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Menaion - December 27

Memory of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen.

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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. For St. Stephen.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

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]

Glory. Repeat.

Both now.

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. [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 1. The stone had been secured.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

O Jesus, who are seated in the highest on a fiery throne * with the unoriginate Father and Your divine Holy Spirit, * O Lord, You were well pleased to be born * of a virgin Maiden in the flesh. * For this reason did a star show the way to You * for the Magi from Persia. * Glory to Your all-benevolent will; * glory to Your epiphany; * glory to Your extreme condescension to us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

O Jesus, who are seated in the highest on a fiery throne * with the unoriginate Father and Your divine Holy Spirit, * O Lord, You were well pleased to be born * of a virgin Maiden in the flesh. * For this reason did a star show the way to You * for the Magi from Persia. * Glory to Your all-benevolent will; * glory to Your epiphany; * glory to Your extreme condescension to us. [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

As he mystically possessed * the Holy Spirit in his heart * welling forth the words of grace, * the Protomartyr of Christ * reproved the stubbornness of the Jews who were stiff-necked. * The glorious one was filled * with the fullness of grace * and wisdom, by which he * also proved to them * that the Son of God was a descendant * of King David and had sprung forth from his seed. * “Thrice-blessed Stephen, save us who honor you, * by your holy intercessions.” [SD]

Glory. Both now. 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]

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 - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

Yesterday, the Master arrived through the flesh, and today, the servant departs from the flesh. Yesterday, the King was born in the flesh, and today the servant is stoned for His sake and dies. And we know him as the holy Protomartyr Stephen. [SD]

Oikos.

Today, together with the Nativity of Christ, the Protomartyr Stephen has shone forth like a bright shining star, flashing and illuminating all the ends of the earth, except that he cast a shadow on the impiety of the Jews, when he reproved them with his words of wisdom. For he debated with them using the Scriptures, and tried to persuade them that Jesus who was born of the Virgin was indeed the Son of God. He exposed their impious crime. And we know him as the holy Protomartyr Stephen. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On December 27 we commemorate the holy Apostle, Protomartyr, and Archdeacon Stephen, one of the Seven Deacons.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Theodore the Inscribed, brother of Theophanes the Poet.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Theodore, Archbishop of Constantinople.

On this day we also commemorate the holy Hieromartyr Maurice, and the seventy martyrs with him.

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

Katavasias Odes 1-8

CHOIR

Katavasias of Christmas II

Ode i. Mode 1.

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]

Ode iii.

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]

Ode iv.

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]

Ode v.

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]

Ode vi.

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]

Ode vii.

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]

Ode viii.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

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]

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 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 1.

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

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]

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.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. Our Savior from on high.

Ἐπεσκέψατο ἡμᾶς.

As he departs now from his flesh, * Stephen, in keeping with his name, * presents himself as a living * and soul-endowed crown to You as King * and God the Ruler over all, * for Whom he fought the good fight * and finished in glory. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

Stephen was full of grace divine * and faith and power truly. * He did great wonders and rebuked * the deicidal people, who meditated on vain things. * Eloquently he uttered * words of sublime theology, * saying, “I now see Jesus, the Son of Man * standing at the right hand of God the Father.” * Then he was stoned; and being crowned, * to the Lord he ascended. [SD]

Another.

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

The Logos, co-beginningless * and of one throne and nature * with the Father and Spirit, is * born today from a Virgin * in Bethlehem as an infant. * The Protomartyr Stephen * publicly preached that He is God * and the Savior, and therefore by blood-stained hands * he was stoned to death, all along rejoicing, * for he ascended with a crown * to the Master with glory. [SD]

Lauds. Mode 1.

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]

Show Stichologia

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.

Hide Stichologia

Stichera. For St. Stephen.

From Menaion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode 1.

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

Let us the faithful plait a wreath of victory for the Protomartyr, using words instead of laurels. For he prepared the way for Martyrs. He joyfully cried out, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of God standing on the right hand of the unseen Father.” [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

O blessed Stephen, you were clothed with holiness, O Protomartyr and First Deacon, and companion of the Angels. Intercede and pray for us to our Lord and Savior, who is without sin. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

You were the first of the Deacons and also the first of the Martyrs, O all-holy Stephen. You opened the way for the saints, and you brought many Martyrs to the Lord. Therefore heaven opened for you and God appeared to you. Entreat Him to save our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 2.

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

Let us worthily honor Stephen, the First Deacon, the Protomartyr and courageous servant of Christ. For he stood in the midst of those who broke God’s Law, and he saw the Son on the right hand of the Father. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Glorious Stephen, citizen of heaven, blessed servant of Christ, make intercession on behalf of our souls. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode 4.

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

Stephen, the fine first-fruit of the Martyrs, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. And he was stoned by those who broke the Law. But he shined like an angel, and he saw the glory of You who were incarnate for us and who were standing at the right hand of the Power; and by the Spirit of grace he was taken into heaven. He therefore dwells with the choirs of Angels, and he intercedes for the salvation of our souls. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

O Protomartyr, Apostle and first Deacon, you are the gateway of Martyrs, the glory of the Righteous, and the pride and joy of the Apostles. When you stood trial, You saw the heavens opened and the Son of God standing at the right hand of the invisible Father. Your face shone like an Angel. And with joy you cried on behalf of those who were stoning you, “Do not hold this sin against them.” So now, pray for us who lovingly sing your praises, that we may receive forgiveness of sins and great mercy. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 1.

Incomprehensible is the mystery that is accomplished today in Bethlehem! The invisible One becomes visible; the fleshless One assumes flesh; the Logos takes substance; and the One who is becomes what He was not. A Virgin gives birth in a cave to a new baby who is the Fashioner of nature. A manger portrays a heavenly throne, and animals represent an array of Cherubim. Shepherds marvel; Magi bring gifts. Angels sing praises, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth. For Emmanuel, without changing, is well pleased to be with mankind.” [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

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.

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

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. For St. Stephen.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

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]