse within herself. * But you, O Virgin Theotokos, have blossomed forth the blessing to all the world, * by means of the One who sprang from your pregnancy. * And therefore you do we all magnify. [SD]

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. 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]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Exaposteilarion of the Day. For the Apostles.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O Apostles of the Master, * by your preaching of the Gospel, * from the ocean of deception * you drew the whole world to the light. * Cease not in your intercessions * on our behalf with the Savior. [SD]

For St. Nicholas.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O holy twelve-numbered unit, * the glory of all Apostles, * we pray you join St. Nicholas * that holy bishop of Myra, * and never cease your entreaties * on our behalf to the Savior. [SD]

Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 3. Having embellished heaven.

Ὁ οὐρανὸν τοῖς ἄστροις.

O Lady, refuge of Christians, * cease not imploring Christ your Son * with St. Nicholas that famous * bishop, and pray on the behalf * of us, your unworthy servants, * that we obtain joy eternal. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light. Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name, for He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created. He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps, Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word, mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds, kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth, young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted; His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people, a hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him. [SAAS]

Psalm 149.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones. Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King. Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him; for the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation. The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds; the high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand, to deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples, to shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, to fulfill among them the written judgment: This glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Psalm 150.

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power; praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. Praise Him with the sound of a trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre; praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute; praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Alleluia. [SAAS]

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

To you belongs glory, O Lord our God, and to you we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory. Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only-begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, you who take away the sins of the world. Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you are the only Holy One, you are the only Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the ages of ages. Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we shall see light. Extend your mercy to those who know you. Grant, O Lord, that in this day we may be kept without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, O Master, make me understand your commandments. Blessed are you, O Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs a hymn, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha of the Octoechos.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode pl. 4. Lord, even though.

Κύριε, εἰ καὶ κριτηρίῳ.

Lord our God, while on earth, the holy Apostles * sincerely longing to be with You, * counted all other things as rubbish * so that You alone they might obtain; * and for the love of You they gave * their bodies up to martyrdom. * And therefore now enjoying glory, * they intercede with You on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Lord, even though.

Κύριε, εἰ καὶ κριτηρίῳ.

Lord our God, You have caused the holy Apostles’ * mem’ry on earth to be magnified; * and when we assemble together * to observe it, we all sing Your praise; * for You provide us through them * with healing of infirmities, * and at their supplications * You give peace and great mercy unto the world. [SD]

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

When you put on the breastplate of righteousness and faith, and you fully armed yourselves with the sign of the cross, you became the Lord’s mighty soldiers, you bravely confronted the tyrants, and you blunted the deceit of the devil. And you were awarded medals as victors. We pray you intercede for the salvation of our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Lady, receive the supplications of your servants, and rescue us from all necessity and affliction. [SD]

PRIEST

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Apolytikion. For the Martyr.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Your Martyr, O Lord, was worthily awarded by You * the crown of incorruption, in that he contested for You our immortal God. * Since he possessed Your power, he defeated the tyrants, * dashing the demons’ powerless displays of defiance. * O Christ God, at his fervent entreaties, save our souls. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

From Octoechos - - -

Mode 4.

We are unequipped to praise you worthily, O Theotokos, for you are the highest of all things created. Therefore, we entreat you: As a gift to us, have mercy on us. [SD]

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Then we begin the First Hour, saying: “Come let us worship…”

or:

Dismissal

PRIEST

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

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

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

CHOIR: Amen.