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Triodion

Mode 4. On Thursday Morning

On Thursday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 13

Memory of the Translation of the Relic St. Nikephoros of Constantinople

__________

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 Apostles 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 Hierarch 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 6. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Apostles.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

You made Your Disciples shine like luminaries, O Christ, * throughout the entire earth, for they illumined many souls * by preaching Your word to them. * Idolatry’s deception was through them eliminated, * and the world has been enlightened with Your true Christian doctrines. * We pray You save our souls, by their entreaties on our behalf. [GOASD]

Verse: Their proclamation went forth into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. [SAAS]

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

Ὁ ὑψωθεὶς ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ.

Even as Moses long before by Your right hand * delivered Israel from bondage in Egypt * across the Red Sea, drowning Pharaoh’s chariots therein, * likewise by the miracles, Your divine wise Disciples * parted the metaphorical sea of paganism * and led the people over it to You, * eternal Logos and only benevolent Lord. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

We have come to know that the Word of the Father, Christ our God, became incarnate from you, O Virgin Theotokos, only pure, only blessed. Therefore we never cease to extol and magnify you. [SD]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 7. 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 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

Christ the Vine bore you as clusters of grapes, and ye give to the earth the new wine of salvation, O God-bearing apostles. I entreat you, therefore, to deliver me from the drunkenness of sensual pleasures; grant to my soul tears of compunction on this holy day of the Fast, that I may gain salvation and life. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. (NM)

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

I call to mind the measureless riches of thy compassion and the unconquerable strength of thy power, and I run to thee for protection. Oppressed by troubles and utterly perplexed, with tears I cry from the depths of my heart: O Virgin Theotokos, help me, for thou art the only Guardian of the world. [KW]

The appointed Kathisma of the Psalter may be read, i.e. Kathisma 8. 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. 2.

Be merciful to us, O Lord, in this holy season, give us grace always to weep before Thee from our hearts, washing away the defilement of our souls, and growing ever more obedient to Thy holy commandments, that in our fasting we may truly please Thee: and grant us all to see Thy Holy Passion, at the prayers of Thine apostles who brought salvation to the world. Glory to Thee. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 2.

O pure and holy Theotokos, Virgin and Mother, cause the fountain of thy compassion to flow plenteously upon us, and grant us the remission of our faults: for thou art our Guardian and divine Protection. [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 2. Heirmos.

Δεῦτε λαοί.

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

Peoples, now come * and let us sing a song to Christ our God, * who by His prophet split the sea and through it led across * His people and possession, out of Egyptian bondage, * for He was glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Being held in the terrible grave of sins, raise me up by your immortal disposition and your compassionate hand, and make me live as compassionate and very merciful. [VPA]

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

Having acquired the four-part completeness belonging to the virtues and, as though having climbed in a chariot, you went from deeds to the winning post of divine vision. [VPA]

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

When you took up the pure life, Venerable one, you drank the divine and unmixed drink from the cup. Therefore, you also became a vessel of wisdom. [VPA]

Glory.

Having been driven away from your cathedra, glory, and flock by violent hands of the soul-destroying beasts of heresy, Venerable one, you now entered into the fold suitable to you. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

By a word you conceived the Word of the Father and bore him in a manner beyond words, and after birth, beyond nature and reason, you still remained a virgin as before birth. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Στερέωσον ἡμᾶς ἐν σοὶ Κύριε.

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

Establish us in You, Lord, we pray to You, * who mortified sin by Your crucifixion, * and implant in us the fear of You * within the hearts of Your servants who sing Your praise. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Having the weapon of the Cross as a breastplate, and outlining the divine imprint of the Savior, you piously venerated it, following the patristic teachings. [VPA]

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

Having the weapon of the Cross as a breastplate, and outlining the divine imprint of the Savior, you piously venerated it, following the patristic teachings. [VPA]

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

The flock, yearning for you, the shepherd, runs to you who calls them by name and drives away the wolves with the rod of faith, O wise one. [VPA]

Glory.

As of old Israel carried the body of the divine and chaste Joseph, so now the Church of Christ honors the bier of your relics. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Being a temple and holy dwelling of the Logos, O Theotokos, become for me propitiation for my errors, O bride of God. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Establish us in You, Lord, we pray to You, * who mortified sin by Your crucifixion, * and implant in us the fear of You * within the hearts of Your servants who sing Your praise. [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 3. N/M (Your confession.)

Θείας πίστεως.

You crowned the Church with victories, having turned away the deceit of false doctrine, O Nikephoros who fittingly bore your name, and you sanctify the ends of the world through the gathering of your holy relics, venerable father. Entreat Christ God that great mercy be granted unto us. [VPA]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 3. Your confession.

When the only Lord became incarnate * in your womb, He was not separated * from divine nature, but He remained as God * who had assumed human nature, and after birth * kept you, His Mother, a Virgin all-blameless and pure, * as before His birth. To Him now pray fervently, * entreating that He grant us His great mercy. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε, τὴν ἀκοήν.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

I have heard the report, O Lord, * of your eternal plan for our salvation, * and I glorified You, the only Friend of man. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

For those who honor you, your bier becomes an ark of sanctification from which we draw a spring of healings. [VPA]

Verse: Lord, I have heard Your report and was afraid; I considered Your works and was greatly astonished. [SAAS]

For those who honor you, your bier becomes an ark of sanctification from which we draw a spring of healings. [VPA]

Verse: When my soul is troubled, You will in wrath remember mercy. [SAAS]

You drove away heresies and secured the fold of your flock, fenced around by god-inspired teachings. [VPA]

Verse: God will come from Teman, the Holy One from the mount of shaded leafy trees. [SAAS]

We honor, as is worthy, the myrrh-chest of your relics, blessed one, as it springs forth the aroma of life for the faithful. [VPA]

Verse: His excellence covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

We glorify you, noetic paradise who received in your womb the tree of life, O Virgin. [VPA]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Four.

His brightness will be like the light; horns will be in His hand, and He established a mighty love of His strength. [SAAS]

Before His face a word will go forth; it will go out by the shoes of His feet.

The earth stood and was shaken to and fro; He looked and the nations melted away.

The mountains were shattered by force; the everlasting hills wasted away. In the place of distresses, I saw His eternal ways.

The tents of the Ethiopians will be dismayed, even the tents of the land of Midian.

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.

You will stretch your bow against scepters, says the Lord. The land of rivers shall be torn asunder.

Many peoples will see you and be in travail, dispersing waters from its course. The abyss uttered its voice; raising its form on high.

The sun arose, and the moon stood in its course; at the light of Your arrows they went forth, at the flashing of Your gleaming weapons.

You will bring low the land with threatening; You will break the nations in wrath.

You went forth for the salvation of Your people, to save Your anointed ones. You brought death upon the heads of the lawless; You brought bonds upon their neck.

You cut off the heads of rulers in amazement; they shall tremble in it. They will break their bridles like a poor man eating secretly.

You ran your horses into the sea, churning up the many waters.

I kept watch, and my belly trembled from the sound of the prayer of my lips; and trembling penetrated into my bones. And my very frame of mind was troubled.

I shall rest in the day of tribulation to go up to the people of my sojourn. [SAAS]

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode 3. (ΝΜ) Wast Thou angry with the rivers.

Μὴ ἐν ποταμοῖς.

Verse: For though the fig tree will not bear fruit and there be no grapes on the vines. [SAAS]

Let us cease from the drunkenness of soul-destroying pleasures, and by fasting let us drink deeply from the cup of compunction. [KW]

Verse: The labor of the olive tree fail and the fields yield no food. [SAAS]

O my soul, fast from all excess of food, and take thy delight in the contemplation of what is good; and thou shalt eat at the heavenly table. [KW]

Verse: Though the sheep have no pasture and there be no oxen in the cribs. [SAAS]

O divine apostles of the Saviour, blazing coals of spiritual fire, burn up the grossness of my passions. [KW]

Verse: Yet I will glory in the Lord; I will rejoice in God my Savior. [SAAS]

Theotokion.

O pure Virgin Mother of God, from thine own flesh hast thou given flesh to Christ: put to death the passions of my flesh. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 2. (NM) The Prophet heard of Thy coming

Ἀκήκοεν ὁ Προφήτης.

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

O twelve apostles, Peter, Paul, James and John, Andrew, Bartholomew, Philip, Thomas and Matthew,James with Simon and Jude, pray to Christ for our salvation. [KW]

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

O holy apostles, once ye let down your net and caught a hundred and fifty and three fishes; and now ye have let down the net of your teachings into the sea of life, and mystically ye have caught the nations of the earth, bringing them as an offering to the Lord. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

I glorify the Son and the Spirit who come from the Father as light and ray from the sun; the One begotten as Offspring, the Other proceeding and sent forth; divine and coeternal Trinity, adored by all creation. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

O honoured Virgin, who hast given birth yet kept thy purity, thou hast borne both God and man, a single Person with a twofold Nature. This thy miracle, O Virgin Mother, fills every ear and mind with wonder. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through the radiance of your preaching ye have become the light of the world, as Christ said to you. O apostles, pray for us that with good courage we may complete the time of abstinence and venerate the Lord’s Resurrection. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.

Ἀκήκοεν ὁ Προφήτης.

On hearing about Your advent, * O Lord, the Prophet Habakkuk of old was frightened: * that You purposed from a Virgin to be born * and appear to humankind. And thus he said: * O Lord, I have heard Your report and I am frightened. * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [SD]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode v. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ὁ τοῦ φωτὸς χορηγός.

Verse: O Lord our God, grant us peace.

Lord, the provider of light, * and the Creator of the ages, we pray * that You will guide us in the light of Your all-holy commands. * Except for You, we do not know any other God. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

Enemies are ashamed now and the leaders of heresies are raging seeing your bier being faithfully honored by the king and your entire flock, godly-minded one. [VPA]

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

Enemies are ashamed now and the leaders of heresies are raging seeing your bier being faithfully honored by the king and your entire flock, godly-minded one. [VPA]

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

Your holy bier drives away the evil spirits of demons like a fearsome whip and receives a victory of glory from God against them, O Nikephoros. [VPA]

Glory.

The furnace of your conscience being inflamed with the fire of the Spirit shows you as bright gold through faith, putting to shame the deceit of the heretics. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Having been beautified, august one, by the coming of the holy Spirit, you nurse God with your breasts and hold in your arms the one who holds all creation in his palms. [VPA]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vi. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Ἐν ἀβύσσῳ πταισμάτων.

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

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

You suffered passions for the faith, for the holy tradition of the Fathers you endured exiles, through which you gained most honorable glory. [VPA]

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

You suffered passions for the faith, for the holy tradition of the Fathers you endured exiles, through which you gained most honorable glory. [VPA]

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

Your steadfast faith and opposition shook the folly of the tyrants and made you a fiery pillar for the holy church, blessed one. [VPA]

Glory.

The Church is adorned with a rightly-divided crown, bearing your most bier and dust as bright pearls and most translucent stones, wise one. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

Tongues of mortals and angels praise the unutterable manner of your birth-giving, glorifying you, Lady, who are more excellent than all created things. [VPA]

Heirmos.

Like a deep sea, my sins have encircled me. * I invoke the deep sea of Your ineffable * and unfathomable tender love. * Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God. [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

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 prize-winning martyr Saints, equipped and armed with the cross, * defeated the machinations of the arch-evil foe * of mankind, O Christ our God. * Shining like stars in heaven, * they are guides for us mortals. * To those who with faith request them, they dispense cures and healings. * Through their intercessions we pray You to save our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 13 we commemorate the recovery of the relics of our father among the saints Nikephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople.

On this day we also commemorate the holy hieromartyr Publius, Bishop of Athens.

On this day we also commemorate the holy martyrs Aphricanus, Publius, and Terence; the services in their honor were held at the monastery called Paulopetrion.

On this day St. Habib of Hermoupolis died when he was tied to stone and cast into a river.

On this day the holy martyr Christina of Persia died after being scourged.

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

From Menaion - - -

CHOIR

Canon for the Saint.

Ode vii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Εἰκόνος χρυσῆς.

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

The image of gold * was in Babylon on Dura being worshiped. * But Your three Servants showed complete disdain * for that abominable decree. * Thrown into the fiery furnace, * in the midst of it they were bedewed, * singing: Blessed are You, O God of our Fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

By divine power your burial vestments are kept incorrupt and your bones, by divine command, not having lost their union, scatter all evil thought of unclean spirits. Blessed are you, the God of our Fathers. [VPA]

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

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

The shepherd, the pious king, the flock, and the fulness of those in authority come together and placing their necks beneath your glorious bier and though it were a most holy ark, God-inspired one, they guard it and chant: Blessed are you, the God of our Fathers. [VPA]

Glory.

Let the divine shrine of the disciples of the Logos honorably receive the companion of the apostles and the co-dweller of the martyrs, the foundation of the hierarchs and the one had the manner of life of the devout. Blessed are you, the God of our Fathers. [VPA]

Both now. Theotokion.

When Moses saw the bush on Sinai aflame but not unconsumed by fire, your womb was being foreshadowed, all-pure mother; for having conceived the divine fire, you were not burned, but gave birth to the creator of light, both God and man. [VPA]

Ode viii.

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode viii. Mode 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐν καμίνῳ τοῦ πυρός.

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

When God went down into the fire * of the furnace with the holy Hebrew Servants, * He converted the flames there into dew refreshing them. * Extol Him as Lord, O you works of His, * and exalt Him beyond measure, * unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

By the breeze of the Spirit, you reached the harbor of life away from many swells, Father, and preserved the goodness of your load with unwetted feet and now you enjoy the peace that is there. [VPA]

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

By the breeze of the Spirit, you reached the harbor of life away from many swells, Father, and preserved the goodness of your load with unwetted feet and now you enjoy the peace that is there. [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]

The faithful, seeing the grave which had been acquired as a new altar of sacrifice, in which divine whole-burnt offerings are performed faithfully, and within a most holy dead one, we greatly exalt the wonder-working God. [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]

The flock manifestly rejoices, the choir of monastics brightly celebrates with the sacred purple robe of faithful kings and every gathering of rulers, at the august recovery of your relics. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

By a word conceiving the Word seedlessly in your womb, why by a word put all things together, God-bearing pure virgin, you gave birth beyond words to the one whom we greatly exalt 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 3. (NM) In His divine power.

Τὸν ἐν φλογί.

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]

Slain by many sins, I bear in life a soul that is dead. Take pity on me and help me with your lifegiving intercessions, O disciples of the Saviour and eyewitnesses of God. [KW]

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

Encompassed by a mist of sin, I have in very truth drawn near to the hell of despair. Therefore give me light, O mystic rays of the Sun of glory and eyewitnesses of God. [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]

O miserable soul, abstain from the passions and be saved. For abstinence from food is not acceptable as a fast, unless we also correct our faults. [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.

Moses in prophecy foresaw thee, Virgin Mother of God, as the burning bush: quench the furnace of my passions, snatch me from the fire of Gehenna, and save me. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 2. (NM) The hosts of heaven

Ὃν Στρατιαὶ οὐρανῶν.

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

As the twelve tribes came from Jacob, so has the company of the twelve apostles gone forth from Thee, O Christ, into the world. Through their preaching all the faithful have been born again, and they sing Thy praises for ever. [KW]

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

Ye have overthrown the chariots of the invisible Pharaoh as in the Red Sea, O apostles, and ye have led the Lord’s people into the land of the knowledge of God; and they sing His praises for ever. [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.

I honour God one in Essence, I sing the praises of the three Persons, distinct from one another yet not differing in Nature, for there is one Godhead and one power in the three, Father, Son and Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

From thy womb filled with radiance, Christ has come forth as a bridegroom from his chamber, and as a great Light He has illumined those in darkness. As lightning has the Sun of righteousness shone forth, O pure Virgin, and given light to the world. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Ye were initiated by Christ into the mysteries, and now ye are enthroned with Him on high, at all times making fervent intercession on behalf of us sinners. Pray for us, that we may complete the Fast with sincerity of heart. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.

Ὃν Στρατιαὶ οὐρανῶν.

Him whom the hosts of the heavens glorify, * at whom quake the Cherubim and the Seraphim, * every breath and creation, * extol Him now and bless Him, * and exalt supremely, 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 2.

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 2. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐκ Θεοῦ Θεὸν Λόγον.

Being from God, God the Logos * with ineffable wisdom * came to make Adam new who fell through food * into corruption unhappily. * From an all-holy Virgin * ineffably He took on flesh for us. * We the faithful extol Him concordantly and magnify. [SD]

Troparia.

Saint of God, intercede for us.

The multitude of angels dances together at your festal assembly and your praises, Father; glorifying the most holy Lord with thanksgiving and peace from above is gained for us who with faith honor your relic. [VPA]

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

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

Let the grace of your relics become for us as a pure medicine in illness and your intercession, all-famous one, a mercy-seat for all and a path towards God and a guide to those who with faith and yearning honor you, blessed one. [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]

Having put the armor of victorious weapons upon the faithful by your hand, O King of all, strengthen the kings against the barbarians, and by the intercessions of the venerable one guard your Church as a firm foundation of the faithful, teaching rightly. [VPA]

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

Theotokion.

Having gained you as a strong protection, hope, wall, anchor, steadfast shelter, unconquerable support, peaceful harbor, and only refuge, pure one, we are all saved, all-hymned one. [VPA]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 3. (NM) In the bush upon Mount Sinai.

Ἐν Σιναίῳ τῷ ὅρει.

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]

O apostles, ye are rivers flowing from the spiritual Fountain and supplying living water to the pure in heart: through your prayers dry up the streams of my sin and lead me to the paths of salvation. [KW]

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

My miserable soul is tossed in the tempest of sin. O good Pilot, stretch out Thy right hand to me as once Thou hast to Peter; let not the deep waters of despondency cover me, and let me not become food for the monster that devours our souls, O most merciful Christ. [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]

The choir of the apostles prays to Thee, O Jesus King of all, and the ranks of angels entreat Thee: in the abundance of Thy mercies grant to Thy people deliverance from evil, amendment of life and a place in Thy Kingdom. [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 pure Virgin Mother, Ark of holiness, in thee virginity and childbearing are combined in ways surpassing nature. Therefore I cry to thee in faith: Sanctify me wholly and deliver me from every operation of the passions that afflict me. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 2. (NM) Conception without seed

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

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]

Living in the world as though ye had no body, ye were like angels in the flesh, O all-blessed apostles. Ye carried in your hearts the Word alone, and drew the nations to the one faith in Christ; and by your knowledge ye have proved the wise and eloquent to be fools. [KW]

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

O Peter, rock and foundation stone of the faith;O Paul, herald and teacher to the Gentiles;O sons of Zebedee, with the other eight apostles: pray fervently to Christ on our behalf, that we may complete the remainder of the Fast with all our strength. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O Father, single only-Begetter of the only-Begotten Son;O only Light and Brightness from the one and only Light; and Thou, one and only Holy Spirit from the one God, true Lord from the Lord: O holy Three in One, save me as I tell of Thy divinity. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

The manner of thy childbearing fills me with wonder, O all-blameless Lady. How hast thou conceived without seed Him whom none can comprehend? How hast thou remained a Virgin and yet become a Mother? ‘Accept the miracle with faith, and worship the Child that is born: for all that He wills, He has the power to do.’ [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

In the power of the Spirit ye went out to kings and rulers, fearing neither fire nor sword; as the Lord’s chief captains, ye have put to flight all error and brought salvation to mankind, O all-blessed apostles. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 2.

Ἀσπόρου συλλήψεως.

The birth is ineffable, conceived without the seed of man; the unwed Mother’s * childbirth was free of all corruption. The birth of God * makes new again the natures. * And thus, in Orthodox manner all * generations magnify you as the Mother and the Bride of God. [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 Apostles, 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 Hierarch, 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. 4.

In this season of repentance, let us stretch out our hands in works of mercy; and then the ascetic struggles of the Fast will bring us to eternal life. For nothing saves the soul so much as generosity to those in need, and almsgiving combined with fasting will deliver a man from death. Let us do all this with gladness, for there is no better way, and it will bring salvation to our souls. [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. 4.

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

When you put on the breastplate of righteousness and faith, and you fully armed yourselves with the sign of the cross, you became the Lord’s mighty soldiers, you bravely confronted the tyrants, and you blunted the deceit of the devil. And you were awarded medals as victors. We pray you intercede for the salvation of our souls. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode pl. 4.

I run to thy protection, O holy Virgin Theotokos, and I know that I shall find salvation: for thou, pure Lady, hast the power to help me. [KW]

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.