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Μηναῖον - Τῌ ΚΖʹ ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Menaion - December 27

Μνήμη τοῦ Ἁγίου Πρωτομάρτυρος, καὶ Ἀρχιδιακόνου Στεφάνου, καὶ τοῦ Ὁσίου Πατρὸς ἡμῶν καὶ Ὁμολογητοῦ Θεοδώρου τοῦ Γραπτοῦ, αὐταδέλφου Θεοφάνους τοῦ Ποιητοῦ.

Memory of the Holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, and of our Devout Father and Confessor Theodore the Inscribed, brother of Theophanes the Hymnographer.

__________

__________

   

   

ΕΣΠΕΡΙΝΟΣ

VESPERS

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Εὐλογητὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πάντοτε, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

Καθʼ ὃν δὲ χρόνον ἀναγινώσκεται ὁ Προοιμιακὸς Ψαλμός, ὁ Ἱερεύς, πρὸ τῆς ἁγίας Τραπέζης ἱστάμενος, ἀναγινώσκει τὰς λεγομένας εὐχὰς τοῦ Λυχνικοῦ.

While the Introductory Psalm is being read, the Priest stands in front of the holy Table and reads the so-called Lamp-lighting Prayers.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν τῷ βασιλεῖ ἡμῶν Θεῷ.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν Χριστῷ τῷ βασιλεῖ ἡμῶν Θεῷ.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Δεῦτε προσκυνήσωμεν καὶ προσπέσωμεν αὐτῷ, Χριστῷ τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ Προοιμιακοῦ Ψαλμοῦ.

Stand for the reading of the Introductory Psalm.

Ψαλμὸς ΡΓʹ (103).

Psalm 103 (104).

Εὐλόγει, ἡ ψυχή μου, τὸν Κύριον. Κύριε ὁ Θεός μου ἐμεγαλύνθης σφόδρα. Ἐξομολόγησιν καὶ μεγαλοπρέπειαν ἐνεδύσω, ἀναβαλλόμενος φῶς ὡς ἱμάτιον. Ἐκτείνων τὸν οὐρανὸν ὡσεὶ δέῤῥιν, ὁ στεγάζων ἐν ὕδασι τὰ ὑπερῷα αὐτοῦ. Ὁ τιθεὶς νέφη τὴν ἐπίβασιν αὐτοῦ, ὁ περιπατῶν ἐπὶ πτερύγων ἀνέμων. Ὁ ποιῶν τοὺς Ἀγγέλους αὐτοῦ πνεύματα, καὶ τοὺς λειτουργοὺς αὐτοῦ πυρὸς φλόγα. Ὁ θεμελιῶν τὴν γῆν ἐπὶ τὴν ἀσφάλειαν αὐτῆς, οὐ κλιθήσεται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦ αἰῶνος. Ἄβυσσος ὡς ἱμάτιον τὸ περιβόλαιον αὐτοῦ, ἐπὶ τῶν ὀρέων στήσονται ὕδατα. Ἀπὸ ἐπιτιμήσεώς σου φεύξονται, ἀπὸ φωνῆς βροντῆς σου δειλιάσουσιν. Ἀναβαίνουσιν ὄρη, καὶ καταβαίνουσι πεδία εἰς τὸν τόπον, ὃν ἐθεμελίωσας αὐτά. Ὅριον ἔθου, ὃ οὐ παρελεύσονται, οὐδὲ ἐπιστρέψουσι καλύψαι τὴν γῆν. Ὁ ἐξαποστέλλων πηγὰς ἐν φάραγξιν, ἀναμέσον τῶν ὀρέων διελεύσονται ὕδατα· ποτιοῦσι πάντα τὰ θηρία τοῦ ἀγροῦ, προσδέξονται ὄναγροι εἰς δίψαν αὐτῶν. Ἐπʼ αὐτὰ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ κατασκηνώσει, ἐκ μέσου τῶν πετρῶν δώσουσι φωνήν. Ποτίζων ὄρη ἐκ τῶν ὑπερῴων αὐτοῦ, ἀπὸ καρποῦ τῶν ἔργων σου χορτασθήσεται ἡ γῆ. Ὁ ἐξανατέλλων χόρτον τοῖς κτήνεσι, καὶ χλόην τῇ δουλείᾳ τῶν ἀνθρώπων. Τοῦ ἐξαγαγεῖν ἄρτον ἐκ τῆς γῆς, καὶ οἶνος εὐφραίνει καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου. Τοῦ ἱλαρῦναι πρόσωπον ἐν ἐλαίῳ, καὶ ἄρτος καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου στηρίζει. Χορτασθήσονται τὰ ξύλα τοῦ πεδίου, αἱ κέδροι τοῦ Λιβάνου, ἃς ἐφύτευσας. Ἐκεῖ στρουθία ἐννοσσεύσουσι, τοῦ ἐρωδιοῦ ἡ κατοικία ἡγεῖται αὐτῶν. Ὄρη τὰ ὑψηλὰ ταῖς ἐλάφοις, πέτρα καταφυγὴ τοῖς λαγωοῖς. Ἐποίησε σελήνην εἰς καιρούς, ὁ ἥλιος ἔγνω τὴν δύσιν αὐτοῦ. Ἔθου σκότος, καὶ ἐγένετο νύξ, ἐν αὐτῇ διελεύσονται πάντα τὰ θηρία τοῦ δρυμοῦ. Σκύμνοι ὠρυόμενοι τοῦ ἁρπάσαι, καὶ ζητῆσαι παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ βρῶσιν αὐτοῖς. Ἀνέτειλεν ὁ ἥλιος, καὶ συνήχθησαν, καὶ εἰς τὰς μάνδρας αὐτῶν κοιτασθήσονται. Ἐξελεύσεται ἄνθρωπος ἐπὶ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν ἐργασίαν αὐτοῦ ἕως ἑσπέρας. Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου, Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας, ἐπληρώθη ἡ γῆ τῆς κτίσεώς σου. Αὕτη ἡ θάλασσα ἡ μεγάλη καὶ εὐρύχωρος, ἐκεῖ ἑρπετὰ ὧν οὐκ ἔστιν ἀριθμός, ζῷα μικρὰ μετὰ μεγάλων. Ἐκεῖ πλοῖα διαπορεύονται, δράκων οὗτος, ὃν ἔπλασας ἐμπαίζειν αὐτῇ. Πάντα πρὸς σὲ προσδοκῶσι, δοῦναι τὴν τροφὴν αὐτῶν εἰς εὔκαιρον, δόντος σου αὐτοῖς συλλέξουσιν. Ἀνοίξαντός σου τὴν χεῖρα, τὰ σύμπαντα πλησθήσονται χρηστότητος, ἀποστρέψαντος δέ σου τὸ πρόσωπον, ταραχθήσονται. Ἀντανελεῖς τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐκλείψουσι, καὶ εἰς τὸν χοῦν αὐτῶν ἐπιστρέψουσιν. Ἐξαποστελεῖς τὸ πνεῦμα σου, καὶ κτισθήσονται, καὶ ἀνακαινιεῖς τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς. Ἤτω ἡ δόξα Κυρίου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, εὐφρανθήσεται Κύριος ἐπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ. Ὁ ἐπιβλέπων ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ ποιῶν αὐτὴν τρέμειν, ὁ ἁπτόμενος τῶν ὀρέων, καὶ καπνίζονται. ᾌσω τῷ Κυρίῳ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ μου, ψαλῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου ἕως ὑπάρχω. Ἡδυνθείη αὐτῷ ἡ διαλογή μου, ἐγὼ δὲ εὐφρανθήσομαι ἐπὶ τῷ Κυρίῳ. Ἐκλείποιεν ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ἄνομοι, ὥστε μὴ ὑπάρχειν αὐτούς. Εὐλόγει, ἡ ψυχή μου, τὸν Κύριον.

Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are magnified exceedingly; You clothe Yourself with thanksgiving and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain; You are He who covers His upper chambers with water, who makes the clouds His means of approach, who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. He established the earth on its stable foundation; it shall not be moved unto ages of ages. The deep like a garment is His covering; the waters shall stand upon the mountains; at Your rebuke they shall flee; at the sound of Your thunder, they shall be afraid. The mountains rise up, and the plains sink down to the place You founded for them. You set a boundary they shall not pass over; neither shall they return to cover the earth. You are He who sends springs into the valley; the waters shall pass between the mountains; they shall give drink to all the wild animals of the field; the wild asses shall quench their thirst; the birds of heaven shall dwell beside them; they shall sing from the midst of the rocks. You are He who waters the mountains from His higher places; the earth shall be satisfied with the fruit of Your works. You are He who causes grass to grow for the cattle, and the green plant for the service of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; and wine gladdens the heart of man, to brighten his face with oil; and bread strengthens man’s heart. The trees of the plain shall be full of fruit, the cedars of Lebanon, which You planted; there the sparrows shall make their nests; the house of the heron takes the lead among them. The high mountains are for the deer; the cliff is a refuge for the rabbits. He made the moon for seasons; the sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night, wherein all the wild animals of the forest will prowl about; the young lions roar and snatch their prey, and seek their food from God. The sun arises, and they are gathered together; and they shall be put to bed in their dens. Man shall go out to his work and to his labor until evening. O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom; the earth was filled with Your creation. There is this great and spacious sea: the creeping things are there without number; the living things are there, both small and great; there the ships pass through; there is this dragon You formed to play therein. All things wait upon You, that You may give them food in due season. When You give it to them, they shall gather it; when You open Your hand, all things shall be filled with Your goodness. But when You turn Your face away, they shall be troubled; when You take away their breath, they shall die and return again to their dust. You shall send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Let the glory of the Lord be forever; the Lord shall be glad in His works; He looks upon the earth and makes it tremble; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing to my God as long as I exist; may my words be pleasing to Him, and I shall be glad in the Lord. May sinners cease from the earth, and the lawless, so as to be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Ὁ ἥλιος ἔγνω τὴν δύσιν αὐτοῦ. Ἔθου σκότος, καὶ ἐγένετο νύξ.

The sun knows its setting. You established darkness, and it was night.

Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου, Κύριε· πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.

O Lord, Your works shall be magnified greatly; You made all things in wisdom. [SAAS]

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι. Καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεί, καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

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

Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Ἀλληλούϊα. Δόξα σοι ὁ Θεός. (3)

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

Ἡ ἐλπὶς ἡμῶν, Κύριε, δόξα σοι.

Our hope, O Lord, glory to You.

ΤΑ ΕΙΡΗΝΙΚΑ

THE PEACE LITANY

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἐν εἰρήνῃ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)

CHOIR (after each petition)

Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ὑπὲρ τῆς ἄνωθεν εἰρήνης καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῆς εἰρήνης τοῦ σύμπαντος κόσμου, εὐσταθείας τῶν ἁγίων τοῦ Θεοῦ Ἐκκλησιῶν καὶ τῆς τῶν πάντων ἑνώσεως τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἁγίου οἴκου τούτου καὶ τῶν μετὰ πίστεως, εὐλαβείας καὶ φόβου Θεοῦ εἰσιόντων ἐν αὐτῷ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῶν εὐσεβῶν καὶ ὀρθοδόξων χριστιανῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου ἡμῶν (δεῖνος), τοῦ τιμίου πρεσβυτερίου, τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ διακονίας, παντὸς τοῦ κλήρου καὶ τοῦ λαοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ εὐσεβοῦς ἡμῶν γένους, τοῦ προέδρου καὶ πάσης ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας ἐν τῷ κράτει ἡμῶν, καὶ τοῦ κατὰ ξηρὰν θάλασσαν καὶ ἀέρα φιλοχρίστου ἡμῶν στρατοῦ, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τῆς Ἁγίας τοῦ Χριστοῦ Μεγάλης Ἐκκλησίας, τῆς Ἱερᾶς ἡμῶν Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, [τῆς Ἱερᾶς Μητροπόλεως ταύτης,] τῆς πόλεως καὶ κοινότητος ταύτης, πάσης πόλεως, χώρας καὶ τῶν πίστει οἰκούντων ἐν αὐταῖς, τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ εὐκρασίας ἀέρων, εὐφορίας τῶν καρπῶν τῆς γῆς καὶ καιρῶν εἰρηνικῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ πλεόντων, ὁδοιπορούντων, νοσούντων, καμνόντων, αἰχμαλώτων καὶ τῆς σωτηρίας αὐτῶν τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Ὑπὲρ τοῦ ῥυσθῆναι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης θλίψεως, ὀργῆς, κινδύνου καὶ ἀνάγκης τοῦ Κυρίου δεηθῶμεν.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.

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

Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι πρέπει σοι πᾶσα δόξα, τιμὴ καὶ προσκύνησις, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Κύριε ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, εἰσάκουσόν μου, εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε. Κύριε, ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, εἰσάκουσόν μου· πρόσχες τῇ φωνῇ τῆς δεήσεώς μου, ἐν τῷ κεκραγέναι με πρὸς σέ. Εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε.

Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried to You; hear me. Give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry to You. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

Κατευθυνθήτω ἡ προσευχή μου, ὡς θυμίαμα ἐνώπιόν σου, ἔπαρσις τῶν χειρῶν μου θυσία ἑσπερινή. Εἰσάκουσόν μου, Κύριε.

Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord. [SAAS]

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Θοῦ, Κύριε, φυλακὴν τῷ στόματί μου, καὶ θύραν περιοχῆς περὶ τὰ χείλη μου.

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, a door of enclosure about my lips.

Μὴ ἐκκλίνῃς τὴν καρδίαν μου εἰς λόγους πονηρίας, τοῦ προφασίζεσθαι προφάσεις ἐν ἁμαρτίαις.

Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

Σὺν ἀνθρώποις ἐργαζομένοις τὴν ἀνομίαν, καὶ οὐ μὴ συνδυάσω μετὰ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν αὐτῶν.

With men who work lawlessness; and I will not join with their choice ones.

Παιδεύσει με δίκαιος ἐν ἐλέει, καὶ ἐλέγξει με, ἔλαιον δὲ ἁμαρτωλοῦ μὴ λιπανάτω τὴν κεφαλήν μου.

The righteous man shall correct me with mercy, and he shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

Ὅτι ἔτι καὶ ἡ προσευχή μου ἐν ταῖς εὐδοκίαις αὐτῶν· κατεπόθησαν ἐχόμενα πέτρας οἱ κριταὶ αὐτῶν.

For my prayer shall be intense in the presence of their pleasures. Their judges are swallowed up by the rock.

Ἀκούσονται τὰ ῥήματά μου, ὅτι ἡδύνθησαν· ὡσεὶ πάχος γῆς ἐῤῥάγη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς, διεσκορπίσθη τὰ ὀστᾶ αὐτῶν παρὰ τὸν ᾅδην.

They shall hear my words, for they are pleasant. As a clod of ground is dashed to pieces on the earth, so their bones were scattered beside the grave.

Ὅτι πρὸς σέ, Κύριε, Κύριε, οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ μου· ἐπὶ σοὶ ἤλπισα, μὴ ἀντανέλῃς τὴν ψυχήν μου.

For my eyes, O Lord, O Lord, are toward You; in You I hope; take not my soul away.

Φύλαξόν με ἀπὸ παγίδος ἧς συνεστήσαντό μοι, καὶ ἀπὸ σκανδάλων τῶν ἐργαζομένων τὴν ἀνομίαν.

Keep me from the snares they set for me, and from the stumbling blocks of those who work lawlessness.

Πεσοῦνται ἐν ἀμφιβλήστρῳ αὐτῶν οἱ ἁμαρτωλοί· κατὰ μόνας εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ἕως ἂν παρέλθω.

Sinners shall fall into their own net; I am alone, until I escape.

Φωνῇ μου πρὸς Κύριον ἐκέκραξα, φωνῇ μου πρὸς Κύριον ἐδεήθην.

I cried to the Lord with my voice, with my voice I prayed to the Lord.

Ἐκχεῶ ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ τὴν δέησίν μου, τὴν θλῖψίν μου ἐνώπιον αὐτοῦ ἀπαγγελῶ.

I shall pour out my supplication before Him; I shall declare my affliction in His presence.

Ἐν τῷ ἐκλείπειν ἐξ ἐμοῦ τὸ πνεῦμά μου, καὶ σὺ ἔγνως τὰς τρίβους μου.

When my spirit fainted within me, then You knew my paths.

Ἐν ὁδῷ ταύτῃ, ᾗ ἐπορευόμην, ἔκρυψαν παγίδα μοι.

For on the way I was going, they hid a trap for me.

Κατενόουν εἰς τὰ δεξιά, καὶ ἐπέβλεπον, καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ἐπιγινώσκων με.

I looked on my right, and saw there was no one who knew me.

Ἀπώλετο φυγὴ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ ἐκζητῶν τὴν ψυχήν μου.

Refuge failed me, and there was no one who cared for my soul.

Ἐκέκραξα πρὸς σέ, Κύριε· εἶπα· Σὺ εἶ ἡ ἐλπίς μου, μερίς μου εἶ ἐν γῇ ζώντων.

I cried to You, O Lord; I said, “You are my hope, my portion in the land of the living.”

Πρόσχες πρὸς τὴν δέησίν μου, ὅτι ἐταπεινώθην σφόδρα.

Attend to my supplication, for I was humbled exceedingly.

Ῥῦσαί με ἐκ τῶν καταδιωκόντων με, ὅτι ἐκραταιώθησαν ὑπὲρ ἐμέ.

Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

Ἐξάγαγε ἐκ φυλακῆς τὴν ψυχήν μου, τοῦ ἐξομολογήσασθαι τῷ ὀνόματί σου.

Bring my soul out of prison to give thanks to Your name, O Lord.

Ἐμὲ ὑπομενοῦσι δίκαιοι, ἕως οὗ ἀνταποδῷς μοι.

The righteous shall wait for me, until You reward me.

Ἐκ βαθέων ἐκέκραξά σοι, Κύριε· Κύριε, εἰσάκουσον τῆς φωνῆς μου.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.

Γενηθήτω τὰ ὦτά σου προσέχοντα εἰς τὴν φωνὴν τῆς δεήσεώς μου.

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

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Στιχηρά. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Stichera. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Ἐὰν ἀνομίας παρατηρήσῃς, Κύριε Κύριε, τίς ὑποστήσεται; ὅτι παρὰ σοὶ ὁ ἱλασμός ἐστιν.

If You, O Lord, should mark transgression, O Lord, who would stand? For there is forgiveness with You. [SAAS]

Τῇ τοῦ Πνεύματος χάριτι, λαμπρυνθεὶς τὴν διάνοιαν, τῇ μορφῇ ὡς ἄγγελος ὤφθης Στέφανε, διαδοθείσης τῷ σώματι, τῆς ἔνδον λαμπρότητος, καὶ τὴν αἴγλην τῆς ψυχῆς, φανερούσης τοῖς βλέπουσι, διʼ ἧς ἔτυχες, καὶ φωτὸς θεωρίας οὐρανῶν σοι, παραδόξως ἀνοιγέντων, ἀρχὴ Μαρτύρων καὶ καύχημα.

Protomartyr when grace divine * had illumined your reasoning, * you looked like an angel to those who gazed at you; * the inner brightness had spread throughout your body, O holy man, * and the brilliance of your soul * was apparent to those who saw. * Through it you attained * contemplation of light divine and glory, when for you the heavens opened, * Stephen the pride of the Martyr Saints. [SD]

Ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου ὑπέμεινά σε, Κύριε, ὑπέμεινεν ἡ ψυχή μου εἰς τὸν λόγον σου. Ἤλπισεν ἡ ψυχή μου ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον.

Because of Your law, O Lord, I waited for You; my soul waited for Your word. My soul hopes in the Lord. [SAAS]

Ὡς βαθμίδες καὶ κλίμακες, πρὸς οὐράνιον ἄνοδον, αἱ τῶν λίθων νιφάδες σοι γεγόνασιν, ὧν ἐπιβαίνων τεθέασαι, ἑστῶτα τὸν Κύριον, τοῦ Πατρὸς ἐκ δεξιῶν, σοὶ ὁμώνυμον στέφανον, προτεινόμενον, δεξιᾷ ζωηφόρῳ, οὗ πλησίον, ὡς καλλίνικος παρέστης, καὶ Ἀθλητῶν ἀκροθίνιον.

When they stoned you, O Martyr Saint, * the barrage of the stones became * steps for you and ladders of heavenly ascent. * When you ascended them you beheld the Lord standing at the right * of the Father in the heights. * With His life-giving holy hand * He presented you * with the crown for which you were named, O Stephen. As the paramount of Athletes, * you stand beside Him victorious. [SD]

Ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας μέχρι νυκτός· ἀπὸ φυλακῆς πρωΐας ἐλπισάτω Ἰσραὴλ ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον.

From the morning watch until night; from the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. [SAAS]

Ἐν σημείοις καὶ τέρασιν, ἀπαστράπτων καὶ δόγμασι, παρανόμων ἔσβεσας τὸ συνέδριον, καὶ ὑπʼ αὐτῶν ἀναιρούμενος, καὶ λίθοις βαλλόμενος, ὑπὲρ τῆς τῶν φονευτῶν, σὺ προσηύχου ἀφέσεως, ἐκμιμούμενος, τὴν φωνὴν τοῦ Σωτῆρος, οὗ εἰς χεῖρας, ἐναπέθου σου τὸ πνεῦμα, τὸ ἱερώτατον Στέφανε.

Shining brightly with miracles, * signs, and wonders and teachings true, * you eclipsed the council that failed to keep the Law. And as they all executed you, and stoned you to death, O Saint, * you entreated on behalf * of your murderers, that the sin * not be charged to them. * Thus, O Stephen, you imitated Jesus and gave up your noble spirit * into the hands of the Savior Christ. [SD]

Τοῦ Ἁγίου Θεοδώρου.

For St. Theodore.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Mode 4. To a brave one.

Ὡς γενναῖον ἐν Μάρτυσι.

Ὅτι παρὰ τῷ Κυρίῳ τὸ ἔλεος καὶ πολλὴ παρʼ αὐτῷ λύτρωσις, καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ἰσραὴλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτοῦ.

For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption; and He shall redeem Israel from all his transgressions. [SAAS]

Ξενιτείας τοῖς τραύμασι, προσετέθη σοι τραύματα, ἐξορίας Ὅσιε, χαλεπότητι, τοῦ παρανόμως διέποντος, τὸν θρόνον τὸν ἔννομον, καὶ συγχέοντος δεινῶς, τοὺς θεσμοὺς τοὺς τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τήν, Ἄχραντον, τοῦ Σωτῆρος Εἰκόνα καθελόντος, ὃν τῇ χάριτι τῇ θείᾳ Χριστοῦ θεράπον κατῄσχυνας.

To the wounds of your banishment, * wounds of exile were added on, * by the ruthless tyranny of the emperor, * who as a heretic occupied the lawful throne lawlessly; * for he terribly confused * the traditions of our true Faith, * and he had removed * the immaculate icon of the Savior; but by grace divine you shamed him, * O faithful servant of Christ our God. [SD]

Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐπαινέσατε αὐτόν, πάντες οἱ λαοί.

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; praise Him, all you peoples. [SAAS]

Οὐ φρουρὰ σὲ οὐ στένωσις, οὐδὲ σκότος ἀνήμερον, οὐ πληγαὶ καὶ μάστιγες, περιίσχυσαν, τῆς πρὸς Χριστὸν ἀγαπήσεως, χωρίσαι Θεόδωρε, οὐδὲ νόσος χαλεπή, καὶ μακρὰ καὶ δυσφόρητος· οὐδὲ ἔνδεια, τῆς τροφῆς θεοῤῥῆμον· ἀλλʼ ἀτρέπτως, ἐκαρτέρησας προβλέπων, τὴν τῶν σῶν πόνων ἀντίδοσιν.

Neither guards nor imprisonment, * nor the darkness and solitude, * neither wounds and lashings could separate you from * your ardent love for the Savior Christ, * Confessor Saint Theodore, * nor infection and disease, * that were chronic and hard to bear, * neither lack of food. * But you bore it unflinchingly, foreseeing the rewards for your endurance, * O Saint who uttered the words of God. [SD]

Ὅτι ἐκραταιώθη τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ Κυρίου μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

For His mercy rules over us; and the truth of the Lord endures forever. [SAAS]

Ἀντὶ θλίψεως αἴνεσιν, ἀντὶ πόνων ἀπόλαυσιν, ἀντὶ σκότους ἔλλαμψιν, σοὶ δεδώρηται, ὁ Ἀθλοθέτης ὁ δίκαιος· ἀντὶ δὲ θεσπέσιε, τῆς ἐν ὄψει σου γραφῆς, ζωῆς βίβλῳ ἐγγέγραψαι· Ἐκκλησία δέ, πρωτοτόκων ἐτάγης, ἐν ὑψίστοις, καὶ Ἀγγέλων πανηγύρει, περιχαρῶς προσελήλυθας.

Now in place of affliction, praise, * and enjoyment instead of pain, * and in place of darkness, illuminating light, * has Christ the fair Judge awarded you. * Indeed to reward you for * the inscription on your face, * godly Saint, you have been inscribed * in the Book of Life; * In the Church of the Firstborn you are listed, Father Theodore, in heaven, * and with the Angels you celebrate. [SD]

Δόξα. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Glory. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος βʹ.

Mode 2.

Τῷ Βασιλεῖ καὶ Δεσπότῃ τοῦ παντός, τεχθέντι ἐπὶ γῆς, Στέφανος ὑπέρλαμπρος προσφέρεται, οὐκ ἐκ λίθων τιμίων κατεσκευασμένος, ἀλλʼ ἐξ οἰκείων αἱμάτων διηνθισμένος. Ἀλλʼ ὦ φιλομάρτυρες δεῦτε, τὰ τῶν ᾀσμάτων ἄνθη δρεψάμενοι, τὰς κεφαλὰς ἀναδησώμεθα, καὶ τοῖς ὕμνοις ἀναμέλποντες, εἴπωμεν· Ὁ σοφίᾳ καταγλαϊσθείς, καὶ χάριτι τὴν ψυχήν, Πρωτομάρτυς Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, αἴτησαι ἡμῖν εἰρήνην, καὶ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

To the King and Master of all, who was born on earth, Stephen is presented as a splendid crown that is decorated, not with jewels, but with his own blood. Come, you fans of the Martyrs, let us take up songs like pennants, and let us wave them above our heads; and as we sing our hymns, let us say to him: “Your soul was adorned with wisdom and grace, O Protomartyr of Christ God. Pray for us, that we may receive peace and great mercy.” [SD]

Καὶ νῦν. Τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Both now. For the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος βʹ.

Mode 2.

Μέγα καὶ παράδοξον θαῦμα, τετέλεσται σήμερον! Παρθένος τίκτει, καὶ μήτρα οὐ φθείρεται· ὁ Λόγος σαρκοῦται, καὶ τοῦ Πατρὸς οὐ κεχώρισται. Ἄγγελοι μετὰ Ποιμένων δοξάζουσι, καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν αὐτοῖς ἐκβοῶμεν· Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις Θεῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς εἰρήνη.

A great and paradoxal miracle has taken place today. A Virgin has given birth, and there is no damage to her womb. The Word becomes flesh, and He is not separated from the Father. Angels and Shepherds give glory, and we join them in shouting: “Glory in the highest to God, and on earth let there be peace.” [SD]

   

   

(Εἴσοδος οὐ γίνεται.)

(No Entrance)

   

   

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὸ Φῶς Ἱλαρόν.

Stand for the hymn.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Φῶς ἱλαρὸν ἁγίας δόξης ἀθανάτου Πατρός, οὐρανίου, ἁγίου, μάκαρος, Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, ἐλθόντες ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλίου δύσιν, ἰδόντες φῶς ἑσπερινόν, ὑμνοῦμεν Πατέρα, Υἱόν καὶ ἅγιον Πνεῦμα, Θεόν. Ἄξιόν σε ἐν πᾶσι καιροῖς ὑμνεῖσθαι φωναῖς αἰσίαις, Υἱὲ Θεοῦ, ζωὴν ὁ διδούς· * διὸ ὁ κόσμος σὲ δοξάζει.

Gladsome light of holy glory of the holy, blessed, heavenly, immortal Father, O Jesus Christ: arriving at the hour of sunset and having seen the evening light, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. It is worthy for You to be praised at all times with happy voices, O Son of God and Giver of life; * and therefore the world glorifies You. [SD]

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἑσπέρας προκείμενον.

The evening Prokeimenon!

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Προκείμενον. Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 2.

Ἡ βοήθειά μου παρὰ Κυρίου, τοῦ ποιήσαντος τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν. (δίς)

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (2) [SAAS]

Στίχ. Ἦρα τοὺς ὀφθαλμούς μου εἰς τὰ ὄρη, ὅθεν ἥξει ἡ βοήθειά μου.

Verse: I lifted my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come?

Ἡ βοήθειά μου παρὰ Κυρίου, τοῦ ποιήσαντος τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν.

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τῆς εὐχῆς.

Stand for the reading of prayer.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

READER

Καταξίωσον, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἑσπέρᾳ ταύτῃ, ἀναμαρτήτους φυλαχθῆναι ἡμᾶς. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, ὁ Θεὸς τῶν Πατέρων ἡμῶν, καὶ αἰνετὸν καὶ δεδοξασμένον τὸ ὄνομά σου εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. Ἀμήν. Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς, καθάπερ ἠλπίσαμεν ἐπὶ σέ. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Κύριε, δίδαξόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, Δέσποτα, συνέτισόν με τὰ δικαιώματά σου. Εὐλογητὸς εἶ, ἅγιε, φώτισόν με τοῖς δικαιώμασί σου. Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα· τὰ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σου μὴ παρίδῃς. Σοὶ πρέπει αἶνος, σοὶ πρέπει ὕμνος, σοὶ δόξα πρέπει, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ Ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. ( Ἀμήν. )

O Lord, keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name to the ages. Amen. O Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we have set our hope in you. Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, grant me understanding of your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your commandments. Lord, your mercy is forever. Do not despise the works of your hands. To you is due praise, to you is due song, to you is due glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. ( Amen. ) [HC]

ΤΑ ΠΛΗΡΩΤΙΚΑ

LITANY OF COMPLETION

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Πληρώσωμεν τὴν ἑσπερινὴν δέησιν ἡμῶν τῷ Κυρίῳ.

Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἀντιλαβοῦ, σῶσον, ἐλέησον καὶ διαφύλαξον ἡμᾶς, ὁ Θεός, τῇ σῇ χάριτι.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὴν ἑσπέραν πᾶσαν τελείαν, ἁγίαν, εἰρηνικὴν καὶ ἀναμάρτητον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ (μεθʼ ἑκάστην δέησιν)

CHOIR (after each petition)

Παράσχου, Κύριε.

Grant this, O Lord.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Ἄγγελον εἰρήνης, πιστὸν ὁδηγόν, φύλακα τῶν ψυχῶν καὶ τῶν σωμάτων ἡμῶν παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

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

Συγγνώμην καὶ ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν καὶ τῶν πλημμελημάτων ἡμῶν παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

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

Τὰ καλὰ καὶ συμφέροντα ταῖς ψυχαῖς ἡμῶν καὶ εἰρήνην τῷ κόσμῳ παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

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

Τὸν ὑπόλοιπον χρόνον τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν ἐν εἰρήνῃ καὶ μετανοίᾳ ἐκτελέσαι παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου αἰτησώμεθα.

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

Χριστιανὰ τὰ τέλη τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν, ἀνώδυνα, ἀνεπαίσχυντα, εἰρηνικὰ καὶ καλὴν ἀπολογίαν τὴν ἐπὶ τοῦ φοβεροῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ αἰτησώμεθα.

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.

Τῆς παναγίας, ἀχράντου, ὑπερευλογημένης, ἐνδόξου, δεσποίνης ἡμῶν, Θεοτόκου καὶ ἀειπαρθένου Μαρίας μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων μνημονεύσαντες, ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἀλλήλους καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ παραθώμεθα.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος Θεὸς ὑπάρχεις καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπομεν, τῷ Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ Υἱῷ καὶ τῷ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ: Εἰρήνη πᾶσι.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Καὶ τῷ πνεύματί σου.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Τὰς κεφαλὰς ἡμῶν τῷ Κυρίῳ κλίνωμεν.

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Σοί, Κύριε.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ (χαμηλοφώνως)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Κύριε ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ὁ κλίνας οὐρανοὺς καὶ καταβὰς ἐπὶ σωτηρίᾳ τοῦ γένους τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἔπιδε ἐπί τοὺς δούλους σου καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν κληρονομίαν σου· σοὶ γὰρ τῷ φοβερῷ καὶ φιλανθρώπῳ κριτῇ οἱ σοὶ δοῦλοι ὑπέκλιναν τὰς κεφαλάς, τοὺς δὲ αὐτῶν ὑπέταξαν αὐχένας, οὐ τὴν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων ἀναμένοντες βοήθειαν, ἀλλὰ τὸ σὸν περιμένοντες ἔλεος καὶ τὴν σὴν ἀπεκδεχόμενοι σωτηρίαν· οὓς διαφύλαξον ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ καὶ κατὰ τὴν παροῦσαν ἑσπέραν καὶ τὴν προσιοῦσαν νύκτα ἀπὸ παντὸς ἐχθροῦ, ἀπὸ πάσης ἀντικειμένης ἐνεργείας διαβολικῆς καὶ διαλογισμῶν ματαίων καὶ ἐνθυμήσεων πονηρῶν.

Lord our God, who inclined the heavens and came down for the salvation of humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads and bent their necks to You, the fearsome yet compassionate Judge, not expecting human help, but awaiting Your mercy and anticipating Your salvation. Guard them at all times, this evening and the coming night, from every enemy, from all demonic activity against them, from unprofitable reflections, and from wicked thoughts.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ (ἐκφώνως)

PRIEST (aloud)

Εἴη τὸ κράτος τῆς βασιλείας σου εὐλογημένον καὶ δεδοξασμένον, τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀπόστιχα τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Aposticha of the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος αʹ. Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

Τὸν ἐκ Πατρὸς πρὸ αἰώνων ἐξανατείλαντα, καὶ ὡς Υἱὸν ἐν κόλπῳ Πατρικῷ ἀεὶ ὄντα· αὖθις δὲ ἐπʼ ἐσχάτων, ἀγκάλαις Μητρός, ὡς ἐν θρόνῳ καθήμενον, καὶ ὑπ Ἀγγέλων Ποιμένων, Μάγων τε νῦν, προσκυνούμενον ὑμνήσωμεν.

The Logos rose from the Father before the ages began, * and as the Son is ever * in the bosom of the Father. * Now, though, as an infant, He sits in the arms * of His Mother as on a throne; * and by the Angels and Shepherds and Magi Kings, * He is worshiped. Let us sing His praise. [SD]

Στίχ. Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου· Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου.

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

Ἐν Βηθλεὲμ συνελθόντες, πιστοὶ κατίδωμεν, τὸν τῶν ἁπάντων Κτίστην, κείμενον ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, καὶ τοὺς ἐκ Χαλδαίων δῶρον καλόν, προσκομίζοντας τρίϋλον, ὡς Βασιλεῖ, ὡς Θεῷ τε καὶ διʼ ἡμᾶς, τριημέρῳ ἐσομένῳ νεκρῷ.

Let us the faithful assemble and go to Bethlehem. * We see the world’s Creator as a babe in the manger. * And we see the men of Chaldea present * to the Lord threefold precious gifts * fit for a King, fit for God, and fit for the man, * who for three days will be dead for us. [SD]

Στίχ. Ἐκ γαστρὸς πρὸ ἑωσφόρου ἐγέννησά σε. Ὤμοσε Κύριος καὶ οὐ μεταμεληθήσεται.

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

Ἐκ τῆς Παρθένου ἐτέχθης, ὑπὸ τὸ Σπήλαιον· καὶ στρατιαὶ Ἀγγέλων, ἐπιστᾶσαι ἐβόων· Δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις σοὶ τῷ Θεῷ, τῷ τεχθέντι ἐν δούλου μορφῇ, καὶ ἀναπλάσαντι κόσμον ἐν τῇ γαστρί, τῆς Παρθένου καὶ ἀνάνδρου Μητρός.

Lord, You were born of the Virgin inside a humble cave. * The hosts of Angels came down * from the heavens and shouted: * Glory in the highest to You, our God, * who were born in a servant’s form, * and in the womb of the Mother who knew no man * you refashioned the entire world. [SD]

Δόξα. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Glory. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Mode pl. 2.

Πρῶτος ἐν Μάρτυσιν ἐδείχθης, καὶ ἐν Διακόνοις, Στέφανε μακάριε, τῶν Ἀθλητῶν τὸ ἐγκαλλώπισμα, τῶν πιστῶν τὸ στήριγμα, ἡ δόξα τῶν δικαίων. Τοῖς τὴν σεπτήν σου ἑορτάζουσι μνήμην, αἴτησαι, ὡς παριστάμενος τῷ θρόνῳ Χριστοῦ τοῦ παντάνακτος, τῶν πταισμάτων ἱλασμόν, καὶ βασιλείας οὐρανῶν ἀξιωθῆναι.

You are distinguished among Martyrs and Deacons as being the first, O blessed Stephen. You are the jewel of Athletes, the pride and joy of the faithful, and the glory of the Righteous. Pray for us who celebrate your solemn memorial, since you stand near the throne of Christ the King of all; and ask that we may receive forgiveness of sins, and be counted worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. [SD]

Καὶ νῦν. Τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Both now. For the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος πλ. βʹ.

Mode pl. 2.

Χορεύουσιν Ἄγγελοι πάντες ἐν οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἀγάλλονται σήμερον· σκιρτᾷ δὲ πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις, διὰ τὸν γεννηθέντα ἐν Βηθλεέμ, Σωτῆρα Κύριον· ὅτι πᾶσα πλάνη τῶν εἰδώλων πέπαυται, καὶ βασιλεύει Χριστὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.

All the Angels in heaven form a chorus and exult today; and all creation leaps for joy, because our Savior and Lord has been born in Bethlehem. All the deception of idols has ceased, and Christ reigns as King, forever and ever. [SD]

Ὁ λαὸς ἵσταται διὰ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τῶν εὐχῶν.

Stand for the reading of prayers

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

ᾨδὴν τοῦ Θεοδόχου Συμεών

Song of Simeon

Νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, Δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου, ἐν εἰρήνῃ· ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου, ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν· φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν, καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ.

Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples. A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. [NKJV]

ΛΑΟΣ

PEOPLE

Τρισάγιον.

Trisagion Prayers.

Ἅγιος ὁ Θεός, ἅγιος Ἰσχυρός, ἅγιος Ἀθάνατος, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. (3)

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

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι· καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

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

Παναγία Τριάς, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς. Κύριε, ἱλάσθητι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ἡμῶν. Δέσποτα, συγχώρησον τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῖν. Ἅγιε, ἐπίσκεψαι καὶ ἴασαι τὰς ἀσθενείας ἡμῶν, ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου.

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.

Κύριε, ἐλέησον. Κύριε, ἐλέησον. Κύριε, ἐλέησον.

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

Δόξα Πατρὶ καὶ Υἱῷ καὶ ἁγίῳ Πνεύματι· καὶ νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.

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

Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου. Ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου. Γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου, ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς. Τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον. Καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν. Καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ.

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.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία καὶ ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου Πνεύματος, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.

Ἀπολυτίκιον. Τοῦ Ἁγίου Στεφάνου.

Apolytikion. For St. Stephen.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ. Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Βασίλειον διάδημα, ἐστέφθη σὴ κορυφή, ἐξ ἄθλων ὧν ὑπέμεινας, ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μαρτύρων Πρωτόαθλε· σὺ γὰρ τὴν Ἰουδαίων ἀπελέγξας μανίαν, εἶδές σου τὸν Σωτῆρα, τοῦ Πατρὸς δεξιόθεν. Αὐτὸν οὖν ἐκδυσώπει ἀεί, ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν.

O Stephen, a crown of royalty was laid on your head * for contests you courageously endured for Christ our God, * as first among Martyr saints. * You refuted the ravings of the Jews who accused you, * and you saw your Savior at the right hand of the Father. * We pray that you will ever entreat Him to save our souls. [GOASD]

Δόξα· καὶ νῦν.

Glory. Both now.

Ἀπολυτίκιον τῆς Ἑορτῆς.

Apolytikion of the Feast.

Τοῦ Μηναίου - - -

From Menaion - - -

Ἦχος δʹ.

Mode 4.

Ἡ Γέννησίς σου Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ἀνέτειλε τῷ κόσμῳ, τὸ φῶς τὸ τῆς γνώσεως· ἐν αὐτῇ γὰρ οἱ τοῖς ἄστροις λατρεύοντες, ὑπὸ ἀστέρος ἐδιδάσκοντο, σὲ προσκυνεῖν, τὸν Ἥλιον τῆς δικαιοσύνης, καὶ σὲ γινώσκειν ἐξ ὕψους ἀνατολήν. Κύριε δόξα σοι.

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. [SD]

(Παραλείπεται ἡ ἐκτενής.)

(The “ektenia” litany has been omitted.)

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ: Σοφία.

DEACON: Wisdom.

ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ: Εὐλόγησον, Δέσποτα.

READER: Master, give the blessing.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς Χριστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν πάντοτε, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΠΡΟΕΣΤΩΣ ἢ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΗΣ

HIERARCH or READER

Στερεώσαι Κύριος ὁ Θεός τὴν ἁγίαν καὶ ἀμώμητον πίστιν τῶν εὐσεβῶν καὶ ὀρθοδόξων χριστιανῶν σὺν τῇ ἁγίᾳ αὐτοῦ Μεγάλῃ Ἐκκλησίᾳ, τῇ ἱερᾷ ἡμῶν Ἀρχιεπισκοπῇ, [τῇ ἱερᾷ Μητροπόλει ταύτῃ] καὶ τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ εἰς αἰῶνας αἰώνων.

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.

ΧΟΡΟΣ: Ἀμήν.

CHOIR: Amen.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Δόξα σοι, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν, δόξα σοι.

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

Ὁ ἐν σπηλαίῳ γεννηθείς, καὶ ἐν φάτνῃ ἀνακλιθείς, διὰ τὴν ἡμῶν σωτηρίαν, Χριστὸς ὁ ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς ἡμῶν, ταῖς πρεσβείαις τῆς παναχράντου καὶ παναμώμου ἁγίας αὐτοῦ Μητρός, δυνάμει τοῦ τιμίου καὶ ζωοποιοῦ Σταυροῦ, προστασίαις τῶν τιμίων ἐπουρανίων δυνάμεων ἀσωμάτων, ἱκεσίαις τοῦ τιμίου, ἐνδόξου, προφήτου, προδρόμου καὶ βαπτιστοῦ Ἰωάννου, τῶν ἁγίων ἐνδόξων καὶ πανευφήμων ἀποστόλων, τῶν ἁγίων ἐνδόξων καὶ καλλινίκων μαρτύρων· τῶν ὁσίων καὶ θεοφόρων πατέρων ἡμῶν· (τοῦ ἁγίου τοῦ ναοῦ)· τῶν ἁγίων καὶ δικαίων θεοπατόρων Ἰωακεὶμ καὶ Ἄννης, καὶ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πρωτομάρτυρος, καὶ Ἀρχιδιακόνου Στεφάνου, οὗ καὶ τὴν μνήμην ἐπιτελοῦμεν· καὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων, ἐλεήσαι καὶ σώσαι ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἀγαθὸς καὶ φιλάνθρωπος καὶ ἐλεήμων Θεός.

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 the holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, whose memory we celebrate, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Διʼ εὐχῶν τῶν ἁγίων πατέρων ἡμῶν, Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, ἐλέησον ἡμᾶς.

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

ΧΟΡΟΣ

CHOIR

Ἀμήν.

Amen.