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Menaion - December 25

The Nativity in the Flesh of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ

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MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

Apolytikion of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Your nativity, O Christ our God, has caused the light of knowledge to rise upon the world. For therein the worshippers of the stars were by a star instructed to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know You as Orient from on high. Glory to You, O Lord. (3) [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 Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Come, believers, let us see the place where Christ has been born.* With the Magi, those three kings who from the orient are,* now let us follow to where the star is proceeding.* Ceaselessly do Angels sing praises there.* Shepherds in the field sing a worthy song,* saying: Glory in the highest be to Him who* was born today in the grotto* from the Virgin and Theotokos,* in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Mary, why are you amazed and awed by what was done in you? * And she answers, “For in time I have brought forth a timeless Son. * But I have no understanding of His conception. * Husbandless am I: how can I bear a son? * Who has ever seen seedless childbirth? * But where God wills, the order found in nature * is overcome, as it is written.” * So Christ was born from the Virgin Maiden, * in Bethlehem of Judea. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

He whom nothing can contain has been contained in a womb. * He is in the Father’s bosom and His Mother’s embrace. * How can this be, but as He knows and willed and was well pleased. * Fleshless as He was, He willingly took flesh. * And He Who Is became what He was not, for us. * And while departing not from His own nature, * He shared in our nature’s substance. * So Christ was born with dual natures, * wishing to replenish the world on high. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

From my youth, many passions war against me. O my Savior, I implore You, uphold me and save me. (2) [GOASD]

You who hate Zion, be shamed by the Lord; for you will be withered like grass in the fire. (2) [GOASD]

Glory.

By the Holy Spirit every soul is animated, and when purified, it is mystically uplifted and brightened by the triune Godhead. [GOASD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit the streams of grace well forth; they water all creation, so that life be engendered. [GOASD]

Prokeimenon. Psalm 109.

I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star. The Lord swore and will not repent. (2)

Verse: The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of Your feet.”

I have begotten You from the womb before the morning star. The Lord swore and will not repent. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON: Let us be attentive.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Mt. 1:18 – 25

The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit; and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife, but knew her not until she had borne her firstborn son; and he called his name Jesus. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

All things are filled with joy today, for Christ is born from the Virgin. [SD]

Both now.

All things are filled with joy today, for Christ is born from the Virgin. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

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

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth. Today Bethlehem receives him who is ever seated with the Father. Today Angels glorify in a manner fitting God the babe that is born. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will among men. [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: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Ode i.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Χριστὸς γεννᾶται.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Man was made in the image of God. * Because of his transgression he tumbled down, * and was to corruption wholly bound, * falling from a divine, superior life. * Now the wise Creator once again refashions Him. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Master Builder, seeing collapsed * the man whom He constructed with His own hands, * bowing the heavens now descends. * And through a pure and holy Virgin unites * wholly with his nature, having truly taken flesh. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ our God, as the Father’s Son, * His wisdom, Logos, power and radiance, * eluding the powers everywhere, * extraterrestrial and those down on earth, * and becoming human, has recovered us again. * For He is glorified. [SD]

Ode 1: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ἔσωσε λαόν.

Working signs of old, the Master saved the people * In the wilderness, by turning the sea into dry land. * Today, being willingly born of a Virgin, * He lays a path to heaven for us, who therefore * Praise Him, equal in essence to the Father and to humanity. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Openly portrayed by the bush that did not burn, * Ever-virgin Mary’s hallowed womb carried God * The Logos, united with human nature, * Releasing Eve’s unhappy womb from the bitter curse she heard * Years and years before. We humans now glorify Him. [GOASD]

Glory.

Both now.

When You came to put and end to sin, O Logos * Existing before the sun, a star led the Magi * Precisely to You at Your humble abode. * Rejoicing, they saw You wrapped in swaddling cloths * And perceived You as human and sympathetic Lord. [GOASD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode iii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τῷ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Made of dust was Adam, * while enjoying superior insufflation. * But through seduction by the woman, * he slipped into corruption. * Gazing at Christ born of woman, he cries: * You who for me have become now like me, * only You are holy, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through participation * in inferior flesh, You, O Christ, did impart * divine nature. And conforming * to ignoble clay formation, * You were born human and remained God, * and have exalted the horn of our strength. * Only You are holy, O Lord. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Bethlehem, be merry, * as the Queen of the rulers of Judah; for lo, * Israel’s shepherd who is seated * on the Cherubim’s shoulders, * Christ who manifestly hails from you * and who exalted the horn of our strength, * has reigned as King over all. [SD]

Ode 3: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Νεῦσον πρὸς ὕμνους.

Incline Your ear to the hymns of us Your servants. * Subdue the arrogant contempt of the foe. * Exalt us who sing to You, all-seeing Benefactor, * To be unshaken and confirmed on the foundation of the Faith, * High above sin, and strengthened, O blessed Lord. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Even as they watched over their flock by night, * Shepherds were granted an unimaginable sight * Of angelic hosts praising Christ the King, * Novelly incarnate without seed, the all-holy Child * Of the all-pure Virgin; and they were mystified. [GOASD]

Glory.

Both now.

From the heights of heaven, which He rules as King, * God the Logos, hitherto immaterial, now in the womb * Of the yet unwed Virgin assumes material flesh, * Determined to draw fallen first-formed Adam to himself, * Becoming like us in His profound compassion. [GOASD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

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 pl. 4.

Heaven called the Magi by a star, and thus it brought the first-fruits of the Gentiles to You, the infant lying in the manger. And they were amazed, not by scepters and thrones, but by the utter poverty. For what is more shabby than a cave? And what is more humble than swaddling clothes? But it was through these that the riches of your divinity shone forth. Lord, glory to You! [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Ode iv.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Ῥάβδος ἐκ τῆς ῥίζης.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ, of whom Jacob once foretold, * the expectation of the nations, * from the tribe of Judah You arose and came to carry off * the power of Damascus and spoils of Samaria, * converting error into godly faith. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You rose out of Jacob as of old * the seer Balaam foretold. * And mystic scholars of his oracles, those stargazers from the east, * You, the Star, fulfilled with joy, * the first importation from the Gentiles, * O Master, whom You received * bearing You acceptable gifts. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Like rain on a fleece did You descend, * O Christ, into the virgin womb; * and like raindrops falling down to earth, so did Ethiopians, * and kings from Tarshish, the Isles of Arabia, * Sheba, Persia and all the earth, O Savior, fall down to You. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Ode 4: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Γένους βροτείου.

Of old, Habakkuk’s ode predicted the human * Race’s remaking, for as a Prophet he was granted * Numinous portents: God the Logos as a newborn * Infant emerging from an overshadowed mountain, * Namely the Virgin, to refashion humanity. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

To counteract the serpent’s poison, You willingly were born, * Having taken flesh, from the Virgin and became * Equal to humans, O God Most High by nature, * From the infernal gates of sin and error * Leading mortals all to the life-bearing light. [GOASD]

Glory.

Everyone, all you nations, who were once completely * Submerged in corruption, you escaped the foe’s destruction. * Henceforth lift your voices in praise and clap your hands * For joy, as you worship as Lord and Benefactor * Only Christ, who has come to us in His compassion. [GOASD]

Both now.

Rising above the laws of human nature, * Holy Virgin, descending from the root of Jesse, * Unto the Father’s pre-eternal Logos you gave birth. * Marvelously condescending, He left your womb sealed, * After passing through it, according to His good pleasure. [GOASD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode v.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Θεὸς ὢν εἰρήνης.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Submitting to Caesar Augustus’ decree, * You, O Christ, were enrolled among your own slaves, * and freed us from our slavery to the enemy and sin. * Assuming our entire impoverished earthen nature, * by this very union and communion You rendered it deified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As Prophet Isaiah of old said, behold, * has the Virgin conceived in the womb and borne * God in human form, and yet remains a virgin still. * In truth the Theotokos is she through whom we sinners * have been reconciled to God. Come, let us praise her faithfully. [SD]

Ode 5: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ἐκ νυκτὸς ἔργων.

Now rising to You, O Christ, from the night of sinning — * Iniquitous misdeeds, bedarkened by error, — * To extol You, our Benefactor, we pray that You grant us * Your mercy, and come to us and make the path easy, * So that ascending by it we may attain to glory. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Skillfully the Master fully eradicated * Atrocious enmity towards Him by His incarnation, * Killing the power of the soul-corrupting devil, * Establishing unity of the world with the Angels. * Forevermore He reconciled us to His Father. [GOASD]

Glory.

Both now.

Roaming once in darkness, the people now have seen * Emerging, since the day has come, the light of heavenly * Effulgence. And the Son offers to God what is His * Inheritance, the Nations, giving mystical grace * Not least to them, where sin had abounded. [GOASD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode vi.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Σπλάγχνων Ἰωνᾶν.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

He is come made flesh * Christ our God, whom from the womb before the morning star does God the Father beget. * He who rides upon the immaculate host of the heavenly minds * now is laid in a manger of irrationals. * He is wrapped in tattered swaddling clothes, * but He looses transgressions’ entangling bonds. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For a child was born, * a Son, from Adam’s nature, and given unto those who believe in Him. * Of the age to come He is Father and Prince, and His name has been called * the Angel of Great Counsel. Mighty God is He; * wonderful Counselor, Prince of peace, * and He governs creation with authority. [SD]

Ode 6: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Ναίων Ἰωνᾶς.

Gripped in the gorges of the sea, Jonah was praying * To rise above the peril round about and come to You. * However, I who am wounded by the dart of the devil, * Entreat You, O Christ the Destroyer of evil: * Without delaying come to me, before my negligence prevails. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Our nature was unable to preserve its original * Regal image. Seeing this from heaven the divine * Logos and God, who was with God in the beginning, * Demeaning himself now strengthens it and renders it * Free again from passions, by a second communion. [GOASD]

Glory.

Both now.

Raising us up as sons, He who descended from the loins * Of Abraham came for us, prone to decline and fallen * Miserably into the darkness of sins, dwelling as He does * Properly in light and now beneath Him in a manger, * As He was well pleased to do, for humanity’s salvation. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the King of peace and the savior of our souls, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Principal Kontakion and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day the Virgin gives * birth to the Super-essential. * To the Unapproachable, * earth is providing the grotto. * Angels sing and with the shepherds offer up glory. * Following a star the Magi are still proceeding. * He was born for our salvation, a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. [SD]

Oikos.

Bethlehem has opened Eden. Come, let us see. We have found the hidden delight. Come, let us receive the things of Paradise inside the Cave. There, we shall see an unwatered root that blossomed forgiveness. There, we shall find an undug well, from which David of old desired to drink. There, the Virgin quenched the thirst of both Adam and David, when she gave birth to her baby. So let us go there now, where He was born a newborn Child, the pre-eternal God. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 25 is the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

On this day we commemorate the Adoration of the Magi.

On this day we also commemorate the Shepherds who saw the Lord.

To Him be glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-1

CHOIR

From Menaion - - -

Ode vii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Οἱ Παῖδες εὐσεβείᾳ.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night * witnessed an astonishing epiphany of light. * For the glory of the Lord surrounded them, * and an Angel shouted: Praise the Lord for Christ is born, * and say, O God of the fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

And suddenly, with the Angel a multitude * of the host of heaven chanted, “Glory to God * in the highest heaven and upon the earth, * peace to all mankind by the eternal divine good will,” * and sang: “O God of the fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“What can this be?” the shepherds said in wonder. * “Let us go ourselves and witness this divine event.” * And coming to Bethlehem they worshiped Christ * along with her who gave Him birth, and they chanted with joy, * saying: “O God of the fathers, You are blessed.” [SD]

Ode 7: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Τῷ παντάνακτος.

In Babylon, the three Servants were captivated, * Not by fear but by longing for the King of all. * And they disdained the angry tyrant’s ungodly * Nonsense. The inferno yielded to them as they sang * Declaring, “O Master, You are blessed unto the ages.” [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Daniel described how the roaring flame, * Enkindled to seven times strength in the furnace, * Angrily burned the king’s servants, but saved * The Servants of the Lord, whom for their piety * He surrounded with plentiful moist whistling wind. [GOASD]

Glory.

From the heights we had tumbled down to the infernal * Regions, being tricked by the foe of man with the hope * Of becoming gods. But You, O Christ our Savior, * Marvelously assuming our form by incarnation, * With the might of Your divinity humiliated him. [GOASD]

Both now.

Haughty, unrestrained, ferocious, lewd, and frenzied sin * Infested the world of old and caught us in its nets. * Christ, You have mightily now toppled it as God, * Having voluntarily become incarnate, * Saving us today, O Lord and Benefactor. [GOASD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-1

Ode viii.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Θαύματος ὑπερφυοῦς.

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]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The daughter of Babylon drew into exile * David’s children as captives from Zion. * In return, she sends her own captivated * children, the three Magi bearing gifts, to court David’s Daughter bearing God. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Lamentation once suspended organ of song; * for Zion’s children would not sing in strange lands. * Rising out of Bethlehem, Christ abolished * all the error of Babylon, her symphony of music as well. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Babylon captured the spoils of war and riches * from the Queen of the cities of Zion. * Now from Zion, Christ captivates her treasures, * namely her stargazing kings themselves, bedazzled by the bright guiding star. * So let us melodiously chant in praise: * Let all creation bless and extol the Lord, * and let it exalt Him supremely to the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Heirmos. Mode 1.

Μήτραν ἀφλέκτως.

As the Young Men of old were not consumed in the furnace, * Virgin Mary’s womb was being prefigured; for it remained * Ever sealed throughout supernatural childbearing. * Manifestly grace, with the same miraculous power, * Effected both alike, rousing all people to sing praise. [GOASD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

With the incarnation of the Logos, all creation, * Having escaped the outrage of being deified in error, * Offers up unceasing praise to Him with joy and trembling. * Terrified of that inglorious honor, it wisely * Restrained itself, for it had become unstable. [GOASD]

Glory.

Both now.

As man and God, O resurrection of the errant * Nations, You came to bring wandering human nature * Safely back from desert mountains to blossoming pasture, * Lord, according to Your plan, and also to extinguish * All the violence of the murderer of mortals. [GOASD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Kontakia and Synaxarion

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Oikos.

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 25 is the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

On this day we commemorate the Adoration of the Magi.

On this day we also commemorate the Shepherds who saw the Lord.

To Him be glory to the ages of ages. Amen.

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Christmas I and II

Ode i. Mode 1.

Iambic. Mode 1.

Ode iii.

Iambic.

Ode iv.

Iambic.

Ode v.

Iambic.

Ode vi.

Iambic.

Ode vii.

Iambic.

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Iambic.

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 9: Menaion: Canon-1

From Menaion - - -

Ode ix.

Canon 1.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Μυστήριον ξένον.

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]

Troparia.

O my soul, magnify God who was born in the flesh from the Virgin.

Observing the extraordinary path of the peculiar nova * that had recently appeared, * shining brighter than the other stars in the heavens, * the Magi concluded that Christ the King * had been born on earth in Bethlehem, for our salvation. [GOASD]

O my soul, magnify the King who was born in a grotto.

The Magi came, saying, “Where is the newborn child King? * For we have seen his star in the East, * and we have come with precious gifts to worship him.” * Then Herod was troubled. And that enemy of God, in a rage, * was furiously bent on killing Christ. [GOASD]

O my soul, magnify God who was worshiped by the Magi.

Herod ascertained what time the star appeared. * Led by it, the Magi came to Bethlehem * with gifts, and they worshiped Christ. * By Whom being warned * not to return to that awful killer of children, who thought he was tricked, * they departed by another way. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Menaion: Canon-2

Iambic Canon.

From Menaion - - -

Iambic Canon.

Mode 1. Heirmos.

Στέργειν μὲν ἡμᾶς.

Today, the holy Virgin gives birth to the Master while lodging in the grotto.

To favor being silent out of caution is for us * Easy and free of risk, whereas to compose * Stirring hymns is arduous, but a labor of love * For you, all-holy Virgin. And so, we entreat you: * O Mother, empower us to succeed in this endeavor. [GOASD]

Today, our Lord and Master is born as an infant; His Mother is a virgin.

Troparia.

Glory.

O my soul, magnify the power of the Godhead that is three hypostases and also undivided.

Realizing obscure prophetic types and shadows, * Your Son, the Logos, in latter days emerged from you, * O Virgin, who were called the gate that was closed, * Unveiling to us the light of the truth. * Mother of God, we rightly extol your womb. [GOASD]

Both now.

O my soul, magnify her, through whom we were freed from the curse and condemnation.

You have fulfilled our longing to merrily * Keep the feast of God’s Advent, O Virgin. * In earnest, we believers who have so pleased Christ * Now pray to see the life-giving regeneration. * Grant us the blessing to celebrate that feast day. [GOASD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Katavasias

Canon 1. Mode 1.

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

Iambic. Mode 1.

O my soul, magnify her, through whom we were freed from the curse and condemnation.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Exaposteilarion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Automelon.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

Our Savior from on high * the Orient from the East * visited us who in the dark * and shadow hitherto had lain; * now we have found the truth indeed. * And this is so because from the Virgin the Lord is born. (3) [SD]

Lauds. Mode 4.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

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

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

Stichera for the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

You righteous, be glad in heart; and the heavens, be exultant. Leap for joy, O mountains, at the birth of the Messiah. Resembling the Cherubim, the Virgin Maiden is seated and holds in her embraces God the Logos incarnate. The shepherds glorify the newborn Babe; Magi bring the Master their precious gifts. Angels are singing hymns of praise, and say, “O Lord incomprehensible, glory to You.” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

The Father was well pleased; the Logos became flesh; and the Virgin gave birth to God who became man. A Star reveals Him; Magi bow in worship; Shepherds marvel, and creation rejoices. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

O Virgin Theotokos who gave birth to the Savior, you reversed the curse to which Eve once was subject. For you have become the Mother of the Father’s good pleasure, and you hold in your embraces God the Logos incarnate. The mystery admits no inquiry; we all glorify it by faith alone, and with you we cry aloud and say, “O Lord incomprehensible, glory to You.” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Come, let us extol and praise the Savior’s Mother, who remained a virgin even after childbirth. Animate City of our King and God, rejoice, for Christ having dwelt in you has wrought our salvation. Together with Gabriel we sing your praise, together with the shepherds we glorify you, crying out, “Theotokos, intercede with the Lord, who is incarnate from you, to save us.” [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

When the time came for Your Advent on earth, the first census of the Roman world was conducted. Then it was that You began to record the names of those who would believe in Your birth. Such a decree was published by Caesar, because the timelessness of Your eternal kingdom was revealed anew. And now, we in our turn, above and beyond a monetary tax, bring to You the wealth of Orthodox theology, O God and Savior of our souls. [SD]

The [second] choir sings the following Idiomelon, up to the asterisk; then the first choir begins the Great Doxology, starting with the last verse of the Idiomelon: “Glory to God in the highest…”

Both now.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2.

Today in Bethlehem, Christ is born of the Virgin. Today, the Unoriginate begins, and the Word becomes flesh. The hosts of heaven are rejoicing, and the earth and humanity are merry. The Magi bring their gifts. The Shepherds proclaim the marvel. And we unceasingly cry aloud: * “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

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

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

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

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4.

Litanies, End, no Dismissal

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious Orthodox Christians residing and visiting in this city: the parishioners, the members of the parish council, the stewards, and benefactors of this holy church.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, who here have been piously laid to their rest, as well as the Orthodox everywhere.

Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-venerable church, for those who labor and those who sing, and for the people here present who await Your great and rich mercy.

PRIEST

For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Wisdom.

READER: Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

CHOIR: Amen.

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.

Litanies and Dismissal

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

Again we pray for our Archbishop (name).

Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, the hieromonks, the deacons, the monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

PRIEST

For You are merciful and benevolent God, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

( Father, bless! )

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

CHOIR: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

CHOIR: Amen.

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.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3) Father, bless!

Dismissal

PRIEST

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

May He who was born in a cave and lay in a manger for our salvation, 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.