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Triodion

Mode 4. On Tuesday Morning

On Tuesday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 11

Memory of St. Sophronius of Jerusalem

__________

MATINS

CHOIR

Mode 4.

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 4.

We mortals dare to offer You the hymn of Your noetic ministers, and we say: Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Forerunner save us. [SD]

Glory.

Now like the orders of Angels in heaven, and the ranks of people on earth, with fear we offer You a hymn of victory, O good One. Holy, holy, holy are You our God. By the intercessions of the Saints save us. [SD]

Both now.

Like the Cherubim we dare to glorify the unoriginate Father, and You, O Christ God, and Your all-holy Spirit, and we say: 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 10. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For compunction.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O brethren, let us quickly go into the bridal hall with Christ, * that we may all together hear the blessed voice of our God * addressing each one of us, * “Welcome, all you who truly love the heavenly glory, * for you are imitators of the wise and prudent Virgins.” * Let our lamps be shining brightly through our faith and works of charity. [GOASD]

Verse: O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your anger. [SAAS]

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Meditate on this, my soul, that we will stand before the Judge, * that intimidating thrones will be set up in that hour, * and that the actions of everyone will be examined. * The righteous Judge will be inexorable. * Awaiting you, alas, will be the raging fire, * like a sea that is stormy and roaring, that will dissolve the universe. * With all of this, my soul, be ever watchful, * praying with sighs before the end. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Lady, the true and literal Theotokos, as a Mother you intercede with your Son and our God with confidence. Protect your flock, which runs especially to your shelter and takes refuge in you, the harbor, the fortress, the only protection of the human race [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 11. 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 pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Restraining the passions with the bridle of pure fasting, let us all strive to raise our mind in perfect faith to holy contemplation. Let us despise the pleasures of this earthly life, that we may gain the heavenly life and divine illumination. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Through the great number of my wicked and unlawful acts, I have fallen into the troubled waters of despair. I am utterly perplexed and held captive by despondency. O sovereign Lady Theotokos, save and help me, for through thee sinners receive atonement, cleansing and salvation. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 12. 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

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 pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Setting before us a mystic table, the Fast invites us all to take our fill. Our food shall be the everlasting gifts of the Spirit; our drink, divinely flowing streams of tears. Let us make glad and without ceasing offer praise to God. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (O Life of all, You rose.)

Ἀνέστης ἐκ νεκρῶν.

Save us, most holy Virgin, from all the threats and wickedness of men. For to thee, and to thy Son and our God, we flee for refuge, Mother of God: thou art our guardian and protector. Pray to Him that we may be delivered from dangers and distress. [KW]

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 Saint.

Ode i. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

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

I open my mouth and pray the Spirit fill it, like David said, * to pour out a good word to the Queen and Mother of God. * I will celebrate * her feast with joy and gladness * and sing to her merrily, lauding her miracles. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You navigated the sea of self-control with temperance steered by the breeze of the Spirit and you gathered together a great wealth of wisdom through grace, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

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

You became a messenger of Christ’s resurrection and a divine presider of the divine sepulcher which has become rich in the spring of immortality, Christ who raises the falls of our race. [VPA]

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

By the splendor of your words and the sharpness of your mind you illumined the world, having clearly theologized the tri-hypostatic nature of the Godhead, a unity in three numbers, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

Glory.

The sound of your words and the clear lute of your teachings ran across the ends of the earth, teaching the mystery of the economy of the Logos, God-inspired Father. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

He who is by nature uncreated and co-eternal with the Father, and beyond years and before the ages, becomes created from you, O Lady, and under the ages as man, saving humanity. [VPA]

(read)

READER

Ode Two

Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

Take heed, O heaven, and I will speak; and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. [SAAS]

Let my proverbial saying be awaited as the rain, and let my words come down as raindrops on the wild grass, and as snowfall on the sown grass.

For I invoke the Lord’s name: ascribe greatness to our God.

He is God, His works are true; and all His ways are judgment.

A faithful God and without injustice; righteous and holy is the Lord.

They sinned; the blameworthy children are not His, a generation twisted and perverse. Is this how you repay the Lord?

O foolish and unwise people, is He not your Father, who acquired you? Has He not made and created you?

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations.

Ask your father, and he will tell you; your elders, and they will tell you:

When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the nations by the number of God’s angels.

For the Lord’s portion became the people of Jacob; the allotment of His inheritance is Israel.

He provided for him in the desert, in thirst of heat in a waterless place. He encircled him; He instructed him; He guarded him carefully as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle covers its nest, yearns after its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its back.

So the Lord alone led them, and there was no foreign god with them.

He raised them on the strength of the land; He fed them on the produce of the fields.

He suckled them on honey from the rock and oil from the solid rock.

Butter of oxen and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs and goats, of sons of bulls and goats, with the choicest wheat; and you drank wine, the blood of grapes.

So Jacob ate and was filled, and the beloved kicked; he grew fat, he grew thick, he is obese. Then he forsook God who made him and stood back from God his Savior.

They provoked Me to wrath against foreign gods; with their abominations they embittered Me.

They sacrificed to demons, and not to God, to gods they did not know; new ones, recent gods arrived, which their fathers did not know.

You abandoned the God who begot you, and forgot the God who nourished you.

So the Lord saw it, and was jealous; and He was provoked to anger by His sons and daughters.

Then He said, I will turn My face from them, and I will make known what their end will be; for they are a perverse generation, sons in whom is no faith.

They provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they moved Me to anger by their idols; but I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.

For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest Hades; it shall consume the land with its produce And set on fire the foundations of the mountains.

I will gather evils on them; I will spend My arrows on them.

They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by birds and incurable disease; I will also send against them the teeth of wild animals With the anger of things crawling on the earth.

The sword shall make them childless outside, and fear from the inner chambers, for the young man and virgin, the nursing child with the elder of gray hairs.

I said, I will scatter them; I will make their memory cease from among men.

But for the wrath of the enemy, lest they live long, lest their adversary make a joint attack.

Lest they should say, “Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who did all this.”

For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there understanding in them. They were not wise to understand these things.

Let them be concerned for the coming time.

How could one chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight unless God had sold them, and the Lord delivered them up?

For our God is not like their gods, but our enemies are foolish.

For their vineyard is of the vineyard of Sodom, and their vine is of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall; their clusters are bitter.

Their wine is the wrath of serpents, and the incurable wrath of asps.

Behold, is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treasures?

I shall repay on the day of vengeance; in time, when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and is waiting, ready for them.

For the Lord will judge His people, and have compassion on His servants.

For He sees them disabled and left in distress and weakened.

The Lord said, ‘Where are their gods in which they trusted?’

Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise and help you and be your defender.

Now see, I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hands.

For I raise My hand to heaven, and I swear by My right hand, and say, “As I live forever.”

For I whet My sword like lightning; and My hand takes hold on judgment. I will render vengeance on My enemies, and repay those who hate Me.

I will make My arrows drunk from blood; and My sword shall devour flesh from the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.

Rejoice, O Heavens, together with Him, and worship Him, all the sons of God.

Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; and let all the angels of God be strong with Him; for He will avenge the blood of His sons and render vengeance to His adversaries; and the Lord will purify His people’s land. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

CHOIR

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. Heirmos (NM).

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

See now, see that I am your God, before all ages begotten from the Father, and in the last times conceived without man by the Virgin: and I have destroyed the sin of Adam the forefather in My love for mankind. (2) [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Groan and weep, my soul, turn back and repent. The day is at hand, the Judge is at the door. Make ready thine answer and cry aloud: I have sinned against Thee, O merciful Lord, compassionate and loving: do Thou take pity on me. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O my soul, hate the destructive surfeiting of sin, and rejoice in the strict observance of the Fast. Take as thy food the commandments of salvation, which will enable thee through faith to enjoy eternal blessings. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O ye angels, powers and principalities, archangels, dominions and thrones, rulers, cherubim and seraphim, pray to God, the Giver of all good, that we may be granted remission of our sins and release from the passions. [KW]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, thou alone hast borne the eternal Word. He took flesh from thee, yet without changing He continued as He was before: and thou hast not known man, but hast remained a virgin after bearing child. Pray for us all that our life may be delivered from corruption. [KW]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) See now, see that I am your God

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ πρὸ τῶν αἰώνων.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

We have seen and we know that out of love for us Thou hast appointed this season to bring us to repentance. Receive, O merciful God, the prayers which we offer in the Fast: may they be set forth in Thy sight as fragrant incense and an acceptable sacrifice. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

I tremble and am full of fear when I reflect how greatly I have sinned. How shall I meet Thee? How shall I stand before Thy judgement seat where there is no respect of persons? Spare me, then, O merciful Lord, in the hour when Thou shalt come to judge all the earth. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Unity in three Persons, supreme in Godhead and surpassing all perfection, Father unbegotten, Son only-begotten, Spirit proceeding from the Father and made manifest through the Son: single in Essence and in Nature, one Lordship and one Kingdom, save us all. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The wonder of thy conceiving is past speech, O Mother and Virgin: for how hast thou given birth and yet remained undefiled? How dost thou bear child, without knowing a man? ‘All this is understood by the Word of God, who was born from me in a new way, surpassing nature.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When the men of Nineveh repented and fasted, Thou hast delivered them from the wrath that threatened them; but Thou hast consumed with fire the men of Sodom in their wanton shamelessness. Deliver me, O Christ, from the punishment which they suffered. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 4.

Ἴδετε ἴδετε.ὁ καθιέρωσας.

See now, see that I am your God, who have sanctified for you the tenth part of the days of every year as acceptable first fruits: and this commandment have I given to My people for their deliverance from the passions and as a beginning of salvation. [KW]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Οὐκ ἐν σοφίᾳ.

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

Not in our wisdom, * nor in power and wealth do we boast, O Lord; * but we boast in You, the Father’s personified Wisdom, O Christ. * No one else is holy but for You who are benevolent. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Made firm by the staff of your words, venerable one, the Church of Christ expels and drives away the assaults of the impious and of the heresies which fight against God. [VPA]

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

Having been a champion of august preaching, God-bearer, you were shown to be a victor through the power of the Spirit, being wisely empowered, Father Sophronios. [VPA]

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

You put to death all the pleasure of the corrupted flesh and enlivened your pure soul through piety and showed it as a divine organ. [VPA]

Glory.

Your theologizing, delightful, and sweet-sounding tongue springs up rivers of the Word, God-inspired one, gushing forth divine teachings for all. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

We glorify you who gave birth to God, O Theotokos, fitting together a corresponding name and calling, all-pure Lady. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Not in our wisdom, * nor in power and wealth do we boast, O Lord; * but we boast in You, the Father’s personified Wisdom, O Christ. * No one else is holy but for You who are benevolent. [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

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 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You adorned the Church of Christ by your words, and by your works you kept that which is according to the image of God, venerable Sophronios, for your soundness of mind illumined the world, shining with gifts of teachings on all who with faith celebrate your memory, O Father. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4. N/M (Come quickly.)

By your divine childbirth, undefiled one, you renewed the mortal nature which had been corrupted by the passions of those on earth and you lifted everyone up from death towards the life of incorruption. Therefore, as it proper, we all bless you, Virgin glorified as you had foretold. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

He who sits in holy glory * on the throne of divinity, * Jesus our most high God, * on a swift and light cloud has come to us, * and by the might of His undefiled hand has saved * those who cry to Him: Glory to Your strength, O Christ. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Father, you wisely taught one beginningless nature in three hypostases, each one perfect, separated without division and united without confusion through one will and Godhead [VPA]

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

Having self-restraint in heart and a most self-restrained mind, you did not consider mixture or mode nor confusion of the two natures united unchangeably shining in one only-begotten Christ. [VPA]

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

Divinely illumined with the illumination of the Spirit, you did away with the awful madness of Nestorius who had taught the unity in Christ of two natures in one will and thought. [VPA]

Glory.

By the fire of your teachings you burned Pyrrhos (who was holding to denying that there are two wills in Christ, according to the different natures, and also the two operations. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

You were beautified above all the comeliness of angels, as having given birth to their creation and Lord, O maiden, who has taken a body from your spotless blood and who draws to himself all who glorify him. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

The ungodly will not see Your glory, O Christ. * Rather we in the morning rise early and we sing Your praise, * only-begotten Son, the reflection of the Father’s glory, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

With steadfast yearning beholding the pure resurrection and grave of life, you drew up visions of illumination of hidden teaching and distributed them to the faithful, O hierarch. [VPA]

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

With steadfast yearning beholding the pure resurrection and grave of life, you drew up visions of illumination of hidden teaching and distributed them to the faithful, O hierarch. [VPA]

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

You wholly yearned after the only good, being aflame with noetic light, and you loved the stream of incorruption, being lifted up towards it through visions. [VPA]

Glory.

You became a living and animate temple of God, having put to death all things of the earth, gaining the rich table of the Logos and the lamp of faith, Venerable one. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Unwedded mother of God, you gave birth beyond understanding to Christ, understood in two natures, the only-begotten and beginningless Son of God, having become flesh. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The grace of the all-holy Spirit was richly poured out on your lips, godly-minded one. Therefore the sound of your words is like the flowing of a river. [VPA]

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

The grace of the all-holy Spirit was richly poured out on your lips, godly-minded one. Therefore the sound of your words is like the flowing of a river. [VPA]

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

You bloomed like a palm tree in the house of the Lord with the good fruit of your words, making sweet by your pure life the hearts of those who honor you with faith, O hierarch. [VPA]

Glory.

By the living sword of your mouth the army of heresies is put to death and the daring ranks of those who fight against God, slain, die by the sword of your teachings [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, we hymn your spotless birth-giving through which we all are saved and are delivered from the noose of death and most fearful sin and the innermost parts of Hades. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

From Triodion - - -

READER

For the Martyrs. Mode 4.

Your Church is arrayed in the holy blood of Your Martyrs who witnessed throughout the world, as though in purple and fine linen. Through them she cries to You, Christ our God, “Send down to Your people Your tender love, grant peace from above to Your commonwealth, and to our souls Your great mercy.” [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 11 we commemorate our devout father Sophronios, Archbishop of Jerusalem.

On this day we also commemorate the holy hieromartyr Pionius, priest of the holy Church in Smyrna.

On this day we also commemorate our devout father George, the God-bearer and Wonderworker, the newly appeared, who was in the church called Diipeum.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Trophimos and Thallus who witnessed in Laodiceia.

On this day we also commemorate the translation to Constantinople of the relics of the holy martyr Epimachos.

On this day we also commemorate our devout mother Theodora the Empress.

By the intercessions of Your Saints, O God, have mercy on us. Amen.

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Ὁ διασώσας ἐν πυρί.

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

You saved Your Servants in the fire, * Abraham’s three youthful descendants; * and the Chaldeans You destroyed, * for they plotted unjustly against the just. * O supremely extolled and praised * Lord, the God of our fathers, You are blessed. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Battling against heretical babbling with help from above, wise one, and becoming victorious, you chanted: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

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

Battling against heretical babbling with help from above, wise one, and becoming victorious, you chanted: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

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

Dedicated to God, flying around the garden of the ascetics, and having planted your meadow for the practice of the virtues, you dedicated it to God in the highest. [VPA]

Glory.

Obeying the law of Christ, you shared the riches of your knowledge with those who lacked them, godly-minded one, chanting: Greatly hymned Lord, the God of our Fathers, you are blessed. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having been sanctified in soul and purified beforehand in body by the coming of the Holy Spirit upon you, all-blameless one, you bore Him, having conceived without seed in your womb the power of the Most High. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 4. Heirmos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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

Guiltless were those Servants in the furnace. * The Son of the Theotokos went and rescued them. * He who was prefigured then, * having been incarnate now, * is gathering the whole wide world into His Church to sing: * “O all you works of the Lord, to all ages * sing praises to the Lord and exalt Him beyond measure.” [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You were sanctified with the myrrh of the grace of hierarchical service, where the hierarchy of the salvation of the world, all-wise Father Sophronios, shouting: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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

Honoring wisdom especially, you were crowned with the crown of gifts of wisdom: unfading glory and riches not to be taken away, glorious one, and having received the gift, you are shouting: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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]

Being clothed with divine righteousness in a priestly manner, O teacher of sacred things, you guided in a most courageous manner the flock of the Master through your words and deeds, all-famous Father, crying out: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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]

Magnificently and beyond understanding, the Logos who is co-beginningless with the Father gives you, Father, a mind which brings up words that undo the babblings of heresies, as you cry out: Hymn the Lord and greatly exalt him unto all the ages [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

You were shown to be a sanctified temple of the Logos who sanctifies all creation, a rich holy mountain, a manifest mountain, blessed, only all-hymned Lady. Therefore we hymn you, mother of God, and we greatly exalt you unto all the ages. [VPA]

(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 pl. 4. (NM) Inspired by God

Οἱ θεοῤῥήμονες Παῖδες.

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]

Thou hast justified the Publican who groaned aloud, and hast taken pity on the Harlot who wept from her heart. O Saviour, save and take pity on the souls of those who sing Thy praises. [KW]

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

By fasting let us bring to the Lord the fruit of our virtuous deeds. Let us refrain from harmful thoughts, that we may share in perfect joy. [KW]

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

The choirs of the angels, the company of the apostles and the army of the martyrs entreat Thee, O Jesus, to give Thy people pardon. [KW]

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.

With all the faithful, let us bless the Virgin: for she is the Mountain not cut by the hand of man, the Candlestick that bore the Light, the Ladder easy to climb, the dwelling-place of God. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 4. (NM) Glorified in the holy mountain

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

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

On this solemn day of abstinence let us all blow the trumpet and sing hymns: and keeping festival with holy joy, let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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

Of old the man of God was led astray by the prophet and ate the food of disobedience, and he was devoured by a lion. Be watchful, then, my soul, and suffer not the serpent of gluttony to deceive thee. [KW]

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.

As Unity in Essence I sing Thy praises; as Trinity in Persons I venerate Thee, Father, Son and All-Holy Spirit. The power of Thy Kingdom that has no beginning I glorify unto all ages. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou hast become the Mountain of God in which Christ came to dwell; and He has made into divine temples all those who sing: Praise ye the Lord.and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Come, ye people, let us greet the Fast with love, for it is the guardian of purity and the mother of dispassion; and let us praise the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν ἐν ὄρει ἁγίῳ.

O extol Him, who on the holy mountain * showed His glory, as Lord, * and in the bush with fire * revealed to Moses knowledge of the mystery * of the Ever-Virgin, supremely exalting Him unto all the ages. [SD]

Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

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

CHOIR

Ode ix.

The Magnificat. Mode 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

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.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

A word going forth from your divine lips, O you who speak about God, makes sweet the minds of the pious faithful by grace, like a honeycomb dripping the comeliness of understandings. [VPA]

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

O God-inspired one, you walk about within the innermost heavenly places around the Lord and King of all, where the angelic luminaries and the ranks of the saints dance. [VPA]

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

Seeking the life of the angels while upon the earth, Father, you were made worthy of the angelic blessedness in heaven, entreat Christ there that all who hymn you be saved. [VPA]

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]

As bowls of aromatic herbs, your jaws, godly-minded one, you were seen as an alabaster of wisdom of the nard of most precious faith, spicing up the precious body of Christ with your teachings. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Isaiah saw you, O Virgin, as a light cloud, for coming upon you, the Lord destroyed all things made by hand and revealed the knowledge of himself to those who hymn you. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

The holy Fast enriches our heart, and makes it by the power of God increase in virtue, like a full ear of wheat. Let us therefore fast with gladness in these holy days, and so receive sanctification. [KW]

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

I am defiled by many sins, wounded and under condemnation. Look upon me in Thy mercy, O compassionate Lord: take pity and save me by the prayers of Thy saints. [KW]

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]

Alas for thee, most miserable soul, what answer shalt thou make? What fear will seize thee, when the Judge is seated on His throne and ten thousands of the angels stand at His side! Make haste, then, and repent before the end. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

O chariot of the King, cloud of light, rich mountain, hill flowing with milk, we entreat thee, O Virgin who hast not known marriage: heal the passions of our souls. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 4. (NM) The burning bush

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

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]

Let us keep a true fast before the Lord: let us abstain not only from food but from angry speech and lying, and from every other passion, that we may behold Easter in purity. [KW]

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

Fasting bore Samuel as fruit; through fasting Samson grew up brave and strong; through fasting priests and prophets were made perfect: and through the holy Fast may we also be sanctified. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Lord, the threefold Brightness of Thy single Power shines on our mind with the light of revelation; it turns us from the error that divides, and brings us to the divine life that unites. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, thou art our armour and our rampart; thou art the defence of those that run to thee. And now we implore thine intercession, that we may be delivered from our enemies. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Holy Spirit calls us to the rich banquet of the Fast: with gladness let us take our fill from His gifts of grace and sing His praises as our God. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 4.

Τὸν προδηλωθέντα.

Let us sing to Him who to Moses of old prefigured * in the burning bush the childbirth of ever-virgin Mary, * for the salvation of us the believers. * Let us magnify Him with unceasing hymns. [SD]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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 4.

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Forerunner, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; by the intercessions of the Saints, and save me. [SD]

O Lord, who cause the light to rise on Your world, purify from every sin my soul, which is in the darkness; 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.

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. 1.

In thine idleness, my soul, why art thou become a slave of sin? And in thy sickness why dost thou not run to the physician? Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the true day of salvation. Rise up and wash thy face with tears of repentance, and make thy lamp burn brightly with the oil of good deeds, so that Christ our God may grant thee cleansing and great mercy. [KW]

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]

For the Martyrs.

Mode pl. 1.

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

O Lord, Your medal-winning Martyrs imitated the angelic orders, by enduring the tortures as if they themselves were also bodiless. There singular hope was to obtain the promised blessings. At their intercession, grant peace to Your world, and great mercy to our souls, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 1.

Now we call you blessed, O Virgin Theotokos, and we glorify you, duty-bound as believers; the city unshakable, the wall indestructible, the firm and steadfast protection, and the place of refuge for our souls. [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.