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Triodion

Mode 3. On Friday Morning

On Friday of the First Week Morning

Menaion - March 7

Memory of the holy Hieromartyrs in Cherson

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 3.

Verse 1: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 3: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 4: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, bring more evils on them, on the glorious of the earth.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

From Horologion - - -

Triadic Hymns

Mode 3.

O Trinity, consubstantial and undivided, O Unity, with three hypostases and co-eternal, to You as God we shout the hymn of the Angels: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the power of Your Cross save us. [SD]

Glory.

Daring to glorify the unoriginate Father, the co-unoriginate Son, and the co-eternal Spirit, the one Godhead, we utter in the manner of the Cherubim: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

The Judge will arrive suddenly, and the actions of each of us will be laid bare. So, with fear, let us cry out in middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are You, our God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

You chose to suffer both the Cross and death, O Christ, * and You experienced these in the midst of the earth, * when You, O Savior, were well pleased that Your body be crucified. * Then the sun was horrified, and at midday it hid its rays. * When the Robber witnessed this, he confessed You as Lord and God, * He cried to You with reverence, “Remember me!” * And thus, believing, he was granted Paradise. [GOASD]

Verse: Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at the footstool of His feet; for He is holy. [SAAS]

O Lamb of God, you were lifted up onto a cross, made of cypress, pine and cedar, in order to save us, who in faith reverence Your voluntary crucifixion. O Christ our God, glory to You! [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

O tender-loving Lord, willingly You endured * a very painful death by being crucified. * And as Your Mother witnessed it, O Christ, she was pricked in the heart. * At her earnest prayers for us, * O benevolent and humane * Master in You tender love * and compassion take pity on us, * and save the world, O merciful Savior * who takes away the sin of the world. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 14. Then the short litany.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For 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.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

By your divine cross you have put to death the passions of my flesh; ⁄ by your passion you have given all men freedom from passions! ⁄ Count me worthy also, Lord, to see your holy resurrection, ⁄⁄ that I may receive your great and abundant mercy! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Guarded by the precious cross of your Son, ⁄ pure Lady and Theotokos, ⁄ we easily turn away all the assaults of the enemy! ⁄ Therefore we rightly call you blessed, ⁄⁄ for you are the mother of light and the only hope of our souls! [OCA]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 15. Then the 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

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 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

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma III. From the Triodion.

Mode 2.

You are the source and fountain of purity, ⁄ merciful Lord; ⁄ preserve us in the fast. ⁄ Behold us as we fall before you: ⁄ look upon the lifting up of our hands, ⁄ for you stretched out your hands upon the tree ⁄ and were crucified for the sake of all the earth-born ⁄⁄ only Lord of the angelic powers! [OCA]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 2.

Beholding you, Christ, stretched dead upon the tree, ⁄ your virgin mother cried out with bitter tears: ⁄ my Son, what is this fearful mystery? ⁄ How do you suffer willingly a shameful death upon the cross ⁄⁄ when you give eternal life to all? [OCA]

READER

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory. Both now.

Psalm 50 (51).

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

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.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θαλάσσης τὸ ἐρυθραῖον.

Verse: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified.

The Red Sea was crossed by ancient Israel. They walked across dry ground, * when Moses stretched his hand over the sea * with his rod, in the form of a cross; * and likewise in the wilderness, they put to flight the hosts of Amalek. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Martyrs, because you out-pour of the holy overflow of radiance, save us from the dark haze of passions, we who piously commend without ceasing this radiant festival of yours which gives light. [un]

Verse: The Lord reigns forever and ever and ever. For Pharaoh’s horses went with his chariots and horsemen into the sea. [SAAS]

O Martyrs, because you out-pour of the holy overflow of radiance, save us from the dark haze of passions, we who piously commend without ceasing this radiant festival of yours which gives light. [un]

Verse: But the children of Israel walked on dry ground in the midst of the sea. [SAAS]

O righteous Fathers, the Word of God made flesh displayed you to be shepherds of great glory, so that you would announce His Divinity to those in falsehood who are endangered by lack of knowledge. [un]

Glory.

O glorious Fathers, because you are entirely replete with the streams of the Holy Spirit which create life, you irrigated those who had become dehydrated from the scorching heat of woeful atheism. You led them to the water of salvation. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and spotless Virgin, through your childbirth which is beyond understanding, our original ancestors had their conviction nullified. The original admission into Paradise was returned to them. They praised you with a mighty voice. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Εὐφραίνεται ἐπὶ σοί.

Verse: Holy are You, O Lord, and my spirit praises You.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O all-wise Basilefs, because your mind was inflamed with the holy fire, and because you are a wonderful shepherd, you caused atheism to burn in flames. [un]

Verse: The Lord went up into the heaven and thundered. The Lord judges the ends of the earth. [SAAS]

O all-wise Basilefs, because your mind was inflamed with the holy fire, and because you are a wonderful shepherd, you caused atheism to burn in flames. [un]

Verse: He gives strength to our leaders, and He will exalt the horn of His Christ. [SAAS]

O glorious Fathers, by the radiance of the Holy Spirit, you caused those who were in destructive murkiness to come into the illumination of holy baptism. [un]

Glory.

O Basilefs, because your ways were pointed straightways towards God, they caused every man to turn towards the way of holy understanding and away from the way of falsehood [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure and totally spotless Virgin, your conception was of the powerful Lord. He frees mortals from the power of the adversary. [un]

Heirmos.

Your Church rejoices in You, O Christ our God, and she cries out to You, * “You are my mighty strength, O Lord, * and You are my refuge and firm support.” [SD]

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are 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.

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 3. N/M (You were so beautiful.)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

You were ordained as priests through fragrant chrism. O lights that shine everywhere, you Martyrs who are commended by everyone, you became shepherds to a people full of faith and divine prudence. As immaculate and unblemished lambs, you were sacrificed on behalf of the Word and brought to the Highest Shepherd, Christ, who was sacrificed as though a sheep. Therefore, all of us hold a feast with yearning for your godly and holy memory. [un]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

O tender-loving Lord, willingly You endured * a very painful death by being crucified. * And as Your Mother witnessed it, O Christ, she was pricked in the heart. * At her earnest prayers for us, * O benevolent and humane * Master in You tender love * and compassion take pity on us, * and save the world, O merciful Savior * who takes away the sin of the world. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐπαρθέντα σε ἰδοῦσα.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

When the Church beheld You raised on the Cross unjustly, * O Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, crucified for our sake, * she stood in her course, like the moon, * and fittingly cried aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Permit it that the holy chorus of Martyrs may be commended, for this chorus is made wonderful by the graces of the priesthood and martyrdom. This chorus joyfully sings: Glory to Your strength, O Lord. [un]

Verse: The Lord God is my strength; He will direct my feet to the end. [SAAS]

The Holy Spirit displayed Ephrem, Basilefs, Capito, Eugene, Elpidios, and the holy Aetherios as sailors of the Church and carriers of God. [un]

Verse: He will set me upon high places, so to conquer by His song. [SAAS]

O holy Fathers, you were brought into holiness. Truly the people were shepherded by you with holiness and righteousness. You were giving an ending of blessed martyrdom. [un]

Glory.

O holy Martyr Basilefs, the unbelievers who were as though dead have achieved unending life through the resurrection of Him who died. O holy Marty Basilefs, through you they came to faith in Christ our God. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, you made the men who had been killed to come back to life through your ineffable childbirth of hypostatic Life, who is our God Christ. Because of His empathy, He became man. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Σὺ Κύριέ μου φῶς.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

My Lord, You are the light. * Holy light, to the world You came * to turn people from the darkness * and the night of not knowing. And now in faith we sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O God-bearing Fathers, you imbibed of the chalice of most eminent martyrdom while invoking the Name of the Lord in faith. [un]

Verse: My spirit rises early in the morning to You, O God, for Your commands are a light upon the earth. [SAAS]

O God-bearing Fathers, you imbibed of the chalice of most eminent martyrdom while invoking the Name of the Lord in faith. [un]

Verse: Learn righteousness, you who dwell on the earth. [SAAS]

O Basilefs, the one that was dead was resurrected through your prayers by He who alone can inspire new life into the slain. This caused your message to become even more radiant. [un]

Verse: O Lord, Your arm is exalted, but they did not know it. But when they know it, they shall be ashamed. [SAAS]

O Fathers, you mitigated the polytheistic oppression of the insanity of idolatry. You preached about the Son who is of the same eminence as the Father. [un]

Verse: Jealousy will seize an untaught people; and now fire will devour the adversaries. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O immaculate one, the people who understand that the Master of all has you as a mother are blessed. Their yearning for you causes them to name you as blessed. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

O Lord our God, grant us peace, for You render everything to us. [SAAS]

O Lord our God, possess us; O Lord, we know no other besides You; we name Your name.

The dead will not see life; neither will physicians raise them. Therefore You brought evils upon them and destroyed them, and took away every male of theirs.

Because of Your fear, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain, and we have given birth. We brought forth the spirit of Your salvation on the earth. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 2. N/M (You are the light.)

Ὁ φωτισμός.

Verse: Bring more evils on them, O Lord, on the glorious of the earth [SAAS]

Seeing the sinfulness that is in me, ⁄ the deceitful enemy urges me on to sin and works with me: ⁄ for he truly rejoices over my perdition. ⁄ But I entreat you, Savior, ⁄ grant me amendment of life that I may destroy him! [OCA]

Verse: O Lord, I remembered You in my hard circumstances. Your chastening to us was a small affliction. [SAAS]

By your cross you have triumphed over the powers of darkness. ⁄ Deliver me from their wickedness, ⁄ for I am fallen into a depth of sin and a pit of iniquity; ⁄ but by your mercy, I hope to be saved. [OCA]

Verse: As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so we became Your beloved. [SAAS]

You hung dead upon the cross: ⁄ restore life to my soul, deadened through sin, O Christ, ⁄ count me worthy to attain your holy resurrection tn peace, ⁄ obediently fulfilling your commandments. [OCA]

Verse: We shall not fall but the inhabitants of the world shall fall. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

Pure Maiden, you are a light to me in my infirmity ⁄ and the salvation of my darkened soul; ⁄ save me, O save me, for I perish! ⁄ Clothe me, corrupted by my grievous sins, ⁄ in a garment of incorruption! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 2. N/M (With the night being over.)

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

Verse: The dead shall rise up; and those in the tombs shall arise. Those in the earth shall be glad. [SAAS]

You only are immortal, ⁄ yet accepted to be crucified in the flesh ⁄ at the place of the skull, O Lord, ⁄ giving men immortality and fashioning them anew. [OCA]

Verse: For your dew is a healing for them, but the land of the ungodly shall come to an end. [SAAS]

When the creation saw the outrage of your passion, Lord, ⁄ it was wholly changed, lamenting the murder by your own people. ⁄ But you patiently endured these things to save the whole world! [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

All-holy Trinity, we worship you: ⁄ you are our refuge and our strength. ⁄ We sing your praises in unity of nature: ⁄ send down on us the forgiveness of our sins. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, Maiden of many names: ⁄ tabernacle, vessel of manna and table, ⁄ candlestick that bears the light; ⁄ the burning bush, and the mountain overshadowed by God! [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Saying farewell to the world and all that is in it, ⁄ let us now be crucified with Christ; ⁄ let us endure outrage, mockery and other sufferings, ⁄ that we may be glorified in him. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τῆς νυκτὸς διελθούσης.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: ⁄ your light has shone upon the world! ⁄ Therefore the ranks of angels sing your praises, ⁄ and they glorify you, O Lord! [OCA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vi. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Θύσω σοι μετὰ φωνῆς.

Verse: Save us, O Lord, like You saved the Prophet Jonah.

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

With commendation may we grant crowns to Agathodoros, Eugene, the great Basilefs, and the wise Elpidios. They are hierarchs and honorable Martyrs. [un]

Verse: Those who follow vanity and lies forsake their own mercy. [SAAS]

With commendation may we grant crowns to Agathodoros, Eugene, the great Basilefs, and the wise Elpidios. They are hierarchs and honorable Martyrs. [un]

Verse: As much as I vowed, I shall offer up to You, to You, the Lord of Deliverance. [SAAS]

O Martyrs full of wisdom, you were fed by the commands of the Holy Spirit. You founded rules of salvation for the disobedient. You caused them to piously come to the light. [un]

Glory.

You nursed the peoples of several cities, but you were shepherds of a single people You were heirs of the holy city where the Martyrs live and serve God. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin without any guilt, the Prophets foretold of you with their unclear messages, as did the Law which cast shadows of you. Your conception beyond of understanding delivered the world from destruction. [un]

Heirmos.

“I will sacrifice to You, O Lord, with a voice of praise.” * So sings the Church You delivered * from the gore of sacrificing to demons; * for You cleansed her * by the blood that for mercy poured out from Your side. [SD]

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

For You are the 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.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 3.

By faith you shone forth, like most radiant lights, O Saints. You are physicians of the sick, O all-lauded medal-winners. Since your courage did not falter when faced with torture by tyrants, you brought down the blasphemies of the idols, for you bore the Cross of the truth as trophy invincible. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 7 we commemorate the holy Hieromartyrs Ephrem, Basilefs, Evgenios, Agathodoros, Elpidios, Capito and Aetherios, who were bishops of Cherson.

On this day Nestor and Arcadios, Bishops of Trimythous, died in peace.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father Paul the Simple.

On this day Saint Ephrem, Patriarch of Antioch, died in peace.

We also commemorate our devout father Laurence, founder of the holy Monastery of Phaneromeni on the island of Salamina.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saints.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἐν τῇ καμίνῳ Ἀβραμιαῖοι.

Verse: Blessed are You, the God of our fathers.

Inside the furnace * in ancient Persia, sons of Abraham * were consumed with pious fear and the love of God * rather than the fiery flame, and sang * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Father Capito, you joyously entered into the oven. Like the Three Youths, you were not burned. You caused those without belief to turn from the coming fire. You directed them to have faith when you performed your divine wonders. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You on the throne of Your kingdom, and You are praised and exalted beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

O Father Capito, you joyously entered into the oven. Like the Three Youths, you were not burned. You caused those without belief to turn from the coming fire. You directed them to have faith when you performed your divine wonders. [un]

Verse: Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, for You are praised and glorified unto the ages. [SAAS]

O holy Father Capito, you were neither intimidated nor fearful of the law. You were dressed in holy raiment. O blessed one, you carried fiery coals there. [un]

Glory.

O Capito, holy minister inspired by God, You buffeted against the power of foolishness. You established the understanding of righteousness for everyone who had fallen into the abyss of empty living. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, the Word of God desired to reform all of mankind. He is together on one throne with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. He created Eve with his hand in the same way that He was given a beginning in your womb. [un]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Χεῖρας ἐκπετάσας Δανιήλ.

Verse: O you works, to the Lord sing a hymn, and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages.

Daniel shut the lions’ gaping mouths inside the den of old, by stretching out his hands. * The three young men overcame the force * of the furnace fire, having girt * themselves in virtue, for they loved * godliness, and were together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Fathers, when you were slain by the suffering of the body, you became the reason of undying life for everyone that yielded to the dead gods. Those who received salvation with you always exclaim: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

O you faithful, let us sing with one voice of Eugene, Agathodoros, Ephrem, Elpidios, Aetherios, Basilefs, and Capito. They annihilated the adversary. They are hierarchs of Christ. To them we exclaim: Praise the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, you heavens of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

O wise Father, upon giving joy to the nations by your instructions, you have gone on to the never-ending radiance and joy. You were given the prizes for your works. You exclaimed: Praise the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you waters above the heaven, all you powers of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

O most blessed of mankind, because you now are clusters of the Vine of Life, you cause the wine of healings to constantly pour out. You cause the hearts of all the once who commend you with faith to be glad. These exclaim: Praise the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [un]

Verse: Bless the Lord, you sun and moon, you stars of heaven, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O pure Virgin, the One who is above all in His Essence was manifest as a man by being born of you. He is of two natures, energies, and wills. He willed to be shown to those whose image he took on. We exclaim to Him: Praise the Lord, all you works of the Lord. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

Bless the Lord, every shower and dew, all you winds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Bless the Lord, you fire and heat, you winter cold and summer heat, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you dews and snows, you frost and cold, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you hoarfrosts and snows, you lightning and clouds, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you light and darkness, you night and day, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you earth, you mountains and hills, and all you things growing on the earth, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages.

Bless the Lord, you springs, you seas and rivers, you sea-monsters and everything that moves in the waters, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. N/M (When God went down.)

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

Verse: Bless the Lord, all you birds of heaven, all you wild animals and cattle, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

In your compassion you humbled yourself, and were lifted on the cross, ⁄ raising up with yourself ⁄ the one who had fallen of old through eating from the tree. ⁄ Therefore you are glorified, Lord, alone greatest in love, ⁄ and we sing your praises for ever! [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O children of men. Bless the Lord, O Israel, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

I have fallen into the heavy sleep of sin through heedlessness, ⁄ but, my Christ, who for my sake fell asleep on the cross, ⁄ awaken me, that the night of death not come on me. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O priests of the Lord, O servants of the Lord, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Blinded by sensual pleasures, ⁄ I bear within me a darkened soul, ⁄ and the crafty enemy laughs when he sees me. ⁄ But give me light, O Christ, and deliver me forever from his malice. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, O holy ones and humble in heart, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

I have wasted my life in carelessness, ⁄ and my soul is heavy with the drowsiness of sin. ⁄ I fly to your unsleeping intercession, all-pure Virgin: ⁄ do not let me slumber in the sleep of death! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 2. N/M (Within the bush.)

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

Crowned with thorns, O Christ, and clothed in a scarlet robe, ⁄ you shone with glory, ⁄ surpassing in beauty ail the sons of men. [OCA]

Verse: Bless the Lord, O Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs, and exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SAAS]

You drank gall and vinegar, ⁄ and from your divine side ⁄ poured a double stream of life and incorruption ⁄ to those who praise and glorify you in faith forever. [OCA]

Verse: We bless the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; we sing a hymn to Him and exalt Him beyond measure unto the ages. [SAAS]

For the Trinity.

O Godhead, one in Trinity, ⁄ undivided in nature yet divided in persons, ⁄ power that shall never be destroyed, ⁄ Father, Son and Spirit, ⁄ we sing your praises forever! [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Pure Mother of God, ⁄ gate of heaven and door of salvation, ⁄ accept the prayer of all Christians ⁄ who call you blessed forever. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Cross, the sceptre of Christ and strength of the church, ⁄ the victory of kings and guardian of Christians! ⁄ You are my light, and my boast forever. [OCA]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὸν ἐν τῇ βάτῳ Μωσῇ.

Let us praise him, who of old in the burning bush ⁄ prefigured the miracle of the Virgin to Moses on Sinai: ⁄ let us bless and exalt him above all forever! [OCA]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saints.

Ode ix. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

A cornerstone was cut out without hands from a never-quarried mountain, * which prefigured you, holy Virgin. * The stone is Christ, who joined the disparate natures. * As we rejoice because of this, O Theotokos, we magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

As we commemorate the holy memory of the holy Hieromartyrs, with a loud shout may all of us give reverence to them with holy songs, because they supplicate to the God of all mercies on our behalf. [un]

Verse: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. [RSV]

O holy Martyrs, you manifested as valuable stones pulled through dirt by those without God. By the power of God you demolished the fortifications of falsehood. Therefore you deserved to be named as blessed. [un]

Verse: And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. [RSV]

On this day the city of Cherson commemorates your memory, because you demonstrated yourselves as her towers, holy buttresses and fortifications. You were her shepherds, instructors, and intermediaries blessed by God. [un]

Verse: As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us. [RSV]

Eugene, Ephrem, Capito, Elpidios, Aetherios, the glorious Basilefs, and Agathodors of a godly mind, who are a chorus of Fathers, are already added to the choruses of Angels. [un]

Verse: To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant. [RSV]

Theotokion.

The Maiden who was given grace by God, as she cradled Christ in her arms, this Christ who Himself holds everything in His own hand, she exclaimed in wonder: How can I understand You to be both my Son and my Creator, You who are beyond understanding? [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. N/M (Lady, from your virginal belly.)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

Verse: The oath which he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, be[ing] delivered from the hand of our enemies. [RSV]

Hateful thoughts have covered my soul with leprosy: ⁄ cleanse it, word of God, with the sprinkling of your blood. ⁄ Christ, for my sake you have suffered shameful crucifixion: ⁄ make me a partaker in your glory. [OCA]

Verse: [That we] might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. [RSV]

I am bowed down to the earth, O Christ, ⁄ by the burden of my sinful deeds, ⁄ and in dark discouragement I cry to you, lover of mankind: ⁄ by your precious blood heal the incurable wounds of my soul ⁄ that I may sing the praises of your divinity. [OCA]

Verse: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. [RSV]

I have made iniquity my food and heedlessness my drink, ⁄ and I continue without any change. ⁄ I take pleasure in abstaining from food to no purpose, ⁄ for such is not the fast the Lord has chosen. [OCA]

Verse: To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God. [RSV]

Theotokion.

You have destroyed the sentence of condemnation ⁄ passed upon mankind of old; ⁄ you are the restoration of our first mother eve, ⁄ the cause of our reconciliation to God, our bridge to the creator! ⁄ We magnify you, Theotokos! [OCA]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 2. (N/M)

Ἡ τὸν πρὸ ἡλίου φωστῆρα.

Verse: When the day shall dawn upon us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. [RSV]

The creation quaked when you were crucified upon the tree! ⁄ As God, in your tender mercy ⁄ you have suffered in the flesh for our salvation. [OCA]

Verse: To guide our feet into the way of peace. [RSV]

Great is the might of your cross, Lord, ⁄ for signing ourselves with it ⁄ we drive away at once the power of the demons. [OCA]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity of three co-equal persons, ⁄ undivided Trinity, sovereign nature, ⁄ Father, Son and divine Spirit, save us all. [OCA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Rejoice, Theotokos, the mercy-seat of the world! ⁄ We sinners, ever fleeing to you for refuge ⁄ gain reconciliation with God. [OCA]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By the divine power of your cross, Lord, ⁄ give me the strength to offer to you ⁄ this time of pure and blameless fasting. [OCA]

Heirmos (not metered). Mode 2.

Τὴν ἁγνὴν καὶ ἄχραντον.

Pure and undefiled Virgin Mother, ⁄ in faith and true devotion ⁄ we magnify you in song as the Theotokos! [OCA]

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify. [GOASD]

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Photagogic Hymns

From Horologion - - -

Mode 3.

Send out Your light, O Christ God, and enlighten our hearts, by the power of Your Cross, and save me. [SD]

Send out Your light, O Christ God, and enlighten our hearts, by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

Send out Your light, O Christ God, and enlighten our hearts, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, and save me. [SD]

READER

Lauds. (read)

Psalm 148.

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

Psalm 149.

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

Psalm 150.

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

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

Stand for the reading of the Doxology.

Doxology (read)

HIERARCH or READER

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

READER: Amen.

HIERARCH or READER

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

LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our morning prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR (after each petition)

Grant this, O Lord.

DEACON

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be with all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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

PRIEST (aloud)

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

CHOIR: Amen.

Aposticha. From the Triodion.

From Triodion - - -

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 4.

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

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

Let us receive the proclamation of lent with joy! ⁄ For if our forefather adam had kept the fast, ⁄ we would not have been deprived of paradise. ⁄ The fruit which killed us was beautiful to see and good to eat, ⁄ so let us not be fooled by our eyes, ⁄ for after food is eaten, it is worthless. ⁄ Let us flee from intemperance, ⁄ so that we may not be conquered by passions after having our fill. ⁄ Let us sign ourselves with the blood of the one ⁄ who, for our sake, was voluntarily led to death, ⁄ so that the destroyer might not touch us. ⁄ So we will partake of the sacred pascha of Christ ⁄⁄ for the salvation of our souls. [OCA]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 4. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

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

What are we to call you, O holy ones? * Cherubim, inasmuch as Christ has found repose in you. * Seraphim, for without ceasing you were glorifying Him. * Or Angels, from the body you had turned away. * Or Powers, you are active doing miracles. * Your names are many, and greater are * the spiritual gifts that you received. * So intercede, we entreat you, that our souls be saved. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

As all creation was witnessing * You, Savior, crucified, * it was struck with astonishment. * It reacted violently, * and the earth quaked, unable to bear * that You should suffer unjustly, O good Lord. * Also, Your pure Virgin Mother cried aloud * tearfully, “Woe is me! * O my sweetest Son, what is this that I see? * What is this sensational and shocking spectacle?” [SD]

PRIEST

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

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Standing in your glorious church, O Theotokos, we think we are standing in heaven. O heavenly Gate, open to us the door of your mercy.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

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

In the name of the Lord, Father, bless!

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

O heavenly King, uphold our rulers, strengthen the Faith, calm the nations, give peace to the world. Protect this holy Church (or, Monastery); grant our departed fathers and brethren that they may dwell with the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession; for You are good and benevolent.

We now make three prostrations: i.e. we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem (quietly or mentally), and with each verse we make a bow or prostration.

While it has become customary for this prayer to be recited by someone aloud, nevertheless the indicated practice is that it be recited inaudibly and mentally by everyone, clergy and congregants alike, with the accompanying bows etc.

Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me.

Instead, grant me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then we make the sign of the cross 12 times, each time saying, “God, be gracious to me a sinner and have mercy on me.” Then we repeat the third verse of the Prayer (quietly or mentally) and make a final bow or prostration.

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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

or:

READER

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 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.