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Triodion

Mode 4. On Friday Morning

On Friday of the Second Week Morning

Menaion - March 14

Memory of our Devout Father Benedict

__________

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 power of Your Cross 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 13. There is no litany, but immediately the following:

CHOIR

Kathisma I.

From Triodion - - -

For the Cross.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

O Savior, the Jewish leaders had You nailed to a cross, * by which You have called so many of us back to yourself * from the Gentiles, O Christ our God. * Willingly You were crucified, O Lord, and accepted * to be pierced in the side by a lance, in Your abundant * tender mercies, O benevolent Master. Glory to You! [SD]

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

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

The light of our souls are You, O Christ. And now as we gaze * upon Your all-holy Cross and venerate it with faith, * we cheerfully sing to You. * Glory to You, who willingly were crucified on it! * Glory to You, who through it have illumined all creation! * Therefore we extol You and glorify You unceasingly. [GOASD]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Beholding You lifted up upon the tree of the Cross, * Your immaculate Mother grieved, O Word of God, and she said, * lamenting maternally: * You, as the Life of all things, * are with death now conversing, * wishing in Your compassion * to give life unto those who are dead. * This wonder without precedent * baffles me, O my Son. [SD]

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

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

CHOIR: To You, O Lord.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Triodion - - -

Kathisma II. From the Triodion.

Mode 4. (NM)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Through fasting raised above the passions that creep upon the earth, let us exalt the Lord who was exalted on the Cross and has raised up the world. With full awareness let us drink the cup of contrition; and let us call to mind the day and hour when we shall stand before the eternal Judge. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 4. (NM)

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

When she beheld Thee hanging on the Cross, Thy Virgin Mother lamented bitterly and cried to Thee: ‘What is this new and strange wonder, O my Son? How has the lawless people nailed Thee to the Cross, O Life of all, my sweetest Light.’ [KW]

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

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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. 1.

The grace of Thy Cross shines, O Lord, as lightning upon all the inhabited earth; it utterly destroys the power of devils, and in its strength we shall complete the Fast with ease. [KW]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 1. (NM)

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

When the Mother who bore Thee without the pain of travail beheld Thee lifted on the Cross, she wept lamenting and she cried: ‘Woe is me, my sweetest Son! Now am I wounded to the heart, seeing Thee nailed upon the Cross as an evildoer between two malefactors.’ [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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O righteous Benedict, pray that grace and redemption from all my transgressions may be given to me. I yearn to praise your memory worthy of commemoration with songs. [un]

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

O righteous Benedict, pray that grace and redemption from all my transgressions may be given to me. I yearn to praise your memory worthy of commemoration with songs. [un]

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

O most blessed of men, you picked up the cross from your childhood. You lived in solitude so as to follow the Almighty Lord. You were declared to be worthy of life after you slayed your flesh. [un]

Glory.

O all-blessed Benedict, you yielded to the rule of God. You caused the surging of the passions to wilt by the perspiration of your restraint. You were made wealthy with the grace of dispassion. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O immaculate Theotokos, we overflow with undefilement because of you, and we exclaim: Rejoice, Lady Full of Grace, the ornamentation of the upright and lawful. [un]

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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Benedict, your soul was filled to capacity with streams of life from the Holy Spirit. You soul poured forth rivers of wonders, and it dessicated the swarming of pestilence. [un]

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

O Benedict, your soul was filled to capacity with streams of life from the Holy Spirit. You soul poured forth rivers of wonders, and it dessicated the swarming of pestilence. [un]

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

O all-blessed one, you traversed the narrow way. You caused the evil and wild paths of the demons to be straight. You then set up your tent in the broad plain of Paradise. [un]

Glory.

O Benedict, you produced a holy harvest of virtues and miracles by the grace of God, as though you were a fruit tree watered with the outpouring of your tears. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-blameless Virgin, the only good One entered into your womb. He took on flesh and became a perfect mortal. [un]

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 1. N/M (The stone.)

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

O renowned Benedict, you lived in virtue and solitude so as to please God. You attained hte grace to work cures, dreadful signs, and miracles. You established a holy dwelling and monastery. You led a large mass of people who found salvation through you to the Lord. Glory to God who caused you to be radiant. Glory to Him who gave you the crown. Glory to Him who facilitates cures for everyone through you. [un]

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode 1. N/M (The stone.)

O Lord my Savior, when You were crucified to the Cross by the sinners, and when the soldiers stabbed Your side with a spear, the immaculate Virgin wept sorrowfully for You. She was torn inside with the painful grief of a mother. She exclaimed in wonder because of the spanse of Your fearsome patience: Glory to Your gentle love for mankind. Glory to Your kindness. Glory to You by whose death all of us mortals are delivered from death. [un]

From Menaion - - -

Canon for the Saint.

Ode iv. Mode 2. Heirmos (not metered).

Ὑμνῶ σε ἀκοῇ.

Verse: Glory to Your strength, O Lord.

I extol You, for I hear Your report, Lord, and I was amazed. For You have come down to me, seeking me the lost sheep. Therefore I glorify Your great condescension towards me, O very merciful Lord. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father Benedict of a godly mind, You crucified yourself to the passions and the world. You were a servant of Christ, who allowed Himself to spread His hands out on the Cross. Ask Him to grant salvation to our souls. [un]

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

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

O righteous Father, you killed the instruments of your flesh through your trials in self-denial. You caused the dead to rise through your prayers. You became a worker of miracles because of your faith, and you caused the lame to walk and cured every disease. [un]

Glory.

O righteous one, you caused the dessicated and wilted souls to bear fruit with your words of life. God designated you to be a shepherd and the most beautiful adornment of monastics through the advent of your wonder-working. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O pure one, the Word came down into your honorable womb to take on flesh as though He were rain upon wool. O all-blameless Virgin, He indeed stopped the storm of paganism and cast away the harsh winter. [un]

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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O prudent Father Benedict, you filled the large jar with oil as Elias by invoking God. Those who watched this were amazed at you and had faith. [un]

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

O prudent Father Benedict, you filled the large jar with oil as Elias by invoking God. Those who watched this were amazed at you and had faith. [un]

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

O all-blessed Benedict, your soul was pure. You were in a state of euphoria and looked upon the entire world enlightened by just one sunbeam of the God who gave you honor. [un]

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

O righteous Benedict, you displayed signs in Christ. You prayed to the One who gives good things that He may produce water. This fountain is still present so as to display the miracle. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O pure Lady, the One who abides in Heaven took His abode in your all-blameless womb, so that He might make us who proclaim you as the Mother of God to be abodes of the Trinity. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Five.

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode 4. (NM) The godless shall not see.

Ἀσεβεῖς οὐκ ὄψονται.

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

Of Thine own will, O Master, Thou wast exalted on the Cross and hast cast down the enemy. Of Thine own will, then, raise me up in Thy compassion, for I am cast down into the pit of sensual pleasure. [KW]

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

When Thou wast stretched upon the Cross, O Jesus, Thou hast darkened the sun and given light to the whole fullness of the inhabited earth. My soul is darkened by corrupt passions: do Thou guide me to the light. [KW]

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

Still the troubled waters of my mind, O Christ, granting me a peaceful voyage across the sea of the Fast, and make me come to anchor in the haven of the Resurrection. [KW]

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

Theotokion.

With pure minds let us honour the pure Lady, the beauty and the excellency of Jacob; and, gaining spiritual beauty by our obedience to the divine will, let us praise her with reverence as the Mother of our God. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode v. Mode pl. 1. (NM) Have mercy, O Christ.

Τοὺς ἐκ νυκτός.

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

Crucified, Thou dost release me from corruption; pierced by a lance, Thou makest me immortal. I glorify Thine ineffable mercy, O Christ, for Thou hast come to save me. [KW]

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

Stretching out Thine hands upon the Cross, O Lord, Thou hast killed the invisible Amalek and rescued Thy people: therefore we sing the praises of Thy power. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

Let us praise the Godhead in three Persons, one Sovereignty above all essence: Father without beginning, Son and Holy Spirit. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Him whom heaven could not contain, thou hast conceived within thy womb and borne as child. O fearful wonder beyond speech! Therefore we all sing in praise of thee, O Virgin undefiled. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

For my sake Thou hast endured crucifixion, drunk vinegar, and cried ‘It is finished’: help me to finish the course of the Fast and grant that I may see Thy Rising. [KW]

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 1.

Τοὺς ἐκ νυκτός.

Have mercy, O Christ, upon those that worship Thee by night, and give them peace; for Thy commandments are light and healing to Thy servants, O Lord who lovest mankind. [KW]

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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O miracle-working Benedict, you radiated with the brilliance of the light of the Holy Spirit. You defeated the gloom of the vile demons. You are the great light of monks. [un]

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

O miracle-working Benedict, you radiated with the brilliance of the light of the Holy Spirit. You defeated the gloom of the vile demons. You are the great light of monks. [un]

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

O blessed man, your life was full of so much glory! Your honorable teaching was so noteworthy! You brought scores of monks to a knowledge of salvation. [un]

Glory.

O Benedict of a godly mind, you live in the Kingdom of Heaven. Intercede that we who always faithfully bless you may do the same. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-hymned Virgin Mother of God, the Sun of Righteousness who never sets came to dawn from your holy womb so that He may bring light to the faithful. [un]

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.

The solemn feast of the medal-winning Martyrs showed that the Church is heaven; and Angels join chorus with people to celebrate. By the entreaties of Your Saints, O Christ our God, save our souls. [SD]

Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On March 14 we commemorate our devout father Benedict.

On this day we commemorate the holy martyr Alexander of Pidne.

On this day we commemorate our devout father Efschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampsacus.

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 (not metered).

Ῥήτορες ἀνεδείχθησαν Παῖδες.

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

Those Servants of old proved to be most wise orators, for with their lips they uttered theology from a God-inspired soul, and they sang: Blessed are You, the super-divine God of us and of our Fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O all-blessed Benedict, You took hold of the mortification that grants life by your restraint from things that bring pleasure. Therefore you were declared to be worthy to resurrect the dead. Everyone of the faithful looked upon you in amazement as though you were Elias. [un]

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]

You who are worthy of wonder brought together countless monastics by your righteous works. They are still present, for they are guarded by a wall of your safe-keeping, which is obedience to your directions. [un]

Glory.

O blessed Benedict, the foolish and insensible plotted to kill you with poison, even though you were guarded by the divine hand of the One who created everything. They were put to shame, for the Spirit within you revealed their plans. [un]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, holy Mother of God, work a cure for the passions of my soul, because you conceived the Fountain of Dispassion. Give me showers of repentance so that I may secure my solace in that place. [un]

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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O Father of a godly mind, in Christ you were as though a king over the passions of defilement. You were declared to be worthy to abide in the Kingdom of Heaven with everyone who spent their lives correctly by loving the God who sees everything. [un]

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

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

O Benedict blessed three times, God approved of your holy prayers. He used you to take care of those who lacked the essentials of life. He gave you great glory upon the earth through your wonder-working. [un]

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

O Father, you were made beautiful in righteousness. You were carried to the beautiful bridal chambers to dwell with God so that you may spend eternity taking pleasure in His holy beauty. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O immaculate Virgin, observe that a Child has been born from you just as Esaias tells. This is the Son of the Most High. Those that laud you are the sons of the Heavenly Father, for they see that He is your Son. [un]

(read)

Intermediate Verses of Ode Eight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(sung)

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode 4. (NM) The Offspring of the Theotokos.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

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]

Nailed to the Cross in Thy compassion, Thou hast opened Paradise to the Thief. I have fallen among thieves through the cunning of the devil; my soul and my whole body have been wounded. Heal me and in Thy love for mankind open unto me the gates of repentance. [KW]

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

Through fasting let us glorify our flesh and enrich our souls with virtues. Let us feed the poor and so acquire unfailing wealth in heaven, and let us cry: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord and exalt Him above all for ever. [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 Saviour, supreme in love, at Thy Passion the creation shook with fear, seeing Thee nailed upon the Cross. My mind is always shaken by the assaults of the serpent: I pray Thee, merciful Lord, establish it firmly on the unbroken rock of Thine own will. [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.

Thou art the Gate of God that is closed, through which the Lord alone has passed: direct me on the paths of God and open unto me the gates of salvation, O Virgin full of grace. Thou art the only Protection of mankind, and to thee I flee for refuge. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 1. (NM) Sing, O ye peoples.

Τὸν Ποιητὴν τῆς κτίσεως.

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

I sing the praises of the holy Wood on which Thou, my Christ, wast crucified, and I bless Thee above all for ever. [KW]

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

The transgressors crucified and killed Thee on Golgotha, O Christ: but Thou dost live and save us 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.

In a strange manner the Trinity is divided, while yet remaining undivided as God. Him do we exalt above all for ever. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Intercede for those who sing thy praises, O All-Undefiled, that they may be delivered from every danger and temptation. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Strengthening me by the power of the Cross, O Lord, grant me with good courage to complete the course of the Fast. [KW]

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Heirmos (NM). Mode pl. 1.

Τὸν Ποιητὴν τῆς κτίσεως.

Sing, O ye peoples, sing in praise of the Maker of creation, before whom angels tremble, and exalt Him above all for ever. [KW]

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.

Devout Saint of God, intercede for us.

O God-bearer, you were like a great sun which shines the sunbeams of righteousness and fearful signs upon Creation. Because of this we commemorate your memory, which truly shines with beauty. O Father Benedict, you illuminate us in the senses of our hearts. [un]

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]

O wise Father, the masses of monastics gathered by you commemorate you day and night. They have a constant light for their path with them in your body, from which rivers of miracles abundantly flow. [un]

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

O Father, celebrated Benedict, you have shined more brilliantly than the rays of the sun. You worked God’s statues. You were carried to the light that never reaches evening, where you ask for the remissions of transgressions for everyone who commemorates you in faith and reverence. [un]

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

Theotokion.

O Virgin, all-hymned Lady, Birthgiver of the Light, force the clouds out from my soul. Enable me to mirror in clarity the salvific splendor of Him who beyond understanding radiated from your all-holy womb as a light for the nations. [un]

From Triodion - - -

Canon 1 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode 4. (NM) Christ, the corner-stone.

Λίθος ἀχειρότμητος.

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 prophet saw Thee, Saviour, as a stone cut from the mountain of the Virgin; and at Thy Crucifixion Thou hast rent the rocks. I am weighed down by the stone of insensitivity: O Lord all-merciful, do Thou set me free. [KW]

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

O my soul, fast from wickedness and take thy delight in divine love. Open wide the door to every thought of good, and by abstinence and prayer guard the entrance against evil. [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]

O my Master and Saviour, through Thy Cross Thou hast condemned the separation that made man an enemy of God. Save me, who am condemned, and though I am defiled by passions and darkened by sins, send me not to the punishment of Gehenna. [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.

When Thou shalt come in glory to judge the world, spare me, O Christ. At the prayers of Thy Mother, destroy the dark mist of my wickedness and make me an inheritor of Thy heavenly Kingdom. [KW]

Canon 2 from the Triodion.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 1. (NM) Rejoice, Isaiah.

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε.

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]

Through Thy Crucifixion Thou dost open Paradise again and deliver me from the eternal death of disobedience. With rejoicing I partake of life, and I magnify Thee as my God, O Thou who lovest mankind. [KW]

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

O Lord, Thy lifecreating Cross has turned the instrument of the curse into a seal of blessing. Beholding Thee upon it, we who before were dead are brought to life, and singing Thy praises we magnify Thee as our Master. [KW]

Glory. For the Trinity.

O honoured Trinity, consubstantial, without beginning, source of life, O undivided Unity, I sing Thy praises: Father unbegotten, Word and Son begotten, and Holy Spirit, save us all who glorify Thee. [KW]

Both now. Theotokion.

Beyond our understanding is thy childbearing, O Mother of God. For without man thou hast conceived, and in virginity thou hast given birth; and the Child that thou hast borne is God. We magnify Him, O Virgin, and we call thee blessed. [KW]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O precious Cross, my strength and refuge, bestow upon me light and joy; purify me through abstinence and deliver me from temptation, that I may give thee glory and magnify Christ the Master. [KW]

Heirmos. Mode pl. 1.

Ἠσαΐα χόρευε.

O Isaiah, dance with joy, * for the Virgin conceived in the womb; * and she brought forth a son, who is God and man. * His name is Emmanuel, Dayspring and dawn, Orient, The Branch. * We magnify the Lord, and we also call the Virgin blest. [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 power of Your Cross, 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. 4.

Killing the passions, the present Fast brings promise of healing to those wounded by sin. God has given us this Fast to help us: let us honour and accept it as the divinely-written tables of the Law, given through Moses. Let us not choose wanton self-indulgence, because of which the tables once were broken; let us not perish with those whose carcasses fell in the wilderness. Let us not be like the Jews, of a sad countenance, but let us rejoice with the Church. Let us not be hypocrites like the Pharisees, but in the spirit of the Gospels let us put on the beauty of holiness, glorying in the Cross of Christ the Deliverer of 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. Automelon.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

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

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

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

Mode pl. 4. (NM) What shall we call you.

Τί ὑμᾶς καλέσωμεν.

‘What is this strange wonder?’ cried the Virgin to the Lord, as a mother to her child. ‘The bitter pangs I knew not when I bore Thee, O my Son, now have pierced my heart. O Light of mine eyes, I cannot bear to see Thee nailed upon the Cross. But do Thou hasten to arise, as Thou hast promised, that with all the world I may glorify Thy dread and saving work.’ [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.